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Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

Buffalo Bill’s Quandary;

VELVET BILL’S VOW.

A Romance of Strange Life on Moun-
tain and Plain, and Companion:
Story to Go-Won-Go the
Red-skin Rider.

BY COL. Pass—figs INGRAHAM.

CHAPTER I.
B URIED ALIVE.

UNMINDFUL of danger, a man sat before a
camp-fire built in the very entrance to a cavern,
and was engaged in greedily counting over a
quantity of gold fresh dug from the mines,

per money and valuables which lay before

'm upon a bright red blanket.

The scene was a strange one, yet picturesque,
for it was a rocky vale in the midst of a small
island along the shores of which swept a foam-
ing torrent, the murmur of the waters seeming
like a soothing lullaby to lure to rest.

On either side of the spacious cavern lay the
evidence that it was more than a temporary
camp, for there were several pack-saddles, cook—
ing utensils blankets and miles, with saddles,
bridles and iariats here and there.

A short distance down the valley'was another
cam fire among the shelter of the rocks, and
here hese men were gathered.

One of these was a person of majestic resence,
bearded heavily and with long hair fal ' g upon
his shoulders.

He gazed into the fire like one whose mind
wandered far away from the scene, and his feet
wereseen to be heavily manacled.

Near him was a man also in irons, whose face
was all that was evil, while the third one of the
group was free and sat smokin a handsome

ipe, and his face, too, was vic ous and reck-

 

688.

Half a dozen horses were azing about in the
valley, and these made up t e picturesque scene
—-a lawless camp.

“ J in 0 Jim 1’ suddenly called out the man
seated the cavern counting his ill-gotten
wealth, and in res use the man who were no
irons arose and wa ed toward his chief.

That chief was a man to attract attention
an where, for he was a handsome-faced, splen-
di y-formed fellow, under thirty-five, and with
the look of one to do and dare anything in a
bad cause.

He was dressed in black, top boots; slouch
hat and s urs, while he wore a belt containing
four revo vers two on either hip, and these he
had not put aside, though in camp.

The man whom he had called ingo Jim put
aside his pipe as he approached and said with
politeness, as though confident oi addressing his
su erior: '

‘ Well, Captain Moonlight, what can I do for
you. girl"

" I wish to talk with you, Jim. Sit there!”

The man sat down upon a blanket, and the
one addressed as Captain Moonlight said:

“I have here a small fortune in what I have
taken in on the Overland Trail,” and he pointed
to the old and money.

“ it ooks big to me, ca tain.”

“ Yes, it is considerab e; but had that Red-
skin Pony Rider not cut me out of robbin the
army aymaster and his clerk, I would ve
secured) as much more in one haul.

“ Now, this road-a ent businem is good
enou h, but it is too ri y.”

“ is risk , sir.” .

“ I nearly eat my life the other night when I
held u Sunset Sam’s coach, and found the lady
aboar I told you of.

“ It was her husband whom I mortally
wounded, and he came out here to invest in

es.
“ His wife came to see him die, and, I tell you,
Jim, she was my own sister I”
“ Ah, sir, the beautiful lady in whose house
Kgurmade me go as butler, that you might rob
r

“ Yes, and what I got from her enabled us to

gidngp from the asylum yonder mad miner,
im. -

“ She was a lovely lady, sir, your sister.”

“Oh es; but s e is vastly rich and Ivory
poor. e loved yonder mad miner, but he was
poor, so she was forced to marry the rich
man and that was what made her old lover a
miner.

“ Daniel Darwin was a good fellow, for he
risked his life to save my sister and myself from
drowning.

" That was the way we met him and he fell in
love with Lucita as she did with him; but, being

r, father and I sent him oi! to make a for-
tune while we married her to her present hus-
band—a man over double her years, and who
leaves her a wealthy widow through miy shot,

“ But to the object I have in view: hat mad
miner the: e, after all our trouble and expense

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i is of an

 

l
and risk to kidnap him and bring him here, will

never regain his reason, I fear.”

“ No, sir, I do not believe he ever will."

“ Then he is no use to us, and the Indian Pony
Rider is."

“ The Red-skin Rider, sir?”

‘6 Yes.”

“ He is dangerous, sir, yetI cannot see that he
use to us.”

“We 1, he did not go as Pony Rider for
money, but to rescue the mad miner there, who
is his adopted father.

“He knows of the mine, if the miner, in his
madness, has forgotten it, and if I can capture
the Indian Iyouth alive, then I shall, under
threat to kil Daniel Darwin, force the secret
from him.

“As it now is, it is sugposed that I have a
band of moonlighters to ack me, no one sus-
pecting that I am alone, with only you and that
outlaw there in irons, and whose irons we must
cut off in some way so as to have his aid since
we rescued him. i

“We have no files, sir, as 1 said; but I will
get some when next I go into the camps for pro-
visions.”

“ Well, it must be soon; but now I intend to
lie in wait for the Indian Pony Rider, capture
him alive, and through his love for his adopted
gather there, force the secret of the mine from

im.

“That mine will make us enormously rich, I
am sure, and we must find it, so we will not
have to risk so much by robbing on the trails.”

“ You have but to command me Captain
Moonlight, and I am with you in all things.”

“I know that, Jim; but now 0 to bed, and
to-morrow I shall take the tra' of the Indian
Pony Rider.”

The man arose and departed, and the self-
confessed outlaw leader, a man who held as a
captive the mad miner, one who had saved his
and his sister’s life in the ion ago, sat still,
gazin avariciously at his sto en riches, un-
mind 111 that two persons had tracked him to
his lair, landed upon his island retreat, and
were then gazing upon him from the shadows of
the rocks.

Another moment and the alarm came by a
shot which brou ht down J ingo Jim, and Captain
Moonlight foun himself at bay in his cavern,
his f0es upon him.

But a fri htened horse dashing by struck with
his hoofs a eg of powder, rolling it into the fire,
and a terrific explosion followed, shattering the
entrance to the cavern in fragments and cl
the entrance completely while dashing forw
came the two men who had tracked him to his
retreat.

And standing there in the moonlight one of
these two said:

“ He is dead at last! If not, he is buried
alive for nothin that we can do could save
him from that H n tomb.”

The speaker was t e Indian Pon Rider of the
Overland, and his companion was rank Powell,
the Surgeon Scout in the disguise of a frontier

person.

 

CHAPTER II.
anvsr BILL.

A WILD weird scene, the burial of a man who
had come ’West to add to his riches b an invest-
ment in the crude mines where gel was found
in handsome] . paying quantifies.

He had me his mortal wound at the hands of
a roadegent, Captain Moonlight and, home
to the cabin home of one known as Parson Prim,
in the mining-camps—had, after a lingering ill-
ness died, h beautiful young wife riskinghe
hardships and dan ers of the Overland ch
Trail to go to his si e.

She had arrived in time to hear his last words
to know that she was left the sole inheritor of
his great wealth. and shestood gazin down into
the grave while Parson Prim reci the burial
service with only regard and sympathy for the
one who, though she had never loved, she had
alwa s respected and admired, and who had
ever u to her a true and noble husband.

And among the crowd of miners who had
gathered there about the grave, to show their
res t for the beautiful woman alone in their
miSsotc, came a man whose appearance under
other circumstances would have riveted every

eye.

A tall, slender form, willowy, graceful, at as
strong as steel. clad in a velvet jacket of b no, a
white silk shirt, with wide collar, turned down
over a'black scarf in which littered a large
may, a pair of white buckskin eggings. fringed
an embroidered, stuck in boots armed With
sfigrs, and a black slouch at encircled by a
c in of gold-pieces, the man was one to see and
admire.

A hand of gold u holdin four cards, sees, as
a pin, I held the m of is hat in front, and
gave to is face a bold, reckless air.

He was a blonde, wore a long silken mustache,
curled up at the ends and the same hue as his

olden hair, which fell upon the broad shoulders
n wavin masses.

Under is velvet jacket was a sash of red silk
and in it were a pair of revolvers and knife of
rich workmanshi . »

 

 

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His face was a study, with a look that be-
tokened a communion with bitter memories in
his quiet moments, yet a face to both fear and
to trust.

He had ridden to the bottom of the spur on
which stood Parson Prim‘s cabin, dismounted
and hitching his snow-white horse had ascended
the trail to the scene of the burial.

The sound of men’s voices, led by a clear, ex—
quisite soprano, fell upon his ears, and he had
halted in the shadow of the pines and stood with
uncovered head gazing upon the solemn scene.

He did not move as the services ended and the
miners turned from the grave, pausing b the
beautiful young widow and silentl offering a
hand of sympathy, for they, poor fe lows, knew
not that her heart was not being buried in the
grave with her husband.

Unnoticed by the miners the man in velvet
remained in the shadow, and when at last the
young widow had turned away and the dead
was left in loneliness forevermore, he strode for-
ward as one who seeks a sacred t, and hold
ing in his arms a vast bunch of ' d flowers laid
them respectfully upon the new-made mound.

His head was st ll uncovered, and his face
wore a look of suffering, strange indeed for a
man of his calling, for among the mining-camps,
from Dismal City to Fort Venture, he was known
as Velvet Bill, the Gambler Sport.

And yet the one in the grave held claim
enough upon Velvet Bill to bring him to that
spot and receive from him a silent tribute of re-
gard—a tribute which the dashing, handsome
gambler bestowed with a grief-stamped face and
ap arently anxious that no one should see.

3 he stood there, hat in hand, gazing down
upon that new-made grave, his lips were set
and tears fell in silence from his dark-blue

e es.

yVelvet Bill uttered no word or moan—oan
stood there in silent grief above the grave whic
held for him some strange secret to move him
thus.

At last he turned slowly away, skirted the
pines, avoiding the cabin where the young
widow was, descended the trail, and refiinin
gmm rode across the level toward

were
The same r ect which had caused the
miners to go to t e burial of the rich stranger,
had been the means of closin the saloons in the
mining—cam while the love y widow remained
in their in dst, and groups of men standing
about, beholding the gambler, began to discuss
his coming into Miner’s Roost at such a time.
“Velv.-t Bill gits no game on to—night,
pards.” . .
“ N 0, he hev struck us at ther wrong time fer
they won’t play a keerd this nigh in ther

cani .”

“ gar bet thar won’t be no ames, and Velvet
Bill will hev ter wait ontil t er pretty widder
takes Sunset Sam’s coach East afore he kin git
up a game.”

“But he hain’t goin’ to ther Overland Lod
ter put up,” and the last speaker attracted e
attention of the others to the fact that Velvet
Bill had ridden b the tavern, and not as all
expected he woul , stop to remain for the
night aswas his wont or the gsmbler’s home
was at Jumping Off. igmmany miles further
west 1: n the Overland .

On e rode by the Overland Lodge, as the
tavern was called in Miner’s Roost, and to the
surprise of all made no halt gsoke to no one un-
less addressed, and then repii only with a wave
of the hand as he continued on his way.

What had brou ht Velvet Bill to Miner’s
Roost. all wonde .

No one had seen him standing apart at the
burial, half-shielded among the pines, and no
one had seen him go to the grave when the
others had ne.

Yes, one ad seen him go there.

This one was the beautiful youn widow, who
returned to the cabin and seated erself at the
window commanding a view of the grave.

She had seen him creep almost stealthily from
among the pines, and noted that he bore in his
arms a lar e bouquet of wild flowers.

His tall orm, splendid bearing and dress had
attracted her attention, and then she had seen
him lace the wild flowers upon the grave of
her gusbfindé and stag: there with uncovered
head in si en respect, ap nt sorrow.

He could not have knowxdarheer husband, for
no one bad met'him there to know him, the par-
son had said.

At last the gambler turned an ,.-walked a
few 3, halted and looked back. ike one who
was saving the grave of one dear to him. and
then putting his hat on once more. SW8
re idly down the trail leading to the camps.

he ' tothe door saw him mount his
horse an ride awa , and then she asked the
landlord of the Over and Lodge W110 was near:

“Whois that strange, this handsome mu.
sir!"

“ Ahl it is Velvet Bill, ma‘m. I had not no-
ticed that he was here before.” _

“ Who is Velvet Bill, sir?”

“ The pluckiest and luckiest flgambler in the
mines, ma’m. true as steel to s end. deadly as
death to a foe, liked by all and feared, too, I
may say, in spite of his free-and-easy way

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Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

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“Ahl he is not going to stop to-night, I see
but lgoes 0n toward his home. '

“ wonder what brought him here?”

“ Did he meet my husband, sir?”

“ No, ma’m, never saw him that I know of.”

And so Velvet Bill rode on his wa , all won-
dering why he had come to Miner’s st, and
the widow wondering more than all.

CHAPTER III.
NOT YET.

“ YES, buried alive I am! At last my doom
is sealed, and death has its icy grip upon me!”

So came the words, slowly, full of horror and
despair, from the lips of the outlaw chief, Cap-
tain Moonlight.

He had been hurled by the explosion of the
ke of powder far back into the cavern.

gulf-stunned, shocked and bleeding from the
cuts of the ragged rocks, he had staggered to
his feet to find al blackness about him.

His ears ached and roared with the concussion,
and at first he had believed himself fatally
wounded.

But then he began to feel that his cuts were
slight, no bones were broken, and he had not
been more than badly shocked and shaken up.

A glimmer of light was before him, and he
made his way there.

Then he paused, for he found the entrance to
the cave closed by masses of rock shattered to
fragments by the explosion.

Only one gleam of light crept into what he
now began to feel was his tomb.

Without he heard voices, and the words of
the Indian Pony Rider came faintly to his ears:

“ He is buried alive, for nothing that we can
do can save him from that living tomb.”

Then came the words of the outlaw captain
which open this chapter.

He was doomed, he felt certain. _

A call to those without that he yet hvod
mi ht end in his rescue in time.

ut for what! ,

To hang for his crimes!

This thought, to him, was worse than dying
there in the cavern, of starvation.

“I had my belt of arms on, but they have

one.
“iBut I cagafindhtheii, and a bullet in my
bra n can en w en unger begins to gnaw
at my life,” he said, grimly.

Hedared not make a sound, fearing that he
mi ht be rescued—rescued, but to .

0 he stood with his eyes upon t at little

 

 gleam of light, as though it was all the world to
111]

He heard indistinct] from without the sound
of voices, the tramp o hoofs, yet he kept as still
as death.

The night died away and the glimmer of sun-
light appeared, causi a bright gleam to pierce
that crevice in the roc and lend a shadow of
ligllit onl to the darkness of the cavern.

e we ted and watched, and at last felt that
his foes were departing from the island.

He heard them come near and discuss his

death.

One said that the powder had killed him, and
the other responded: .

“ Bitterly as I hate him it is better so, for I
would not wish even that man to suffer such a
torment as to die in that place for his tomb.”

And this speaker was the Red Pony Rider,
an Indian not wishing such revenge for his
worst foe. _

The entombed outlaw placed his ear  the
crevice, and listening, heard the splashin of
the waters as the horses his own, were (1 van
into the stream to swim down to safety beyond.

As the sounds died away and he knew that
the were gone, he could scarcely him-
sel from uttering a cry of joy.

But he did laugh grimly, and then came the
words through his shut teeth:

“ Yes, they are gone and I am left to die.”

Not a shadow of hOpe seemed then to fill his
heart; but a moment after he broke forth with
the words uttered with almost fierce Joy:

“ But I cheat the gallows, cheat them of their
revenge-in seeing me die I”

Then he sun down u n the rocky floor
of_the cavern and yieldegoto his despair and

nef.
3 He was faint hungry and wretched.

He began already to know what suffering
was, and to feel what anguish was to be his.

For a long while he remained thus, groveling
upon the rocky floor in his anguish, moaning,
cursing and at times uttering a prayer for

life.
Suddenly he Sprung *0 his feet with a wild

or .
xWhat! shall I die, I who have defied all
fate, who have laughed at death time and

n!
‘E‘IShall I die, I whom they believed dead they
who have gone now believing me (1 and
themselvu avenged?

“ N o, I will not die without a desperate strug-
gle for life. .

“Yes, I will fight death inch b inch, hour
bi hour, minute by minute only yield
ls: endespairalonehas got itsgripuponmy
“Ha! ha! ha! fiends, I am not dead yet.

_'\‘

 

“Yes, Captain Moonlight, Kit Quantrel, or
whatever name you hate me by, yet lives if it
be in this rocky tomb, yet hopes for revenge
and defies death,” and the outlaw chief laughed
as a madman might in his fury.

But from despair he had soared to hope, and
he began to grope about him in the darkness to
find his belt of arms which he had lost when the
explosion took place.

Upon hands and knees he crept over the
rocky floor, feeling every inch of space, and at
gait uttered a shout as his fingers clutched the

e t.

It was a broad belt containing four revolvers
of large caliber, and a massive bowie-knife.

He felt the weapons and was lad to know
that they still held their loads, as 8 had feared
that the concussion might have exploded them.
1 'Il‘lhen he arose and followed the gleam of
ig t.

It was a ray creeping through a crevice
scarce] an inch in size.

He t rust his bowie-blade throu h it. and
found the rock softer than he had be ieved it.

So be tied his handkerchief over his ears t
deaden the sound, stood on tiptoe to prevent
concussion, and aiming directly at the gleam of
1i ht, fired.

he report in that rock cavern was terrible;
but he saw that the large orty-four caliber bul-
let had knocked off a piece of rock so that he
could have thrust his revolver through the open-
ing, and again he yelled with delight and mut-
tered the words:

“ Not dead yet! no, not yet i”

Again he aimed at the rock, to one side of the
opening and pulled trigger.

As before, a piece of rock was broken off, en-
larging the aperture, though very little more.

“ I have twenty-two more shots, and then my
good knife—

“ No, twenty-one shots yet, for one bullet
must be ke t for in heart if 1 cannot force my
way out,” e said, u a deep voice, that showed
how he felt.

The third shot chip of! another piece of
rock, and a fourth an fifth enlarged the aper-
ture until he could thrust his hand through.

But ni ht was coming on now, the leam of
light dar ened, and he would not ris a shot
that would not tell.

So he sunk dogn for a long night of mingled

he and deepa .

Kl: last the light brightened, and day came
once more.

fl Hungry, faint and suffering he again opened
re.

Shot after shot was sent at the sides of the
opening, chi ing of! the rocks until at last only
two more bu eta remained, one for the sauteuse
the others had been lent to, the last one to turn
against himself if he failed to get out of his
new; ...... M.-

e o n was now near y enoug
at his fidgmough, and so he took good aim
‘h dto all the good he could with his twenty-third

o

A yell broke from his lips as he saw that the
shot had told better than all others, and spring-
ing to the hole, he cried:

‘ M faithful knife will do the rest now, and

then am free I

“Phlot yet, not yet, does death triumph over
me

CHAPTER IV.

TWO TRAILS TO FOLLOW.

WHIN the man striving so hard for life,
sprung to see the effect of his last shot, he dis-
covered that the hole was yet too small for him
to crawl through.

He could hardlybelieve it until he had made
the test, and which test had very nearly held
gun a prisoner, thus to die in the rocks em-

race.

But he stru led loose and began to chip of!
with his knife pieces of rock.

The blade, the hilt, both were used, and slow-
ly the work went on until daylight died and
night came on once more.

Another long, drea night, and yet hope filled
his heart rather than ll'.‘

Without food and wi h only the bare rocks
to slee upon is position was pitiful indeed,
while is cut hands and head, his bruised body
also added to his mise .

But the night on and once more the
sunlight stream through thea rture.

How different from the morn g before when
the space was so small.

And he set to work with a Will until his knife-
blade was worn away nearly to the hilt.

Then be searched for a piece of rock, and
making of it a hammer would strike the knife
hard on the hilt, thus chipping 03 piece by

ece.

When at last the blade was gone worn away
hebefinnto hi th sid.wi ’ oose'
rock a heme p 0 es th the piece of]

“ M God! mustI pass another ni ht in this
tom: he groaned, as he saw how slgw was his
wor . ‘

“ I am ng so weak I have nothin more
with whic I can work, and I cannot stagd this
much longer. '

 

“If it is another night, then it is forever, for
this will be my grave. ’ ‘

Suddenly he started out of his despondency,
seized one of his revolvers, took the barrel apart
from the stock and used it as he had the knife,
striking it hard with his rocky mallet.

He gave a shout of delight as he saw how
well it served him, and worked for a couple of
hours with renewed vigor and accomplishing
much.

At last, as the sun’s rays fell aslant, showing
that it was near the horizon, he thrust his wea-
pons through the aperture and began the test
once more as to whether it was life or death for
him.

He disrobed himself—for what cared be for
scratches to his flesh if life could be saved?—
and then he began the trial for life, the fight
against death.

Then he also realized that his long fastin had
served him well, for he had lost flesh, an this
was in his favor.

It was a hard fight, to creep through that
hole made in the rocks, after such a desperate
fight against such odds; but at last he succeeded
in etting throu h his head and shoulders.

hen, unmind ul of the cuts along his bare
bodky, unmindful of the wounds t e jagged
roc is made in his hips, the outlaw drew himself
from death to life.

He fell in a heap upon the rocks, rolling down
from the aperture upon the charred spot where
had been the camp-fire, and there lay in a
deathlike swoon.

It was just sunset when he returned to con-
sciousness, and staggered to his feet.

Gazing about him, he beheld only the ruins of
his camp,hand near by was a camp-fire which

helknew is foes had built, the log being still
ow.
figUpon the und were a few scraps of food,

thrown asi e, and these he seized and ate
ravenously. -
Then be rushed to the river and drank and
drank until he feared his thirst would never be
quenched.
But at last he turned away from the stream,
and, walking back to the hole in the rocks,

stood g upon it.
“ My l how did I ever get through there?”
he mused aloud.

Then he saw that, had that gleam of light
which had at first caught his eye shone through
any other part of the rocks, he could never have
forced his way out.

Only where he did et through were the rocks
so thrown by the exp osion of the powder as to
enable him to dig through in safety.

Dressing himself, he roamed about the camp,
to come upon a grave.

“ J inglo Jim, poor fellow,”he muttered to him-
self, as e halted by the grave.

” Well, had he aided me in forcing the secret
of the mine from that madman, or, failing with
him, came the Indian Rider and gettin the
secret rom li , I would have killed go
Jim, for I will s are with no one a fortune I

ma‘y’rgain.

‘ en, too, I had told him the secret as to
who I was, and that the rich lady on the Hudson
River whom he, as her butler, aided me to rob,
was my sister, so I would have killed him.

“ But the Indian Rider saved me the deed by
killing him, he or that person. whom I behave
to be none other than Frank Powell the Surgeon
Scout in disguise.

“ Yes, he can never hide his eyes even behind
I and I know the person is none other
t n the urgeon Scout, 9. lied with Go—won-go
the Red Rider to hunt me down.

“ Yes, and right well they did it, too.

“ But I am not dead yet, and the Indian Rider
shall yet tell me the secret of this hidden mine.

“ I hve for revenge and gold alone now, and
both I shall have to my heart’s content.

“ Alone, with no food, my revolvers unloaded,
afoot in a wilderness, I yet was not ared from
death in yonder rocky tomb to despa now.

“ The past is behind me, the present with me
and the uture before me, and I shall fall at no
obstacles, for gold and hate are the incentives

and I will yet reach the l I seek.
“ Now to sleep, for w t care I for gnawing
of hunger now, after esca from the tomb!

“Hal ha! ha!” andthe ugh wasdemonlaczll
the laugh of a madman, it seemed so full
hatred, malice and I? commingled. -

Throwing himsel own upon theearth Where
the grass formed a soft couch in com n to
the rocky bed of the few nights before, he sunk
to sleep just as the shadows of night enveloped
the scene.

Heohardly moved through the long hours of
the night, never once awoke, and wit the com-
mglof only sprun to his feet.

is facewas white and sggard,hise esdeep
sunken and a fever was upon him wh ch sent
him to the river to quench his thirst once
more.

Then again he sought for food and he ve a
about of elight as he beheld a carter of vgssaiison

hanging in a tree where Jingo im had placedit

to smoke, for the remains of a fire were under

t.
“This is allIneed now, and yonder log still
bum,solcancookalllneedtoeat.

’  ’m ‘. .’ - . '
.1  ,i Mi ,, , I. -\ I.

. e ' ’ r

mar-a- MW‘ 5,...

e. _ ‘
i.” -»-...—-m

T;

Wu» ‘ “L..- s.— y.-'.‘..‘

a. (4:1; (as: 

1-,: a. 1; .

,4

nus-.m- ,._ ..  ,,

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

‘ Diel oh, no! not yet, for there is work to be
done, and I will do it though I am alone in a
wilderness, without a friend, without gold, and
if known to be alive, I will be hunted to the gal-

ows.

“ Now to leave this land and strike the trails
,of revenge and gold.”

CHAPTER V.
anm BILL “ MEANS BUSiNsss.”

Foa’r errual was the extreme military ad-
vance post, placed in a position to hold the In-
dians in check and as a protection for the min-
ing—camps and scattering settlements, where
also dwelt an element scarcely less to be dreaded
than were the red-skins.

Then too, Fort Venture was to serve as a
guard for the Overland Trails, there then being
only coaches and wagon-trains making the tripe
across the continent.

The post was a secure one, with cavalry most-
ly, but infantraand artillery also, and though
stron eno h hold its own in an attack upon
it, ha not orce sufficient. to patrol the trails
and wholly guard the settlements.

J umpin Oi! Cit was the terminus of the
travel trail of the verland coaches, and from
there on to the fort, a half~da ‘5 run for a rapid
Pony Rider, mails and smal Express matter
were carried on] on horseback.

And this trai of the Pony Riders was noted
as the most dangerous in the West. _

It was a hard one to ride, owing to the nature
of the country, and all along its way the graves
of Pon Riders could be seen, giving it the name
of the atal Trail.

It was here that the Indian Pony Rider made
his run, going from Fort Venture to Jumping
Oil! City, through Miner’s Roost, then on t.) Dis-
mal City and return.

It was a very long, perilous and hard ride,
and the Pony Rider was wont to make six hours
do the work, the round run being made once
each week, to catch the coaches on the main
Overland station of Dismal City.

Sunset Sam was the Overland driver of the
coach from Dismal City to J umping Oi! City,
and he was a hero indeed; but } -won-go, the
Indian, was the Pony Rider over the trail and
then on to the fort, so he was noted as a hero of
heroes.

- When no one could be found to ride Pony Ex-
press, Go-won-go, the Red Butterfly, had sud-
denly come 11 n the seene and volunteered.

Against a1 odds he had ridden it until the
destruction of Quantrel’s band, known as the
Red Buzzards, and then he had disappeared.

A ain had a band of outlaws appeared known
as aptain Moonlight and his men, and once
more the Indian Rider had come to ride Pony
Ex rem.

e had stuck to it faithfully, escaping death
when bets were taken a hundred to one that he
would share the fate of those gone before, and

sin the moonlighters were wiped out, and

. won-go disappeared from the trail, going
West with his a opted father, the mad miner,
whom he had rescued.

With this explanation of the situation at Fort
Venture and along Sunset Sam‘s stage-coach
run. I will ask the readerto accompan me to
Jumping Oi! Cit , the mining-camp wh ch was
the terminus of t ecoaches, and so noted, as well
as for the fact that it was the home of Velvet
Bill, the ambler.

After h mysterious visit to the grave of the
rich stranger, buried at Miner’s Roost. Velvet
Bill had returned to his home in Jumping Off

Cit .

if. had two rooms, a. log cabin in truth, ad-
joining the taVern, which was also the head—
guarters of all gambling, drinking and general

eviltry going on in the mining-camp, for it was
a very pular resort.

His at to the stranger’s grave seemed to
have left its impress upon the gambler, for days
passed away and he did not touch a card.

As Parson Prim, after the capture of the
moonli hters’ retreat on the island, had mys-
terious y disa , the miners were wont to
so that they believed that the gambler was
g ng to turn preacher though none of them
lyeeiifitured to suggest the Idea to Velvet Bill him-

The widow of the murdered man had gone
East, the person had left Miner's Roost for no
one knew where, the Indian Pony Rider, after
visiting the fort with the rescued miner, and
havin Surgeon Powell perform an operation
upon is head for the restoration of his reason
had also departed with his adopted father, and
it was generally agreed along the whole line
that matters woul be very dull from Dismal
City to Fort Venture, for even the secret assas-
sins of the Fatal Trail had disappeared from
their haunts, it was said.

Thus a month went by after the supposed
death of Captain Moonlight in his cavern re-
treat, and in all that time Velvet Bill had not
been seen in the gamblin saloons along the
trails, and what it meant t e oldest miner could
not understand. '

But the very last night of the month, to the
amazeumnt of all gathered in the saloon, Velvet
Bill walked quietly up to his old table and took
his seat.

 

 

He bowed in his old-time leasant way to
those he knew and placing is hand gently
u n the shoul er of a young miner who was
p ying cards with three others, said in his quiet
way:

“ I beg pardon, my friend, but you are play-
inga square game against three of the worst
card-sharps in these mines—I mean what I say,
pardsl” and with the utterance of the last
words Velvet Bill suddenly whipped out his re-
volvers, and, in a m sterious way which he
seemed to know well ow to execute, covered
the three men with but two weapons.

The oung miner had not long been in J ump—
ing 0 City, but had ” struck it rich ” soon af-
ter his coming, and, demoralized by his luck,
and urged on by the three men who had become
his seeming friends, he had turned from his quiet
life to drink and cards.

At first he had steadily won, but at last night
after night he found himself a loser, though
little dreaming that his three companions were
allied against him, while so greatly were they
feared, no one dared give him the hint of the
situation.

And suddenly. after a month’s absence from
his old haunts, Velvet Bill had appeared upon
the scene, and his words fell distinctly, fear-
lessly, upon all, as he denounced the trio of card-
sharps.

So sudden,-so unexpected had been his coming
and denouncement that the three accused men
were covered by Velvet Bill’s revolvers ere one
of them had time to draw a weapon.

The silence that followed the gambler’s words
was intense.

Every voice in the large room was hushed
the musical clink of lasses ceased the tread of
feet, the boisterous augh and calls for drinks
were silenced in an instant.

Velvet Bill had reappeared amid the old fa-
miliar scenes, where he had so long held swa
as the king of gamblers and prince of good to -
lows, and he meant “ business” that was cer-
tain, for his revolvers were drawn, his game
was covered, and he was no man to draw a
weapon unless he meant to use it for deadly
 Q

 

CHAPTER VI.
was RED RIDER RECEIVES A LETTER.

THE home of Daniel Darwin was u n the
shores of Lake George, where, in an o d farm~
house, he had been born, and later in life he had
become the heir to the farm that had belonged
to his kindred for several generations.

That home he had left years beforeto go to the
frontier and seek among the gold-mines a for-
tune to ofler the one woman he could love in life
—Lucita Courtney, whom, with her brother, he
had snatched from death in the lake one day.

He had found his fortune and lost his bride
after all his long years of peril and hardships in
the mines.

Now he was at home again, after his rescue
from Captain Moonlight, and his faithful Go-
won- 0, the Indian, who, as the Red Rider, had
sav him from death at the hands of the out-
laws, was his sole companion on the old farm.

One da a letter came to the village addressed
to the in ian, who, opening it, read:

“ I beg you to come and see me, for I have much
to say to you. to ask you. so do not refuse one who
owes so much to your courage in the past."

The letter was signed “ Lucita Dillin ham,”
and the address given as above New Yor City,
upon the Hudson River.

Go-won-go dwelt over the letter for some time,
and it seemed to be a cause for worry; but at
last the dark face lighted up and the words came

slowly:

“ Yes, I will go; but father must not knOw—--
Lip, n’pt now. In this at least I must deceive

m. .

80, under the pretense of visiting an old
friend, Go-won- 0 left the farm, and, takin a
Hudson River t, was put oi! at a land ng
not far from the elegant mansion of the beauti-
ful young widow who had buried her husband
on the far frontier several months before.

A village hack put the Indian out at the door,
and Go-won-go was ushered into the luxuriant-
lydurnished parlors, where all around indicated
a home of wealth and refinement.

A rustle of skirts in the hall, and then Lucita
Dillingham, clad in deep black, swept into the

room.
There in the glare of a lagge bay window
stood an Indian maiden, bean ful in face, ex-
quisite in form, and dressed in the nearest of
traVeling costumes.
Iaucita Dillingham paused, then advanced and

" Is there not some mistake, for I expected to
meet Go-won- 0, an Indian youth once known
as theited Bu rfly, an Over and Pony Express
Rider?”

“ I am Go-won-go, the Indian Pony Rider,
now in my natural dress as a woman, Mrs.
gil‘Ilin‘gihlam," was the reply of the beautiful In-

n r .

Mrs. Dilliggham seemed really startled, while
she exclaim :

“You! you! an Indian girl, the once daring

 

Red Butterfly, the Pony Rider of the Overland?
I cannot believe it.”

“ It is true, nevertheless, Mrs. Dillingham. I
am a woman, but I was the Indian Pony Rider
whom you knew as Red Butterfly,” came the
earnest response of the oung Indian woman.

“ Who would have be loved itl—a woman the
hero that you made yourself?”

“ It was my secret, madam, and but one other
knew it. I went to the mines to rescue my
adopted father, Daniel Darwin. As an Indian
girl I could have done nothing, but as a sup-
posed Indian youth I accomplished all I hoped
to do. That is the exact situation, madam.”

Mrs. Dillinghnm seemed to be in a quandary
as to what to say and do, after that confession;
but at last she ste ped forward, and taking both
of the Indian girl s hands in her own, imprinted
a kiss 11 n her forehead, and said fervently:

“ G bless you, Go-won-go i”

The words and act seemed to touch the red-
skin maiden, for her eyes drooped and her full
red lips quivered with emotion.

But suddenly Mrs. Dillin ham’s face was
swept by an expression her to fathom, for it
seemed almost of anger, while her voice was al-
most severe as she asked: ,

“And what are you to Daniel Darwin, the
minor!”

The eyes of the Indian girl lighted up as she

res nded:
“ His ever devoted, faithful daughter, for he
has always been a devoted father to me since he
told my own dying father, Patolla the Mo-
hawk, that he would care f0r me as if I were his
own child. That is what Daniel Darwin is to
me, what I am to him, madam.”

“ My child, sit here by my side and tell me of

ourself, for I have known you only as Red
Butterfl y the Pony Express Rider.”

“ Outside of my career as such there is little
to tell, Mrs. Dillingham. My father was a Mo-
hawk chief who went West and allied himself to
the Sioux. He hated the civilization surround-
ing his own people, the Mohawks. and so joined
a wild tribe and became their chief. .

“ But, he loved the whites, and, unWilling to
lead a massacre against them, was driven from
the tribe by the Sioux, with his wife and little
child, in self.

“My ndian mother died in the mountains,
while my father and I became wanderers, and,
dr as a young brave I went with him
evervwhere.

“ One day, when I was about fifteen, we saw
a white horseman flying from a band of outlaws.
We knew him as a pale-face miner—the pale-
faces calling him Yankee Dan. He was brought
to hay by his pursuers and turned to fight them,
though great the odds.

“ t once my father said that we would go to
his aid, and we saved his life, though the Mo-
hawk chiet received his death-wound.

“ Dying, my father left me as the child of
Daniel Darwin, and returning home with his
fortune, dug from the mines, he brought me
with him. .

“ I was placed at a fashionable boarding-
school, and I determined to prove to my pale-

5—:

face companions that, though an Indian girl, I ‘

could become their equal.

“Years went by, and misfortune came upon
my adopted father. The maiden he had soqu
a ortune for had wedded another, and then the
banks where his gold was kept failed and he was
left penniless almost.

This calamity so affected him that he dreaded-
to again go to the mines, and I ave to him a
buckskin map belonging to my ndian father,
giving the location of a mine he had discovered.

“ To the West Mr. Darwin went, was recog-
nised by the outlaws, captured, wounded so
had] his reason was gone, and he was ke t
by t em to force from him the secret of a
mine. a

“ When word came to me that he had been
killed, I left school, rigged in self out as an
Indian youth once more, an . knowing the
conntr pcrfectly, from my wanderin with-
my fat er, I went as Pony Rider so that could»
track down the outlaws. ,

“That I did so, and rescued my ado tedi
father, I believe you are aware, Miss 'ngv

In.

“That is all there is to tell the whole sto ' ‘
my life,” and Go-won-go, who had spokenriyi’io:
low, earnest tone, showing at least that she felt:

an pride in the work she had done to savsi

or adopted father, now sat silent and waiting -
for Mrs. Dillingham to speak for she saw that
she held her listener’s deepest interest in all that
she had narrated.

{it last the beautiful widow said:

Yes, that is your modest story. GO-WOD-go,
and now I have one to tell you, if gig will hear

 

m8,” and the full, rich voice 0 e wounn
Quivered as she uttered the words. ,
CHAPTER VII. 0

run: wrnow’s s'ronr.

“ I WILL ladly hear what you he," w
answered tfie Indian girl, strange] (1:4. {2,
ward this beautiful woman who had thrown
away the love of Daniel Darwin for a rich man’s
possessions. ’

v-

04— - A.-.

4-...
7 \

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

5

 

To look into her face it did not seem to Go-
won-go that she was a woman to seek riches
rather than love.

Lucia Dillingham had gazed with almost awe
upon the Indian girl, who had so modestly told
her story. Was it possible that this beautiful,
red-skinned maiden, educated, refined, and so
lovely in face and form, could have been the
desperate Pony Rider or' the plains?

Could it be that the one who had dared to ride
the Fatal Trail, the one who had saved her
jewels and gold, when the coach was held up by
Captain Moonlight, putting,r the outlaw to flight,
was this girl before her?

It seemed wonderful if it were really so, and
yet she could not doubt the word of the Indian
maiden.

“Go-won- o, I am glad that I find in you a
g'rl, not an ndian youth, as I believed you, for I
can talk to you better—can make you my friend,
my confidante; nay, more—a sister to me.

“ Daniel Darwin, your adopted father, saved
the life of my brother and myself, and, noble
man that he was, I loved him with all my heart
and soul.

“ He was poor and went to the mines to get a
fortune, I promising to be true to him; but my
father, though supposed to be a rich man, was
on the eve of failure, and my brother had
forged for large sums, and there i\ as but one
way to save them, and that way was to marry
a man of great wealth, who promised to put so
much money into my father‘s hands.

“I was pleaded'mth by my mother, implored
by my father, and I knew that I alone could
save my wayward brother from prison; so I
made the sacrifice, and the man I mamed
proved to be a truly noble husband.

“ But the crash came in spite. of my sacrifice,
for my father went to the wall, and my brother
went to prison.

“ I am going to be frank with you, Go-won-go,
and tell you a l.

“ My brother escaped from prison b taking
the life of his jailer, and went to the w d West.
He visited my home here, less than a year ago
had my butler in his y, robbed me of gold
and jewels, and now I now that be it was who
kidnapped your adopted father from the asy-
lum.

“ He brazenly told me that he was the chief
of the Red Buzzards—was known as Kit Quan-
trel, and that he it was who took Daniel Dar-
win back to the frontier to force him to tell the
‘ocation cf the secret mine, or to kill him.

“ When m husband went West, he met his
death at the ands of my brother; and when I
went to see him die, the coach was halted by
Captain Moonlight, in whom I recognized my
brother, and but for your coming he would have
robbed me.

“ My husband died and I returned home, and
you ran to earth the moonlighters, I heard, and

would know of you if yours was the hand to
take my brother's life, for I must know whether
he be dead or alive.”

“ Indirectly I was the cause of your brother's
death, if he was Ca tain Moonlight; but I will
tell you how it was,’ said Go-won-go.

Then she told how she and Surgeon Frank
Powell—the latter disguised as Parson Prim—
had tracked the outlaw chief to his lair, and the
explosion of the keg of powder which had shat-
tered the mouth of the cavern to fragments,
and thus made it the tomb of the desperate
moonlighter.

“ It would seem that no mortal man could
escape from death under the circumstances you
describe, Go—won-go, and yet Frank Courtney,
my poor, wicked brother, seems not born to die
thus—no, I once dreamed that I saw him on the
gallows.

“This was when I was a little girl, and,

. strange to say, again and again has that same
' dream haunted me, until 1 have begun to feel

that he could die only at the rope’s end.”

“ He is dead now, madam, I can assure you,
for escape from death in his situation was im-
possible."

“ Was there no outlet to the cave in the
rear?”

“ None; for we examined it closely, and saw
that it was a cavern running back into a mass
of rocks which ended at the river, {or the out
law retreat was upon an island, as I said.”

" It would seem that you are right, than.”

“ Yes, and more: My comrade offered the
outlaw prisoner his freedom if he would tell us
of another oEening in the cave. The man was
one whom [ ad Captured, and he had been res-
cued by Captain Moonlight, though they had no
means of getting his irons of! of him, and thus
we found him.”

“ And he told you of no other exit of the cav-
ern’l"

“ He did not, even with his life oflered him to
do so. The entrance to the cave was shivered
to atoms and choked up with the debris, so tha'
it would have taken a large force several days
to clear it awaly. _ .

“ Your brot er is dead, Mrs. Dillingham, be-
yond all doubt."

“ It is better so—far better so, and a fitting
end to one of his sinful life.

“ Now, let us refer to him no more, but speak
of yourself."

A .4

 

“ or me!"

“ Yes; for I would ask you to come and be my
companion, my friend, to dwell here with me,
Go-won go. ” ‘
hi“ “ut my adopted father? I could not leave
m.

“Poor Daniel Darwinl how great have been
his sorrows and his sufferings. I loved him with
all the intensity of my nature; I still love him;
and now, when it is possible for him to live in
contentment and Comfort at least, his reason
has utterly gone.

“ But I wished to say to you, Go—won- 0, that
it will be my pleasure and duty to care or him,
since he has lost his fortune, and every wish he
fizzy have must be gratified. every luxury given

m.

“ I am rich, very rich, my child, and all I
have is at the command of Daniel Darwin and
yourself. for I have no other claims—nothing
else in life tolive for, and if any act of mine can
bring a ray of joy into the darkened life of the
one I lovai, glad will I be.”

“But, my dear Mrs. Dillingham, you are in
ignorance, i see, of what has happened,” cried
Go-won-go.

“ Oil—don‘t tell me that Daniel Darwin is
dead i"

“ No, oh, nol he is alive and well."

“ Thank God he is with us yet!” she said, fer-
vently, and then added: “ Physically well, but
mentally a wreck, and the inmate of a home for
madmen.”

“No, no! M father is at his home, perfectly
well, for good urgeon Powell took him t) Fort
Venture after his rescue, and performed an
operation, taking the pressure of the skull from
upon his brain, which fully restored his rea on,
and— Why, she has swooned away 1” cried Go-
won—go, as she saw Mrs. Dillingham suddenly
slip from her chair to the floor, where she re-
mained motionless and white as though death
had laid upon her its grim touch.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
arms nnarn.

Go-wos-eo had returned to the home of
Daniel Darwin with a heart full of happiness.

She could see now that Lucita Courtney had
not been untrue to her first love—that she had
sacrificed herself for others.

Go—won-go saw, too, that, believing Daniel
Darwin irrevocably insane, Lucita had con-
fessed her love for him—had told her stor and
then was overwhelmed when she learn that
the noted surgeon’s skill had snatched him back
from the brink of madness, and had wholly re-
stored his reason.

The shock had caused Mrs. Dillingham to
swoon away, and it was lon before she re-
tu‘rned to consciousness tofind won-go by her
si e.

Then the widow had urged her to keep her
secret from Daniel Darwin, and the Indian girl
had promised.

The next day, for Lucita would not let her

leave her then,she had departed for the old farm-

on Lake Geor e, and Daniel Darwin had not
suspected whit er she had gone.

In truth he knew nothing of the death of Mr.
Dillingham, and that Luc:ta was thus made a
widow. He only knew that she had married
another though pledged to him, and his heart
could know but one love.

The mine which had cost him so dearly, he had
left to others to work on shares, and with a
large income coming in for Go-won-go, for he
considered it as her mine, he had been content
to live at the old farm in a quiet secluded ex-
istence, with his Indian daughter as his only
joy in life. Very dearly had he come to love
her. after her devotion to him in risking her life
again and again to rescue him.

Go-won-go had gone back under a pled e not
to betray Lucita illingham’s secret, bu with
certain mental reservations that it would not be
her fault if Daniel Darwin was not enabled to
make discoveries which would bring happiness
to his heart, not to speak of another heart being
also deeply concerned.

In her luxuriously furnished rooms sat the
Widow Dillingham after Go—won- go’s departure,
gazing out upon the river, dotted here and there
with a sail, or with a steamer swiftly cutting
its way up or down stream; but, the beauties of
Nature apparently held no charm for her then,
as she seemed utterly lost in thought.

“How strange all this is,” she mused; then,
as her thoughts went back to the death scene of
her husband in Frank Powell’s cabin, at Miner’s
Roost, started to her feet and said:

“ l have never read the confession he asked
me to read. Now I will do so!”

She went to a desk, unlocked it, and took out
a sealed envelope.

It was addressed:

" To Mr Wire,

, “chin DILLINGHAI:

‘ To be opened only after my death."

. "Yes, I must read this now; I must at his
life and mine forever in the t, now t at the
old love comes back into my cart, and which I
forced myself to banish, when I became an-
other’s wife.”

 

She o ned the letter, for such it was, and
read as ollows, in a low, earnest tone:

“Mv DEARLY Lovsn Win:—

“ I can b ar it to have you read these lines. when
I know your eyes will not fall upon ihem until after
I am dead.

“ I can bear it, for never in in life except in one
thing. which I now confess, did deceive you.

"But the deception was in not telling you the
truth.

‘- In the long ago, when a young man just of age,
I met one who held over me apower I could not re-
sis'. She was a beautiful girl of nineteen, the
daughter of a poor widow dwelling near the ct liege
which I attended.

“I met her through my best friend, a man who
was three years my senior, and who was studying
law at the college. He was secretly engaged to her.
and took me to see her.

“I loved her the moment my eyt 5 met hers; and
it seemed to me that she loved me.

“I was the heir to a large fortune: my friend was
poor, almost a chariiy student, and the maiden was
a teacher in ihe village school near the college,
while her mother Milk in sewing for the Siudents to
help support her little home.

“It was told me by my friend that ihe widowed
mother of his lady-love had be en the wife of a young
nobleman, u ho was forced to get a divorce from her
by 0rd r of the head of his hour e. and raiher than
depend upon such a man for her living, she had fled
secretly to America with her little girl.

“Certain it was the mother was born a lady. and
once had been very beautiful, while her daughter
had received every advantage of education.

“B .t to my confession. my wife:

“ From the moment I met the girl I hated the
man Icalled my friend, and I was led away by the
beautiful creature until I had no will of my own.

“She confessed her love for me. and ii was at her
urging that I. harol more than a boy. entered into
a se. ret marriage w th her. Her mother went with
us, and we drove to a distant village and were mar-

I had requested that the mamsge should remain
a secret until I finished my term in college, and
soon after the mother and daughter moved away,
and my one-time friend accused me of being the
cause.

“ We were foes, then, and never spoke. .

" I graduated, and. after a short season of travel,
Went to join my wife, just two years attu- my mar-
I'qu to her.

“ Her mother had died suddenly and she was liv-
ing in a pleasant little’ home in Virginia, which I
had bought and fitted up for her.

“There. too, were our childrin—two little baby
boys. twins.

‘ For a brief season I was happy, Lucita, but only
for a brief season, for I soon realized that my wife
had never truly loved me—that she had plotted for
my money and never had ceased to love the man
she had cast off for my fortune.

“ Then, too, he appeared upon the scene: a quar-
rel followed; I was entrapped without suspecilng
the trap, and a duel followed.

“My second was in his pay, but though having
his money in hand, did not leave the bullet out of
mdv pistol as had been intended, and so I killed my
a verse , while he wounded me so sen rely that
for meat s I was not expected to live.

“ When at last I ot well in wife had gone. leav-
inga note in whic she sai , by the ierms of my
father's will. if I married without the co: sent of the
executor, I was to lose my fortune. So she deserted
me. taking our children with her. ard never would
she see again the one who had killed the only man
she ever had loved. ~

“ Years after in an English paper sent me by an
at'orney. I read a notice of her death. and it was
stated that she had deserted her children before
leaving Amel ica.

“Then I asked you to become ‘my wife. and to
you I leave all m fortune: but if ever you can find
my peor boys. leave it to you, my wi'e. to give
them from your riches that they may never know
want. ’

Such was the confession after death, and
when Lucita had read it over, she said, firmly:

“ I will find those two unfortunate boys and
share with them their father’s fortune—it is
theirs as well as mine.”

CHAPTER IX.
THE DEATH TRAIL.

COLONIL SEELEY, the commandant of Fort
Venture, was noted for three things.

First, he was a most courteous gentleman,
popular with all; second, he was a thorough sol—
dier and gallant officer; and third, he was the
father of the prettiest maiden ever seen in army
circles. it was said.

Alice Seele had come to Fort Venture fresh
from a fash onable hoarding-school, and with
the éclat of having taken first honors from her
many rivals for distinction.

She had received a splendid education, was
accomplished. sung divinely, played half a
dozen instruments, painted like a professional
artist, and her early training on the Texan
frontier, when a girl of thirteen, had made her
a dangerous adversary.

She fenced well, could throw a lasso with

marvelous skill, was a dead shot with the re- .

volver, and had she been so minded, could have
ridden a Texas steer.

Her eyes were dark, her hair auburn, com—
plexion bronsed but perfect, her teeth milk-
white, and her form the perfection of grace.

Yet she was not in the least degree ilt,
would chat with a private soldier as quick y as
with an officer, and was a friend of even the
most cross-grained woman in the army circle of!
society at Fort Venture.

With scores of lovers, she loved no one, if,

.....—_..__...-_....._.... r»- ...a‘. M... u

    

6

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

seemed, and yet she had taken the strongest
fancy to Go-won-go, the Indian Pony Express
Rider, when she was at the fort.

A “Daughter of the Regiment ” they called
her, and yet was the most devoted daughter to
her own gallant father, who‘e idol she was.

There were other maidens at the fort, and
lovely ones, too, yet there was no rivalry be
tween them and Alice Seeley.

The reader is presented at Fort Venture, a

'short while after the giving up of the Pony

Trail b Go—won-go.

The ndiun Rider had said that there would
be no more trouble for Pony Riders upon the
trails, not even the ride between the fort and
Jumping Off City.

He had furthermore said that, if there should
be a rider killed, to report the fact to Velvet
Bill, who had pledged himself to ride the run if
there should be any one slain.

Perfect confidence was felt in the Indian Rid-
er’s assertion, for. at the fort, with one or two
exceptions, not one believed the red-skin to be a
woman.

So the POny Riders again started upon their
rides, an it was believed that, with Captain
Moonligh dead and the Secret As>assins of the
Fatal Trail driven off, no more fatalities would
occur.

But one day the sentinel looked in vain to re-
port the coming of Pony Rider Bcn when the
time came around for his coming.

A feeling of uneasiness began to be felt as a
couple of hours went by, for many a poor Rider
had failed to come in and a search had found
his dead body alaniiside of the trail.

TheFatnl Trail had gained such a weird fame
that men turned pale at the thought of it. It
was said to be haunted, and brave men had
brought in reports of mysterious phantoms seen
there on m0onlight nights.

N o clew could be obtained of who the assassins
really were, where they came from, where they
disappeared to when pursued.

Some said they were red-skins, others that
they were pale-face outlaws.

But three Riders had alone been able to go
over the trail in safety. Buffalo Bill was one of

these, and for some reason, which they had

hinted at but not made known, the assassins
would not fire upon him.

Then there was (io-won-go, the Indian Rider;
but, somehow, they could never catch him oil?
his guard, and he escaped assassination at their
hands.

The third was Velvet Bill, .who, at the urging
of Go-won-gc, had several times given up his

ambling and carried the Pony Express to the
ort and back.

And Velvet Bill, for some reason, apparently
knew .more of the assassins of the Fatal Trail
than any other person in that wild region.

So it was that Go-won-go had told Colonel
Seeley that if the Secret Assassins appeared
again to call upon Velvet Bill to ride.

Just why he did so he did not say, and no clew
was given for his selection of the gambler of
Jumping Off City for the erilous duty.

Three hours passed an Pony Rider Ben did
not show up; so Colonel Seeley ordered out a
lieutenant and a dozen men to ride over the trail
in search of him.

lt was the next day when they returned, and
Lieutenant Ames, the officer in charge, made
his report:

“ We found his body sir, near the grave of
Sky Rocket, the Pony Rider. He had been
robbed and his horse was gone. Upon his hat
was pinned this sli p of paper.”

“Thde colonel seized the paper eagerly and read
on :

“ This trail shall still be fatal to any man who
rides Pony Expr: so over it.

“ Riders be warned l

“ Tim Steam ABSASSINS!"

Colonel Seeley was without doubt eatly dis-
turbed in mind at what he heard an read.

“ This is sad news, Lieutenant Ames, for poor
{any R’ider Ben was a gallant, bright-hearted

ow.

“ Yes, sir and he fought bravely for his life,
for he had three wounds in his body, and one in
the forehead, doubtless the last one given him.

“I buried him where he had fallen, sir, and
that makes number sixteen of the Pony Riders
who have gone under on that terrible trail.”

“ Yes, and I fear his reserve Black Horse
Bob. will not 0 on the next ride.’

‘ “ Yes, sir, b will go; but I fear only to
meet the same fate as Ben.”

“Well, what is to be done, for the mails and
Express matter must go, not to speak of official
papers the Pony Riders now , l

“ 1 cannot spare soldiers for the work in force.
Buffalo Bill has his duties as chief of scouts to
attend to, and I really am at a loss to know
what to do.”

“ I will volunteer for the ride, sir, if Black
Horse Bob goes under,” was the repl of the
plucky lieutenant, who was ambitious or fame
no matter what the risks to get it. ~

“ You’ll do nothing of the kind, sir, for you
are too valuable as an omcor. It is bad enough
to lose the lendid follows, the Pony Riders,

without risk g m best officers.”
“1 thank you, olonel Beeley, for the compli-

 

ment; but shall I inform Black Horse Bob of  b “ And is at heart, whatever his calling may

Ben’s death ?"
“ I will send for him.”

Rider, who soon after appeared.

There is some mystery about that man,

e
‘ my child, which I cannot understand. He is a
The orderly was dispatched for the Pony ‘ gambler, called the King of Sports, and his luck

18 phenomenal, while I never heard it hinted

He was a man of small physique, tough as that he wasa card-sharp.”

hickory, fearless-faced, and had been a scout for
ears.

y When told of the death of his brother rider
he said with feeling:

“ Poor Ben! I feared it, sir.” -

“ And you will make the ride, Bob?”

“ I’ll make a try of it, colonel; but I guess it’s
my turn next.”

3
i
l

l
i

“ From all accounts, father, it would be sud-
den death to the one who hinted it,” observed
Alice, With a smile.

“Yes; but what a splendid officer he would
have made l”

“ He Would indeed, sir!” .

“ He is a man of education, and is refined and

i courtly; but if he has other name than that if.

“ I hope not; but I do not wish you to go un- ,

less on are willing to take all chances.”

“ ’11 take ’em, colonel, and if I go under, why
you’ll have to get that Indian with a charmed
life back again.”

“ The Red Butterfly, you mean?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ No, he will not come here again, and I hope
you may have no trouble, Bob, on the ride.”

“Time will tell, sir,” was the anchr of the
brave fellow.

CHAPTER X.
BLACK iioasn non TAKES 'rns: RIDE.

THE death of Pony Rider Ben cast a gloom
over all in the fort.

“Number Sixteen," he was called, and then
all eyes turned sorrowfully upon “ Number
Seventeen.”

It was Black Horse Bob, so-called from the
fact that he always rode black horses.

He w as also known as “ Pony Bob,” as much

from his small size, as that he had won the name i

a

in Utah of ridin only ponies.
Pony Boby ha( won a name as a courier*
long before, and after the going of Go-won-go,
had been sent to Fort Venture with Pony Rider
gen ]to ride what had been known as the Fatal
rai .
For awhile all had gone well, and then came

Velvet Bill I have yet to learn it.”
“ He is fearless, too, sir, and has a good heart,

; from all accounts.”

i
l
l
l
l

“ Yes, he is a remarkable man; but, to the
question now of his riding Pony Express.”

“ Yes, father, Go-Won-go said, you remember,
that Velvet Bill was to be called upon should the
Pony Riders again fall victims to the bullets of
the Secret Assassins.”

“ Yes.”

“And he seemed to urge it, sir.”

“ I had almost forgotten the fact.”

“It might be well to send for the—the gam~
blo,r, father, and see what he has to say about
it.’

“ True, and I will, if—”

“ if what, sir?”

“ if Black Horse Bob is killed.”

“ I wish it could be done before, sir.”

“ No; Bob must take his chances on this run,
and—”

“Could you not send an escort this time,

father?"

“ That ddre-devil Ames would go alone.”

“ Lieutenant Ames?” quickly asked Alice,
while her face slightly changed color.

U Yes.”

“ Alone?”

“Yes, he coolly volunteered to do the Pony
Riding if Pony Bob was killed.”

“No, no, fatherl Lieutenant Ames must not

the SbOCk Of Bell’s death, and the dread that  go!" and Alice seemed in deadly earnest now.

Black Horse Bob would be the next to die—
Nuniber Seventeen.

Of all at the fort Pony Bob was the most un-
concerned apparently at the danger before him.

The many victims of the Secret Assassins of
the Trail held no terrors for him, it Seemed, for
he was cheery as ever and jokingly said:

“ I’ll try Red Butterfly’s game and go through,
anyhOW.”

“ But he had a charmed life, Bob,” an officer

id.

" I’ve thought I had one, too, sir,” was the re-
ply, and Pony Bob recalled many a desperate
danger he had passed through.

“ Father, wii you let that poor man go to his
death “i” asked Alice Seeley, going into her fa-
ther’s uarters before the time for the starting
of the ider upon his perilous run.

“ What can I do, my child?

“Duty demands that the Pony Riders must

H

“ Could you not send a squad, sir, as you have
done before?”

“ No, for 1 cannot spare the men and horses
each wee ."

“ There is Buffalo Bill, sir." -

“ He has his duties to attend to Alice, and
besides, you remember the threat'of the Secret
Assassins, that because they would not kill
Cody if I sent him again as Pony Rider, they
wen (i revenge themse ves by making you, my
child, the victim of their hate?”

“ I care nothing for their threats, father, and
Only think of Scout Cody as one whom they will

not harm, for some reason known to them, and

I fear poor Black Horse Bob is only going to his
death.

“ Alasl I, too, fear so, Alice; but Red Butter-
fly took the same chances.”

“ Go-won-go was a marvel, sir, and seemed to
defy death where others fell."

‘ Shall I send for Go-won-go again, thenl”:
Al“ No, sir, not that! not that!” excitedly cried

ice.

“ He would not come if I did, for he was only
here to rescue his adopted father, the mad
miner.

“ He said, you remember, Alice, that only
one thing wou d bring him to the frontier again,
and that would be to rescue you, if the Secret
Assassins carried out their threat, or to avenge

on.

” Yes, father, I remember that Go—won~go
said so, and I know it was no idle promise; but
it is Black Horse Bob in danger now, not I, and
I only wish something could be done to avert
the fate that it seems he must surely meet.”

“ If our bright little brain can suggest a
good 11, Alice, I will only too gladly adopt
it," an d the colonel.

“ What was it that Go-won-go said about
Velvet Bill?”

“Ah! the gambler?”

“ Yes, air, for so he is called, courtly gentle-
man though he appears to be.”

 

’ Robert H. Haslan. for along time Army Courier
and Pan Express Rider, and hero of many an es-
cape. 8 once rode two horses 1% miles in eight
hours. He is at present in Government service.

. Tin Airman.

“ Nor I’ony Bob?"queried the colonel with a
smile.

“Yes, if it must be, sir,only I wish you a ould.
send an escort with him.”

“ I cannot, for I must send a large force into
the Indian country at once, and Ames will have
to go with his troop, so I cannot spare an escort

, for a Pony Rider; and (besides, it is against

 

general orders.”
“ Then Black Horse Bob must take his chances,
it seems, father?”
“ Yes, Alice; no help for it.” ‘
“ And if he fails you will then do as Go-won—
figusuggested, and send for the gambler, VeIVet
?

“ Yes, my child, I will send for Velvet Bill,
the; gambler,” thoughtfully responded the colo—
ne .
“ And for some reason, father, which I cannot
understand, I believe he will have the same
charmed life that Go—won-go used to have."

“ It seems that he has now, from all accounts,
Alice; but, here comes Pony Bob to report for
his ride.”

As Colonel Seeley spoke, the Pony Rider en—
tered the colonel 3 quarters.

He saluted the commandant, bowed courteous.
ly to Alice, and said: \

“ I am ready for my ride, Colonel Seeley.”

“ All right, Bob; here are some official papers
for on, and I anticipate those you are to bring
bac Will be of considerable importance.”

“ I will do my best, colonel, to get them
through in safety. Any orders, sir?”

“Nothing else, Bob, more than to wish you
success on your run.”

“ Yes, and may Heaven guard you through
every danger, Black Horse Bob I” added Alice
Seeley, fervently.

With a how the Pony Rider left the room and,
sprin ing upon his waiting horse, darted away
upon is ride along the Fatal Trail.

 

CHAPTER XI.
roar son’s BUN ron LIFE.

Ir was just dark when Black Horse Bob, or as
hewas more frequently called, Pony Bob, rode
away from the fort.

The clutter of hoofs as he went alon like a
door was heard for a while and then di awa .
All saw him depart with a foreboding of e l

and one who sought to give him a cheer foun
no one to 30m in, for men appeared to feel that
silence was best, just then.

The gloamin is always a sad hour, and there
are man peop e whom twilight aflects most un-
leasant y; but when the shadows were gone
he lights were glimmering about the fort, and
the band was heard playing enlivening airs, the

gloom was banished. ~

And on his way flew Pony Bob, mounted upon
his fleet black home.

He knew his danger as only Pony Riders could
know it, and was well aware that behind every
rock and bush a foe might lurk to send a bullet
into his breast.

He did not swerve from the trail, however,
and his fleet black horse cast the miles rapidly
behind him.

 

 

V Vev-et Bill’s

7

 

'_—

 

Of course he did not keep 11 the same speed
that he had taken when he eft the fort, for
there was no relay between Fort Venture and
Jumping Off City, where he could obtain a fresh
horse.

One horse had to make that end of the run,
and the animals the Pony Riders had could do
it in a long, swinging lope which would carry
them along at a brisk pace.

When nearing the camps the horses were
trained to get down to their best work, and
they would dash up to the taverns as though
they had held that speed all the run.

But between Jumping 011' City and Dismal
City, there was a change of horses at Miner’s
Roost and three relay stations as well, where the
coaches also got fresh teams.

The drivers of the coaches also Were wont to
drive in and out of a station at a tremendous
speed, while those who neVer traveled by them
might be deceived, but others knew from ex-

erience that, once away from the camps, the

orses were not urged to any very great rate of
s l.

pggme ten miles had Pony Bob gone over, when
he suddenly drew rein.

He had seen, far ahead down the valley, a
flash of light. I

It was gone in an instant, but he knew that it
was no mistake—that he had seen it.

“It was like the lighting of a match,” he
muttered.

The nature of the ground was such that to go
around the valley he Would have to turn back,
pass around the ridge and go by night where
there was no trail.

To do this also would carry him miles out of
his way.

So he decided to take the chances, and, being
forewarned, he would forearm himself.

To do this he dismounted, untied from his
saddle four how-mufflers, and walked on ahead
of his horse, the animal following.

He had marked in his eye as well as he could
the spot where he had seen the flash of light,
and knew that he was not mistaken when he
heard a voice ahaid call out:

“Come! to your posts, for it’s time he was
coming!” '

In an instant Pony Bob knew all: the Secret
Assassins were there for his coming, lying in
wait til kill him.

His catching sight of the flash of light had

'warned him,'and the smell of tobaCCo in the

air told him that some man had lighted his
ipe.

p His going on foot, and the hoofs of his horse
bl»?ng “milled, had prevented his being heard
and Seen, for the assassins had expected the
clatter of iron» shod hoofofalls to give them
warning.

Leaping lightly into his saddle, Pony Bab
drew arevolver in each hand, drove his 8 urs
deep, and, firing on either side, made the 1d
attempt to break through the ambush of his un~
seen fOes.

The flashes and reports of his revolvers were
the first warning the ainbushers had of his pres-
ence.

There were half a dozen of them, and, in obe—
dience to the command of their leader, they
were leisurely walking _ to the positions as
signed them, when the Pony Rider was upon
them.

One of Pony Bob‘s shots, fired at random
though they were, drOpped a man dead in his
tracks, and instead of striking back, the others

rung for shelter, it flashing upon them that
they had been entrapped themselves.

In an instant 'Pony Bob had gone flying by,
unhurt, and going like the very wind along the
trail as be bent low in his saddle.

A few scattering shots were fired after him,
and his mocking laughter floated back as he

on.
pfidCursesl I thought the cavalry, or Buffalo
Bill and his scouts were upon us, when, after all,
he was all alonel”

The s or was a tall man of slender form,
clad in uckskin, even to cap and moccasins.

He wasa white man, as could be seen in the
darkness, and he turned from flight toward a
large bowlder on the trail when he saw that the
Pon Rider ha dashed through.

“ horse’s oofs were muffled, cap’n, or he’d
never ot near us,” said a man coming out from
behin a rock.

“ Yes: it was Pony Bob, and he is up to many
a trick ; but where is Vocal" .

“He tumbled when Pony Bob shooted, and l
guesses he didn’t git up no more.”

“  and 809, and find out If any one else'wu
hurt.”

“There’s no one else ter hurt, up’n, veepuni
you and me.”

“ What do you mean, sir?”

“ Oh, I doesn’t count Injuns, for they never
gits hut-ted on ’n, of that be a pale-face round
ter catch a bu! at.” I

“ I guess you are half-right, Powder Face;
but 0 and see.”

“ ll 0, cap'n: but in all my experience it’s
been e-facss that gets hurt/ed and kilt.”

" on go and see ifVOss is dead, andI will
call the red-men.”

As he spoke, the man whom the other had ad-

 

: a fi ’ ,vf,
x "1 v I “.3! \i
A .-. .. , 7. .‘ul “
. .io . i- , ..i .

dressed as “captain” placed a whistle to his lips
and gave three sharp calls.

In response a form was seen approaching a
nlilorgent after, soon followed by a second and a
t ir .

They were Indians, without doubt, as their
walk and bearing revealed, even in the dark.

“ Well, you are here, red-skins, and Voss is
the one who went under. Is he dead, Powder
Face?"

“ Dead as a coyote,” was the response.

“ Well, you red—men shoulder him and take
him to the retreat, and his death more than set-
tles the fate of Pony Bob,whom we must kill on
his run back to the fort.”

The man glided away, followed by the others.
Soon they were Carrying the body of the dead
man, and looking like phantoms as they went
along with noiseless tread.

 

CHAPIER XII.
BROUGHT TO TERMS.

THE reader will recall that the mysterious
personage who has figured in this story, was left
in a situation where he had boldly played a
game of life and death against three men,
whom be accused of cheating a young miner at
cards. '

It is now time to show the result of that bold
charge, which Velvet Bill had backed up by
covering the trio with two revolvers, yet in such
a clever way that each of the three men felt that
the muzzle of a revolver looked straight into his
eyes. -
The three card—sharps had come to the mines
as miners; but, having struck it rich, they had
squandered their goldpand not liking hard work
turned to a life of evil.

They became bravos, and the terror of the
mining-camps, and their mission apparently
was to rob all who would submit to their sharp
practice, and kill all who resented their cheating.

When Jumping Off City became too warm for
them, they would go to Dismal City for a time,
and then bark to Miner’s Roost, so that they
ke t the three camps terrorized.

hey were burly fellows, strong as giants,
desperate as wolves when in trouble, and they-
shot to kill, making it their boast, and a true
boast, too, that they “ had a graveyard of their
own making in each one of the three mining-
camps.”

Between the three men and Velvet Bill there
had never been any intimacy.

The gambler was known to .lay a square
game, but to have phenomenal uck, while the
“ Terrors,” as they were called, were equally as
well known as cheats, playing with marked
cards and bulldozing an adversary out of his
money. a

They were also called, “Tom, Dick and
Harry,” and it was said that Velvet Bill had
named them. .

They never asked the gambler to play but
once and then he had said:

“ bio, there must be honor among thieves, and
I do not wish to take your money.”

The trio took this as a compliment, as it
seemed to be a confession from Velvet Bill-to
them that he also was a. card-sharp; but some—
how they had nevrr cared to ask him to join
them in a game where a victim was to be
fleeced.

It was these men who had, night after night,
gotten into a game with the oung miner, only
to lead him on by allowing im to win at first
and then begin their trick of robbery.

The young miner had come to the mines a

“ tenderfoot,” yet had had the good fortune to
{nest with big success, for he had hit a rich
ea .
He had told Velvet Bill, one day, something
of his life—that he had left home under a cloud,
suffering for another’s crime, one whom he
could not betray, and he had hoped to get money
enough in the mines to pay back every dollar he
had been accused of appropriatin .

Could he do this, then he coul make known
to his accuser who was the real thief, and force
him to come out and state that the money had
been found—that the accused was not guilty.

And he had added:

“ I love that man’s daughter, and she does not
believe me guilty, only with the brand of thief
upon me I could not claim her as my wife.”

Such was the young miner’s story, and when
he had laid by the sum needed, and had re-
mained onlyto get a few thousands more, he
had been led into temptation by the Terrors,
forced to pin with them, and losing heavily,
was striving yfurther play to win back his
vanishin fortune.

Had elvet Bill been in the saloon when he
first began to play, ten days before, knowing
his story, he would have sto‘pped the ame then;
but the gambler was bold ng himself aloof, it
will be remembered. and had only gone into the
saloon that night when he heard that " Tender-
foot,” as the miners called the oung. man, was
being victimized by the Three errors.

The apfpearance of Velvet Bill again in the
salmn, a ter his long absence, his bold way of

rotecting the I[young miner Carrol Carr, and
he fact that 0 had the Terrors “covered”
created a decided sensation.

.i

 

A hush fell upon all and the situation was one
of most painful silence.

At last the young Tenderfoot said sternly:

“ Do you mean what you say, Velvet Bill?"

“ I am not a man to use words without mean-
ing, Tenderfoot, and I repeat that these men
have cheated you. How much have they won
from you i”

VeiVet Bill, as he spoke, did not take his eyes
off the trio, nor move the muzzles of his re—
volvers a particle.

“ They have won every dollar I had laid aside,
sir, for a purpose 1 f which I told you, and I am
now playing away, to my shame be it said, the
last thousand I had saved for my own use,” and
the voice of the speaker trembled with emotion.

“ lVell, you give me your seat and I will play
these men fer all they have stolen from you.

“To make it more interesting for them, I‘ll
play double the sums on each game, which they
put up, and until I have won back every dollar
of your money, Tenderfoot, or lost every dollar
of my own, not one of us Shiill rise from this
table,” and Velvet Bill’s face was stern as Death
now.

“ Don’t yer think we has sn’thin’ fer say about
this leetle game, Velvet Bill?" asked “ Tom,” in
a 10w, sullen tone.

“ Not a word until the game of cards is played
out to the end; and, then, if you wish to make
it a game of life and death, I will still play the
three of you single-handed,” was Velvet Bill‘s
reply. '

“ Does yer hear tliet, pards?” asked Tom.

“ We does, and we plays ther game as pleases
ver, Velvet Bill,” answered “ Dick,” while
Harry chimed in with:

“ Yas. gold is ther game now, and lead ter
foller it.”

“ That is just my idea, gentlemen ” said Vel-
vet Bill smilingly.

Then he added:

“ You have been robbing this iyoung man by
cheating him, playing with mar 'ed cards, and
now you are t» play with me for the amount

you have won from him, and my word that this-

time you will play square. Are you ready 1?”
“V e is, and anxrous,” said one, and though
he did look anxious, it was not to play the gam-
bier.
“ We has wanted a game with you, Pard Vel-
vet, fer many a long day,” another remarked,

ldl .

“ Yyas, we is ter play sq‘uar’, and we is ter see
thet, you does ther same, 'elvet Sport,” was the
remark of the third.

“Gentlemen, you see that I uncover these
men now, in your presence, and I ask only for
fair play,” and Velvet Bill addressed the crowd,
as he now for the first time lowered his re-
volvers.

“Yer shall have fair play, pard,” cried a
miner, and the crowd chimed in with the
speaker.

The faces of the three sharps grew blank at
this, for it cut them off from an intention
formed, and telegraphed by an expression. in
cover the daring sport and kill him at the first
chance; but seeing that the appeal of Velvet
Bill had carried the miners with him, they
dared not carry out their murderous intention,
for none knew better than they that a frontier
crowd was not to he trified with.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
a GOLD AND LEAD.
VlLva'r BILL was as serene as a May morn-

in . .

Bis old-time cheery smile had come back to
him, and he took his seat at the table with the
air of a man who was going to enjoy heartil y
the game before him.

As he took his seat, he returned his revolvers
to his belt, and said:

“ Come, pards, as on three play against me,
keep on your side of he table. I want none of
you next to me.”

“ Yer is afeerd we might overlook yer cards?”
growled Tom.

“Uh no I am afraid you might amassinate ’

me unless kept my eye on the three of you,”
was the terse reply. I

“ Say pards, ef he is a- oin’ ter insult us, we
won’t play,’ Dick declar .

“ 80 m s 1,” Harry added.

“I cou d not insult you if I tried; but you
will] play, for I am in this game to stay to the
m v

“.You can’t back down,” and the miner, who
had before spoken, and the crowd gave a roar
of approval which added to the uneasiness of the

o.

“ Now, tenderfoot, tell me the exact sum
these fieecen have stri from youl” and
Velvet Bill did not take is eyes of! the sharps
as he spoke to Carrol Carr.

“I lost the first night five hundred dollars,”
answered the yo miner, taking an ace of
hearts out of his poo et. on which he had jotted
down his losses.

“ And the next!”

“ One thousand dollars.”

(6 Ya?”

“ Then it was two hundred.”

“ Well?”

 

...._~—..“ H u

m, a.“ «on

 

’8-

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

“ And six hundred.”

“ I see.”

“ And two thousand.” .
“ Going up, I see. And then? ’

“ I lost in one game a bag of small gold worth J

five thousand.”

“ Ah ! any more?”

“ Yes, sir seven hundred dollars, which made
up the sum I spoke to ou of.”

“ Yes, ten thousan
Bill, who had kept the several sums named in
his mind. “ Any more?"

“ Last night I 10st another thousand, nnd but .

for your coming they would have gotten my last
dollar to-night. ’

“ I understand,” and then to the trio the
gambler said:

“ Now, Tom, Dick and Harry, we are to play
for just eleven thousand dollars, which you rob-
bed this young man of.”

“Now, I intend to sit here until I win it back,
or lose all I have, and you shall not leave the
table until the amount of your robbery is re—
turned, unless I lose.

“I could make you give up your stolen plun-
der, but I prefer to play you for it, giving you a
chance to keep it if you can.

“ And more, I v ill stake double the amount
each time that you do, for you will put up one
thousand on the first game against my two
thousand, and so on.

“ Do I make myself clear'y understood?”

“Yes, in ther ame fer gold; but about ther
one thet is ter fol er it?”

“ As there are three of you, why your odds
will be still greater against me.

“ Now put up your money.”

“ Waal, we hain’t much with us termight, ,

and—”

“Very well, one of you can go after it, and I
will ask two of my friends to accompany him,
for fear he may for et to return.”

A general laugh ollowed this remark of the
Velvet Sport, and Dick said with a growl:

“ Maybe I has enough ef we loses.

“Yes, I knew ou had it with you, for you
are too keen to h do it away as you might have
to leave town very suddenly.

“ Now put up your money.”

This was done, and the gambler laid double
the amount on the table.

The crowd had now ceased to be interested in
other matters, and crowded eagerly around the
Velvet S rt and the trio.

All at er games were declared off, and the
one before them was the center of attraction.

Carrol Carr, with pale face and anxious mien,
stood at the back 0 Velvet Bill’s chair, and to
the credit of the young miner be it said he
feared harm to the one who befriended him
more than for himself.

“ Harry ” now threw dovvn upon the table a
mk of cards, and Velvet Bill laughed, while he

“ This is to be a square game, pards, and
marked cards w out go.”

Then he calli'd for a fresh pack tossed them
on the table and told Dick to break them open.

This he did.

“Now, Tom, you deal, and let me say ri ht
here the man I catch in any trickery I shall ill
and his body shall still remain heretosee the
game out.”

“ We kin kill, too, Velvet, if we catches you
in an tricks.”

“ on are at libert to do so,” was the calm
response, and the car s were dealt, Harry hav-
ing been the one selected by his two companions
to lay the first game.

he Velvet Sport was as indifferent as though
the game was for pleasure, while the Three Ter-

rors were as nervous as he was cool, in spite of .

their efforts to ap r reckless of conse uences.

The game was p yed to the end ami a dead
silence, and the trio gave a yell, for Harry had
won.

The crowd moved uneasily, showing where
their sym ath y lay, and the young man turned
a shade w iter.

But Velvet Bill was as serene as before.

“ Tr sin 11, Harry, fer you is in luck,” whis-

red ic , and this was seconded by Tom as

elvet Bill placed five thousand dollars upon the
table, the'trio putting up half as much.

And this time the crowd shouted, for Velvet
Bill won.

“ You try, Lick," nervously said Harry.

And the sport put up six thousand, and once
more he won.

“You take 'em this time, Tom,” whispered '

Dick, as the Velvet Sport put up his money
this time making his amount eleven thousand
dollars.
Dick took up the cards nervously, and the
game was played in silence,-when, quick as a
ash, the three men were covered again by the
Velvet Sport who, having won, said:
“ I am read for the game of lead now!”
“Waal, we ain't, when yer has us covered.”
“ Tenderfoot. take your money off the table.”
v It was a command from the Velvet Sport, and
Carrol Carr obeyed. .
“Now, pards, I wish to say to you that I’ll
give you just one hour to get to your cabin and
save Jum ing Ofl' City, and if you fail to 0,

than I ah see that neither this nor any at or

it is,” remarked Velvet 

by you again.

“Will you take the hint, Tom, Dick and
Harry, or shall I make my meaning more
plain'i’

“ See here pard, we hain’t no darned fools not

i mining-camp on the Overland shall be troubled
I

. ter know what are best for us, so we moves'

along, as I sees we hain’t wanted in Jumping
Off City.
“ Come, Tom and Dick.”
“ 'I‘a-ta, pards! So long, sport, until we meets
. ag’in.”
And Harry very philosophically accepted the
situation and rose.
| i His two comrades did likewise, Dick remark-
, ng:
l “ I pass, Pard Velvet.”
! “ Tra-la-la, Velvet!” added Tom, as he fol-
lowed his companions.
, And as the trio disappeared a wild cheer went
' up for Velvet Bill, who had won his games for
‘ gold and lead against such odds as that terrible
trio was known to be.

CHAPTER XIV.
THE GANTLET or DEATH.

PONY Rimm Boa had been unhurt by the
scattering tire of the ambushers, and he had
sent back, as he sped along, his laugh of de-
, rision.

“ We fooled ’em that time, old fellow,” he said

i to his horse, and the animal seemed to appre-
ciate the fact as well as his rider.

y Jumping Off City was reached just as the

, late sitters-up were preparing ,to hunt their

“ blankets for what sleep they could corral by

dawn.

Out of the gambling. saloon, which was an
. annex of the tavern, came a man who stood
- listening to the clatter of hoofs, and said to
‘ those about him:
i “ it’s Pony Ben, pards.”
: The speaker was Velvet Bill, who had just
' finished playing cards, to be, as usual, a Win-

ner.
. Since he had driven the Three Terrors out of
Jumpingl Off City, he had become more and
more a ero among the miners, for those men
had bulldozed the community beyond endur-
ance.

The part which Velvet Bill had taken also
served as a quietuiegpon other unruly spirits,
and the camps had ly improved greatly.

Carrol Carr had awakened from his down-
ward path, and under the advice of the gam-
bler had gone back to. work his mine for all it
was worth, and was cheered by discovering that
he had not wholly cleaned out his treasure by
any means.

Every night since, the young miner had gone
to see Velvet Bill, if only to have a word with
him, for he seemed strangely drawn toward
this mysterious man, whom all liked, yet
feared.

Coming out of the saloon on the night when
the Pony Rider appeared, Velvet Bill had just
lighted a cigar intending, as was his wont, to
take a short we it before retiring.

.A moment after, Pony Bob dashed up, and
the s rt called out:

“ l1, Black Horse Bob, it is you. is it?”

"Yes, Velvet Bill, and the Secret Assassins
are at their old game of killing again,” answered
‘ PonyBob.

l “ W hat!” and the man whose face never
!

 

changed in danger, whose nerve never failed
him under the greatest strain, fairly started now
at tti; words of Pony. Bob.
“ 0 you mean that you were ambushed,
Black Horse Bob?” eagerly asked the gambler.
“I do, and l otthrough by the merest chance,
‘ while I believe turned up the toes of one man,
: for he fell at my tire.”
' “ Come, Black Horse, while your relay is be-
, in saddled for you, tell me about it," and
nget Bill spoke almost in a pleading tone.
' In a few words the Pony Rider told the story
i of his seeing the flash, as a man lighted his pipe
with a match, and how he had dismounted and
I approached the spot.
5 ‘ This is remarkable, most remarkable,” said
, the ainbler.
3 “ t’s the same old game being played, as poor
.' Pony Rider Ben found out to his cost,” Pony
, Bob remarked.

ll “ Ben? Why, was he fired upon?"

' 1 “He was killed upon his last ride into the
‘ ort. ’
' “ Great God! Pony Rider Ben killed ?” ex-
citedly repeated Velvet Bill.
f “ He certainly was, and his grave makes Num-
; ber Sixteen. Mine will be Number Seventeen, I
guess.”
“ You must not go under that way, Pony
: Bob, and when you return I will ride With you
r to the fort.”
“It would do no good, Velvet Bill, and per-
. haps only Cost you our life.
‘ “ No, must ta 'e the chances, and if I go
under I did hear somethin about the lndian
‘ Pony Rider saying you won! ride Pony Express
if another grave was made along the trail.”
' “ You heard this!”
“Yes, I heard it from Buffalo Bill; but, may-
: be, I should not have spoken of it.”
‘ “ Oh, yes; it makes no difference, Black Horse;

but when you return, halt for me to go with
you.

A moment after Pony Bob was away on a
fresh horse, on his ride to Miner’s Roost, while
the gambler went on his walk, and those who
heard all that passed noted the fact that he had
seemed more moved by what the Rider had
told him than they had ever suspected he could

Pony Bob made his changes to fresh horses at
the stations, had his breakfast at the tavern at
Miner’s Roost, and continuing on his run late
that night reached Dismal City where he was
glad to seek rest.

It may have been pride, which im lied Pony
Bob to make the ride of the Fatal rail alone,
on his run back,but he made up his mind, what-
ever the cause, that he would not let Velvet Bill
accompany him out of Jumping Off City, as he
had said he wished to do.

To avoid this Pony Bob had pushed his horses
all along the trail harder than was his wont,
and instead of riding into Jumping Off City for
a late breakfast, he dashed in two hours ahead
of time.

He approached the tavern in a walk, too not
wishing to awaken Velvet Bill by the rattle of
hoofs, and hastily changing horses and eating a
light breakfast he was off again.

With the ride by daylight he did not have
dread of an ambush, as by night, though he
knew that about half the Pony iders who had
been the victims of the Secret Ambushers, had
been killed in the broad glare of the day.

But, Pony Bob had been a scout before he was
an Overland Rider and army courier, and
he knew pretty well how to take care of
himsglf, and kept his eyes constantly roving
B ea 0

He had arrived within half a dozen miles of
the fort, the nearest point where the Ambushers
had ever claimed a victim, and was approach-
ing the head of a barren valley, when he saw
two men suddenly rise up before him, as though
out of the ground.

Pony Bob drew rein, not knowing how many
more he would have to encounter. when his
horse gave a start and looked behind him.

“ Ah! caught in a trap am I? Two ahead,
and four behind! My way lies ahead.”

He spokewith perfect calmness, after glancing
back and seeing that four men had risen as from
the ground in his rear.

“ An Indian and a white man in my front. and
three red-skins and a pale-face in my rear!
Come, Blackbird, we must 0 throu h, and if I
fall, you have got the pouc ea, so 0 them on
to the colonel without fail,” said Pony Bob, as
he settled himself in the saddle for the rush, a
revolver in each hand.

The splendid black seemed to understand what
was expected of him, all that his rider had said
to him. He moved forward with head erect, his
eyes upon his enemies.

The white man in the pass in front wore a
mask, Pony Bob noticed, and was dressed in
buckskin.

He also wore moccasins, and had a skull-cap
on while he was armed only with revolvers. '

The Indian apparently had only a bow and
arrows.

If any others were in front they did not ap-
pear, and those in the rear now came on at a
run. .

With a word to his horse, Pony Bob started
to break through the gantlet of death which had
roven fatal to so many a daring Pony Rider
fore him. :

 

CHAPTER XV.
PONY nos ARRIVES.

THE two men who barred the way of Pony
Bob seemed confident.

The masked man, who, the rider saw, was a
white man, held his revolvers ready.

The Indian held his bow in hand, his arrow
poised for a shot.

If there were others, Pony Bob knew that
he would soon find it out.

Those in his rear were coming on at a run, and
silently.

The white man, and he was unmasked, save
bv a flowing beard and long bushy hair, held a
rifle in his hand, but the Indians were armed
with only bows and arrows, or at least no other
wea us were visible.

T ey were some tw0 hundred yards in the
, rear of Pony Bob, while those in his front were
not one-fourth that distance.

The spot had been well chosen, for on neither
side could be. turn from the trail on account of
the rocky land and divides.

” NOW. Blackbird!" and with the words Pony
Bob’s revolvers went up and each flished, while
his spurs sunk deep and his splendid horse
bounded up into the air with a snoit of pain and‘
fright. Then, like the wind, he rushed for the
P883, and an arrow out through 1113 ear, while a
shot tore through Pony Bob’s .arm. .

Another arrow gave the Rider a wound, this
time sinking into his leg.

With one arm useless new, Pony Bob fired
with his left hand, and a yell of revengefifl joy

 

broke from his lips as he saw the Indian go
down.

i.

b.

m'.

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

9

 

,.._—.

At the same time the masked man fired land Alice, after a moment of hesitation,  saddle, anda haversack of provisions hung on

again, and Pony Bob reeled in his saddle as he
felt the bullet tear through his body.

' said:

“Father, I have kept something from you

But he did not fall, and hurled his revolver in l which now I will make known.

the face of the man who sprung to seize his
bridle-rein.

It struck the, mask fairly, just as the hand
grasped the rein, and the outlaw was dragged
to the ground with a force that stunned him,
while Blackbird, bounding over him, went on in
his mad rush.

“ Brave pard!” cried Pony Bob, as he leant

forward, cut his bridle-reins with his knife, and
bound himself securely to the saddle-horn, while
the repeating—rifle he had seen in the hand of the
man behind him, rattled bullets after him in a
dangerous style, for one clipped his horse, but
only added to his speed, not wounding him se-
verely.
“lm done for, I fear, old pard but you’ll
take me to the fort,” said Pony Bob, and every
bound of his horse was agony to him, for he had
received three wounds, the one in his body be—
ing, as he felt sure, fatal.

‘ On, old pard, on!” he urged. '

The animal seemed to feel that he must go for
all he could do, and needed no spur or whip.

On, on he went, leaving the scene of ambush
and the ambushers far behind, and at last be
swept out of the barren lands, reached the

rairie, and soon after came in sight of the

ort.

Pony Bob saw the flag floating in the breeze,
the sentinel on the watch-tower, then the
crowds gathering to welcome him iii—now ahead
of time nearly two hours.

Like a deer his horse ran, while the Rider
reeled in his saddle, and but for being tied there
would havo fallen.

He clung hard, for he was growing Weaker
and faint, and could hardly keep his feet in the
stirrups.

A moment more and the fort seemed to be far

away, but he heard wild cheers, his horse halted ‘

and he knew no more. i . .

“ My God! he is shot to pieces! ’ cried an offi-
cer, who caught Pony Bob in his arms.

“ Quick! Send him to Surgeon Powell 1” an-
other demanded. .

“ Brave Pony Bob! I fear it is your last ride,”
said Colonel Seeley, who had come hastily to the

t.

8pgurgeon P0well was on hand, and he had Pony

' Bob carried at once to his own quarters.

“He has been badly wounded, yet I ho we
can save him,” said Surgeon Powell, w le, as
the Pony Rider was no w unconscious and could
give no account of his ride, Colonel Seeley at
once dispatched an officer over the trail with
half a troop of cavalry, to know just what hap-

ed. ,

Then he sought the surgeon’s quarters, his
face anxious and 1i sternly set.

There lay Pony bupon a cot, and with coat
of! and sleeves rolled up, Surgeon Powell was
bending over him, a probe in his hand, while his
assistants stood near ready to aid all in their

wer. .

The surgeon saluted Colonel Seeley, but utter-
ed no word, and the commandant watched him
close] . -

At its; Surgeon Powell turned to his assistant
and made some remark, and a surgical instru-
ment was at once handed to him.

“ The ball is here, just under his right shoul~
der. Had it gone an inch further it would have
cut its way out—there it is," and he handed over
the bullet to Colonel Sealey, having skillfully
cut it from its resting-place.

“ Will he live, Powell?” almost whispered the
colonel.

“I believe he will, air, for this is his worst
wound, the bullet-having touched no vital part
as near as I can discover, now.

“ The bullet wound in the shoulder, and arrow
wound in the leg are of little moment compared
with the one in the body. . i

“Pony Bob has an iron constitution, Colonel
Seeley, and I believe will pull through; but he
has had a close call, a very close call, and only
his grit brought him here from the scene of the
ambush.”

“ My dau hter said that he was reeling wildly
in his sadd eas he came on, and then I knew
that he must be severely wounded, 'poor fel-

lowl

“ But, do all in your power for him, Powell,
and command me if I can be of service.”

With this the colonel. returned to his quarters,
assin an officer on his way who told him that
ony ob’s horse had received three wounds

also though none of them. severe.

“ The brave boy W” “1 01080 quarters, but
came through.” said the colonel as he joined
Alice who uickly asked:

“ Will he 've, father?”

“ I ho so, and believe so from what Powell
says, an he never misses it far in his diagnosis
of a case, my child.” A

“ Heaven grant it; but, who will now ride
Pony Express, fatheri” and Alice seemed deeply
interested in the answer.

“ I have sent Curtis Over the trail, Alice, with
orders to F0 on to Jumping Oi! City and request
the gamb or tocome to the fort, for he alone
can I depend on now,” answered Colonel SQiey;

 

 

“Read this letter, please,” and she placed in
his lhands an envelope deeply bordered with
blac .

 

CHAPTER XVI.
THE GAMBLER 0N PONY Bos‘s TRAIL.

VELVET BILL had retired at a very late hour,
as was his wont, but alwa) s sleeping lightly, he
had expected to awaken about the time that
Sony Bob put in an appearance at Jumping Otf

ity.

This he did do, and was dressed and ready for

the road when he looked at his very handsome

gatch and saw that the Pony Rider was just
us.

He knew his watch was right, and as he did
not hear the shout that generally greeted the
Pon Rider, he said:

“ e is behind time, for my watch is as true
as the sun.”

The truth was that all the possessions of the
gambler were of the very best.

His boots, hat and clothes were all made to
order in the East, and of the very best ma-
terials.

His watch had cost half a thousand dollars,
and the chain about his neck was six feet long,
massive and would hold up his weight.

The ruby he wore in his black scarf was a
gem of rare scarlet luster; his sleeve-buttons
were, the right hand representing tie ace of

‘ diamonds in rubies, the left the ace of hearts in

diamonds, and upon the little finger of his left
hand he wore a solitaire of rare worth.

The fouraces pin which held up the rim of his
hat, was a very costly affair, and as the gam-
bler was known to always carry a large sum of
gold about with him, he had been “ spotted ” as
a mine worth working by those who preferred
to kill and rob.

The want of success which these parties had
met with, when they attempted to make the
gambler their victim, was well known, and it
deterred others from a like attempt.

Then, too, Velvet Bill’s horses and equipments
were of the best, and his saddle and weapons
were silver-mounted.

Neat as a in in his attire, courtly as a Ches-
terfield, han some, a splendid physi ue, perfect-
] fearless, generous.to a fault an daring as

eath, he was a man to admire, to fear, to
wonder at, for his life was an unfathomable
m stery.

’elwt Bill’s valet was a Comanche Indian,
and it was said that be neither spoke nor under-
stood English, and the gambler asserted that
there was no need that he should.

He alwa s spoke to him in the Comanche
tongue, an the Indian seldom opened his lips in

the presence of others.

But he was as as a French valet, keeping
Velvet Bill's to at in rfect trim, a perfect
hostler, and that he h indomitable pluck and
was adead shot was known when one day the
gambler got into trouble with a wild crowd
who] attempted to hang amansuspected of horse
stea ing.

Velvet Bill had said:

“ No, not until you have roof of his guilt,”
and trouble had followed which was never for-
gotten in J umpin Off City.

It was Velvet ill’s débfit, so to s , and
the Comanche had backed him in his efense of
the suspected man.

The result was a surprise to the mob, and Vels
vet Bill stock was quoted at the highest notch;
but he gained his point, saved the man, who
was afterward proven innocent, and like the
generous man he was, paid all the burial ex-
penses, which came high.

When ready for the road Velvet Bill Went out
of his quarters to get his breakfast, and said to
a miner:

“ Pony Bob is behind this morning.”

“ He went through here two hours ago, Pard
Velvet."

“ What?”

“ It’s so.”

“ Ahead of time?”

“ Just so, pard.”

“ That is strange.”

“ guesses he had special dispatches, for he
was pushin’ his critters mighty hard.”

“ Two hours 30, ou say i”

“ Yas, pard, lo it.”

The gambler seemed surprised, but after a
moment muttered:

“ Fool! that was to kee me from going with
him and his life ma be t e forfeit.

“i will go to the art.”

He went in to his breakfast, ate heartily. and
lighting a cigar went off to his stables.

Comanche was there with a horse ready sad-
dled for him.

It was a splendid roan, showing speed, endur-
ance and spirit. ,

The gambler said something to the Indian in
a low tone and then returned to his cabin.

A few moments after Comanche led the roan
to the door, and he had ut a roll of blankets,
wrapped in an india-rub r spread, behind the

 

one side, a lariat on the broad Mexican horn.

A pair of holster-revolvers were also visible,
one on each side of the saddle-horn, and these
preparations showed that Velvet Bill was go-
ing prepared for a long trail, if there was need
for it.

Mounting, with another low word to the
Comanche, he rode awav at a walk, just four
hours after the oing of Pony Bob.

He took the ‘atal Trail for Fort Venture,
and, clearing the camps, glanced at the ground
as he went along with the air of a man who
could read “signs.”

He did not quicken his pace until the last
miner‘s cabin had been left a mile behind him,
and then he urged his horse into a slow canter.

Glancing at the trail as he went along, he
mused aloud:

“ He was riding in a run l.ere.

“ He bad Some reason for his extra speed, to
put one horse on this long run out at such a

ace.

“ Why did he not leave some word for me, if
he did not wish to avoid me?

“ Well, I hope his going alone «iid notcost him
his life, for Pony Bob is too daring and good a
fell0w to be picked off as the others have been.

“if others could only get the secret of Red
Butterfly, they tOo could ride the Fatal Trail in
comparative safety.”

The roan seemed not to know what it was to
feel fatigue, and kept up his steady lope wher-
ever the nature of the trail permitted.

Atl-ist the gamble-r came to the grave of a
Pony Rider, the nearest one toward Jumping
011' City. -

He glanced at it as he went by. rr ad the name
on the wooden head—board, and muttered:

“The Death Trail has commenced, for from
here on the graves stand out like beacons on a
channel.

“ i only hope Pony Bob’s grave is not to mark
this Fatal Trail.”

A few miles further on Velvet Bill halted ct
a stream for water and rest, intending also to
eat his dinner and give his horsea chance to
graze, for beyond for a long distance extended
barren lands.

He had just staked his horse out, when he
stopped and listened attentively. a

“ Cavalry! I fear this means that Pony Bobl
has gone under."

He seemed not at all disturbed, and, waiting,
soon saw a party of cavalry come in sight.

An officer rode in front, and a scout by his
side, while a score of troopers followed by
fours.

As the scout pointed out Velvet Bill the pace
of the troopeis was increased, and soon they
halted, the gambler raisng his hat politely and
saying, in his courteous way:

‘ Lieutenant Maybrick, I believe?"

“ Yes, sir; and we have met before, and I am
glad now to meet you again, as I had orders to
g? to” Jumping Oi! City to see you, Mr.—

r.—

“ Velvet Bill, sir,” was the smiling response of
thggambler, when Lieutenant Maybrick hesi-
ta over his name. '

 

CHAPTER XVII.
READING “SIGNS.”
“ I ALI-glad that I have saved yduaride to

'the camps, sir, as you seek me,” said the gam-

bler, showing no surprise that he was sought
after, though wondering at it.

“ I will bait for rest, Velvet Bill—you see I
call agu by the name you request. ”
her ”rtainly; it is the only name I have—
P

“ I will bait for rest and dinner, and we can
talk over matters.”

“ With pleasure; and I have a haversack of
provisions, if you will share them."

“Thank you; but i too am supplied,so we will
join forces.”

And the lieutenant led the way to a tree upon I

the banks of the stream where the gambler had
placed his saddle and bridle.

The officer seemed to think it strange that
Velvet Bill did not ask why he was in search of
him; but the gambler showed not the slightest
curiosity on that point.

When they were seated. and while an orderl
was preparing dinner, Lieutenant Maybric I
said:

“ See here. Velvet Bill, did you know that
two other Pony Riders had been shot of late!”

“Pony Bob told me that Pony Express Ben
had gone under, and from your words, Lieuten-
ant Maybrick, I take it that the other is poor
Bob who is also known as Black Horse Bob?”

“ Yes; but I hope he will all through, though
he came to the fort tied to saddle and desper-
ath wounded.”

“ he brave fellow was grit indeed.”

“He had three wounds, one serious, and his
horse was also wounded three times, though
slightly, and came to the fort in a full run.”

“ What did Pony Bob say?"

“Nothing, for he became unconscious the mo-
ment he had handed over his mail-pouches; but
we found where he had been ambushed, and it
was nearer the fort than the Ambushers have
ever struck a victim before.”

\

- . r can. w..~a~mw~r~mz,mmm (mama—me ‘

 

 

10

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

“ They are growing bolder.” '

“ So it seems, and Just when we supposed they
had left the trails.”

“ They must be made to leave them, sir.”

“ Yes, they must.”

“Did your scout say how many were in the
party who attacked Pony Bob?”

“ Yes, he counted them from signs as six in
number, and they caught Pony Bob in close
quarters, and how he got through I do not
know.”

“I will visit the place with ou, sir, and see
what I can read in the signs; ut you do not
know that Pony Bob was ambushed on his run
from the fort to Jumping Off City i”

“ No, is this so?”

“Yes, sir, and you must have passed the spot;
near here it was.”

“ The scout saw signs, yet did not understand
them.”

“ Perha s I will be more fortunate in reading
them, as ony Bob told me of his being am-
bushed. .

“ I asked him to let me return with him on his
run back, but for some reason he dodged me,
goin in two hours ahead of time.”

' “ t was his pride, I su pose, to wish to take
all chances alone, poor fel ow.”

“ Yes, that is the way I re arded it, sir, and I
fltfly hope that his pride wil not cost him his
1 e.

“ Is Surgeon P0well at the fort, may I ask 3”

“Yes, and took Pony Bob in hand at once.”

“ Then I have hope of his recovery, if mortal
man can save him.’

The two now ate dinner together, and after-
ward the back trail was taken.

The ezpot of the first ambush of Pony Bob was
reach 4 , and the gambler dismounted and
studied the situation as a child would a map.

At last he said, having gone over the whole
scene, and read every sign, the scout and sol-
diers watching him with the deepest attention:

“ There were six in this party, and they were
bunched together.

“ One was certainly killed, for he fell there,
see the stain, and he was carried under.

“That man killed was an Ind an, or dressed
as such, for see the bullet cut an arrow in two—
here is the head.

“ We will lose the trail yonder where it strikes
the rocks, for nothing would leave a track on
that Ian .”

Then e gambler remounted and the pa
rode on unti the scene of the second ambus
was reached.

Here Velvet Bill again dismounted, and it
took him a long while to go over the situation,
all watching him as before.

At last he said:

“ There were six in this
one was killed, or serio
pointed to the stains.

“They, too, retreated to the bad lands and
their trail cannot be followed.

“ Pony Bob went through here at a rush, and
there were men behind him, too, so he was
cau ht in a double trap.”

“ ow do you know there were men behind
him and in front of him, too?” asked Lieuten-
ant Maybrick.

“ Here is an arrow that was fired from yonder
point, behind him, and that bullet is flattened
out against the rock, showing it came from
this d rection, as did also two arrows I picked

rty, too, and again
y wounded,” and he

up.

“ Yes, there were ambushers here, and they
closed in behind him from yonder rocks, to make
it doubly sure to kill him.’ ’

“ And he got through?”

“ Yes, there is no telling what a brave man
can do until he is put to t,” was the uiet re-
sponse, and the oung ofiicer recalled t e many
stories he had card of what Velvet Bill had
done when “ put to it.”

“Well,” he said, “ we will ride on to the fort
now, for I think you have read the signs thor-
oughly, and Colonel Seeley wished me to ask
you to come to the fort to see him, and that was
why I was oing to Jumping Off City.”

‘ I inten ed to go on to the fort, for I felt
anxious about Pony Bob, and more, I believed
the Secret Assassins of the Trails were gone for-
ever; but it seems they are not, so they must be
wi out.”

‘ But how 1”

“I believe I will undertake the work,” was

Velvet Bill’s quiet response.

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE AMBUSHERS’ THREAT.

WHEN Alice Seeley handed the letter to her
father, with the remark that she had held a
secret from him, his fine face was crossed b a
look of anxiety, for he seemed to know inst nc-
tively what she meant. ,

The letter was inclosed in a lar e envelope,
which had been bordered with back, like a
mourning envelope. .

The address was written in red ink and was as
follows:

“To Miss Amcn SEELEY,

" Four VssTtms."

tistic sketch, as far as the execution went of a
grave, with himself kneeling by the side of it.

It was a sketch of a scene in the pretty bury-
tug-ground of the fort, upon the river-bank, and
the one who wielded the pencfl was certainly a
skilled artist.

But the headstone of the rave was what
riveted the attention of the co onel, for thereon
was the lettering:

“ ALICE SEELEY.
“ Born May ist, 18—.
“Killed ty Unknown Assassins, July 4th, 18—.”

The colonel uttered a'sound between a moan
and an oath, and read, written in a bold hand:

“ WARNING!
“ If Colonel Seeley sends again for Go-won-go, the

secure him, asks Velvet Bill to do_ the work, you,
Alice Seeley, are booked as the victim of the Secret
Assassins of the Fatal Trail.

“This is no idle threat, and that it can be carried
out you will see by the fact that this warning is pin-
ned to the pillow of your bed in our own room.

" Look u on the sketch hereifven and be warned,
for the Un 'nown Ambushers 0 not wish to make
war against a woman, and it is the dut of the
Pony gliders to take their chances in r ding the
trai s.

Throwing himself into a chair, when he had
read this precious threat through, Colonel See-
ley again slowly perused it, this time aloud.

Then he looked up and met the eyes of his
daughter fixed upon him. '

His face was white as a sheet now, his lips set
firmly, and his eyes fairly blazed.

last he said -

“ When did you get this, Alice?”

“ The night after Pony Rider Ben was
killed.”

“ Where did you get it?”

“ It was pinned to my pillow in my room.”

“ You found it there when you went to bed!”

“No, father.”

“ Tell me all about it Alice?” v

“I awoke in the night from some cause, and
my hand touched it.

‘ I was surprised, and arose, lighted my lamp

and saw what it was.”

 

l “ Then some one entered your room when you '

were aslee and placed it there?”

“ lt cou d only be so, father.”

“ Would you have seen it when you retired,
had it been therel” -

“Yes sir, for it was 11 n the pillow on which
my head rested, and des I removed the em-
broidered pillow shame, and certainly would
have seen it then.”

g; Did you speak to Valerie, your maid, about

“ I did not, sir but—”

“But what Alice?"

“ I showed it to Surgeon Powell and he asked
me to let him take it to Buffalo Bill.

“I did so, but swore them both to secrecy, as
I did not wish to alarm you, until there was
need for action.” ‘

“ And what had Surgeon Powell and Buffalo
Bill to say about it?”

“ They were to have gone with the expedition,
Lou know, sir, up to the Indian country, but

th got excused, and I know it was to watch
over me. for they asked me to report to one of
‘ them every movement of all about the head.
quarters and my own going and coming.”

“ And you have done so!”

“ I have, sir. and for Pony Bob’s sake I am
glad now that Surgeon Powell did not go.”

“And for our sake, too, my child, for if any
one can sava on those two men can. _

“ If this was a threat from outside I would
not take it so much to heart; but when left as it
was at night, it does show that the writer has
the wer to carry his threat into execution.

“_ ’will have your room guarded at night,
and— r

“ A scout is on duty, sir, every night within
call for Cody placed him there.”

“ hat is Just what he should have done, and
I’ll see there are others near to aid him.”

“ That is done, sir, for Surgeon Powell sent
two soldiers as nominal nurses to Captain Vance
whose rooms command a view of my piazza, and
one is on duty constantly, under the plea of
catching a thief.” '

“ You did wisely to consult Powell and Cody,
my child, for they have acted well.

‘ But I, too, shall be on guard, and I think it
best ou should change your sleeping-room.”

“ have sle t in the spare chamber each night
since, sir, as urgeon Powell bade me do.”

“ Then I will take your room, and if we can-
not catch this assassin who has the run of m
quarters, I will be very much surprised, for
shall put Velvet Bill on as Pon Express Rider
against all such threats if he wi I ride.”

“ If I am not mistaken, father, he promised
Go-won-go he would do so, if the Ambushersfap-
peared again and I am glad that that hideous
warning against my life does not’ frighten you
from your par 6. ’

“ N o; I am t e more determined to hunt them
down i” was the stern response of Colonel
Seeley.

 

 

Opening the letter the colonel saw a very ar- J

Indian Pony Rider. to ride Express, and failing to 2

CHAPTER. XIX.

THE VOLUNTEER.

“LIEUTENANT Marnime has returned, sir,
and Velvet Bill is with him,” said the colonel’s
orderly as at a late hour he sat with his da h.
tor, endeavoring to formulate some plan y
which those who meant harm to her might be
entra ped.

“ A i admit them at once: but what remark-
able time Maybrick made to be on a scout,” said
the colonel.

Then, as Alice arcse to depart, he continued:

“ Remain, Alice, for I expect no reports which

you may not hear.” '
v Alice Seeley resumed her seat, and she was
glad to do so, for she wished to see the gambler
again—the one who waste go upon a trail which
was fatal to all, it seemed.

A moment after Lieutenant Maybrick and the
gambler entered.

The latter bowed courteous] to Alice and ac-
cepted the offered hand of &>lonel Seele like
one who felt that he was not being favor .

“ My daughter. you have met, believe, sir,”
'said the colonel.

“ I have had that honor, sir.”

And Velvet Bill a sin bowed and took the seat
the colonel motion him to, and the light fell
full 11 n his fine face.

“ hat a face for a man of his character to
possess,” mused Alice.

“ N ow, Lieutenant Maybrick, permit me to
hear your report, and I congratulate you upon

your very quick trip.” .
OR City, Colonel

“I did not go toJumping
Seele ,as I met Velvet Bil on his way to the

fort.’
- “ Indeed! that was fortunate, for I am aux.
ious to have a talk with the gentleman.”

“ My report, air, is quickly made, for We made
no discoveries to speak of, until after we met
Velvet Bill, when he read the signs for us with
ap at ease and he had better be the one to
tel ou, sir, of what we saw.”

B “ ,would be glad if you would do so, Velvet
ill.’ .

“There is little to tell, Colonel Seeley, more
than that I heard from Pony Bob of the death
of Pony Ex ress Ben, and said that I would re-
turn with h m to the fort.

“ For some reason he gave me the go-by,
passin two hours ahead of time.

“ W en I discovered this I mounted and took
his trail, to find that he was preuing his horse
hard all along. .

“ Then I met Lieuteth Ma brick, sir, and
discovered where Pony Bob had n ambushed
on his ride down, and also on his run back.”

“ Was he ambushed on hisride toJumping Ofl

\ City sir?”

‘ Yes, air for this he told me; but he ot
through without a scratch, and killed one of fins
enemies.”

“Good! and coming back?”

“ By a strange coincidence, sir, he was again
able to get throu h, though not without severe
wounds, I am to] , and again he killed one of
his foes.”

“ And their bodies?”

“Are not to be found, sir, of course.”

“ Why of course!” '

“ Because the Ambushers have a way to con-
ceal their dead as thoroughly as they do them-
selves, Colonel Seeley.” '

“ 'And how did you know Pony Bob killed two
men ?”

“ He told me that he thought he killed one go-
ing down, and there was the trace.

“ The other I am not sure of, but he certainly
wounded him severely to judge from the loss of
blood shown.”

1- ?)nd you could not follow the red trail thus
e

“ To.th_e bad lands, yes, sir, but not beyond.”

“This is a remarkable aflair, how those Am-
bushers remain unknown and cover 11 their
tracks even better than red-skins can do. ’

“ They must be tracked down, sir," was the
response of the gambler.

“ That is just it; but b whom? for Buffalo
Bill has his scouting war to do, the soldiers
have all they can handle in safety, and these fol-
lows set me at defiance.”

The ambler made no reply, and Lieutenant
Mayb ck arose to depart, with the remark:

“ If you have no orders, Colonel Seeley, I
will ask to be excused, for I kept my men wait—
ing in the saddle until I reported.”

“ Dismiss them to their quarters, sir, and you
can seek the rest you must need.”

The lieutenant bowed, and Velvet Bill arose,
astjhough to also depart, when Colonel Seeley

 

 

sax .
l “ I would have you remain, sir, if you
please.”
' The ambler bowed and resumed his seat and
‘ when ieutenant Maybrick had gone, Colonel
, Seele said:
i “ here was one person I placed perfect con
: fidence in, Velvet Bill—by the way, give me
5 another name to call you by, for you are not
the man to apply a camp-name to such as you
are known by.”
“ I have only the one name out here, Colonel
' Seeley, unless it is those of gambler and poker-

4.

luv

 
     
 

 

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

11

 

——

sha , for I am a professional gambler, I believe
you now, sir.”

“ You either are, sir, or you are playing your
cards to win some deep game known on y to

ourself; but the one to whom I referred was

Bhtterfly, the Indian Pony Rider and he
told me when leaving, and told my daughter
here, to trust you as we would himself.”

“ He was very complimentary, sir; but may I
:ask if there is any service 1 can render you
which you would call upon the Red Butterfly
to do were be here?”

“ There is, sir.”

“ I will be glad to know it, Colonel Seeley."

“ To ride Pony Express from here to Dismal
City. "

“ I am sorry, sir, but I can only accept the
position until you can secure other Riders.”

The colonel thrust his hand into his pocket
and handed over the black-rimmed envelope
containing the Ambushers’ threat against Alice.
The bler read it through with a face un-
changmnd then said, and his voice was very
stern now:

“ Since you have shown me this, Colonel
Seeley, I retract my words and accept the po-
sition of Pony Rider.”

CHAPTER XX.
rm: GAMBLER‘S mans.

THE manner in which Velvet Bill had declined
the position of Pony Rider, told both Colonel
Seeley and Alice that he meant just what he
said, and remembering the threat of the Secret
Assassins, the maiden was rather glad that he
had so decided.

But Colonel Seeley believed that it would be
through Velvet Bills riding the trail that the
Ambushers would be discovered, and, recalling
what Go-won-go had said, he decided to press
the ambler to do so.

“ f the Ambushers should return to the trail,
sir, and begin their red work again, send for
Velvet Bill and trust him gage? would me,” Go-
won-go had said, to Colon ley.

To Alice he had said:

“ There is one man outside of this fort whom
you can trust in all thin s.

“ It is Velvet Bill, the ambler, and don’t for-
get that I tell you so.” .

So it was that the colonel had suddenly sprung
upon the gambler the threatening communica-
tion of the Unknown Ambushers.

Both the colonel and Alice had a perfect view
of the face of the man as he read the letter, for
the lampli ht fell full upon it.

They di not see the twitching of a nerve, the
change of an expression when he opened the
paper and then read it.

hey were both, therefore, surprised when he
had so suddenly volunteered to make the ride.

His voice, ever low and musical, had suddenly
changed, too and he ke like one who was
deeply moved in spite 0 his emotionless face.

“ Do you mean it!” cried the colonel, with
some show of excitement.

“ I do, sir.”

“ But you just said—"

“It was before you showed me this very ar-
tistic drawing and this threat.”

“ That decides you, then?”

“ It does.”

 

“ You mean that you will take Pony Bob’s

place?”

“ I do, sir. I shall go on the run when the
time comes to start.”

“It should have been to-night sir, for the long
stops the Riders made at Dismal Cit , following
the example of the Red Butterfly.”

“ I will start, air, within ten minutes; but for
the first ride must take the horses of Pony
Bob.”

“Your horses are at Jumping Oi! City, you
mean (4”

“ I have horses there, sir, at Miner’s Roost
and also at Dismal City, in case Imight n
them, for I have done so in the past.”

“ The Pony Rider’s horses are at your service,
sir as also my own, if you wish.”

a Thank you, colonel; but I will leave my roan
here, and take one of Pony Bob’s horses to
Jumlping Oi! City.

“ am ready to start, sir, whenever the
pouches are given me.”

The colonel called his orderly and ordered
that the mall be sent at once to him, while he
made up the official uch and said:

“ Now, Velvet Bi 1, I wish to ask you what
you think of this threat inst m daughter?"

“ I should say, slrg’that 183 See ey cannot be
too closely guarded. . _

“ And your riding Will give them a chance to
carry out their threat 7”

“ t seems so, sir.” _ .

“ You do not think then it is meant as a bluff
game?” .

“ I am sure that it is not, sir.”

“ You are fully aware of the risk then she
runs by your utting the threat at defiance and
riding Pony xpres~?”

“ I am, sir, and you understand the danger
too, Miss Seeley ?”

“ Fulclly, sir.’

“ An are willing to face the consequences!”

“ If you deem best, yes, sir.”

“It is best, for perhaps that is the only way

', ,~ ;, ‘ln 3 : ,-m.. l - ‘

.‘mlu. .. -‘~- v. 3'»: ‘-

  

    

 

'1.
xx "

to make these Ambushers show their hands, and
thus Tglive us a hold upon them.”

“ at is just 111 idea, Velvet Bill; but you
fully understand t e risks you run too?” said
Colonel Seeley.

“ Pony Bob was victim Number Seventeen, I
believe, sir?” was the cool response to the ques-
tion.

“Yes, if he dies he will be the seventeenth
Rider who has been slain, and though Buffalo
Bill escaped it was for some reason known to
the Ambushers alone.

“Red Butterfly was wounded, but escaped
death, and on have ridden the trail for Go-
won-go and ave thus far been spared.

“Such is the situation, except that the Am-
bushers, for some secret reason, seem to dread
your riding the trail, and to prevent it threaten
to make 111 dau hter the victim.”

“ Well, lone Seeley, l have your daughter’s
permissiOn to ride, it is your wish for me to do
so, and I am willing to take all chances,” and
the gambler smiled in his serene way, as many
had seen him smile when he was playing a win-
:(iinjg game of cards, or stood at bay against big

s.

Then he said, as though the thought had sud-
denly crossed his mind:

“ But, Colonel Seeley, permit me to say that I
ride without pay and at my own expense, while
I am to have orders from you to call upon any
officer, soldier or scout as I may need their ser-
vices?’

“ It shall be as you wish, sir.”

“ Then as the pouches are ready for me, sir, I
am ready for the ride.”

 

CHAPTER XXI.
ran LONE lupus.

WHETHER it was nervousness upon her own
account, at the Ambushers being defied, or at
seeing another man start upon a ride that seem-
ed to ead only to the grave, Alice Seeley fairly
shivered, as with cold, when the gambler arose

o.

olonel Seele seemed also to be impressed
wfli'th a feeling 0 dread which he could not shake
0 D
So often had it been the same story to tell,
“ Another Pon Rider dead,” that he shrunk
from seeing Ve vet Bill start upon the run with
more fear than he would have felt for himself.

The pouches had been sent over from the (poet-
master Pony Bob’s best horse stood at the cor,
and Colonel Seele had placed his official papers
in the leather sac when Velvet Bill arose ready
for the road, simply remarkin to the orderly:

“ It was my saddle and brid e, of course, that
was laced u n Pony Bob’s horse!”

“ es, sir, so gave the order, though you
said nothing about it,” and the orderly saluted
the gambler with a deference scarcely less than
he showed the colonel.

The truth was Velvet Bill was already a hero
at Fort Venture, and a man willing to put him-
self u for death to claim as “ Pony Rider Seven-

teen, ictim of the Secret Assassins,” was a won"

derful personage in the eyes of all.

But Velvet Bill was as cool as an icicle and
as Alice Seeley advanced and offered her hand
he saw her emotion and said pleasantly:

“ Have no fear, Miss Seeley, for all will come
well in the end.”

“ I hope so.

“ May Heaven guard you, Velvet Bill, will be
my heartfelt pra er.”

‘ Miss Seeley,’ and the voice of the gambler
was fervent now " that is the first prayer that
was ever offered or me in all my life.”

“ No! no! surely not, for your mother certain-
ly prayed for you in your childhood,” said Alice,
almost frightened by his words.

“ No, Miss Seeley my mother never uttered a
prayer for me in infancy, boyhood or manhood ”
-—then quickly the voice changed again, and he
said almost sternly:

“ I am ready, Colonel Seeley.”

“ I hate to see you go, Velvet Bill; but I shall
hope for the best.

‘ Good-bit: "and the colonel grasped the hand
of the gem ier warmly.

“ I am starting just six hours late, sir,” and
glancing at his watch, Velvet Bill bowed and
strode from the room.

The colonel and Alice followed him and the
moon. Just rising, showed a on of officers
standing near to see the amlfiler epart, for all
knew now that Velvet ill had come to defy
fate and make the ride.

Many knew him, some to their cost when
they had played cards with him, and a pieasant
greetin was extended and kind wishes for his
safety ollowed him.

He eXamined his saddle trappings, like one
who knew that life might depend upon them,
strapped on the pouches and mounted the tall
black horse brought for him.

He was a superb rider, sat in the sadd'e with
perfect grace, and raising his hat to the group
of officers, said pleasantly:

“ Good-night, gentlemen.”

Then the i black felt the touch of the Spur
and bounded orward like a rocket.

The stookade gate was thrown open, out of

    

 

 

 

. ._ .
l . ‘ .,..,i,, ,  ., _
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.‘_ ;

     

 

 

. The,

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. , n.. ., . . r“
. , at}. ,...

real respect the sentinel saluted the flying
horseman, and Velvet Bill was away on his
mad ride over the Fatal Trail.

The colonel and Alice watched him go down
the hill with a rush, and saw the dark form
grow smaller and smaller until it could no longer
be seen u n the prairie. .

“0h, atherl has. he too goneto his death?”
cried Alice, her hands clasped together, her
eyes raised, as though in her heart was a silent
prayer for the safety of the daring rider.

“ Let us hope not, Alice, and really I feel not,
now, for if the Ambushers did not fear that
Velvet Bill could, as Go—won-go did, elude them
in some way, why did they make that threat
against you if he rode i”

“ There is some comfort in that thought, fa-
ther; for him at least,” she added.

“ I so consider it, and somehow he does not
seemtometobeamantofallavictimtoassasf
sins. v
“To me he is a mystery and though a self-
confessed gambler and the hero of many a sad
due] on the border, I respect him as I would a
superior officer that commanded my highest
esteem.”

“ I have the same feeling, father, and to me
also he is a mystery unfathomable. ”

“ l have never heard a word against his
honor, and his acts of good, his charity to the
need , are well known.

“ e gambles, yet hosts of splendid fellows do
the same, and are not as frank about it as he
alwa sis.

“ e is a winner three-fourths of the time, and
no one ever hinted that he played other than a
perfectly honest game.

“ You know what Pony Bob heard in the
camps, of his taking up for that young miner
against the three most desperate men in the
mines, winning back all the had cheated their
victim out of, giving it to im though he had

risked his money to do it, and then driving the

Three Terrors out of the camps.

“ Somehow I do not believe that such a man
will die by the hand of an assassin,” and the
colonel ke warmly.

Then e kissed his daughter good-night, and
each retired to their rooms, neither dreaming
what another night would bring to them of sor-
row and pain.

 

CHAPTER XXII.
WHY sraann?

ann'r BILL found, before he went ve far,
that the horse he was riding was a one,
and he knew that Pony Bob was said to always
have only the best of animals.

He slackened his pace after a mile or so, for
the long ride 'before him, ,and coming to the
scene where Pony Bob had been fired upon and
wounded, he went along at a walk.

The moon, rising very late and on the wane
yet gave him light enough to see the trail and
surrounding country, but the shadows even
looked blac e; by the golden light.

He approached the lass, which was the
favorite ambush of the i1 Assassins, with his
right hand ugon the butt of the large revolver
in his saddle- olster.

His piercing e es searched the shadows, but
he never falter though he could not but know
that in the toll lose 0 the moonlight as he was,
any one crouc n among the rocks si feet
away on either si e would be able to rid e his
heart with bullets. :

But on he rode, and on out of a danger
he could not see, but w ich was there.

Crouching behind the rocks upon either side,
and with weapons ready to kill were half a dozen
men.

Four were Indians, two were white men, the
same two whom the reader has before seen upon
the Fatal Trail.

There was a white man upon either side of the
pass, and an Indian men ted upon a rock had
given a signal of the a preach of the Pony
Rider.

“He is ve late: but who have they got, for
Pony Bob, i not dead, certain] was toobadl
wounded to ride ” said the lea er, and he a ~
dressed the man nown as Powder Face.
it’s Buflalo Bill,” said Powder

lglio, Colonel Seeley would not dare send

“ It might be a soldier, cag’n.”

“ Not one could be foun to make the ride,
nor a scout either, for brave as they are, it

ves them no chance for life as they all

now.”

“ Waal, it be somebody, cap’n, and I guesses I
better git back inter ambush.”

“ Do so, but do not fire, or allow your red-
skins to do so, until you get the si al from me,’
{Si-l Inwish to see who it is that am going to

l .

“Yas, cap’n,” and the man hastily crossed
to his retreat among the rocks. _

The Indian sentinel had descended from his
point of lookout, and no one would have
dreamcd of danger lurking among the-shadows
of the pass.

The horseman was now near, and coming
along slowly.

I -‘.‘

 

conshone full in his face, and suede _

.~ ‘5‘ fin .

 

 

 

    
 
  

 

 

. to burn you to death at the stake,” ca e the

like one who held no fear, yet was ready to
meet a foe if one appeared.

The “ captain” eyed him closely, then sudden-
ly raised to his eyes a field glass.

One good look and from his lips came the
words:

“My God! it is Velvet Bill.

“ Colonel Seeley has defied me i”

He laid his glass down, he did not raise his
weapon, he gave no signal to fire.

And all unconscious that half a dozen pairs of ,
eyes Were upon him, Velvet Bill rode into the
pass, glancing keenly into the shadows of the 
rocks and passed on to safety. ;

When his retreating form was disappearing I
from sight, Powder ll‘ace came from his hiding— 3
place and Cl ossed OVt'I‘ to where his leader was. i

It was evident that he was surprised, and the {
Indians Were disappointed and showed it. ,

The captain was not one to show mercy, and 1
yet with a man wholly in his power, without i
danger to himself or his men, he had allowed l
Velvet Bill to pass unscathed through his am- I

h

bus .

What did it mean? Powder Face wished to ;
know and so came to ask. ‘
He knew who it was, and his eyes had caught
the sparkle of the ruby in his scarf, the glinting ,

of the moonlight upon the gold chain.
“ I say, cap’n, yer told me thet Buf’ler Bill

saved er life once, and yer’d die afore yer
would ill him on ther trail, whether he rode
Pon Express or not.

" hen I knows that ther Red Butterfly es-
caped being killed, but it wasn’t through your
showin’ him mercy, but beka’se he were one too
man for er.

“ ut w at are ther charm 0’ Velvet Bill thet
yer spares him?

“Lets him ride right by, and be worth in gold— =
belt, diamonds and sich, more money than any
man in ther mines.

“ Why, I come in an ace of letting go at him,
for he are our bitter foe, and he’d ’a’ made us
rich and costin’ only one life.”

“ B the God above, man, had you killed Vel-
vet Bill, I would have given you to my Indians

savage response of the captain of the Ass sins,
and Powder Face shrunk from before his blaz-
ing eyes.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.

Tan ninn THROUGH.

“ YER hain’t pony—ridin’ag’in, Pard Velvet,
is yer?” asked a miner standing before the
tavern door, as the gambler came into Jumping
Of! City with a rush and dismounted. for he
had to keep up the “style” of the Ovariand
Riders. ,

“ Yes, I am at it again.”

“ Yer wants ter commit suicide, then f”

“ Oh no.”

“ Waal, what be yer leetle game ter throw
away yer life i” .

“Somehow I don’t think I shall go under on
the trail, pard.” '

“ Waal, ef yer don’t, er’ll be like that Red-
skin‘Rider they c’u'dn’t ill.”

“I hope so,” and with this the gambler sent
to Comanche to bring him one of his own horses,
and he went in to breakfast.

He had made up an hour on the time, and
was hopingto arriVe at Dismal Cit not very
far behind schedule time by hard ri ng.

He was soon well mounted again and 01!,
while a lar e crowd of miners stood gazing af-
ter him an predicting that he would not live a

week.
Unmindful of their (predictions, Velvet Bill
went along at a tremen ous pace. ,
He rode easily, held his horse well in hand,
lifting him over bad ground, and almost walk-
ingLup-hill, trotting down by the side of the ani-
m

The relay stations, where the coaches and
Riders changed horse! between Jum ing Ofl’
City and Miner’s Roost, supplied him With fresh
mounts; and 'ust at sunset he rode up to the
Overland go, and the cry at once went
around:

“ elvet Bill is ridin’ Pony Express!

“ Now, Ambushers, ist stand from underl”

He was reeted wit a yell by the Miner’s
Roost poop e, and ate a hearty supper, when
again be mounted and started on his perilous
run.

But before he left, Jerry Thomas, the land-
lord of the Overland, said:

“ See here, Velvet, those Terrors you sent out
of your camps have put up at Dismal City.”

‘ They are there, then, Jerry i”

“Yes, and you must look out for them, as
they talked awful u 1y about on, when they
were here, making 9.] kinds of t rests.”

“ I thank you, Jerry, and I’ll look out for

em.’

“You’d better, for the could waylay on
on the road, now they now you are ri ing
Pon Express.”

“ 'rue, they could do that. '

“ Good-night, and thank you a sin, Jerry.”

With this the gambler rode on is wa .

Be changed horses at the stations etween

 

Miner's Roost and Dismal City, and as he drew

‘ "ml . ,,  -I 1.1 mi:

  

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

near the latter camps flitted by the coach going
in like a. phantom horseman.

Sunset Sam, the crack driver of the Overland,
and the “ boSs of good fellows,” was on the box,
and called out as was his wont, when the Riders
passed him : ’

“ Hello l and luck to yer, Pony Bob!”

“ It is not Pony Boh, Sam,” came back to him,
as the horseman flew on.

“ lVaal, hev they kilt Pony Bob?

“ Now,who in thunder were thet, for it wasn’t
Pony Pob fer a fact.

“ Maybe it were Buf’ler Bill, though it didn’t
sound like his voice.

“ But I’ll soon know,” and Sunset Sam sent
his team rapidly along the trail.

The lights of the camps, when the taverns and
saloons of Dismal City were in full blast, soon
came in sight, and ten minutes after Sam halted
before the stage station, threw his reins upon
the backs of his wheelers, and getting down from
his box, was met by the “ boss,” as the station-
niaster was called.

“ Say, boas, who were ther Pony Rider jist
come in i” asked Sunset Sam.

“It was Velvet Bill.”

Sam gave a shrill whistle.

“ Isee; but does that mean poor Pony Bob
has turned up his toes?”

“Velvet says he was ambushed and badly
wounded, but he hopes he will recover.

“ He carried the pouches into the fort after he
had received three wounds, and his horse caught
it, too.”

“ Bully fer Pony Bobl

“But he were ther one I kn0w’d would do it,
and I only hopes he will git well.

“ But, whar is Velvet Bill?”

“ He has gone in to get something to eat, and
will then go to the saloon for a game, he said.”

“I’ll j’ine him in ther eatin’, an’ then in ther
keerds; but fu‘st I must wash ther dust out 0’
my throat with a leetle rum.

" But, boss, hain‘t ther Terrors here?”

“ Yes, they are in the saloon gamblin now.”

“ Waal, I guess they are the onesVe vet Bill
wants ter git inter a game with, for they has it
in fer him, I hear.”

“ Ah! 1 had not thought of that.

“I will see Velvet Bill at once and tell him, as
ho is riding Pony Express now, he must not seek
trouble with them, though, of course, if they
attack him it is different.”

“ He never s’arches fer trouble, boss; but he
be a mighty convenient man ter find when folks
as wants a row is round lookin’ fer one.”

“ Well come in and get your supper; but
what will you do, Sunset Sam, at the other end
of your trail, if Velvet Bill is ambushed. for I
do not believe another rider can be found 1”

“ Boss, somehow I d0esn’t think Velvet Bill is
ther man ter be kilt,” and Sam entered the room
where the gambler was enjoying what might be
termed a very late supper or very early break-
fast, for it was a couple of hours after mid-

ni ht.

I10 greeted Sunset Sam pleasantly, and then
heard what the boss had to say about keeping
out of trouble.

- “ I don’t think they are as dangerous as the
Fatal Trail boas: but I’ll not seek trouble
wit? them.l promise you,” was the gambler’s
rep y.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE MIDNIGHT Visrroa.

THERE was a painful suspense at Fort Ven-
ture, for the reason that every man who rode
Pony Express was now looked upon as doomed
to death.

That the Red Butterfly had escaped death had
been the wonder of every officer and man at the
fort.

Pony Bob lay hovering between life and death,
and only a few days before Pony Express Ben
had been slain.

Now,'in the face of the doom of others, an-
other bold spirit. had been found to ride the
Fatal Trail.

That one was a man popular with officers,
soldiers, scouts and minors alike, and he was
voted b one and all a gentleman.

Now e had gone upon his ride of peril and
would he return in life, was the cause of the
general suspense.

The morning after his do rture dawned
bright and beautiful, but it d d not dispel the
shadows resting ugon the hearts of all.

The day dragged away, and toward night a
slow rain set in, driving all indoors, save the
sentinels, for a keen wind was blowing down
from the snow-clad mountainotops. .

Fort Venture was situated upon a river, as
has/been said, and that a foe would ever attack
from the water not one in the barracks ever be-
lieved.

It seemed useless, then, for the sentinels to
kee their eyes upon the river.

ad they done so, even, they could not have
seen in the darkness and rain a boat drifting
down the stream. .

It was the same color as the river, lay low in
the water and had a covering of canvas over it.

But it was (guided by some a ency unseen, and
moved towar the bank where t came to a stand-

. 1‘ JV?” {.1

xvi... 5.!   ;. ,/

 

 

 

Then a form came out from under the canvas,
and stepping ashore revealed a tall form, wear-
ing: a long military coat and slouch hat.

That he was an ofiiCer no one would have
doubted.

He made his way up the bank to tho arade—
ground, crossed this and stood near the q arters
of Colonel Seeley.

He had seemed to know the fort well, had
avoided the sentinels, and now stOod watching
the headquarters, where a light was yet visible,
though it was midnighta

After awhile he walked around the quarters
just as the light disappeared from the window.

There was a sentinel upon the front piazza,
and that was all, and the rain drove him under
shelter.

To the rear of the quarters the cloaked stran-
ger walked with silent tread and for a long
while stood there, as patiently waiting as an In-
dian would have done.

At length a rear door opened slowly and a.
cloaked form stepped out into the pelti rain.

“ I am here,” said the man in the cloa .

“ Come in,” replied the other.

He obeyed, but asked:

“ W H .vnat have you done!”

“ E» .rvtiiing necessary.”

“ Good l"

And then the two passed on into the rear of
Colonel Seeley’s quarters.

in fiva minutes the door reopened and the two
came out, but the man in the cloak and his com-
panion too were both carrying heavy bundles, it
seemed. °

In silence they moved away, going across the
parade toward the barracks of the soldiers, but
Burning oli? and walking toward the river-

ank.

Down this they went, and reaching the boat
they both placed their bundles beneath the can—
vas covering.

Then the one who had come out of the colonel’s
quarters got in also under the shelter.

In silence then the boat moved away, and
went on down the stream, and its powers of
locomotion were then seen to be a man swim-
ming along on each side of it near the how.

The current carried it swiftly down the
stream, and for an hour not a word was
spoken.

Then the man in the cloak arose in the stern
of the boat, and revealed a lantern Which he
waved once in a circle.

It was answered by a red light bein shown
11 n a dark mass of rock, and then it escend- .

toward the waters.

The boat was steered toward the lantern, and
a platform was revealed, lowered by ropes
from the overhanging cliff above.

The boat was made fast to the swinging
platform, and the one in the boat was told to
get upon it.

Then a large bundle was placed there which
was now seen to be a human form.

“ All right,” said the man in the cloak and
the latform was drawn upward, the boat being
hel to the rocky cliff.

Soon it descended again, and the man in the
cloak took a bundle from the boat and placed it
upon the platform, upon which he n0w stepped,
and it went upward a second time.

A third time it descended, and the two swim-
mers got upon it, the boat was then seen to be
made of painted canvas, and was folded u and
taken upon the lift, which once more was rawn
up by some power on the cliff.

CHAPTER XXV.
KIDNAPPED.

,COLONIL SEELEY was an early riser, and a
light sleeper, but he had pleased to lie in bed the
morning following the storm, so the cook told
the orderly who wondered at not seeing the
commandant.

And the cook continued with a rich brogue
for she was a native of Ireland who had follow
her husband across the sea and then into the
armv of the United States: . .

“An’ that lazy snip of a maid is still asl’ape,
same as ther youn missus, so ther whole place
be after bein’ as sti l as a cimetery this mornin’,
Misther Orderly.” _

“ See here Mrs. Moriarty, a courier has come
in from the force up in the Indian country, and
the officer of the day told me to bring these dis-

tches’at once to the colonel, so you must wake

up.

“ If yez says so, Misther Orderly, I obeys
orders, replied Mrs. Moriarty, and forthwith
she went to the door of the colonel’s roam.

But it took very loud knocking t0 809 fl 1'0-

use.

At last, however, the colonel called out:

“ Who is there?”

“ It’s me, sur, Mrs. Moriarty, for the orderly
is here with papers, sur.” ‘

“ All right, send him in, and have me a cup
of coffee at once, for I feel strangely ill this
morning.”

“ Yis. sur,” and Mrs. Moriarty ushered in the
orderly. , ,

“ Ah, orderly, I am blind With the headache
and do not know what to make of it—yes, and I
am very dizzy, for see. I can hardly stand.”

“There is a very strange odor in the room,

’5

    

 

gs

'to you both for

._._

 

Velvet Bill’s VOW.

13

 

sir; like chloroform it is, sir,” said the orderly,
how had once been a hospital steward.

“ Chloroforml Hal you are right.

“Great God! see if my child is in her room,
orderly i"

The orderly called Mrs. Moriarty at once,
and the colonel tottered about trying to dress
himself.

in a moment the orderly returned.

“No, sir, she is not there, nor can her maid
be found.

“ Mrs. Moriarty has seen neither of them this
morning, sir.”

Colonel Seeley was staggered, as though from
a heavy blow; but he quickly collected himself
and said: ‘

“Send the officer of the day here, and also
my adjutant, at once.

“ Then have Surgeon Powell come to me, and
Scout Cody as well.

“ Quick i” '

The orderly darted away, and with an effort
the colonel went on with his toilet.

The officer of the day soon came, and Colonel
Seeley asked quickly:

“ What time is it, Captain Cameron!”

“ Half-past seven, sir.”

“ Then you were on duty last night?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Have you seen Miss Seeley this morning?”

H No, sin" a; .

“ Nor last night?”

“ Not after I left our quarters at nine, sir.”

“See if she has eft the fort and report at
once, she and her maid Valerie, for I have
been chloroformed, my child is gone, and-
But go!”

Captain Cameron, in almost dismay, dashed
from the room, just as the adjutant came hur-
riedly in.

But he knew nothing of what had happened,
and went off to see if he could make any discov-

fiery.

Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill came to-
gether, and they were startled by the colonel’s
white, haggard face.

' “Sui-icon Powell, I was wrong to tell you
last nig t that 1 would be able to protect my
daughter from harm, and for you and Cody to
withdraw your men, for I have been chloro-
formed and Alice has been kidnap I am
sure while her maid Valerie is also ssin .

“ know what 1you and Cody are, and ftui‘n

elp in my great sorrow and
suffering.”

The surgeon and the scout were almost dazed
with amazement.

It was true that the colonel had told them onl
the night before that there could be no ib e
den er to his daughter, with a sentine placed
at ght on his piazza, and his room so near to
the one Miss Seeley occupied, while her maid

was within one cal .
But certain t was that Alice Seele was not
in her home, and the omoer of the y came

back to report that she had not left the fort, nor
had her maid been seen.

An alarm was at once sounded, evory officer's
quarters and even the soldiers‘ barracks were
searched, but no clew could be found to the min-
in ones.

t was evident that both Alice and her maid
had retired for the night: their beds showed this
much; but they had risen and dressed them-
selves, and more, a search revealed that the
had both takena number of things from the
wardrobe. ,

They had not W the sentinel at the front
door, and  oriarty, who had her own
quarters, said she had found the rear door un-
locked for her, as was the custom.

She had not seen Valerie about, and had been
grumbling at her for her laziness.

A bottle labeled “ Chloroform " was found in
the room of Miss Seeley, and the whole house
was permeated with it.

But how had the colonel’s dau hter and her
maid left the house without beng seen, and
even had they left the quarters unseen, how
goulgi it be possible for them to get out of the

ort

The sentinels at the several stockade tee
vowed they had not them; they coul not,
unaided, have seal the stockade walls, and on
the river there was not a single boat.

“The Assassins have kept their cruel threat
because I allowed Velvet Bill to ride Pony Ex-
press,” groaned Colonel Seeley in agony of
mind, and not a word could any one utter to
comfort him.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
THE LAST nors.

Ir was no use to search. no use to hope against

' hope that Alice Seeley would be found about the

fort, for that was given up by all except a few
who could not realize how she had been spirited
away as she had been.

But it was plain enough to those who looked
closely into the matter.

That Colonel Seeley had been chloroformed
there was no shadow of doubt, and the young
girl and her maid must have been quieted in the
same manner, for no outcry had been heard by
the sentinel on duty at headquarters.

/..

 

\ ‘ .
I ‘~ ‘ u ‘ y. 3”  §./,. V I in: V ".»;:,'*é>.',:y,‘, ‘*

It was true that there was a rain storm; but,
then, how had any one entered the fort, and left
it with two captiVes and not be seen?

There were the soldiers on duty, officers cross-
ing the Parade, and visiting, the guard on its
rounds and the sentinels on their posts, and yet
the captives had been taken from the fort.

Was there a traitor in camp?

It certainly looked so.

But who was that traitor?

Not a snapicion rested upon a soul in the fort,
and who could have been so cruel as to kidnap a
young girl to deliver her into the hands of the
Secret Assassins.

There were 'scouting arties sent out at once,
one guided b Buffalo ill, another by Surgeon
Frank Powe l, the two best trailers on the iron-
tier, it was said.

A courier was also sent to the command then
in the field to return to the fort, but to break 11
in parties and thus search as they came bac '
for some trace of the kidnappers and their
victims.

After the first shock was over, and the effect
of the drug upon him had passed away, Colonel
Seeley rose grandly to meet the situation.

He became perfectly calm, cool and deter‘
mined, and, he issued his orders and devoted
himself to his duties as though he was not the
one most deeply hurt by the affair which cast a
gloom upon all, down to the smallest child and
humblest hanger-on about the fort.

For some reason the colonel hung to a strong
hope in Velvet Bill, and longed for his return
from his ride, if come back he did in safety. ‘ ‘

“ That man may help me, may save her,” he
said to himself, time and again.

The da s passedaway, the command patrol~
ling in t e ndian country had come in by
squads until all had returned, Surgeon Powell a
party,had gotten back, and Buffalo Bill and his
men were all that still remained out, and hope
hung high that they had made some discovery.
Surgeon Powell reported that he had taken
the qiver-shore down, for he seemed to cling to
the",e dea that the kidnappers had come by
we r. I

“ But there were no boats in the country,”

was .
He a mitted that none were known of, yet he
said that a raft of logs could come down and
find a landing, such a dark night of rain as the
one in uestion had been, and though there were
sentine s at each water end of the atockade
walls, they could not have seen out upon the
river twenty feet.

Anyhow, he took the idea that the kidnappers
had come that way, and so he led his party
down the river.

After some miles the river-bank became very
wild and rocky then merged into lofty cliffs,
which revente‘d any landing.

The urgeon Scout halted, when he could fol—
low the shore no further, and soon made a raft,
upon which he, with two others, were to em-

The rest of the party were divided, seine put
across the river on the raft, to go on down,
fiankin the cliffs, and gaining the stream again
at a po at a dozen miles below. '

The other half of the party 'were to do the
same on that shore of the river.

So they set 03, and the Surgeon Scout and
his two com nionsdpushed Into the stream on
their raft, w ich ha been very securely made
0 ogs.

The current bore them swiftly along, and the
three eyed the banks like hawks.

But no break was seen, only left , wall-like
cliffs, here and there jutting out in the river
like the huge prow of some might ship.

The raft was turned about w ldly at times,
but stood the strain, and after a run of some
fifteen miles, passed out of the rocky banks to
where there were prairie shores a sin.

A landing was then made, an soon after the
party on the right bank was seen approaching,
and they were ferried over, while their horses
swam.

Then the other party came in sight, and all
had the same report to make, no trace had been
found no trail had been seen.

So Surgeon POWell was forced to give up his
idea. of the river having been the way the kid-
nappers had reached the fort and departed, and
that he was on the right track in this belief the
reader has already seen.

Then a circuit of the fort was made, clear
around to the river again, and every trail to and

rom it was narrowly examined.

But it was useless, for the kidnappers had
covered u their tracks as thorohghly as had
the Assassins their retreat and trails to it.

So the party of the Surgeon Scout returned
to the fort and made their report, and all now
awaited with suspense and trust for the coming
of Buffalo Bill and his men, for in them rested
the last hope.

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
‘ A SUSPICION.

WHATEVER was in his heart, Colonel Seeley
was calm and hopeful even after the return of
Sur eon Powell, in whom he had placed such
imp icit trust that he would find some clew of
his lost daughter.

 

Then all waited for the coming of Buffalo
Bill, and the sentinels were kept constantly
straining their eyes for the appearance of the
chief of scouts’ party.

At length the sentinel on the watch—tower re-
ported horsemeh in sight. .

T hey came on slowly but were soon discovered
to be Buffalo Bill and his men.

Men dared not cheer, they could only watch
their comingr and wait.

Colonel Seeley had gone to the tower and
leveled his glass.

A moment he looked and then handing it to
the paymaster who was with him,'said:

“My eyes are blurred, Binney, you look for

71

“ It is Cody, sir,” said Paymaster Birney,
after a glance through the glass.

“ Oh, yes, it is Cody; but do you see-my child
wifh him ?”

Paymaster Birney often said afterward that
no words he had ever uttered came so hard to
say as his response then to Colonel Seeley:

“No, sir, I am sorry to say that I do not see
an lady in the parish”

he colonel utter only a low moan and went
to his quarters.

“Send Cody at once to me when he comes,
Mr. Birney,” he said.

So the scout and his men rode into the fort,
the heads of their horses hanging low, their
flanks gaunt, sh0wing hard riding.

The scouts, too, looked jaded, and sorrowful.

“ Well, Cody?" asked Surgeon POWell, as the
chief of scout: dismounted.

The response proved hisaunsuccessz'

“ Has she been found?”

“ No, we hoped you had news.”

“ Nothing.”

“ The colonel wishes to see you at once, Cody,”
said Paymaster Birney coming u to the group
surrounding the scout. and Buff 0 Bill at once
accom ied him, while the gloom dee
upon 1, for the last hope seemed to have left
them.

Colonel Seele met Buffalo Bill with a siluit
pressure of the and.

He could not speak, but his manner, his eyes,

uestioned him more than words could have

one.

The kind—hearted scout choked up at his suf-
fering, and his voice had a tremor in it as he
said:

“ I wish to re rt my return, Colonel Seeley,
and that thouggio we have hardly rested since
leaving the fort, and have followed every trail
we saw, we could discover no trace of the vile
devils who kidnapped your dan hter,” and the
last words rolled from the scout s lips in savage
earnestness that boded no good for the kidnap-

at his hands had he come upon them with
is scouts, all of whom were picked men for the
special service they had gone u n.

The colonel winced under t e report of the\
scout. for he had held strong ho a that Buffalo
Bill had found some clew to so ve the mystery;
but he asked calmly:

“Have you come to any decision, Cody, in
regard to my daughter’s most mysterious dlflp‘
pearancei”

“ I can only believe.si1;, that she was captured
by the writer of that threat to her, and he was
aided by some one in the fort.”

“ But who?”

“ Some one who knew your quarters and
habits perfectly, sir..

“Some one who knew that the special sen—
tinels were relieved from duty about your
home.”

“ Yes, it must be so, and yet not a shadow of
an icion have I against any man.”

he scout glanced at the paymaster, and

said:

“If I take a different trail, sir, I hope you
will consider it in confidence?”

" Certainly, as Paymaster Birney will.”

The pa master bowed in the affirmative, and
Buffalo ill said:

“ You said, air, that you,had not the shadow
of a suspicion agénst any mani”

“So said , nor have I, and I fail to
find any one else w has.” .

“ What about a wognan, air?”

The question fell like a thunderoolt from a
clear ska.0d
“ , Cody! what do you mean!”

“ Miyss Seeley was the most popular lady in the
forts, sir, by all odds; she had many admirers,
and no woman can win admiration without
making dangerous .foee, and my suspicion lies
upon a woman.”

The colonel became excited, and Paymaster
Birney hardly less so; but the scout sat serenely
looking at them after his bold charge.

At last the colonel said:

“ Cody, you have had aomethin to arouse
your suspicions that you make this c arge?”

“ I have, sir.”

“ You su t some women in the fort of
givei‘ng aid inthe kidnapping of my daugh-

r

“' Colonel Seeley, will you send for Surgeon
hPowell, air, for what I say I would like him to
ear.
The colonel seemed more than ever mystified.
But he said:

 

i“ ' ‘
Trial «32.33915 ,: '=

l;
.. !
l

a at.-. as... ~—. A. .

.r. W‘..‘I"". .x.

 

‘iui' .,

9“
‘i

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

“ I will send for Surgeon Powell at once.”

The orderly was therefore dispatched for the
Surgeon Scout, and awaiting his coming not a
word was spoken by the three in the room, the
colonel walking to the window and looking out,
the ymaster nervously fingering some papers
on t e table, and the chief of scouts cool and
unmoved by his bold charge and what was yet
before him when Frank Powell should put in an
appearance before them.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
run ONE svsruc'rnn.

THE Surgeon Scout was easily found by the
order] , and entering the colonel’s quarters
salute and took a seat, while his commandant,
with an effort, said:

“ Surgeon Pewell, Cody has returned from his
search unsuccessful but he hasa suspicion which
he wishes 1’4) make known in confidence to those

resent.

“ You will so consider it?”

“ Certainly, sir.”

“And more what he desires to make known
he ex ressed the wish that you should hear.

“ Vyhat his motive is of course I do not know,
but I am glad to call on in to the interview,
well knowin how ab e you are to grasp the
best points 0 a situation. '

The surgeon bowed, and Colonel Seeley con-
tinned:

“ I am also glad to have Paymaster Blrney
here as m friend.

“ Now, r. Cody, we will hear what you have
to my.”

Buffalo Bill thus agpealed to, said: '

“I made known, urgeon Powell, a suspicion
I hold, that there was a traitor in the fort who
aided the kidna ping of Miss Seeley.”

“ I believo t at there must be' but who,
Cod i”

“ suspect a woman.”

The surgeon was a man of iron nerve, but he
started at this bold charge, and asked:

“ What is your motive for such suspicion?”

“ Circumstantial evidence, I admit, yet to the
point.”

“ Will you explain, Mr. Cody?" said the col-
onel anxiously.

" Surgeon owell, do you recall one who came
to your office some weeks ago, suffering in-
tensel with toothache, and asked you to give
her re 1ef i”

“ Make it more explicit than that, Cody. for I
have a dozen aching teeth a day to soothe, or
remove,” said the surgeon, with a smile.

“ Well, this one was young, very handsome,
and when she left, for I was in the office, you
were making up an ointment, and looked for

tggr bottle of chloroform, but could not find

“ By— I beg pardon, Colonel Seeley! but
Cody is on a trail that I believe we can track to
the end.

“Go on, Cody,” and the usual calm mien of
'the Surgeon Scout was now intensely ruffled,
while anxiety rested upon the faces of the colo-
nel and paym r.

“ Colone Seele , I gave you a bottle I found
in your daughter s room the morning after her

ancei”

H es.”

“ Can I see it?”

The colonel arose and got the bottle, Cody
takin it from him in a way that prevent-
ied eit er the paymaster or surgeon from seeing

 

“ You told me—” continued the scout.

“ That on had the bottle of chloroform a
short wh e before, and said, I remember:

“ ‘ If it was a bottle of whisky, Bill, I would

suspect you 1’”

‘ Yes, I recall the remark, and I meant it,”
said the surgeon, with a smile.

“ Now I was there in your office for over an
hour, looking over a map you gave me, and I
can name every one who came in.

“ One was Pajmaster Birney, another the ad-
utant, the thir was the woman in question, the
ourth a soldier’s wife, then a sergeant and a

soldier. -

“The chloroform was upon a certain' shelf,
and but one person went near it.

“ That was the woman I suspect.

“She wore a shawl, chatted very lively for
one with an achin tooth, and beautiful teeth
she has, too, and remarked that she thought
more of the surgeon than her suffering, as she
stayed so long.

‘ Now, describe the bottle you lost, please,
Surgeon Powell?”

“ A square, sixteen-ounce bottle. with a glass

sto r.”
‘Pfsemis the bottle!”
“ It is.” 4

“ What has it had in it!” '

“ Chloroform without a doubt.”

“ Mr. Cody, who was it that you think got
that bottle from Surgeon Powell’s office i” stem-
ly said the colonel.

“ Firat. Colonel Seeley, if you will pardon me,
please 11 me what you know of your daughter’s
maid. Valerie?” '

“ No. no, do not suspect that child, Cod .”

“ Pardon me, Colonel Seeley, but it is por-

thnt that I should know.” .

 

“ She was the daughter of a sergeant in my
company, who, when drinking one day, attack-
ed me, and killed a soldier by accident.

“ He was tried, and his very unsavory record
merit against him, for he was sentenced to he
8 0t.

“ Before his execution he sent for me and told
me who he was, though I had known before, and
in confidence here, let me say that he had been ‘
my rival for the hand of the lady I married, the
mother of my daughter.

“He had gone utterly to the bad, and said
that he had enlisted in the army to kill me,
thinking I would not know him, for we had
knewn each other slightly.

“ Then he told me that he had a daughter
whom he would leave destitute, and that she
was then at school, and begged me to care for

er.

“ I did so, paying for her education and gain-
ing her a p ace as teacher, after which I lost
sight of her for a couple of years, and then I re-
ceived a letter from her asking me to et her a
place as lady‘s maid to some ofiicer’s Wife.

“ Just at that time Alice finished school, and
I sent her the letter and she at once engaged
her, and for nearly two years has been her de-
voted com anion and friend.”

“ Celene Seeley, that is the woman I sus-

t.
“ But why, Cody, and what motive could she
have?”
“”Sne is the one who stole the chloroform,

“ Yes, but her motive?”

“ Revenge upon you.” ‘

“ Ahl because I was the cause of her father’s
death ’4”

h “fies, sir, for did her father’s effects not go to
er '

“ Yes and a sealed letter he left for her; but
yet, Cody, she is as innocent as a child, and de-
voted to my daughter.” ' I

“ It was clever acting, sir. ”

“ And how could she be in league with out-
laws?"

“ You know nothin of her life before she
came to Miss Seeley, s r, and you know she has
been very fond of horseback rides alone, and I
once took a fancy to follow her trail.”

“And where diddt lead 1”

“ To the rave of Sk Rocket, the Pony Rider,
on the Fate Trail, an there another trail met
hers,” was the scout’s startling response.

CHAPTER XXIX.
ON A woman‘s TRAIL.

WHEN Cody said what he did Colonel Seeley
sprung to his feet, deeply moved.

He glanced at the faces of Surgeon Powell and
Paymaster Birney. and saw that Buflalo Bill’s
suspicion had gained a hold‘in their minds.

After pacing up and down the room for a
dozen strides, he stopped in front of the scout
and said in a very low, but distinct tone which
all heard:

“ Cody, your charge is against one whom I
would no sooner doubt of dislo alty to my
dau ter and myself, than 1 won] you.

“ ell me when this was, that you followed
Valerie?”

“ I did not follow her, sir, but saw her trail,
and wondering who would go so far from the
fort alone, I examined the tracks.

“ This examination told me that it was a
horse that paced that left the trail, and I knew
that Miss Seeley had a pacer, and her maid
always rode the animal.

“ I felt anxious for her, su posing she had
missed her way and so follow the trail. '

“ It led me for miles, and, as I said, to the
grave of Sky Rocket the Pony Rider..

“ I saw there tracks as though a horse had
been in waiting some time at the spot.

“Thereis a small clump of trees there, sir,
and in these both horses had been standing.

“ I then noticed that the other trail came
from the Bad Lands, and I followed it.

“ It led me astray just as all other trails or
the Ambushers had.

“ Then I followed the trail of the pacing horse
and noted that he came by another way to the
fort than the one taken.

“ It was night when I arrived at the fort and
I asked the sentinel who had come in.

“ His re ly was that:

“ ‘ Miss geeley’s smart maid had been out try~
ing ,to get scalped, and she had had a fight,
t

 

“ I did not hear more of it, and it was several
days before I (got a chance to speak to Valerie,
and then I sai :

“ ‘ You go a long way from the fort to meet
your lover.

“ I an posed then that it was some one from
the fort, and that there was a secret love-affair
between them, and thus I accounted for her
numerous other rides alone.

“ And her reply, Cody?”

“ Her reply, sir, was to turn very pale, and
she left me without another word.

“ I still believed that she had met a lover
from the fort, and yet it all came back to me
when Miss Seeley disap ed, as well as the
fact that Valerie took a de alone the very day

 

before your daughter was kidnapped, Colonel

Seeley, but her trail was to a point on the river
three miles below the fort.”

“ You are sure i”

“ I found the trail, sir. and it Was the cer’s.

“ Then I heard that Valerie had rid en him
away, and where she halted there were other
horse-tracks.

“This, too, I found on the ground,” and the
scout handed over a Small fine 1 anulkerchief.

In the corner was embroidered tWU Y V’s close
together, so as to also look like the letter IV.

1 ‘r’Her name is Valerie Wambold, is it not,
8 r

“ Yes, V. IV., and this is her handkerchief
beyond all doubt.”

“ Then, sir, you told me that a large part of
your daughter’s wardrobe was taken, as also
Valerie’s?

it Yes, yes.”

“ You thougehit it strange, sir, that it had been
so well selec in the haste of the kidnap-e
ping?"

“ I did.”

“ Well, sir, a man would never have thought
of this, and particularly not of getting the
maid’s clothes; but the fact that aliberal supply
of clothing was taken should cheer you with the
thought that it was not to carry out the threat.
of death Miss Seeley was taken, but rather per—
haps to secure a ransom, or bring you to terms
of some kind.”

“Cody, ye: are a wonder, a regular detect-
ive, and your words give me great hope.”

“ Now, sir, please see if you can remember if
Valerie had an y valuables?”

“ She did, 8. handsome watch and chain, some,
jewelry and quite a little sum of money saved
up, which she always kept among her things.”

“Did you notice if any of Miss Seeley’s.
valuables were missing, sir?"

“Not a thing, except the rings she wore.

“This caused me to feel that robbery and ran--
som had not been the reason for her being taken
away, but to carry out the threat made by the.
Ambushers.” _ . . '

“ Will you now see, sir, if any of Valerie’s.
valuables Were taken i"

The colonel uttered an exclamation and
hastened from the room.

He was gone but a short while, and said as he
re-entered the room:

“ Everything she had of value is gone, Cody."

“ And the warnin Miss Seeley received was
pinned upon her pil ow, when she was asleep,
was it not, sir?”

“ It was.” , '

“ One question more, please, Colonel Seeley?”

“ All you wish to ask, Cody. I will gladly an—
swer, for something tells me that you are weav—
ing a chain of circumstantial evidence about.
thgtvgirl which certainly is most damnin .

hat do you think, Surgeon Powell?’

“ I have been convinced, sir, ever since I saw
that chloroform-bottle, that Cody was on the
right. trail.”

‘ And you, Paymaster Birney?"

“ The finding of the handkerchief, sir, and her
trail meeting another, settled it with me, Colonel
Seeley.”

“ Now Cody, your question i”

“Did Valerie sketch i”

“By Heaven! she did I”

“ Have you the warning sent your daughter?”

The ,colonel fairly sprung toward his desk and

ot it. '

g “ Now, sir, can you find an work that Valerie
did any aper she used in s etching?”

The co onel ain hastily left the room, and
soon returned w tlr a small portfolio.

It was full of cleverly-executed sketches, and
when the paper_was compared with that upon
which the warning had been sketched and writ—
ten, Colonel Seeley said emphatically:

“ It is the same."

Surgeon Powell looked at it with the eye of a
critic and said:

“ It is her work, sir.”

“ There is no doubt of it in my mind, Colonel
Seele ,” remarked Pa aster Birney.

“ ody,” and the co onel spoke with deep emo—
tion, “you have solved the m story, and I now
believe that my daughter’s 11 are safe at least,
for she could not allow her to be put to death.

“ But what is to be done?”

“Keep the secret between us four new here,
sir, allowing no one to suspect that we have a
su icion of who the traitor is, and we will get
a slim to work on in due time.”

“ God bless you, Cody,” and the old soldier
wrung the scout’s hand with a force that made
him wince.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
VELVET BILL’s vow.

AS the two officers and Buflalo Bill were
about to leave the quarters of Colonel Seeley,
the latter said:

“ By the way, this is Pony Rider’s day, and I
have heard no call that Velvet Bill is in si ht.”

“ It is past his time, sir," said Surgeon owell
glancing at his watch.

“ Yes, nearly an hour past,” Paymaster Birney
remarked.

“ I sincerely hope no harm has befallen him,

 

 

 

—

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

~15

 

 

for outside of his deathI we will be placed in a
most unfortunate situation. .

“ If 1 only had the men I would completely
surround the Bad Lands—where all these mur-
ders have been committed, and starve those
devils out of the place from which we cannot
drive them, and where we can never track them ;
but report to me if news comes of the Pony
Rider, Cody.”

The three departed, with dee sym
their breasts for the gallant so dier, an as they
reached the parade ground they saw that all in
the fort seemed to be on the lookout for the
coming of the Pony Rider.

They knew his time, and all had gathered
about in groups awaiting his coming, or proof
that he, too, had fallen a victim to the unknown
Ambushers. '

There was one group of officers, some twenty
in number, standing near the watch-tower.

Another grou was of subalterns, and there
the soldiers 8 about in knots of a dozen and
twenty.

The scouts, too, were on the watch, and the
people of the Post, wives and children of the
sol iers and hangers-on in general.

In front of the major’s quarters most of the
ladies of the fort had congregated, and over all
seemed to rest. a hush, as though they feared
tlheyi were awaiting the coming of a man then

ea .

Two hours pasSed and then came from the
sentinel in the watch-tower the cry that there
was a horseman in sight.

“ Was it the Gambler Pony Rider?” was the
question that all asked.

Soon the horseman came into view from the
fort, and a dozen voices cried out:

“ [t is Velvet Bill l”

Then up to heaven went a cheer so wild that
it reached the ears of the distant Rider.

On, on he came like an arrow, his horse at
full speed and covered with foam, and the mag-
nificent Rider upright in his saddle, his eyes up-
on the fort.

The stockade gates were thrown o n, disci-
pline for once was forgotten, and 0 cars, sol-
diers and women and children crowded toward
his halting-place.

In he swept, and was met by a perfect roar of
voices, echoing like thunder, the waving of
hats, caps and handkerchiefs.

He seemed surprised, but ever courtly, raised
his hat and bent low in his saddle.

Then his horse was reined to a sudden halt, he
leaped to the ground, seized the pouches, and
with uncovered head passed through the almost
wild crowd toward Colonel Seeley’s quarters.

S.) gla’d were they to see him, so great had
been their surprise, that all restraint was
broken throggh with, and the Gambler Pony
Rider receiv a welcome fit for the commander
of a victorious arm .

His horse show a hard ride there was no
wound upon him, and Velvet Bill seemed un-
harmed, so all wondered at his being two hours
behind time.

And into the quarters of Colonel Seeley strode
the Pony Rider, tossing the mail- ches to the

man, and carrying the ofiic al package to
he hands of the commandant.

“ Thank Heaven you have returned in safety,
Velvet Bill, and you hear how glad all are to
see you alive, for your delay caused us to feel
that you too had fallen.” . _

“I halted on the way, sir, to examme some
trails for I saw no enemy, and met with no
trouble on my ride,” was the response of the
gambler.

“ Have as heard any news from the fort
since you efti”

“ None, sir.”

“Then you do not know what happened the
night after your departure!”

“ No, sir; nothing has gone wrong, I hope?”

“My child has been kidnapped, Velvet
Bill.”

The voice trembled, the lips quivered, and
the bright eyes of the soldier were blurred with

tears.

Velvet Bill started, his face flushed and paled
by turns and be repeated the words:

“ Has been kidnapped f"

“ Yes, the Ambushers kept a part of their
threat at least.”

“ The Ambushers‘f"

“Yes, Velvet Bill, for the night after you left
it rained here, and some one entered my quar-
ters, chloroformed me. and my dan hter too, I
sup e, for she was carried away, a e and her
ma d Valerie. -

“ Who did it no one knows, nor whither she
was taken, for not a trace can be found as a
clew; but she is gone, Velvet Bill.”

“ And I solemnly vow to you, Colonel Seeley,
that I will restore you to her, or if she has been
harmed will visit upon the one who has done
this vile' wron a vengeance that will make him
curse the day e was born.

“ I vow it, Colonel Seeley, in the sight of High

Heaven 1”
The voice, look, e blizinge esof Velvet Bill
were appalling, an Colone ley said after-

ward t at never before had be seen the human

face look as did the gambler’s when he uttered
his vow.

    

thy in i

l
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE RED BUTTERFLY AT HOME.
; I WILL now return once more to the East,
} leaving for awhile the far frontier and its dan—
' gers to present to the reader a peaceful home
upon the shore of beautiful Lake George.

Upon the broad piazza of an old stone house,
‘ surrounded by many acres of farm-land, sat one
who is known as Go-won—go Mohawk.

She is neatly dressed in a dark-blue suit, that
fits her elegant form to perfection, but the In-
dian in her nature has shown itself in the cap
which she wears.

It is a jaunty affair of the finest ‘buckskin,
embroidered with beads, and in front is a red
butterfly.

She is reading a novel, and, tiring of it, leaves
i the piazza and walks out upon the lawn to where
is a summer-house with a target beyond it.

In this summer-house,which can be locked up,
are numbers of rifles, revolvers and other
weapons.

The target is a m0vable one, mounted upon
tiny rails, and can be run back and forth to
any distance from a couple of hundred yards to
ten feet.

Then, too, it is so arran ed that by putting
, the foot upon a pedal in t e summer house, a
wooden prop of a man would come into posi-
tion.

Another touch upon the pedan and he would
dart aside.

Other dummies, of wolves and a rabbit could
be made to spring into view and dart away,
while the target could also be arranged for the
very best of marksmanship, such as cutting a
hair in twain from which a bullet hangs. shoot-
ing at a small marble in motion, and at a bull’s-
eye the size. of a threecent piece.

If tiring of her novel, Go-w0n-go found leas-
ure in her target-practice, for she u rifle
after rifle, then revolver, next a dueling- istol,
and last a derringer, and her aim with l was
perfect.

Then she shot awhile with a bow and arrow,
showing the same deadly aim as with fire-
arms.

But as the sound of a horn came to her ears,
she dropped all and ran to the gate opening
upon the highway.

A two-wheel wagon was coming along the
, road, and in it was a man who held in his hand
three letters.

It was the postman who drove along the lake-
shore delivering the mails to the farms on his
‘ wa from the village some miles distant.

' ‘ Oh, thank you, sir,” said Go—won-go, and she
. returned to her seat upon the piazza.

“One from my father, so I will read that
first,” and she broke it open.

(alt was only a few lines from Daniel Darwin,
t ling her he would be detained yet a week in
Philadelphia, whither he had gone on business.

Another letter was from ,Lucita Dillingham,
asking her to come and spend a few weeks with

er.
The third was tmarked at Dismal City,
Ialtsddwas written n a decidedly characteristic
n .

“Who can it be from?” she asked herself,
and then breaking the seal she read:

“ Disim. Crrv Jul 12, 18—.
“ MY Dun Go-wox-Goz— ' y

“ Does a letter from me surprise you?

“ I hope not unpleasantly. however, though I
write upon a very sad subject.

“ Do you remember a promise you made me.
3319:} Ikasked yen if you would coirne West ain if

e n 'nown ssas ins ever a a n a care 11 n
the Fatal Traiii s g pp p0

" Let me remind you of it, if you have forgotten
it, for I remember well your words:

“ You ans wered'

" ‘If they capture you, Velvet Bill, I will come
West to rescue ~ou.

“ ‘ If they in] you, I will come to avenge on.’

“ Now such were your words, and thong I have
neither been captured or killed, I wish your aid. for
l the beautiful daughter of Colonel See ey has been
{ kidnapped from the fort, and is now in the power of
the Ambushers of the Fatal Trail.

“ She was your friend, for you told me so, and
also said she was very dear to you.

“ Since you 1: ft, Pony Express Ben and Pony Bob
have both been waylaid on the Fatal Trail.

“ Pony Ben was killed, and Pony Bob was danger-
ously wounded, but Surgeon POWell says that he
will recover.

“ I then, as you had romised Colonel Seele _, be-
gan to ride and. return ng from my first run, I ound
that Miss seeiey had b—en kidnap d. .

“ So'I ask you to come, and m i this letter in Dis-
mal City.

“I need you, and together we can save that poor
, girl, or avenge her.

“ I have vowed to do one or the other.

"Will you come?

“ Feeling that you will, I will have your horses
ready for on to again ride Pony Express, whileI
will go bac to my gambling, as in that capacity I
‘willbe ablethe bet e

Pony Rider.

“ Arrive herein time to catch me at Dismal City.

“ Feeling assured that you will come, I remain,

" As ever, your pard of the plains,
"VELVET BILL."

Such was the letter that Go-won-go read, and
she had hardly caught sight of the name at the
end, when she sprung to her feet and went out
to the summer-house where she kept her weapons,

/

 

 

r to play detective, as you will as i

| and which Daniel Darwin was wont to call her
“armory.”
l In a few minutes she had made a selection of
' certain weapons and carried them into the house,
to her room.
She had, without doubt, decided upon some
lan of action the moment she had read the
tter of Velvet Bill.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
THE MINER RECEIVES A LETTER.

DANIEL DARWIN was a man to attract atten-
tion anywhere. _

He was a man six feet in height, upright as an
Indian, had the carriage of a soldier and a face
that was full of manliness.

He was a handsome man, too, with his fine
dark eyes, classical features and expression that
was strangely fascinating.

This was the man who, as a countr boy was
dwelling upon the farm left him by his parents,
with little knowledge of the great world be-

yond.

He had been sent off to boarding-school where
he proved himself a good scholar and was popu-
lar with his comrades.

Then he came back to the farm to close his

rent’s eyes when they passed away, and settle

own as a farmer.

But it is known what changed his life’s cur-
rent, what awoke him to ambition, after he had
saved from drowning at the risk of his own life,
Frank Courtney and his sister.

He had loved Lucita with all his soul, and
when in a manly way he had gone to her home
and asked for her, he had been told by her father
' to “ match her fortune."

He had not despaired, but had left the 0151
home and gone to the mines, where, after years
of danger and toil he had won a fortune from
the earth.

The result is known, and how for a long time,
from a wound received he had lost his reason.

His rescue by Go-won-go, his faithful adopted
daughter, brought him back to life, his reason
was restored, and a man with a skeleton love in
his heart he had been glad to find a hiding-place
on the old farm where he had passed his boy-
hood, and happy was he that the beautiful
Indian girl was willing to make her home there,
too.

He

 

ot her horses, firearms, boats, dogs, all to
make er eni'py the life she loved, while indoors
was a fine 'brary, a piano and other instru-
ments.

The mine he had placed in other hands to
work was paying well, but the little home there
{Invited him, and there he expected to spend

is days.

An investment in Philadelphia offering where
he could safely place his money, he had gone
there, and ‘upon his return had missed the wel-
come that Go-won-go ever gave him.

“Where is Go-won-go, Ellen!” be asked of the
woman who had long been a fixture in his
house. .

‘AShe left a week ago, to make a visit, she

“Indeed?”
Aind he looked surprised, and then Ellen

“ She got a lot of letters one day, and at once
she pac ed up, and David drove her to the
station; but maybe her letter will tell you all,
for she placed one on your desk.”

So to his desk went Daniel Darwin, and there
was the letter, addressed to him and sealed.

Hastily throwing himself into a chair he broke
the seal and read:

“ Mr Dua Farnaa:- ,

“ I had believed that I was to pass my years here
in ace and contentment, living alone, after I had
tol fyou that which wen] i bring jov into your life,
whic has known so much of sorrow.

“ But I recrived to day three letters.

“One was from you, telling me not to expect you
for a week yet.

“ Ano'her was from Mrs. Dillinzham, inviting me
to make her a visit, and the third was the one
which calls me away.

“The last was t: om Velvet Bill, the gambler of
Jumping Oi! City. -

“You know him, and what service he rendered
you. and how much be aided me

“Since my leaving it seems that two Riders have

promise to me. if such happened. Velvet Bill volun-
teer d to ride the P0! y Express from Fort Venture
to Dismal Cit , for he had told Ire that no other
murder woui occur there. that the Ambushers
would depart, and 1 had good reason to feel that he
knew.

“ But the worst is y/ t to tell, for the Assassins of
the Trail threatened once to make, Miss S eley the
victim of their revenge if either Vt’cht Bill or my-
self rode the trail. '

"They haw carried out their threat by kidnap-
, ping Miss Snell y, as you will see by the within let-
‘ ter, as it explains the situation better than I can
tell it you.

“It is my good friend that is in their cruel power,
it B the daughter of the noble c 'mmandant who
I was ever so kind to me, and s'\ Iobey the call of

Velvet Bill and go to again ride Pony Express.
, “Only a few there know me as I am. and you
I know that the wild life suits me well, and lam fully
l capable of taking care of myself whether I dress as
, man or woman.
1 “But before I go I must tell you a secret which I
have long kept from you.

 

'5".

been ambushed onl eFata] Trail. and true to his '

I
_ f 4 .a .s-..-... us...-

.aw M ’

367%“;

.41.... a...

 



 

 

.1 i
l

 

 

   
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
  
    
  
 
  
   
    
 
     
 
    
  
    
  
   
    
   
  
   
    
   
    
   
   
   
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
 

“You remember that I once made a visit to a
frierd?
I “ Well. it was Mrs. Lucira Dillingham, the one
you always believed false to you.

“ But the truth 1 Will now t. ll and more, lwill tell
you what you haw newr known, that she is a wid-
ow, her husband havng been Wounded on Sunset
Sam’s couch, and died at Surgeon l’chll's cabin at

9 Miner’s Roost. . .

“She arrived there to see him div, and he left
her his fortune, which her father and her b‘othcr
forced her to marr ' him to gain.

" She knew not o your restoration to re ason, and
sendingforinc, told me of hersadstory. and confuss-
ed that she had loved you rzlrmv.

“ Need I say more?

let her know I h 'trayed her srcret.

 There is l‘ap iness in store yet for you both.

‘As for myse f— well, wait and see, my father, for
n ‘uv I can say nothing more than I act without your
consent, but it is my duty as I see it.

“ I will write from the West.

" Farewell. Your daughter, Go-wox-oo. "

--

CHAPTER XXXIII.
; “ rnaaon Ton.”

VELVET BILL continued to ride the Pony Ex-

' ress, oing and coming without meeting the
ate allgexpscted would be visited upon him.

The peOple at the fort had be n to look upon
him as ssinga charmed 11 e, as Go-won-go,
the Ind an Rider, had.

Ho reported that he had nevor seen the Am-
bushers, thou h ho had never sought to avoid

‘ them in hisri os.

Now and then he would come in late, often
being several hours behind time, but he made
n ) excuse for the delay unless questioned, and
than always ave the same answer:

“‘I was ma ng observations.”

Sometimes when at the fort. instead of seek-
. ing rest, ho' was wont to on age in a game of

v cards with some of the o cers, and it was
almost always their loss and his sin.

Thou, too, at Dismal City,w are he passed
the greater part of his time off duty. he would
pay with the minors, and his phenomenal luck
‘ always clung to him.

 It was sa d, too, that he whuld lPave Dismal
- City often, for hisstay there was four days, and
' frsmain away half the time, going no one knew
lwhoro, though he was now seen at Miner’s

Roost, and min at J um ing 0! City.

80 it was t Velvet ill began to be looked
upon as a more mystorious man than ever.

In his. mail one day. brought by Velvet Bill

‘ Colonel Soeiey received a letter which warned

him greatly. .

.  It was datsd at Dismal City, and was as fol-
’ lows-

' “ Dun ,

. 4 "I hates tsr break up yer frien bi f. r one you
trusts. but I happens ter know tn t elvst Bill are

playin' you for a tenderfoot. for he knows better

than any one also whar yer darter is.

 :“ He wore ther one as had her tuk, and he has her

\

KIRNALS— V /

some day.
, " “ I am a-ccmin' ter see yer in person and tell or
 an! knows, so don't say nuthln‘ to nobody of w at
I tsl‘s yer only krep yer soger eye on Velvet Bill,
and see 9 he bain’t a-playin' yr for his own ends.
“ Make no mistake onti vor see
.. "Yours truly. -
- I “ Tsandn Ton."
Not a claw had been found as to where Alice
- had been taken, though every scout in the fort
was secretly doing detective work upon the mys-
terious affair, and a number of the office‘s and
.soldlors too. ‘ r
- The colonel lookedmgalo and ha ard; but he
j his grief to hi If, noglec not a single
:r on and all went on as before the kidnapping
ob , co and her maid.
 But this letter fairly alarmed Colonel Seslsy.
 . was Terror Tom was he did not know, and
the slits. he made he could not believe.
Ho b come to have a real afloctlon for Vel-
st Bill, and was looking to him as the one for
first news of his daughter. ’ p ‘
Hp. road the latter over carofullv again, and
 ' remembering that Surgeon Powell, who
’ ,passed a ‘whlle at the minin -camps in
0 arm Prim, must ow who
Tori-or cm was, he sent for him. , \
_ ‘, But-goon Powell, did on our hear of a man
In District City who was nown as 'I‘srror Tom!"
,“3 do not recall any one of that name there,

'¢,.‘rs '
' “Dr’in either Jumping OR City or Miner’s

“Now I think of it, sir, there were hree men
.jJ‘uniping Off-City who were lino n as the
 .. errors, andt ey answered to the names
"Tontchk and Harry, and I believe were

    
    
    
    
  
   

   
   
   
   
   
    

.., f their names; but Velvet Bill could tall ou,
‘i’d'r, for he drove those three worthies out o the
Initiator cheating a youn miner at cards.”
 9‘ Ah. I”. I hard somet in of that, andalso
that thoyhsd gone to Dismal ty.
“I thank you, Doctor Powell.
How is any Bob getting along now?” ~
steadily improvin , sir. V
t of all danger, hope i”
risan ugl wound, sir, but
- sssn

somé

  

“ I send heradurn ss. so go and see her. only do not.

in hidin', hopin‘ ter make gold out o" ther rackit

mparately with the prefix of Terror bo- ;

unless
itself. I holievc'ws can hops‘ '

“ I sincerely hope so; but it will belong before
he can ride Pony Express again, if he ever
does.”

“ He says he is anxious to get well and try
the Pony Trail again, sir.”

“ Yes, he is full of grit.

“ My remembrances to him, please.”

The surgeon withdrew and Colonel Seeley said
to himself:

“ Yes, his motive is revenge upon Velvet Bill,
for his driving him and his comrades out of
Jumping Off City.

“ If he comes ere he must bring very strong

proof, or I’ll deal with him in a way be will not
fancy.
“ hi my poor child, where are you now, and
what is your fate?” and the colonel gritted his
teeth to keep down the emotion that walled up
from his heart.

Just at nightfall Velvet Bill came in for his
orders, ready to start upon his return.

The colonel took position so that he could get
the light full upon the face of the gambler and
asked sudden] : .

“ Velvet Bi 1, who is Terror Tom 1”

“ Terror Tom must be the king devil of three
men known as the Threc Terrors, sir, now at
Dismal City.”

“ You know them i”

“ Yes, sir, I have met them,” was the 0901

re 1 .

R 'Fhey will-boar watching, eh i”

“ I think they richly deserve banging, sir, and
some day they may cause me to put the noose
about their nockshif they do not force me to
shoot them first.” ‘

“ I heard they were bad man and thought you
would know.”

The gamblor saluted, took his mail and de- ,

parted, while Colonel Sesley muttered:
“ Now for the visit of Mr. Terror Tom.”

CHAPTER XXXIV,

AN UGLY accusation.
I'r wastho next day that afborseman arrived
at. Fort Venture and asked to see Colonel

.Soeloy ‘

He would not stats what he wanted, on] told
the orderly to say that a man known as error
Tom wished to see him, adding:

.1 “ Ohh, he'll see ms,.Pard Sager, for I hain’t no
one .

“ He knows me intermats, does ther colonsl.”

Tbs colonel surprised the orderly by saying,
at once: '

“ Terror Tomi

“ Yes; send him hers immediately.”

" Didn’t I tellysr sci, sogsri

“ Oh, he knows me.

And, with this, Terror Tom was admitted in-
to the presence of the commandant of Fort Ven-
turo.

Colonel Soelsy saw before him a s ‘
dressed in miner’s costume, wearing h gh 3

ts and spurs and with a broad-brimmsd
mbrero up)? his head.

He had a lt-of-arms, and looked the man to
use them in a bad cause rather than a good one.

His face was bearded, his eyes small, cunning
and bright and his hair was worn long, falling
half-down his broad back.

“ A villain from heart to brain.” was the
colonel’s mental sizing-up of Terror, Tom.

The latter saw before him a man of fifty. with
a face now stern and haggard, and eyes that
seemed to read his very sou .

If he had intended any blaster something in
the calm dignity and stem face o the man be-
foro him oowed him. a

“ So you are Terror Tom, are you 1”

“I be so named."

“ you wrote me a'ligtt’or, I hollow?”

“ am or .

“ Did gt]! come hone!”

“ I di , Pard Colonel.” ,

" Where are your two comrades, Terror Dick
ind T’srror Harryl'for the trio is not complete,

sse. ' '

The colonel saw the man start, but he said,

doggedly: \

" hey remained behind, colonel, fer it were
ms made the lactic discovery, and they hain’t in
this deal.”

“ Well what discovery have you made i”

“What I writ you about.” i

‘5 Tell me: again.”

“ I says that Velvet Bill are ther man as tuk
your dartsr away ”

“ This is a very bold charge against a\ man in
Government service, as he ,nowis, and one
whom we all trust im icitly." .

“,Tbat's jist it. on one], yer all trusts him,
and he plays a game on or but are dpubls.”

“You have your p , I suppose!’

“ I has my eyes.” '
‘ “ Well, what have you seen!”

“I has seen Velvet Bill a-ridin’ with your
dartsr at night.

“He bsv ter move her round, I s’poses, tsr

      
   
  
 
  
 

= keep Buf’lsr Bill and his gang from trailing her,

but I seen him with bar.
“‘ When?”

     

 

 

t recovery in a'couplslof months.” ~

  
 

 

not know. - ‘

“ Last night, arter he left here.”

“ He was with my daughter?"

“He were."

“ Where .3"

“ Nigh ther grave o‘ ther Pony Rider Sky
Rocket.” . -

“ Ah! were they alone?” ‘

“ They was not adzactly alone, for thar was
some six or seven Injuns not far off, and a-keep-
inZ close enough ter make it lively fer me of I
had tried ter capter her.”

“Where were you?”

“ A-Iying down behind a rock, and my horse,
too.
"I were a-waitin’ for him ter come along,
and when he come he bed comp’ny.”

“ You saw this?”

“ I did, colonel.”

“It was moonlight?”

“Bright as day.”

“ How far of! were you?”

“ About sixty feet."

“ Did you hear them talking?”

“ I c’u’d not hear what they was sayin’.”

“ My daughter was a prisoner!" ‘

“ Now that 1' doesn’t know, fer she didn‘t
seem so oncommon sad, as I heard her lafl'.”

Colonel Seeley turned deadly pale, but made
no immediate reply, and Terror Tom took ad-
vantage of this to continue:

“Now it did look ter me as though she had
come along with ther Injuns and met him on
therntrail; but I laid mighty low, I kin jist toll
yer. .

“ And you say you have seen him with her
before last night?”

“ I hov.”

:: éVhenl” ”

. oms ten da s ago.

“ Where?" y ,

“ Wsal, it were in the Fatal Trail, but nearer
ter Jumping OR City than they was last night.”

“ Where were you?” r

“ I were a-layin’ on ther trail a-waitin’ for
Velvet Bill.”

“ What for?" ’

“ This are in confidence. colonel?"

“ Yes.”

“Tor kill him.”

“ Ahl you intended to kill him?”

“ That were my leetls business with him.”

“I see; so you areone of tho Amaminsof the
Trail, are you i" ' ‘

“ N o, I isn’t, but Velvet Bill are, and that
hain’t all.”

“ What olsel”

“ He is ther chief.”

“ Your word is all you bars to prays this!” v‘

"Iknowswhatlsays.’ ' ' v ~ '

“ I don’t like Velvet Bill, and I W tor
git oven and kill him fer what he did tor ms and

mygs’rds.

“ I tuk ther trail fer his scalp; but when I
seen him ther fu’st time he were with our
dartsr, and bed half a dozen Injnns a-folls n’.

“ Thet were in broad daylight.

“ So I oes back to Dismal City and writes
you tbet otter, tbinkin’ef yer hanged Velvet
Bill I would git my revenge. '

“Then I comes here and I sees what I tells
yer ag’in.

“ st’s Gospil truth, colonel.”

“ if you have told the truth it will ho wall for
you, man; but if not .it will be a ad day for I
you when you come to me with a 1160!! your l

1 .
‘3 Until I know, you must be my guest.”
“ Now, that are real kind and genteel,
colono .” v v z
“ Orderly!” it
“Yes, sir.” ' '
“ My compliments to the emcer of the day

 and request him to send asergeant and file of
men here to take this man to the guard-house

for safe—keeping. "

“ Waal, Ill be darned,” groaned Terror Tom
wiitih a reproachnt look at the colonel who
as :

“ You shall be well cared for; but if on
speak a word of what you have told me I s all
know it and I will have you hanged without
mercy.” I

And so Terror Tom was led away and placed
under guard. ,

CHAPTER XXXV.
‘ moor.

T301763 Colonel Seeloy k t up such a brave
front before the accuser of 521m Bill, be near-
ly broke/down as soon as the soldiers led the' man
from his presence. '

He was about crushed, and yst'bc could not
believe what he heard, though than‘ was a
semblance of truth in what he had ~mid.

He had so frankly admitted that be had gone
on the track of Velvet Bill to kill him but bad
preferred to see him hanged, if it could be «loud,
tOshooting him. . ' I

He had said that he saw the gambler land
Alice together. first in broad daylight, and
‘ ooulight, each time with a guard 0:

again by m
Indians. ,
He had heard Alice ush he said, and im-
plied that she was a wi g prisoner. - ' ‘
What to do under the cigcumstancss’ho 

i

 

 

   

 

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a

u (v

“41"; «vvww‘flr~w“-

. t .
. . V‘v'ameW’T  “r

   
    
 

     

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. Velvet Bill’s Vow.

“.4...” .,

1'7

 

P.—

 

He could not but recall the fact that Velvet
Bill escaped the Secret Assassins in a wonderful
way, and that Alice had been spirited away by
one who knew the fort well.

He had vowed to rescue her, and he had only
volunteered as Pony Rider, when the threat of
the Assassins was shown to him making her
their intended victim.

Altogether it was a most complicated affair,
and one that was iigonfzing to the colonel.

The thought would force itself upon him how
often Alice had spoken of Velvet Bill, how she
had admired him, and how anxious she had
seemed about his riding the Pony Express.

At last, utterly at a loss to extricate himself
from his misfortunes, the colonel sent his orderly
for Surgeon Powell.

He could trust him wholly he well knew, and
there was that about the surgeon which invited
perfect confidence.

When Surgeon Powell reported himself, the
colonel led the way to his own private room.

“ Sit down, my dear Powell, for I wish to talk
to ou as I would to—my own self.

‘ I wish your advice; I wish to see how you
look at what I have just he rd.”

Surgeon Powell saw that is commander was
deeply moved, and said in his sympathetic
way:

“ Command me, Colonel Seeley, and trust me
wholly if you deem that I can aid on.” s

“.You can, for you have hot heart and
brain.

“ I asked you about Terror Tom 1”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Read this letter.”

Cities handed over the letter sent from Dismal

i y.

Slurgeon Powell read it carefully through and
sin : ’

“ Revenge against Velvet Bill prompted that
letter, sir.”

“ So I at first thought.”

‘But you do not now, sir?”
‘ No.’

“May I ask what has occurred to change your
opinion?” ‘

" Yes, I will tell you the truth in full, if you
will hear me.”

“ Gladly, sir.”

“ The man is here.”

“Terror Tom?”

H Yes. 7’

“ Here in the fort?”

“ He is in the guard-house, where I sent him
not an hour ago.”

“ It is the very place for him, sir.”

“ He came to me and told his story.”

“ All a lie, sir, if you will pardon me.”

“He asserts that he saw Velvet Bill and my
dau hter together.”

“ nk Heavsn! for he will bring her to the
fort soon.”

“No, no, you must know all,” and Colonel
Seeley told everything which Terror Tom had
made known to him.
ti Frank Powell listened with the deepest atten-

on.

He knew that the eyes of the colonel were try-
ing to read his thoughts, so his face revealed no
emotion.

At last he said: .

“ Colonel Seeley, I do not believe a word of
this story.”

“Thank Heaven for that.”

“ The man has some game to play, sir, and he
is Playing it boldly.

‘ e is in the guard-house you say, so when
Velvet Bill comes back you can confront him
with his accuser and see the result.

“ In the mean while, sir, I will go out and
camp alone on the , Fatal Trail to see if I can
make an discoveries.

“ I wi wait at the further end, near Jumping
Off City, until Velvet Bill passes, and then fol-
low him to the fort, just keeping him in sight.”

“ I wish that you would do so, Powell; but
there is Lieutenant Ames, and he has been ‘2
with Jack Crawford alone 0n the Fatal Trail.

“ I will hear his report.” .

The oun officer was called in, and both the
colone an Frank Powell observed how pale
and haggard his face was as he said;

“ l have a sad report to make, sir, when I can
see you ,alone.”

“ S k out now, sir.”

“ I ay in hiding on the trail last night, Colo-
nel Seeley. and I saw Velvet Bill pass within
fifty feet of me, but not alone, sir.”

“Who was with him, sir?” sternly demanded
Colonel Seeley. _

“ I regret to 81“ You Pun, lit, but, it was
your daughter!”

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE LIEUTENANT 8 STORY.

WHEN Colonel Seeley heard the words or
Lieutenant Andrew Ames, he stood like a m
who had received his death-blow.

His face became the hue of death, the vein.
distended, his lips were set and his eyes fairly
glared at the young ofilcera

But only for a moment did he thus a pear to
suffer. for he was a man of wonder in .911-
control, and he rallied quickly.

Lieutenant Ames also seemed to feel most
deeply what he had seen and reported.

The colonel knew him as a warm admirer of
his daughter, one whom Alice regarded most
hi hly, as he did himself.

11 fact, Colonel Seeley had begun to feel that
Alice really intended to accept the gallant (fli-
cer some day, though she showed no particular
partiality in public for any one.

Now this was the man who came to him and
said that he had seen his daughter riding with
Velvet Bill, when the Pony Itider was supposed
to be flying along on his perilous mission of
carrying the mail and Express.

Surgeon Powell sat silent also, impressed
more than he cared to admit by what he had
heard. '

The lieutenant’s re ort verified that of the
man then in the guar ’house Terror Tom.

The situation was a painful one for all three,
and the colonel was the first to break the si-
Ience.

He spoke in a calm way, but the effort to do
so was a telling one:

“ Lieutenant Amos, will you explain to me
minutely all that you have to re rt, please?”

“ I went, sir, with Jack Craw ord, on what I
hoped would be a successful search for some
news of Miss Seeley, and we decided to hover
about the Fatal Trail, taking regular turns in

uty.

" I‘Ve found a place where one of us could
encamp with the horses in security, while it
commanded a view of the spot where we in-
tended to remain in hiding, one at a time.

“Jack Crawford went on duty first, sir, for
the day, and made no discovery, and just at
night I took up the watch.

“ My lace was a secure one, among the rocks
and within a few yards of the Fatal Trail, not
very far from Sky Rocket’s grave.

“ I could command a fine view up and d0wn
the trail, and, being afoot, could easily hide
should an enemy appear.

“ The time passed on until nearly the hour for
the Pony Rider to come along, and soon I saw
forms in the distance.

“There were two, and I supposed the Pony
Rider had some company from the fort.

“ But soon I saw that they were riding in a
walk, and not Iii-:5 after others came in sight
perhaps a hund yards behind the two in
advance.

“ Those in the rear I noted were some half-
doz :en in number and shaping their pace to suit
the two ahead.

“ As they drew nearer I recognized Velvet
Bill as one, for the moon shone full upon him,
and the other I saw was a woman.

“ A lance at the others showed that there
were e ght of them, and they were Indians.

“ Velvet Bill was talking in a light way, and I
heard the lad y respond and then break forth in
a laugh, but what was said I could not hear.”

“ Then you do not know that it was my daugh-
ter, sir?”

“ I did hear her voice, sir, and it was that of
Miss Seeley, while the form and face were hers
as well as I could see.

“ The sombrero she wore when riding, with
its crossed sabers and gold cord, was upon her
head, and the dark-blue riding-habit trimmed
with brass buttons,while the waist was encircled
by the red sash Miss Seeley wore.

“ Were these things taken with her, Colonel
Seelevi”

“ Yes; I noticed that even her riding-whip was
gone,” was the hoarse rejoinder.

“ She, too, carried a riding-whip, sir, and
play fully shook it at Velvet Bill for some remark
he made.”

“ You know my daughter well, Lieutenant
Amesl”

“ I do, sir.” v

h“?}'ou are convinced that the one you saw was
s r

“ I am, sir, or it was her counterpart.”

“ And you know Velvet Bill?”

“ “'ell, sir.”

“ And the man you saw was he?” ,

“Either Velvot Bill, sir, or his living counter-
par .

“ I was at first about to step out, feeling
assured that Velvet Bill had found Miss Seeley;
but the Indians in the rear deterred me, fortu-
natelv.”

“ IVh y fortunate

“I will ex lain, r.

“ I conclu ed to wait until they had passedfl
for I did not know but that after all Velvet Bi
and Miss Seeley might be prisoners, and more
red-skins were foll'wring.

“ But as the two in advance came near me, I
heard the man sav:

“ ‘ This trail shall make my fortune before I
am done with it; but come, we must hasten on
our wa .’

“ With that they started into a gallop, the
Indians following at the same pace, and one
against nine, I dared not show myself.

“ I at once went for Jack Crawford, and he
followed the trail in the moonlight, as a hound
might have done.

“ We rode rapidly, and, coming to a rise,
drew rein just in time, for there was the group
on the prairie.

 

 

“They did not see us, fortunately, and just
then Velvet Bill went on alone, and the lady,
with the Indians following her, branched oft
suddenly to the right and went away at a brisk
run.

“We followed until their trail struck the
barren lands, and there we lost it, so we re-
turned to the fort.”

Such was the lieutenant’s story, and it gave
Colonel Seeley much food for reflection.

CHAPTER XXXViI.
THE SURGEON SCOUT ON THE TRAIL.

LIEUTENANT ANDREW AMES retired to his
quarters with a very sad heart.

He would not doubt Alice Seeley, and yet he
could not doubt his own eyesight.

The colonel had m0'ioned to Frank Powell to
still remain with him.

When the lieutenant had gone, he was the
first to break the silence.

“ What do you think now, Powell?”

“ The man Terror Tom must havo seen what

he reported to you, sir.”
“"Beyond all doubt, so 1 will have to let him
0.
“ I would say hold on to him, sir, until you
have seen Velvet BilL”

“ Will he return?”

“ Yes, sir, for he does not know that he is
suspected.

“ In fact, Colonel Seeley. I can neither sus-
pect Velvet Bill or Miss Seeley of more than
pladyi’nga part for good to come of it in the
en .

“ You are very generous, Powell.”

“ Well, sir, that gambler is a very remark-
able man, and I regard him as true as steel.

‘9 Your daughter, too, may have been seen
with him, but after all it may be some plot for
good after all.

“ Wait and see Velvet Bill, sir.”

“ I can only wait.

" But shou d be refuse to explain?”

“ Then, sir, I would put him under arrest, and
the truth must be gotten at in some other way
than through him.

“Now. sir, shall I take the trail to see if Ican
make any discoveries?”

“ Yes, if you will, and you can have any men

on wish.”

“ I prefer to (go alone, sir.”

“ Do as you earn best, Powell, and I will look
to you to bring me some news to lighten this op-

ression upon heart and brain, for you must

'now how I suffer.”

“I do, air and feel for you deeply; but I do
not give up .ope that all will et come well. I
neit er doubt the loyalty of is: Seele or of
Velvet Bill; but I would give a ood d if Red
Butterfly was only here, for he ad such a cool
head and clever way of getting at bottom
facts.” '

“ I will send a telegram urgent enough to
bring him when the Pony Rider leaves on his
next ride.

“ It can go by stage to Council Bluffs, and be
wired from there.”

“ Will he come, sir?” V ,

“ Do you send the telegram, Powell, and‘
make its wording such as to bring him.

“ I believe if you told him my dau hter was
a captive of the outlaws of the Fata Trail he
will come.”

“I will send the telegram, sir, and urge his
coming all in my wer.

“But now I wi lget ready for the trail and
you need not expect my return, 'sir, un ess
make valuable discoveries, before Velvet Bill
arrives again.” _

“ I have rfect confidence in you, Powell, and
ma good ortune attend you."

ith a rasp of the hand the two parted, and
after anot er visit to his patient, Pony Bob, and
a few directions regarding his treatment Frank
Powell went to his quarters and prepared for his
secret expedition.

His preparations were most thorough, for he
had provisions put up for him by his servam
blankets and oilskins "for sleeping out,
mounted his best horse. ‘

He also took with him his repeating-rifle and
an extra revolver, which he put in his saddl&
holster.

Thus equipped for red work, if need be, he
rode away from the fort.

His lan was not to follow the Fatal Trail, but
to ma e his coursea Zlg’ZHg one, crossing the
trail every few hours, and thus avoiding an am-
bush, while he could cbserve all tracks upon it,
for he meant to travol only b day.

The evening of the secon day he rode into
Jumping Off City without making any discov-
elrv ofnote.

' rails he had seen, and fresh ones, but they
all became lost in the barren lands, as all others
had been.

He rode straight to the tavern and ut up.

Then he went in search of Comanc e, the In-
dian who acted as Velvet Bill’s man of all
work.

But, though the doctor he Comanche well,
he could not pet the Indian to say more than
that Velvet Bi 1 would be along on time, and he

was to have such a horse ready for him.
The fact that Velvet Bill had an Indian com-

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Velvet Bill’s VOW.

 

7
anion and that the Assassins of the Trails were
ndians under a white master, presented itself to
Frank Powell as a suspicious Circumstance.

After seeing that the Comanche was non-com-
mittal, the surgeon had his supper, replenished
his haversack of revisions. and went on his
way along the trai toward Miner’s Roost.

But he left it soon after, made a flank move-
ment over to the Fatal Trail, and there went in-
to camp for the balance of the night.

He was up at dawn for it was Velvet Bill’s
day to go through to the fort, and glancing at
the trail he saw fresh tracks.

Velvet Bill had already passed, and ahead of

e.

The hoof-tracks were iron- shod, and the shoes
seemed new, and Surgeon Powell had noticed
that the horse to be ridden by the Pony Rider,
as Comanche had said, had just been shod.

He had retended the greatest interest in the
ambler’s orses, and noted the shoe well on the
orse to be put on the run to Fort Venture.

The horse that had inst passed had certainly
been newly shod.

So the Surgeon Scout mounted and rapidly
followed on the trail of the Pony Rider, wonder-
ing why he was so far ahead of time.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TRACKING ODDS.

Ir was not the intention of the Surgeon Scout
to overhaul the Pon Rider.

He neither wish to do that, nor to let him
know that he was behind him.

So he dismounted, and taking from a saddle-

ket some rubber shoes, made as mufflers for
is horse’s hoofs, he put them on and went again
to the work of following the trail.

The result was that even in a gallop the hoofs

ave only a dull sound, which could only be
rd a few yards distant.

Halting to listen, the Surgeon Scout could
hear the ring of iron against the rocky ground,
as the Pony Rider went on his way.

With a long ride before him on one horse, the
Pony Rider naturally held him at a moderate
speed, and the pursuer ke t on in his rear until
he had a distant view of t e horseman.

He drew his horse to a quick halt behind the
rise crept to the top and turned his powerful
field-glass ulpon him.

The horseman was half a mile in advance, but
there was the shapely form In the velvet coat,
the broad-brimmed sombrero, the high boots,
fine black horse in fact it Could only be the Pony
Rider Velvet Bill. ,

“ I must not crowd him too close, for he is on
the watch constantly: and a quick glance be-
hind him might discover me.

" I will keep just out of sight,” and with this
the Scouting Surgeon mounted again and held
on at a slackened pace.

At length he came to the hill which looked
over into the barren valley known as the Bad
Lands. '

And it was in this desolate valley that the
Pony Riders had so often met their death.

Upon one side of the valley was a rocky, im-
penetrable ridge, and across from it several
miles was the river with its wild and cliff-like
banks.

The trail led through the center of the valley,
here and there broken by piled-up masses of
rocks lonely bowlders, divides and an occa-
siona tree, or a group of unhealthy-looking

 

The valley wasa number of miles long and
had the appearance of having been, centuries
before, the bed of a salt lake, so destitute of
verdure it was. I

And along this valley wound what was known
as the Fate Trail. '

Along this trail were the aves of many a

llant Pony Rider, and ot ers, too, had met
heir death in the inhospitable region.

But such was the nature of the country that

‘ it was not believed that other trails could be

made to Jumping Ofl' City from the fort, with-
out passing through the dismal valley.

From his point of observation, Surgeon
Powell hada view of this valley of death for

es.

He had crossed it back and forth in his ride
down from the fort and men had said that Go-
won-go, the Indian Rider, knew other trails, se-
cret ones where none were supposed to exist,
and had thus avoided the Secret Ambushers,
who never knew where to look for them.

Be this as it may, the Surgeon Scout had
never been told ‘of such trails by the Red But—
terfly, and if they existed, he knew nothing of
them, nor did any other scout at the fort that
he had heard discuss the matter.

But then that country had been the Indian
Rider‘s favorite hunting- grounds when, as a
boy, he roamed about with his red-skin father,
known also as Go—won-ga * the exiled chief,
an)? fwho was also cal ed Patolla, the Mad

9 .

Taking his position behind a rock, the
Surgeon Scout leveled his glass upon the valley
tra . I

‘The name Go-won-go signifies Red Butterfly——

the name Go-won-ga is Majestic Palm.v’l‘n An-
.1303

 

Far ahead he saw the Pony Rider, and could
he believe what his lass also revealed to him?

He looked, rubbe the glasses, then his eyes,
and looked again.

There, comin from the direction of the river,
across the deso ate valley directly toward the
Fatal Trail, was a party of horsemen.

They were lndians, or costumed as such, and
e1 ht In number.

ut they were not all Indians, for one was a
pale—face.

It was a woman.

She was mounted well, rode with the ease of a
perfect horseman, and her habit was of blue,
trimmed with brass buttons and gold lace,
wclliile she wore a sombrero looped up upon one
S] e.

This the glass revealed to the Surgeon Scout,
and it seemed to stagger him.

The Indians were riding behind her, a huu- I

dred feet away.

She was not a risoner, that was certain.

And she was riding directly t0ward the P02?
Rider, who, upon seeing her, had come to a h t
on the trail.

The Sur eon Scout kept his glass to his eyes,
and saw t e horsewoman and the Pony Rider
meet.

He could not tell exactly at that distance,
but it looked to him like a very cordial meeting,
while the Indians halted some distance away.

“ Now I understand it all,” muttered Frank
Powell.

“The gambler has found Miss Seeley before,
but she is now going on to the fort with him,
having delayed her return for some purpose.

“Bus what are the Indians there for, and

where has she been in hiding all this time?

“ i could go on and join them, but I will not
spoil Velvet Bill's success by showing myself,
so will follow them slowly to the fort.’

But even as he spoke to himself, Velvet Bill
rode on, and alone, the horsewoman returned
toward the Indians, who followed in her rear
back the way they had come.

“ I cannot understand that; but I will follow
their trail, whatever the odds against me.”

So saying, Surgeon Powell waited until the
red-skins went out of sight, and then slowly rode
d0wn into the valley to strike their trail.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE DENIAL.

IVITH more anxiety than ever before did Col-
onel Seeley watch for the coming of the Pony
Rider, when his time for arrival drew near.

Lieutenant Andrew Ames also most anxious-
ly awaited his coming, for of course the colonel
would then know the truth. ,

But would Velvet Bill‘bring Alice Seeley with
him?

That was the question which the young officer
asked himself over and over again.

“Will he bring my daughter? ’

That was the thought repeating itself in the
colonel's mind all the time.

Butthe time passed and Velvet Bill did not
put in an appearance.

It was hard for the colonel to control himself;
but he paced his room to and fro, his lips set,
his face stern.

An hour went by and the Pony Rider did not
ap ar.

wo hours passed and Velvet Bill was not re-
ported in sight.

, Three hours had gone by, and the suspense
was becoming unbearable to Colonel Seeley,
when the call of the sentinel in the watch-tower
announced that the Pony Rider was in sight.

Colonel Seeley strode to the door to asksthe
orderly if he was alone, when Lieutenant Amos
appeared, and said:

“ I just descended from the .ower sir, and the
Pony Rider is alone.” '

'ilslhe colonel shut his teeth hard, and then
sa :

“ Lieutenant Ames, send the prisoner in the

ard-hou'se here; he answers to the name of

error Tom.

“ Send him by the rear way, for I do not
wish the Pony Rider to see him.

“ There is no need of a guard; but I will wish
you to be here too.”

“ I Will bring the man myself, sir, and wait
outside until needed,” and the lieutenant depart-
ed upon his errand. ‘

Meanwhile the Pony Rider had neared the
fort, coming at a full run, and when soon after
he dashed into the parade a cheer greeted him.

He acknowledged the cheer in his courtly
way, took his pouches, and strode toward the
colonel’s quarters.

The orderly had orders to admit him at once,
and to take his stand on the walk and allow no
one to ass.

Just efore V elvet Bill reached the door Colo-
nel Seeley heard a knock at the rear entrance
which told him of the arrival of the lieutenant
and the prisoner.

Velvet Bill came in with his usual manner,
 and ts’aid: h ] bi

ave roug t a va us 6 mone ck e
Colonel Seeley, for Paymaster Birneyy. pa as ’

“ Here it is, sir.”

“ And what else have ou brought, sir?"

“ A package of omcia papers for you, sir.”

 

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;- ~ the to

  

 

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“ And what else?”

‘ The mail, Colonel Seeley.”

“ Nothing else?" .

“ No, sir, for there was nothing else to bring,
and the station-agent at Dismal City did not
wish me to attempt to bring the money through,
sayin you had best send an escort after it."

‘ V hen did you leave Dismal City, sir?”
“ On time, sir.”
“ Where did you sto
~ “ At the relays, at
Off City.”
“Whom did you see on the way ’11”
“Not a soul, sir, on the trails away from the

en route ?”
iner’s Roost and J umping

campé.”

“ ell, Velvet Bill, let me ask you whom you
saw on your way from the fort on the night you
left here?”

“ Not a soul, sir, except in the camps.”

“ You met no one?”

“ No one, sir.”

“ Velvet Bill, suppose I confront y0u with one
who saw you meet some one?”

“ It is not possible, Colonel Seeley, and I do
not understand what you wish to know from
me, for your‘ questions incline me to think that
you believe I am deceiving you.”

In response the colonel stepped to the door and
called in Terror Tom.

The latter had not a happy look at havin to
face Velvet Bill who re rded him with a Fook
of contempt While he sais:

“ Do you bring that creature as a witness
against me, Colonel Seeley?”

“ I do; for he has thce seen you on the trail
when you were joined by some one.”

“ When and where, sir?”

Terror Tom told his story, at the command of
Colonel Seeley, and in spite of an effort to show
utter unconcern, Velvet Bill’s face wore an anx-
ious expression which the commandant did not
fail to observe.

“ Do you deny the statements of this man,
Velvet Bill?”

“ I do, sir, for it is not true that he saw me
as he states he did,” came the clear, tirm re—
sponse.

The colonel stepped to the door and called in
Lieutrnant Ames.

“ Mr. Ames, will you repeat to me when and
where you saw this man last, and under what
circumstances?”

“I will do so, sir,” and the story of the lieu-
tenant was repeated.

“ Do you den that Lieutenant Ames also saw
you. Velvet Bil ?”

“ Colonel Seeley, that creature, known as
Terror Tom, I would not believe under oath.

“ He is my foe, and vowed to destroy me.

“ As for Lieutenant Ames’s statement, I can
only say that I believe he is honest in thihking
that he saw me, and also your daughter.

“ But. sir, he is mistaken.

“ That is all I have to say, sir.”

“ Orderly l” and the colonel’s voice rung out
stern] .

“ es, sir.”

“ Send a sergeant and file of men Here .0 ar-
rest this man.’

“ I submit to. m fate Colonel Seeley,” and
the voice of ihe ony Rider was unmoved,
while, as he was led away, he bowed golitely to
the colonel and Lieutenant Ames, t ough the
look he gave Terror Tom made that worthy
shudder. .

CHAPTER XL.
THE INDIAN PONY RIDER.

COLONEL SIELEY was in the greatest distress
imaginable. ‘ .

His daughter had been I; irited away, as he
believed, and all search or her was utterly
fruitless.

'th, while he mourned for her, news came to
him that she had been seen with Velvet Bill, a.
man to whom he had 'become really attached,
in the time that he had kn0wn him.

The testimony of Terror Tom, straight as it
appeared, he would have doubted ; but he
could not doubt that of Lieutenant Ames.

Then came the flat denial of the Pony Rider
to the accusations, and Colonel Seeley could
only see his way clear to put him at once under
arrest.

To Terror Tom he said, as soon as he had
seen the gambler depart under guard:

“ Now, Sir go the quartermaster, get what
food you need, mount your horse and leave the

 

fort.
~ “ If I hear of you hanging about the trails I

will have you shot without trial.
“ If I need your testimony again I shall send
ttgnlgismal City for you; but beware how you

“ Go, sir!”

f‘ I thanks yer, colonel, and I’ll light out in
mighty quick time. _

‘ My .address be Dismal City, and ef er
wants me thar 1 will be found, onless I as
tarned up my toes.

“I thanks you loot’nent, fer provin’ me a.
honest man, fer I d ’a’ been sot down as a liar ef
yer hadn't seen what I see.

“Ta-ta, gents,” and with an awkward salute
the man was gone, the orderly going with him
to escort him out of the fort.

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——

 

He had kept his Word in losing no time, and l
struck out on the Fatal Trail with his horse in a ,
full gallop. i

The truth must be told that Terror Tom was ‘
content to have Velvet Bill a prisoner, while he
shook hands With himself as he rode along, con- 2
gratulating himself upon his very close call.

“ Thet were a very close call fer me, as ther 
colonel hain’t a man ter stand nonsense. E

“I begin ter feel as though I were a goner; '
but ther loot’nent helped me out— Now who
in jumping wild-cats be that?

" It do be another Pony Rider, sart’in.”

His last remark referred to a horseman he
saw coming like the wind up the trail.

He was well mOunted and his horse was
stretched out at full spee .

As he drew nearer Terror Tom ave a low
whistle, for in the dark face, long hair and gay
costume of the horseman, he recognized one
well known upon the trail.

Had it been anywhere else, far from the fort,
he might have tried to drop the rider and get
his valuables, as be supposed he must be a
special carrying rich packages.

But he did not wish to get himself into trou-
ble, so wisely forbore with the remark:

fl “,As I am a livin’ sinner,it be the Red Butter-

Y- ’
The Pony Rider was nearly up to him now,
and without a word, only a look, flew by, but in
an instant his horse had been brought to a halt,
thrown back on his haunches, wheeled around
on his hind legs as though on a pivot, and Ter-
ror Tom found himself covered, while sharply
came the words:

“ Hands up, pard!

“ Who are you and what doing on this trail?”

Terror Tom was caught wholly off his guard,
and turned pale as he looked into the muzzle
of the revolver.

But he had the very good sense to obey, holding
his hands above his head with an alacrity that
was ludicrous.

“ Lordy, Butterfly, don’t yer know yer old
friend, Tom, 0’ Jumping OR City?” he said with
a giggle.

‘ on were never friend of mine; but I know
you now, and I was right that you were bad
medicine.

“ What are you doing here?”

“ I jist come from ther fort, whar I hev been
ter see Colonel Seeley, who wanted me for a
leetle business.”

“ Ah! caught you robbing, or killing—which!”

“See here, Pard In jin, hain’t one ter put
up with such talk.”

“ I know you, and I will be on the safe side.

“ Here, hold out your hands!"

The man sullenly obeyed, and pulling a pair
of steel handcuffs from a saddle-pouch the In-
dian slipped them upon his wrists.

“Now I’ll take hold of your stake-line, and
back to the fort you go.

“ Quick l"

Terror Tom swore vigorously, but it was no
use his horse was urged into a run, and half
an our after the sentinel reported a Pony Ri-
der and Terror Tom coming back.

When they dashed into the fort and Red But-
terfly was recognized, cheer after cheer went
up for him, for he was supposed by all to be an
Indian youth.

The cheers were heard by Velvet Bill and he

uickly asked the cause, and was told that Red
Butterfly had come in with a prisoner.

“ Thank Heaven he has come; but what pris-
oner has he brought in?” asked the gambler
somewhat anxious .4

“It is Terror Tom, that border tramp who
left here an hour ago, sir.”

“ Ah! caught him in some deviltry, I suppose,
and yanked him back again.”

In the mean while the Red Butterfly had gone
to headquarters to report, his prisoner with
him, and a look of amazement and pleasure
commingled came over the face of Colonel See-
le as he saw the Indian youth, and exclaimed:

“ Red Butterfly, you here again i"

“ Yes, sir, and I am here to report as Pony
Express Rider,” was the response of Go-won-gO.

 

CHAPTER XLI.
ran: as STEEL.

N Ex'r to the appearance of his loved daughter,
at that moment, Colonel Seeley would have
wished to see Go-won-go. the Pony Rider.

He had intended sendin an escort with the
mail and Express *0 Dism City, as Velvet Bill
was under arrest, and was most anxious to get
Surgeon Powell’s dispatch to the Indian Rider,
for the colonel had it in h on and was
going to add a few lines on his own account,

Therefore his surprise and pleasure were great
to see Go—won—go enter his quarters.

He greeted him with exceeding warmth and
then said:

“ What lucky'wind has blown you here, Go-
won-go, just when I needed you most?"

“ I received an urgent appeal to come, sir,
from Velvat Bill, who told me in his letter of
the sad blow that had fallen upon you in the
kidnapping of Miss Seeley, sir.”

“ You received a letter from Velvet Bill 7”

 

asked the colonel with surprise.

“ Yes, sir, it was sent through to me with all
haste and I left the day I received it.

“ I hoped to have caught him at Dismal City
but arrived some hours after his departure, so
pushed on at full speed.

“ He has arrived, has he not, sir?” and G0-

It

. wonigo appeared anxious.
es

e is here,” and Colonel Seeley glanced
at Lieutenant Ames, who sat in silence regard-
ing the Indian, after his first greeting of him.

‘Yes, he is here; but what have you got that
man a prisoner for i"

“ I arrested him, sir, upon general principles,
knowing him to be an unmitigated scamp.

“ I met him on the trail, and took the idea he
was there for mischief, so did not believe his
story, that he had been to see you, and brought
him back.”

The colonel smiled sadly, and Terror Tom
looked at him to see if he was to be held on
“ general principles.”

“ Let him go, Red Butterfly, for I allowed him
to depart.”

The irons were taken off quickly, and Go-
won-go said:

“ You Were innocent this once, Terror Tom,
but look out for next time.”

“ I’ll do it, and keep my eye on you, Injun,”
growled Terror Tom, as he walked away to his

orse.

“ Now, Go-won- 0, you say you have come
back to ride Pony press!”

“ Yes, Colonel Seeley, and at the same time
do detective work to hunt down the kidnappers
of Miss Seeley, for by my relieving Velvet Bill
he will be free to act as he wished to do for her
rescue.” .

“ Go-won-go I am glad you hive come, for
we have no Pony Rider n- w, a S Ben was
killed and Pony Bob is lying badly wounded.”

“ But Velvet Bill, sir? ’

“ Is under arrest.” ‘

The Indian’s dark face changed hue, and the
words were sternly uttered:

“ Velvet Bill under arrest, sir?”

(6 Yes.”

“ May I ask of what he has been accused?”

“ I will tell you the whole story, Go-won-go,
and Lieutenant Ames is here to vouch for the
charge he makes against Velvet Bill being
true.”

Go—won-go seemed ill at ease, and said: ‘

“ I believe, sir, all charges against Velvet
Bill can be shown to be without sufficient cause
or, if he has done that which he is condemned
for, he can show good reason for his acts.”

“ You are as true as steel to your friends, Go-
won- go, and it is a good trait; but you shall
hear the whole story, from the kidnapping of
Ely poor daughter up to the arrest of v'elvet

ill

“ But now go and seek rest and food, if you
expect to go out with the mail to-night.”

“ I do not need rest or food, sir,” almost fret-
fully said Go—won-go.

“ I will go out to-ni ht, sir, on the return
ride; but I wish you won d now be good enough
to let me understand the charges against Vel-
get Bill, for it was his letter that brought_ 'me

ere.

“ Have you his letter with you i”

“ No, sir, I left it in one to my ado ted fa-
ther, explaining my leaving home as I id, and
knowing that when he knew I came at the call
of Velvet Bill, and to aid in the rescue of our
daughter, he would feel that I had done right,
my duty as I saw it.”

‘ It was very noble of you, Go—won-go, and I
shall at once make known to ou the situation,
atnf’i see what that level heady of yours sees in
l .

The story was then told, from the threat of
the Ambushers pinned upon the pillow of Alice
Seeley, upltothe arrest of Velvet Bill after his
denia of avmg been seer. by Terror Tom and
Lieutenant Ames.

Red Butterfly listened to all with an interest
that seemed painful to him.

Now and then he asked a question in a
sharp tone, devoid of his usual respectful man-
ner, which was marked.

At last he Said decidedly:

“ I do not wish to doubt your word, Lieuten-
ant Amen; but if it was Velvet Bill, be has de-
ceivegi you, Colonel Seeley, for some good pur-
pose.

 

CHAPTER XLII.
a BLIND WITNESS.

“ As I said before, Go-won-go, you are true as
steel to your enemies, yes, and to your foes,
too, for t at matter; but I tried hard to believe
as you feel, so did Lieutenant Ames, and
also Surgeon P0well,” said Colonel Seeley, after
the Indian Rider’s belief in Velvet Bill’s good
motives if really guilty.

“Where is Surgeon Powell, sir?”

“ He is away on the trail, and alone.

“ He went to discover what he could in the
matter, for he could hardly believe Velvet Bill
would play me false." '

|( D
as,

es, he said he would doubtless 110w Vel-
vet Bill in.” to

“ Then he should soon be here, sir.”

0 you expect Surgeon Powell back soon,

1.

 

“ Yes, especially as Velvet Bill is generally
late on his rides.”

“ Late, sir?”
“ ,es, he came in today. nearly three hours
late. ’

“And he was several hours ahead of me..
Colonel Seeley?”

if 1'98 )1

“I he
sir, for would Ike to see him before I start.
on my ride back, and also to know what he
now says about Velvet Bill.”

“ Yes, I wish on to hear, Go-won-go.”

“ Could I see elvet Bill, sir!”

:fl I am pained to have to refuse you, Red But-

y.

“ As I saw my duty, I had to, under the cir-
cumstances, arrest Velvet Bill.

“ I have ordered that no one be allowed to
speak to him except the guard, and I cannot.
permit you to do so. ’

“ Then I must go it alone in the duty before
me, Colonel Seeley?

“ I came here to aid in the rescue of Miss
SeeIey by riding Pony Express for Velvet Bill.

“ Nothing else, sir, than the danger of your
daughter would have brought me here, and
now, as my ally is in durance vile, I must also-
set him free by provin his innocence.

“ But let me say, olonel Seeley, great as
seems this double undertaking, I do not shrink
from it one iota.”

And the look upon the face of the Indian Pon
Rider showed a etermined resolve not to flinc
from what he had cut out for himself to per—
form.

“ Surgeon Powell, sir,” said the orderly, en—
tering.

“ I will see him at once, orderly,” cried the
colonel, while Go-won-go seemed pleased to hear
of his coming.

The Surgeon Scout came in looking travel-
stained and wear v ; but his handsome face
brightened up when he saw Go—Won-go, and
seizing his hand he said, quickly:

“ Now, Colonel Sreley, I have an ally that is
worth a regiment of soldiers; but, pardon me,
sir, as I was so rejoir‘e'i to see Red Butterfly.”

And the surgeon had quite forgotten the defer»
ence due his colonel.

“ You are more than excusable, Surgeon Pow»
ell. for my surprise and pleasure at Go—won-go’s.
ceming were as great as yours.

“ But he will not believe Velvet Bill guilty.”

“ Pardon me. Colonel Seeley; I would not
doubt Colonel Ames’s assertion that he saw Vel-
vet Bill, as he states, but I do maintain that, if
guilty, it‘is for some good reason which he can
fully explain.”

“ That is another way of looking at it, Colonel
Seeley, which I had not thought of ' but Velvet
Bill is guilty, whatever his motive,’ impressive—
ly said the Surgeon Scout.

“ You have seen him, then, Powell?” eagerly
said the colonel, and all breathlessly awaited his
answer.

“ I have, sir.”

“Where?” .

“ I went to Jumping OflL' City and tried to,
glean some news from his Indian companion:
there, but was unsuccessful.

“ I left on the trail for Miner’s Roost, flanked.
to the left and camped on the Fatal Trail.

“ To my su rise when day dawned I saw that
some one bad Just gone by.

“ The horse was newly shod, and the Indiana
pard of Velvet Bill had Just had the horse shod,
which the Pony Rider was to take from there.

“ I knew that he was some hours ahead of"
time, and this su rised me.

“ But I follow , came to a rise where I saw
the horseman, and recognized him.”

“lIt was Velvet Bill?” eagerly asked the col—
one .

“ Either Velvet Bill, sir, or his double.

“ Then too he was mounted upon a large bay,
and it was a bay I had seen newly shod at J ump-
ing Ofl‘ City.

“ I dropped back out of sight and followed in
a slow canter.

“ When I reached the ridge which goes over
into the Valley of Death, I dismounted and lev-
eled my glass.

“ There was Velvet Bill, and going toward’
him across the valley, from the direction of the
river, I saw a body ontndians, eight in number,
all mounted.

“ Ahead of these Indians was a lady on horse~

ck.” -
“ My daughter!" almost groaned Colonel See—

16 . ,
y‘ It was Miss Seeley, sir, or her double.”
“ A prisoner?”
. “ “o, sir, she was not a prisoner to my think-
in .
‘g‘ Well?”
“ The horseman—”
“Velvet Bill?”
“ Yes, sir.”

“ He raised his hat, and she waved her hand-5

kerchief, and the two met on the Fatal Trail.”

“ The Indians?”

“ Halted a hundred yards away, sir.”

“ Yes, Powell.”

“ I held In glass upon the two,,and they talk:
ed together or some time.”

Surgeon Powell will soon come in, V

 

this?  : - - 

f. 

    

   
   
    
     
    
   
 
  
  
  

   
 

. r
,wu

— awe; ‘
. ‘4.

wvv

'20

 

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

._._

J “"You were near enough to see them distinct-
.fl,

“IVith my glasses, yes, sir, for I was some-
thing over half a mile away.

“ Then they parted, the man continuing on
along the trail, the lad going back the way she
had come, the Indians alling 1n behind as before
and following her.”

CHAPTER XLIII.
Go WON-GO RIDES THE FATAL TRAIL.

‘SUaoaoN POWELL paused in his narrative,
after having stated that the Pony Rider
separated from the horsewoman and the In-

dians, and from the lips of Colonel Seeley came
the lowly-uttered words:

“ The third witness.

“ Can he, too. be mistaken?”

“ I may be, Colonel Seeley, for before a court
of justice I w0uld not take oath that I saw
either your daughter or Velvet Bill; but if I
did not, then I saw their doubles, sir, if such
things are, and I have had experience that tells
me they are.”

11‘},And the Pony Rider Came on alone, Pow-
e-

“ Yes, sir.”

“ While the one you supposed was my daugh-
ter, followed by the Indians, went back toward
the river!”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ And the Indians seemed more of an escort
for her than a guard ?”

“ So I took it, sir. "

“ What did you do then?”

“I waited until all had gotten out of sight,
and then I rode down into the valley, sir, at the
place where I had seen the meetin .

“ The Pony Rider I had expec to see take
Miss Seele , if she it was, on with him to the
fort, and would not show myself, not wishin
to spoil his rescue of her alone, for I sup ,

.from the r rt of Lieutenant Ames, that she
had awai Velvet Bill’s return before going
to Fort Venture.

“ But my amazement was very great when I
saw them part.

“ i could no longer see any motive for Miss
Seeley to remain away, if it was in her power
to go to cu, sir.

“The ndians did not ap r to be her foes,
nor the foes of the Pony ider, and yet she
went one way and the horseman went on up the
Fatal Trail.

“ This decided me in following her.”

“ Ah 1”

“ I argued that the Pony Rider was 3going to
the fort, so why folIOW im, when, if he did
come here I would arrive in time to report
what I had seen before his departure upon his
night ride back again i”

“ You argued well, Doctor Powell.

“ So you ollowed the—the others 5’”

“ Yes, sir; I went to the scene of the meet-
ing, picked up the trail and followed it toward
the river.

“ You are aware, sir, of the nature of the
land in the barren valley, and it was slow work
following the trail over the rocks.

“ But I managed to do so for half a dozen
miles, it leading toward the river cliffs the
scouts call the Castle.

“ But try as I might I could not see the tracc
of a trail as I neared the cliffs.

“ It was utterly lost, as we haVe lost their
trails before, and as there Were a dozan differ-
ent ways they could havo gone, all leaving no
trail, I was forced to come on to the fort, as I
was anxious to see i ' Velvet Bill had come in,
and what excuse h, had to make for not bring-
ing Miss Seeley in with him, when it seemed so

- wholly in his power to do so.”

“ He came alone, Surgeon Powell, and denied
in toto that he was the man seen by that vil-
lain. and afterward by Lieutenant Ames.”

“ He denies it, sir?’

“Yes, and I placed him under arrest.”

“ I cannot Well see how you could do anything
else, sir.”

“ It is a most painful situation for me, as you
know, and I am glad to have your testimony of
what you saw.

“ I am more glad to kn0w that the Red But-
terfly is here once more to ride Pony Express,
and I can only wait the development of mat—
ters, whatever it may be.

“As for m self, I shall give no more orders
for a search or my dang ter, but accept the
situationas it is, though with an abiding faith
in her, and that though she remains away, it is
to accomplish some good.”

“Colonel Seeley, as you have expressed confl-
dance in me, sir, may I ask if you will allow me
to work out this mystery in my own way i” said
Go-won-go.

“ I have faith enough in you, Go-won-go, to
say that you may do so,” earnestly said the
colonel.

“ But Velvet Bill must still remain a pris-
oner!” ‘

‘6 Yes.” _

“ And, Colonel Seeley, will you instruct Sur-
gwnWPowell to obey my wishes without ques-

on

It was a bold request to make, and the colonel
looked critically at Red Butterfly.

 

Then ‘he turned his gaze u n the Surgeon
Scout, who had seemed amu<e at the request of
Go-won-go.

“ What do you say to this, Surgeon Powell?”

“I know of no ally I would rather have, sir,
for any work than Go-won-go.

“ VYe have been together before upon two suc—
cessful trails, and I believe I then f0110wed his
directions, so I am willing to place myself under
his orders, Colonel Seeley, especially in so good
a cause.”

“ Then he is to obey me, Colonel Seeley?”

H y'es.”

“ You hear, Surgeon Powell?”

(‘1 do.”

“ Thank you,” and turning to Colonel Seeley,
Go-won-go continued:

“I will go and prepare for my ride, sir, and
report when ready,” and the Red Butterfly left
the colonel’s quarters. -

“ What do you think of that strange request
of his, for you to obey his orders, Powell?” asked
the colonel.

“Go—won—go is' a mystery, Colonel Seeley, I
never could fathom. and he doubtless saw some
way in which I could help him, and so made the
request.

“ As for myself I do not believe I can go far
wrong in following his orders,” and the Surgeon
Scout and Lieutenant Amos also took their
leave, while Colonel Seeley was left to his own
gluomy reflections, and gloomy indeed the
were, though he had not lost faith in his devote -
ly-loved daughter.

Soon after the Red Butterfly reported, ready
for his ride, and he shot away from the fort like
an arrow. amid the cheers of the soldiers who
were glad to welcome him back, for known only
as zyouth then, I must still refer to Go—won-go
as 1m.

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
THE MYSTERY GROWS Darrin.

Or course under the circumstances, the Fatal
Trail was regarded as more dangerous than
ever, and the chancss were set down against
gol-‘vevgn-go as greater by far than he had before

I 0

Why Velvet Bill had been put under arrest
was not known to other than the colonel and
those most intimately connected with him, for
Terror Tom had very shrewdly kept his own
counsel upon that subject.

Before going, the Red Butterfl had not even
seen Surgeon Powell again, so hat that that
officer was at a loss as to what his “orders”
would be from the Pony Rider.

“Doctor Powell knew that it would be days
before the Red Butterfly’s return so be patient-
] waited for the time to come w on he should
dyiscover what the plan of the Indian Rider
was.

The day after Go-won-go’s departure he ob-
tained the permission of Colonel Seeley to see if
he could discover anything from Velvet Bill.

Armed with a Kass he went to the guard-
house and found t e gambler enjoying a cigar
after his dinner.

He did not seem Very much cast down by his
situation, greeted the surgeon pleasantly, and

said . .

” I am glad to feel that Red Butterfly is back
again, Surgeon Powell.”

“ Do you know why he came?”

The guestion was asked as though he dil not
himsel know.

“ Oh, yes, I wrote to him to come, for I wished
his aid in ferreting out this mystery, and I knew
he would aid me in the rescue of Miss Seeley.

“ You know I vowed to save her. Powell?”

“ Yes, the colonel told me you did.”

“ \Vell, 1 shall keep that vow."

Surgeon Powell looked at the courtly gambler
in surprise. \

A man in prison asserting what he intended to

0.

So he said :

“If on can do so, why not do se now?”

“ If I, was free, now that Red Butterfly is here
to ride Pony Express, I could do so in a short
while."

“ The colonel will not let you go free.”

“I am sure of that, and cannot blame him,
for appearances are very black against me,
since ieutenant Ames says that he saw me.”

“ Another than Lieutenant Ames saw you.”

“ That wretch, Terror Tomobah l”

“ No: still another.”

“ Who was he?"

“ I saw you.”

‘(  P?

H Yes.”

“ Come, now, when was this?”

“ I saw you, or your double—~”

" Or my what?” quickly asked the gambler.

“ Your double.”

“ Yes, go on.”

“ 1 say that I saw you or your double riding
the Fatal Trail yesterday morning.

“ I followed you—”

“Or my shadow—”

“ Yes; and saw a lady on horseback riding
across the valley to ward the trail.”

“A lady?”

4‘ Yea.”

“ Alone?”

 

(t No.17

“ “'ho was with her?”

“Eight Indians.”

“ Indians?”

(i Yes. ,7

“ White men painted as Indians?”

M NO.”

“ How do you know?”

“ I know an Indian from a white man under
any disguise, Velvet Bill.”

“ True, and those were Indians?”

“ They were.”

“ And they had the lady a prisoner?”

“ She did not appear to be, for they followed
in single file some distance behind her.”

“ And then I?"

With his piercing eyes, which had made many
a man quail before them in anger. fixed upon
the face of Velvet Bill, Surgeon Powell con-
tinued:

" And then she rode into the trail and met—”

“ Me, or my double?”

H X'es. ’3

“ And then!”

“ For some time the two talked together,
and—”

“ IVho was she?”

“ Miss Seeley, or her double.”

“ Do you mean that you took the lady for Miss
Seeley? ’

u I do.”

“ You were near enough to know?”

“ Yes, and had my glass."

“ Well?” .

“If it was not Miss Seeley it was her shadow,
and if it was not you. it was your shadow.”

“ What occurred then, sir?”

“ The parted.”

“ An the Indians?”

“Followed the lady back toward the river.”

“ And the man you took for me?”

“ Game on toward the fort in a canter.”

“ This you reported to Colonel Seeleyi”

“ As in duty bound.”

“ Yes, 1 do not condemn you, Surgeon Powell,
for I believe you implied to him that there
might be a doubt as to the one you saw being
me

“I expected to see you bring Miss Scale on to
the fort; but when I saw her go back w th the
Indians, and you, if it was you, come on toward
the f rt, I felt that something was wrong.

“ Then coming to the fort I learned that you
had ,uenied the evidences of all those who saw

“ I do.”

“ You assert that it was not yourself 7"

“ I do; and do you believe that it was!”

“ I have the evidences of my senses, and yet
I may have been mistaken, though if it was not
you, nVelvet Bill, it was your exact counter-

part.
“ And Miss Seeley?”

“ Yes.”

“ Surgeon Powell?”

H Yes.”

“You must get the colonel to let me 0 free,
for if I sta here I n ill be hanged for idnap-

ping Miss eeley.

“ If I am a free man, I can return her to her
father, but not unless."

“ He would never consent to our going fm,
Velvet Bill, until this mystery 3 cleared up.”

“Then I must make my escape,” was the very
cool response of the gam ler Pony Rider, to the
great surprise of Surgeon Powell, who soon af-
ter took his leave more puzzled than ever.

 

CHAPTER XLV.
TAKEN BY SURPRISE. r

Tm: news had spread along the Overland 'o
the ca ture and supposed death of the daughter
of Co onel Seeley, at the hands of the Secret
Assassins of the Trails.

If they would’be guilty of a defiance to the
military commander, what would they not do?

If they would put an innocent Km to death.
then it was time to find them out and hang the
last one of the band.

The news also went along the camps of the

' return of Go—won—go, the Indian Rider of the

Overland, and it was‘ a surprise and pleasure,
for the Red Butterflywas universally popular
along the trails, and his daring won the admira-
tion of all.

From Dismal City to Jumping Off City there
was as_much excitement among the miners at
the various camps. as among the soldiers at the
fort. only the latter suppressed their feelings.

Out of the fort went Go—won-go, many Won'
dering that he had returned just in time to take
the place of Velvet Bill, who had been arrested.

Whether it was that Terror Tom was afraid
of being overtaken by the young rider, "110 had
so summarily arrested him before. he certainly
made very remarkable time upon his ride from
the fort.

His horse had been rested, and with some
half-dozen hours start he had kept up a lively
pace.

As Velvet Bill was no longer the King Sport
in Jumping Off City he did not fear to go to that
delectable mining-camp. especially as he bad
news of importance to tell.

So along the Fatal Trail he dashed, and it was

/

vi

 

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5—...
.‘ ,x
fi!‘
.‘Lr. v ~

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.:~1a.' < I-

5...,- .uw‘.

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l
i
i

 

L ‘dv

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unusmh‘. ‘LJ- . nu. .. i - .x g 4 fig,

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

21

 

 

late in the night when the lights of Jumping Off
Cit came into view.

l ot a soul had be seen on the trail, and he was
delighted that he had not. 1

Riding up to the tavern stables he dismounted,
and, after a careful reconnoissance about the
premises, stalked in like a man who had no
fear.

All recognized him, and a hush fell upon the
crowd, which he was careful to take advantage
of, for he said, quickly:

“ Eveniii’, pards, all!

“ What news?”

“ Has yer pards been hanged?”

“ And you escaped?”

“ What game are yer givin’ us?"

Terror Tom was not exactly pleased with this
reception.

In gomg to the fort he had passed Jumping
Oif City by.

But he thought now he could stop there, as he
had something to tell.

His audience, not seeing the other two, Dick
and Harry, felt no awe of the one man. especial
ly as he had had his claws clipped, as they ex—
pressed it, by the gambler, Velvet Bill.

“ Pards, I has just come from ther fort, and
ther Red Butterfly are ridin’ ther Overland
a in. ' .

“ Yer is tellin’ us ancient hist‘ry, Terror Tom,
for we seen ther Red Rider go through here this
morning,” said one.

“ But that hain’t all, pards.”

‘_‘ Waal, out with yer gush, ef yer has any-
thing ter talk,” said an angry voice.

 Red Butterfly takes ther place 0’ Velvet

i . .

'* .Has Velvet Bill been killed?”

Fifty VOiCes asked the question, and it came in
a perfect roar that made Terror Tom shudder,
and showed him that the gambler was still king
there. that he was the miners’ idol.

“ N o, pards, he hain’t been kilt, but he hev
been arrested.”

“ Arrested i"

“ Yas.”

“ What hev he done i"

I has news fer yer.”

“It were he who run off ther colonel’s pretty!

darter, and he hev got her in hidin’ now.”

“ And is that all?’

“ Waal I’m afraid he is goin’ to find it a
severe all, pards.”

Had Terror Tom told the miners that Velvet
Bill was a prisoner at Miner‘s Roost, or Dis-
mal City, the whole population of Jumping Off
City would have at once moved upon the place
that dared hold their King of Sports.

But with the army it was different.

They were glad to know that Velvet Bill had
run of! with _the colonel‘s daughter; it was a
feather in the ambler’s cap, they took it, and
yet what coul they do to help him out, for
thev dared not fight the Gavernment.

What their decision might have been, no one
could tell, as suddenly a revolver was thrust
into Terror Tom’s face. and the words were
heard:

“Me want you—come!”

The speaker was Comanche, Velvet Bill’s In-
dian pard, and he had Terror Tom covered.

CHAPTER XLVI.
commons HOLDS raunrs.

Tnaaoa Ton was so completely taken by sur-
prise thst his face was a picture of despair and
amazement combined.

No one had seen the Indian enter until he
suddenly, with a lea like a panther, confront-
ed the despeme an thrust his revolver in his
face.

If the man expected sympathy from those
prescnt, he was wofully mistaken, f0r a per-
fect yell of laughter went up from the delighted
crowd. .

“ Go in, Injun, and Win!" .

“ Kill him, Comanche!”

“ Scalp him I”

“ He’s no good!”

" Don’t surrender Terror Tom!”

“ Jump on him, Tom!”

Such were the cries, and the white man cer-
tainly was in a perilous situation.

He looked appealineg around the room for
some friendly ace.

But. he had, With his two comrades, bullied
all he came in contact with, so no one felt pity
for him.

Man a man had been killed in cold blood by
that rio of Terrors, and now no one had
mercy for one who had never been merciful to
others.

“ Come! me want'Tom.”

The Indian had his eyes u
outlaw, and the mu" 0 0
ri ht on his nose. _ i

om had put up his hands involuntarily to
prevent a death-shot, and there he stood, a pic-
ture 'of fright and misery.

Comanche did not move.

What he wanted was his game, and he meant
to take it off. ,

“ Come!” he said, for the third time.

“ Whar ther blazes does yer want me ter go,
In 'uni” howled Terror Tom. _

'l‘he Indian reached forward his left hand,

n the face of the
his revolver was

i

 

unbuckled the belt of his victim and took it

o .

“ Me want Tom. Come!” be repeated.

What the desperado saw in the face of the
Comanche caused him to at once step forward
toward the door, while a dozen miners began
to whistle the appropriate air of the Rogue’s
March.

Out of the door went Terror Torn, now terri—
fied Tom, and his red captor, and- some of
the miners were going to follow.

But Comanche wheeled around, so as to still
keep his grip on the bully, while he covered the
crowd with his revolver, and said:

“ No want!

“ Go back I”

“ We’ll do it.”

“ You bet!”

“ I hain’t curious.”

“You kin have him,” and with like expres-
sions the crowd fell back in confusion, while the
door was closed quickly.

Instantly the TCd‘Bkiu seized the bully by the
back of the neck, and rushed him along around
the corner of the hotel at a tremendous speed,
and which Terror Tom, strong as he was, could
not resist.

He stopped at the door of Velvet Bill’s cabin,
shoved '1 error Tom in and followed quickly.

A light was there, and revealed very comfort-
able quarters.

The cabin was built as a wing to the tavern,
and had three rooms.

One of these the gambler used as a bed-cham-
ber, another as a sitting-room, and the third
was Comanche’s quarters.

That Velvet Bill was a man of luxurious
tastes was evident by the furnishing of his
cabin.

Here was a rustic table, a couple of easy-
chairs a bronze, swinging lamp, and some
book-shelves filled with rare works, while a
guitar and cornet hung upon the wall, which
were also adorned with some very artistic
paintings in oil and colors of border scenery,
and sketches of camp scenes, Indians, Mexicans
and miners.

There were brackets holding rifles, a pair of
 a sword, ,knives and pistols of various

n s.

The bed-room contained a hammock instead
of a cot for a bed, a rude wardrobe filled with
clothing, a chest and a few _rea1 luxuries for
that far—away region.

Such was the home of Velvet Bill, into which
the Comanche had so unceremoniously ushered,
or rather shoved, Terror Tom.

“ Now, Injun, what does yer want with me?”
cried Terror Tom, looking around in a bewil-
dered sort of way.

“ Keep Tom here.”

“ \Vhat fer?”

“ See if Velvet Bill die.”

“ Oh, no, he’s all right,” said Terror Tom, in a
lively tone.

“ Ifdie, Tom die bad death.”

“ You see, Injun, he’s only in a little trouble,
and I was going to help him out..”

“ Tom hes big liar.”

“Waal, I’l be darned! how this Injun kin
talk English.

, “ It don’t do ter trust a Injun or a Chinee fer.
a fool," muttered Terror Tom.

“ See I" and Comanche slipped upon Terror
Tom’s wrists a pair of manacles. ‘

' Next he did the same for his feet, and carry-
ing him into the next room put him on a large
bear robe. ,

H e then took a new chain, which he had get
ten from the chest, and locked it around a beam
of the cabin and through the manacles.

“ All right,” he said, complacently, and left
the room and the cabin, while Terror Torn felt
that he was anything else than all right.

CHAPTER XLVII.
MYSTERIOUS SIGNS.

WHEN Red Butterfly left the fort he went off
like a rocket.

He was splendidly mounted upon one of Vel-
vet Bill's horses, and he started straight down
the prairie for the Fatal Trail.

For awhile he held a good speed, then slacken-
ed his pace to a canter, and next to a walk.

Arriving near the entranceto the barren valley,
he dismounted from his horse, an taking some-
thing .from a saddle-pocket, jus as the moon
was rising to ive him light, pped u to a
rgck on Elbe site of the trail and 'nted) some
s rangec arac er n whats in h -
light to be black paint. pm t emoon

Then he put upon the boots of his horse some
rubber muflles, and mounting, rode on down the
trail for the distance of a mile.

. Here he again dismounted and made the same
31 ns upon a rock as he had previously done.

hen. remounting, he turned of! directly from
the trail, going toward the ridge.

He seemed to know every foot of the way, and
rode at a cantor.
hilastlthe base otfh the ridge was reached, and

g, e ma 0 e sam
rofikghem e sign again upon a
e ore him, some twontv feet u the rock
path, grew as clump of thick underbgush. y
Right up the rocky side he went, leading his

 

 

horse, and pulling aside the bushes, his horse:
entered as though he had been through before..

The Red Rider followed, carefully arranging,
the bushes after him.

From beyond the bushes there was a shelf-»
like path, not visible below, winding upward.
and around a heavy mountain spur.

The horse followed it, though a slip would
have sent him to his death below, a hundred.
feet or more.

At last the top of the ridge was reached, and
from there two trails were visible.

Again the Red Butterfly took out his paint
and brush, and another Sign was painted upon
a rock.

The first signs had been of a horse going at.
full speed.

This one was of an arrow.

Mounting his horse, now, the Indian Rider
dashed on at a canter along the top of the ridge,
the rubber-clad hoofs giving back no sound save
a dull thud. ‘

Far away upon his right was the Valley of
Death, looking bleak and forbidding even in the
moon’s silvery light.

The horse did not seem to tire, and kept up
his steady pace mile after mile.

At last the ridge began to slope, and ended in.
a stream.

Into this the Rider turned, and following its
current, for it was hardly knee deep, at last
branched off where there was a vast field of
rock. '

Across this he went, and came into the end
of the Fatal Trail nearest to Jumping Off City.

Dismounting again, he painted upon one rock
a running horse, upon another an arrow.

Once more be mounted, after having made
these mysterious signs, and rode away at a
ra id canter on the trail to Jumping Off City.

he moon had traveled far across the heavens
now, and as a distant light came in Sight, Red.
Butterfly put his horse into a run.

The late card—players were just ending their
games when the Pony Rider dashed up, and
they gave him a half-drunken cheer and cr0wd~
ed around to know the reason that Velvet Bill
had been arrested.

“Who told you he had been arrested, pards,
for I am just from the fort!” he asked, with
surprise.

“ Terror Tom.”

“ Ah! that fellow already here!”

“ He came in about midnight, Pard Butter-

n

“ I thought he had been driven away from:
here?" .

“ lie were, by VeIVet Bill, only ther sport
hain’t here now, and Tom says as how he were
arrested for runnin’ on with ther colonel’s dar-
ter.”

“ Poor Velvet Bill is just now in hard luck,
pards, for he is accused of several things that
are bad; but dpn’t you worry, for he’ll come
out with flying colors.”

A cheer greeted these’words of Red Rider, and
then he asked, as his fresh horse was led up for
his saddle and bridle to be put on:

“ But where is this Terror Tom i”

“ Dead, I guess,” said a. miner.

“ Dead! did you all hang him i"

“ No we didn't, and I’m darned sorry we did-a
n’t think of it.”

“Why did on say he was dead then?”

“Oh, thet njun 0’ Velvet Bill’s corned inter
ther saloon, while he were tellin’ us about ther
aport, gittin’ inter trouble, and he borrer’d

im.

“ Borrowed him?"

“ Yas, be led ther Terror out as meek as
Moses‘s little lamb yer reads of in Scriptnr’.”

“ The Indian took him away!" .

“ That’s What he did.”

.“ Well, I guess Comanche will take care of

O \
“ Good-night all," and leaping into his saddle,
Red Butterfly was off on his ride to Miner’s
Roost, followad by a yell of admiration from
the score of wild spirits who witnessed his de-
rture, and coincided in the opinions expressed

y one of their number:

“ That are ther gsmest piece 0’ humanity that
ever were buckskin, pards.”

At Miner’s Roost, which he reached in day:
li ht, Red Butterfly received another welcome
of an uproarious kind, and when late at night
he reached Dismal City, he found a crowd as-
sembled at the tavern to greet him. . n

To Sunset Sam, the driver, and the “ boss ” of
the coaches at Dismal Cit , he told of Velvet
Bill's trouble, and then sai :

“ I am going to take my days of! duty at the
fort now, boss, instead of here, so I will start
back this afternoon.”

“ You know best, Red Rider,” replied the
boss, and the Indian Rider started upon his re-
turn at the time he had set to leave on.

CHAPTER XLVIII.
rwo LOVERS.

Tan surprise of receiving a letter from his
adopted daughter, Go—won-go, telling him what
she had done, whither she had gone almost
vanished under the joy of what she told him of
Lucita’s love for him.

He read and reread the letter, understood

   
    
    
    
   
  
      
 

 

its“ "’2

is

;

 

‘_“‘:":_‘7_' “I 1’  ‘

 
 

22

 

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

fully how the noble girl had been led to sacrifice
herself for her parents and brother, who were
selfish enough to demand it, and was glad that
in Mr. Dillingham she had at least found a
noble husband.

The fact that Go-won-go had gone again to
the wild life of the border pained him deeply.

He was as dearly attached to the beautiful
Indian girl as he would have been to an own
daughter.

The way in which she had come into his care
made her dear to him, and when he had lost his
money, and going West to dig more gold had
been captured by the outlaws, her noble devo-
tion to him, going to rescue him, risking life,
dressing as a man to do that which no woman
could do had endeared her the more to him.

He di not doubt but that she was able to
take care of herself, that she had gone in a good
cause, to aid in the rescue of Alice Seeley, yet
he felt that he too should go.

While wondering what was best, what could
he do better than seek advice from one who was
her friend.

It was the very thing, and besides, it would
give him a chance to again see the woman
whom he had never ceased to love, who could
alone take the shadow from his life, could bring
perfect happiness into his heart.

So he packed up his traps all ready to start
on to the West after seeing ucita Dillingham,
had his man drive him to the station, caught
the day boat down the Hudson from Albany,
and in due time was put off at the village near
the home of the beautiful widow.

Even then he was almost tempted to board
the train on to New York.

But he summoned u courage, and hiring a
.hack left his traps at t e landing and went to
see Lucita Dillingham.

Had he been “going to be hanged for horse-
:stealing in the eat, or for cheatin at cards
,in the mines, he could not have een more
nervous.

Only what Go—won~go had said in her letter,
that not knowing his reason had been restored,
Lucita had confessed that she loved him, sus-
tained him at all. .

The hack drew up at the door, and the butler
"ushered him into the elegant parlors, asking for
his card. ‘

“Say an old friend ” he said, slip ing a gold
piece into the hand of the butler, w om he en-
'vied for being allowed to be near Lucita .Dil-
lin ham.

n the arlor was a full len h portrait of
Lucita, ta en about the time 0 her marria e,
and she was indeed a beautiful woman, e
thought.

There was another portrait of one who he
knew must have been her husband.

“A noble face a good man, but more than
double her age,” he mused.

Then came the rustle of a dress and Lucita
stood before him.

She was dressed in black, and far more beauti-
ful now than as a young girl.

She saw before her a man of striking appear-
‘ance, and whose silver hairs upon the temples
and in the mustache had not come there from

ears, for he was still a few notches below

orty.

Her beau ideal of perfect manhood was before
.her and she knew him at a glance.

Her face crimsoned, for she feared Go-won go
had betrayed her; but she said in a composed
way, which a woman can always assume under
such circumstances, where a man goes all to
pieces:

“ Mr. Darwin I am most happy to meet you
:again after all these years.

“ How kind of you to come and renew the ac-
quaintance of long a o.”

“ I am here, Mrs. illingham ” he said, in a
flurried way, the antithesis of her composure,
“ to tell you about my adopted daughter,
Go—won-go, whom an know.”

“ Has harm befa len her?

“Quick! tell me, Daniel,” she said, with a
slip of her tongue calling him by his Christian
name.

At once he regained his nerve.

It wasas though he had been confronted by
odds and had suddenly gotten away with the
worst part of the battle.

“ I will tell you all about her, though no harm
has come to her yet.

“ She has gone to the frontier, to the mining-
camps again, having received this letter in m
absence from home and de artin overa wee
ago, so I come to you for a vice, ucita.”

He handed over Velvet Bill’s letter, aud the
beautiful woman read it through.

Then he told her all he knew of her intentions
for he dared not show her the letter left by the
Indian irl on account of her reference to Lucita
herself nit. ,

“ Well, Daniel, the Indian blood in the girl

' will exert itself, and she seems to really love the

wild 'life in spite of her refinement and the
Eeally perfect education which you have given
er

”'She loved Miss Seeley, who was her school-

‘. mate, and she has friends there not onl in the

mines but in Sunset Sam the driver, ur eon
Powel , Buffalo Bill and others, not to spea of

 

that mysterious man Velvet Bill, of whom I
heard so much, and in whom she placed so much
confidence.

“ N o, I cannot believe that she will be allowed
to (go into too great danger, for Surgeon Powell
an Colonel Seeley, she told me, knew that she
was an Indian gir .

“ She says she will write, so wait and see if
her letter calls for (your going, and if so I would
go myself if I coul serve the noble girl.”

And such was the advice given, such was the
advice taken, and Daniel Darwin was happy in
being once more near the woman from whom a
crue fate had parted him for long years.

 

CHAPTER XLIX.
AN OUTLAW BROTHER.

IN his anxiety about Go-won-go, Daniel Darwin
would have gone at once to the West, had not
{lie influence of Lucita Dillingham restrained

m.

He seemed to feel that this was his duty to
follow the Indian girl tothe frontier, and protect
her all in his power.

That Lucita had some secret motive for urging
hirp1 not to go, he felt assured, and at last sai
to er:

“ Lucita, what is your reason that I should
not go?”

She seemed worried at the question and then
her face lighted up as she said:

“ I will make a clean breast of it, Daniel, for
I intended some day totell you the truth, a truth
that cuts me to the heart.’

“ Perhaps when I know all it will not be so
hard for on to bear.”

“ It wi 1 not.”

“ Then tell me.”

“ Do you know that you have not once asked
me about my brother?”

“Poor Frank! I heard that he had met with
much trouble.” ‘

“ Worse than than that and he does not com-
mand your sympathy in the slightest degree.”

“ So bad as that?”

“ You shall know, and far better had it been
had you never swum out into the lake that day
and saved his life.

“ I have at times thought, in my saddest mo-
ments, that I too could have died then.

“ But Frank was a wild fellow, always reck-
less, selfish, and given to dissipation.

“ He never appreciated that you risked your
life and saved his and mine.

“ He had gone beyond his means, and so fre-
quently raised money upon forging my father’s
indorsement to notes.

“ He protected one note by forging another
and each time they grew larger, un il at last
they could not be met.

“ He had also forged Mr. Dillin ham’s name,
and so it was the crash came, my ather ur ing
me to marry to save my brother from p son,
my mother and himself from ruin.

" I yielded, and yet it only made my brother
worse to feel that we had been thus saved.

“ He drew on me constantly for funds, went
to a 'eweler’s and bought diamonds in my name,
and protected him throu h all.

“ This is a bitter story, aniel, but I will not
shrink from it now.

“ At last he ot caught in a for eiéy, went to
rison, esca by taking life an ed to the
ar West.

“One night he came here just as 1 was pre-
paring to go to a grand ball in the city.

“ He robbed me of my jewels and every dollar
I had and escaped.

“The butler was in his
that it was my brother, an
sidered the thief.

“ He then told me plainly that he was known
as Kit Quantrel, the chief of a band of outlaws
whom the miners called the Red Buzzards.”

“ My God! I can hardly believe it.”

“It is true.

“ And more, be it was who captured you to
force from you the secret of the mine you were
goin to.

“ our wound destroyed your reason, so you
did not know him.

“ You were rescued by Red Butterfly and
Surgeon Powell, aided by Buffalo Bill and some
soldiers. .

“ Go-won-go rou ht on East to an asylum,
and all believ my rot er dead.

“ They had all seen Quantrel die, they de-
clared.

“It was then that he rea peared and stole my
jewels, using the mone to idnap you from the
asylum and take y0u est.

“ He found that on had indeed lost your rea-
son, and he was fo ed.

“ He took on to an island retreat, and then,
being the b0] est of bold men, and a ventrilo—
quifiit, began to hold up stages as Captain Moon-
li

a ,soldid not say
t e butler was con-

g t.

“He would call to his supposed men, and his
powers of ventril uism caused him to give
answers which all be ieved proved others present
with him.

“ But all this you know, and I recognized him
the night be halted the stage in which I was go-
ing to my dying husband.

r .

 

“ And yet, when Go-won-go came to the res-
cue and Sunset Sam would have killed Frank
Courtney, I struck up his arm.

“ Again-Go-won-go rescued you, aided by
Surgeon Powell, and they were assured that
Captain Moonlight was dead. .

‘ That he was buried in the rocky cavern
they were certain, and so, indeed, were all
others.

“ But, Daniel, he is not dead.”

“ Not dead ?" cried Daniel Darwin, in amaze-
ment.

“ No, for I have a letter from him.

“He dug his way out after several da s of
work, and again sought to go upon the trai as a
road-agent.

“He tells me frankl that he met an old
friend, an outlaw, and Joined in with him in a,
plot to gain gold.

“ If it is successful, he will be content and
seek another land.

“If it is not successful, than he swears he
will come here and force from me a sum suf-
flcient to keep him in a life of luxury.

“ Now, Daniel, you know why I do not wish
you to go to the frontier.

“ He is still hovering around the trails from
Dismal City to Fort Venture, he says.

“ You must not be killed by Frank Courtney,
and you must not kill my brother!

“ Do you understand now why, you must not
go, for you would be his first game, and it
could onl end in his death, or ours.”

“I un erstand all now, Lucita, and it must
be other hand than mine that takes your broth-
er’s life.

“ But may I write to Go—won-go at once, and
lace her upon her guard, telling her that her
itterest foe is yet ahve?”

“ Yes, write at once,” was the earnest re-

sponse of Lucita Dillingham.

CHAPTER L.
AN INDIAN SPY.

IT was the morning after Go-won-go had
passed along the Fatal Trail, leaving certain
si ns upon t e rocks here and there, that an In-
d an horseman came riding out from the cliffs
bordering the river and moved across the bar-
reifiI valley. ted

ewasmoun u nawiry n andit
could be seen that t e hoofs “5313111119.: to
leave no trail.

Upon the Indian’s feet also were boards,
larger somewhat than shingles, and they were
fastened to his moccasins.

Did he get down from his pony he would thus
leave no tracks, should the earth be soft.

The Indian was a young brave, scarcely over
tgieiéty, and'yet he wore the head dress of a
c e .

He was armed with bow and arrows, a lasso
and a revolver in his belt.

Strange to say, too, he carried a field-glass
swung to his belt.

He rode directly toward the Fatal Trail and
struck it at the very spot where Go—won-go had
firs?I8 dismounted to paint the signs upon the

roc .

A cry broke from his lips as he beheld the
sign, a horse in black going at full speed.

“ Go—won-gol Gowon-gol” he said in an ex-
cited way, and then he examin ,the sign
thorou hly.

As t ough understanding it, he mounted his
horse and moved away in the direction which
Go-won—go had gone. '

The trail seemed familiar to him, too, and
reaching the stee rocks he dismounted, led his
pony u to the ushes, parted them, and went
throng as the Red Rider had done.

He then found the arrow, painted in red, and
he went alon at a rapid ace.

Without a reak he f0 lowed the trail of the
Red Butterfly, up the stream and thence on
across to the Fatal Trail, where he again
studied over the signs painted there on the
I'OC S.

His face wore a pleased look, as though he
read that which gave him real leasure.

Then he meditated for some t me, and mount—
gig his pony, went back into the timber near the

dge.

It was night now, and he had been so intent
in following the trailof the lied Rider, and
reading the painted “signs” on the rocks that
he had not halted for rest or food.

But he went into a duiet camp, in a secluded
gulch, eating some co
content with such a supper.

When the morning came he had breakfast,
and then took up a sition as though in am-
bush, not upon the atal Trail, but where G0-
wlcin-go had paused on his ride to Jumping 01!

Y.

is pony was staked out, where he could not
be seen, and hidden by rocks and stunted
bushes the Indian waited with the patience of
his people, a patience no other race can equal,
for the coming of some one he was looking for.

The hours passed away, and at last far off on
the trail toward Jumping Off City a horseman
came in sight. .

As he drew nearer, it was seen to be the Red
Butterfly.

He was riding in a canter, and going along

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d game and apparently

 

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‘ ““v‘ee‘aeii‘s; at;

23

 

-

 

the til-Jail which further on entered the Valley of
t

ea .

But he halted at the spot where he had made
the signs on the rocks, smiled as he seemed to
recognize some change in what he had painted,
and then branched off toward the spur of the
ridge where the young Indian chief was in am-
bush.

The warrior did not move, but kept his eyes
upon the coming form.

There was the same satisfied expression upon
his face as came there when he discovered the
signs, and he bided his time for whatever was
before him.

Across the trackless ground went the Pony
Rider, and a moment after was in easy range of
the Indian in ambush.

But no bullet came flying at a human tar et,
no arrow whizzed toward the Red Rider. n-
stead the Indian chief gave the plaintive call of
the dove seeking its mate.

Instantly Red Butterfly spurred forward,

sprung from the saddle and the hands of the two

met in a warm clasp.

“ Go—won-go l”

“ Wep-to-mah."

Such were the names that broke from the lips
of the youn chief and the Red Rider.

Then in ' own tongue the Indian brave
talked rapidly, Go—won-go listening with deepest
attention.

“ Wep-to-mah was on the trail, and saw the
signs on the rocks.

‘ His heart was full of joy for they told him
that Go-won-go was again in the land of the
setting sun.

“ He came on the trail to meet her, and his
eyes are full of sunshine, for she is here, her
hanhdnhas grasped again the hand of Wop-to
ma .

‘ ‘ Go—won-go is glad to see her old friend again,”

replied the ndian girl, speaking in the ioux
tongge. Ah W

ut w y does she find e to-mah again on
the red trail? p-

“ Did he not tell her he would go back to his
peoiple and give battle to his foes in the field,
an not seek to kill those who ride this trail?

“”Wep-to-mah has not kept faith with Go-won-
80- .

A pained expression posed over the really
fine face of the young Indian, and he said in a
low, earnest tone:

“ Wep—to-mah meant not to talk to Go-won-go
with a crooked tongue.

“ He did go from the Red Trail, he and his
braves; but the white chief came after them
again, and told them how he had met a pale-face
brother who would make them all rich.

“ My braves said come, and Wep-to-mah
yielded to their wish and the words of the white
ch e .

" And who was this ptile-iace brother of the‘

white chief of the Trai s, who had
yewed to leave the Fatal Trail?” '

“ It was the wicked white chief of the
Wheel Trails, for he did not die as Go-won-go
thou ht.”

“ y God! that man yet lives!” cried Red
Butterfly in her excitement speaking in English.

 

CHAPTER LI.
GO-WON-GO’S arenas-r.

For. a long while did Go-won-go remain and
talk with the Indian chief who had admitted
that he was one of the band of Unknown Assas-
sins of the Fatal Trail.

A strange influence did the Indian girl have.

over We to-mah, and whatever point she wished
to ain s e carried.

S e asked him many questions, and at last
said:

“ 'Wep—to-mah was always Go- won- go’s
friend.

“ He saved her from the bzsllets and arrows of
her foes. _

“He left his warnings for her when danger
lurked, and his signs told her which trail to
take.

“ Now has Go—won- 0 again come to the land
of the settin sun, an We -to-mah knows that
she is not w at she seems, ut a woman. ’

“She is here for apurpose, and Wep—to-mah
is her foe if he aids her not, he is her friend if he
will help her.

“ The Red Butterfly has spoken, and Wep—to-
mah has heard.

“ What does Wep-to-mah say i”

H The; Red Butterflyfihall lead Wep-to-mah as
she wil s.

And the young chief bent his head in token of
submission.

Go-won-go placed her hand upon the bowed
head for an instant, then said:

“ Wepto-mah has spoken well. 1

“ We are friends.”

She held forth her small hand, and the young
chief grasped it eagerly. .

Then ‘she sprung upon her waitin horse, and,
after a word to the young Chief. urned back
from the spur, riding directly toward the Fatal
Trail. ’ .

Wep-to—mah watched her from his position,
saw her turn into the Fatal Trail, and then
mounting his pony rode along on the ridge.

Once in the Fatal Trail, Go—won-go began to
move on at a lively pace.

” I will be on time. Poor Velvet Bill was late
often, Colonel Seeley said, but had he not been
behind, by taking the secret trails, he would
have been slain.

“ Well, I must hurry on.”

It was known in the fort that Go-won-go had
decided to remain his off days there, instead of
at Dismal City as before, so he was expected to
arrive in the afternoon at the hour he had set as
his time.

Of course, many were anxious as to whether
he would come or not, but others seemed to
have, an abiding taith that the Red Butterfly
was not born to be shot on the Overland Trails.

Still eve one was on the qui' site for his
coming, an when the hour drew near when he
should come in sight, if he came at all, all who
were not on duty gathered at ints of lookout
anili gazed down the trail, Visible for several
mi es.

The oflflcers, too felt the some interest, and
the ladies and children caught the fever also,
and were on the watch from positions of van-

ta 0.

Eolonel Seeley paced the floor of his quarters,
and his face was growing more and more stern.

He seemed to lean upon Surgeon Powell more
than any one else in the sorrows that had come
upon him, and when nearly time for the Pony
Rider to come in sight. sent for that ofl‘icer.

“ Do you not think the Red Butterfly has de-
cided to remain here on his ofl? days, Powell, to
search the better for my daughter?”

“ It can be his onl purpose, sir in making
the change, and we wil soon know if he has any
news for I have abiding faith in that young In-
dian Rider."

“ As I have, though he is the dev0ted friend
of Velvet Bill—— Oh! what is that?” and as the
colonel uttered the words, from without came a
chorus of voices:

“ There he comes!”

“ Why, he is ahead of time, Powell?”

“Yes, sir ten inutes or more.”

“ And Velvet B 11 was always late.”

“ He is not the light form for a horse to carry,
sir, that Go-won-go is. .

‘ Then, too, the Red Butterfly was often late
on his last rides when here before."

“ How is it that he and Velvet Bill go through
and all others are killed i”

“It is a mystery which they alone seem to
know, sir; but Pony Bob says he does not believe
the Assassins can kill him now and as soon as
he is able to sit in the saddle he will ride

in.”
“ Yes, but it will be nearly a week before he
can.

“ I will not dismiss him from my care, sir, for
two months yet.

“ He had a very close call, Colonel Seele .”

“ Yes, and your skill alone saved him— ark!
how that fellow rides.”

The rapid clatter of hoofs reached their ears
now, and a moment after a roar of voices went
up as RedButterfl dashed into the fort, drew
rein at the oolone ’s quarters, threw himself
from his saddle, and with his leather pouches
over his arm, walked rapidly to report to the
commandant. -
$11118 colonel greeted him as he entered the door
w1 :

“ Well done, my boy.

“ You are ahead of time.”

“It was easy goin , sir.”

“And you escap with your life, so have not
forgotten your old tricks of riding Pon‘y Ex-

ress.

“ It is easy enough, Colonel Seeley, if one only
knows how to do it,” and Go—won—go smiled as
though he was not going to tell all he knew.

‘ Well, have you made any discoveries about
—my poor child 1?” ,

“Colonel Seeley, you must let Velvet Bill go
free, for he can restore her to you and he alone,”
was the startling response of the Red Butterfly,
and the words were uttered more as a demand
than as a request, to the eat surprise of Sur-
geon Powell, who glanced quickly at the colonel
to note their effect on him.

CHAPTER LII.

RED BUTTERFLY MAKES A DEMAND.
Y COLONEL SEELEY showed no sign of anger at
the almost demand of the Red Butterfly for the
release of Velvet Bill, and Surgeon Powell
breathed more easily, for he had feared trouble,
which might drive the. Indian Rider from the
trail he was on.

“ Go-won-go,” said the colonel in his calm
way, ‘ you seem as anxious to get Velvet Bill
out of t e guard-house, as you do to rescue my
dau hter."

“ know just what I am doing, sir, and I wish
you to put confidence enough in me to let me
work in m own way.”

“ I certainly am anxious to do so.”

“ Yes, but you still keep Velvet Bill a risoner,
wggndwgée be three I 111131 isurehthat your gaughter

urn ere w n
furthest.” t e week at the very
“ Yet why not if he is not set free!”

 

 

Bil:",Because he is the one to effect her rescue,

 

 

“ Why not you ?”

“ There are certain things that I cannot do,
Colonel Seeley, that Velvet Bill can.”

“ It seems, then, that he does know where my
dau hter is?”

“n will answer for him that he does know,
811‘.

The colonel’s face darkened, and he said stem-

y:

“ Then he is deceiving me.”

“ No, yet I cannot explain how he is not; but
I wish his aid.”

“ I am at your service, Red Butterfly,” said
Surgeon Powell, anxious to avoid an issue be-
tween the colonel and the Red Rider, for he
saw that the latter was in a mood ho had never
noticed in him before.

“ Surgeon Powell, I know all that on {are
too well to refuse your aid, did I feel t at you
could help me.

“ But you could no more rescue Miss Seeley
than I could.”

“ But together?”

“ We can do nothing, for all depends upon
Velvet Bill.”

“ This is remarkably strange, that Velvet
Bill should be able to rescue my child, yet
plainly told me he was not seen with her, de-
nied everything, and now you say, Go-wongo,
that he knows just where she is, and this in t e
face of his denials.”

“ Colonel Seeley, I cannot explain, sir, nor
can Velvet Bill; but if he is free he can act, and
act with me.

“Yes, and then I will also seek the aid of
Surgeon Powell and one other.”

“ And that other!”

“ Buffalo Bill.”

“Yet you, Powell and Cody cannot rescue
my daughter together?”

‘ We cannot, sir.” -

“ One man more makes the difference!”

“ Velvet Bill does, sir, for a hundred men
could not do what he can in this matter.”

“ You make a most marvelous hero of him,
Go—won-go.”

“ He is a marvelous man, sir.”

“ All that you say but convinces me the
more that he is playing me false.

“ I will not release him.”

“Colonel Seeley, if you will release Velvet
Bill, I will stand as a hostage in his place,”
earnestly said won-go.

“ He would not come back, and what have I
against you, Go-won-go, to hold you as a pris-
oner ’

“ You then refuse my request, sir?”

“ I must do so, in youn friend, for affairs
are so shaping that am g I have him here
in m wer.”

“ onel Seeley, I have requested, urged, and
all to no avail.

“ Now, by the love you hold for our da -
ter, I demand that ’you set Velvet ill free t
he may rescue her.

The colonel’s face flushed, and his eyes flashed
with anger.
t8But he said, with an effort to keep down his

in r:

“ ony Express Rider Go-won 0, let me say
to you that our duties are to ri e the trail be-
tween Fort- ’enture and Dismal City, and you
will be good enough in future to attend to that
business alone,” and Colonel Seeley showed that
the interview was at an end.

The darkored face of Go-won-go flushed pain-
fully at this rebuke, but he as uted, turned on
his heel and left the room, going at once to his
own quarters.

Surgeon Powell was distressed at this turn of
affairs. ,

He saw, or thought he saw more in the re-
lease of Velvet Bill, than merely giving him his
freedom.

He knew well how Go-won-go worked, how
mysterious were his movements, and yet he
wondered why he had not been willing to tell
Colonel Seeley just why he wished the gambler
set free.

The colonel was angry, that was certain, and
that Red Butterfly’s words did compromise
Velvet Bill the more,~there was not the shadow
of a doubt.

He had emphaticall denied that he had been
seen with Alice See ey, and yet the Indian

Rider had said that he knew just where Alice 1

Seeley was to be found, and that he alone could
rescue her. I

Putting all things together, as he saw them,
Frank Powell decided that when Velvet Bill
had ridden Pony Express before, in Go-won-go’s
place, he had fallen in love with Alihe Seeley.

From seein her, as he believed, meet the gam-
bler on the t '1 it looked very much as though
Alice Seeley had returned his affection with all
her heart. -

Her mysterious disappearance, carrying her
clothes and the fact that her maid, Valerie. 9:190
went along, looked as though the young lady
had been willingly kidnapped.

Being seen th the gambler since, and not
being the captive of the Indians who were the
escort, it looked as though she was willingly in
ca tivity. ‘

he fact that Velvet Bill must be set free to
rescue her looked also as though that was to

 

  

24

 

Velvet  VOW.

 

 

 

be the trump card he was to play to win the
colonel’s consent for him to wed his daughter.

“ And Go-won-go is their ally.

“ “Well, so it all looks to me, but never yet
did I bet on what a woman would or would not
do, but what I lost.

“ I must wait and see this game out before I
can’understand just what is at the bottom of it
a

And Surgeon Powell sought his quarters to
further think over the matter in all its phases.

CHAPTER Lill.
SURGEON POWELL CORNERRD.

FRANK POWELL sat in his quarters that night
alone, and his mind was still busy trying to ar—
rive ata solution of the m stery between Vel-
vet Bill, Go-won—go and Alice Seeley.

A tap came at the door, and in response to
the request to enter, Go-won—go stepped across
the threshold.

“ Ah, Red Butterfly, glad to see you.

“I was just thinking of you, so takea seat
and we’ll havea talk together.”

“ That is what I came for, Surgeon Powell.

“ Any ears around?”

“ Only my own.”

“ Sure?”

“ I will make assurance doubly sure.”

And Frank Powell got up and made the round
of his cabin, indoor and out.

“No one about, as l was certain; but why so
In sterious, Butterfly?”

‘ Because I wish to do you no harm.”

(I Me I”

“ Yes; I have come on a special mission to see
you, Surgeon Powell.”

“ I am at your serrico; but I am very sorry
you and the colonel had ‘ 'ouble to-day.”

“ Doctor Pewel', I do not blame Colonel See-
ley in the least.

“ Both the conduct of Velvet Bill and myself
seem contradictory, and the colonel took the
stand he deemed right, not knowing what is be-
hind it all, and he is not to be censured.

“ But I tried a bluff ame on him, to see if I
could not make him yie d.”

“ He is not that kind.”

“ So I felt sure; but still I played it as one of
my cards.

" He grew more firm, so I saw I had to give

 

up.

“ But I was the more determined to have him
set Velvet Bill free, as I did not wish to ask you
to do it, if I could avoid it.”

“ Ask me?”

f‘ Yes, sir.” ,

“ To set Velvet Bill free?”

“ So I said, sir.”

“ Why, my dear Red Butterfly, how could I
do such a thing?”

“ Simply by taking the bit in your teeth.”

“ I do not catch our meaning.”

“ Well, to be plain: Velvet ill has got to be
set free, and you must do it."

“ Ah, Go—won-go, playing a bluff trump on
me now I see,” and the doctor laughed.

“No, I am playing something stronger than
bluff ” was the cool rejoinder. '

“ . hat is it?”

“ Authority.”

“ Ah, where is it?”

“ Have ou forgotten that Colonel Seeley
gave you istinct orders to obey me .9” .

Dr. Powell gave a long whistle.

He realizad that he had sprung the trap in
which Go-won-go had driven him.

But he laughed and said:

“ Well, what are your orders, captain ?”

“ That you release Velvet Bill secretly from
his imprisonment.”

“ That I cannot do.” A

f‘ You accepted the situation of the position
in which you would be placed in obeying my or-

ders.

“ The colonel left it to you, and you decided.

“ Not a word was said as to what those orders
were or when they would be issued, so they
stan 00d.” r
“ N o to do a wrong, Go-won-go.”

“ Nothing was said about right, or wrong.

“ Besides, Surgeon Powell, you will be oing

ht in the end. ’

‘ How so?" _

“ By aiding in the rescue of Miss Seeley.”

“ I do not see it.”

“ No, but I do, and would trust my eye-
sight.”

‘ I must refuse, Go-won-go.”

“ You cannot refuse.

“ See here, Surgeon Powell, you know me as
I am a woman.

“ You know how devoted was the friendship
between Alice Seeley and myself.

" You have been with me on two trails in
search of my adopted father, Daniel Darwin,
and to rescue him.

“ Did I not win both games then?”

“ You did.” ‘

(‘1‘ Well, I shall win this, and again I need your

“.1 came here at the call of Velvet Bill to res-
cue Miss Seeley, when I never expected again to
put :11 foot in these wild lands.

“I nd him a prisoner, and thus he is ham-
pered, as I am also. '

 

 

“ You must trust me.

“You must, though it may appear to others
to place you in an ignoble light, so must it be
for awhile, for in the end you will come out with
flying colors.

“ You have orders from the commandant to
obey my orders, and my command is for you to
release Velvet Bill.

“Could I do so I would not ask you; but it
might spoil all to have me make the attempt.

‘ Now I’ll tell you all I wish you to do.”

“ I will hear you, GO-won-go,” said the doctor
thoughtfully.

“I wish Velvet Bill set free.

“Once free I will take him out of the fort.

“ I wish your aid and Buffalo Bill’s.

“ You are to go to the colonel and tell him
I need the aid of yourself and his chief of
soouts.

“ Say that we three depart to-night. and the
reason is to rescue his daughter.

“ Say nothing about Velvet Bill, for he need
suspect nothing such as that you are going to
obey his orders and mine.

“You and Cody are to leave the fort to-
gether, and wait for me at the first grave on
the Fatal Trail.

“ I will follow with Velvet Bill, and will join
you at the spot referred to.

“ Then our work begins, and my word for it,
Surgeon Powell that the result will be all that
gou can hope for, all that will make Colonel

eeley’s sad heart glad.

“ Now do you trust me?”

“I trust 'you wholly, Go-won-go, but do you
realize what a responsibility I take upon my-
self in doing as you wish ?”

“ I know it all; but'if you are away, no one
knows where, then the will only suspect, not
know, vou set Velvet Bill free.

“ Buffalo Bill will be gone too, and it will
not be known just when we are to return.”

“But how can it be done?”

“Why go to the guard-house to-night, order
the extra soldier on duty there to bring Vel-
vet Bill to your quarters here.

“Then bid the soldier wait outside until you
call him. -

“You can then go out the rear way alone,
join Buffalo Bill and leave the fort, going to
the appointed rendezvous.

“ I can slip into your uarters, with an
officer’s cloak and hat, lead elvet Bill to my
quarters, have him mount his own horse, and
leave the fort by the other gate, for I have the
countersigm

“ Once free of the fort I will come to meet
you and Buffalo Bill.”

“ And the soldier guard?”

“ Will wait until he grows alarmed. then seek
the corporal of the guard, and it will be found

that Velvet Bill has made his escape, and you ’

and Buffalo Bill will have been known to go out
alone, while a supposed ofBCer passed out with
me.

“ When you come to explain, Miss Seeley will
be with you.”

“ You pledge this, Go-won-goi”

“ I do, u n my honor.”

“ Then obey your orders,” was the deter-
mined response of Surgeon Powell.

CHAPTER LIV.
THE PLOT.

IT was a clever scheme. for the escape of
Velvet Bill, but Surgeon Powell had his mis-
givin s about it.

Stil , there was that in Go-won-go which he
could trust, and that (good might come of wrong
he took the ste -,he di .

He readily o tained leave of Colonel Seeley to
go upon a secret expedition.

“ Who is going with you, Powell?” asked the
colonel.

“ Buffalo Bill, sir, and myself are to meet the
Red Rider.” .

“Ah, heis still on the trail, then, to help
me?”

“ Oh, yes, sir, that is his sole wish, I feel
sure.”

“ I am sort I could not do as he wished and
allow Velvet ill to go; but, under the circum-
stances I could do nothing else from my stand-
point.”

“ No, sir,” and Surgeon Powell felt a twinge
of conscience that he was preparing to deceive
his noble commander.

So he left headquarters and went to look up
Buffalo Bill, between whom and himself the
strongest of friendshi s existed, and had for
years; the scout and t e surgeon were indeed,
ik: brothers in their warm affection for each
ot er.

He found Cody at the scout’s headquarters
and said:

“ I have a plan afoot, Bill, which I wish you
to aid me in.”

“ Then I am the very man you are looking
for, Frank. What is the scheme?”

“ We are to go on a scout.”

“ Alone?” '

“ You and I are to leave alone: but I will tell
you more when we are on our way.”

“ All right. When?”

“ To-night.”

“ I’ll be ready.”

 

 

“ Go fully equipped for ten days’ stay, and
with ammunition in plenty.”

“ [’11 do it.”

Then Surgeon Powell went to his own quarters
and began his preparations for the trip.

H got all ready and looked in on Pony Bob,
whom he had located in a cabin adjoining his
own.

The Pony Rider was accepting his situation
with the resignation of an Indian.

_ “ ,You are better, Bob, and steadily improv-
in .

“ That‘s what I feel, sir, and I’ll be ready for
the rides again in a few week" ”

- “I hope so, but you mus go slow now, no
matter how fast you go after you get well.

“ I am going away for a few days, but, Sur-
geon Enslow will look after you.”

“ All right, sir, and I hope you can bring back
some news of that poor young lady, for that is
what you are going for, I am sure.”

“Something of that kind, Bob. Good-by!”
and the surgeon returned to his rooms, drew the
curtains close, unlocked the rear door and walk-
ed over to the guard-house.

“ Sergeant, send that prisoner with a couple
of soldiers to my rooms quietly. I wish to see
him alone.”

“ Yes, air," and the order was obeyed, as the
sergeant never for a moment thought of doubt-
ing an officer of Colonel Seele ’s staff.

‘ Come in,” said Dr. Powe l, to the knock of
the soldiers at the door.

They brought in their prisoner, and Surgeon
Powell said:

“ Wait outside, men, and I’ll be responsible
for him.”

“ Yes, sir.”

“You will have to wait a long while.”

The men saluted and stepped outside of the
door. taking seats on a benc near by.

“ Velvet Bill, do you see that door?” asked the
surgeon, pointing to the One in the rear of his
cabin.

“ I do, sir.”

“Pass out of it and you will be met by one
whose orders you are to obey.”

Velvet Bill started, smiled, and with a salute
obeyed.

As he went out of the rear door there stood
Go-won-gol

“ Come, Bill, there is no time to lose. Put
your long hair up under this officer’s hat, throw
this cloak over your shoulders and come on.”

“ Go-won-gol ’

“ ’Shl—talk after awhile; silence now 2” and
Go won-go led the way to his quarters.

Two horses were there, saddled and equipped,
and silently they mounted and rode away in the
darkness to“ ard the western stockade gate,
where there was only one sentinel stationed.

As they approached the sentinel halted them,
Go-won- o dismount , advanced and gave the
counters gn.

By a strange coincidence, the conntersign for
the night was “Red Butterfly.” l

The sentinel presented arms to the one he
deemed an officer, and the two rode out of the
stockade gate upon the prairie.

They were not long in placin considerable
distance between themselves and he fort.

“ Well, Go—won-go, I am happy in the inmost
depths of my heart to meet you again,” said the
gambler.

" You asked me to come.”

“ And you did. I knew that you would. And
you have freed me from prison.”

“It was by Surgeon Powell‘s aid, for I
pledged him that you and I together would res—
cue -iss Seeley.”

‘6 Yes.” -

“ And so he did what he considered wrong to
gain that end.”

“ Yes.”

“ Now let me tell you that I have seen M'ep-
to-wah.” .

“ Your Indian friend?”

it Yes.”

“ What does he say i”

“ It is for you alone to act, you alone to save
Miss Seeley.”

“ We can work together, Go-won- go, only I
must go alone.”

“Yes, but I have two strong allies to aid

11

e.

“ Who?”

“Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill.”

“ Good! Where are they i”

“ Waiting at the nearest grove on the trail to
the fort.” ‘

“ That is right, and there you go.”

“ And you i”

“ I leave you before we reach the rendezvous
where the others wait,” was the reply.

CHAPTER LV.
A SURPRISE.

SURGEON POWELL and Buffalo Bill reached
the rendezvous appointed b Go- won-go and
staking out their orses, sat own toawait the
comairg of the Indian Rider and Velvet Bill.

“ ell, Frank. I have about the same faith in
Go-won-go and Velvet Bill that you have, and
if they fail us in this, I’ll find it hard to trust in
human nature again,” remarked Buffalo Bill, as
the twu sat talking together.

 

 

 

 

 

v.1... “my. " Vow. ' ' V

25

 

 

“ As I will, Bill; but do you know that for
the life of me I cannot make out the situation.
Is it a case of love between Velvet Bill and Miss
Seeley, or not?”

‘ It very much looks like a love affair be-
tween them, and if so, from all you told me,
Go-won-go and Velvet Bill are playing some
deep game to accomplish the end they have in
view. ’

“ So it appears.”

“ But there is no knowing just what a woman
will do, for there are a hundred men from cap-
tains to generals in the army, any one of whom
Miss Seeley could get and thank you for the
taking, and yet here she skips off withagambler
of the mines.”

” He‘s awful good-looking, Bill.”

“Granted, and has as fine a form as ever 1
beheld.

“ Then, too, he is a gentleman, and has pluck
enough for a whole regiment; but after all he
is Velvet Bill.”

“ True.” .

“ And who knows his other name?”

“ No one that I have met.”

“ I am simply Buffalo Bill, but they do know
that I am William F. Cody, Government scout,
that I have not skipped West for the gnod of
the community I left behind; but here is this
dashing, daring, devilishly-handsome fellow,
who calls himself inly Velvet Bill and says he
gambles for a living, a man who has a sun lit-
tle gravevard all his own, though I admit he
never kills unless he has to, and here he comes
and runs off with the handsomest girl I ever set
my eyes on, Frank.

“ I lie“ .VUU. Women are harder to understand
than Indians.”

“ We are unanimous on that, Bill; but here
they come.”

“Yes: I hear hoof-falls—but only one horse,
Frank.”

11‘;,Could he have failed to get him out after
a

“ It looks that way.”

Just then the form of a horse and rider came
into sight, and, as he drew near, Frank Powell
called out:

“ Go—won-go l”

“ The Surgeon Scout,” was the reply.

As the Indian Rider rode nearer, both men
rasked, quickly:

“ Did he get out?"

*‘ Yes, thank you.”

“ Where is he?”

'“ Gone to rescue Miss Beeley.”

'“ You let him go!”

And the surgeon spoke in a reproachful tone.

“‘ Oh, yes, for I wished him to go.”

'“ Go-won-go, you are not playing a double
game with me i” sternly said Surgeon Powell.

“ I am not, sir.”

“ What does it mean that Velvet Bill did not
come here with you i”

“ I told Colonel Seeley, sir, in your resence,
that Velvet Bill alone could save Miss ley.

“ I aided him to escape, through your kind-
ness and trust in me, for that purpose and he
has now gone on the duty he left the fort for,
while I came here to join you.” .

“ But what can we do, kept in the dark as to
the situation?” '

“ You can follow me to a place where I expect
to meet an ally of mine. ,

“He will come to-morrow to a certain spot,
and then we will know what to do.”

“ Should he not come?”

"‘ But he will.”

“ Suppose, for the sake of argument, he sh0uld
not?‘

“Then, Surgeon Powell, Velvet Bill will be
there.”

“ Ah 1”

“ Will you still trust me?"

“ Assuredly.”

“ And you, Mr. Cody?”

“ To the end, Red Butterfly ; but we are play-
ing a ame without a single trump, not knowing
just w at we are to do." .

“ I will tell you at the proper time,” was Go-
won-go’s com lacent reapouse.

And he I the way over toward the side
which he had taken on his last ride, the surgeon
and the scout mounting and follOWing him, and
both greatly surprised at the non-appearance of
Velvet Bill.

 

CHAPTER LVI,
COMANCHE INniras A LETTER
WHEN the Red Butte. fiy went through to
Dismal City, on his first ride in the place of Vel-
vet Bill, the mail-pouch he carried held a letter
mailed at Miner’s Roost, a couple of hours after
the capture of Terror Tom 'by Comanche.
The letter was addressed in a hand that looked
like a drunkard’s trail, to
“TERRER DICK & Hmv,
Dismull Clay."

The spelling of this letter Terror Tom was re-
sponsible for, but it was dictated by Comanche,
his Indian captor.

It was no easy task to make one who was a
stranger to a
used powers 0
ignored.

persuasion that were not to be

11 write a letter: but Comanche .

 

He came in to where his prisoner was, un-
chained him, took the manacle off his right
wrist, and made him sit down at a table.

Then he placed before him a piece of paper,
an envelope and a n and ink.

“ Make paper ta k,” be suggested.

“ Does yer mean I am to write something?”

H Yes.”

“ I can’t do it.”

“ Write quick, Tom,” and the Indian grasped
the long hair of the desperado with one hand,
while he touched the keen blade of his knife to
the scalp with the other.

“ What in thunder am I to write?” cried the
terrified Terror.

“ Me tell Tom.”

“ Sail in, then, fer I don’t like this fix.”

“ Tom tell Dick and Harry to come here.

“ He want see them quick!”

“ You’re a liar, I don’t!”

“ You tell, me scalp.”

“ I’ll do it.”

So Terror Tom began his letter, and Co-
ma nche said:

“ Me get landlord to read see if paper talk
straight.”

Terror om uttered an oath, for he was
headed 0 there.

“ Tell Dick and Harry come.

“ Meet you old cabin on clifl'.”

“ \Vhat for?”

“ Me want, that all.”

“Oh, Injun! lnjnnl when I do get ther draw
on you, then you will sing your death-song.”

“ Make paper talk, not you,” and the keen
ed e of the knife was pressed against the scalp.

vI‘hen Terror Tom did what no other style of
urging could make him do, wrote a letter.

It struck him that after all he would be glad
to have his two pards with him, for Comanche
certainly could not master the three of them.

So he wrote what the Indian told him to, and
Comanche said:

“ Now go see if Tom talk straight.”

He seemed to read in the face of the despeme
that he had only written what he was told to,
and again putting the chains on him left the
cabin, and the letter went to Dismal City, car-
ried by Go—won-go.

The next day the miners saw Comanche about
his work as usual, and he was eagerly ques-
tTioned as to what he had done with Terror

om.

But he seemed not to understand the questions,
or at least made no replies to them.

That night he asked a coach stable-boy to look
after his horses for him, locked up the cabin,
and with Terror Tom mounted upon his own
horse, he riding Velvet Bill’s, he rode away

from the camps.

He made his way u in the mountains to a
spur, upon which s a deserted cabin.

A grand view was visible from there, and yet
the Indian took his prisoner inside and again
chained him securely. _

That Eight two men rode up to the cabin and
are hail . .

The Indian answered, and opened the door for
them to come in. -

What struck them they did not know, but
they went flying over into one corner half-
stunned, and found themselves covered by a
couple of revolvers held in the hands of Co—
manche.

They were the rest of the trio, Terrors Dick
and Harry.

Resistance was useless, so they surrendered,
fgr the blows they had received had dazed
t em.

Five minutes after entering the cabin the two
were in irons and scowling at Terror Tom,
who they believed had purposely led them in-
to a trap.

But Tom explained all that had happened in
his quaint way, adding:

“ Now when I kiiow’d thet one Injun were
a-gom’ ter bring me up here, and inVite you ter
gems”, says I, we has him; but we hain’t, got

1m.

“ He hev got us; but what fer?” growled
Dick, with commendable curiosity upon the
subject.

“ I dunno.”

;;I’ll ask him,” Harry remarked, and so he
sa :

f‘See here, Injun, what is yer goin’ .ter do
wisps:

il , was the laconic res use and it sati-
ated the curiosity of the trio. p0 ,

Having made his men secure, Comanche went
out and saddled his horse and Terror Tom’s.

Then he led his prisoners out one by one, aid-
ed them to mount, tied them to their horses, and
mounting his Own, and holding the lariat of the
other animals, rode away down the steep moun-
tain trail. '

T Onlce at the bottom he turned off on the Fatal

rai .

 

CHAPTER LVII.
AN APPOINTMENT KEPT.
lVimN Red Butterfly led the way toward the
ridge Bufi‘alo Bill said:
“ We cannot go this way, Go-won-go.”
“ Yes, I will show on a trail.”
“Then you will s ow me what we have all

t

 

been wanting to find for along while,” was the
answer.

Arriving at the base of the ridge the Indian
Rider dismounted, motioned to the others to
follow his example, and led his horse up to the
bushes and through them into the trail beyond.

“ Well, Go-won-go, you can teach me a great
deal, I admit,” said the scout, while Surgeon
Powell added:

“ Yes, I have learned a great deal from Red
Rider.”

“ You’ll learn more before we get to the end
of the trail we left the fort to follow,” said the
Indian Rider.

Leading the way along the ridge trail, now
lighted up by the rising moon, Go won-go did
not halt until he came to his former camping-
ground.

“ You will he safe here,” he said with perfect
confidence, and then set to work to stake out his
horse near by, and to spread his blankets.

The others followed his example, and the scout
asked:

“ No need of a guard?”

.‘ NOHC.”

“ Might we not be surprised?”

“ But three persons kn0w this trail, or did be-
fore I let you into the secret.

“ One ot these I expect here to-morrow, and
the other is \‘r lvet Bill.”

“ Aha! and it' I mistake not, this trail can be
takeii instead of the one through Death Val-
le ?

“ Exactly, Mr. Cody, and that is all that has
saved my life and Velvet Bill’s in riding Pony
Express.” '

Both the surgeon and the scout gave a low
whistle.

“You see, I am letting on into the secret
now, for this is not the on y trail that can be
taken, in spite of your search for them, and

.never having been able to track the Assassins.

“They are longer, of course, and put us be-
hind time often, for we have to watch our
chances to take them, so as not to betray the
secret.

“ But you see now how it is that Velvet Bill
and myself bear chvrmed lives."

“Whose racket is it, Go-won-gof” asked
Cody.

“ he secret was given me by one whom you
will see to-morrow, one who has been my friend
from early childhood.

“ But you‘ll find out in good time, so I’ll tell
you no more.”

With this, Go-won-go went over to the place
where he had spread his blankets, and the sur-
geon and the scout sat talking together in a low
tone.

“ We are catching on in great shape, Frank.”

“ Yes, Bill, and I only hope we'll catch on to
Velvet Bill again; but let us go to bed and gm:
what rest we can, for there is no telling what
is before us, and Go—won-go has set a good ex-
ample."

So they also turned in, and the day had
dawned ere they awoke.

They had breakfast, and then lounged about
for several hours, when Buffalo Bill suddenly
sprung for his rifle, but it was grasped by e...
won-go, who said, sternly:

“ No; that is my friend.”

“ An Indian?”

H Ya.”

“ He comes along mighty brash.”

“ Yes; he knows I am here, for I gave him a
signal to come.”

“ Well, Go-won~go, you are running the lay-
out. so it is all right.”

And the scout gazed with interest upon the
horSeman coming toward them.

It was “'ep-m-mah, and his smile at. seeing
Go-wongo caused Buffalo Bill to mutter to
Frank:

“ Yes; here’s another case of love-gone-
ness.”

“ He’s a Sioux.” .

“ Yes: and a chief, though he is a young one.”

Wep—to-mah now dismounted from his pony
and grasped Go-won—go’s hand, while he seemed
to i nore the existence of the, others.

“ .Iy friend Wep—to-mah, Surgeon Powell
and Buffalo Bill.

“He speaks English well, though you speak
his tongue, both of you, I believe.”

Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout both step-

ed forward and shook hands with the young
gioux chief, who now gazed at them with con-
siderable interest, knowing who they were, the
greatest enemies of his race, and whom, to kill,
would have madea young brave the greatest
chief of his tribe. .

After a few words had been said in a friendly
way between the two le-faces and the Indian
chief, Go-won-go callegthe young chief apart,
and the two entered into a very earnest conver—
sation.

“ He’s one of the Secret Assassins, Frank, I’ll
wager my horse on it.”

“ Yes, Bill, I think he is; but Go-won-go has
won him over, that is certain.” ,

“ I’d like to know what they are talking
about.”

“ \Ve will know in good time.

“ I am gettin more convinced that we are On
the right trail ollowing Go-won—go’s lead, and.

 

 

- 11C?"

I‘V'iu
, ,

. mung”;-  ,-.,..»1‘»7 ‘—~;.,

.5?

 

- * g.-v-:;~.-

,ii .'

  

26

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

in good time she will take us into her confi—
dence; but see, something has gone wrong, for
look at her eyes blaze as she talks to the Indian
chief.”

“ Maybe she’s jealous.”

.“ Bah! he loves her, but she does not care for
' “ Frank Powell, you don’t know any more
about a woman than 1 do.” ‘ ,

" Granted! what man does?” and Frank Pow-
ell laughed.

In the mean time Go-won-go was talking in a
low, earnest tone to the Indian chief, and in
the Sioux tongue.

,He seemed impressed by what he said, for he
nodded his head, held forth his hand, and turn-
ing on his heel, sprung upon his waiting pony
and rode away at a rapid pace.

“ Well!” said Powell.

“ Well!” echoed Cody.

“ This is more than fighting the devil without
fire, for he don’t seem to be in this little
game.”

“ Here she comes,” said Frank Powell, and
Go—won—go came toward them.

“ I have heard news I did not expect, my
friends, and so we must mount and be on the
trail for we are needed.”

H Where?”

“ Velvet Bill wants us.”

“Ah! you have a message from him i”

“ No, sir, I have not; but Wep—to—inah told me
that which will make it necessary to start at
once, for we have a long ride before us, and
sorggwork to do after we get to our journey’s
en .

“ Where has the Indian chief gone?"

“ I sent him on a mission which he will per-
form.”

“ You are sure?”

" I will stake my life on it.” was the deter-
mined response.

Then Go-won-go said:

“ Come, we must be off,” and ten minutes af-
ter the surgeon and the scout were following her
along the secret trail in the direction of J ump-
ing Off City.

 

CHAPTER LVIII.
A sneanr on THE FATAL TRAIL.

THE surprise of Powell and Cody, at the
manner in which they discovered trails, under
the guidance of the Red Butterfly, where they
had never believed such existed, was openly ex-
pressed to the Red Rider, with considerable
praise for his knowledge thrown in.

The trail down the spur was taken, into the
brook, along its bed for several miles, and then
out where no iron—shod hoof would leave a
track, from there on to the Fatal Trail.

As they reached the latter, there suddenly
emerged from behind a pile of rocks four herse-
men.

The trio were on their ard in an instant,
for they knew that where t ey had not seen the
horsemen they had been seen, an the
others had gone into hiding.

But there was no need 0 standing t be r, for
Go-won-go recognised at a lance om; nche,
the Indian pard of Velvet Bi l, and those with
him were seen to be white men, and harm. ,ss.

They were, in fact, the trio of Terrors, om,
Dick and Harry.

They were in irons still and bound to their
horses, while Comanche had their lariats wound
about the horn of his saddle.

“ Me see you ’way off.

“ Don’t know, so hide.

“ Me know now, Go-won- 0, Buffalo Bill,
White Medicine Chief,” said omanche, rather

leased that he did not have to make a run Of
it or a fi ht to save his prisoners.

“Wei , Comanche. you have got the devil’s
whole outfit.” said Buffalo Bill, as he gazed
upon the cruel faces of the Three Terrors.

“ Bad medicine, goin’ to kill.”

“ What, they were going to kill you?”

“ No, me kill.”

“ Oh! but what kind of a trap did you set to
catch the whole flock at once?” and Buffalo Bill
lau hed.

“ e played a false card on us, pard, and be-
in’ as we is honest men, I supposes you’ll let us
go,” said Dick.

“ My beloved friend, I never meddle with an-
other man’s business,’ Buffalo Bill responded,
while Surgeon Powell satin silence, viewing the
three despersdoes. ,

“That officer knows me for I were at ther
fort, and you dose, too, Red Rider so I vouches
for m IJamie here, and will feel obleeged ef
yer’lvlvfi let us go.’

" bat did you bag them for, Connnchei”
asked Surgeon Powell. -

“ Bad pale-face, me know—Velvet Bill know.

“ Velvet Bill say kill when I get to fort with
them.”

“ Ah! you are on your way to the fort!” said
Go-won-go.
his Me go, see you, think you was bad men, so

e.

“ Go now to fort and Velvet Bill.”

“ See here, Comanche. Velvet Bill is not at the
fort, for I left there with him last night.

“ But we are going to him now, and we need
you, only you have those three men with you.”

'the fort had gone down the river by

 

“Oh, don’t let us detain yer, pard, fer we kin
go back,” said Tom.

“ No go—me kill,” and Comanche drew his
revolver and silenced all other argument with
the prisoners. '

Go-won-go then said:

“ Comanche is a most valuable man to take
with us, for he will increase our force to five.”

“ Four.”

“ No, Mr. Cody, there is another I am depend-
ing upon.

" h ! I‘ll fix these fellows.”

“ Want kill ’em?” coolly asked Comanche.

“ No, but come, and I’ll show you where they
will be safe and it is right on our way,” and he
led the way toward the Fatal Trail, now going
toward Fort Venture, the others following.

It was now getting dark, but Goswon-go held
back until night fell, just as they reached the
entrance to the Death Valley.

A ride of several miles and a large rock tow-
ered up before them.

“ There‘s where 1 saw the Ghosts of the Trail,
and the mystery I could never clear up_, for the
phantoms disappeared in a way that none of us
could understand,” said Buffalo Bill, pointing to
the large rock, which rose like a gimt sentinel
on one side of the trail. ‘

It was there too that the Secret Assassins had
ambushed several of the Pony Riders in the
past, and their graves were near the rock.

“ That is where we bait, for I will leave the
prisoners here,” said Goswon-gc.

Neither t! «a scout nor Frank Powell asked any
questions, but waited.

They saw Go-won-go take his lariat from his
saddle and swinging the coil around his head
launch it for the top of the rcck.

It caught on a ragged point, and as easily as a
sailor could, the Red Rider ran up to the top.

“ Come up, Comanciw,” he said.

The Indian dextrously threr his lasso and
twisting the two together, to retain his greater
weight went to the top of the rock.

“ Ugh !” he said as he saw that the rock was
hollow in the center, like a deep well.

“ Tie one of those men to the lasso, Mr. Cody,
and we will haul them up, for this is the place
to leave them.

“ They’ll never get out without help, in irons
as they are.”

Terror Tom resisted, but in the strong grasp
of Buffalo Bill and the surgeon, he was made
fast to the lariat and hauled up.

The otl ers followed, and then Buffalo Bill
and Surgeon Powell in their curiosity went up
to see what the discovery was.

There was a rude ladder leading down into
the well—like space, and eVery indication that
the interior of the rock was kept as a camp and
hiding-place.

“ How did you get on to this, Go—won-go?”

“ Oh, it‘s a secret of the Fatal Trail Wep—to-
mah made known to me.

“ New, ut these men in there, and they’ll re-
main unti we send for them.”

“I rather guess they will,”and Buffalo Bill
and Comanche lowered the three prisoners to
the bottom of the hollow rock. _

“ Now, we must push on,” said Go—won-go,
and arranging the lassoes to slip of! when they
had reached the ground, they all slipped down
them, mounted their horses and rode away,
Go—won-go leading directly away from the Fatal
Trail while Terror Tom said sorrowfuIly:

“ Pards, we is left here ter die."

CHAPTER LIX.
A DISCLOSURE.

WHEN Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell saw
the secret trails, the hollow rock, and other
things which Go—won- 0 opened their eyes to,
the were not surprise that the Secret Assassins
ha so long and well hidden their identity and
defied all pursuit.

The nature of the ground was in their favor
in every way, and muffled hoofs and boards for
the feet of the men, was the order when no trails
were to be made.

Leaving the scout, the surgeon and Comanche
under the leadership of the Red Butterfly, going,
they knew not where, I will tran rt my reader
to the real retreat of the Secret ssassins of the
Fatal Trail.

It will be remembered that a part leavin
t an
had otten to the cliffs above by a platform
whic was lowered and raised by a windlass
mam above. b med 1

nce uponwata tobeadesoate
rock, which only a bigd could reach, it was by
no means such a barren spot as one would sup-

There was a spines on top several acres in size,
rugged, broken y canyons and fissures, but for
all t at, area enough to camps. cavalry regiment
and far down in the canyon were half a hundre
horses visible, though how they got there was a
m stery except to those who knew the secret.

here was grass too in abundance on the sides,
and flats, for the interior of this castle of rocks
was very fertile. '

Instead of cabins, for there was a scarcity of
woodgegents were seen here and there, a dozen in
num .

 

 I ’v 'Li.»§a.”~;'=‘iw'l-%‘v5t

 

‘ In front of one of these, in a camp~chaz:, sat
one who is known to the reader, for it was none
other than Alice Seeley.

Her face was pale but there was a determined
look about her mouth as though she was in a
defiant mood.

The tent was a pleasant one, with a reed mat
upon the floor, a rude table, some books. and
some clothing hanging against one u all of the
canvas.

Another tent of (qual size was not far distant,
and the others were down the canyon not far
from the horses.

In the other tent sat a woman engaged in
arranging a riding~hat to suit her fancy.

It was Valerie Wambold, the maid of Alice
Seeley.

She too wore a determined look upon her real-
ly very handsome face.

Lying on a blanket beyond the tent in which
sat Valerie VVambold, was a man whom the
reader last saw struggling for file in the rave: n
on the little island, and who had at last made
his escape by crawling through the aperture,
which only the hardest task had made large
enough for him to escape that way.

It was Frank Courtney, alias Kit Quantrel,
the Outlaw Chief, alias Captain Moonlight.

He had made his escape from what had
seemed certain death, and, moneyless, wretchi-d
and a hunted man, was trnmping alon a moun-
tain trail, when suddenly he was he d up by
three men.

“ Courtney, is it you?” cried one of them.

“Yes: you are Ned \Volverton, who was in.
prison with me under life sentence.”

“The same; but I escaped through your act,
and I f eel like a brother to you.

“ What are you doing?”

“ I am supposed to be doubly dead.”

“ Dead?”

“ Yes; you have heard of Quantrell”

“ I have, often, and wanted to throw my lot
with him until I struck a better trail.”

“ I was Quantrel.”

1‘ NO 1"

“ I was supposed to be killed, and then i
came out as Captain Moonlight.”

“ The deuce!”

“Again I was supposed to have been killed,
but I saved myself from deaah, and now am but
a penniless tramp.”

“ You are a brick, and what say you to link—
ing fortunes with me?"

“ Good! What are, you doing?” .

“ I was chief of the Secret Assassins of the
Fatal Trail, but was persuaded to give up the
work.”

“ Come, I was just on my way to join that
band, and together we can make a fortune, for
I have a great scheme in my head to work out.”

“ I am with you, old pard of my prison days,
for, with one like you to aid me, I can go back
to the Fatal Trail business again.

“So 0mm ! I will send one of my men here to
overtake my Indian allies and bring them back
again, for it is safer and better to work with
red-skins.”

“ I believe you are right, and I am with you,
Wolverton ; there’s my hand upon it. "

And upon this compact being formed, the two
men started upon the back trail to the retreat of
the Secret Ambushers, the hiding-place just re-
vealed to the reader.

CHAPTER LX.
'rwo PALS.

WHATEVER. motive, or influence it had been
which made Ned VVolverton give up his red
work as chief of the Assassins of the Fatal
Trail, his meetlng with his old pal, Frank
Courtney was too much for him, and be readily
went back to continue his cruel career against
the Pony Riders.

He led the way back t) his retreat, sent one
of the two white men with him after the Indians
who had been his allies, and the ‘two sat down
to have a long talk over the situation.

“ You see, it must be thoughtthat it is some
one else, not me, pard, that is domg the devxltry

 

now. v r .

“I’ve got the grit, and with your help we can
do well. ,

“ But what is your idea, Courtney, for I was
giving up a pretty nice thing to turn back.”

“ Worth much?”

“ Well, you see my father married a second
time, and he left a young and beautiful widow
a very large fortune, so I intended going 13 ’
claim a share of it as hush money, pretending
my mother was yet alive—see?”

“ Yes, and she’d be lad to fork out liberally
to keep you quiet, angl’ll play the same Kama
on my sister, whose husband was killed here on
Sunset Sam’s coach, and left here. great for-

tune.

“I’ll tell her I’ve found that old Dillingham
has another wife living. ”

“Did you say Dillinghaml”

H I  ”

“The man who was shot on Sunset Sam’s
coach by road-agents, and died at Miner’s
Roost l”

“ The same.”

“ Why, Courtney, we are kin, for Dillingham
was my father, and he married your sister.

 

 

 

  

. Vv.*!‘l,l

 

 

Velvet Bill’s Vow.

 

 

2'7

 

-' We’ll go pards on the game we play on the
WidOw,”

“ Yes, I guess we’ll have to; but now let me
te“ you my racket.”

" Good!”

“Colonel Seeley at Fort Venture has a very
beautiful daughter.”

“ Yes, I know he has.”

“ She is rich from money left her by her mo-
ther, and her father is a rich man; but besides,
I happen to know, which she does not, that she
is the hell‘eFS to an enormous estate.

“ You see, I had a lawyer chum, and'l copied
some papers for him, but she was not to know

about this bonanza until she reached the age of .

twent .”

“ How old is she now?”

“ Nineteen.”

“Now I would have likel to have married
her myself, but the fact'is I got entrapped into
a matrimonial alliance, and my wife is at pres-
ent her niaid.”

H 7

“She goes by her maiden name at the fort,
Valerie \Vamio'fi, and no one knOWS she was
ever married.

o“ She was a sergeant’s daughter, whom the
colonel had executed for ome crime, and Valerie
left me to live with Miss Seeley, to be avenged
for her father’s death.

“ Now I know her game, and she is therefore
in my pow er.

“I’ll drop hera line, telling her just what I
wish to do, and she’ll help me out for the sake
of POVI‘DK?‘ and a fair share of gold which we
may get.”

“ But where is the gold to be gotten ?”

“ I tell you that she is rich.”

U Yes.” V

“ Her father is rich.”

U I see.”

“ She is an only child.”

“ Well?”

“ Consequentl heiress to all.”
“I understan .” '

I “ Then, in less than a year, she is to drop into
this big inheritance from an old bachelor great-
uncle.”

“Yes but it is all for her.”

“ An her husband.”

“ Is she married i”

“ No, but she must be.”

" You have got me all mixed up, Courtney.”

“ Well, I‘ll explain.

“ I’ll write my wife, who understands well a
cipher alphal'iet I taught her.

“ I’ll tell her to arrange, on certain condi-
tions, a plan by which we can kidnap the young
heiress.”

“ 1 see, and get a ransom.”

“Better than that.”

H 30w 9”

“ How stupid you are!”

1‘;I’,admit it, that I cannot see through your
.0
p ‘ -r on are a very handsome man, Wolverton.”

" Thanks.” .

“ Dressed up in a certain way, you would
make an impression.” ,

“ I have made too many for my own good, I
fear."

“ N ow when she is kidnapped, the price of her
freedom shall be to marry you.”

“ The devil l”

“ No, she’s an angel from all accounts.”

“ What a great head you have got.”

“ Well, you must play repentant, the ardent
lover, that you cannot live without her, and all
that, you know, which you have doubtless played
often enough to know well how.

“ If you can excite her sympathy, all will be
Well and if not she must marry you.

“ If she will be content to return to the fort
with you, for you will never be suspected of be-
ing what you really are, and call it a sudden
love-affair, a runaway-match, asking papa’s for-
giveness, well and good.

“ If not, y0u must make her obey your bid-
ding, write a letter from her to the colonel, tell-
ing him she has run away and having married
one she loves, but unworthy, she intends to re.
form him, snatch him like a brand from the
harping, you know, and will never see his face
ago. a.

" Then. you see, when she dies of a broken
heart, on get all the fortune and divide with
me an my sweet wife. Valerie.”

“ You are a genius, Courtney, and I am your
man to command at once, so we will carry out

this lot." _

“ g’ell, I’ll write Valerie at once and send the
letter through, and I’ll appoint a place where I
can see her if she will come mitigate. i

“ Then we can arrange a 1 .p as plot
bring the girl here and. t at all rm & 1.:
I’ll find a parson somewhere to tie

“ Now, you understand fully i"

“ I d .”

“ Anti we can make a show on the Fatal Trail,
too, for there is money in that at times,”

“ Yes, I have often struck it rich.

‘ But, Courtney?”

u Ya.”

“ Will our wife enter into this plot?"
"' ‘ telléou she will do anything for gold and
name, was the decided answer.

0 knot.

 

CHAPTER LXI.
IN A NEW ROLE.

THE conversation in the preceding chapter
between the two fiends in human form, men of
fine appearance and handsome faces, but the
blackest of hearts, gives an insight into the well-
laid plot to kidnap from her father‘s protection
Alice Seeley.

The letter written was by Frank Courtney to
his wife, Valerie, and several meetings were
held between the two, while Wolverton also met
the traitress, and found that she entered into the
plot with really a fiendish pleasure.

She was or a selfish, envious nature, as well
as revengeful, end she hated Alice for her great-
er beauty, her superior education and accom-
plishments, and her position in society.

She hated her also that she had been born to
wealth.

Then, too, she was revengeful toward Colonel
Seeley for her father’s dez th, without analyzing
the whole affair and seeing that the commander
was not to blame.

She had accepted her education and livin
from his hands, pretended to be a devoted
friend, and, going off to teahh in a New Mex-
ican family, had met Frank Courtney, even then
an outlaw, and married him.

She had believed him a very wealthy ran~
chero, and he supposed her to be an heiress, and
thus each got deceived.

He realm. d 1.11 that she was, and did not deny
all that he was himself.

At last she determined to leave him, and so
wrotealetter to Colonel Seeley asking him to
get her a place as lady’s maid.

Thus it was that Valerie Wambold Courtney
became the maid and trusted companion of
Alice Seeley, who was really very fond of her,
neVer suspecting her loyalty to her.

With a wicked woman her trusted friend, and
two evil, merciless men plotting against her,
Alice Set-ley fell into the trap set for her.

The two men came down the river in their can-
vas boat, guided by two Indians, who awam
alongside, and one in an officer‘s cloak and bat
went up to the colonel’s quarters through the
rain. '

Valerie had done her work well, for both the
colonel and Alice had been kept under the in—
fluence of chloroform, while the traitress laid
her plans to carry with her all that was
needed.

There sat poor Alice, drugged, she not having
even retired, having fallen asleep in her chair
and while Courtney raised her '11 h s arms, an
wrapping blankets around her, on rrind her from
the' cabin, the woman followed v 1th a large
bundle of clothing.

The next morning Alice Seeley awoke to
consciousness with an aching head, and beheld
herself amid strange surroundings.

Valerie was seated by her side pretending to
weep,'and Alice saw that they were in atent,
and the scenery without was all strange.

Quickly she sprung to her feet, and then was

told that they had been kidnapped by the Se-
cret Assassins, and would he kept captives until
a certain ransom was paid. '
. At once did Alice offer to pay it, but she was
put oi! with one excuse and another for days,
the man Courtney telling her that there was
one who would have the bargain to make.

“ Who is he!” asked Alice.

“ He is one whom luck went against, who
was going to lead an evil life an“ he saw you.

“.From that day he changed his career. and
he is to give me my ransom for you, while he
Will claim his ransom from you.”

“ I care not, so that he lets me know the sum
at once.”

“ I will send him to you,” said Courtney.

“He has not dared face you before, but he
will come now.

“ And you must see him alone, so come,
young woman.”

" No, I wish Valerie to remain with me.”

“ He Will only see you alone, Miss Seeley,”
said Courtney.

“Very we 1, send him here, for I wish the
matter ended, as we have been here days
now.”

Courtney went away, the woman following
him. for not yet had the traitresscast of! her
mask of seeminigood.

Then, after t ey had gone down into the
canyon a man came into light. He was walk-
ingslowly toward the tent where Alice sat.

tall form, broad shoulders, elegant car-
riage, a velvet coat, spotless buckskin lea has.
a broad sombrero. long blonde hair an mus-
tache was what Alice saw, and she sprung to
her feet crying:

“ You are Velvet Bill! You have come to
rescue me!”

CHAPTER LXII.
HIS DOUBLE.

Ta: scene that followed beggars descri ti
for Alice lad balaifivgrdagm the daring, 
some am er h kid pers
mgr-3511;. “ er up to

u t e aw ening soon came when he told
her that he loved her with all his heart and

 

soul—that he had vowed to utterly reform his
life and live for her alone.

He implored her to l:th to his story of love,
and—she scorned him!

So terrible was her sarcasm and anger that
at last he grew enraged and said savagely:

“ You \\ ere brought here to become my wife,

Alice Seek-y, and my wife you shall become. I
will break that haughty spirit of yours, and if ,
you will not willingly marry me, then I shall
force you to do so, forge a letter as from you
to your father telling him you have married
Velvet Bill, the gambler, and gone your own
way.
“ If, on the other hand, you will wed me, we
will go to your father and ask forgiveness, and
I will devote my whole life to making on hap-
py. So, what is your answer, Miss See ey?”

“That I would leap from yonder cliff before
I would descend so low, sir.”

“ That is your answer?"

it  iglll

“ I can afford to be generous and give you
more time, for we have plenty of it on our
hands now."

“ I say never, sir! Now go and bid my maid
come to me, that I may tell her of your per-
fld .” '

‘yYour maid? Ha! ha! why, she was the wife
of my friend Courtney, who kidnapped you,
long before she accepted her position in your'
service."

“ It is falsei”

“Is it? Well, all I can say is that she hates
your father, hates you, and has sought reVenge,
which she now has, for she chloroformed your
father aid yourself. so that you could be
brought away from the fort.

“ I tell you, Alice, I am the only friend you
have here,”and the man turned and walked
awav.

“Oh, dear Heaven! That man fallen so lowl
I have no hope—yes, I will der them all!

“ But, can he have told the truth about
Valerie?

“ He did; and not" you know me as I am.”

And the wicked Wt man came into view around
the tent.

“Alas! your own lips have said that which
from no others would I believe of you. Now
keep aloof from me!”

And the . uilry woman fairly shrunk from the
withering look bent upon her by the brave girl.

From that day the plotters began to force the

risoner to their terms. Dressed in the riding-

ahit and hat of Alice Seeley, the wicked
woman would ride out with an Indian guard
and meet the fiend in human form who was try-
ing to bring Alice to his terms. and this was
done to show to any scouts who might be near
that which would compromise the maiden and
make it be thought that she had really run of
with the gambler.

So time passed on, until one day the outlaw
chief walked up to the tent and said:

“ I gave you until to-day to decide. What is
your answer?"

“ I “in die first!"

“ lVell, I shall send a man out on the Overland
Trail to finda parson and bring him along to
un‘iite us. When he comes, you become my wife,
an _

A wild cry came from the lips of Alice which
caused the man to look around suddenly.

What he saw blanched his face and brought a
cry of horror, the words following:

“ “’illl You here i”

“ Yes; I am here, and it seems that I am need-
ed just at this moment. Have no fear now, Miss
Seeley, for you are under the guardianship of
Velvet Bill, whom my twin-brother there has
been impemonating, to your sorrow and mine.”

“ Thank God that you are not what he had
made me deem you. But, what a resem—
blance!”

“ 1n face, yes, now that he has shaved off his
long beard; and in form. too, as he has adopted
in style of dress.”

I‘he man known as Ned Wolverton laughed
wickedl now. for he began to recover from the
shock 0 his brother’s unexpected a pearance.

“ How did you get here, sir?" he emanded.

“I trailed you, and. since on have broken
faith with me, since you havs en guilty of the
crime you have committed against this lady, I
will show you no mercy. ,

“This man, Miss Seeley, is the chief of the
Secret Assassins, and is as merciless as a ser-

at. I found him out. and he pledged me that

0 would give up this life, for then had, and
have now, the p0wer to arrest him and take
him to the gallows, as be well knows. v

“ I spared him because we were twm brothers
because he pledged himself to, go far away, an
break up his band of cut-throats. _

“I pitied him because he inherited the out
in him—God forgive me that I have to say so!—
from our mother.

“ Thank God, I was. like my noble father,
whom our mother deceived and deserted.

“ She brought as u to a life of evil, until I
was old enough to y from her and seek my
Own path, my own fortune in life. .

“ He remained with her until she died, and
left him her curses.

“ Such is our story; and now, Ned Wolver-

 

 

 

 
 
 

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i.‘..< -w-.-~

.— w: v on .s

g.

M... ..

28

Velvet Bill’s VOW.

 

 

ton, for you took your mother’s name to stain
'our infamous career, you are my prisoner," and
'elvet Bill covered the heart of his twin bro-
ther as quick as a flash Of lightning.

CHAPTER LXIII.
IN TIME.

GO-WON-Go led his party on across the Death
V..l|ey, in the night seekin no trail, and about
midnight came to a pile 0 rocks, a couple of
miles distant from the towering cliffs, over-
hanging the river and known as the Castle.

“ We can hide our horses here. muzzling their
trees and mufflmg their boots so that they
must keep quiet,” explained Go-wou-go.

Then on foot the four went their way and
arrived at the base of the cliffs just before
dawn. ‘

“ He is not here, so we must hide and wait."

“ Who?"

“ Wep—to-mah.”

They sought refuge in a secure place among
the rocks, and soon the sun rose, yet Go-won-go
made no move.

Several hours passed and at last Go—won-go
said:

“ See there I”

The river made a curve in toward the clifl,
and in what appeared to be solid rock an open-
ing was visible.

t was a piece of canvas skillfully painted
and set in the mouth of a cavern on a frame
to fit it well. _

This screen was opened by Wep-to-mah, and

.‘he beckoned to Go—won-go.

“Come!”

All hastened around the ledge overhanging
the water, reached the cavern and entered.

Then .said 'Wepto-mah somewhat hastily:

“ My braves would not be good and ride with
'me; the will fight for the wicked pale-faces.”

“ An Velvet Billi"

“ He went u into the cliff just now. I let
him in, and to] him you were here.”

" How many are there to fight?” asked Buffalo
‘Bill quietly.

“ en braves. three white men. We have live
here and Velvet Bill.” ‘

“ Come!” cried Go—won- 0.

Po well’s hand fell u n t e Red Rider.

“ You have guid us here; your work is
done, and you must not risk your life.”

“ Oh, don’t mind me, surgeon—come on!”
and Go-won-go sprung up that steep path before
them, after assing through the channel.

And the Rider kept in the lead, with the
others close behind.

Suddenly they came upon a scene which
caused all to halt.

There stood Velvet Bill holding his brother at
bay, but creeping upon him were Frank Court-
ney, the other wh.te man of the Assassin band
and Wep—to-mah’s braves.

Just as Frank Courtney raised his weapon to
shoot Velvet Bill, Go—won—go’s revolver cracked
and the man dropped.

With a rush the attacking force now threw
themselves upon the surprised and fri htened
Indians, and the fight was over in a minute of
time.

Then it was seen that the Assassin chief was a

risoner, and the band had been cut to pieces,
hOil'dthose men were merciless at what they be-
e O

Valerie stood with white face looking on,
while Go-won—go knelt by the side of the dying
Wep-to-mah, for the brave Indian had received.
ill-number of wounds, his own braves firing upon

1m.

“ Poor We to-mah is dead! I promised to
be his wife i he would betray these outlaws,
though I did not, could not love him.

“ But he is dead,” and Go-won-go betrayed
deep sorrow.

“ His wife! You are then a woman! I felt
that it was so,” Velvet Bill said.

Then he continued:

“ NOW. to arrest that traitress,” and he turned
to find Valerie; but, driven to despair, she had
glided away from the scene; there was a leap
from the cliff, and she went to Ler death in the
waters far below.

CHAPTER LXlV.
CONCLUSION.

WHEN the Assassin chief entered the fort as a
risoner, no one who saw the wonderful resem-
lance between the brothers wondered that he

had been mistaken for Velvet Bill, while Va-
lerie could readily pass for Alice Seeley, in her
dress and hat.

The story then came out about the two bro-
thers: that Will Diliingham—Velvet Bill—had
led an honorable life, and had been sent to the
frontier by a New York detective bureau to
look up certain criminals in the mines, and to
disguise his character the better had become a
gambler.

That Surgeon Powell had done ri ht in con-
niving at the escape of Velvet Bi from the
fort, Colonel Seele frankly admitted, and in
his joy at having ound his daughter through
Go-won go and the daring detective, he said:

“See here. Dillingham, I am half in love with
that Indian beauty, and if you do not marry

 

“ Thank ou, Colonel Seele ', but it is already
settled, as utterfly admitte she had always
cared for me, while, without knowing just
Irjvhy, I loved her, though believing her to be a

oy.
“ We are going to et married as soon as I
close up my business ere, and can go East to
claim her.’

And Velvet Bill did just as he said he would,
for, three months after, he went to New York
and won his wife, while he also was happy in
the love of the beautiful young step-mother he
had found, and who changed her name from
Dilliugham to Darwin.

Some weeks after the rescue of Alice, there
was an execution of four men at the fort, the
Three Terrors whom Comanche had brought in,
and had tracked as outlaws and murderers, and
Ned lVOlverton, the twin brother of William
Dillingham.

The Three Terrors died with mingled curses
and prayers, but the Assassin chief died with
calm nerve, and said simply:

“ I deserve far worse, if it could be meted out
to me.”

In the winter there was a wedding at the fort,
for Alice Seeley became Mrs. Andrew Ames,
and the two best men of the young officer were
Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill.

Thus fails the curtain, for Velvet Bill kept his
vow, and the Red Rider had his retribution in
the death of Frapk Courtney, and in thus driv-
ing off the outlaw s from the Fatal Trail.

THE END.

 

Beadle’s Ha_|l;llime library.

BY 01.]. coonns. ‘

5 Vagabond Joe. the Young VVandsring Jew.

18 The Dumb Spy.

2? Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide.

ill Keen-knife, the Prime of the Prairies.

41 Lunch Junk, the Young Mustanger.

58 The Border Kin i m,’i'he Secret Foe.

71 Delaware Dick, l. s Young Ranger Spy.

74 llnwk-e 'e Ilarr ' the Young Trapper Ranger.

88 Rollo,t c llo I anger.
184 Euro Shot Rot, I, 1hr iioy Riflemsn.
148 sear-Face Saul. the Silent ilunm.
146 Filver Star. the~ iioy Knight.
15“ Eagle K“. the. iioy Demon.
Hill Little Texas, the Young Mustang"
17$ Did Holitnry, the Hermit Tm \per.
182 Little Hurricane. the Bo aptnin.
20$ I’ros cot Pete : or, The oung Outlaw Hunters.
20R The oy llereulon: or, The Prairie Trumps.
Bill Tiger Tom. the Texas Terror.
234 Dnnhlu Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s ('nsilo.
‘2.“ Little \ “dure, the Young i'mirie Nomad.
388 The Parson Dc tel-the; or, The Little Ranger.
248 The Dir-guises! Guide; or, \i'ihl Raven, the Ranger.
260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. '
272 \I lllklllilll Miler, tin- liov Sllnrpsbootsr.
290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spv.
800 The Hky’ Demon; or, ksiubolt, the Ranger.
BS1 Whip-king Joe, the ilov Ram-hem.
.109 "en-ulna; or, Dirk, the Buy Ranger.
4| 7 “'oiii’ooi Mono, tlh- Trump Detective.
492 Iinhv Sum, line no)- (“not ol the Yellowstone.
444 Little. Rubin-kin. the, Young i‘ruirie Centaur.
457 “'ingodi'oot Fred ; or. ()ld Polar Saul.
46” 'I‘nlnnrno Tom. the lilg Tm rper Boy.
4'”! Did Tom Rilitler, the Red {in-r Epidemic.
432 fitoncwuil Bob, the Boy Tromn.
562 mlcrinx llasil, the Hermit lioy Trapper.
652 Don Iinrr. the Plains l’n-eluure.
661 Did Kit Randy’s Deliverance.
670 Norway Noll-A. the Big Boy Mountaineer.
680 Dnuntless Dan. the. Freelance. or Old Kit Bandvin Arcadia.

   

liY BUCKSKIN 8AM (Major 83m. 5. Hall.)

284 Old Rocky I " lloyeesx or, Benito, In: Horse-Breaker
I46 Giant George; or, The Ang’l ol the Range.

275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s l’ard.

997 The Tarantula oi' Tam-i or, Giant George’s Revenge.
80? The Strange l’nrdx or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt.
318 Ker-Whoop. Ker-whooz or, The Tarantula oiTaos.
82? Creeping Cut. the Cnilclo: or, The Red and White Putin.
332 Frlo Fred: or, The Tonkhwuy’s Trust.

844 The Fighting Trio: or. Rattlesnake, the Tunhwsy.
349 “'ild “ oil: or, Big-Font Wallace to the Front.

357 The Ranch Ruidernz or. The. Siege of Fort inrgntory.
861 anp-Hhot, the lloy Ranger.

375 Cirioiu. the Creek: or,Thr Three Thunderbolts.

881 "under" "ill: or Frin Frank lo the Front.

899 RoIneo and the Reds: Or, The lleluazuered Ranch.
404 'Jt'lp Lin-int: or. l’el‘fln Pete's Big Rampage.

4L1 The Dni-Ay from Denver.

42? ’l he ’l'hroo Trailers: or, Old Rocky on the Rampage.
449 "In" llliii or, The Lynx oi the Leona.

47.5 Little Lom- h‘lnr : or. The Belle of the Cibolo.

684 (,‘nohe Curl. the China Giant

ll" .10 PIERCE.

397 Rob n' the Bowery: or, The Prince of Mulberry Strut.
415 The Vagabond Dots-olive: or, Bowery Bob’s Boom.
452 "(Ill ur llob. the Street-liuy iletrrtive.
41“! The Lawyer’s thdow: or, Luke's Legacy.
472 Juuniy Joe, the Young Horse-King.
494 fluriy film. the Ynung Ferryumu Deioctlre.
1504 Five Points I’llii.
509 Juel.‘ JII gel-s, the Butcher Boy Detective.
rm: aninr lln; or. Firm: Points Phil's Menagerie.
526 North River Nut. tlh- l’h-r Dn'iN‘livv,
bill! “'rcsillng Rex, the l‘rhluni'the- Sixth Ward.
5 ll Joil’ Flicker. llu- Stuhln- Roy Detective.
l Nick Nollie, the, lioy Shadow.
559 llnriem Jun-k. Iln- “(lit-v lloy Detective.
569 llrooklvn Ron. th-~ (hr-iiiu-Own-iiook Detective.
577 l’uvelu If I’ric 1h.- Sm-n-t Sil’ier.
538 Jnvk-o‘Jmnir-rn. iiw lludu-rSrn I’m-parlor.
“0R “'ldo-Awulu- iii-rt. theSirw-t-Stwrer.
ill 1» \l'iIi-tllng Jun-oh, the Dwtmlln-‘x Aid,
“23 Duel. Rumble-boo, the Harlem llmmm-r.
. rinl- Kalli lin- Exprwsv'i‘ruin Ferret.
nln Hoer .- iiouer)’ llmigr-r: or, Seooplng s Sllppery Set.
6534 “k. -Roukot Rob. tio- Life—Saver.
“"3 finiilwior Sol, llu- New York Navigator.
09-1 Spiny Jim, iiu- Onlv “no of His Kind
70“ Tom Thistle. iilr‘ Rood-"Hula Do-terlive.
7 .‘lonqulio Jack. the iiuulier Hamill.
726 Dennis Duil’, the lirown Sport's Kid.

 

   
 

ll" .1. \l'. DflllDN.

409 The Rival Giants ofNowbnr‘.
498 (bu-tun Ilnrr. the Man irom liurd Luck.
58'? “Id Illwlu- 'o. the Sierra Shadow.
564 l’ovllcr Pall, the. Roy Minn-r.

609 Iloll Dorrlt. the Veteran Detective.

in: BY ALBERT ‘1'. AIKEN.

11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes on Bowery Girl.
76 Abe Colt. the Crow-Killer.
79 Sol Gin er, the Giunt'l rapper.
.88 Joe llue ' oi’Angel- and Ill: Boy I’nrd.
44 New York Nil. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham.
458 New En land NIL-1.: or, The Fortunes oi'aFouadlin‘.
464 Nimble .‘ick. the Circus Prince.
498 Too: 'l‘ed. the Arizona Sport.
510 (‘ool Colorado, the Half-Breed Detective.
518 Cool Colorado in New York.

BY GEDRGE C. JENKS.

4155 Git Thur (lwncy the Unknown.

492 “it Thur Owney’s Pledge.

513 The Demon "color.

I)?” Double-Curve Dun. the i’ilf‘llt'l‘ Detective.

59K Flute, [he Singer ih-h-ctive.

film The l’itohcr Dctu-tlvc’n Foil: 0?. Dfin'! Double Pl-y.
616 The Der-nu Drier-tire: or. The i.u.xv.(‘rulse ol’the Black Bear.
ill-ll ’I'lu- l'iicher Detective-b- 'l‘onghcnt Tunnel.

78“ Larry, the Thoroughbred; or, ilrnien on Every Side,

ll" JDSEI’II 1‘2. BADGER. JR.

2 Yellowstone JIM-1"; or, The, Trapper. '

48 Hint-k John, the Rood-Agent; or. The ()uilaw’s Retreat.

65 Ilurrh-une lliil; or, Muslim): Sun. and “is hard.
119 Mustang Sam ; or,'i‘he King oi the Plains.
186 Night-Lunch Kit; 4r, ’l‘lu- ilnllghleroitlw Ranch.
144 Dainty Lulu-c the lioy Sport.
ltil l’ani-hor l’uul: or,i)1linl_\‘ i.nhre to the Rescue.
160 The liiiu‘k Giant; or, iminty Laure in Jeopardy.

“in Domin Dosh; or, Fighting rm- wuh Fire.
18 l The Roy 'l'ruili-rp: or, Duion Lance on the “'ar-Path.
20:: The lloy l’nrdu: or. lininiy Lance Unmaskl.
211 i‘rooi‘od (Kilo, liu- ('ulihuu oi(‘elesliul Cil)’.
Bill The, llurrum-a “'oli'; or, The Beautiful Decoy.
319 The llIm-I.’ Rider; or.'l‘hr Horse-'i‘hiews’League.
885 Did Double. Flat; or. 'I he Strange Guide ,
35f; 'i‘ln- lxlnw oi ll‘v “'omiu: Ir lhunel Boone's Last Trail.
‘49 Klt. Fox. the Border Boy Detective
62.3 (‘him-upln Dun, the Boy 'l‘r-nller.
677 (‘bincnpin Dnn'u Sci-0nd Troll.
6K5“ (‘hlnc-unin Dnn’n llonu- Stretch.
1397‘ "Id (Tony. the Mun \\'ilhoul :| Head.
70" Light-llonrt l.uu-‘- Loam-y.
Tlhl Light-Ilonrt Luie‘s Lani Trail.
723 fillverhlnde. the filumllone.
729 Suva-blade, 1h.- iiflii-‘iiilmd; or, The Border Beagle at Bay.
789 Silverblnde, the “Ham?-

llY JACK FARRAGUT.

815 Ned. the Cabin lloy. ‘ _
820 The Sea Sorceress: or. The Boy Skipper.

BY LIEUT. II. D. PERRY. C. S. N.

176 The lloy Runaway: or. The Bncvsnesr of the Bay.
1!") The Sea Trailer: or. A Vnw “all kept.
19! Captain Kit; or, The Mystic?) or Montauk Point.

DY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID.

73 Blue Dick or, The Yellow Chief’s Vengeance.

'87 The Land ’irates; or, The League oé' Devil's island.
18? The Helpless “and; or, Backwoods Retribution.
.39 The Gold-seeker Guide! or. The Los'. Mountain.

BY “'ILLIA ‘.l R EYBTER.

190 “Indy Dnrke; or. The Tigers of High Pins.
210 Faro Frank: or, Dandy Darke's Go—Down rmn

BY CAPT. ALFRED ll. TAYLOR U. B. A.

191 Buffalo Illlly. the Boy Bullwhacksr.
194 Duluth Bill a lien or. The Gambler Guide.

BY LIEITT. A. K. SIMS.

‘46 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock.

568 The Dandy of Dodge.

576 The Silver flport.

588 Bafl'roll Sol. the Man “'ith a Shadow

589 Tom-Cut and l’nrd: or. The Dead Set at Silver City.
601 Happy lions, tln- Dun-h \'ldoe .

fill llildnd llnrmu-le. thv— Delrctire ercuies.

622 Texn-A 'l‘om-(‘ni'u 'l'riad

dill Tom (‘ui'u 'I'errible Tusk.

68R 'l‘om-(‘ni‘u Triumph; or. lllrck Dun's Great Combine.
646 (‘owimy (lid. llu- Faith-Range Detective.

(if)? “'urbiing “'llilum, 'ih' Monnlain Mountsbank.
665 Jolly Jerominh, thv i’Isi..: Detective.

676 Sig-uni Sum, the Lookout Scout.

6N9 Illliy iiu- Gym-y Spy.

61H! fllmple film. :lh- Rmm-hn Buster.

112 The \leumerI-i Sport: or, The Mystified Detective.
788 Toitee Torn, ilh- Mud Prospector.

M IBCI‘ZLLAN £0113 AUTIIDRB.

4 The “'ild-llorsc lluntera. By Capt Mayh- Md and
Frederirk “'hittalmr.
9 Adventures of Baron Mulch-neon.
i2 Hullh'er'n Trove-ls. By Dean .‘wii’t. .
l4 Aladdin: or, The Wonderful Lamp.
16 Robin-on Crusoe. (‘21 “Instr-tings.)
Iii Mndlmd ilu- Sullor. His Seven \eyages.
22 1““. a”. perm-nu or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan
Lewis.
iii! The {Du-an Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the
Carrihvva. ily S. l“. Pierce.
36 '1‘1‘0 “05‘ Clown: 0?. The Arena Queen. By I' S.Flnn.
Ill Noll \VYI‘lC- H" “0“ St‘I-ul. iiy 'lexas Jack.
51 The ll") "like": or Th.- Underground Camp. By A.C.lronl.
9b The Rival Rovers: or, The Freebootsrs oi'ihe Mississippi.
Br LieuL-(‘OL iiazeltiI-e.
98 Robin Hood. 1hr- ()uilawod Earl-.or,1‘he Merry Men olGrun-
wood. Hy Prof. Gildenhnev.’
105 Did R nine. the Hunter; or, The Crow Cami". By Captain
Hamilton Holmes.
112 The Mad Hunter: or, lhe Cave ofDesth. By Bauhaus.
124 .Tipny. the ’l‘exanx or, The Young Champion. B;- Georg.
Gleason. , . ,
12p; Tl“. 1mm: prh.u.ey; "r, 1 ha Pirate s Stronghold. By
inn ' Cavendish.
14$ sinus" sum; or, The Adventures Ofa Friendiess Boy. By J.
nder Patten.
.27 Dually Dar-roll. THEN" 9" The Glee“ RID!" 0f "10 Yel-
lmvuonm By Edward menon.
261 Fergu- Fear-naught the Maw Y vrk Boy. By G. L. Aiken.
Mill Klillp‘or. the lglllllt'i 'YynnvyCrockett's Crooked Trail.
By Ensign C. D. Warren. .
298 Red Claw. the (luv-EV“ 1 "PP": "Y. The Maid oi the Cliff.
BY Captain (Inlnstork.
817 lichen”; were. the Lively Lad 1mm Leadviile. By LIMI-
tensut Alired Thorns.
BIB The Sky Detective: or, A Bay’- Flght for Lll'sand Honor.
y Mainr Mickey Free.
850 Red Rnlph. the River Rover; or, The Brother's Ile-
venge. By Neil iinnliine.
865 lluliiluoro lien the iluothlsrk Detective. By A. 1’. Morris.
374 Gold-Dust. Torn: or. lit-H’s Dom-l» much. BvG H. Morn.
376 (‘niii'ornin Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thoma
Hoyel’ \lonslery. '
413 lliily llolnbnlu-li, the Cliff Climber. “V r- 5- “hill”?-
‘75 The lllnck Ship. By John S “'srner. -
484 (‘mnunelle Dir-k and "in Three Invincible» By
iienrv .l. Thomas.
532 The Cowboy Dulid. Ry Edwin Brooke Forrest.
552 Ariel the Athlete. B" David Druid.
5'45 “'ill \Vnteru. tie Rev Ferret. 3v "-EMM- ‘
“82 Tim "and “on-enva Double. .Bv Gn-rnhl ( nritnn.
721 ancrh-k Mono, the Arizona Deg-um". 0" The “'izami oi
Urko. l’nss. By “'iii Lisenber.

A New issue Evrrv Tuesday

The Ralf-Dime Library hr for Isle by an newsdealerl,hv.
auteur copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each.

 

 

her, I’ll propose.”

620 Litt e Lightning’s League; or. The Mystery oftne island.
688 l’lueky nul, t 9 Boy Prospector.

BEADLE AND :RDA‘H. Publishers. l
’8 Willia- Street. New Tomb i

 

 

 

 

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. _\ K
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AhnOSt all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embrace the following popular authors:

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Col. Prentlu lngrahom, Col. 1!. Z. C. Judson (Ned Bnnlline), 0|] Coomel,
Albert W. Aiken," Hon. \Vm. F. Cody (Bufl'alo Bill), Charles Morris,
Joseph E. Badger, Jr., Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip S. Warne,
Capt. Fred Whittaker, Mnjor Sam S. Hall (Buck-kin 8.111),
Edward 1.. Wheeler, J. C. Cowdrick, Edward Willett,
Wm. B. Eyster, '1‘. C. Harbnugh, Eben E. Rexford,
Wm. H. Manning, Frank Triple", A. F. Holt,
II. B. John-on, Wm. S. Gidley, K. F. Hill,
Henri Montcalm, A]. W. Crowd],
Jo Pierce, H. S. Keller,

Weldon J. Cobb,

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INTERESTING AND ATTRACTIVE FIELDS 0'

 
 
     
   
 

film-don Intorior. and. Wild Wont Rom-— '
Adventure. Bxplorotion. fie  .1 l
o Lifo on tho Grout Plain-e—
w. on a. Macho-—
' 1.1:. in the Minol—
m. in tho Wfldornooo—V
City Li‘o Chm. Com-to ond Wayl—
Dotoctivo Ind ‘Shodow’ Rovelotiono—
Stories of the Grout Doep, etc.

.       E c 1 Hence, each end every number overflows with the most

interesting and exciting matter, while in its several 81%an

      
    
 
   
   

    

 

  
   
   
  
 
 
   

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 For 93° 3°“? ’ ' ' ' ' ' . - - 3’00 general interest and  of, the strictly popular

 ‘ " giggle 81; 31868.0? .0119 Your - ‘ ' " ' 6 0:3: journal, Tm: BAxm Wnnnr is the paper of all

_, ~ ‘ - ' - ' ' others for good reodmg' and entertoinment.

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BEADLE’SrDIMErflBRARY.

Published Every W'cdncsday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. .

 

 

 

 

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER. JR.
870 High-Water Mark; or. Silver-Tip Sid.
862 Riata Rob, the Range Chem 110“.
855 The C :whov Chief’s Sure~S 0t.
848 The Rival Red-Hat Sports.
837 Curly Kid. the Cheyenne Sport.
' = 824 The Soft Hand Detective.
, 5'15 The Soft Hind’s Clutch.
" 809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport.
796 The Frisco Detectlvc’s Thug-Tangle.
789 Sam Cary. the River Sport.
780 The Dead Sport‘s Double.
, 771 Prince John, Detective S ccial.
763 Dandy Don, the Denver etectiv‘e.
, 7.34 The Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the
\ Doctor Detective.
744 Swee stakes Sam, the Silver Sport.
720 The ecret Six- or, Old Halcyon.
712 The Man of Sil .
705 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte.
693 Kent Kasson, the Pn-acher Sport.
683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective.
675 Steel Barry, the Sport from Sunrise.
'1 668 Solemn Saul‘s Luck Strtak.
'- 661 The Get—There Sharp.
l 651 Silvertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou.
- 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective.
636 Dandy Darling, Detective.
627 Mossback MOSe, the Mountaineer.
, 617 The Grip Sack Sharp’s Even up.
, .597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte.
: 588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City.
. 576 Silver-Tongucd Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep.
l - 564 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or. The Seraphs of Sodom.
.3 555 Grip—Sack Sid. the Sample Sport.
' 547 The Buried Detective; or. Saul’s Six Sensations.
541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve.
‘ 535 Dandy Dutch. the Decorator from Dead-Lift.
, 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective.
‘3 514 Gabe Gunn, the Grizzl from Ginseng.
504 Solemn Saul, the Sad an from San Saba.
. 495 Rattlepate Rob; or. The Roundhead's Reprlsal.
1; 488 The Thoroughbred Sport.
, 474 Dadd Dea -Eye, the Desoot 01 Dew Drop.
-. 466 Old ugh and Ready, the e of Sundown.
458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from pltzenberg.
450 The Rustler Detective.
443 A Cool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny‘s Picnic.
-4i8 Oklahoma Nick.
433 Laughing Leo; or. Sam’s Dandy Pard.
426 The Ghost Detective; or. The Secret Service Spy.
416 Monte Jim. the BlaCK Sheep of Bismarck.
409 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle.
403 The Nameless Sport.
395 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derrin ers.
387 Dark Durg. the Ishmael of the ills.
379 Howling Jonathan, the Terror from Headwaters.
. 372 Cs. tain Crisp, the Man with a Record.
367 A yal Flush; or, Dan Brown‘s Big Game.
360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown.
355 Storm Steve. the Mad Athlete.
351 Nor’ est Nick. the. Border Detective.
345 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective.
339' Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide Hunter.
331 Chis Charley. the Gold Nugget Sport.
324 Old orked ngh thing. the Solitary.
317 Frank Lightioot. the Miner Detective.
302 Faro Saul. the Handsome Hercules.
292 Moke Homer, the Boss Roustabout.
286 Pistol Johnny; or. One Man in a Thousand.
283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines.
257 Death Tra Diggings: or. A Man ’Way Back.
249 Elephant om. of Durango.
_ 241 Spitfire Saul. King of the Bustiers.
233 The Old Boy of Tombstone.
201 Pirate of the Placers: or. Joa uin‘s Death Hunt.
197 Revolver Rob; or, The Belle 0 Nugget Camp.
180 Old ‘49' or. The Amazon of Arizona.
170 Sweet illiam, the Trapper Detective.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King.
141 E ulnox Tom. the Bule of Red Rock.
127 So Scott, the Masked Miner.
v 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
‘ 105 Dan Brown of Denver: or. The Detective.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.
71 Captain Cool Blade: or. Mississippi Man Shark.
67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness.
64 Double-Sight, the Death Shot.
‘ ,l ‘0 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie S‘port.
.‘ Pacific Pete, the Prince 0 the Revolver.
. 8 01d BullsE e, the Lightning Shot.
0 Long-Halre Pards; or.The Tarters of the Plains.
.1) Gospel George; or, Fiery Fred. the Outlaw.
28 Three—Fingered Jack, the Road-Agent.

   
   
  
   
   
 
   
   
 

" g7"—

mm-o-q. ,

BY WM. G. PATTEN.

810 Fire-E e. the Thug's Terror.

795 Old ght-Hawk, the Crook Shadower.

768 The Prince of New York Crooks.

756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective.

747 Double~voice Dan's Double Disguise.

715 Double-Voice Dan on Deck.

' 702 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective

a. 696 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective
. 689 The Sparkler Sharp.

676 Hurricane Hal. the Cowboy Hotspur.

66‘.) Old True Blue, the Trusty.

663 The Giant S ort; or, Sold to Satan.

P56 Old Plug  the Rough and Ready.

648 Gold Glove the Man of Grit.

641 Aztec Jack, the esert Nomad.

631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp.

:; 602 Ca tain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery.

.4 ‘ 571 01 Dismal, the Ran e Detective.

545 Hustler Harry, the wboy Sport.

BY DR. FRANK POWELL.
: g ‘ 746 The Dragoon Detective; or, A Man of Destiny
‘ f 158 The Doomed Dozen.
‘  BY conosnn manna sans.
100 Shamus O’Brien, the Bould Boy of Glingal.

87 The Scarlet Captain ;Mor, Prisoner of the Tower.

at Silver Sam; or. The vstory or Deadwood City.

. Mv.‘...2*.u. .~.a;:..‘ Br... ,g:

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BY ‘VlLLIAM R. EYS'I‘EB.

867 The Frisco Sport.

832 The Stranger Sglort‘s Shake-up.

828 Kirk King, the an from Kirby.

818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport.

783 The King—Pin Tramp.

767 The Sport of Silver Bend.

718 Uncle Bedrock's Big Bounce.

707 The Rival Rovers.

687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm.

677 Mr. Jacksmi, the Gent from Jaybird.

659 Gilt-Edge Johnny: or. Roldan and His Rovers.
650 Lucky Lester‘s Lone Hand.

634 Old Handcart‘s Big Dump.

622 The All Around Sports.

603 Desert Alf. the ll an With the Cougar.

590 Gentle Jack. the High Roller from Humbug.

578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile.

568 The Dude Detective.

558 Hurrah Harry, the Hi 11 Horse from Halcyon.
549 Belshazzar Brick. the ailiil‘ of Blue Blazes.
533 Oregon. the Sport With a Scar.

525 Fresh Frank. the Derringer Daisy.

503 The Dude from Denver.

478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from Way Back.
459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives.

429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend.

402 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels” Flat Racket.
396 The Piper Detective; or. The Gilt Edge Gang.
375 Roy’al Goor , the Three in One.

356 Thr re Hanfisome Sports; or, The Combination.
344 Double Shot Dave 0 the Left Hand.

3'33 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.

300 A Sport in Spectacles; or, Bad Time at Bunco.
268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills.

229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch.
192 The Lightning S ort.

182 Hands Up; or, ie Knights of the Canyon.

160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand.
145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

BY MAJOR DANGERFIELD BUBB.

448 Hark Kenton. the Traitor.

188 The Phantom Mazeppa; or. The Hyena.

156 Velvet Face, the Border Bravo.

142 Ca tain Crimson, the Man of the Iron Face.

117 B all) Bill’s Strange Ford; or, Dashing Dandy.

BY LEON LEWIS.

797 Pistol Tommy. the Miner Sharp.

785 The Down-East Detective in Nevada.

773 Buffalo Bill's Ban: or, Cody to the Rescue.

699 The Cowbo Couriers.

686 The On-tlie- in Detectives.

624 The Submarine etective: or, The Water Ghouls.
484 Captain Ready, the Red Ransomer.

481 The Silent Detective; or, The Bogus Nephew.
456 The Demon Steer.

428 The Flying Glim: or, The Island Lure.

BY BURKE BRENTFORD.

865 S ray Sprite, the Sea. Witch.
816 T 16 Sea Sweeper. ‘

BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID.

£67 The White Squaw.

284 The Hunter’s Feast.

228 The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Obeah.

219 The Wild Huntressi' or, The uatter.

213 The War Trail: or. The Hunt of he Wild Horse.

208 The White Chief. A Romance of Mexico.

200 The Rifle Ran ers; or. Adventures in Mexico.
74 The Captain 0 the Rifles; or, The Lake ueen.
66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Paci c.

55 The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains.
12 The Death-Shot: or. Tracked to Death.
8 The Headless Horseman.

BU JACKSON KNOX—“Old Hawk.”

838 01:1 Grips Still Hunt.

827 Detective Walden‘s Web.

778 The Butler Detective' or, Old Grip's Grip.

770 The Showman Dete ~t vs.

762 Old Grip, the Detective.

740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective.

732 The Hurricane Detective.

643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter.

616 Magnus. the Weird Detective.

606 The Drop Detective.

595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective.

582 J cram. the Detective Expert.

574 Old Falcon‘s Double.

561 The Thug King' or, The Falcon Detective‘s Foe.
546 Falconbrid e. t e Sphinx Detective.

536 Old Falcon 8 Foo; or. The Detective's Swell Job.
515 Short-Stop Ma , the Diamond Field Detective.
509 Old Falcon. t e Thunderbolt Detective.

501 S ringsteel Steve. the Retired Detective,

494 The Detectlvo’s S y.

485 Rowlock the Bar
477 Dead-arm Brandt.
467 Mainwaring. the Salamander.

r Detective.

' 462 The Circus Detective.

451 Griplock. the Rocket Detective.

444 The M ic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand.
424 Hawkafieron’s De uty.

386 Hawk Heron. the alcon Detective.

BY EDWARD WILLETT.

483 Flush Fred. the River Shgix.

868 The Canyon King; or. a co on his Head.
348 Dan Dillon. Kin of Crosscut.

337 Old Gabe the ountain Tram .

327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood etcctive.

815 Flush Fred‘s Double; or, The Squatters’ League.
KB Hemlock Hank, Tough and True.

298 Logger Lem; or. Life in the Pine Woods.

289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand.

W4 Flush Fred, the Mississip 1 Sport.

948 Montana Nat, the Lion 0 Last Chance Camp.
222 Bill the Blizzard; or. Red Jack’s C e.

3 Buck Farle the Bonanza Prince.

» 116 Black Plume; or. e

 

ppi ose; or, a Strong Man‘s Sacrifice. , J
I

"  9
ii 3“ ~,.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAIIAM.

l 851 The Ocean Gi sv.

l)

8‘11 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas J ack‘s Terrors.
819 The Rival Monte Ci'istos.

805 The List of [lil' Pirates; or, Doom Driven. 1
801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping the ‘

Grave Ghouls.

791 The. Coast-Raiders Death-Chase.

748 Arizona Charlie. the Crack-shot Detective.

704 Invisible Ivan. the Wizard Detective.

685 The Red-skin Sl-a Rover.

679 Rr-vello, the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers
672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride.

662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict.

658 The 00va )y Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas.

653 Lasso King's Lengue;or. Buck Taylor in Texas. i
640 The Rev -r’s Rot ibution.

635 The Ex—Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin.

630 The Sea Thief .
625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas.
615 The Three 1 lit-canech.

610 The Red Flag Rover; or,White Wings of the Deep.
605 The Shadow Silver Ship.

600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of ’76.

593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution.
597 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of ’76. l
581 The Outlawed Ski per; or, The Gantlet IRunner. ‘
560 The Man from ekico. ,'
553 .1le Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. i
516 TH Doomed Whaler: or. The Life Wreck. “
510 The Fleet Scourge; or. The Sea Wings of Salem, 1
530 The Savages 01’ the Sea. ’
524 The Sea Chaser: or. The Pirate Noble.

516 Chatard, the Dead-Shot Duelist.

510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore.

493 The Scouts of the Sea.

489 The Pirate Hunter; or. The Ocean Rivals. ,
482 Ocean Tramps ' or, The Desperadoes oi‘ the Deep. l
476 Bob Brent,the Buccaneer; or. the Red Sea Raider. "
469 The Lieutenant Detective: or, the Fugitive Sailor.
457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son.

446 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast Corsair.

435 The One-Armed Buccaneer.

430 The Fatal Friga te; or, Rivals in Love and War.
425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.

418 The Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Pri'mteer.

899 The New Monte Cristo.

393 The Convict Captian.

388 The Giant Buccaneer; or, The Wrecker Witch. l
377 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirator. ._
373 Sailor of Fortune: or. The Barnegat Buccaneer. .
369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of tho. Sea.

364 The Sea Fugitive; or, The Queen of the Coast. 1
346 Ocean Guerrillas; or, Phantom Midshipman.

341 The Sea Desperado.

336 The Magic Ship° or, Sandy Hook Freeboeters. l‘

325 The Gentleman Pirate ; or. The Casco Hermite. ,

318 The Indian Buccaneer: or. The Red Rovers. '

307 The Phantom Pirate; or. The Water Wolves.

281 The Sea Owl; or. The Lady Captain of the 0111' i
259 Cutlass and Cross; or, the Ghouls of the Sea. '
255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler's Dan liter. I
246 33mm Helen, the Amazon of the Overlan .

235 d Lightning the Man of Chance.

281 The Kid Glove Miner: or. The Magic Doctor.
224 Black Beard. the Buccaneer.

220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother‘s Crime.

216 The Corsair Planter; or, Driven to Doom.

210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.

205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon.
198 The Skeleton Schooner: or. The Skimmer.

189 [he Ocean Vampire; or, The Castle Heiress
184 The Scarlet Schooner : or. The Sea Nemesis.
181 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

177 Black Pirate: or. The Golden Fetters M story.
172 The Mad Mariner: or, Dishonored and isowned
168 The Corsair Queen; or, The Gypsies of the Sea.
147 Gold Spur, the Gentleman from Texas.

139 Fire Eye; or, The Bride of a Buccaneer.

134 Darke Dan, the Colored Detective.

131 Bucks in Sam. the Texas Trailer.

128 The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.

121 The Sea Cadet; or The Rover of the Rigoletts.

_ Sorceress of Hell Gate.

109 Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.

104 Montezuma. the Merciless.

103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Brand!
94 Freelance. the Buccaneer. '
89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.
85 The Cretan Rover; or, Zuleikah the Beautiful.

2 The Dare Devil; or, The Winged Sea Witch.

 

* - '~'~——<' -w - o-ve-+- “-‘—‘-* 'v‘~—v —-—-—‘ “a-

BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. ,

958 Number One. the Dead-set Detective.

850 The Planter Detective.

730 Duke Despard, the Gambler Duelist.

604 The Detective in Rags: 01‘. The Grim Shadower. [ l
500 The True-Heart Pards. 2

BY J. C. COWDBICK.

752 The Sus t S rt- of Daisy Drift.

626 Ducats ion, t ie Nabob Sport Detective. I; I
612 Sharia Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. v '
598 The Dominic Detective. i
591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective.
580 Shadowmg a Shadow.

565 Prince Paul. the Postman Detective.
557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles‘ Riddle- ‘
519 Old. Riddles. the Rock Ringer
499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Port-
473 Gilbert of Gotham. the Steel-arm Detective. .
452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas. _ r

436 Kentucky Jean, the S rt from Yellow Pine. I .1
422 Blue Grass Burt. the old 881‘ De'tective. ;
890 The Giant Cupid: or Cibuta John s Jubilee. l

A new tune every Wednesday.
Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by AI
Newsdealers. ten cents per OOPY. or sent by mail a
receipt of twelve cents each.
BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pix-mama. ‘ .
6 Wm 91‘. Raw Yell. i

        
 

 
 

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' . . \
5'5, . u.
p ._ ‘-. v2. - i
,. . 4 . . . .

BEADLE’S*DIME*EBRARYL

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Umfomn Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
By Colonel Prentiss lngraliam.

915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon-Scout.
909 Buffalo Bill’s League: or, Red Butterfly.

904 Buffalo Bill‘s Tangled ’l'i'ail. ..
900 Buffalo Bill‘s Rough Riders.

895 Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally.

890 Buffalo Bill‘s Life—Stake.

882 Tlu- Three Bills: Buffalo Bill Wild Bill and Band-

box llill; or. The Bravo iii Broadcloth.

71 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves.

869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up.

863 Buffalo lill‘s Dea‘h Charm.

8.37 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush.

8531 Buffalo Bill‘s i‘Ullble Dilemma.

845 Buffalo Bill‘s Redskin Ruse.

830 Bufi'alo Bill's Bovsiii Blue.

826 Buffalo Bill’s Sher Shooters.

822 Buffalo Bill’s Best owei‘.

816 Buffalo Bill‘s Red Trail.

812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knoll.

794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand.

787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot.

781 Buffalo Bill's Brand.

777 Buffalo Bill's Spy Shadower.

769 Buffalo Bill‘s Sweepstake.

B iffalo Bill’s Dozen: or, Silk Ribbon Sam.
Buffalo Bill‘s Mascot.
" Buffalo Bill’s Double.

7. Buffalo Bill‘s Big Four;or, Custer’sShadow.
743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand.

739 Buffalo Bill‘s Blind: or. The Masked Driver.
735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men.
Buffalo Bill‘s Beagles: 0r Silk LassoSam.

727 Buffalo Bill's “Ollv Guai .

72‘! Buffalo Bill on the \\'ar- th.
716 Bllif'llo Bill‘s Scout Sha owers.

710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado.
697 Buffalo Bill‘s Buckskin Brotherhood.

691 elufi'aio Bill’s Blind Trail' or. Mustang Mad e.
667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoopmr. The King of the M nes.
658 Tile Cowl) 2v Clan: or, The Ti rose of Texas.

653 Lasso King's Le :or,Buc Taylor in Texas.
649 Buffalo Bi l‘s Chie of Cowboys; or. Buck Trylor
614 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or. Silver Circle Knights.
362 Buffalo Bill's Gri : or. Oath Bound to Custer.
329 Buffalo Bill’s Pl ge: or. The League of Three.
189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail: or, The Desperate Dozen.
175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card: or, The Indian Heiress.
168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot.

By Bu fl‘alo Bill.

839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot.

820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. /

800 Wild Bill. the Dead-Center Shot.

639 Buffalo Bill’s Cold King.

599 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Pards of the Plains.

414 Red Renard. the lndian Detective.

401 Oiie-Ariiied Pam; or, Borderland Retribution.

397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail.

394 White Beaver, the inie of the Platte.

319 Wild Bill. the Whirlwind of the West.

304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier's Sweetheart.
88 Gold Bullet Soort: or, Knights of the Overland.
52 Trailer. the Chief of Scouts.

By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntllne, etc.

773 Buffalo Bill‘s Ban; or. Cody to the Rescue.

682 Buffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail.

629 Buffalo Bill’s Darin Role; or. Daredeath Dick.

517 Buffalo Bill‘s First rail; or, The Express Rider.
158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts.

117 Buffalo Bill s Strange l’ardror, Dashing Dandy.
92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King.

BY HAROLD PAYNE.

883 The Man from Mexico in New York.

872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr s Ten Strike.
861 The Tenderloin Big Four

858 The Quaker City'Ci'ook.

844 Tracked to Chicago.

8% The Policy Broker‘s Blind.

829 The Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand.

821 The Tramp Shadowar’s Backer.

813 The Sham S tter's Shrewd Scheme.

806 The Grand tl-eet Gold-Dust Sharpers.

798 Detective Burr‘s Luna'ic Witness

792 The Wall Street Sharper's Snap.

784 Thad Burr’s Death Drop.

7-12 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs.
731 Detective Burr's Foil: or, A Woman‘s Strategy.
728 Detective Burr. thelleadquarteni Special.
713 Detective Burr‘s Spirit Chase.

706 Detective Biirr's Seven Clues. “ "

698 Thad Burr. the InvinCible; or, The L Clue.
690 The Matchless Detective.

680 XX. the Fatal Clew: or, Burt's Master Case.

BY LIEU'I‘. A. K. SIMS.
914 Snowflake Sam's Double,
897 The Six-Shot Spotter.
887 The Stranger Sport from spokane.
873 The Sport Detective‘s Colorado Clew.
860 The Spangled Sport Shadower.
813 l‘he Crescmt City Sport,
832 Gid Gale‘s Block Game.
804 Tue King Pm of the Leadville Liong,
786 Chicago Charlie’s Diamond Haul.
776 Chico. '0 Charlie. the Columbian Defective,
758 The izarl King Detective.
723 Teamster Tom. the Boomer Detective.
709 Lodestone Lem. the Chain ion of Chestnut Burr.
695 Singer Sam, the Pi rim tective.
688 River Bustiers; or. t e Detective from ’Way Back
673 Stuttering Sam the Whitest Sport of Santa Fe.
666 Old Adamant, the Man of Rock.
618 Kansas Karl, the Detective King.
552 P i Primrose, the Flower of the Flock,

l’ nee
as Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective.

BY J W. OSBON.
905 Shasta Sam. the Sparklel'.
877 Cool Creede, the Dead-Shot.
759 The ‘Sport from St. Louis.
518 Roy Richard, the Thoroughbred.

‘  .\~,  it.  l  1,. .',

 

BY CAPTAIN H0‘VARD HOLMES.
91:: Gentoel Joe‘s Lone Hand.
903 The Train Detective.
896 Kent Keen, the Crookf‘rusher.
888 Nightshade in New York.
879 Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective.
871 The Crook Cashier.
859 (‘lew-Hawk Kcene‘s Right Bower.
847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective.
840 Major Bullion. loss of the Tigers.
831 Shadowing the London Detective.
817 Plush Velvet. the Prince of Spotters.
803 The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower.
788 The Night-Hulk Detective.
779 Silk Ribbou‘s (‘i'tsh-out.
766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter.
751 The Dark Lantern Detvctive.
736 The Never-Fail Dufective.
721 Captain Hercules. the Strong Arm Detective.
711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective.
701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport.
694 Gideon Grip, the Seeiet Shadower.
684 Velvet Van. the Mystery Shadower.
678 The Dude Desperado
671 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret.
664 Monk More], the Man-Hun'er.
651 So] S hinx. the Ferret Detective.
612 Red ard and Yellow.
608 Silent Sam the Shadow Sphinx.
592 Cagtain Sill, the Shasta Ferret.
579 Ol Cormorant. the Bowery Shadow.
569 Captain Cobra. the Hooded Mystery.
559 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.
550 Silk Hand. the Mohave Ferret.
543 The Magnate Detective.
5'32 Jac‘: Javert. the Independent Detective
523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective
512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake.
505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter.
496 Richard Redt‘irc. the Two Worlds’ Detective.
487 Sunshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block.
480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.
4'38 Coldgrip in Deadwood.
460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective.
45‘! Captain Coldgrri‘p's Long Trail.
447 Volcano. the ‘ sco Spy.
411 The California Sharp.
434 Lucifer Lynx, the V\ onder Detective.
421 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow.
413 Captain Coldgrip in New York.
40? Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve: or. In un Nick.
400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New ork Spotter.
892 The Lost Bonanza: or. The Boot of Silent Hound.
382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan.
874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities.
865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.
852 The Des rate Dozen.
347 Denver uke, the Man with " Sand."
340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective.
335 Flash Dan. the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit.
294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.
278 Hercules Goidspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand.

BY WILLIAM H. MANNING.

908 The Doomsday-Den Detective.
899 The Double-Quick Detective.
898 Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.
885 The Expert etective‘s Shake-up.
875 Trap inf the Race-Track Judge.
$4 The ol ce Specisl‘s Dilemma.
849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine
841 Graydon's Double Deal. ‘
888 The Sport Detective‘s Gri .
823 The Athlete Sport About‘l‘own.
808 TheCrook-Detective‘s Pull.
790 Plun er Pete, the Race Track Detective.
782 Roy Rock, the Round-up Detective.
774 Steve Starr. the Dock Detective.
764 The New York Sharg’s Shadower.
738 Detective Claxton, t e Record Breaker.
714 Gabe Gail, the Gamboiier from Great Hump,
70? Spokane Saul. the Samaritan Sus ct
692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range KB
655 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the
646 Dark John, the Grim Guard.
6‘38 Murdock, the Dread Detective.
623 Dan erous Dave. the Never-Beaten Detective.
611 Aikal Abe the Game Chicken from Texas.
596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective.
Dan Dixon’s Double.
575 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives
563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honeysuckle.
551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone.
5‘39 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective.
531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur.
521 Paradise Sam. the Nor’-West Pilot.
513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives.
506 Uncle Honest. the Peacemaker of Hornets' Nest.
498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy.
492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter.
486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective.
479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack.
470 The Duke of Dakota. -
463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator.
455 Yank Yellmvhird, the Tall Hustler of the Hills.
449 Bluff Burke. King of the Rockies.
442 Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
437 Dee Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives.
427 The ivals of Montana Mill.
415 Hot Heart, the Detective Sfpv.
405 Old Baldy the Brigadier 0 Buck Basin.
385 Will Die ' i‘urpin, the Leadville Lion.

297 Colorado Rube. the Stron Arm of Ho ur.
279 The Gold Dragoon, or. lirornia Blotgghound.

BY NED BUNTLINB.

657 Long Tom, the Privateer.
683 The Sea S .V.
rivateer; or. The Midshipman Rover.
584 Fire Feather. the Buccaneer King.
517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail.
861 Tombstone Dick. the Train Pilot.
270 Andros. the Rover; or. The Pirate‘s Daughter.
122 Saul Sahberday, the. Idiot 
111 The Smuggler Captain: or, e’Skipper’s Crime.
61 Captain Seawaif, the Privateer.
23 The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle.
16 The White Wizard; or. The Seminole Prophet.

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ALBERT \V AIKEN‘S NOVELS.

Dick Talbot Series.

741 Dick Talliot‘s Close Call.
7337 Dick Talbot in Apache lend.
733 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King.
7 l Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out.
Dick Talbot in No Man's Camp.

3381 Dick Talbot iii the Rockies: or. Injiln Dick.
351 Dick Tilhot; Oi. The Brand of Crimson Cross.
349 Dick. the (xentienian Road-Agent.
7 Dick Talbot, of Cinnabar.
Dick Talbot. King of the Road.
flick Talbot in Utah: or, Gold Dan.
Dick Talbot‘s Iron Grip; or, The. Velvet Hand.
Dick Talbot; or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.
Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck. the Sport.
Dick Trlli)Ot'.\‘ Foe: or, Rocky Mountain Rob.
Dick Talbot at Wlli.e Pine: or Overland Kit.

Alkell’s Fresh of Frisco Series.
82.") Fresh, the Race-Track Sport.
660 The Fresh in Montana: or, Blake's Full Hand.
652 The Fresh's Rustle at Painted City.
647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or: The Stranger Sharp.
556 Fresh, the Sport: or. The Big Racket at Slide Out.
537 Fresh Against. the Field: or. Blake. the Lion.
529 The Fresh of Frisco in New York.
" The Fresh in Texas: or. The Escobedo Millions.
The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande.
173 The Fresh in Arizona; or. California John.
130 The Fresh in Mexico: or. Captain Volcano.
7 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack
77 The Fresh of Frisco.

Aiken’s Joe Phenix Series.

865 The Female Barber Detectiv..-; or, Joe Phenix in
Silver City.

799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or. The
New York Sport at Long Branch.

793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy: or, The Man of Three.

760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand.

749 Joe Phenix‘s Big Bulge.

745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case.

708 Joe Phenix‘s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw.

700 Joe Phenix‘s Unknown; or. Crushing the Crooks

681 Joe Phenix’s S his or, The Actress Detective

6‘37 Joe Phenix in my Camp.

6‘32 Joe Phenix’s Master Search.

628 Joe Phenix‘s Combine : or,the Dandy Conspirator

620 Joe Phenix‘s Silent Six.

601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,the Detective’s Monitor

419 Joe Phenix., the King of Detectives.

391 Joe Phenix’s Still Hunt.

161 Joe Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt.

112 Joe Phenix, Prime Detective; or, The Leugue.

79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy.

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Aiken’s Misc ellnneons Novels.

901 The Hotel SwellSharp; or, The Siren Shadower.
892 The Countryman Detective.
876 Gold Button S rt; or, The Miner Sharps.
842 Teton Tom. t e Half-Blood.
835 The King-Pin Detective.
814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports.
775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport.
m Gideon’s Gri at Babylon Bar.
717 Captain Pat cGowen, the Greencoat Detective.
674 Uncle Sun Up. the Born Detective.
670 The Li htw eight Detective.
665 The F sco Detective; or, The Golden Gate Find.
613 Keen Billy, the Sport.
607 Old Benzine, the “Hard Case " Detective.
Fire Face. the Silver King‘s Foe.
586 The SiIVer Sh arp Detective.
577 Tom, of Calif train: or, Detective's Shadow Act.

570 The Actress Defective: or, The Invisible Hand.

562 Lone Hand. the Shadow.
520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.
490 The Lone Hand in Texas.
475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective.
465 The Actor Detective.
440 The High Home of the Pacific.
42: The Lone Hand; or. The Red River Recreants.
408 Doc Grin, the Vendetta of Death.
381 The Gy sy Gen tlemnn: (r. Kick Fox. Detective
376 Black cards: 01, The Rio Grande High Horse
870 The Dusky Dete ctive: or. Pursued to the End.
863 Crowningshield, the Detective
320 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk.
252 The Wall Street blood; or. The Telegraph Girl.
203 The Double Detective: cr.The MlCanht Mysterv.
196 La Marmoset, the Letectlve @1990.
101 The Man from New York.
91 The Winning Oar: or. The Innkee r’s Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or, The League 0 Three.
81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.
7‘5 Gentleman George: or. Parlor. Pnson and Street.
72 The Phantom Hand: or, The 5th Avenue Heiress.
63 The Winged Whale: or, The Red Rupert of Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas; or, The Arkansas Outlaw.
56 The Indian Mazeppa: or, Madman of the Plains.
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha een.
42 The California Detective: or, The Wife es of N .Y.
31 The New York Sharp: or, The‘Flash of Lightning.
27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York.

NEW ISSUES.

919 The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateer. By
Burke Brentford.

920 The Montana Miner in New York: 'or. The.

City Detective’s Tangle. By Wm. H. Manning.

921 Buffalo Bill‘s Hidden Hand: or, Velvet Rill's
Vow. By Col. P. Ingraham.

JUST ISSUES.
916 Two Dead—Square S rts; or, the Fairv Belle
Bonanza. By Wm, Eyster.
917 Doubly Disguised. or, Tom Worth's Full Hand.
By Wm. Mason Turner.
918 The Double Edged Detective' ‘or, The Sharper-
Doctor‘s Dire Deal. By Jos. . Badger.
A new issue every Wednesday.
Besdle’s Dime Library is for sale b
Newsdealers. ten cents per copg. or sent by m
recei t of twelve cents each. EA
Matters. 92 William street, New York.

5:5 F’s,  . .i "T t  ,. ' ' 1.!  W7 

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 Novels

 

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921 Buffalo Bill's Quandary: or,Veivet Bill‘s Vow.
By Col. Prentiss ingraham.

915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon-Scout; or. (lo-wan-
go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. lngrahain.

909 Buffalo Bill’s Le‘vgue: or, Red Butterfly. By
Col. Prentiss Ingraham. '

904 Buffalo Bill‘s Tangled Trail: or, Gentleman Jack.
the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P. Ingraham.

900 Buffalo Bill‘s Rough Riders; or. Texas Jack‘s
Sharp-shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahanl.

8% Buffan Bill's Secret Aliv; or, The Texan‘s
Double. By Col. Prentiss lugraham.

890 Buffalo Bill‘s Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Three.
By Col. P. lngraham.

882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill,Wiid Bill and Band-
box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. Ingrahltm

874 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or. The Card
Queen’s Last Gum By Col. P. Ingraham.

869 Buffalo Bill's Road Agent Round—up; or,The Mys-
terious Masked Man in Black. By P. Ingraham.

‘868 Buffalo Bill’s DeathrCharm; or, The Man With
the Scar. By C ll. Prentiss Inlzraham.

857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush: or. The Pony Rider’s
Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

             
          
        
      
        
      
      
      
    
        
         
    

 

L77 Buffalo Bill‘s Spy-Shadower; or. The Masked
Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham.

7'73 Buffalo Bill’s Ban: or, Cody to the Rescue. By
Leon Lewis.

769 Buffalo Bill’s SWl-epstake; or. The Wipe-out at

' Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

765 Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By
Col. Prentiss lngrahanl.

761 Bllffah Bill's )las'ot: or. The Death Valley
Victim No. 13. By 0.1. Prentiss lngraham.

757 Buffalo Bill‘s Double; or The Desperado DeteC-
five. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahum.

750 Buffalo Bill’s Biz Four: or, Custer‘s Shadow.
By Col. Prentiss Ingrafam.

743 Bufi’nlo Bill‘s Flush Band; or. Texas Jack‘s
Bravos. Bv Cal. Prentiss lnzraham.

739 Buffa'o Bill’s Blind: or. The Masked Driver of
Death‘s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men: or. The Rollin
Hoof Rivals. ly Col Prentiss Ingraham.

731 Buffalo Bill’s Beagles; or. Silk Lasso Sam.
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

By

 

629 Buffalo Bill‘s Daring Role; or. Daredaath Dick
King of the Cowboys, By Leon Lewis.

599 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Pards of the Plains.
By Buffalo Bill.

517 Buffal) Bill's First Trail. By Ned Buntline

414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective; or, The Gold
Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.

401 The One-Armed Parcl. By Buffalo Bill.

397 The Wizard Brothers; or, White Beaver's Trail.
By Buffalo Bill.

394 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte; or, A
Wronlred Man’s Red l‘rail. By BuffaloBill.

362 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

329 Buffalo Bill's Pledge; or. The League of Three
By Col. P. Ingraham.

319 \i’ild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.
falo Bill.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie Battier; or. The Queen
of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill.

213 The Pilgrim Sharp: 0r. The Soldier‘s Sweetheart.
Bv Buffalo Bill. Government Scout and Guide.

By Buf-

 

 

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Buffalo“Bill as Hero and Author.

 

 

 

 

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I

‘33! Mala Bill‘s Double Dilemma; or, The Great

-r .1 , . Scout’s WThree. By Col. P. lngraham

8“ Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack‘s
Death-Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

M The Ranch King Dead-Shot; or. Texas Jack's

" Proxy. By Buffalo Bill.

W‘Buflalo Bill‘s Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone

I V Band’s Blot-out. By Col. P. Ina-sham, !

a Mo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The’Shrgeon

; . Scout to the Rescue. By 001. P. Ineraham.

in Male Bill's BestBower;‘or, Monteboliothe‘uold'
King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

  

  

muder’s Death-Track. By uflalo Bill.

 Maia Bill's Red Trail; ohThe Road-Rider
' ’ 81{nonnative RunhDown. 'By Col. P. lug: sham.

’ -mfawflo. Bill‘s-Death-Knell: or, The Bed mum

' »? alder. of the Rockies. ‘By Col. P. inmham.

" may Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or The Girl

3 Ito-cot of Moonlight who. By Buffalo Bill.

m Wild Bill. the Dead-Center Shot; or. Rio Grande

v. . I "Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill.

‘ manage Bill‘s Winning Hand: or. The Masked

* . Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By lam-sham.
‘ I ' ' ’ ‘ hot' or. The Skeleton Scout
 é'l‘fifitfiilmfim‘hsy Col. Prentisl Ingmhun.

r 'Bnaalo If: B :or. The Brimstone Brother~

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 White Denver’- Btlll Hunt; 1‘. The Miner Ma~ A

 

BUFFALO BILL.

727 Buflalo Bill‘s Body Guard: lor. The sun Hunt of
the Hills. By ColaPrentiss graham.

729 Buffalo Bill on the War lb; or, Silk Lasso
Sam: the Will-o‘-tho~ Wilp. By Col. P. Ingram.

716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers: or. Emerald Ed
of Devil‘s Acre. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

no Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Desper-
ado”: Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham.

697 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open
in: Up a. Last Trail. By 001. P. lngraham.

691 Buffalo Bi‘l‘s ' Blind Trail: or, The Daughter of
the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

682 Buffalo Bill‘s secret Service Trail. By Major
Dangerfield Burr.

'66? Buffalo Bill‘s Bwoop: or. the King of the Hines.
By Col. Pron tiss Inga-sham.

658 The, Cowboy Clan. or. The Tigress of Texas.
By Colonel Prentirl lngraham.

653 The Lasso King's League; or. The Tigers of
Texan. By Colonel Prentiss lngraham.

649 Buck Taylor. the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill’s
Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham.

0“ Buffalo. Bill's Bonanza; or. The Knights of the
Silver Circle. By Col. P. Inzrsham.

m The gold King; or, Hoatobeno. the Magnificent.

., a: 3mm my

2*.

 

    

 

1“ Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or. The Desperate Dozen
By Col. P. Ingrahlun __
175 Wild Bill’s Trum Card; or, The Indian 
By Col. Prenliss net-sham.
188 Wild Bill,th Pistol Dead Shot: or. Dagger Don’l
Double. B; Col. Prentinl Ingmham.
ill, Chief of Scouts; or. The 'Doomea
158 333510 gy Dr. Frank Powell.
“ Bun Bill’s Stran e Ford or. Dashing Dandy
u. The fllif‘vitnpur of the ills. By Major D. Burr. ’

92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King: or the Alumni
of the West. By Major Dangerfield Burr. a

as Gold Bullet s rt: or. the Knights of the
land. By Bu alo Bill.

' m- or. Life and .
52 Death Trailer. the Chief of ySrBoikdo 8m-

Love in a Frontier Fort. B
NEW ISSUES.
92* sir“ “same? 9:?3l.§”&f%.33$"“
“’3 fiffi‘i’éhmzfif. emissions."

A new um every Wednesday)

Budw- m... Library is lol- sale by all
New-dealers. ten cents per copy. or sent by mail on
meipt of have cent: each. BEADL! a 
Publishers, 98 Williun street. New York.

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