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, 1897.
I.

LXXV

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September

TEN CENTS A corn
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, Publishers,
YORK

NEW‘

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“YOU'MEAN WELL, BUT I DON‘T NEED ANY MAN To FIGHT MY BATTLES!”

92 \VILLIAM STREET

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ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER A! THE NE

BBADLB AND ADAMS

 

PUBLISH El) EVERY
“ LDN ESDA Y.

Khted.1897. DY HEAD“! AND ADAMS.
I
"THAT’S ENOUGH. PARD!" CRIED HAPPY JACK.

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No.985

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Copyrighted. 1897. by BEADLE LN!) ADAMS.

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.\_ A
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER AT THE NEW Yomc. N. Y.. Posr OFFICE.

   

September 8, 1897.

 

PUBLISHED EVERY
WEDNESDAY.

No. 985.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers,

92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK.

Vol. LXXll.

TEN CENTS A C(DI’Y.
$5.00 A YEAR.

 

 

The Long Haired ‘Pardsf

The Tartars of the Plains.

BY JOS. E. BADGER, Ja,
AUTHOR or “THREE‘FINGEEED JACK," ETC.

 

 

CHAPTER I.
A FRONTIER FESTIVAL.

“MAKES a feller ’most sorry fer the old In-
un fashion eh, ard? I cain’t say as I ever
Iankered after t e wimmen critters—they’re
most {fren’allyj' bad medicine, an’ they ain’t
many edges ig enough to hold them an’ luck,
00, to m notion; but when I fust lay eyes on
er, I he to fight mighty hard inside myself to
.eep from snatchin’ her up an’ makin’ a tailon-
=end race fer it—I dId so! ’ _

“There’s another man who thinks much the
'ame, or his eyes speak false,’.’ quietly remarked
he oung man addressed, With a shght nod to-
Var the small, flag-draped platform or pavil-
an. “He must be a. new-comer, for I never
aw him before.”' .

“They ain’t many men as care to see him

    

 
 

“THAT’S ENOUGH. PARDl” came HAPPY JACK.

 

N‘lM "7/1/“___’__~ ’ A .

a, '

twicet. Take a good squar’ look an’ see what
you kin make out from his face.”

The speakers—who are destined to figure
prominently in this chronicle—were standing a
Ittle apart from the main gathering. and both
were men who would attract attention in any
crowd, though strong contrasts in nearly every
res ect.

‘ he first speaker was scarcely of medium
hlgnt; his limbs were small, but admirably
rounded, and though at first glance he seemed
almost efleminate, his strength, activity and
wonderful skill in almost every species of
g athletics had long since passed into a roverb.
, His features were clear-cut and reg, er, and
; would have been fairly handsome only for the
[ high cheekbones. His face was smooth and
beardless, though the hair of his head was un-
usually heavy. falling in straight ulack masses
below his shoulders. His eyes, thou rh rather
small, Wore \\'¢,)11«lorfully bright and cell, and
few men could meet them fairly Without an un—
comfortable feeling of being read through and
through.

His garments were almost severely plain, of

fringes and headings most men of his class are
so fond of. Even his weapons were nnorna-

 

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m
“YOU MEAN WELL. BUT I DON’T NEED ANY MAN TO FIGHT MY BA'rrnm.’

Indian-tanned buck—skin, and minus all the.

 

    

mented. Yet one ob’ect about him shone and
sparkled in the sunlight: a beautifully—embroid-
ered and ornamented pouch hungr upon his
breast—a “ medicine—sack.”

Such was “'illimn—or “BILL COMSTOCK,” the
scout and guide. His career, thou rh briefer.
was no less famous than that of 11d Bill or
Buffalo Bill, and to this da many a rou rh
voice grows soft, many a hart cye dims, as t Ie
memory of the true-hearted scout is recalled to
mind. True as steel to a friend—hitter as death
to an enemy, he died in harness, nohl perform-
ingr his duty; and now lies in a name )ss grave.
Peace to his ashes!

His companion—known far and wide as
“Hap y Jack”—was rising six feet, broad-
shouh ered. full-chested, with a round, compact
Waist, swelling hips and long limbs; a mode} of
manly strength and symmetry. His complex—
ion was fair, his features almost classically
regular, his eyes large and deep blue. A heavy
mustache shaded his lips, while a magnificent
chevclure hung in yellow curls to his shoulders.
His dress, like that of his partner, was mainly
of buck-skin, and bore traces of recent hard
ridixbg and rough living.

“ nless my eyes deceive me,” he said, afto"
a steady gaze in the direction indicated bt

  

2

7—;4‘VT' ., f .7 ' ’V V V  ._ We

Comstock, “ that man is what you rarely see—
a brave tyrant. God help the man—or woman
—-whose only hope is in h‘LS mercy!"

“ I knowed you'd see it,” laughed the scout,
softlv. “ That’s Cap’n Stone, of the —th. He
led his men sech a dog‘s life that his fri’nds
managed to git him changed tothis rijiment. I
don’t reckon he’d ’a’ lived through the next
scrimm e—indeed, the boys didn‘t make no
secret of it, but said right out that he’d die from
ahind, the very fust chaince that come.”

" He doesn’t look like a man who would run
erom even such a danger,"_ thoughtfully said

aplsy J Itch; _

‘ o more he would-—Witliout a fa’r cause,”
grinned Conistock, nodding toward tlierpavilion.
‘To do him jestice, they ain’t a more dare-
devil man, nor a better Injun-fighter then him.
But thar’s the little gal kin take him into
camp!”

“ feel sorry for her,” was the scout’s only

reply.
he sub'ect of this brief conversation was
seated besi e a lady near the upper end of the
avilion. Tall, well-proportioned, dark and
aiidsome, a finely-educated man with rare con-
versational )owers, Captain Lawrence Stone
was laying himself out to please the young lady
beside him with an interest and ardor that he
made no attempt to disguise from the eyes of
those around. Indeed, so impressive did his air
become that the lad arose and hastily ap-
proached the edge e the avilion nearest the
crowd. Captain Stone fol owed, a hot flush
passing swift] across his brow.

The un olisied though sincere praise of the
scout hat not been unfounded. Kate Markham,
daughter of the colonel commanding; was indeed
a beautiful woman. That she was arely u to
the middle hight, that her form was full an ad-
mirably symmetrical without being too plump,
that she was a perfect brunette, wit jett -black
hair, clear complexion, rosebnd mou  and
large, brilliant eyes; all this is easily said, but
the words give only a faint and unsatisfactory
idea of the reality. With each passing mood
she seemed quite a different person—alike only
in being charming, bewitching in all.

The hot blood mantled her check as she felt
the presence of the captain at her elbow,  as
though dreading what he might intend saying,
she hastily uttered: .

“ Pi'ay—who is that gentleman talking to fa-
ther?’

“Gentleman?” echoed Captain Stone, with a
scarcely-rlisguisml sneer. ‘Ah, rhaps you
mean yonder fellow with the long airl’

“ I mean the antlemcm with the golden curls
—-yes,” replied gate, with a provoking empha-
us

“That is Happy Jack, as men call him, a sort
of scout, or camp-follower, I believe. I fear
the h, Miss Kate, that few would recognize
him y your description.”

“Indeed! after such a _
um, I shall think twice fore be ievmg any
more of your pretty speeches. Without excep-
tion he is the andsomest man I have seen in a
year—and I'm going to ask papa for an intro-
duction.”

With' a mischievous laugh, Kate Markham
ran lightly down the broad steps and approach-
ed her parent; but if she really had such an
idea, it was frustrated With a military salute
the scout turned away and rejoined his rtner.

Colonel Markham greeted his tte -if not
spoiled—child with a sunny 3 ' e that partly
betrayed the deep, almost passionate love he
felt for her. Another proof was to be read in
the unwonted surroundings; inthe draped lpavil-
ion, the gay and animated crowd, in the m' itary
band now discoursing their best music in the
soldiers who had passed _in stately rewew be-
fore the stand, eac saluting the hugging, nod-

and excited little beau ; all ' , and all
that was yet to come, was in onor of her eight-
eenth birthda . There was to be a general
holiday—all who chose were tomeet on an equal
footing in the games of strength and skill, for
the victors in which suitable prizes had been
provided.

“Now that I have made my report, an
you give me an idea of what all this fan armi-
ade means?” said Happy Jack, as he rejomed his
friend, Comtock.

roof of our blind-

She come out here—from

“ It’s for her lpoi-d
somewhar in 0 States, I reckon, whar she’s-

bin to school, or sich like. She come out here a
week ago, an’ the old man he ’lowed he’d show
how proud he was, by 'vin’ a ginewme rairie
circus I reckon every y an his yal or dog
‘11 be here.‘ The ’5 money in it, too, lettm
None the fun. 6 old man don’t often git 9!!
’m his reg‘lar beat, but when he do, be 313'
3 reads hisself wide open—you hear me I” and
t e enthusiastic scout burned off his friend to
view the various prizes which were to be award-
ed to the victors n the coming ports.
For the most these were garticularly ap-
propriate, consl ering the probe 1e contestants;
a beautifull -flnished rifle, a brace of revolvers,
a sober, a. si Yer-mounted saddle and horse fur-
niture, mother with smaller prizes of mung,
ammunition, etc. While 9 ' these, 9
two mats were suddenly separated as two om-
oors passed rudolybetween them. The toilet

 

DimefiLibrary.

 

one pointed out the saddle, saying in a clear
tone:

“I mean to carry off that prize, and as a
proof thatI mean what I say, I am ready to
wager, one hundred dollars with any gentle—
inan—’

“ Money talks,” quickly uttered Happy Jack,
shaking off the hand of his friend and facing
the officer. “I accept your wager, Captain
Stone——”

“And who may you. be?” insolently demand-
ed the officer, eying the scout from head to foot.
“ I said any gentleinan—”

“I claim to be one, sir, as I will cheerfully
convince you at an time or place you may
choose to name. 1V eanwliilv, if you have any
doubts. ou can settle them by one word with
Colonel . arkham. Here is the money—cover
it, or own that you were talking just for the
sake of hearing your own voice.”

“You have said more than enough,” replied
Captain Stone, in a voice that trembled despite
his iron nerves. “Lieutenant Blake, will you
do us the honor to hold stakes? Thanks. I
trust you are satisfied!” he added, abruptly
turning to Hap )y Jack.

“Perfectly, ’ owed the scout.

“ I hope you may be able to say as much b
this time to-morrow,” and with a little laugi
the captain strode away toward the pavilion.

“You’ve stirred up an n ly devil, pard,”
earnestly said Comstock, as t iey turned away
from the little crowd. “ He’s giv’ his rattle;
he’ll not wait long afore strikin’.’

“At any other time or place he wouldn’t
have had time to do either,” was the quiet re-
ply. “He did not crowd us like that for noth-
ing. I can’t imagine his reasons, but I feel that
he came here simpl to pick a quarrel.”

“I reckon he cou dn’t come to a. better place
fer gettin’ the full wuth 0’ his money,” grinned
Cornstock.

“ I’ll do my best to satisfy him, at least. But
pow—about this bet; what is the saddle offered
or!”

“The old trick—you remember the fun we
had down Taos way? Pluckin’ the cock —el
yallo.”

“Old ‘Paint’ will do', then,” muttered the
scout, glancing toward a curiously—s tted mus-
tang that stood near. “I wouldn’t 'ke to trust
Simoom in the scrimmage.”

“You’ll need a fast an’ 8. 00d horse, sure.
The ca ’n is a born devil to ride, an’ the tricks
he don t know ain’t wuth much. You’d better
take my critter—”

“No—old ‘Paint’ knows me better, and is
lenty fresh enough. See! there goes the gal-
i’ant ca tain with a choice companion for one
who w1 bet only with entlemenl”

“1an Dan! he blac est thief uiihungl I’d
ve a boss to know jest what they‘re sayin’.
a! I knowed it! they‘re goin’ to saddle up.

Good enough! I reckon I’ll take a hand in the
music."
“ Then on think—”

“I thin that ef Mister Injun Dan tries any
0’ his underhan’ tricks, he’ll run ag’inst a snag.
I won’t interfere unless he does. You never
mind him, but just keep an eye on the cap’n.”

There was no time to say more, for the si al
was blown for the contestants to appear be ore
the jud e’s stand where the rules governing
“ El Ga 0 ” were briefly stated. A rooster was
buried in the earth leaving only its head and
neck, both plentifully besmeared with grease,
above ound. The competitors, their position
bein ecided by drawin lots, were to ride one
hun red yards at full gal op, bend in the saddle
and endeavor to pluck the cock from its rest—
ing-place with naked hand. When one succeed-
ed, all the others were at liberty to pursue and
seek to wrest the tro by from him. All maneu-
vers were fair in w 'ch no weapon was used.
A post was lanted one-half mile distant from
the bird. is must be rounded, and than the
starting—point regained. The victor would be
he who carried home the live bird; or, if torn
to pieces in the melee, the one who could pro-
duce the cock’s head.

Then the lots were drawn and the sports be-
gan. Comstovk was Sixth, Happy Jack seventh,
while Ca tain Stone was last, or the thirteenth
man. one but crack riders had entered few
caring to risk their necks unless pretty confident
in their skill. .

At the blast of a bu Ie the foremost rider
dashed ofl, passing close ide the buried roos-
ter, steeping low in the saddle and making a

at the bird’s neck; but in vain. The cock
wd its lon neck to one side, and the baf-
fled horseman ushed hotly as his ears tingled
with the ironical cheers of the spectators, as, ac-
cordin to the rules, be swept around to meme
a posi on in the rear of the competitors.

Again and this was enacted with scarce
a variation, though more than one of the riders
succeeded in tone the bird’s head, despite

. its dodi'iigg. Then Bi Comstock spurred forth,

riding touglfilllirttle muésltgngglge pg; born to
the pig-skin ' ering m ' ecessors,
the scout my along his mustan ’3 side from the
first, an lower as he vanced until his
right hand swept the ground for several yards
before the bit was reached. Then he made
hisgrasp,aiiningnotfor the head of thobird.

 

’J,_ 7‘. -a-.,_.. h .

but rather at the point where its neck disa .
ared below the surface. The bird dodg
ut the scout’s eye was true, and a shower 0
sand arose as Comstock with a wild yell, swung

the fowl above his h . ‘

But as many a. man before him the scout
laughed out of time. The cook’s head was small
—it being a pet game—cock which one young but
enthusiastic admirer of Miss Kate had contri-
buted, poultry being anvthing but plenty at the
fort—its neck thoroughly eased, and even as
he gave vent to his triunip , Comstock felt tho
cock slip through his fingers and flutter a down
yards away.

The moment the judge saw that Comstock’n
“ pluck ” had succeeded, he gave the signal fof
the trumpeter to sound the melee, and as though
impelled by the same~‘force the twelve riden
sped forward. Ha py Jack had the advan-
tage of position, an was half-way to the spot
when the ganie~cock went fluttering from Com-
stock’s hand. Then it was that both horse and
rider began to display a skill and activity that
called forth cheers both loud and long.

Unluckily for its chances of escape, the bird
had 0t its eyes full of sand besides being sadly
beWi dered by the rough usa o it had received
at the hands of Comstock. gcaroely had it re-
covered its feet when Happy Jack was beside
it, and stooping low, firmly grasped its legs,
then sped toward the distant post, with a clear,
ringing shout that thrilled the nerves of every
contestant much as the “pickin " of a bmijn
touches the springs of a darkey’s eels.

Happy Jack rode in strict Indian fashion,
without saddle or bridle, a scra of buffalo-hide
being securely strapped upon the spotted mus-
tang s back. To the stout horse-hair irth were
attached several stout loops, while the orig mane
was knotted together in a st 19 decidedly more
useful than ornamental. T 8 use of these de-
vices was speedily made manifest.

With loud shouts, the contestants rushed af.
ter the scout who was steadily nearing the turn-
ing-post. To all present it seemed as though
Ha py Jack was urging his mustang to its
big est speed, yet he was ra idly being over-
hauled; but then Bill Comstocfi 'nned broad-
1y. He read the solution of Old aint’s sudden
loss of speed.

Just before him rode the half-breed, Indian
Dan, mercilessly lashing his big horse With a.
small coil of rawhide. On this Comatock kept
his eye, believing as he did that Captain Stone
had come to some understanding with the fell
low that involved foul pla . And a. moment
later he Had the reward 0 his vigilance. He
saw the savage quickly lfigurate the twisted
0011s and stoop low in the die as his big horse
forged alongside the scout, and giving his mub
tang the or, Comstock glided orward, justin
time. In ian Dan cast his noosed rope at the
forefoot of Old Paint, but at the same moment
a stron hand grasped his foot and hurled him
violent from the saddle, completely foilinghis
dastard y attempt.

All this had transpired quicker than words
can describe, but the momentary delay was en-
ough to bring up the crowd of pursuers, so ex-
cited that not one had observed Comstock’l
action, taking the half-breed’s tumbles as one at
the natural incidents of the sport.

Then it was that Happy Jack shone forth in
all his glory as a consummate tacticiau and
skilled horseman. He was surrounded upon all
hands by eager horsemen, each grasping quick-
ly at the fluttering cock, crowding and preming
around and bringing 01d Paint almost to I.
standstill. Among: none seemed more eager
than Bill Comatoc , though one in the secret
would have seen that he was actually aidin .
Happy Jack, and urging the melee on town-5
the now near turning-post: Then it was that
Old Paint playled his part in genuine mustang
style, biting, 'ckin and plunging furiously as
the horses crowd him all the time edging
slowly but many toward the t. AndHa
Jack—a dozen eyes could not ve followed
motions. Now erect, holdin the cook high
above the Wild] -gesticulating ands, now lying
low upon 01d amt's back; again, hanging by
one foot in a loop, his body almost touching the
trampled sands, first on one side, then the out.
or, andmore than once sli ping entire] to the
ground when pressed too 099; but Ill 0 time
working his way toward the boundary and
pever once losing his grasp upon the now 'loudt

y-sq coc- .

Then, for the first time, he called upon Old
Paint, and right 119ny the mustang respond
piundging ahead with an impetus that would

enied, bursting clear through the crowd
and sweelpin‘finaround the boundary Ha
pyJack 01 g the cock aloft that all mig t
see, then making a bold sweep over the pralrla
the spotted mustang developaii‘iig a burst
speed that astonished all who ' rated him ac—
cording to his first displg. _

Though now loading 0 ruck Happy Jock
saw that his work was not at done. Jun
abreast him rode one man, w 0 thus for had

been contented with hanging a the edge a

fietwgelw, Elapugh closely wa every not. "
e n «biting 0.

Jack lookgd azthe big, «533. bed m

uttered a lowwhisflc that sethldPlM QI-

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ward as though hurled from a catapult. hit
the big black ke t its distance, apparently with-
out any extra 9 ort. Indeed the out reins told
a plain story of more speed held in reserve.

8 scout saw, too, that unless there was a
speedy chai We, the two horses would Come fair—
igtogether ong before the on] was reached.

lready the distance was so s iort that he could

luinlv read the sneeriiig smile that curled Ca <

in Stone’s lips, and in that moment he fe t
that he would rather sufler death than defeat at
the hands of such a main. Yet he dare not
slacken his speed, for that would be to plunge
again into the thick of the crowd, and his excr-
tions were beginning to tell upon Old Paint,
who had covered over a hundred miles within
the last forty hours.

He had little time for thought. The goal was
now close at hand, and Ca )tain Stone could af-
ford to daily no longer. 0 loosened the rein,
and the big black was beside ()ld l’aint almost
at a bound. And in the one instant that inter—
vened Happy Jack read the purpose of his ri-
val. he saw the devlish glitter in the stern
black eyes, he read the vicious smile as the
strong hand pulled hard upon the cruel curl).
The black horse rcured high in the air—then

lun ed madl forward as the rein was sudden-
y re axed, his hoofs striking fail-l upon the
spotted mustang's back, just where {appy Jack
had been Sittingl an instant before, crushing
him_to the cart , and almost losing its own
footing.

A cry of horror arose from the gathering, as
the saw the mustang go down—but then a wild,
pro onged, and enthusiastic cheer arose as they
:saw the scout leap from the ground and a i rht up-
on the black horse, directly behind the so dior—

 

 saw him struggle for an instant with his rival,

then guide the

t lack horse swiftly on—on to the
s .

wmning The saw that he still held the

1 cook, the his arms eld those of Captain Stone

pressed close to his side, his own hands grasping

the reins and bird, as he paused before the judge,

.4"...

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; :bemade thro our lips
'Iuddenly recldgh rig his ii

who promptly nodded his head.

Then the scout sprung lightly to the ground,
With an absurdly polite bow to the almost suf-
focated captain, whose lips fairly frothed with
rage and mortiflcation.

CHAPTER II.
WILD sron'rs or ran PLAINS.

“ GIVE me a knife-ii istol, somebody-
quick!” snarled Captain tone fairl crazed
by the loud cheers and peels of long tor that
greeted the bold ex loit of the scout. “Curse

on! I’ll tear your cart out!” and he sprung

o the ground, striding toward the smiling scout,
evidently bent on mischief.

“ Here ou‘ve got it, cap’n,” cried Bill Com-
?bock, as he leaped between the two, confront-
ing the infuriated officer with a cooked and
leveled revolver. “Here’s the bull-pup you
yonygxm’ fer-an’ its bite moans sudden death,

00

“That’s enough, pardi” cried Happy Jack,
thrusting the scout aside with a strong hand.

You mean well, but I don’t need any man to
fight my battles.

“Down With that weapon, Comstock! down
I say, 023101;; armwill be fine hand the sharper l"

011 as "1, common in; voice as o onel
mm gauoped to the spot, his’saber flash-
ing brightly. “And you, Captain Stone—a
fine oxairfip’le, you are setting the men! For

a s '

sham ,

“ He insulted me—it was a foul trick—”

“ And how much better was your own con.
duct—or rather, how much worse? Bah: do
you think to daunt me with your black looks?

watched on closely—I saw your every move.
ment, and you succeeded in your atto pt,
a man would be 1 ng out yonder with a. brglmn
back, instead of t 1: poor one. No reply, :11»;
consider yourself lucky that I do not order you
under guard for calm murder. " »

“ 11: was but the f of war, colonel," in.
tel-posed Happy Jack. “ If I am content to page

x: ct ‘bg, surely there need no more be said. ”
‘ 1!

defense, it will not
said Ca tainStono,
sual possession.
“ Lieutenant Blake, you will please cancel that
debt.  now, sir” he continued, as the

my conduct needs any

- money staked was placed in the scout’s hands,

“ one Word with you in rivate—’ .
‘ “Not another word! firmly cried Colonel
 “Captain Stone, you will come with

- , “instant the eggegtspectators bell???

. enigma was a. u o vean
Mfm  8a utitrliig
a .

. oy were disa
Wmsmne 10110531 his superior

on.
ht hi I! la ’ the fool, in
old infill axial and: “an’ I’d ’a’jlet

  

than,

 £33351“; doan’thg-‘gugh the critter, of you hadn’t

-dou’8

had my arm. .
.2 , I know that; but I’d
rather fight my ow’n Elation, all theme. I
trouble on my ac-
'dou’t‘oftanonthito 2mm unwr-

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to him; I knowed thar’d be a diffikilty; I saw  “I’ve bin thar more times thanyou kin count,

blood utwcen ye—the heart‘s blood 0’ one 0’ yo.
I know you don’t take no stock in scch things;
but I’ve seen ’eni roved, time an’ ag’iii, an I
never read the met icine wrong yeti Ef l-ef I
was to ax it as a favor wouldn’t you w’ai' this?”
touching the g8.ny embroidered pouch upon his
breast.

“And leave you defenseless against witches
and spooks? No, pard; I know you are in sober
earnest, and I thank you, but at the same time
you must let me go my own way. Only—l will
not take any step toward settlement with this
gentleman, without first consulting you,”

“Good enough] We'll let it go at that. An‘
now—I reckon ou hain’t forgot the good old
greased style? race up, an’ show these blue-
coats how a true mountain nian kin put on the
ginewino style! Yonder she is, a—lookin’ straight
this-a-Way, to see which one 0' us is the pur-
tiest!”

Happy Jack glanced toward the avilion. and
afaint flush tin ed his check as 0 saw Kate
Markham, seate beside her parent, but with
her bright eyes unmistakably dwelling 11)011
himself. Acting upon an impulse, he pluc cd
several long feathers from the cook’s buck and
bound them together with a. slender curl of hair
which he severed from his head with a knife
Then, releasing the cock, he sprung lightly u i
the pavilion ste s and advanced toward the li -
tle group of 1a ies, uncovering his head as he
did so. More than one dainty cheek flushed,
and more than one heart fluttered with unwont—
ed rapidity as the tall, handsome scout paused
before them with a low, deep bow that was

race itself, but then Happ Jack bent his knee
hetero Kate Markham an placed the tuft of
feathers gently upon her lap. ‘

“ Ay! acce t it Kate!” heartily cried Colonel
Markham un ee ing the bitter curse that hiss-
ed throng the grating teeth of the ofllcer be-
side him. “ ’Tis a com liment you may well be
gauged—ii trophy gal antly won against such

51

“ And as a token that I do fully appreciate
the compliment—though there are many ladies
here far more worth the honor—I beg you to
accept this favor, ir Knight—and may an
hour it to victory in whatever you underta e,"
a'ied Kate, her roguishly-lau hing eyes bely-
ing the mock solemnity 0 her ace, as she took
the scarlet ribbon from her hair and pinned it
upon the scout’s left breast.

“I Will upholdJit with my life, lady,” quietly
replied Ila py ack, but there was a steady
glow in his rge e as that caused the fair choc

burn and tingle ong after the scout had bow-
ed low and quitted the stand.

“Three cheers for the cock 0’ the walkl”-%ell-
ed a shrill voice, as Happy Jack sprung 1i tiy
to the ground, and a queer-looking guro
mounted upon as queer a horse, flung his greasy
hat high into the air, and led the wild chorus
with an ear-splitting screech that would have
shamed the Wildest wail of a bagpipe. “ Hur-
ra fer hur— Whoa! ye or’nary brute—whoa I”

Evidently half-distracted With the uproar—
for the band struck up at the same moment—
the huge, rawboned brute upon which the stran—

er was mounted began to plunge, back-and
ick as though desirous of instituting a circus
wholl upon its own hook.

“ urrarly fer—dog- one the pesky critterl
whoa! bar, now— say! don’t somebody
want to buy a boss? Warrauted sound as a
dollar, an’ gentler nor a. lamb—n0 bad tricks-.—
Wall, I ber-durnedl” he spluttered, as the am-
mal’s heels went up and its master turned a
somersault in the air alighting fair and square
upon his feet, still holding the reins.

“ How are you, lamb 1’ snickered a soldier.

» “ That’s the way I al’oys git off whenever I’m
in a hurry,” griand the stran or: “ Now, Jest
take a squint at that ’ar go orious animule!
Ain’t he a pictur’ fit for framin’ au‘ h ’ on
the wall for ye to look 'at whenever e fee lone-
ly an’ downhem'tedi Itell you, gent amen, they
ain’t money euou h in this ’ere gelorious ken-
. p130 buy one a 0’ that noble critter—no,
arr ,

“ You traveled in the night, coming here, did-
n’t 3am, stranger?”

816:1. art way, yes,” was the reply, slightly puz-

“I know it! If you hadn't, the crows ’d ’a.’
Piflced you .313;; afore yoglgot half-way!” ,

I know a young 1 er oncet that tried to
make fun o‘a old man an’ his boss, on’ micro
night he tuck sick an’ died,” solemnly said the
”“1189?- , “Folks do say he was too dumed
mart V on it jest sorter struck in an’ he died.
But, don’t send for the doctor jest gt, youn
teller—I don’t reckon you’ll goundar et way!

Tall and gaunt, the stranger bore hisoge with
no other tr of decay than in his longhair and
heavy beard “now-white hue. garmentl
would have‘di escareorow,sopotchedond
I ed were the ; though thebraoeof revolvers
to belt, the s ort, 11qu that he‘hore,
were endently of the fin pattern, and
ornamented With silver and gold.

“I‘ve seen 11
Bill 00
tones w , the stranger must-lian 9m
heinotantlvuttqred: ‘- ’ ., z ‘» ‘

The eons Haired ‘Pards

.. 3.... __ 7

1

         
 
 
   
        
      
  
   
  
   
    

the t of the taut

 

 

 

  
    
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
    
  
   
  
   
    
  
 
  
    
   
   
    
   
   
      
    
 

pard. Taken good squar’ look an’ see of you
cniii’t lace me. oi" as the scout Him-.‘lv
shook iis head with a puuled air. “Hirh is
life! what’s the use 0' livm’ when a foller’s I'm--

ottcii afore he’s remembered? Not a diu'nmi
iit! But that don’t matter, jest now. W'hcn‘x
the circus goin’ to open up ag‘in! l’in iii a hur-
ry to git back to the ole women an’ children—‘1'
any 0’ you tellers is married you don’t warm;
to ax the reason wh . Whoa! tlmr~yovi ‘
Prickly P'ar—u‘hoa l mnlwly ketch holt un‘
hold his hind fm-t, tliar!” squealed the stran ( r,
as his horse began dancing nervously aroun at v
the sound of the bugle.

As those who were ac uaintod with the ro.
gramme knew, this was t ie signal for the rut
contest at shooting—confined to the soldiers,
with military rifles. The target was the ordi-
nary circular one placed two hundred ards
distant, each man aving three shots off- and,
for suitable prizes. The competition was of lit—
tle interest save to those more immediately 00n-
cerued and to the stranger who kept those
around him in high spirits by his quaint re
marks. .

“ That war purty fa’r shootin’," he said, press
ing into the crowd that surrounded the flushed
winner of the flrt prize. “ Purty fa’r shootin',
considerin’—"

di“ Can you do better?" hotly exclaimed the 901’
or.

‘f I don’t know how it ’d be with one 0’ them
things ” oying the military rifle curiousl .
“But wouldn‘t mind tryin of it, of who v a
boss ’d agree. Jest for fun, ye know. I could
n’t bet nothin’, ’cause I b'long to the church-
leastways :1in old woman does."

“ You sh have a trial, my friend," lau bed
Colonel Markham; “ and if you succeed in wt
ing Fletcher’s score, I’ll duplicate the prize he
won.

“ I don’t ax nothin‘ I don’t win fo’r," bluntly
replied the old man, accepting the profl'ored
ri e and striding to the score.

The eager spectators saw that he was no
novice with the rifle, and when his three shots
were fired, a dozen sped away to fetch the tar.
get. The old man smiled imly as a low mun
mur of wonder ran throng the crowd when the
result was seen; the three bullets had complete
1y cut out the center of the target, leav g a j
triangular hole as perfectly outlined as though . i
drawn with a compas. ‘

“ I'd ’a’ putt them all in one ondly I knowed
some 0’ on fellers’d sw’ar I missed the hull
iiiguboard.” chuckled the stranger. “Anybody
could do that!”

“ You don’t mean you could do better!”
“Mebbe not—on] w this: I was
hired onoet at a she tower for to make bars 0‘
lead. Powder was plenty, an’ they was heap
o’ pine logs layin’ round loose, so I’d jest c on
a mile or two an’ bore them logs chuck- l 0'
lead bam—puttin’ one bullet on to o’ ’noths-r
ontel they each one weighed jest h f a pound.
That wayI at so I could shoot right peert—
nur I hain’t ergot how yit.”

“You can handle the Inn bow pretty well,
too,” drny remarked Colone Markham, as he
turned away.

Again the bugle sounded I. chm e of pro
gramme, and the judge, arising, aloud the
conditions vermniethe contest for the next
prize, whi was to awarded to the man dis-
playing the greatest skill as marksman, with
whatever weapon he might select. There \\ as
to be no particular tin-go , no not rule: govern-
in the competition.

mment among the entries were the two
scouts and the stranger, and, u the interest of
all the spectators became centered in he doing:
of these three, the feats of the othersimayal
well be gonad over in silence.

Bill mstock and Happy Jack—the latter
mounted upon Simoom, I magnificent blood.
bay stallion, worth a. hi i! ransom—rode forth
upon the level plain w ere their maneuvers
mightbe pond, and se noting began
sweeping around in a circle copingwdiroctly
opposite each other, and divided by a lit fifty

ards of s . As in the am. of at patio,
C app J ac rode in strict In falhion
ems

  

 
   
    
  

  

        
     
       

    
       
       
       
       
 
     
   

   

  

 
  

     
  
 
    
    

       

          
     
      
 
       
       
      
         
    
  
  
  

w e
i: used saddle and bridle. The lower
bore a stout bow and uiver full of mu; the
latter his rovolv w o I. smell d Indian
shield of buflalo-hi wuupon hi: i arm.

At a aw My gallop the bones circled
around then up yJ’uck suddenl din red?
behind hinteed’l‘ . The creators heard a,

twang, and on "raw linked from be-
neat the blood-boy’s bell ’ aimed with deadly
force direct at Comm ’3  One moment
ism-err .i . was
0 mun , g sci-ow a c eel-cross 
cluttered-tuftean doepin
0d Ind cum

 
 
   

      

    

  
 
 
    
 

  

as thean th
the hair-tun Ibiald.

       
  

  
 
  
  
     
  

rioth :‘druno,
. , , muttered. about
I: to his Menduandplowu 

  
   
  

 
  
  
  

  

4

by one arm through the knotted mane, now
dangling bylone foot, his head almost sweeping
the sun l, appy Jack discharged his arrows
with u :."€ll that was little short of marvelous;
not ow If them but would have carried death
to his m. versnry but for the dextrously-managed
shield. Then the last arrow was sped, Comstock
fired his twelfth bullet, and rising erect the two
scouts galloped bank to the judge’s stand.
Conirtock handed him the shield, in which
bristlrwl twciityufour arrows; not one had been
missed. Hap y Jack passed up his broad-
brimvnod som mm in the crown of which could
be counted twelve distinct holes. Until now the
spa-triers had fancied Conistock had fired at
random, since their movements had been so
rapid that no one noticed when Ha )py Jack
would thrust the but above his horse’s ack.

“ i rv 'kon you fellcrs ’ll hcv to ’vide that rifle
round ntwoen ye," grinned the old man, hearti-
lv uddin;r his con atulations to the rest. “ I’m
gittin’ most too 0 d to play scch tricks as them,
an’ cf 7. was to try, like enough Prickly P’ar,
thar, ’d s t up a circus on his own hook an’ spile
the hull thing.”

“ A, game is never lost until it is layed out,
straii:.;n~r,”roplied Ha py chk. “ our eye is
as keen and your ham as true as it ever was,
and if you can repeat your score with that
clumsy blunderbuss, on should be able to snow
us something even be ter with such a weapon as
you carry." _

“ It‘s t e one I used to make lead bars With,”
chuckled the stranger. “ She kin speak thirt
times without sto pin’ for breath, an’ never to l
a lie throu h the all sermon. No, I won’t back
out secin’ ’ve shi pod in, but you fellers must-
n’t an hot the Oh man don’t pan out as well
as ye spected,” and he lided off toward the
pavilion, where he quic y found what he re-
quired—u. broad board some eight feet long,
which he shouldered and marched out upon the
prairie for a few score yards, when, by the aid
of his knife, he soon planted the board firmly in
the ground, standing on end.

Then he uttered a sharp whistle, and a
wretched-looking Indian shambled heavily to-
ward him. After I. moment’s conversation, the
old‘ men returned and took up his rifle. The
Indian now stood beside the board, one hand
placed flat against it, the fingers widely out-

read

.“ Somebody count out five, jest about like a
clock would tick,” cried the stranger, taking his
stand.

The {pd e complied, each word being drown:
ed by . 0 5m? ex ilosion of the old man’s rifle
—an “ Evans,’ by he way.

“ That’s the fest act,” cried the stranger, with
a low laugh. “Somebody go see whar them
bullets hit. ’ _ ‘

The judge himself, restraining the sag?
crowd, hastened to inspect the tar vet. _ 9
found a bullet—hole at the end of. the ndian’s
thumb and each fin er, lanted With such skill
that one-sixteenth 0 an inch nearer would have
cut the flesh!

As soon as t e ta at was clear, the Indian
pIaCed his back to t e board, standing erect,
and ul-tered a clear cry. At the si 1 the rifle
was leveled and discharged so rapidly that the
reports seemed blended in one long to l.

‘I ain’t much at writin' with a pen but I’m
the boy as kin jest beat snakes wmarkm’ out of
a In'un’s head,” cried the marksman, with a
shrilI, reckless lau h.

Pale and exci , the judge returned from in-
!pecting the target.

“ I must protest against such a reckless risk
of life, colonel,” he exclaimed. "‘I found the
marks of those twenty shots ranged around the
Indian’s head so closely that they must have
fair] grazed his skin 1”

“Kit the red skin of thar was any danger,
s," inned the stranger. “Ax him an’
he’ll to you he’d stan’ up all day at twice the
distance for a nart o’ whisky.”

“That may e, but if there is any more such
exploits to come, there must be _another Judge.
As it is—though you refuse to ve your name,
I must award you the prize. here is nothing
that can approach our display—either in stea-
diness of nerve or s ' .” ,

“ You want my name—the hull on it ’d be a
mouthful big enough to choke a mule, but I’ll
iest show ye the ’nitials; the rest kin wait for
be next prize I win,” and with another pecu—
liar laugh the stranger discharged both revol-
vers in rapid succeswn at the board; and when
it was brought in, the board bore two letters
ffiirmed by twelve bullet-holes; the letters “L.

)

 

CHAPTER III.
NEW ACTORS ON THE STAGE.
As it was now considerably past the meridian,
and all was in readiness, Colonel Markham gave

the serial, and gallantly offering his arm to ,
Mrs. M e

ajor Mackintosh, d the way to the re-
freshment tables, which were placed at the
northern wan of the fort, covered from the sun’s
rays b an ample canvas ceiling. Despite the
gen relaxation of disci hne—for that occa-
IiOn only—there were ' erent tables for the
different ranks; the officers and their ladies

 

hing by themselves, far enough removed from .

.~»——v- ~—» —

Dime_Library.

 

m - ‘B"“‘

the larger tables not to be much disturbed by I “Yes; we have agreed to run one mile—around
the rather boisterous mcrriinent of the “boys ', the stake yonder—mid return; his black against.

in blue 7’ and their companions.
was one that did the colonel honor; 0 had
5 iarcd neither ains nor expense, and, if pos—
sible, he stood higher than ever in the estima-

tion of his men when that board was cleared— ‘ I am sorry for you, captain.

as it was, with astonishing celcrity.
there were a few rumbling remarks at the oili—
ccrs having an un iinited supply of liquor, while
they, the privates Were allowed but one drain:
but the majority fully recognized the wisdom of
such a course.

“ I’d give one month’s ay jest to know when
an’ whar I’ve seen that eller afore,” remarked
Bill Comstock to his fn'end, as they left the
table and strolled back to the ground, filling
their pipes for a smoke. “Ef it wasn’t him,
then it was some close kin to him. But to save
me, I cain’t lace him.”

‘ Speak o the devil—" laughed Happy Jack,
as the tall, awkward figure of the stranger came
in view. “He‘s coming togive you another
chance, old he .”

“Gentlemen,” quoth the old man, dropping
down beside them and thrusth a stumpy clay
pipe in one corner of his month, then c iipping
tobacco from a huge plug, “ they’s one thing I
want to ax: is this ’ere the kind 0’ work Uncle
Sam pays you sojer fellers to do? A-shootin’
an’ a-kickin’ around in lay, which e gets
paid for, an7 grub throwe in—sech grub! I‘ve
ett an’ ett ontel, actilly, my clo’es is two sizes
too small fer niel Ef this is the reg’lar line 0’
duty, then I’m gwine to jine the calverly right
awa l

“ ‘carcely,?’ laughed HappglJack. “ This is
a holiday thanks to Colone arkham and his
fair dau liter. I’m afraid you would soon grow
disgusted with serving in the ranks—though,
unless I am mistaken, you would shine as a
scout.”

“ Which is her?” asked the stranger, after he
had borrowed a light of Comstock. “ You see
I’m a stran er in these parts, an’ when I come
down, my 0 d woman she made me promise to
find out everything, so I could tell her all about
the doin’s when I got back ag’in.”

Happy Jack pointed out Miss Markham as the
gay party abandoned the table for the pavilion.

“ I right eert lookin’ gal!” muttered the
stranger, fol owing Kate‘s graceful motions
with a strangely intent gaze. “I reckon they
lied when they said she was gwinc to ride in the
race this arternoonl”

"Eyes 0 en, pard l” hastil muttered Com-

stock. “T ar 8 snakes aroun l” and be slightly
nodded his head toward the fl re of Captain
Stone, who was slowly ap roac ing them.
Hap Jack arose to is feet as the officer
pauseirgefore him. Though unusually pale, the
captain had lost all trace of his mad rage and
mortiflcation, and when he spoke his voice was
calm and even.

“ Will you favor me with half a dozen words
in private, Mr.—”

‘ You can call me Happy Jack, captain. As
for the rest I am entirely at your service. Gen-
tlemen, will you oblige us?”

With one warning lance, Comstock turned
away, together with t e stranger, but though
he passed be 0nd ear-shot, he kept close enough
to Witness 8.] that transpired.

“I know what you'anticipate,” said Stone,
quietly' “ but that is not my object ‘ust at pre-
sent. was obliged to pass my wor to Colonel
Markham, or else be placed under guard. I
did pledv'e it, for this one day. I see you un-
derstan me. Now listen. There is no need of
beating ’round the bush. I took an intense die-
like to Iyou at the first sight of your face, and I
know t at you do not exactl love me. Just
why we need not in uire. ou defeated me
once. I ask another c anee. You have a noble
horse, and I have another. I challen e_ you to
ride against me this afternoon. If lose. you
may name the forfeit; if I win, I will claim the
same right. Do you agree?”

“ To ride the race? yes; but I prefer that the
stakes be named beforehand,” quietly respond-
ed Happy Jack. “As you know, I am a smiple
scout and my pay—.”

“ hat I ask will not break you, ” interrupted
Stone, with a harsh, forced laugh. “ It is a mere
fancy of mine—that knot of ribbons upon your
breast.”

“I thought as much! No, Ca tain Stone, on
haven’t wealth egough to ate 6 against t is,
even though you ung your own life in the bal—
ance against it.”

“ A noble guardian for a lad ’s favor l” sneer-
ed the officer. “ The ribbon s oulcl have been
snow-white, to match the heart it covers 1”

“You have said more than enou h Ca tain
Stone,” sternly uttered the scout. ‘ Iian are
tied here but re 1: those words to-morrow
and I  cram t em down our lyin throat I’

“ You shall have the c once—t en it is
agreed!” he added, in a changed tone, as he
caught sight of Colonel Markham hastening to-
ward the spot. “Colonel, you will be witness?
This gentleman and I have agreed to run our
horses,,the winner to take both.”

Colonel Markham glanced inq ' at
Happy J ack, who promptly accepted the
tion, and replied: ,

 

 

The “5 read” ‘ Simnom.”

“ I am glad it is no more,” was the hearty re~
1y " I was afraid your hot heads were carry-
Big you too far. I will act as judge—though
Nothing short of

True, ; lightning on four feet can touch glorious old

Si moom. ”

“And I would rather go afoot the rest of my
life, than to ride a horse that owns a superior, ’
laughed Stone.

“ Shall it be decided at once, or after the other
races?”

“ Just as this gentleman prefers," replied the.
officer.

“ If left to me, I say the sooner the better.
You know, colonel, that I have been in the sad-
dle for three days past, nor have I closed
my eye since night before last. Naturally
enou h I feel somewhat tired and sleepy.”

“ V ery well; get your animals ready. I Will
postpone the other races for a few minutes. "

Happy Jack quickly informed Comstock of
all that had passed between himself and the
captain, then saddled and bridled his blood-
ba , riding over to the K{udge’s stand, where
Co onel Markham declare the conditions of the
race. The contestants were to run to the post
which served as boundary in the game of cl gal-
lo ' they were to tmrn the post from right to
lo t, then back home, the first comer to possess,
both horses.

At the word, both animals darted away
swift as arrows fresh from the bow, stretching
out long and low as their sine limbs devour-
ed the space, ey'ing each other In fiery riv ;
thundering on, with eve nerve strained to its
utmost tension; but then imoom adually fell
back—back until his hot breath ound the bi
black’s flank, and Captain Stone turned his head
for one swift, backward glance, a sneering smile-
curling his mustached lip.

Happy Jack uttered a low laugh; he also was
content, for he knew that the game lay in his
own hands. He knew that Simoom was the
black horse’s master, and was too fond of the no—
ble stallionto run the slightest unnecessary risk.
He had already seen how unscrupulous the ofll—
cer was when his evil passions were aroused,
and knew, too, how easy it would be for the
outside rider to crush his adversary against the
post in turning around it-an “ accident ” that
could be plausibly explained, where both par~
ties had so much at stake.

Steadily the black horse drew ahead until he

was fairly clear, and the turnin -post was close '

at hand. Happy Jack pulled imoom to the
right, making a far wider sweep than Ca tain
Stone was attempting, and turning smoot and
evenly, while the big black lost its stride and
nearly fellas the iron hand of its master wheel-
ed him short around the post.

Then the scout slackened his rein and spoke-
to Simoom. Right gallantly the bay responded
running low and level, but with the wonderful
stride of a grayhound at full speed. A bitter
curse broke from Captain Stone’s lips, and he
drove his spurs rowel deep into the black’s ribs;
but the fates were a ainst him. Foot by foot

ard by aid, the b cod-bay forged ahead, an

appy ack landed him a. Winner, “hands
down,” b fifty yards, amid the enthusiastic

cheers of he crowd.

Livid with suppressed rage, Captain Stone
dismounted, and ed the panting black up tothe
victor.

“You have won the race, here is the horse;
take him, he is yours,” said Captain Stone, in a
low strained voice.

“’He is a noble animal, and deserves better
fare than he would receive at my hands, a poor
scout. Oblige me by keeping him, captain,”
courteously said the scout. '

“ Do I understand you to so, that you refuse
to accc tthewagfii‘syou have airly won?” said
Stone, 11's cheek _ ing.

“If you will allow me. The honor of defeat—
ing such an animal is ample reward.”

‘ Give me room—stand aside there ” harshly
cried Stone, as he wheeled the black and led
him a few yards distant.

Then, before any one could divine his purpose,
he thrust a revolver against the poor brute’s car,
and fired. The horse fell dead, with scarcely a
struggle, and Captain Stone strode swiftly to
the fort, and disappeared within its gates.

Perhaps it was the wisest move he could
make, for many were the hot aches made by
the indignant spectators of the rutal deed, and.

few present but openly declaredthat the nobler

brute of the two had suffered a fate far more
befitting the other. Then the carcass was

ged away,and the regular races began. Neither of
the twoscouts entered, but the stranger did, and
once more he astonished the‘natives. His gaunt,
big-boned, croo ked-limbed horse showed a turn
of speed that astonished all, and its ungainly
rider exhibited a specimen of jockeying that
would have 0 ned the eyes of many aprofeo»
sional rider. ere were three he'all, over the
same course as that ridden by the two men;
half a dozen men rode in each heat, and it
was arranged that the winners of each heat were
to run an extra course, to decide the M
second, and third prizes; but this mm-

 

 

5
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ted, by the stranger taking the three straight
beats with apparent ease.

The old man seemed fairly Wild with jo , and
many were the wonderful tales he told o what

owner, his horse, could do; nor had be con-
cluded when the ladies reappeared, ready
mounted for the concluding sport of the do '.
Two powerful greyhounds were held in lcusli,
while a. couple of soldiers, each beariugabox
trap, ran out upon tho level plain, pausing seine
two hundred yards in advance. Each trap
contained a full-grown “ jack rabbit 7’—t'he prai-
rie substitute for a fox.

Kate Markham was mounted upon a clean-
fimbad, fiery little chestnut, and bewitching’ly
charming Sio looked in the saddle—as Happy
Jack caught himself acknowledging. Close be~
Bide him rode the forlorn-looking red-skin, who
had acted us the old man’s target. The stran-
ger, himself, kept well in the crowd, his horse
prancing and plunging like an overgrown colt.

Then the word was wivun—the traps were
sprun r; out leaped the ‘inules,” and with the
unions iod grayhounds in pursuit, darted away
like two white—tailed comets. With a joyous,
ringing " View hullool” the excited riders
spurred after, eager to be in at the death.

But not all. The big horse, ridden by the
stranger, seemed to have taken a sudden disin-
clination to run, and began a series of pranc—
iligs,_directly in front of Kate, who was forced
to fairly rein in her horse. Happy Jack turned
1  and her, when the savzuge, who had kept by
his side, dealt him a. furious blow upon the. head
that knocked him clean from the saddle, then.
hastened toward the maiden. At the same mo-
ment the stranger grasped her bridle—rein and
urged her horse at right angles to the chase, head-
11]" direct for the hills, little more than a half—
m e distant, Kate uttered a sharp cry of in-
dignant surprise, but before she could do more,
the Indian. was beside her and his strong hand
held her forcibly in the saddle.

The shriek was heard, and cries of wondering
surprise came from the liuntiug— arty. Turn-
ing his head, the stran or utterec a long, ring-
in,"r yell, then rode swi tly on. , ,

A prolonged echo came from the hills; then,
from another wooded defile, dashed a horse
iuun followed by another. and another—yelling
and liooting, flourishing,r rifles and lances, riding
straight toward the almost defenseless fort.

CHAPTER IV.
A RACE FOR LIFE.

- HARD and sure the vuuabond red-skin ll'ld
struck, his bony list ulighting u on the scouts
neck, 'ust below the ear and I appy Jack was
hurl headlong from tlio,saddle, for the mo-
.meut fully convinced that he had run afoul of a
miniature earthquake. Then, satisfied that he
had fully carried out his master’s orders aud‘in-
sured the success of the bold abductim by plac-
ing hors Ll'u combat the only one of the entire
pufiwho could have overtaken the big horse,

he dim spurred forward to aid his master in
what remained to be done.

. The loud, ringing yell that carried a thrill of
horror and consternation to the hearts of the
pale—faces, also served asasignalto the ambush-
-ed savages, who broke cover, char ‘ng at break-
:neek 3 mod directl forthe bi to cling gates of
Fort esteru, evi ently calclfiatiug on cutting
off thehunti-ng—purty from re‘ ' ing the ,wans
. and thus rendering a double victory almost; as:

A

 

_ _—-._-\_ w._.—,\ M. _._,..‘._.Agc.__

Wed; ' - v

‘ 36ml ht on the two men thundered boldm‘ g
 bewildered Kate Markham {ipon' her
snorting horse between them, nor drawmg rein
until the charging savages opened their ranks
38nd. gave them free passage._ Then the Old man
wrenched up his animal, flinging the reins to
the Indian with a. few hasty words, spoken in
the Brule Sioux dialect. . ’

“Take the squaw to the hills, Ground Hog,
and guard her with your lifel”

Then, sounding again his wild war-whoop the
old man thundere 'after his fierce warriors,
eager to act his part in the dread drama of life
or death. , _

-Far different now from the sluggish, idiotic
.Ieemin brute of a few hours prewous, was, the
«Grout? Hog as, one hand still vrasping the
maiden’s arm, he sat in the sadd e and ‘ .

 

  

  

 

      
  
 
   

  

 

     
  
   

with glowing eyes, his nostrils dilatin like
those of a fiery war-horse as it bears the ugle
Mud the. charge. Never perhaps was fidelity
. Wemly triedthan at that moment—the

r» . i. H longin to dash forward and revel inthe
tmfim‘blmd, but had already begunto flow,
“"W‘Wemfiered the obedience of the sav-
m andythough he did resist the impulse to
M, tactile mekq'the Ground Hog was held
men by the, weirdly thrilling interest that
 "r   
- -’ r ergo .were'reat o ows
Me“ My 3' blank night follows the glorious

 

 

    
 
 
    
 

  
 
   
  
  
    

    

Kim; .  us
than (he was hidden from
.. . . erowl

~‘ The Long

3&1: the thrilling scene, drinking in eac de-,

.03 Ma

now— lease ten ,» 
'nuire growifititregg‘nrd

 

yond, though his hand still mechanically clutch-
ed her arm an instantly came a. desperate ro~
solve to risk al on one bold endeavor to escape.
She saw the knife-hilt protruding from among
the rags at his waist, am instantly snatched at it.
Her grst ) was true—the weapon easily slip ied
from itss euth, undastlie Ground Hog turiu-L to
lli'i‘ with an angry exclamation she drew the
keen blade swiftly across the back of his hand.
With a yell of surprise and pain the savage re—
leased her arm, and without an iustaut’s hesita-
tion she urged lli'l' horso toward the fort.

Hard as Ground Hog had struck, anp '
Jack was not one to easily go under, and a -
most before the abductors met the charging
savages ho was 11 ion his foot, but little tho
worse for his tumble. At one glance he read the
truth, and as quickly marked out his emirse.
A single cry brought Siinoom to his side, and
vaulting into the saddle the scout, a revolver in
either hand, swept along in front 01’ the charg-
ing savages, iouriirr shot after shot into their
crowded rants, and emptying more than one
saddle—blanket before the. savages could reply.
As a bullet hurtled by him Hap 1y Jack sunk be~
hind Simoom, urging the noble rute on, sweep—
ingaround‘the enemy's flunk—and before him
he saw Ground Hog and his fair ca tive, just as
theinuideunuulo hor bold stroke or freedom:
lieghinced behind him as an arrow cut his
shoulder, and saw that all chance (if-reaching
the fort was cut oil'. Half a dozen mounted
Sioux were thunderingforward upon his truck.

Ilupp J uck saw this, and so did Kate Mark—
ham. gut close behind her come (lround llou.
transformed into a veritable donum by the
slinging wound he had received, utteringr iierco
threats none the less iiiipressivo because spoken
in an unknown tongue.

“ Wheel to the right—ride hard, and trust to
me, lady!" shouted Ha )py Jack touching
Simoom with the spur. “lllor your life do not
hesitate!”

The words came clear and distinct to the ear
of the maiden, and were so earnest that they
commanded an unhositatin ' obedience. W'heel—
.ing sharply to the right, ate lied both whip
and 8 ur with right good wil , while,‘with a
yell o delight, Ground Hog plunged forward to
cut her off.‘ Better-for him had he paid more
attention to the other pale-face, whose magnifi-
cent horse was rapidly lessening the distance
between them, whose steel—blue eye was al-
read flashing at him over the landed tube of
dent 1.

On the quadruple chaise sped, parallel to the
long, unbroken ridge that fenced in the level
plain upon the north, still on, leaving behind
them the furious (hath-struggle where red and
white foes were mingling their life-blood to-
gether, still on. with every nerve strained to
its utmost both beast and rider doingr their
best. An now the complexion of the race
changes. Though gallantly responding to its

too highly pam ered to cope with the hardy
mustang estri don by Ground Hog. Slowly

tance, creeping alongside, his strong left hand
outstretched to clutch his victim. But still
more rapidly good Simoom was hearing its mas-
ter on, leavmg the' yelling; Sioux far behind.
On—onl another leap—another mighty bound

then, at a, well-understood signal, the blood-bay
stalhon runs low and even, steady almost as
the ban-ken canoe floats adown the ,lacid cur-
rent. And then the scout’s good revo ver speaks
its shat voice ringing the death~kne11 0
Ground 0g, whose spirit has already started
for the Haipy Huntin Grounds of his race
when his bo< y touches t e earth. I a
"fKeep straight aheadylagy,” med Happy
Jack as Kate arkhm turn her head utt e
pistol-shot. “ We are chased, but the red-skins
shall never harm one hair of your head while I
can stand between.” .
' The scent re ted his a d by that of the
Chestnut, keeping a. few behind while dex-
tmusgy reloading his weapons. ‘He saw that
the max, six in number, had not been dis-
couraged by, the fall of Ground Hog, but were
urging their poniesto renewed efforts. Bitter-
lyhe regretted not having his trusty rifle.
ith it, he knew it would be comparatively
988? t0 and the matter; without—his brow
grew dark and his lips compressed as a. desper-
flfie resolw gradual y formed itself into a de-
liberate pu so. -

‘ arkham look dt '
to mm into wgrdshe gratitude her lips refused

hgyt” endingto  ‘ day for. plpluure,
‘ M father—is hc~—” {altered Kinsman
13:01? ut in vain, te'keep   hot-fem o
“lieisinthehandsefbn m   v ‘
all must bow, lady,” camesetly’oresmre . 
scout. “But let 'us'5hope'fgrn he) "
,  p , ,,

“an awkwards-e air

 

.... ..._.—m~.mm .L’m -~—-w- -y—v‘ vmv —»
_ . . . - . . . "a, .

Haired raids)“.

mistress’s call, the little chestnut mare has been

but surely the raging savage lessened the dis-i

as the crimsoued spur touches his flanks‘ and

‘ At a war Simoom extended himself ‘ and
uickly forged alongside the chestnut, and Kate,

 
 
 
    
  
  
   
    
    
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
    
   
    
     
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
    
    
     
 
   
    
    
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
     
  
   
  
         
         
   
    
     
      
      
       
  
   
  
    
 

TH.“

 

 

“Poor Susie! but you, dr—you can easily
escape those wretclu-s. Ride on, I implore you!
why sacrifice two lives—”

‘ Stop!” sharply cried the scout, his check
flushing. “ You ( 0 not know inc, lad , or you
would not insult me with such words.’ ‘.

“ I—l did not think—-” faltcred Kate. .1.

“ I am a brute for speaking so roughly, but '
your words hit hard, lad ' ” interrupted tho
scout, in a softer tone. “Though I um but a.
scout, poor enough at that, still, lady, I trust I
am a gentleman, and as such 1 will stand be-
tween you and dnnror while I have breath.

There are bitter null relentless bloodhound:
upon our trnil, but I can and will foil them; I
only ask that you trust mo." 

“I could not help that if I would," more "
frankly replied Kate. “ Whatever our com: .
iuund, I will obey, if possible. Bu are not 1
those men overtaking us!” r

“ They are too far oil" to work us any harm
as yet,” said llappy Jack, with a backwarc
glance. “ 1f the sun was an hour lower, we .
could laugh at them. As it is—”

“ \Vell! ’ asked Kate, as he hesitated.

“The question will be settled in one way or
thoother before the sun sets. I have a plan _
that I think will work—it must work!" be udd-
ed, decisively. “Now listen. You must hoe
straight on, following near the foot of this
range, until it grows dark. Then on must eu- _ ~
trr the hills. Try and leave as httlo trail as Us
possible. Do not lose sight of the o n ground, 7
but keep well covered. Make the ‘ st of your
way back toward the fort. (hum within sight
you can easily attract the attention of the gur-
rison, then all will be Well.”

“ lint youf” hesitated the maiden.

“ i hope to be with you, lady, but it is best to
be prepared for whatever may arise. By fol.
lowing these directions, you wi l have u clululyo
for escape. Glam-o over your shoulder. You
can see how steadily those bounds are inning
upon us. There is only one way—I mu (hex k
them. chienil,)ci', you have but one thing 1.0
do. Spare your more all you can, but prise
straight on. If you escape—as God grant you
,mny 1——tell the colonel ,I did the best I luww
how. New, lady, farewell. It I do not )‘oji 1.1
you before sunset, remember in directlo -
and remember, too, that—you wil not ln.
fended? Never mind—1 havu no right to say
it. Good-by—and' God grant that we meet
agaiul” . .b

As he spoke these words, Happy Jack in at in
the saddle and touched Simoom upon the. i‘oro~
knee. As thou 1'h the finger-tip had been a bill--
let fresh from t e gun, Simoom rolled over upon
the sand. The scent alighted upon his tent, and
steriin motioned Kate to keep on, as she half
checked her mare.

“Ride on—it is our only chance ” he cried
aloud; and the maiden obeyed thong her heart
was strangely heavy as she left the young scout
behind. --

With a stem smile, Happy Jack heard the
exultant yells ol' the oncoming Siouxh’aml then
he touched the bridle and Simeom struggled to
his feet. The scout sprung into the sad , and
once more resumed his flight. But the blood-
bey new lini sorely scarce touchi its right
fore foot to t e roan , and the e nt sav-
ages overhauled him band over hand. And the _
panting, but game chestnut bear-in the maiden
was distancing him nearly as re. i y.. A bright
smile chased awn. the stern 100 on tho laziout‘s
face as he noted frequent backward glances
cast by Kate, for he felt that they ware not
drawn forth entirely by ithe pursuing sava-

ages.

Suddenly the pin-seem divided into ' three
equal portions, one k ing steadil on after
the limpin horse, the at are gradun 1y «livery
ing upon a ther side, so as to kee the scout in a.
direct line with the fleeing ma den, the latter
four plying their rawhide whips with redeubled

ener . . .
A gdreamy smile flitted athwart the mouth -
face as he read the meaning of this maneuver. ‘ " ,
It was more than he had expected—more  ,
ehaddnredtohope for. ' . '
“ A little faster, my boy—sol ‘If thoaehonuds- '
only knew you as well as I! the fool'snre court- ‘
eir death!” '

in th »
‘ it seemed as thou 1: Happy Jock measured
his speed b that of e Sioux behind him, for
as the slig tly darkened their pace, so Simoom
lim more peroeptibly, until the tour. savages
upon the flanks were’nearly abreast their ans .
t c'pated 131'er with shrill yells begun to'
close in u n ' . . i ’ i ‘
Then  Jack uttered a sharp cry—Sb
smoom when at his touch-and dashed anal b!
'at the opttefitwo, all traces (£81
8.3" magic. Asto
the savages Latin leveled their riilea a

    

   

 

       
  
     
 

       
    
    
   
  
   

   
  
   
  
  
  

   
    
 
 

fl-‘flredi

     

   
 
 
 
 

   
 

.' but Happy,ka he lied deriside as: 2 than
~ diced untoufigeiayevolver in each hand.

ayesl

on,
: a slow: dew .

 

 

6

  

 

 

sudden and terrible change in the pro amine,
and even then some of the more ent usiastic
sped on in the wake of the flying hounds and
rabbits, thinking if at all, the alarm was caused
by one of those bloodless accidents so common
anion r the less skillful hunters. But then arose
the W) d, peculiar war-cry of the man who had
so successfully deceived them all; and from that
instant on, the four fleet animals hadthe race to
themselves, and for a moment all was utter mn-
fmion.

They saw the yelling snva es burst forth ‘rom
their ambush, and meet the gold abductors, saw
them charging with headlong toward a

oint uidistant with them an the tort, I‘Jld
ew t at if the sava es ined this position
first, a massacre would a most inevitable.

Sharp and clear rung out the voice of Colonel
Markham, calling his men to rally around the la-
dies, and right nobly was he obeyed. For the
most part t c riders were officers, and long ex-
perience in plain life had taught them a lesson
of which the now ma d the fruit. A few—
among them t e L'olone —had retained their sa—
bers, while all were armed with t revol—
vers. With these in hand the ladies ) aced in
the center, the little cavalcade of b0 (1 hearts
headed for the fort ates at top speed.

A hundred yards fore them rode Bill Com-
stock, whose rifle had alread brought forth the
thrilling death-shriek, and w osc revolvers now
began to s k, as the aintcd demons thunder-
ed on. His shrill, rec ess laugh rung out as he
shot past the foremost red-skins, and found his
wa to the fort unbarred save by the confused
sol ‘ers, who, lacking a leader, seemed unable
even to retreat to the friendly walls.

desitth a furious curse the scout rode into their

mi .

“ Out with your weapons an’ come on! Would
you let the red devils massacres them women
without ou liftin’ one finger to header? Come
on! an’s ow the red imps what Uncle Sam’s
ho a is made of l”

ack rode the scout toward the spot where the
hunting-party was surrounded, but each man
battling in stern desperation against the over-
whelming odds, making over bullet count, 01034
:5 in around the ale, lpcec cos women as one

dle after anot or was em tied, and all the
time forcing their way towar the fort despite
the infuriated horde of bloodthirsty savages en-
circling them.

Foremost amonfihe assailants was the man
who had abducted to Markham, but far dif-
ferent from tho uncouth, alovenly v bond of
the festival. The cunninglycontriv wig and

was gone, together with the heavy, tat-
tered coat and vest. From one of his braves he
had snatched I. long, heavy saber, and now re-
tedly char od, his blazing eyes fixed u n

6 face of loncl Markha : but as o ten
was he forced back without effecting his pur-

With a revolver in each hand, Bill Comstock
plunged into the thick of the mice, and after a
urioul struggle, in which it seemed as though
he must go own, he effected his pu ose and
oined the bleeding, lessening, but untless
d. Audamomcnt later with wild cheers,
the soldiers whom hehad r 'ed, some mounted,
other: upon foot, opened fire upon the Sioux.
With renewed energy the surrounded party
forced their wa forward as the savages waver—
ed before this a in the rear.

“On, men ' 9 home!” shouted oColonel
Markham, as the savages were thrown into
confusion. “ Once more and they are ours!"

It seemed as though he was right, for at their
rush, ashrill cry arose from the savage leader,
and as one man the Sioux braves rew back
from the death—grep lo and turned their ani-
mals as though in fli t. A hoarse cheer broke
from the parched t roots of the hunters, but
this was quickly checked, as they saw the real
ob ect of the Indians. . '

t their head rode the white man, upon his
ungainly horse, straight down upon the crowd
of soldiers. Taken surprise and still lack~
ing a leader in whom hey could place reliance,
the boys in blue met them with an irregular vol-
ley, but the next moment were scattered hke

chaff. .

And back came a shrill taimting laugh as the
Sioux followed their daring leader straight for
the still open gates of the fort. '

A fierce curse broke from the colonel‘s lips as
ho spurred forward. No need for orders now.
Even the dullest amon them knew that the

crisis had come—that if e enemy once gFmed
foothold within the to all was lost. here
was no longer thought of eepin up the hollow

square wherein the ladies had, hus far, found
Iafety. The peril was too great. And on the
soldiers promptly rallying as their idolized
leader shot past t em, regami their usual dis-
ci line as ifolgy c ut seemed in vain.
.Tge hindm of e savages were fully two
hundred yards ahead; to overtake them in time
to rovent an entrance seemed impossible.

at then a loud c broke from the colonel’s
ups, and bidding all ollow, he wheeled abru t-
ly to the left. And not one moment

won a down figures were soon just within the
they sprung aside, the

. gntew-l- flan

 

Dime Library.

movement unmaskin a six-pounder cannon.
The savages realized t eir danger, but were not
given time to avoid it. The cannon spoke, and
a double charge of grapeshot tore through
their crowded ranks, strewing the plain with
dead and dying, men and horses falling like
autumn leaves before the well-aimed piece.

“ Charge!” shouted Colonel Markham, leading
the way, and through the demoralized mob of
savages they plunged, ausing not until the last
man entered the frien ly gateway.

“ To you we owe our lives and the safety of
this fort!” cried the colonel, turning to the un-
ner, who received his words with a cold smi e.

“ To those brave fellows, rather,” replied Cap-
tain Stone—for he it \vas—motioning his hand
toward the haggard soldiers who were wheeling
the cannon aside. “ But for them I could have
done little. The scare seemed to have complete-
ly cured them—”

“To the loops!” cried Markham, as the yell
without changed to a roar of insane rage. “ I
will know how to thank you more fully, cap-
tain, when we have driven off these red-skins—”

Reckless with fury, the Sioux charged the
fort, and were bravely met with a galling fire
from the loops. Among the defenders was Bill
Comstock, and as the enemy thundered up to
attack the gate, he singled out their leader and
covered his heart with an aim that seldom fail-
ed. Nor was this time an exception, for as the
rifle exploded, the chief flung up his arms and
would have fallen headlon from the saddle had
not two of his braves caug t him in their arms.
That lucky bullet ended the charge. A wild
cry arose, and. bearing the fallen chief among
them, the savages retreated in hot haste, not
even stopp' to remove their dead, finally dis—
apsearing Within the defile from which they
h sprung their ambush, a hearty cheer follow-
ing them. ~

But all open exultation was speedily quelled,
as the defenders looked sadly out upon the death-
strewn plain, and then upon their sadly thinned
ranks. Their loss had been too heavy for much
congratulation.

The two cannon-all that Fort Western could
boast—were carefully trained upon the defile,
and then parties were sent out to bring in the
dead and wounded. This mournful duty was
not com leted until the sun had sunk to rest,
and the ast squad had a narrow escape from a
strong filarty of the Sioux, who had managed to
reach 6 plain unseen. From this it seemed
that the end was not yet.

A triple guard was laced along the walls,

with strict orders to at any suspicious ob-
'ect.
J A group of officers were thored in one of
the quarters, among them ptain Stone, who
now shared the honor: of the fight with the
scout, Bill Comstock, who was also present. For
the time the brutal conduct of the captain was
quite forgotten, since to it might be attributed his
remaining within the fort instead of joining the
hunting-gray. _

“An t ink I couldn’t place him—ugh!"
grunted Comstock, with a grimace of disgust.

‘ I knowed I’d seen him afore, but whar, I
couldn’t tell, he was so changed and rigged up.
But of ever we meet ag’in, medicine won 15 save
the varmint !”

“You are sure?” asked Lieutenant Blake.

“ I knowed it the fust time I heard his wh
——it said WHITE SIOUX all over!" was the co -
dent reply.

“That accounts for it then,” muttered the
lieutenant. “ Twice, while we were out yonder,
he had me within arm’s length, and m saber
fast between a. red—skin’s ribs, and he co d have
cut me down without an effort, but no—he could
see only the colonel; even at the time I wonder-
ed but it’s all clear now 1” V

1‘ It may be to you, but remember I am anew-
comer, "eput in Captain Stone. “ Who and what
is the ‘ .hite Sioux? True, I’ve heard of him,
as a notorious renegade, but why should he hear
such articular enmity to the colonel?”

“I is along story, and goes back to the time
when I was an e ,”_ thoughtfully replied
Blake, lighting a fres cigar. “There is no
Secret about it, that I know of, though I shouldn't
like the old man to overhear me. There may
be some among us that will_remember the name
of Leroy Temple—a captain in the ——th, near
twenty years 0?”

“ I always ought he was dead,” observed
one officer.

“He may be now, but he certainly was not
this morning. You may stare, but Leroy Tom-
ple, once ca tain in the regular service, 18 none
other than t 0 one we know u the White Sioux,
renegade, savage, and traitor to his coun . It
is a black story, and there may have been b e
on both sides; at least more than one of our
you rs thought so, at the time.

“ 9 were then stationed at Fort Icaven-
worth, under Colonel Markham; he  not ris-
en a ste since, and some persons might say it
was a udgment upon him—- but never mind
that.

“ThisLeroy Tom is was a good soldier; his
wont-enemies not deny that, though we

oungaters thought him rather too strict, if any
{hing He had cause enough though, and a
splendid example not him by the way in which

 

the colonel would ‘set’ on him at the slightest-
excuse. We didn’t know the reason then, l
though we did before lon . It was a woman,
of course. She was courte b them both, and,
unlike most women chose t 0 double bars in.
stead of the eagle. Of course this made the col-
onel hot, and he kept both eyes 0 n to catch
Tern 1e in a slip; but for a time ack was as 3
go as his master, so the old man had to take

it out in growling and fault-finding. You see,

he’s changed a good deal since then. ,

“Well, the time came at last, as it always I
will, if one only has the patience to wait long
enough. I don’t just remember what it was;
some little infraction of discipline that, in any
other would never have been noticed; and Tem- ‘
ple got an awful tongue-lashing, before us all, ‘
on parade. The poor devil was in no mood to- i
stand it' as it came out afterward, he had been
refused leave of absence, though his wife was
very ill, and at the point of confinement. So.
he, instead of grinning and hearing it, retorted.
The old man cursed him, and was knocked down
for his pains.

“ You can guess the next move. He was con-
fined, then brou ht out to be tried before a
court-martial. en the old man showed his
hand. He didn’t want the man’s blood, but he
did want him disgraced. The matter was pretr-
t much in his own hands, and the result was
t at Temple was cashiered and sentenced to re-
ceive fifty lashes. I know what you would say—it
was a flagrant abuse of authority; nevertheless,
it was just as I so. : the poor devil was broken
and flogged like a ound. ,

“That night he broke guard—killed one fol.
low, and esca He was hunted hard, but
we never laid eyes on him again for years.
we found out, e made his way to St. Louis, '
where he found his wife had died in child-bed.
She had been doing well enough, when she saw .
in the paper the sentence which had been exe—-
cuted upon her husband; and I verily believov '
that killed her.

“It hit the old man mighty hard too; and ‘
he got along leave of absence, which he spent
abroad. That, ve% like] , saved his life for
such a man as this hite ioux has turned out.
to be, wouldn’t have hesitated long before—”

At this moment the door swung o n and Col-
onel Markham entered, so pale an unlike his- .
usual self that more than one of those Present 3
believed he had heard the tragic tale 0 Leroy ;
Temple; but if he had, that was not the object ‘
of his interruption, as they soon learned. '

“ Gentlemen,” and as he spoke his voice trem-
bled, “ I come to ask your advice. I know not
where else to turn, and if you fail me then my
last hope is gone! You know that my daughter
is one—carried 03 by that—”

Not fur, colonel, ’ fiickly into Bill.
“ My ard—Happy Jac —he took or away‘
from t em, and t 0 last I saw the was makin'
tall licks for the west, a wheen c red-skins af-
ter ’em.”

“ I saw that, too; but it is hardly possible that.
they could escape. Her horse was not equal to
along run. Unless we can aid her, all is lost!”
groaned the bereaved father.

A sergeant used at the door, saluting.

“Colonel, t e enemy have surrounded us.”

An instant rush was made for the walls, and.
the report was found to be true. A dozen fir
small, but large eno h for the purpose do
the prairie at wide tervals around the fort,
and occasionally a momen glimpse of some:
phantom-like figure flitting to and fro, as though
on the alert to ard against any mosse r for
aid slippin t ugh the cordon, co d be-
caught. A was silent as death around, and it
did not up r as though the Indians meant to
do more t make sure that no one left the

fort.

“ That ends my last ho , then!" fairly
groaned the commander, as t e ofllcers return.
ed to the room they had so hastily left. .

“ You mean there cain’t no help go out?” ask—
ed Comstock.

“ I would gladly give one thousand dollars
each to any who would—but it is useless—she i:
lost—my r girl!”

“I we dn’t do it for the money, colonel,”
quietly said Comstock. “ I don’t need much in
my line 0’ life, but I’m goin’ out ender to help
my pard, of so be he needs it, an of you let me
pick my men, I’ll agree to take them through
an’ never faze a ha’r.”

“ You will —- when — when?” eagerly cried,

arkham.
“The sooner the better, I reckon. The '11 be

     

 

hea to do, an’ it’ll be slow work. We’ start;
right off," said Comatock.
CHAPTER VI.
TEE manonn nor]. 2

“ You think there will be volunteers? 1 wag
not order any man upon such an adventure,
said the colonel.

“ Nor I wouldn’t take one as needed a order,",‘ '3

bluntly re lied Co “I’d ’uough fight. ‘
“9%” “if 113%..» w - We... 0... ‘
on no 0 qui in
tain Stone, “ for I’m   you. ,
The «out did not seem to be very favorably

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Then he said, blunt

{eyed the ofllcer in silence.

y:
“ A feller m ht go fur an‘ find many a wuss
rd than you or a tough bit 0’ work, Captain:

ut this ’ere’s goin’ to be more’n that. I said I
could take a wheen 0’ men clean through them
red niggers, an’ so I kin; but they’ve got to be
men as are willin’ to foller the least motion 0’ my
han’—to do 'est as I say, without stoppin’ to ax
questions. ow—-I don‘t mean any ense—but
you’ve had jest enoughh’sperience fightin‘ red-
skins to think you know it all, an’ it’s big odds
you’d git mad ef I didn’t sto to tetch my hat
afore tellin.’ you what to do. kiii' at it from
this p’int, ca ’n, I reckon you’d better stay
here. We’ll a on us feel the easier for’t.”

“ I pledge you my word of honor, as a gentle-
man and a soldier, Bill, to obey you in every

icular," earnest] replied Stone. “ If you
still ref-use, then I will make the attempt on my
own hook." '

“ That’ll double the resk. Ef you must go,
we’ll stick together," said Comstock, then leav-
ingthe room to complete his preparations for
the rilous venture.

'1.‘ e scout had not 5 oken without cause when
he said that be con d find men who would
prom tly volunteer for the adventure, for not
one 0 those to whom hea iplied made the slight-
est objection to Joining lliiin, though all knew
that were they discovered in the attempt to
steal throu h t e enemy’s lines little short of a
miracle c0 (1 preserve them from death.

_ Eleven men the scout selected, the lar er por-
tion of them being hunters or scouts to t 8 st,
the remainder veteran soldiers whose coo ness
and intrepidity had been thorough] tested upon
a thousand occasions. The iiistruc ions he gave
them were brief and to the int. Each man
was to bear a rifle, two revo Vera and a knife,
together with a canteen of water and a small

uantity of driedimeat. They were to obe his
fignals without a question, and trust entirely to
him to car them safely through.

Just as omstock announced all things in
readiness, Colonel Markham placed a. rocket in
his hand.

“If you succeed in pming safely through
them, send this up. There will not be
danger, if your plan works, and it will tell me
that there is still hope for in poor child.”

Comstock snappe
thrust the shell under his belt at his back.
Then the side gate was cautiously opened wide
enough to permit their passage, and a moment
later the little party—thirteen in all—stood out—
side the walls. Without a word Comstock un-
coiled a lasso and saw that each man took hold
of it; then he crouched low down and noiseless-
! headed for a point midway between the two

as that burned nearest the passage through

the ran e.

The n ght was dark, and the sky almost star-
less, covered with a gray blanket of clouds as

thou rain-storm was brewing. The wind
was ginning to rise, and its meanings were
noticed with p ensure by the adventurers as one

d against their cautious footfails bein

fieardby the watchful Sioux. g

Their pro ass was slow, for Bill Comstock,
though, in t me of need, he was recklessly hold,
was not one to risk defeat throu h want of -
tience. A‘dozen times he an short, gent)?l
jerking the lasso as a si for his followers to
sink flat to the groun , and as often did the
alarm prove groundless. And as they drew
nearer the line of the fires, the scout increased
his caution, pausin to listen intently at every
step, and the pru once of this was speedily
proven, whens. low guttural voice came from

he darkness directly before them. Like bodi-
less phantom of the night the adventurers sunk
to the ground as Comstock ave the si
the scout himself stood eroc . An instinct that
rarely failed him told him that the words of the
Sioux were ted 'to him, and none other,
though the savage evidently took him for one
g the serliltinlgls. And g. mozplent ilater he was

ven sti iner proo as e vo co agam' de-
manded who he was. in an instant the scout’s
mind was made up; there was but one way in
Each the savages curiosny could be satis-

“ Hist i” he muttered speaking the Sioux'dia-
lectlike a native. “ here are strange sounds
in the air—the lon -knives ma be scndin out
runnersforaid. me! we lhaveas pto

As he spoke the scout silently drop his hat
to the ground and glided forward, gigging his

last words in the ear of the eager savage, who

_ show our brothers—”

P { cted nothin of the truth. What
relily 0 slit have e can never be known,
10! a sinewy‘hand clutched his throat and a

long knife was plunged to the very hilt in his
broad breast. .he stroke was sure and deadly.
There was a brief, convulsive shudder—a moo
mentary contraction of the brawny limbs, then
Comstock held a corpse in his arms.

A low hiss informed his comrades of his com-
plete succeSB, a8 Comstock bore the body past
hem and laced it some rods in their rear, to
guard egagnst its being stumbled u
other patrols. too oon. Pausing y to tear
an the scalp, Comstock returned and led his
convenes successfullypast the line of fires

n by the

he Ilong Haired ‘ Pard

much -

d off t a long stick and nut]

:but listen

 

.‘L .- 9.5. . _

pausing only thn tlicy reached the mouth of I

the pass.

Few living men know the country surround-
ing Fort lVesterii more thoroughly than did ,
Bill Comstock, and thus he was enabled to pro- ;
coed with the work he had cut out for himself
with little delay. Ho felt pretty confident that
he could name, within a few rods, the very ,
point where the main body of the Sioux were
then eiicamped, but his rule was to make sure ,
of one step before he nttcmpted another.

Bldfllll" his followeis lio law, he entered the ,
defile unilquickly, though thoroughly, examined ,
its mouth, assuring himself tliutno sawtch were
placed upon guard there—as, indeed, why
should there be such! The fort was surrounded ‘
by vigilant spies, and no one was likely to at- ,
tempt leaving the ost unless it was a scout dis-

atched for aid. or would such a one he like-
ly to attein t the pass, since it led directly ‘
away from the nearest oii’lt from whence aid
could be procured. Ani , in addition, the Sioux
were encamped within the ass, a few hundred
yards away) where the (10 e spread out into a
pleasant, 0 long valley.

Stationin his men under shelter of an over-
hanging roc , Comstock stole silently along un-
til he reached the little valley, and the Sioux
encam ment lay beneath his eyes There were ,
sever fires still burning, thong) faintly, and '
the majority of the savages seemed sleeping, I
though several grou s were to be seen, evident— ‘
ly conversing over t eir pipes. 

As he cre it nearer, the scout ave a start of ,
surprise. ef‘ore him, apparent y as sound as i
ever was the White Sioux whom he had, so re- 
cent yseen fall before his rifle!
stinct the scout leveled his weapon, and at that
moment the notorious white chief of the Sioux
trembled upon the threshold of death; but then
the weapon was lowered, undischarged.

“ No—it’d be sartin death to more’n him. Let
him run the len’th 0’ his rope. Thar’s the crit-
tersl Now ef I kin only—’

The cam fires were uilt against the left—or
West—wal of rocks, while, some yards beyond,
and at the opposite side, the savages had se-
cured their orses, where the s afforded
better picking. Toward these omstock now
crept, kee in in the deepest shadows and ad-
vancing; ow y so as to avoid alarmin the ani-

s. is eyes glistened e erly as e recog-
nized amon them the ungain vaniuial that had
astonishedt em all that da by its wonderful
speed and endurance. Thong proverbially sus-
picious, the mustangs did not betray any alarm
as the scout neared them, but lazily crop ed
the sweet grass, as though their appetite ad
already been satisfied.

Comstock cautiously skirted the herd, and
found, as he had felt pretty well assured, that
the savages had placed no guard over the ani-
mals, contenting themselves with hop ling
them, satisfied that the grass would keep hem
from straying beyond the limits.

The scout paused and seemed in, doubt as be
0 ed the bi horse belonging to «the White

ioux. Un er anya other circumstances he
would not have hesi ted one instant, but would
have sprun u n the back of the coveted ani-
mal and ris e all on one bold dash. But now
—fo do that would be ruin to his comrades,
though he himself might elude the savages.
Only for the diabolical temper displayed b the
creature during the prairie tournamen , he
would have attem leading it softly away,
but the risk was great, and resi ing the
half-formed resolve with a said 0 disgust,
Codmstock stole away and rejoined his com~
re 88.
“Hist!” he muttered, warningly. “Let me
do what little talkin’ thar must be did; you kin
. The critters is in thar, jest as I ’spected,
an’ they don’t got no idea they’s any sech fel-
lers aslwe a-crawlin’ round ’em. Now I’ll tell
{3m jest what we've got to do. It’s no fool of a

b. an’ one crooked step ’1] send us sky-high

uicker’n a wink. We cain’t do nothin’ afoot,
t t’s cl’ar. We couldn’t brin bosses with us
from the fort, an’ so we’ve got git them here.
Thar’s ,a-plenty, an’ to ’ ef we kin ondly
manidge hinge jest right. lflf the pesky cri
tors would Vpromise not to git skeered an' kick
up the de l’s delight, we could crawl up an’
takeour pick, for all the look-out the reds is
kegpin ; but that’d be most too realty.

I reckon thar’s only one way towork it.
You tellers ’11 foller me up as nigh asis safe,
then 1atyiow while I try to steal 011' the critters,
ope by one. It’ll take time, but we’ll hev plenty
0 that afore day. Ef thar’s a row kicked up
afore I t enough, I’ll try tostampede the crit-
ters. an the rest 0‘ you must try to ketch a
mount as they pass by; those that do must If ht
out, hot-foot, keeping cluss along the fut 0’ he
range ontel we a1 git together ag’in. Them as
don’t—weal, I_reckon they’d better salivate as
many 0’ the pizin imps as they kin, fur’tain’t
nomse liker thar’ll ever be another chaince for
’em to do it. ’ a

While Comstock was talking, he cut his lasso
into short lengths, to serve as rude halters for
the present until they could provide better.
Then at a word from him, the men slowly, cau-
tiously crept alon the base of the rocky wall,
and drew near to e grazing drove.

my:  ow

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Now began the most difficult and dangerous
portion of the scout‘s duty. Silently as n sha-
dow he stole among the animals and selecting
one of the best~looking, succeeded in .iassing the
rope around its neck. Then, cutting its ho plea,
he slowly led it along through the dar iiess,

assin it over to one of the men. directing him
0 stca cautiously out of the defile, but to await
the 00min rof the others before attcui ting to
mount. cturning, Comstock repea ed this

stacle. That time. 11 mustang brain.- from him,
with a loud snort of terror that caused the
scout‘s heart to lea ) into his mouth. But fox -
time still befriended iim. The mustang buckcd
against he big horse of the “'hite Sioux, aid
was grt ted with an angry squeal and a bear _v
kick, an alarm so natural that not one of tho
savages gave it any attention.

At length Comstock led away his twelfth
horse, and sent the last man down the ass to
join his friends, then returned to comp etc his
work. This was not only to secure a mount for
himself, but to arrange for a general Stalllpe‘ilf,‘
that should leave the savages without an ' means
of pursuit until the light of day shouh enable
them to collect the scattered animals. In order
to effect this, Comstock had to pay each animal
a visit, to cut its hopples, and at the same anic
soothe its alarm so that nono would start away
until hr was ready. This was delicate work, but
he proved himself e on] to the task, and an
hour later he severer the 'hopples of the big
horse and leaped upon its back with a wild yell,
emptying one revolver at tho astounded rod—
skins, then thundering down the pass, driving
the herd before him.

CHAPTER VII.
A Dual. To run DEATH.

EVERY trace of lameness vanishing as thou h
by magic, Simeon] thundered down upon t e
astounded savages with a burst of speed that
betrayed not the slightest symptom of fatigue.
Never were morta beings more thoroughly
duped. Until this moment they had regarded
their game as 00d as bagged—and now they
were charged by the victim whose scalp they
had already fingered in imagination.

Their rifles were discharged, but the sudden
change of affairs seemed to unnerve them and
the bullets whistled wide of the mark. A shrill
taunting laugh rung in their oars—then the bold
rider was upon them, his good revolver s -
ing venomously. There was a brief, con used
tram ling to and fro—a cloud of dust through
whic man and rider showed spectral-like; then
a single horseman darted forth and dashed away
toward the setting sun.

Until now the our other Sioux had been too
deeply rised to do much else than stars in
open—mout ed astonishment, but now as they
saw that two men had fallen, that one alone had
survived that brief conflict, their choking rage
found vent in wild yells of deadly ce
as they urged their jaded ponies on in pursuit
of the laughing, reckless scout, who was now
dextrousl ' reloading the rifle he had matched
from the ands of one of the dead sav es.

“ The blind fools!" muttered Happy ack, as
he glanced over his shoulder and saw the Sioux
fiercely lashing their ponies. “Will nothln p,
but death teach them? Good enough! they-lg 6‘,"
for a lesson, and a lesson they shall have. " ., i '_
e:% I ‘3 ’.

69° .

        

     
  
   
   
   

 
 
        
    
      
        
       
      
 
    
   
 
 

  
  
  

   

 
   

   
  
  
   
     
         
   
 
  
   
     
    
   
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
  
    
   
    
       
       
     
     
    
    
     
  
  
 
   
  
      
  

The blood-bay was covering the 'ground at
long, stead lo ,gust fast enough to hold
distance th t e ioux, but little, if any,
than two hundred yards. Kate Mar -
steadily on nearly half a mile ahead I»
scout, and keeping close along the foot%5 a,
bluffs. Hap y Jack could see that her“ we _
could not he d out much longer and 0 ed. -’

(

      

to end the chase as soon as ible.
At a touch of the rein, S moom wh
upon a pivot, facing the oncoming Bio
Jack leveled his captured rifle, but
the sav es sunk behind their ani
from an or cover of which their r'

A grim smile lighted u the
he heard the poorly-aims bulle
but then a stern fire filled his 9
the foremost mustangand p _
At the report, the animal p
bullet in its brain hurling itfia
with crushing vio ence far
shifting the empty rifle to his
Jack touched Simoomyvitbfli ' fills gt
down upon the red—skins fitli- _ . .qux .¢;.°(,.
The wonderful speed of his horse once morr
stood him in good stead. During the brief in:
terval between his wheeling and the discharge
ofpa rifle, the distance between had been les-
sened nearly one-half, and the other hundred
yards were almost covered by Bimoom before
be three red-skins divined the scout’s purpose.
Their rifles were empty, but they each were
armed with serviceable revolvers, and, with a
courage that deserved better things, arose to
meet he desperate attack. But confident in If
the prowess of Simoom, Happydack felt that
he had far too much at stake 0 risk all on one
cast—in a hand-to-hand struggle with at least
three stout warriors. and as e first iatol was
disc he sunk behind the cod-boy’s
body, gshaxplytotherightsndwap-

   

  

   
  

8 .

 

 

in swiftly around the enemy, gaining their rear

w thout a. check, nor drawing rein until he was

several hundred yards in their rear.

Happv Jack quickly reloaded his rifle. He
knew that. barring accidents, he held the key
to the situation in his own hands. If the Sioux
should decide to pursue him, he knew that he
could Choose his own course and distance, and
thus insu r-e. IT-l e Markham’s gaining a. sufficient
start to ivnd I nor comparatively safe. 0n the
other hand, ii" they were to chase her, he could
follow, and, with the rifle he had captured, pick
pf! tilie pursuch one by one as opportunity of"-

GI'P( .

The Sioux seemed to be weighing the situation
as well, "or they drew together as if for consul—
tation. After a. few moments, dip'ing which
much gesticulation was indulged in, one of them
dismounted and stooped over the fallen brave.

His inspection was brief. Then he rcmountcd,
and the trio urged their ponies on in the wake
of the fair fugitive. now far aln-rid.

“ All right!” muttered the scout. as he follow-
ed upon their track. “ I hoped they would folv
low me, but as they wouldn‘t bite, I’ll show ’em
on teeth!”

Iany a quick and far from eas ' glance did
the three Sioux cast overtlieir shou dcrs as they
urged their tired but plucky nnlstangs on,
s readin:r apart as Simeon) crept closer and
c oser. appy Jack smiled mockingly. He did
not intend to run into the trap he had so recent-
ly showed them how to set. .

“ One more spurt, old boy—so: steady, now-—
steady!”

As the rifle rose to his check a yell of warning
broke from tho red-skins, and they as quickly
sunk low along their ponies’ sides: but the pre—
caution was in vain. The rifle cracked and was
blended with a wailing death-shriek as one of
the Indians pitched headlong to the ground, shot
through the back.

This was the last feather. Desperately the
two surviving Sioux braves wheeled their ponies
and charged upon the scout as their only hope
of life. Mounted as he was, continued flight
could only end in their death, one after the
other. '

Nothing loth, Ila >py Jack touched Simoom
with the spur and t iundcred forward to meet
the enemy. They emptied their rifles, and the
scout felt a sudden, shurptwinge in his shoulder,
and knew that he was wounded, how badly, he

had no time even to surmise. Like a living
thunderbolt he dashed between the two savages,
empt 'ing one barrel at little Inoro than arm’s—
lcngt 1 into the Sioux upon his right, and ward-
ing off a s )ear-thrust with his left arm, un-
wounded, t iough the steel head ripped his
sleeve from wrist to shoulder.

Within double his own length, Simoom
Wheeled around and the Scout's revolver rung
out the death-knell of the last surviving Sioux
before he could make a move at self—defense,

lmost ere he realized that his Vicious spear-

‘ust had failed him.

wee musing for a moment’s breath after
\i wom. Happy Jack sprung to the
‘\ hastily inspected the fallen braves,
e that his work was thoroughly
t none of their number lived to
‘ale to their fellows. v
t like murder,” he muttered,
‘ing the blood-bay free rein
“e trail of Kate Markham.
'1 my side—it was like
en! And yet—it was,
have murdered her
‘7 for it when I
'1 her fate had

ore caught
"est—deep-
‘ -e soon

j,” be
, so far
roubling

>red Kate,

.ly skin deep,
,—you must be
ride ?”
verely; still I can
the’ maiden.
inutes longer. There
. do any further in this
 .5 v .ake to the hills. There
“origin . ,  ,_ here it will be compara-
tive y safe to can‘p—”
“ Must we span the night—is there no house
near!” , ,

“None nearer than the fort—and that is over
forty miles as the crow flies,” replied the scout
with a. faint smile. “ Even if you could stand
the fatigue, Indy it would be impossible for us
to reach there without a nod rest. I can ap-
preciate your feelings, so ar from your friends,
alone with a strnn r—"‘ ._

“ That is not w t I meant,” hastily inter-
posed Kate her cheek flushing brightly. “ Af-
ter all on have done—" v , _ -

“ I d d no more than my duty, lady,” ‘ uietly

Diméfiiilam

 

' A

.4

 

as another. There is a good spring not far
away, and plenty of grass for our horses; though
I fem-they will fare better than we in that re-
5 )ez-t. ’

l “ I do not feel as though I ever cared for an—
other mouthful of food," wearin said Kate, her
head drooping.

‘ ‘ You Will feel better after a good night’s rest—-”

“ I can only thiukof poor father—those dread—
ful Indians! If he is only alive—7’

" He is—l feel sure of that," replied the scout,
with a confidence he was far from feeling.
“ You know we heard the cannon—that shows
that our friends succeeded in getting back to
the. fort; and once in there, the whole Sioux
tribe couldn’t harm them."

“God grant that you may be right! Only I
fear the worst,” brokenly murmured Kate.

Happy Jack did not reply, knowing of how
little avail were empty assiirzmces under the
circumstances, but he was glad indeed when
they reached the little valley he had been head-
ing for. He knew that rest and slumber were
what the maiden needed most.

Kate sunk down upon the soft grass beside
the, spring, with a weary sigh. Hap )y Jack re-
moved the trappings from the two Ihorses and
carefully rubbed them down before allowing
them to drink their fill. After this he hoppled
the chestnut and allowed them to graze at will,
confident that Simoom would Ir‘ver desert him.
As he returned to the spring, Kate roused her—
self, with a visible cfl'ort.

“ You said you were Wounded, Mr.——”

“It is only a scratch,” hastily replied the
scout, tonchiirr his shoulder. “ I will bind it up
after a while.’

“No: it was received in In service. I am
glad that I can do this muc to repay’you.
Conic~renicmbcr that you still wear my co-
lors,” she added, with a wan smile, as Happy
Jar-k hesitated.

“'ithout a word he turned back the. sleeve
which had been slit by tho lndian’s lance, and
laid bare the wound, showing red and ugly in
the hard, fair shoulder. Kate gently washed
the wound, then bound it up with her handker-
chief, little dreaming what a subtle poison her
soft fingers were pouring into the scout’s
veins.

“And now,” sho said, checking his muttered
thanks. “may I go to HIM-1)! I do not think I
can keep my eyes open much longer.‘7

Happy Jack hastily collected an armful of
dried grass and leaves, and placed them be-
neath an overhanging rock that promised some
shelter from the threatening storm, and, rude
as the couch was, and despite her troubles, Kate
had scarcely loin down before her eyes were
sealed in slumber.

Not So with the scout. Though this was the
third night since he had closed his eyes in slum—
ber, ho had too much to think of for repose. Of
his recent Jerils, he scarce gave a. thought—his
mind was 'lled with’one bright vision; he could
only think of the fair young woman whose life
he had t at daypreserved, over whose slumbers
he was t en' watching.

The hours rolled by, and still he crouched
there motionless as one dead. But then came a
startling interruption.

Simoom raised his head and looked up the
valley, sniffing the air suspiciously, and pawing
the ground nervously. T en,as though his sus-
picions were confirmed, be bounded to the side
of his master, thrusting his velvet muzzle against
the scout’s Check. In an insiant Happy Jack
was on the alert, and knew that danger threat—
ened. Cautiously cocking his revolver, he drew
back into the deeper shade, peering keenly
around. His lips compressed as he caught a.
glimpse of several dusky figures crawling down
the valley. ' "

 

CHAPTER VIII. ‘
ON THE TRAIL. ’

WITHOUT pausing to note the result of his
hasty fusilade upon the astoaished red-skins,
Bill Comstock urged his captured steed along
the rocky defile, yelling like a madman, both to
still further terrify the stampeded animals and
to let his friends know that he was coming. On
through the darkness, out of the narrow pass
upon the broad level plain, untouched b the
hasty vo ey of bullets and arrows Whic the
Sioux sen after him, and then the reckless scout
laughed long and shrill over the complete suc-
cess of his bold ruse. He heard the startled
cries of the Indian guards just before him and
sought to turn his horse’s head; but the beast
was too badl frightened, or too obstinate to
obey the rude alter that encircled his neck, and
thundered madly on as though he meant to
charge Fort Western upon his own hook. But
Bill had dealt with such cattlehbetgne, 
ti htl ‘o in t e ong mane, e ung
wiolengighgtogthe right side, thus forcin the
snorting brute to describe a. Wide arc, of w ch
the bluff formed the connecting chord, only
regaining an upright position when the con-
quered animal yielded to his will and galloped
in 't of his comrades.
he confused trampling of 11me had died

 

replied the scout, ijf you please, we W1 1 turn
into this pus """" '\ur purpose as well

a

away, and the scout chuckled grimly for he
knew that it would be long hours before the

I. WAm _A#I‘: T _I ,. 

White Sioux could ain mon'nt his braves!

take the war—path. nd during those hours? “001‘
vantage, he ho )ed to find his partner, Hap? 'pf’fll
Jack and Miss llarkham, and with them r68 -

a point of safety, even if they could not ret him
to the fort. slide

While thus thinking, the big horse. carried 9” ’*
through the night, over the rattling shingle In
the base of the range, with the long, swiu ' “191
stride of a moose at speed, and in a few ml 
Incnts more Comsfock overtook his comrades. _ e

“ All here, I reckon?” he called aloud. “ G00 3710'

enough! Things couldn’t ’a’ worked bettel ma“
Yar we be, goml-mounted, read fer businefl 'ho‘
Chuck in, feeling a heap si 'r it more. coll 0'
f’table then that big Injun >oss back yet 0'”

  
  
 
 
   
  
   
   
     
  
   
 
  

dew." the!
“ What’s the next move, Coinstock?” im 
tiently intm‘rupted Captain Stone. Tl
“ To give the old man notice we‘ve played m
reds. so far. lt‘ll let the Injuns know whar “1‘1,
look for our trail, but they know that a’reai P“
I reckon. You fellcrs ride ri rht ahead, an’ 01‘“
tetch the durncd thing off. cop the blufi’ cl 010'
to your right han’.” “m:
Thrusting the end of the broken rocket sti 010”
into the muzzle of his rifle, Coinstock struck d
match and succeeded in igniting the fuse. B , V
as the fiery sparks sputtered back through thl “Ye
darkness, the confiscated horse took alarm mu 8‘0‘
went through a performance that seVerely teb C
ed the scout’s skill to avoid being cast to tlI 0‘"
earth. ~ 3
As a result the rocket dropped from the gu .‘
and, like a wonderfully eccentric fiery serpei brl‘
darted swiftly over the plain until, strikii mm
some obstacle, it rose a few yards in the air on“
fore exploding. However, its objei-t was ' d“
complishcd for keen eyes were upon the loo m“
out at Fort W'cstern. and a moment later ' "0
answering rocket was sent high up in t H"
sky. a ‘
Conistock finally succeeded in subjecting fl 110‘
ungainly brute which he bestrodc,’but the st) u the
gle was so severe and prolonged that he knew i ma
must either abandon the brute or-else contri " l
a more clliciont bridle. ‘ t
“ You’d make a sweet lookin7 duck ol In:
s’posin’ you tuck a notion to play circus wh
the reds was to the fore!” he muttered as, final pm
ly, the big bruit: condescendcd to follow the tr 8‘“
left by the rest of the party. his
After overtaking his comrades, Colnstock 1 del
the way at a steady lope through tlie.ni rht, n E;
checked his horse until full u. dozeniwnnles ha
been covered. Then, ridiugclose up‘under th m‘
rock Wall that here rose almost pci lendicularl th‘
from the plain for two-score yards, ic dismoun' I M
ed and left his horse in charge of one of 4t “‘1
men. He was busied with some preparation  ‘
the dark for several minutes, then struck a in

    
   
  
    
     
  
   
  
  
    
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
     
   
   
   
 
  
   
 
      
    
    
     
    

match and kindled a “ fireball,” cmnposed 0
mg, gunpowder and s ittle, bound to the end a
a short stick. 'With t is in his hand, and care
fully shielded from casting its glow far abroa
by his hunting-shirt, dofi‘ed for the flier )ose, th
scout lided out upon the plain atra rig 1t angf.
with t e clifl‘.

His purpose was plain now. He was makin
sure that the two In itives had passed this poiu
before taking to the Ills, as he felt assured the
would do, sooner or later. He aused, whe
some two hundred yards out up n the plain
and moved slowly back and forth for a. to
minutes, then stain d out the fire-ball and re
turned to his frien s. .

“What word—good or bad?” eagerly crie

in
th

l1!
th

Stone.

“Both. They passed by here, but they we
six pizen critters cluss alter ’em. I reckon we’ ‘
best light out a piece furder."

Twice was this move repeated, and at th
last Bill Comstock could not suppress a littl
yell of delight at the result of his scare .
saw that there were only five sets of hoof-marks
three of them unshod mustangs.

“An’ 'ist look!” he added, in high lee, as th
rest of t 6 company hastened to join im at h'
cry. “ You see that ’ar track? That’s old ’Si-
moom’s handwrite—an’ its kiverin’ them mad
by t’others—the boy is a. chasin’ the Injuns ’s -= 0

them chasin’ him—" h

8

5'
F

“And Miss Markham-the colonel’s dau
ter?”

my pard must ’a’ rubbed out the rest—they w .
six at fast. He’s got behind ’em', somehow, an
I’ll jest bet my boots the gelorious old‘ boy ’
sate eve identiekle one 0’ them pizen skim ‘
afore he ets u .” _.

“ More like e’ll drop off, only too glad to sav :
his own scalp—” began Stone, permitting an
jealousy to get the upper hand, when Comstoe»

cut him short. 1 I
“ Hold that, C: ’n Stc ael”he cried, in a. sharp
deadly tone. “ ou mir no other two-leg --l
mu shell say one word ag’in’ Happy J aok o :
me. E! you mean tohin that he’ run awa.
311’ lpave a woman in trouble, you lie like .-
0 l - .
gFor God’s sake, tlemenl” cried Ber -: - -
Bowen, spurring be ween them, ‘f have we no
enough enemies without fighting among our
selves?” ‘
“Right enough, old Trusty,” replied Stan

a. scam E53 9 0.94335":

  

 

  
 

     
   
   
 
  

 

’ with a. short laugh. “.I apologize to you, C

 

 

 

      

I

f

-—

4n.

.‘Hf‘

rs
1W
elf

 

 

i talkin’ they di

 

a  of their chief.
‘ Whiiehil .
,  with a. stubborn yelor

 

 

 

Itock. I romise to so no more until I can
weak to t e gentleman imself."

“ You’d betterorder a wooden overcoat afore—
hand, then,” was the scont’s blunt reply, as he
glided rapidly along the trail, bidding the oth-
ers Keep close in his rear.

In a few minutes he came upon the body of
the last Indian shot by Happy lick, and quick-
lv discovered the other two.

“ That’s the we. your runaway feller docs!"
cried Bill, in big glee. “Ef you know my
man as kin do it up cleaner, then I'd like ye to
show him to me oncet!”

Captain Stone made no re 1y, but more than
one present felt that the. o cor would far ra-
ther the scout had failed, though he said no-

‘I‘iéed and ‘aded by their long and hard ride
Otter the day s excitements, and feeling assured
that, once freed from hisimmediate foes, Hap y
Jack would take to the hills, the little party 0-
cided to await the coming of daylight, now
close at hand. Riding in close to the rocks,
they dismounted, t ing their animals’ heads

j close together in or er to guard against a. stam-

de, the men lay down and almost immediate-
ell aslee . There was no guard set, because,
even if t ey had started in pursuit at all, the
Sioux must be far in the rear.
 was the first to awaken, and With-
out disturbin the others, he strode out to where
e red-skins ay, hoping to find something out
which he could manufacture a more effective
bridle for his unruly horse. In default of any-
thing better, be stripped a. buckoskin shirt from
one of the savages, and cutting it into strips,

dextrously slaited them into a stout rope, then‘

made a ru e headstall, a stout loop to pass
around the animal’s nose with lines passing
through the throat-latch. ln case of a struggle,
a stout all u on the reins would draw the
noose tig t, an ,by checking its breath, choke
the brute into subjection. T e fierce resistance
made b the horse as Comstock endeavored to
apply t is, aroused the sleepers, and it was onl
a ter several of the stoutest inen~came to his
assistance that the bridle was secured.

Without waiting to make a' regular meal, the
party mounted and struck out along the trail,
eating as they rode along. Comstock was in
high glee over his stolen horse, which, after one
determined struggle against the new power,

aided, and thereafter acted more like a civil-

d animal. He felt, too, that the would soon
meet with his friend, and though e knew that
the chances were heavy against the safe arrival
of the entire party at the fort, his success thus
far had given even more than usual confidence.

At length the trail turned toward an opening
in :Ihe range, and Bill gave a little yell of de-

15

“I knowed itl” he chuckled. “Good kiver,
chop water an’ plenty o’ grass! I reckon
they’re in thar, now, a-waitln’ fer us. Jes’
lls’enl” and he uttered a shrill, quavei-ing cry
the?“ came back in weird echoes from the beetling

r00 .
But the expected answer to the signal came
not—all was silent as the echoes died away.
“Mebbe they’ve pulled out while we was
sleepin’ back ender—or else they’re so busy
’t hear my call,” said Bill, but,
it was a sickly smile that accompanied the

wor .

With a dark scowl, Captain Stone his
horse into the defile. The last words 0 Com.
stock had raised an_sngry devil in his hem, a
blood- ' ht before his eyes.

But omstock thundered past him, c 'ng:

“A'ter me is manners, cap’nl I’ll to Happy
Jack you’re comin’ l” ‘ ,

His precaution was pselees. He reached-the
little valley first, but it was empty of human
life. He saw the footsteps beside he pring—
the bed of leaves upon which Kate Markham
had lain down to sleep—the hoofmarks and
dropping-s of the tilivo horses—but they and their
Owne were no .

“Thiey mugs? have ridden on,” said Stone,
once more «old and collected his usual self.

“Hold my boss,” muttered Bill, springing to
the ground end crouchu'fii low. ‘I knowed
it! look at them tracks! ar’s bin somebody
hex-9,4»

At this moment Sergeant Bowen,who, with a
flcaution learned during a. dozen years of In-

' n warfare, had returnled {3:136 fiouftlhfi of the
9318 cameridm‘gswifty , ‘s epae
matteru set. Throggh force of habit he saluted

them: tho h drossin Comstock:
“£1111,  are in sight, followmg our

“ How many?" demanded the scout, springing
“gift l W ' l t th t
1‘80 ores—hf. at eas- eyareno
norethan two milesrydwey,” cdme the truly
g answer. . .

 

Tn(IEEHAI’TER; IX.
wnm em.
but not defeated, thepSioux we“.

, . ' Rm
' ‘. :iOI‘l fell back from the flame-lined walls of the,

withthem the lim and-s parental .
Wgn'le he’ied‘them):
powerful voice run; in their ears,”the

    

 

- r i... -.
'x f“ "we

that of white men than their own race, among
whom sharp dashes is the rule rather than a
prolonged assault upon fortified walls. But
when the bullet of the kecneyed scout laid him
low, the only thought of one and all seemed
for him alone. Forming a living shield with
their own bodies between the fort and the bear-
ers, the Sioux followed their fallen leader from
the field where so many of their stoutest braves
luv dead or dying.

t was not until the little oval valley was re-
gained that the White Sioux gave signs of re-
turning consciousness. For a. few moments be
stared around him like rue dazed, but then a.
dull, throbbing pain OVOI‘ his heart rave him
the claw, and tearing open his fawn-s in shirt,
he realized how nearly he had escu (l death.
What had once been a heavy medal ion locket
had received the scout’s bullet, that, otherwise,
would have pierced the heart of the white
chief. The crushed and disfigured lump of
gold, with the leaden ball still ill its center, had
been driven through the skill, and now clung to
the bruised flesh.

A low, almost reverent murmur passed
through the savage group, as all eyes saw how
the life of their beloved chief had been saved by
his “medicine ” but the White Sioux did not
notice them. With a band that trembled like ti
leaf in the storm, he ruled the shattered locket
and pressed, tllc broken spring. A few bits of
ivory fell upon his lap. l‘lley still bore traces
of having been painted—~but no more.-

The warriors silently withdrew as the head of
the renegade white man drooped. Yet more
than one eye caught the glitter of a bot tom'—
more than one ear the choking half-stifled

can of intense bitterness as the White Sioux

wed his head over the last link that bound
him to the short-lived past that ‘lmd been so full
ofq'oy, so bright'and happy—until he came to
niar all—

The proud head rose quickly, a hot glow in
his e es that dried all- moisture as by magic,
and the White Sioux was once more himself.

His face and frame were those of. a man just
in the rime of life. The first, no longer dis-
figure by the mass of false hair, was clean
shaven, with clear-cut, re ular features, that,
with a less stern and COl( ex ression, would
have been justly renounced andsome. His
frame was tall, rat er active and siuewy than
massive, with not a pound of superfluous flesh.
A professional trainer of athletes could not
have picked out one flaw in his bodily condi—
tion.

The chief arose and strode along the pass,
pausing at its mouth. He cast one glance to—
ward the fort, then turned his gaze westward,
looking long and steadily. But he looked in
vain. There was no living being in sight.

“Red Leaf will follow the trail to the home
of the setting sun but what he will obey the
words of m father,” uttered a low, musical
voice from 0 use behind the White Sioux. “ He
will return with the fair oung squaw, and the
seal J of the yellow-hair hunter will drag at
the eel of the Sioux brave.” ‘

“May on rove a true prophet, Kenekuk,"
re lied t e hite Sioux, turning, his face
so tenin in its hard lines. “Next to having

captu yonder fort, nothing would more
neiairly satisfy me than the possession of that
r.

“She has a very fair face,” Was the slow,
thou htful reply. “ She need not blush to
stan beside Eunora, the star of the Sioux, na-
tior. And yet—”

“ You have earned the right to 3 Kane-
kuk—mlydeye was upon you, and i made my
heart 5 to see the white-faces fall before the
arm 0 my son.”

Tall and slender yet lithe and‘ werful as
the panther was Kenekuk, son 0 the White
Sioux. His garb was that of an Indian brave,
severely plain and unadorned, his face guiltless
pf paint for this was his first war- th. In
ea

with the h her c eekbones of his Indian mo-
ther. His ronzed cheeks flushed a tawny red,
his large black eyes kindled vividly at the ep-
provlng words.

I “When the White Sioux leads. a coward
nglld seem a brave,” he replied, softly.

If I thought there was one dropof cowardly
b in your veins, dear. as you are to my
heart, I would strikeyou down, with my own
hand- For this reason I watched on close this
day, and I_ am. satisfied. Now flnhh what you
began saying. ” ‘

I eat that the white squaw was very fai—
but fair as she is, the lodge that holds her is not
1528; (an mlfor Eunora and Kenekuk,” come

we rep y.

For eimoment their 9 es met hiliywthen,
with a‘short is h, the bite Sioux mistyped
ate the valley. ulance there . he aummo his
braves around him, andan earnest consultation
followed. Itwas flnallydec'lded that'the fort
should be surrounded and closelwetch kept to
guard ugmat the passage (3- any courier that

 

:ciil‘it‘ ‘ dispatched  the, at-
'Th'nwasatteln ted asthereaderknowdbut
the cool cunning gr Bill Cometoel: proved equal

 
 
 

 

aged-worm mpdwmmu».«w.u

ureslle stron ly resembled his fat er, only'

 

to the emergency, and :whenhe

 

 
 
 

 
 

“Leno-mu»!

“Nev: s. ‘ ado... i rm x

“The Long HairedPards.’ r p r 9

cavsllmla, it came upon the VVhito Sioux and
his bl'aVcs like a thunderbolt from (i. (elem Sky.
For a time all was utter confusion, but than llll'
stern voice of the chief was heard runl obeyed.

He had been the first to roach the lamb of
the pass and Witll ear clowa pressed to ill.»
ground, be heard the steady gallop of the party
of advelltllrersns tbeyspcd along the base of
the range of hills. Experience told him that
those animals were I‘ld( on; their pl'ogrcss was
too steady and uniform for the flight of rider-
less horses on a stampede,

Spriuvring elm-t be called by name half a
dozen oiPliis swiftes‘tbruVes—lunoug than Kelle-
kuk—and bade them follow the riders, lcnviug
as broad a trail as they collld. In silence the
savages darted away through the gloom, while
the remainder, under the White Sioux, nutter—
ed over the plain in pursuit of the stanipcded
animals.

Not until the rocket discharged 1) Comstm‘k
was answered by another from the ort dill the
White Sioux suspect that white men had stam-
lcllcd his llninulls. rntbcr than, as he had be-
lieved, n strolling build of (‘lleycunl‘s or Crows.
A few minutes liltcr this was confirmed by the
discovery of the sentinel slain by the scout in
passing through the line drawn around the
fort.

Unfortunately for the hopes of the bold scout,
a few of the stlinlpcdcd animals were so thou
on rbly broken that they speedily answered the
col 8 0f tbcir respective illustors, and by thcl‘r
aid others were secured. In less than two
hours from the alarm, the \Vhite Sioux and
forty of his bravo: were ill the saddle. The
chief paused only to give the remaining Indians
their instructions. They were to keep a close
watch over the fort, having their men so sta-
tioned as to cut otl‘ whoever attempted to leave
the walls, unless ill too great force for them to
attack.

Riding hard the Sioux pressed ahead, nor
drew rein until they were hailed by one of their
runners, who stood beside the bodies of the two
Indians first shot by Happy Jack. The rest,
under Keuekuk hall pressed on, though the
hoof-strokes could no longer be heard, keeping
the trail by the deeply-imprinted hoof-marks,
aided by the sense of touch.

Day soon dawned, and then the Sioux pressed
on more rapidly. The brow of the chief grew
black when he came upon the last of tllo six
braves whom he had sent ill pursuit of Kate
Markham and Happy Jack, and with a stern
vow to avenge their deaths, he rode on once
more.

The double trail was followed into the pass,
Kenekuk going ahead on foot as scout. He
was overtaken beside the little spring, and si-
lently pointed out the different si m that had so
disturbed Bill Conlstock such a s ort timebe-
fore. The White Sioux dismounted and ex-
amined the ground closely, while Kenekuk and
twg other braves followed the broadtrail up the
va a .

Thgchief’s reflections were far from agreeable.
Knowing less than the reader does of what had
actually transpired there, he believed that the
two fugitives had been overtaken by the party
he had trailed so far, and that the girl on whose
capture he was bent was now under the protec-
tion of over a dozen armed men.

Meanwhile Kenekuk andhiscomrades rese-
ed along the trail keeping a wary 100 -out
ahead, for the trail was very fresh. And be-
fore they had followed the winding valley one
mile, the wisdom of this prudence was made

The son of the chief, who was in advance,
abruptly paused, then sunk down behind a con-
venient bowlder, in which action he was closely
imitated byhis comrades. There was no neec‘.
for words, as the eyes of all three were fixer
upon the same poin of suspicion.

J ust ahead of them the narrow valley made
an abru t bend toward the west, the outer curve
formed y a mass of broken rocks. rising .hun-
dreds of feet in the air. At one point alone
could these rocks be scaled with any do as of
ease. There the rock wall 310 bee in a
series of r h steps, finally ending in a ledge of
rock somomfllgty feet in length by half that in
Width, raised a score yards above the level of
the valley. Along the edge of this latforl-i
was a line of hen bowlders cappedeJ
cr stones reeeuib ‘ a ru c stone wall, or
fence. A ve the roc towered high, for a few
ygcrds overhan ng the platform, then sloping

k, fill] of r' and crevices.

At the base of _the rocky pile grew bushes and
small trees, and it was a movement behind these
that first aroused the sus icions of the youn
half-breed. Now, from is covert, he coul
catch a. g‘lim se of a number of horses tethered
there, and
above had been‘built by the hand of man.

At a word from him one of the brave. left the

work, and with one wild .
stricken-comm uiv
Qnigkutheugh the

s

 

ysmull- ‘

his convinced him that the wall

.~~‘~ van.- . «a. w. 

 

   
   
   
   
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
   
 
 
  
     
      

ed back the defiance and then hiswar-whoop
rung out loud and thrilling. In answer came
the wild yell of the Sioux, as, following the
lwhite chief, they galloped swiftly up the val-
ey.
A single glance showed the chief the facts of
the situation. He saw the strength of the posi-
tion occupied by the whites and knew that it
could only be carried at a. heavy loss. But, too,
he believed that the dau liter of Colonel Mark-
ham was before him, an that thought banished
all others.

Again sounding his war—cry, lie dashed
straight at the hill, followed by his braves, who
flinched not, though the rifles of the white men
were already playing with deadly effect upon
their ranks, and more than one horse galloped
uwa , iiiderless, before the line of bushes was
mac 0( .

 

CHAPTER X.
Ii E N W A T S 0 N . -

SILENT and motionless as death Happy Jack
crouched at the feet of the sleeping maiden, his

inqu y intense gaze fixed upon the dimly—out-

ined phantom-like figures, as they crept cau-
tious y, noiselessly over the short sward. They
were three in number, us he could now distin—
guisli, but whether white men or red, he could
onl (‘on'ectui'a He drew a. breath of relief as
lie ookei in vain for others. In her defense he
felt he could hold his own against those three, if
worst came to worst.

The crawlingr figures paused, then drew close
together, as though for the purpose of consulta-
tion. The scent leveled his pistol and covered
the party. The temptation was strong to lire,
but—might these men be friends, after all!
For lwr sake, he must act with all prudence.

At this instant the clu-stniit mare, which had
been lying down, resting after its hard race,
scrambled to its feet and ran to the side of Si—
mooni With a whimper of alarm.

Happy Jack heard a sharp cxcluiimtion, and
then, like magic, the thl‘t-e iigiu‘es vanished amid
the gloom.

“ That‘s white, zill ovor.” muttered the scout,
wiili it little laugh beneath llii breath. “ Au
ludiziii can ours“, but he couldn‘t spit out n.
mouthful like (lull !”

Then, l'iiiwlll : his voice, he called :iloirl:

“ lln-‘l or “inter—speak up, or ill sondu. chunk
of 10'1lllli1‘u'i‘4‘li oiieof yoiil"

“ '.i'liii.c, (-lv- ll] through, Slfi‘flliggr'l‘ ‘ came the
reply, pi'o'npily enough and heartily spoken
l'i'oiii out I he glowii beyond. “ \l’o luioweul you
was sonwwlmr iii::li to lit'n‘, but w .iildn't tell
«mu-fly whzli'; nui‘ \vo (ll in‘t think it ’d be
healthy m :l \{ for: loud, seine niorc c.1rs inouigut
liciir 'il than \'«'>lii‘ii.”

“ “'51:; is in,“ fi'eiiil-liri.:ly whispered Kate,
whom the- Sll‘l‘l‘ '~llLLl;l'«‘-‘l itirdluige liui roiin
lii'u'iilwi'slunib - '

.“ l"ri"~ml {, l
sum» _‘f_’.l:l
:iro s :I'e

"' You :iiii'l. i',’
oil-v. llllliélliil‘l..

Y

      
  

Ili‘,” "upliwi l 2-.opyJ'Lv-lc, iii the
w -:: “ i-nu. l'ru .idsoi' foe, you
 7

 

,11

e is) sly-up, i rchmii,” uni; n.
“i tell \'oii,. nu'm‘,
vi fi.l‘.! ilk‘lllLliV Ii ..i .3 fl !' . win' Ulll‘('i)lu-.
'lv an” (my... to ii xlp jun; on“ the luri)’,

\Ioi: wish; but “NW: only gel; our

      
  
 

  

 

 

\iwquia’ ’d stave cm. llow is; it,
3'0... 'i'vwnrui'd, one of you. V'f'ieii I see
what y-Ai lire like, tin-n J71! cooler you

pluinn‘i‘.” 4
"Hool mo 'qlii' and. tin s; or b'ildlyad-
'(lllu‘llll, 1‘ idel lw the soiiil ml" the scouts
"who, " i :r i be, lien Watsmi, {is mobbe
'on'vl‘hezirn on. I or 11‘!) so purtj,’ to look at,
but folks gen‘ully ’low l‘m hafe white and free
born.“ _ __‘
“ You say you‘ve been Inokiii': for us. For
what rmisoii‘f How did y0u know vvc-woi'l},
here!” . '
‘ “Saw you come in. I kin tell youthe hull
tliingin jest two twos. Me an’ my paii-«lt:»——thai"s
a. dozen 0‘ us, all told~was on our way tothc
post, lottin’ on takiii’a liim’iii the big doin’s
we’d hcai‘n was to come olf thar, but fust we
knowed we run chuck up into apizen nestp’
reds—’Rupalioes, they was. We beat ’em off in
tth send, but two 0’ the boys wont under, an’
tlir: oll man—our boss—got morelead in him
than he could carry ceinf’tubly, :ui’ we wouldn’t
leave him ahiiid. A little atoresiindown we
saw some reds actin’ mi-rhty funin over yonder
on the high rocks like they was watc‘ some-

i

 

 

 

illll
thin’ heap good; so me ’ud a. cou le more bovs
sneaks- out to see what was in t 19 Wind. We

. was jest in time to see you knock over them red-

skins out thar, an’ watched you come in here.
We 'lowed to meet an’ give you ,Word they was
snakes around, when the pesky reds ketchcd
si rlit 0’ us an’ we had7 to putt hot foot fer the
other boys. We got har ahead an’ talked the
thing over. We knowed it ’d be no easy job,
but an agreed it’d be low down of we didn’t try
to putt you on ard, an’ that’s why we’re
here an’ why we . em up so quiet like.” _

“ on on think there are Indians lurkm
near? Bu why have the Waited solute?
they were strong enou h chase three stout
men, why should they so slow about attack-
" om mam '"

I

 

' "u, an’ 7d 1.. 1' ml; l4; lone 1Er:.ii win-i. ,

 

Dime Library;

“I reckon they thought a feller that wiped l
out three red—skins as quick as you. did out in l
the open, would be easier handled asleep then
awake. They ain’t fur away you kin bet high,
an’ every ininnit we stop p avcrin’ ’ll be ‘est l
so much the harder fer us to sneak out 0’ t is.
Ef you say so, me ’n’ my pards ’11 help on
through, or tr our best; but at on don’t ike ;
that, why we’l jest wish you we 1 through the ‘
scrape an’ look a’ter our own ha’r while tliey’s a ,
chaince left. Which is it?—aii’ talk almighty l
short too l”

“ You have heard his words, Miss Markham,”
said Hap )y Jack, turning toward the maiden.
“If the 1Indians are indeed skulking near, we
are in danger here. It is for you to choose.
Shall we go or size '1”

“ Sun-l y he won d not seek to deceive ink—his
voice is that of an honest mun. But you
should decide; you must know so much better
than 1—”

‘ ‘ You say you were making for Fort “'esl’ern;
where from ?”

“ From Fort Union last-ufore that the trap-
pin’ grounds. Stranger, 'ou ask too diirned
many questions! One ’d t iink we was axin’ a
thunderin’ favor 0’ ye, ’stcad o’ reskin’ our
skulps to help you out of a. scrape. I ain’t
agwiiie to wait no longer. Ef you’re comin’,
so. so,” iin )atlelltly added the trapper.

‘ We will re. But the lady is too fatigued for
walking. “ e must take the horses.”

“ Their they’ve got tobe soft shod,” said “'at—
son, in a tone of disgust. “ Ef l’d dreamed of
0’80 much bother, durned cf l‘d took a step,
woman or no Woman. Bet a bale o’ beaver
every pesky one 0' us I’ll get sent to glory
afore we git a hundred yards from here I”

“Lend a. hand, and we’ll be all the quicker. ,
Cut unthcse saddle-blankets. (lull your friends
and tell them what to do,” terser uttered Happy

ark. '

The tno men came forward, and in a. few
moments inure both horses had their hooi's care—
fully inuiiled in the pieces of saddle-lilanlwts.
The side-saddle was paced upon Simoom, and
then Ha ipy J :ick lifted Kate into the saddle,
with a whispered Word of courage.

\Vlien all was in readiness, Ben Watson led ,
the way with/one of his friends. the third leiid- L
in: the chestnut more by the bridle. "inst lwliind \
Siinooin, Hzippyeliick walked be lo l‘\:‘ll.l', a
revolver in one hand, his evcrysgiso upon the 
alert. l'l'il‘l)’ for llw worst if come it must._
Their progi'e ‘ slow, and the pauses he i
qm-nt. lli-ii \\ :i seemed the personification l
of caution and prudence, and tho little party
passed along tho winding vnllcv rs silently ,s, ,
tliouv‘li conposcd of veritable llllllllb’lllll-l ol' UL:
night.

For those who 11ml l:1-".l‘l{'*‘l down ill: ir prey,
the outlying ::‘ - . J~l rang-l iv locking
ill vigilance, .wim ti'avci'sc'lwill:-
out any scrim .. . i. i im-iw :iscd, Happy Jn
 plwrtlod. All lillw‘ “rm so foreign to '
Hururw. lt 1.‘Il‘l iiiipossibln that In
l1l|'}.llilll\v\”ll.“l (.li "lilll‘l he s i lilt'i.’..‘-"‘ l.l \l
lulu-e. Yet—l u. must be (“hi sizihoo. 'l‘
story l‘nut Wat son lold. dill "’:‘.lii'l like 1‘. lie, ‘
and ‘.\‘i~; borne 0th by 1:1,: .i It lie liibl i
luv ‘ dotting; (-vil, lliure \wull iriv A been some
him '2 :w-nse, li-i would lizivo lll‘ 113::ii'ilci;;:i'-
Lure inslwul of threatening to lull w, hem

“ i reckon \iw-‘w ,1, ' ** (:‘iticlrlell
“Elmo”, ilfiilllli'xlxu‘li .i “ \V'U'I'l:
good two miles from the don‘t
rel-lion iliex ’d bekecpi'i’ : m awry.
And yet—ale}; my cats el' has itout Lo .
suit inyowii mind! I miini'ezl sun: onliaivin,’
to burn powder :ii'oi'e we not our; it l4\:1iidllll\V"
erful like them critters liillxit ’n’ lied some pizeii
’loiig with them, or they‘d liep‘ a better look—
out. ’ ‘

" I was tliii.’:fu<§ much the some,” said Happy
Jack, with a 1‘: ling of relief. “ It is notlndimi
fashion to lot 1.. air game sliptlirougb their hands
so easily.”

“ 'l‘liey’s one o‘.‘

 

 

 

   

  

 

9451'.

   
 

 

  
  
 

     
 
 

 

lzor

 

 

    

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

or way to a7count for it,” said
\Vutsoii, thou nlly. “ They must ’a‘ sec’d
your critter. about tuckered out, aii’ the
lady. too, for that matter. They watched jou
settle down li. die spring, au’ onsaddle. T ey
km)va you, :iziyhow, ’d be purty apt to keep
vour eyes upon, to make sure she didn t get into
ho more trouble, un’ I reckon they lotted on
waitin’ ontel nigh day, when mebbe they could
ketch you asleep. I caiii’t think 0’ no other rea-
son—~onless— They may be out hopin’ to ketch
our boys off guard. jist leavin’ one or two to see
you didn’t make 01?. BE that’s it, why, we may
smell trouble yit.”

“ What kind of a. place is it? can we hope to
steel in, with any chance of success."

“ Not if the reds is sneaken’ around. Ef we
was all men critters, we mought run right
through ’em but ’twouldn’t do to run the resk
with her. Thar’s one way. I, or one o’ the;
boys, mought (.30 ahead an’ see of the road’s cl’ar. ‘
Ef itis all rig t; if not, then I could mamdge
to let the tellers know we was nigh to‘handfan’
they’d make a. to kiver us.” . z

‘ If you will do, it~rest assured, friend any
service you or your comrades may do this lady,
will be well recompensed, by her father, Colo
.2191 kham—” r ~

 

 

  
  

-I i > i i ' . .‘i

 

uJ'edtdrop that, ef you please! Do,wa r.

  
    
     
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
  
 
    
 
  
  
   
   
    
  
   
    
 
  
   
   
 
  
   
     
   
   
    
  
     
     
  
   
    
    
     
   
      
   
   
  
  
    
    
    
   
    
   
   
   
    
 
  
 
  
    
   
  
   
  
   
    
   
  
     
     
   

 

~._‘._.-£.....‘_L‘£ I

us mountain men for iiiggers that hid hogs i ‘
masters? . Rf we cain’t he p a woman out of '
scrape Without countin’ on bein’ paid in m(

 

 

 
     
 
 

 

 

 

 

       
   

 

 

 

 
     

  

 

  

  
       
 

   
    
  

  

 

     
    
 

 
 
   

m. '6’ H:

i.

“You’ll save yoursett-a-

  

      
  
   

. ey— ‘ ‘
‘ I ask your pardon, friend ” warmly utter 5
the scout, grasping Watson’s and. 51

“ That’s enough an’ to spin", strzmger. I lint.
you didn’t mean it, but no white man likes b

e mistook {er a. two-legged hog. The miss 0
inore‘n welcome to aiiythin‘ me an’ n1 par -
kin do fer her. Than—that’s enough. reek 

I now [’11 best crawl on ahead. You kin foller a
not (or) fast. The boys kin show you the we
aii”ll ste by the big rock, Unless Imeet ’e a
afore. ou onderslfand, boys?"

An inarticiilate grunt was the only repm y
Evidentl , “’utson possessed the most ' i e
tongue 0 the trio. ‘

There was no further conversation until, a.
an hour later, when they met Watson at- d
base of a. huge butte—like rock. He seemedifi
high glee, and assured them that there wal )1
nothing further to fear, that no Indians w 0
near enough to trouble them, and the pa g
passed around the rock, going a. tow hundr
yards up the valley, pausing at the foot of t;
rocky incline, froin the top of which came t n
subdued glow of a camp-fire. Watson ascen
ed first, while Happy Jack assisted Kate ’5
climb the steep. a.

The scout cast a keen glance around him 1'
he stepped upon the little plateau. A num c
of rough-clad men were gathered around
smoldering camp—fire. J ust in the edge of t li
shadow lay two still forms, their faces cover
with ablanket. Tothe right laya giant in 8" fl
his head bound up, one arm in a rude sling.
latter arose and liiiipcdrforward', one hand e.
h-nded,as he uttered some wordSof welcom r
“:1pr Jack accepted the hand—and then, wit d
out a iiioiiient’s warning, he felt himself jerke
forcibly forward—a terrible blow fell upon J
head, and he lay like one dead! p

()llA l”l‘l€l{ XI. 1‘
“BABY TOM.” e

As she witnessed the treacherous ti'catmen p
of the unsuspecting scout, Kate Markham u t
tori-d u. sliurp cry of indignation, for the m o
incnt forgetting that she, too, must be in i" fl
and us she saw the heavy pistol-butt tlia ha ii
stricken llnppy Jack senseless, raised as thong n
to repeat the blow, she sprung forward it
though to pron-ct llllil with her own )erso - t‘
But a. strong: hmid sclilc-vl upon her a oulde 
and she luxilxl \\'utsoii‘.i voice bidding hertaki, a
(', l‘l‘. U

" "an «:iin’t help him, uii’ you’ll on‘ ' ma ;,
l"ll[lili01‘(‘!~ yoursA-it‘n lrjrin’. lie boy. iii’t [i
guin‘ to hurt him iiiii~~‘., l don't I‘M'liflli. - \v

" And you, whom li - trus'x :lmu traitor! G ‘ in
help ir: bulb!" and Kalil, l'eui‘i‘uy she sczil‘ (-
lmv  \vl ‘ gave way and hiding; hi-r face ' \i
lll‘l'llll), son .“1llli'l ‘l‘ijy'. ‘ c

'l inily, s‘to l ' l (131in fr-i' dosp'liidcn . li
in mu- brli-l ini - entire aspect of tlii  S
li:id changed. A ii-' dive. the scene li ‘
been tliul of a. nil. it. u iiiiiim-nt of friem. I
whose wile l'uliiu. :so llmgpnsivinidniglitwus :1 i1
counted l‘: - by the s1.oryofi'hcrecentainbus
and ii_;‘ ‘ i the red-skins. pi'ooi’of the gen 1“
l‘b‘llx'x‘a o." v l(‘i! might- bo sm-n iii the two in
llonli-ss bodies ('UVUl'l d with th- blanket, an
the bend oi the gigantic iunii who had an \-
\'llli\'('d t . oi, the iimv-t-oima's. Tint then, {.1
his hand grasped that of the oi I|>.1)i('l(lllS scou

' nt pulled him almost. off his feet, and 1) li
mild recover, one oi the two men w u
had accompanied Watson, knocked him sen." Si
less from behind with a i'OVolvcr-biitt. At tli C
s‘mieimnneiit the two dead men flung‘ asi v
their blanket, arose and came forward to a y
their fellowsif necessary. Their further ussi 34
'ain‘c was not rt-squired, however. for the £0
blow had been dealt by a sure and heavy ham 
and long before his consei usncss returned, Ba, 0
py Jack was disarnied, l s hands and feet 6 a
curer bound with rawhide thongs and hims t;
placed in asitting position, his back sup 1 '
against a pile of saddles. This acconi 'sh
the giant, no longer making use of the 5 ing fi. 0'
his uninjured arm, and tearing the dirty ban h
age from his head with a coarse laugh ofv
unipli, passed over to where Ben Watson . r it
stood guard over the sobbing, trembling mai tl
en. ’l

“ Better let her hev it out all to oncet, o
muttered Ben, asthe hu e ruflian paused '
scratched his enormous ead with a doubti tl
air. “It’ll be easier to manidge her ,a’ - ‘
wards.” '3

“ You’re sure they ain’t no mistake?” , , Ol

“I’ve got’. her own word for ’t ” grinned t r ti
ldecoy. “She says her pap’s éolonel u : t1
ham—3’ - .

This speech was broken bv a sudden o ; - . a!
'ance near the camp-fire. appy Jack had ~' 01
catered his consciousness, and the then thl t<
pressed painfully intohis flesh toldhim in -' for
instant. He put his whole strength in one In

, .perhuman attemptto burst his bonds, but -' “
,ed. The fierce struggle displaced the saddles ‘ I
his backhand he re ed over sideways, .1;

, ggflllance at the broadlrgrinning fellows , - Lin

. , . a:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 WNW“... . ---‘-'" "
- —~1—. ‘ ~~ '— .- » .a _ " ,.,

stranger, ef you’ll jest take things 08.8 as they
come,” grinned Watson, as he raised t e bound
scout once more to a sitting posture.

“ So--I have you to thank for this,” said
Happy Jack, in a. hard, strained voice. “ Were
you working on your own book, or merely as
im agent?"

“Well,” replied the. decoy, with the air of
being well satisfied With himself, “Ireckon I
moked u the plan, but that’s the boss, by the
gab; Bu Tom’ we call him, ’cause he’s so
little an’ innercent. Mcbbe you’ve hearn tell
on him 2‘”

“ lie so kind as to ask him to stcp this way for
a. moment. "

“Now that’s sensible—I‘m rually glad to see
yam gakiu’ it so quiet, scncc things caiii’t be help-
e __

“Yes, I am very quiet,” interrupted the
scout, with a little laugh. “ So quiet that I won-
der ou don’t cut these thongs.’

atson grinned but made no reply, and a
minute later, leaving one of the men on guard
ovcr Kate, he returned with Baby Tom, as the
giant was called.

“ I Wish to will What \Vc have done to deserve
this treatment,” said Happy Jack, as the two
men aused before him.

“ ’ ain’t so much What ye’ve done as what we

’spect ye to do,” rcpl" ‘ llnhy Tom. “ An’ not
no much you as ’tis the gel yondoi‘. Fact I’d

ruthenyou wasn‘t mixed up in it u-trill, but we
couldn t git lim' ’thout ropin’ you in too—see!"

“But what for—what do you hope to gain
by it!" persisted the scout.

“ I reckon the old man over yonder to the
fort thinks a heap 0‘ her, don’t he .4"

“ You mean to hold hcr for ransom, thou?”

“ Jes’ so. I reckon we’ve struck a mighty
rich lead this time!” and the overgrown scoun—
drcl chuckch aloud.

“ And your story was all a lie?” added Happy
Juack, turning his head toward \Vatson, who ro—
plicd glibly enough:

“ ’ifcntimi, stranger; gnntlcmcu ncvor lic.
I'll tell 3'0 the hull th'ug' right 01! from ocnrl to
wild. I happened to i, scoutiu’ 7round, sortcr
pcrinisknus like, when I kctchod s t o’ yoi.
two rumiiu’ from the l‘Nl—skins. I m... you rub
out thmn thrv-n, and thwi wan-hell yn'i‘tako to
tho vullcv wlwro tho spring is. I vixurlod up
niin enough it) lll’llx": outwit ) nu’whut you was,
nu’ l.ll".'l l, kumwd ilk-y u (H bigr moucv in it, of
y.twni l'llllll4l;>*ll right. 5" i l. skips hack :i'i’ lcrs
lll‘iluri’.b<l{ll<l\\',1l'l’ ,iils tun")
 i ‘i rm \‘Cc’lwid ii'm ‘

 
  

 

>|.!
UH". 3' iii ll" :‘ ‘1 H»
:. tn'ix'i hm . l') (‘Ill
i “onto 3». :r—r'i'!’ \.>
Hull;
' "‘n .
('Olll’JlII \ n4 n J iii. ~‘."vl.1‘:... . l 
was up this—using. t-i'i il...‘i .f l _
cum t'crtocoiuoou Ulll‘di :m‘ mm. 7. ~ l,
Hilda. Thcy. did t'mr part, uu'lllvo liouc .HJH'
\. tun-s is yct to< nu."
‘ What is ll) )‘mi (-xpwct mu to dof" :i-;l:wl

 

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“ 3'! i lwl 1w p|:1\
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li'nppg,‘ nlzlf'h', in nu own toxin. but with . ."l‘UW-

iii; lii‘c in his cycs. ' H
“To lu-l') nizikc. tlin trzul

w “‘37. '

" .\‘.Jl il' .l' Frill-#3"

~l ‘ '

c,” was the prompt

; ni mm". in no sci-h fool—won of mu 1hr
.»,'ll .yq g v .

 :‘i-,~ pizciicst ovA,-rlvunliii’ voile-1'1"

 

I‘L'l‘l.’
_ “Now look l'crvr: "nu follows are acting» 3mm.
lll“._0 cruxy low"; lira! ml" 1' nzcn. The “up;
tiling you'll  Dr {J- out of this 1,;-....,,,.;’..
glglmma \vlll ho, (L lop; imp" uud :l short filil‘il'l ‘
(‘oloucl Markham will hunt you dmvu Iii“;
Wolves. Now tukc u solicr look at it. Don‘t
you 51cc what fools you are lllvll in; of your.
sclvcs! There’s not one chuncc ill fifty of your
ctliug out of this sx-rapc with :1 whole skin.
There [£01m way—~ziiid only min, by which ynu
can m'ikc u. i'uir pile. (Tonic wit 1 us to the fort,
and I‘ll am that you are well paid for you,
trouble. Il'llfltv—l

“ VVlizit thou?" growlcrl Baby Tom.

“Then I swear to hunt you out—I’Vn Inurkwl
every one of you! If one hair of that lady’s
head is harmed, I‘ll liuvu a life for it~”

“ EI’ you ain’t a clean gone fool you’d better
keep a Short tl nignc zitwixt your jaws." growled
tho'giaut. " You’re a swuet—lookiu’ ’coou to talk
’bout liuutin’ its downl Betbcr wait outcl it
comes your say-so.”

“ 'ou refuse to set us'—01' this lady—free,

 

 

‘ then?”

_ “ ’M I a fool to take all this trouble for noth—
l’i’? The 111 kin go free when her old man shells
out the 'ollars—not More. Et’ she ain’t wutli
that to him, I’ll keep her fer my own squaW—-—
tharl”

Baby Tom fllrnod awn from the scout, mid
afteru few Words with en Watson, stretched
out his huge frame upon the ground, with feet
toward the fire. The decoy hung a. blanket be-
fore a. narrow niche among the rocks, and flung
another around Kate’s shoulders.

“ You’ll find it comt’table enou h in thar, an’
I reckon you need some sleep. on needn t be
frightened. You’re wuth a heap too much
money ier any 0’ the boys to even look crow
eyed at ya.”

The Long Haired ‘lia

‘ table.

  
    

ds.’

 

“ And—that gentleman?" faltered Kate, with
a glance at Happy Jack.

‘ He‘s a man an’ must shift for hisself. I don‘t
mind tellin’ ye, though, of he’ll do what’s axed
of him, he’ll be let go when we got the money
safc.”

Kate hesitated fora moment, as though she
would speak to the scout, but then the rude ad—
miration of the men around seemed to shame
her, and in silence she disa )peai‘cd behind the
blanket screen. She had heard enough since
the capture to know that there wns nothing to
fearon her own account beyond abi‘jct‘ cupti-
vity. Colonel Markham would not hesitate long
about paying the sum demande as i'uusom,
whatever measures he might afterward take.
But Happy Jack—what would be his fate! And
thinking of hiiu, striving in vuin to see some
way through the difficulty, Kate fell asleep, nor
did she awaken until the gray light in the cast
told of dawning day.

“ I hated like sin to must you out, miss,” said
‘Vatson, apologetically, as Kate pushed the
hanging llaukot aside; “but it‘s ’inost day, an”
grub's ready, un’ the boys is in a hurry to git
out 0' here. Et' you'd like a wash, inebe you
could maning with this,” doiibtl'ully holding
forth u battered canteen. “ 1 could pour it on
your lion‘s. of you say so. lVish ’t wo’s better
fixcd for conip’ny, but it‘ll be better when We
git'hnmc.”

With n. haltlnugh at her curious luiudumidcn,
Kate uccoptcd his offer, thinking it wise to
make the bust of the situation, and felt much
more like her usual sclt’ al’tcr the operation.
“'atson brought her some freshly-cookcd meat
and cold corn—cuch which were decidedly pulli—
Kntc saw that Huppy Jack was not no—
glectcd, his hands being freed to allow him to
eat and drink. though Baby ’l‘om squatted near,
a revolver resting upon his in ). laviduutly thc
outlaws-4f such they may ho tcrmcd—wore
profoundly impressed with the pi'owcss ho had
sorm-ently shown, and were uvorso to running
any1 chum-cs.

ic mcnl was a hash: one, and long bcforo the
sun cast its rays into t icnurrow' vulloy, ull were
l'l tho surldlcund inwng i':ipidlyu.w:iy from tlm
(wimp. Nut/i rod“ hcr own lll.‘l.l'l,‘, while llcu
Khan, alrltl'ltlc Si'mm'n, Iii-pr. l'lth‘ to licr sidc.
I this (‘xl'nplinll thurn \\':I-: nothing to show
:"i" we.» :‘ (-xipti\\-. ll.l.pp)'.l:l<'k dil uol,
hi!“- wi \\':'ll. llu‘ was i lWl in [he 5:11lilli',:i, rupt-
pri sin :lwuczil h tho lioi'sn’s bullyuud (-nnucctiug
“woul‘ul'cct, whilo 1i lhirk bundug‘c (‘<>\"‘l'(‘ll

'l'l ~.

     

 

 

 

   
 

(Jul lnlll’; il‘c I‘r‘:\~1'>?] l'or lhi;: pi'w-mliwn,
l liuppy .luwji 4‘lllil'l‘v.)l'l'vl lo hulilc ill, lril; so
l nmm' wt ‘ thcii' llll' li .‘Izul wilhli." lh'ii. lll.\'

 

' ('Hlll-“U‘ll. in: l ho lost ll i..’ ‘t‘. of
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i. > '\ luii'. ’l‘host-out. \l'IlH lig‘iwi l'wx-u llu
Mic. -l‘v’l :il'i Twin wiwi'ii' i'clt hill.le pl." n-«l
"l -‘I. lift": ll'ilx'll".l’iil.’li. haw“ 1,151.15 ml"
I:l s‘. - "l :|-: -m.t'm,"\ :ilnll‘.;‘1tl4‘vwl hll'cii'h

     

     

 

 

   

  
 

[.lii‘:r1l'_ll'l"!"‘.'\\'lli¢llll i. lsh il'p tii‘r :, .lil!)
bcw‘: low" ul l» Illl‘ yy'ouml. A iui.il:lc lJli 1‘.
thi- huud \rns rcmovcd from lilrl zyo; .\

brilliant hunt \\ .12; lN-f'n'o him, and prrsoui iy he
could llliilil‘ will his surrounding;

ll" scrum-l to bc 1") :iii uuilcrground :Lpurt-
llll‘lll. .\ l“ sl-xil t'lolc stood ln-I‘ov'c him.
urountl \.‘h.ich \Wi‘c ;:ziffi‘\'."l u, (IUYJ ii or iziurc
nici. '

 

()lIA l’Tltll. XII.
ll..\ll.l) ran. U.

The warning cry olf Sex “Mull; Rowen pm-
'I‘.“'l'(l :in liltlo ('1diliiiflld0ll illllUll}: tho bund ol'
:islvuutm'urs surroumliiw; the litlllxv sprii
though thcrn was 15w!" (it tho wild, norroinu .
citomnut that im'ni-iuhly i.i::t‘l:.4 tho incxpi-ri-
oiiccd, liowm i‘l' inn-1V“.

" Fifty, you my! KW‘,» .lriv'k, boy's —rlon’t
overrun tho truili“ Hllnl'lli‘,’ criod (‘omstucln us
he stooped low nVL‘l’ llu‘ patch of {moist turf that
surrounded the wutcr.

“Is it tight, or
quietly.

C'inistock mmlo no reply i’nl' ncnrlv a mimitc,
when he arose from his examination of the trail
Witu a grin of delight.

" They’ve mot three whites—shod thar Crit-
teh} au' pulled out from here lns’ night. I reckon
we d best hunt a hole mmewhnrs nigh here, an’
my 1t out With them red im  It‘s got to (501110
an we mought as well hov the pick 0; the ground
{L8 to run the chainccs 0’ furin’ wuss. W’ 'ch ’11
it be. boys?”

“We are under your command—what you
say. we will do,” responded Sergeant Bowen,
acting as month new for his comrades.

“ Mount au' fo ler, thcn!" cried Comstock.

Rapidly they rode along the valley, following
the scout‘s lead. His eyes were rovin r swiftly
from sxde to side, and are long an axe motion
broke from his lips, and he drew rein at the foot
of a rocky slope leading up to a goodlyvsized
ledge twenty yards above them.

“ ’Livht, hitch crittei then u yender an’ git
to work!" cried ComstoEk see gly all afire at
the prospect of a speedy brush with his hated
foes, the Sioux.

His orders were obeyed without a single ques—

  

 

m

run. asked Cuptziiu Stonc,

 

lion, the animals being tustened together by the

 

11

heads, and all made secure by a. stout rope knot»
ted around a stm'd shrub. Up the rudc, ir-
regular steps the nnuble—footcd scout s )rung,
setting the cxuinple by rollingr one of the 10.41“ y
bowlders—witli which the platform was plum 1-
fully strewn—into position, near the edge of tho
lodge. A dozcn stout men miulc short work oi‘
the task, knowing as thev did that thcir stone
hreustworks would, in all probability, soon be
severely tested.

“Now let ’em comel” chuckled Conistock,
dashing the rolling lxirspirntion from his brow.
“They couldn‘t ‘u’ bin 0. better place of we’d
had it made to ordcr! A buck goat couldn't
climb them walls, an’ we kin cusy pick oll’ ovorv
twwloggcd critter us tries to puss by. They‘s
no plnco the imps kin git so they kin fire down
on us un’ I reckon we’re hcnltliy enough to kccp
thar liuu’s full a-clinibin’ in."

"It is a strong position but we are short in
rations. Suppose they take a notion to block-
iulo us for a wcck or two's‘" sug rested Captain
Stone, in anything but u sutisllci tone.

“ We come out to liclp the old man’s du’tcr,
didn't \rc.’ Sho \vcnt along this valley some
time lost night, with Happy Juck un’ some oth-
ors-——\vliitu nu-‘n. Now of we keep these vnr-
mints buck, they cain’t hunt Hm", kin they!
It’ll giw 'i-m a chaiucc to work buck to the fort,
which in courw thn-y'll (lo. Tth1 whui we git
tircd o’ siiiyiu’ hcrc, why wc'll jcst out an‘ Wilde
right plum through thum— Look ycndorl Squat
down close! don‘t burn a. grain 0’ powdcr More
I so. so» mind, now!”

'I‘ in kcl-n-cycd scout had caught sight of
Koncklik mid his two comrades us they fol-
lownd il‘o truil up the Willi-y; A low momcnts
lutcr came the (llsl'ow‘i‘y, uud it \vus'CI lmstock‘s
rillc that rung forth the (lcutlrknrll of the
Sioux bravo us he turncd buck to inform the
“'hilc Sioux of tho (liscovci'y of thocncuiy‘s po-
sition.

Then come the swift, (loudly chnrgc—right on
until the snorting mustangs were trampling the
line or shrubbcry lwuculli their fruit—on until
tho lcurl‘ing bruvcx‘ sprung from tho luicks of
thoiruuimuls and luudud upon the rudo stone
stcps, yelling uud Mrrnccliiug liko ilrnds trim-h
loosed from Puudunmniuiu, H'm‘cc pnusing to
fire a «hot in miswci‘ to thc storm of bullcls
pouring down from the sunzlzc-wrcuthml burri-
cmlu, sn-cmiugly bcut on cnding tho muttcr with
mm s“ il't strokc. .

lliil. (ii-instmck hml ('iii'cl'iilly chown his men,
and tho Worth of hI:-: jlulpumnt \vzm iimvprovcu.
Nail. .‘l mun liiillciv d or l.clr:i_\'ul (inc Slf,jl'r()l- villi,-
cr l'u'ir ul‘ huh-widow This \'.‘;.1. u: t llu. linl.
time by limuv Illtll: llwii' liVin hull (hicpilczl
upxni it til ‘w-ust, und thi-v piow-d I‘lll‘lll to tho
' y for 1h. :11. liupI-lly us “Mr llr» r

.r-h ltlliill lzml ' "lit, and Hui.
.pcmi ~ Hi'..'i,,ius i. .. in d ll.(V St‘dn.‘

 

   

 

   

l

 

 

union”; lhc .’.:‘ : ‘lunirr \wrc H. c
Sioux lliJl his :11 ll. iii-i ukul'. Err
wuxuwl in boil" :1. clmrmc‘l lil’m ll'rl', ihmii‘jlihl'fivr

'. 311W

- l)":l‘.'l'fi law-niulv‘wu in «lullh l.( .ii‘o :ii-d lu-hirn;

  
 

   

thuln, :1; yct lh-fi.’ had in a} HI .| “(1‘ ml. liiu
Lhcn tho young; hr:ch l'ulici'. il. l- low: slippi'
mid ll.‘\‘.'1)llhl huVo l'ullcu l.cndz-'m;: upon 1h.
rocks hclow, lizid not ihu x: liiin (.hiu i'cnuqhtlmu

 
  

 

 

  

iii hi ' 'n'ms, though in .«r- H in; tho lulli-vr't :'
iiis l) .iuco. 'l'lu-rc. \w . .i ' "‘v'i.1l(‘.‘i.“l’flhml’I' -
g'c {luau tho two mm ro 7‘ ii li‘-‘lV'iy down !

 

4, almost sow-ping; It H'- ‘i‘ oi’ tho i... ‘.

 

illlin.

'l‘lm Whito f‘l'inl' rpm" 1' up, lll‘lllt'l d but u ;.
soriouvly hurt, til". cxuiizum chmr: ol' Ilm pin
fact-s hiring in ht; (nu :. A single plain-cc tr} 5
him Lll‘lll tho gullll‘n opportunity wus past. ‘
would be little short of muduoss to l‘HH‘W fl: -
assault, under the circunlutum-v-z, and Mill cl . _’-
in;r tho limp form of Konclnik ll! hisurms, h-
guvetlm :w‘lLCllill for i'iztrcut. In 1112. as l‘l n'i
l-lsc, hc wus «.bcycd without a single llllllllll'l,
and, driving their mustangs licl’iro their, iJw
surviving Sioux rim swiftly down i.l.c valley 11:1
til sufo cover was i‘ouclzcd.

“ lill’ I didn‘t say so the devil‘s a lip); E“ Illl!.’“‘.-
0d (lomstock, in llcrco glcc. “ The only fault .15
the )eskv cowards run away too soon—— Ha I"

The man who had fought at the scouts right
hand arose while Comatock was speaking, and
pccrcd over the brcastwork, curious to learn how
ell‘cctive their fire had been, but the next mo
ninut he whirled swiftly around and fell flat in a. in
his {menu bullet through his head. The report
came from almost directly below, and as (four
stock lured down, he saw a crippled savugc 1V-
in; ha t beneath a dead warrior, and trying in
bring another rifle to bear uponthc Incustwoi‘l .
Before his weakening limbs could unceeel, :1 pi»
nil-bullet; put an end to his sufl‘erings, and Com-
stock’s v01co rung out, vindictivel : ~.

“Puta. blue pill through the head of evm-y
im down thar~nmke sure work thistimel" '

' he order, barbarous as it ma sound, was
obeyed to the ver letter. There scant room
for mercy when w its and red meat face to face.
to fight for the last stake man can play for.
Generous chivalry is shown a fallen toe 1m-
more frequently upon paper than upon the box--
der battle-fields of to-day. Cooper’s great mas
tapioca—the glorious Natty Bumponwoul-l

 

 

  

 

mver have lived to wear ' ay hair had tortune
him among the skins of to-day, and

_4.

 

James Harrod would have been scalped by the
Indians whom he drew from the river—pro—
vided he himself did not turn barber first.

Save the one man, whose own imprudence
caused his death, not one of the defenders had
been killed, and only two of their number slight-
ly wounded. 0n the whole they had good cause
for rtlioicing. Not a living savage was to be
seen, though they well knew that the Sioux had
not Wt abandoned their pu ose.

” They‘ll hold 011’ ontil nig t, I reckon,” quoth
Comstock, flllin his pipe. “ They’s jest two
things fer us to 0. One is to waiihere an’ give
’cm another dose that’ll sicken ’em fer good, or,
when it gits dark enough to kiver us, to crawl
down, mount our critters an’ either ride chock
throu;§1 the iinps, or else strike up the valley
an’ try to give ’em the slip in the dark. They s
plenty 0’ time, so you fellers kin talk it over an’
take 'our pick 0’ the two."

“ 'liere do you suppme your friend, Happy
Jack, is now?” asked Captain Stone, after a few
minutes’ silence.

“ He‘s whar he kin do the most good—you kin
bet on that,” rather shortly retorted the scout.
It was evident there was little love lost between
the two men.

“ You think those were friends he met at the
spring?”

“ Mebbe ou soe’d blood-marks an’ a dozen
or so dead arkidges layin’ round loose, but I
didn‘t ” sniffed Conistock, tartly. “ I did see
this, t iough. Three white men come up 5 them

"In y pard had a confab; they cut up saddle—

ankcts an’ muffled the lioofs of the two hosses.
Miss Kate rid one of the critters, an’ Happy
Jack walked aside her. One stranger went on
ahead, one come ahind an’ the other led the
loose boss. Does that seem like they was ine-

mics—say?"

“ It looks as tho h they wished to hide their
trail—but from w omi I can’t understand
that?”

“From the rods, who was bound to foller ’em
up soon’s they got through with us at the fort—
0 course. ”

Captain Stone was silenced, if not convinced,
and for several hours scarce a word was spoken,
the majority of the men taking advantage of
the opportunity to catch a little much-needed
sleep. Among these was Comstock, as soon as
his pipe was smoked out, and he slept soundly
until the hand of Sergeant Bowen was placed
upon his shoulder.

“ A flag of truce,” he said, in answer to the
unspoken unstion.

Coinstoc crawled to the barricade and peer-
'e(i forth. A tall man—whom ho instantly rec-
ognized as the White Sioux—stood within one
hundred yards of the stone fort, bearing a
white rag upon a stick. He was unarmed, and

one.
i “ l’Vell, what do you want, anyhow?" shouted
the scout. ‘

“You have a. lady with on, whose life I
would beveryso to sac ' ce. Ido not ask
you to surrender or to us, for I know on
would refuse, as I would in your place. at
I have to lpropose is this. Let the lad descend
and take or position upon yonder 1e go. It is
not more than one hundred feet from our
rifles, and you can cover every point. ntil
she reaches it, I pledge you my honor that none
of in braves shall make a single motion to in-
jure er or you.”

“ An’ s’ e the lady don’t choose to go?”

“Then or blood be upon her own headl If
m ofl'er is refused she will shiire your death.
'Wli’thin an hour, not one of your party will be
alive."

“ She says she won’t go~so do your worstl"

, Without another word the White Sioux turn-
ed and strode down the valley. A few mo-
ments later the white men saw anumber of the
savages, mounted, ride out and pause at long
rifle—range.

“I reckon they mean another charge,” said
Comstock with a chuckle of grim satisfaction.
,H y, yg, an’ we’ll give ’em ahotter dinner
.then they had aforel"

There was a brief pause, then as though
ready toiead his braves on, the White Sioux
wed himself at their head. He raised one

d and uttered a shrill whoop.

A strange noise came from overhead, and
then, like a thunderbolt from a clears , a.
bu 8 mass of rock shot swiftly down, fa ling
ful u nthe tone wall, crushing two men to
shape ess pulp beneath its frightful weight. in

CHAPTER XIII.
HAPPY JACK WRITES A LETTER.
, IT required fullya. minute before the long-
, band ed eyes of the scout grew accustomed to
the rgg, flickering torchlight. Then, hazy, in-
indistinct outlines be and the table grew clear-
.‘er, and he reco ' , among others, the pre—
sence of Baby om and Ben Watson. At the
same moment he noticed a stump pen and a
' small pocket inkstand upon the ta le, beside a
dingy oblong of paper, evidently a fly—leaf torn

from some . .

“Now, stran er,” briskly uttered Watson,
coming aroun the table, evidently bent on
bullies. “I reckon you’ve had time enough
for thinkin’ over what we spoke to you about, so

,as he drew

 

TDime Library.

we’ll come to the ’int at once. Thar’s pen,

aper and ink, yentler; you know how to handle

em, I reckon?”

“ I can write, yes; whether I will or no, is
quite another thing,” quietly answered the pri-
soncr.

“ Ef you act rusty, then we must coax ye,”
grinned the decoy. “The boss, yeuder, ’s
powerful hefty on the coax, an’ I never yit see
the critter as could hold out ag’inst him very
long, when he was in lum aimest.” ,

“ Cut it short, Preac ier Ben,” growled Baby
Toni, impatiently.

“ Will you write what we ax of you, or not?”
snap 1d the decoy. “ Spit it out—yes or no!”

“ ou’ll get nothing out of me while I am
bound. Cut these thongs and then I’ll listen to
what on have to propose—not unless,” firmly
re )lie Happy Jack.

Vatson cast an inquiring glance at Baby
Tom. The giant promptly answered the un-
spoken question.

“Turn him loose. Ef he thinks to play any
tricks, so much the wuss for him.”

Watson drew his knife and severed the thongs
that confined the scout’s arms and feet, and
even assisted him to arise—a task of no little
difficulty, for Happly Jack found his limbs al-
most paralyzed. o leaned against the table
chafing the benumbed members, and while thus
occupied he made a discovery. The pen lyin
before him was thicklir incrusted with rust an
he knew that it coul not have been used for
months, if not years. Might it not be that the
outlaws were unable to write—0r even to read
writing? If so, there was yet a chance of fool—
in the ruffians.

is face ave no evidence of these thoughts
is tall form erect and faced the
giant. -

“I am ready to hear what you have to say,
gentlemen.”

T“Tell him, Preacher Ben,” growled Baby
om.

“You’re to set down their an’ write a letter
to Colonel Markham tellin’ him jest what I
say. Fetch one o’ t em kags, Simpson. Let
the gentleman take all the ease he kin.”

Happy Jack accepted the proffered seat and
cleaned the pen from rust as'well ashe was able,
but his brain was busier than his fingers. If he
could only discover whether any of the outlaws
were able to readl

“ Ef it takes you as long to write as it does to
git ready, We’d better fetch in a mule-load o’
grubl” grumbled Baby Tom, in a tone of dis-

gust.

“I was thinkin whether it was worth my
while to write at a 1,” cool] replied the scout.
“If I do, I cannot go bac to the fort—they
would kick me out for a coward, even if they
didn’t accuse me of being in league with you
fellows. Now what can you offer meto make
up for this?”

“We’ll give you back your weepons an’ set
you free. Isn’t that enough?”

“There’s still another way. Write the letter
among (yourselves, and then I needn’t be brought
forwar at all, save as a prisoner. Agree to
this and, or scout as I am, I’ll give you one
hundred ollars the day I’m set free.”

“ Can’t he did, stranger, and I’ll tell ye why,”
quick] uttered Watson. “ Fust, our hand-
write lbe knowed at the fort. T ey’ll know
what you say kin be ’ ended on, an’ a letter
from you’ll have more fluence thar then ef any
0’ us, strangers, ’d writ it. Ef you say so,
they’ll know thatthe lady hain’t bin abused nor
mistreated, only tuck captive fer ransom, which
the wouldn’t behave so soon, ef ’twas any-
bo y else’s fist. An’ then—they ain’t one 0’
us fellers as kin even write his own name, let
alone stri ' ’ to other ahull letter.”

Happy ack’s Opes sunk as Watson spoke,
though the words themselves would seem to
settle the important doubt in the very direction
he had wished. But, contra as it may sound
the scout would have been or better please
had Watson declared that every man of them
could both read and write. He knew that the
deco was no fool; the part he had played dur—
in t e past night was enou h to stamp him as
a s rewd clear-Witted rasca , fartoo cunningto
place a. ngerous weapon in the hands of the
tool he meant to use, unless he held a more
powerful one in his own hand.

He felt almost certain that one ‘at least was
present who was intended to read the message
when written, to satisfy the outlaws that all
was as they Wished.

These reflections passed through the scout’s
mind with wonderful rapidity, but his delay in
answerin was long one h to draw forth a
growl of impatience from aby Tom. In ano-
ther moment his resolve was taken.

“There’s one point still that I cannot under-
stand. You must know that I can have but little
love for you. A man is not made a fool of, knocked
down and tied up as you have served me for
nothing, and if he has any blood left in his
veins at all, he is going to watch for a. chance to
get even. Now you saw“ none of you can
either read or write. at is to hinder me
from 'vin the colonel plain directions for find-
:fia p , with a(your numbers, and any

information th would be likely to be

 

L 1—

of service, instead of writing what you bi V

me?”

“ I knowed you’d think 0’ that” lau ht
Watson. “ But we’ve fixed it all rig t. ou’
be kept a close pris’ner ontel after we’ve got th
money safe in our hands. We’ll send the lett
by a sure hand, an’ ef he doesn’t come bac
safe an’ sound, inside 0’ two days, we’ll 'est li
your skulp an putt out with the al hol in’ he
a reasonable time fer ransom, w 'ch cf it don’
come, then we’ve agreed Baby Tom tbar she
have her fer a squaw. Now, jest takeafool’q'
advice, stranger. Give over any notion you
may hev of playin’ bugs onto us, fer it won‘t
work, an’ ’11 only be wuss for you an’ the ladyl
Write down jest what you’re told, an’ th
your stars you’re dealin’ with eiitlemen ’st
0’ low down varmints as ’d ma e use 0’ ye
then rub you out to make sure you s ould,
in never try to pay ’em back in thar own

e. 1

“Very well. I will do what you ask since
can do no better. Tell me just exactly who

on wish me to say, and I’ll put it down in th

st shape I can,” quietly responded Happy Jack, '
an’ wd

“Now you show your good sense,

won’t fer 't it of ye when settlin’ time comes,"g .

exclaime Watson, approvin 1y. “Listen, gen!
tlemen, an’ of I miss any 0’ ti
kin set me right. Fust, tell the old man
short. Then you went into cam an’ was sur-
rounded by a wheen 0’ Crows.
an’ run them awa , reskin’ ourskul s a—doin’ o
it. We’re perty ard up, an’ t '
done was wuth say five thousan’dollars. We’v
tuck sech a fancy to you an’ the lad that we’v
’cluded tokeep you as comgn onto the money’
paid. Ef the old man t 'nEs what we did '
wuth the money, he kin say so an’ the gentl
man as brin him this letter "11 make all th
’ran ements er the swa . Ef be don’t—weal
I rec on he’ll hev to him up another da’ter, fe
he’ll never lay two eyes on this ’un ag’
Thar!” and Watson drew a long breath of relie

e p’ints, why you
how, '
you got away from the red-skins, but putt it,
ecome alon ' -

what wg

th:

and satisfaction at having safely delivered himi

self. “ I reckon that’s about the thing. Ef an
0’ you kin think 0’ any ’mendments, don’t
bashful, but spit ’em right outl”

The com y seemed to consider that all
been said t at was necessary, and then Watso
ordered the risoner to transcribe his words.

“ Putt it own in your own way, but min
an’ don’t say any more’n what I told you,” b
added.

Without a word, his face betraying nothin
of the real anxiety that filled his mind, Happ
Jack wrote Colonel Markham’s name at the to
of the paper, then adding:

“ After along chase, I succeeded in rescuin Mi
Markham from the six Sioux who were sent 11 purJ
suit of her yesterday. The chase lasted until suns
set—forty miles or more, and her horse was tod
jaded to travel further. We went into camp besidl
the sprin , near the mouth of Crooked Valleys
In the nig t three white men visited us, and said in-

1‘
am
hi:
of
wi
he.
tin
da
wi
th:

1
{ho

to]
It
s10

dians were lurking around, and induced us to set 11“

off for their camp, where we would be safe. We
were there taken prisoners, by fourteen men, led
by one Baby Tom. They demand five thousand
dollars as ransom for Miss Markham. They threat
en in life if I say any thing of their force or loca
tion, ut in ho es that none of them can read, I am
running the

at:
081

an
sic

 

thirt men under command of Bill Comstock. Le
him allow our trail from the mouth of Crooke

Valley; or, better still, pass up the valley for near
1y three miles, when he will find upon the left ban
a small plateau, where he can see traces of the en
campment of last night. The horse-trail leadin
from that s of. will be easily followed. I was him

sk. Detain the bearer of this. Pug '

m1
‘wl
of

to
In

folded, and once am unable to describe our course..- no;

I believe we are now in some sort of a cave.

will not have, at most, more than twenty men t '

Yo .n
deal with. As yet Miss Markham-has been fairl 01’

treated, but black threats are made if you fail t
ransom her.”

To this Happy Jack
pushed the per overto atson. That was
moment of orrible suspense when the deco
peered keenly at the well-filled p ,
scout felt that his life trembled in 1%: balance

rover to Baby
s owlishly for

sifiped his name, the

 

But then Watson passed the pa
Tom, who, after eying the wo
moment spoke:
“ Go fetch my old woman, Simpson. We
see of the Lad has bin tryin’ to fool us.” I
Happy Jack met the suspicious glare with : ~
unmoved countenance, though his heart I a _

and the .

1n

bn
1311
he
11301
n‘
:m
“1.

fast as he found his worst misgivings were abou w‘

to be realized. He had fallen into the trap :'
cunninglly set for him, and felt that he had :-' l
riflced ‘s life for nothing. He made no 111
tion, but summoning all his powers, resolved -
make one desperate struggle, unarmed thong
he was, rather than tame y submit. ’

He was not kept long in suspense. Simpso
soon returned, accompanied by a middle- ; -'
woman, dressed almost wholly after the sty
of an Indian squaw. She was of w
blood, though, and still bore traces of beauty
even through the deep lines imprinted by w
and trouble.

In silence she took the pa r extended b
Baby Tom, and glanced rapi y over it. Th‘
in a low, monotonous voice, she be 11 to rea
If, at first glance, Hap y Jack st 1 hoped, h
was speedily undeceiv for the woman 0 z; - :
reading, wordforword,justashohadwri .

4

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fo:
0t]
9. l
Big
p0:
six
of
poi
:00:
bn
rot

d “1'

‘ TheLOnsfieiied, feeds-3

 

 

   

CHAPTER XIV.
ranssmo run smear.

WHEN the endeavor to save his wounded son
from an awkward fall resulted so disastrously,
the White Sioux saw that there was nothing
left for it but retreat to await a more favorable
opportunity. Flushed with their complete suc-
cess thus far’ he knew that the whites would
' fight With redoubled desperation. Knowing

this, ho lifted the limp form of Kcnekuk in his
1’ arms, and uttering a culizir cry, ran swiftly
5 down the valley, f0 lowad by his surviving
braves. When safe around the turn and beyond
reach of the viciously-whistling bullets, the
white chief gently lowered his burden to the
3 ground, and with a face strangelv anxious for

one of his heartless reputation, examined the
young warrior s lllJul‘leS.

A pistol-bullet had plowed its way through
the youn brave’s cheek, inflicting a wound
more pain ul than dangerous. In addition he
bore wounds in shoulder and breast, besides
sundry severe bruises received in falling down
the sloping rocks. Not until he had satisfied
himself that these injuries, though troublesome

, “were not likely to endanger his son’s life, did
‘ the White Sioux have thoughts for aught else.
' He gave a few hurried directions to his braves.
They were to keep close Watch upon the whites,
and hold themselves in readiness for a charge,
should they endeavor to im )rove their tom 0-
rary advantageb taking to ight. Then, ai ed
by an old, butt e-scarred warrior he washed
and bandaged the wounds of his son, who
speedily recovered his consciousness under their
V treatment.

v When this was accomplished, the White Sioux
for the first time realized how heavy had been
his loss during that brief charge and stubborn
assault. Thirteen of his men had fallen, besides
the scout who was slain by Comstock. And he
seemed as far as ever from accomplishing his

‘ Purpose- I _
fe Passi around the turn, be paused Within full
- view of he stone fort.

  

Leaning back against
is the rocks, he studied every point of the enemy’s
m. gosition, a. dark frown corrugating his brow.
my, ut then the shade began to lean, and a. hard
M smile crept over his eatures, as he abandoned

f his position and returned to where the majority
ad. of his braves were awaiting.
on; “ The white faces are laughing now, but the

,2 will wee blood before the sun is over their
,1 heads. heir retreat is a trap; we will show
h them howto spring it. There is danger, but

 danger is the food of the Sioux. Listen, and I

  
 

 

  

 

   

u ‘ will show my children how they can pick up

pyi the scalps of the white horse-stealers.”

011' Into ea er ears the White Sioux poured the
5 bold and angerous plan he had formed while

\

,“ engaged in inspecting the stone fort. As a1-
“, ready stated the ledge upon which the Whites
f hadsought refuge somewhat resembch the
:5 Slcllfig‘lg cut made by a skillful woodsnian in
{dd fe g a tree, with an important exce ition.
a»; The wall of rock which formed the bee did
Ina slope forward, as it rose above the ledge, but a
3:6. line dropped from its outermost point would
,9 strike the shelf several feet inside of the barri-
‘n cede. ‘After risingalmostpe ndicularlv from
at, this int for several rods hmne grew broken
ca,- and gular, full of cracks and crevices as it
m 510 back to the summit.
fut e White Sioux believed he could station
3°: marksman upon several of these in from
‘° ‘ which they could fire down upon is e do enders

 

   

   

    

 

   
 

 

    

 

 

  
  
 

  

    
   
   

   
 

   
  

 
  
 

s
of the stone fort as long as any of them remain-
; ed near the barricade. Of course, by retreating

m to- the rear wall the defenders would be safe
a -, from the enemy above, but by doin so they
:39: could no longer command the foot of e ran e
2'; nfiixfull madwa the levzlagrounggnA swué
c e wo carry cassa' tswith-
fl’i in tfiis line, when the whites could only fire
upon them or resist their ascent by coming
8,; within range of the marksman overhead.
1 It was a cunning plan, and only for the r-
omptory command of the White Sioux wo d
have been hailed with wild yells of satisfaction
by his dusk adherents, The chief selected six
braves for he enterprise, iving them a brief
but clear explanation of t e signals by which
he would govern their movements. Their wea-
pons were a. brace of revolvers each and stout
:flWhide latices. Thus equip the six braves
-‘ ran swiftly toward the mout of the valley un-
 at apomt where the ridge could be crossed
With comparative ease and at the some time be-
yond view from the e-faces’ position.
an hour of ar uous work carried them to
“10 crest of the ridge direc' r313 back of the stone
101'?th then began the labor, where, but
for air ropes, and throu h confidence in each
“her: the enterprise in have failed. With
3.18380 firml secured beneatth arms, a young
, a way, crawling from pomt to
. Mint. where a mountain- t could barely have
,. ‘Sl’DOd, 01‘ lowered cauti *by the stiong arms
' Oflhls comrades above. hen at a favorable
I P01035116 would release the logo and await the
p. mmgtof a second bravo while the Sioux who
broug uptherecrwould secure hislassoto a.
:rock and. descend by its
when it could no low dd _ V
In this manner admixture slowly but

 
   

 

   
   

  
      

20
th

b

l
«i

l
.r
"e

  
  
  

  
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
  

    
    
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

   
  

   

  
    
 

 

  
  
 

   
  
  
    

  

  

    

leaving the rope.

 

surely neared the cal, dad and encoura red
by the silent si m s of t eir chief, who watc ed
their progress min a oint beyond the sight of
the unsuspiciouspiile- aces below. Auocoasion-
a1 glimpse of his form was indeed welcome, and
without the knowledge that his a proving eye
was upon them it may Well he dou ted whether
the Sioux, brave though they were, would have
persisted in the attempt, so rapidly did the dim-
gers increase. The footing grew more and more
precarious, the rocks seeming frost~ciiteii and
splintered, threatening to full at the slightest
touch, and when within a lusso’s length 01' the
points from whence alone they could hope to
gain a view of those beneath, the six braves
gathered together for the purpose of consults;
tion.

It was evident to all that the points of rock
overhanging the ledge would not bear the
weight of a man even with the utmost caution,
much less with the sudden movements he would
have to use in order to avoid being picked off
from the ledge after firing upon the whites.
Bliiidlv obedient to their chief though they
were, it is not Indian nature to sacrifice his lite
without even a ho ie of striking a. return blow.

Knowin r that the chief was watching them,
one of the raves knotted the rope around his
body and was slowly lowered toward the bal-
anced rocks. For a moment he hung just above
them, coring keenly down, then motioned his
comrades to draw him up again. Fedrin to
speak there, he signed for them to crawl fiu't ier
up, finally revealing the discovery he had made.
A single man, supported by a rope, in trusty
hands, could easily destroy the barricade below
by simply pushing over the huge masses of
shattered rock, but in no other manner could
the whites be molested from above, except at
the cost of certain death to the adventurer.
The chief must at once be informed of the alter-
ation necessarily made in the programme, so he
could play his part accordingly.

The surest-footed brave volunteered to carry
the tidings, and after agreeing upon certain sig-
nals by means of which he could at once inform
the five warriors of the decision, he began the.
todsome ascent.

From his lookout the White Sioux saw that
somethin had gone wrong, and watched the
climbin rave with anything but amiable feel-
ings. o had counted so surely u ion success
that the ideapf failure was bitter in eed. In si—
lence he awaited the arrival of the messe er,
buta hot glow filled his eyes as he listen to
the report. The prospect of success was even
brighter than when he behaved his bold plan
was working to perfection.

He hastily gave his warriors their instruc-
tions, making sure that each one full under-
stood what was expected of him, and w ' 9 they
were making their reparations. he improvised
a flag of truce and caving his weapons behind
boldly advanced toward the stone fort. The
brief colloqu that followed has already been
recorded, film the reader knows why_the chief’s
really sincere desire to preserve the life of Kate
Markham, Whom he firmly believed to be upon
the ledge, was baffled. _

Retracing his steps, the White Chief secured
his weapons and mounted his horse, after see-
ing that all was in readiness. Then he gave the
decisive signal, and the expectant braves u n
the hillside put their (plans into operation. we
braves were lowere at different points, and
placing their feet against the masses of loose
rock selected, endeavored to top 19 them over.
One was instantl successful, he nderous
mass yielding‘to he impulse and t undering
down upon t e ledge, crushi two of the de-
fenders out of all semblance of be human form,
destroying full one-third of the barricade, then
topplin over and crashingdown the slo into
the mi st of the terror-stricken horses, %
two and setting the remainder free. A momen
later the secon mass descended but though it
struck fairly upon the stone wal , the horrified
whites had sprung back beneath the sheltering
rock, and no one was injured.

At the moment the first rock was seen to fall
the White Sioux sounded his war-whoop and
led the charge. As he drew within range, he
sunk behind the body of his mustan . encum-
pie followed h each of his braves; ut instead
of riding s ght at the fort, he veered to the
left and sped past, pausing only when beyond
rifle-range up the valley, performing the feat
without the loss of a warrior, though several

' hasty shots were discharged from. the fort.

The instant after the orsemen opened their
charge, flve Sioux, upon foot, their rifles slung
upon their backs, bro a cover and darted sw1ft-
1y up the valley. Each brave bore in his m
almmsarmiwsmrsr
s o 5 min , yce ars. para , ey
rushed on, each one tgaining positxoxtillngehind
the bowlders they be pronoust selected, be
fore as. single shot was fired at them by the con-
fused defenders of the stone fort, whose whole
attention was occupied by the strain mane“.
vers of the horsemen under the to Sioux,
A yell of wild oxultation broke from the ll of
tho savages as they saw how completely

 

ruse had succeeded. The white men, too, saw
that a serious manhood them sent
how when

avoney of ballet: word the

.-m '82:,1W-A

13

MA ____..__ _ —-__.;

 

the five braves crouched, but it was only a was“
of ammunition.

Coolly and cautiously the braves completed
their preparations. The sharpened stems of the
cedars were thrust into the ground, so that
their tops formed a hedge around the bowlders.
Another was secured to the top of the rock,
while smaller pieces were bound around the In-
diims’ heads. B this means, the ambushed
marksman couli fire from several different
points without danger of bein seen by the
white men, who, in return, cou d only lire al
random.

Two more masses of rock were sent down
from above, and the stone barricade was almost
demolished. The concealed inurksinen opened
a brisk and telling fire, and the whites were
forced to crouch low down against the rear
wall to avoid being picked off.

The White Sioux saw that the moment for
decisive action had come, and givin a signal
for the braves above to cease their abors, he
dismounted and led his braves on foot along the
foot of the rocks, completely covered by the
screened marksman beyond. Their regress
was swift but noiseless. They bore on y revol-
vers, knives and hatchets, resolved to end all at
one stern grapple. hand-to-hand.

They reached the foot of the blood-stained
slope, and then, in line, he an the ascent. Noll
a sound came from the do enders above, though
the scraping of inoccasiiied feet'upon the slip-
pery rocks must have met their ears. Were
they too thoroughly cowed for even a show of
resistance? . .

Up the red braves crawled, until their heads
were scarce in. yard below the edge of the shelf.
Then with a wild yell, they sprung forward,
the White Sioux at their head!

CHAPTER XV.
A FRIEND IN NEED.

IN a. low, monotonous tone the woman read
on, word for word, as Happy Jack had trun—
scribed them. To describe he scout's seme-
tions would be impossible, though his face, cold
and impassive as marble, betra ed no emotion.
With one quick glance he had ecided upon his
course. At the end of the table nearest his
right hand stood Ben Watson, eagerly listening
to the words as they fell from the woman’s li .
Against his hip hung a revolver, which mig t
be seized b a nick and resolute hand. Anoth-
er momen , an the discovery must be made.
Happy Jack was just on the point of leaping
forward when—could he believe his ears?

Instead of reading what he had written, the
woman was re sting, almost word for word,
the directions given him by Ben Watson!

At the scout's involuntar start the decoy
turned uickly, suspicion in 's an eye, but
Hap y ock was equal to the occasion. and
care essl shifted his position upon the kc ,u
though ndingfits sharp chines an uiicom ort-
able seat, and atson appeared satisfied.

“Is there anything more you wish of me!"
asked the woman, in the same cold, measured
tone as she extended the aper to Baby Tom.

“Only to see your bac , that's all,’ replied
the giant, with a brutal laugh. “ Go ’teud to
the lady, and mind—none 0’ your liesl You’re
so fond o’ gabbin’, some 0’ these days you‘ll lose
your tongue-giuokachee!”

“Well, ’ sai Happ Jack, when the woman
had disappeared ami the gloom “ are you sat-
isfled with what I have writtenl I don’t think
I missed an important points. ”

“Ccuidn’ ’a’ done better of Pd writ it my--
self,” put in Watson. “ Mebbe we’ll make up I
puss for you—”

“’T’ll come out 0’ your ket, than," growl-
led Baby Tom. “ He kin thankful we don’t
slit his throat and chuck him in the first hole
we see.” '

“ I wouldn‘t take our money were vou to
offer it. All I ask is scent treatment. bu co I
have complied with all ou have requnw of
me, the least you can do return is to let me
out on parole—”

“Too thin, boss,” ' ed Watson. “f'l‘won’t
do to run the resko havin' two stories ttotho
fort. You don’t t acheince to leave I is More
the mom is psi an’ all thin settled fa’r an’
squar'. ’ to save the tron le 0’ some one’s
settin’ u with yo, I reckon you’d better let us
putt on base ropes sg’in.” ~

“You'll be sorry or thil, some time." was
all that Happy Jack said, as bequbmitted to
the inevitsb .

He was bound hand and foot, his hat pulled
for down over his cyan. then placed upon tho
rude litter. Watson carrying the light, led the
way throu h a wmdifi passage for loin. div
tanoo, y Imus“ ore a small niche in the
wall. Thep nor was rolled from the litter,
and after a few mocking words, the outlaws rev

traced their are .
Hap Jack’swfirst idea wasto t rid of the
h test he soon accomp bed by rub-

hat, w
hishead the floor. Then he the; _

in?! tested t e strength (:12 131mm
applied forhimtoe their burstorsll

at they were too stro n
carotid};
theme . ere wasnothin for it buttow

 

 

Wflymhemightun the letter be but
flea-bouldperfomiumhslon. ._

.‘lkoiI-voo.‘ ~< ..

.14:

 

 

- He had much to think of. There was his first
meeting with Kate Markham, closely followed
by the thrilling events of attack, pursuit _and
rescue—events that had seemed to bring them
so close together, to make them better acquaint—
Pd than would a year of ordinnry intercourse.
Then of the cunning plot they had fallen victims
lo—the captivit —and that strai e woman who
had played $110 an unaccouiita 10 pint: who
and what was she? Why had she ‘fl'lellded
him at the expense of those who were )laiiily
her companions, if not friends. W'onld s e also
befriend Kntel

And, thinkin of all these things, the scout,
despite his bon s, fell soundly asleep, breathing
as peacefully as though danger was t]. thing un-
known.

Howlong he slept, whether it was hours or
only minutes, Happ Jack never knew, but
when his eyes opene to to the inky blackness,
his every sense was fully alive. All was still as
death, yet he felt that some unusqu sound had
awakened him. He felt it in every nerve—that
peculiar sensation we all have felt, at one time
or another.

Now, as he listened with painful keonness, he
cau ht a faint, rustling sound, that seemed
grafiiiall y drawing nearer—a sound that might

be made by a. man stealing cautiously upon a
sleeping foe, knife in hand; and for a moment
he believed that some one of the outlaws was
come to murder him, since they hzid, us they
believed, the only service they could expect or
wish. A moment’s reflection, however, showed
him the folly of this idea. Baby Tom was not
the man to take so much trouble, when a. single
pistol-shot would have answered as Well, the
moment he was satisfied that the letter was
written in strict accordance with his views.

“Hist!” came a low, cautious whlsixr-r. “I
am a friend, come to serve you, if I can.”

“Who are you?” muttered the scout, in the
name guarded tones.

“The woman who read your letter to those
ruflians. I have waited until they are all
asleep, except the two men standing urd be—
fore the entrance. If you can pass t em, you
are safe."

“And the—the lady? I will not attempt to
escape without her.”

‘4 expected you would say as much nor do I
blame vou. But consider. You can do her no
good w ile you remain here, a bound captive,
but you can. serve her, once a free man. It is
rank folly to even dream of her sharing your
flight, at night, and possibly pursued. Xou
must go alone.”

“ And desert her? What would she think—"

“That you were acting rightly. She knows
what I am doing. She bade you hasten to her
father for aid. She will be treated fairly, 1X“-
cause these men love gold even more than they
do women. Come—your answer? Every mo-
ment you linger lessens your chances. Refuso.
and tomorrow on may be a dead man. I
saved you once, y reading that letter falsely
—-I was listening when Watson gave you. yom'
directions—but there are two man belonging to
the band who can read though the are off
now on some duty. If the should re ——-”

“ If she bids me go, I ' obey. But can it
be done?" ‘

“If you are cool and skillful, as I think. I
have brought on wee. ns—they are loaded,
and will not fill you. iid you can have this
knife, when I have cut your bonds—sol Take
the cords with you, and that will be one clew
the less for them, and may prevent suspicion
from falling 11 ion me. Now listen, and mark
my words we . Give me your handfthere.
Keep your hand upon this wall, follow it care-
fully until it leads you into the place where you
wrote your letter. Then follow the left-hand
wall; it will guide you to the passage leading to
the o ening where two men are mndi‘fieguard.
The c ances are you will find them p. If
so, you can slip by without an alarm. If not—

~but that on can answer as well as I. Do you
unders d?"

“ Perfectly—but wh —-that is—”

“ You wonder why am trying to defeat the
plans of the men I am living With? Some day
you may understand, but there is no time now.

urer I have risked enough to prove that I am
sincere?” .

“I would as soon doubt my own motherl I
thank ou—some time I hope to prove how

tofu I am.”

“ I ask no thanks. Follow my directions, and

may God ros r on! Wait here while. on
can count wo un red. By that time I be
safe back to my charge.” '

Without another word, the woman glided
away, leavin Happy Jack in a. state little
shortofbe 'darm n. Itsoemedlikeadream
——but he knew that his limbs were free, that he
was well armed, that he was give a fair chance
for life and freedom, and his coolness soon
returned.

First counting the number mentioned, he
crept noiselessly along the wall as directed,
reaching the chamber and flndmsgrzhe passage
be and, just as described b his nge friend.

th revolver cocked an read for use, he
3:919 {mam manned can 'on, in a few

moment. 1“ , N‘.’ from whence h“

 

 

Dime Library.

 

could catch a faint glimpse of the stars throu h
the cave entrance. , But then he paused, 'fairfiy
stilling his breath.

Directly before him, dimly visible against the
sky—line, 0 could just distinguish the figures of
two men, side by side, apparently seated u )011
the ground directly before the entrance. nd
us he listened, he could hear them conversing,
in low. guarded tones. To pass them undis-
covered was clearly impossible, yet he feared to
delay, lost some one coming to relieve them
should stumble across him.

In an instant the Scout's resolve was taken.
Gcnlly lowering the hammer of his revolver,
and turning the cylinder so there would be no
danger of exploding a cup, he crept forward as
far as he dared, then arose and with one bound
stood close behind the men. Swift as thought
the heavy pistol rose and fell, once, twice, then
Happy Jack plunged down the slo ie just as an
angry vol) of rage and pain echoe through the
air. His first blow had been sure and deadly,
but the second outlaw was already rising in
alarm. and the brass-bound butt merely grazed
his skull. falling upon his shoulder.

Happy Jack reached the foot of the hill in
safety, then dashed on through the darkness at
what Seemed a reckless rate. He knew that the
alarm was given—the whole hill seemed in an
uproar—mid hoped to pass beyond earshot be—
fore the outlaws could fix his course. This was
the more essential since he was in complete
ignormicc of his present whereabouts, and of
the broken, dangerous ground around him. The
stars would show him the general course he
must pursue in order to reach the fort, but the
darkness was so intense that there was great
danger of his follin into some pithole unless
he could proceed wit great caution. Flor this
reason be deemed it wiser to risk a fall in the
attempt to gain a safe distance at the outset;
than to have those upon his trail who, thorough-
ly feonversant with the locality, could easily
( ‘ve him into a. trap from which escape might
be impossible.

Fortune stood his friend, and he covered fully
half a. mile without accident more serious than
several stumbles over unseen bowlders. He
could hear the signals of the outlaws as they
scattered in pursuit, but after he turned into a
little ravine that led to the south, these grew
ainter, until at last he could hear nothing to
arouse his suspicions.

This ravine led into n Wider valley, and for an
hour longer Happy J ack pressed on, and final]
turned into n wide ravine, or pocket-like cle t
in the rocks. He knew that there was danger of
running afoul his enemies in the dark, while,
well armed, he need fear them but little in day-
light. Reasoning thus, be resolved to lie in
cover until the sun enabled him to make out his
exact location.

Pressing through the bushes, Happy Jack
found himself in a cozv enough place. There
was a niche below the rear wall, full of dried
leaves, and crawlin into this, he lay down with
a. sensation of delig itful repose.

But he was not to en by this 10 A suspi-
cious sound. came to is ear-an a. moment
later he distinguished the low sound of human
voices. Cooking his revolver, he awaited the
result. His suspense was short. The voices
mused just before the entrance to the pocket.
There was a. momentary silence, after which the
stiff bushesbegan to rustle, as though somebody
was endeavoring to force an entrance.

The bushes parted—end the hunted men could
filly distinguish the figure of a man before

 

CHAPTER XVL
STRANGELY SAVED.

As the ponderous rock fell into their midst,
ending the earthly career of two of their num-
ber, the defenders of the fort were utterly be-
wildered. Not the faintest sound had heralded
the fall of the terrible missile—the hand of fate
seemed in it, and more than one of the men
shrunk back and covered their eyes with their
hands, afraid to look upon the death they be-
lieved came from more than mortal might.
Scarcely less superstitious than his red-skinned
foemnn is the unlettered plainsman even to the
present day, and few men ever placed more im—

licit faith in good and bad ‘ medicine” than

ill Comstock, and the majority of his com-
panions shared this faith. Believing as they did
that the rocks above were absolute inaccessi-
ble to man, the falling of the mass 0 rocks was
accepted as indubitable endence that their
medicine was bad indeed.

This belief will account for the little danger
which attended the White Sioux’s headlong
charge past the stone fort, as all but three of the
survwing defenders—Captain Stone, Sergeant
Bowen and Walt. Obermeyer—were oowe '
against the well in superstitious dread.
the Sioux charged the fort at that moment
there is little doubt but what they would have
gained an easy victory. _

When the second rock fell unlike the first, it
gave warning bya. dull,  , grating sound

1: opened among others Bill omstock 3 eyes.
He saw it tell, an , among the dust and trif-
ments which followed. he saw u moccasm. s

 

this touched the ledge he sprung forward and ‘
caught it. A single glance was enough. It was E
Sioux make, and was yet warm from the war- L
rior‘s foot—that told the. whole story! A yel
of out relief burst from his lips; but the ha 30
h been done. The five Sioux were just dro 
iing down behind the boulders, not sixty yur
rom the stone fort it

In a few words 00ka made known hill‘;
discovery, reasoning rightly that the moccasinlll‘
had been torn from the foot of one of the red-'l *
skins, through whose agency the masses of rectal,
had been overthrown.

“ It’s a pity you couldn’t see as much before,
said Captain Stone, grimly. “ Had you stoodim
u ) to the rack, those devils couldn’t have reach B
er the rocks. As it is, the first man who show (
his head will get it bored through for ' Kl

sins.” d
“ It’s human natur’ to make mistakes, ca mite
Quietly responded (lomstock, though his c 89 

ushed hot y “ When the rub comes we’ll see?“
which man does the best work." F

There were few more words 9 ken. Afteri-
the one volley at the ambushed ‘ioux, the tenle
surviving men drew back close to the rear wall '
crouching low down, sternly awaiting the flnalll‘
struggle, which they felt assured would not 
long delayed. .l

Their barricade was almost entirely destroy-Pn
ed, and the little that remained afforded iio pr 1'
tection. The savage marksnien were pos
where they could de iberately pick off any 9‘
who might attempt to stand erect. There wader
but one thing they could do: maintain the' 0
crouching position until the enemy made thei 3‘
assault Llllt depend upon their pistols for pic 1'“

ing off the savages as fast as they became v “
ble above the escarpment. 1"
They were not kept long in use. Th v 

  
    
 

five Sioux 0 died a. steady fire, aiming the'
weapons so is e bullets, just missing the edge 0 SC)
the shelf, would strike the sloping wall a. fc “1
feet above the white men’s heads. The flatth
ed bullets made more than one wound, in glen
ing, until the whites, crouching still lower, crep
out a few feet from the wall. .11
in stern silence with weapons cocked an ,‘3
ready, the besieged heard be cautious advancf m
of the Sioux wider the \Vliite Chief. On and u m
they could hair the moccasined feet draw near 0
er—thcn came a. pause, followed by a. vollefi}
from the five rifles from the valley beyond. -
The White Sioux sounded his war-er —th “3
save es, in a line that extended along t 9 ei 1",
tire e1 re, showed their heads and shoulde ,l,
above t e level—the revolvers barked loudl .
and the deutliastniggle was fairly begun. 
The White Sioux was first upon the ledge, b l
he was closely followed by a dozen braves, I '- at
spite the hot and deadly fire. The pelt—f: u: 1‘
met them breast to breast, with knife and I"
volver. There was no quailing. Each u:
know that he was fighting for sweet life. t“
At‘ such close quarters, with such term 9‘
odds against them, escape seemed impossible v " 
t ewhites, desperately as they might strugg 2 di
d yet, saved the majority were, by one u‘, ’
those strange coincidences which sometimes v r} l ‘
cur, despite the smile of Modality one cann ‘“

avoid while reading. rt
J nst when victory seemed in his wh «1 5,1,3

his warriors were crowding the white ..-. m
a 'nst the wall—the White Sioux, in 0. vol _
t overpowered the devilish uproar, u - :l'
the signal of retreat. Bis braves seemed wn_ 0
derstruck—but sharp and peremptory the : “til;
1131 was repeated, and the power of discip  1
was once more exemplified, As one man Mr,‘
Sioux turned and followed their chief over I .1

ledge.

Itwouldbeadiificult taskto expresathe . d‘
wildered wonder of the white men at this all h
den and unaccountable reprieve. A sing 3‘
minute more would have completed the av :
work—they were well-nigh helpless; and now “'1

From the valley below came the loud voice , _
the White Sio and mechanically v ,E

lances tamed in at direction. They saw

orse and rider; and the-latter seemed a. g] r .1;
on; vision, retherthan a mortal bein . It -
a woman—young, and almost un yb “
tiful. Her orb was that of a now, but ri
and 0079 with glistening boa a and gold ‘1’
ornaments. She was gesticulating rapidl ,1
tho h her voice was drowned b the outcry '
the loux as they rushed toward or, led by t ,1;
White Chief. Just before they gained her -,
she wheeled her horse and rode swiftly do a.
the valley, followed at speed by the save. '-“ '
neither pa nor casting a. lance backw _’.
until beyond e curve and ‘dden from m
wondering stare of the men within the : I 

,

fort. ' .
' “Better reload—they ma ,return,” mid i 

t Bowen, who was the to recover - , ; ,
t 0 sort of stupor that had fallen upon l A

“ ell enough to load, but the won't -- 0v,
back—she won 1: let ’em,” muttered Comstock. sy
“Do you know her? who and what is :--- 11.]
quickly asked Captain Stone. = _,
“Yes I know her—leastwa I've seen i ., ,.
afore. 1 she ain‘t 5 angel, I’ never tell - , .
what she is.” 5-.
“Anangelsuchumanyemanwmildgl ‘

 

 

" d- . 231::

   

 

. l
M‘ of his life to clasp in his arms,” Stone i

ighed, sharply. ]
‘ The. less you say about her in fhnt way the 
igor you’ll live, cup’n—mind my words ;' re—
ed Uonistock, sternly, his eyes sparkling
, ickele. ,
i “ A flame of yours—you show admirable 1
ste, I must confess. But whoewr she may ‘
339, she saved our lives when our scalps were
,i‘lirly being raised. A pity she hnd not put in
x1. 1 up i rniice sooner," and Stone cast u regret
all once around him.
i,“ hey fit like men, un‘ they died like men;
3 led rest thur souls!" suid Conistuek, in u
ddmmgyly-soflened voice.
:hlliut five men renuunwl alive of the thirteen
wdho had stolen forth from Fort “'estei'ii the
Insight before. And of the survivors, only one
hd  thrml 'h the fiery nrdeul untouched.
u‘aelliough risking iis life freely as tho pump“,
,9pr Stone hud presm‘ved his reputation of ,
Wing a. “lucky man." Bullets and steel seemed *
.) pass huii by us though “is perm,“ was “hm-m. l
berL More than Hlll‘ mim firmly believed that
wnio devil watched over his own.
in “ Vl'liile you are pitching up
[will slip down and see where
heave gone,” said Stone.
“They’ve rid clean off," confidently mp1,.“
jwomsmck; “but you kin sutisl’y yourself, only
mka haste. back."
Fifteen IllllllllA'H lntcr the oilicer returned and
l“aprirtcxl thzit the liidiiiiis had left the valley,
m.‘ere even then riding at hot speed back toward
8- 0 fort. .M-fiillltllllL‘ the men had rudely bun-
,ei god their injuries, and Comstoek had keenly
ckgrutuured the rocks above them. it did not

rid
as

ir-
elr

 

 

your Wounds,
those rod hounds=

1590111 ssible that the savages who had over-
ii'n the rocks could have retreated so quick—

,9' dden anion r the spurs an crevices as to defy
, O scovery un ess by actual search. To guard
kmgninstu possible volley, Comstock placed one
wean on the watch, with a rifle left by.somo In-
yncxan while the other four men brought down
.91, a dead bodies of their late comrades for the

trposo of burial. - A lack of roper tools made
mdis ceremony on exceeding y primitive one.
“C; narrow rift in the rocks served for grave and
u'iilln. The mllL‘S‘WUI‘O placed therein, and
mpnteetod from any rnwling wild beast by be-
mwiér covered over ,Wit i hth bowldcrs.

': "l‘hey deserve a. better is ow then this," said
,th mstock, when the rift was closed in: "MY of
e, “'7‘? to git back to the fort, they shell liev it,
lfifi‘Wimt is to hinder our getting back? The
dimis are rune—your angel will see to that.”
b ' “ I don’t ow—thnr’s trouble u—comin’, nn’
(1 ,at soon. What. it is, I euiii’t say butl kin
wdel it,”replied the scout, in astrungeiy—subdued

e

mi? but if they had not, the were so securely

t was quite dark when the burial was com-
, ted, and after a brief consultation, it was de—
ib’ied to fall back further into the hills, to await
3 new day. Each man had received a rifle
8.1 d plan? of ammunition from the slain Sioux,
3 d, led y Comstock,‘they pushed up the val-
, utter a. couple of “miles leaving it for a. pass
ich veered round toward the direction of
rt Western, nor did they pause until quite
his isas good‘u lace as'nn , I reckon.”
ttered Comstock. ‘We kin briild a fire in
r ’thout danger of its bein’ seen. ”’ A
ollowed by the others, be pressed through a'
- use screen of bushes, enterln a sort of pocket
the rocks. Kneeling down in quickly raked
flier a lot of dried caves and twi , which
up merrily as a. inatch was app led.
Bill—old fellow!” cried a. well-known voice,
the tall form ofDHappy J wok stepped cut
5“ the circle of light. “The very man I
n8 bod most to see—but how came you here?"
,a “ We came after you an’ the lady—J don’t see
' r

 
 
   
  

 

 
   
  

a;

H

   
 
 
  

  

 

u~

  

  

  
  

~-” .
:V n “as a long story, friend, and not the most
nt—” ' i ‘

,“ She is alive—Mina Markham?” eagerly cried,

  
 
   
   
  

ne. ’
“ She was when I saw her last,” coldly replied

: scout. ,
“When was that—and where? She, was in
 charge. Wliathave you done with he"?!
ded Stone with increasing excitement, ,
, ‘If the y'was in my charge, Idon’t admit
right to question me. You will learn the“
u all the sooner b listening.” ' -’v i
i. pv Jack bri y but clear) detailed all
t transpired since the an den onset of
Misfispeakm' 3 more particularly to Cam.
I! _, r completely i 021311;}? the exclama-
‘  continents of t e —maddened.‘ofll-

mmdt‘hahmmosnehings masochism
Q’potienoe of. anpy J Cap-
‘n'bandoned her there—left herto‘

  , file-7310195538.}! 

lfl.‘ H _

“d. ,
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v into a wuss nest,



The Long Haired 

CHAPTER XVII.
iiAD BLooii.

CONFUSED, lizilt’ stunned and nearly blinded,

('npiuin Shmestnggcred to his feet as soon as l

, the sergeant released him from the brush, and
‘ drew a revolver from his belt while glaring 

uroiind in search of the scout. Perhaps it was
l'ortunnte for him that the swift, heavy stroke I
had, in u mczisure. impaired his cycsight, for,
whiti- with a stern, deadly zinger, Happy Jack 1
stood covering the olllcer with his pistol, only ‘
wuitingi‘ortlie soldier to iiltcinpt to raise his ;
weapon. .

Bowen, Obermeyer and Martin sprung nside,
not caring to stop bullets with their bodies
which were intended for some other, but not so ‘
Hill ()omstock. With a cutlikc bound he wus ,
beside Stone. wrencliinhr tlin pistol from his
guts > with :i force that would not bc denied.

“ ' ‘he l'llst one 0’ you us tries to burn powder,
‘11 never pull trigger iig'iii!" he cried, sluinily, ‘
falling back a couple of puccs and covering each '
man with a pistol. " Sw’ni' to llll‘ you'll Ictthe
niutler drop for to—iiiglit—out with it, quick!
Yes or no!”

“ He struck me 1" snarled Stone. ,

“'Cuusc you insultrd him—cl" ho hadn’t, I’d ‘
’n’ licked lu'm/ You‘re even so fur. But that i
don’t matter. I‘m boss of this party. un’ what i
iiglitin’ thar is I’m goin‘ to have u huii’ in. I‘lf l
you're dead gone fern muss, I‘m your turtle— l
dove!” 

“The gentleman‘s qum'rcl is with me, not 3
you, Bill,” said Happy Juck, smiling, despite
his rage. “This has been brewing: ever since
We first liiid eyes on oath other, and since it
iniistcome, this isus good n time uscn‘otlier. Give ,
the gentleman his wenyxm, and if he prefers it, ;
measure oll’ his own dislonce—~"

“ El’ it‘s not to be that way, I‘ll stand ntween
an’ blow thunder out 0‘ ye 'both. New look
here. Thor’s reason in all things—or they i
should be, which ’inounts to just the ,, ne.
Gimme your word 0’ honor, all two both" ye, i
that you’ll hear me reason clean-through, on’ I ,
promise that of you ain’t satisfied. to Istan’ i
aside nn’ let you blow away from now to sun-
u l. v
“ The matter rests with Ca tniii Stone.”
~ “ Nothing you can say wil make any difl'er-
once, butns vou insist, so be it. ()nlv—cut it
short," said the oflicer, in something like his n8.-
turaJ voice. I

“Here’s your weepon. cap‘n. I ’pologim fer
suatr-hin’ it 'thoiit stopping to say by your leave, ,
but I was in too high hurry jest then for perlitcL i
nose," and from the bright twinkle in the scout‘s
eyes it was plain that lie was very well satisfied ,
with the result of his interference. “ You fel<
lers kin come. in out o‘ the bresh now; the circus
is over for to—night.”

Gomstock squatted down beside the fire and
coolly out a pipet'ul of tobacco from a plug, nor
did he speak until this task was uu-oniplished.
The others were as silent. 1f the storm had
momentarily blown over, there was still thun-
der in the am

“Now then—fust an’ fo’most, we’re out on
duty. We left the forth) help the old man’s
(laughter. We swore we’d fetch her in or go
under w-tryin’. she got shet of the red-skins
thanks to my pard thar; but she’s tumbled right
' almost. So much fer so much.
Now I hold that we hain’t no right to waste any
time in simply ’musin’ of ourselves, when we
hain’t finished up our work. ,That’s why I putt
in when you two gentlemen was urgnfymfljest
now. I know you hate each other like p’ison.
an’ I know, too, that thar’s nothin’ short o’lead
as ’11 cure you. I’m the last man in the world”
to spilo sport, when it don’t come in the wayof
more ‘portant business. But I hold that you
don’t neither of you owh your live; while Miss
Kate is in (lifllkilt -whenwe‘ t‘hersafe back
to her pap then it s adifl’erent ’6 ing.  yon
kin blow 10103 through each other‘big enough
feradog to jump through,_an’ I’ll stan’ b to
see that nobody I on’t interferw 'Butlwtel .
time, you’re goin’ to keep the peace of I .hevrto
take an’ lick you both-even hear me. I’ ‘ t ”
“I‘don’t doubt but whatdyou’d ,try it, Bill,
lagghed Happy Jack. “ An I. for my part, am,
1‘ yto my wordtokeepthe peace until
Miss Mar :11 is once more safe at the fort-—
provided Ca tain Stone is agreeable.” .’

“You wilfg-ive me satisfaction, the .Vi .' 
 “ If you forget to ask it, air, pl. you my
ram to fresth your memory,’ quickly replied

oacout. r -- - l,

“Good énoughl. You shall not havomr to
Search.” - » . . " l ‘
,“That’s settled than,” said Comatock, in a
tone of relief.-‘ ,f‘Now then. s‘poue income
what-we‘ve to do next? Of course we’yo got to
't $115,de away from them white Injung, but f
gnu}! that‘s the question.” ' ~ . A
" ‘ "Thai-oi: but one waywto her.”
briefly uW-Cop'aln Stone: and though his,

' dodwlflw vbr‘av 0. every one present
 mount. just _hnt‘he, fluid. What:
the h might-lack, itnmuredlywm not

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

 

‘ there, or else leuve. n brond l‘rnil l'or them in

. asleep. Though the chunm-s \\'4'l'(- l: n! the nut-
hius were still qiizii'terine' lill.“ll;.‘,’i w n bills in
search of their lute prisoner, (‘i i. ' a lx l-Iiiew

, of disgust

  
 

v gunmen
tihoupk

 

   
     
    
   
  
   
   
 
 
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
  
      
     
  
  
   
  
   
    
 
      
  
 
  
  
  
 

.
ed at any hour. I feel pretty sure that I can
lend you to the spot withoutniuch delay. Once
there, we can pick our covor and keep them
from coming out, (Wen if we cniinot not in. If
we. could ninmiu'c to get word to the I‘ni'L-—"

“What’s to licndcr.’ not the rod—skins, fer if
they ‘lt-wed to hung ‘i'ound HIch diggin‘s, they
wouldn‘t 'ii‘ give us back our skclps when they
had us l'zi‘rly down,".’ind (Minstock guve u brief
review of whut had ovcili'rcd since his phi'ty
left Fort W'esu-rn. “ She did it~yoii huin t for-
got the little angel you—"

“ But how could she know—“

“ Didn’t, I reckon. ’Pend upon it, she lining:
some sort 0' mighty big news—nothin‘ shorter Al
‘u‘ kci'ricd them 011’ so i nick: didn’t even fill it
to tote away the iiiips which we’d rubbed out."

“ 11' they have left~und it looks like it, from
“hot you say—then our course is clear enough.
One of us must carry the news to the fort, and
miiden force strong enough to clean out that
hung. ’l‘lio shortmst way will be for them to
ride straight to the valley, and follow it up.
The rest of us (inn strike across nnd meet then:

follow. This is the best plan I can think of;
perhaps thcso gentlemen can improve up n it.”

“ l mu better at working thuii plunnliur, hilt
it Hl‘fi'lllfs' to inc tlint your plan is lhc only one
that is left open to us," said Stone, with wondcr-
i'ul cordiuliti', for him.

“That is mttlul, tliciil l reckon we'd better
.wpiindh the tire un’ lu-lch what Kl~'1'])“‘1' kin
ul‘oi‘o day. I’m tired l"n :1 doc, I" yum] vd ('oiii»
stock, kiim-‘kiiig the :ishu: I'i‘rm Iil~ mm, and
stainpi out tlic Sll)()hh'l'lll;.' mil «1:.

There 'ns no dissenito this Hlygi: l} n, and in
five minutes more the 4'11Lll'l' putty \ r :c sound

 

 

that any ull'A’lll t to force :1 pussiiec il'l'UU,’ l. (he i
still" SUI'N'I] of dishes would inslmill)’ nurlo-n

hiiii, nnd feeling: too futigncd lo :l-llllil guard
himself, he would not ask llllldllui' in pcrl'orin

that duty.

With the first gloom of din .‘w \
arousal his (-oiiiluinion, “id--
fragment of the food they l I w 'd. from
the fort, it was agreed than. .‘ h :, Mover-
witted and experivnccd 5( win.  i ni-l ca my the :
message to Fort Western, il‘ H 1 hull -:, had '
really abandoned the Siege, r lii’e 5i-(‘ :1 main-
der should push on for the in lo), cim‘ there
trike up the truil left by the ni.i;ii(:loi'n of Kate
Markham.

“Thirtv men’ll be plenty. Bide straight iim
to the valley, un‘ if you don‘t find us that, til _~
up the trail as we’ll leave for you, Now ski!
out, on” see what a race—host: you kin make (l
your legs?” .

Without a word Martin deported, and then
the other five set off for Crooked Valley. Their
progress was slow, both on account of the natu'
ral difficulties and the necessity of keeping on a
good look-out against falling into any ambus-
cade, since it was almost certain that, the put—
laws were still afoot, in addition to the Sioux
braves whohad been left upon the hill above
the stone fort. If the former should recog-
nize their recent captive, and be in ignorance
of the fact that a mesonger had been dis.
patched to the fort with the whole story, the
chances were all in favor of thdr attempting
to surprise the party and thus preven the
threatened miscarriage of their carefully lam .

loan.

9 Reasoning thus, the little party neng no .
precautions, spreading out in guch a manner that
evgnit a tr: was sprung, it could hardly in- ‘ j'
elude theme .V meg to this course, the val-
.ley was‘not reached until hi 11 noon. The ran
grettod the delay, hut, thoug- nothing had all
seen of the outlaws, it was deemed no more
than rodent to maintain the same course of ac
tion runabout. , l g t
' The little plateau was easily found, and the ,
trail taken u i, excl} mnn leaving behind him on. *
distinct mm' s as possible, to guide the expect: '
ed ,. reonforcements. For several miles the
scouts found no difliculty in following the hoof-
prlnts, but then, at a paint where three distinct
valleysjook the place of the one they had been”
viroversm , the case assumed-a diaerent a *' .
The sex here was literally catered» 11—.
thick layerotmebbles and flinty shah», ova:
which a regiment of cavalry mi ht have passed
Without leaving a tmil that t o koonest eye
could follow after an hour Moonshine. r ,

“We’ve got to split,"-aaicl Comitnck, in a tone .‘
“It’ll.;he tho-surest and quick “‘
why. Look for'hoss-d in’s. Rf thev mn' '
nuy.,lieepim-.ti31 the grdun ,ohan es. Thomas
as find: it, ‘1! give a. call,ond,f- e rest’ll out
g’orostto meet him. Butmind an’ keep or; gay

1! foot, and
the last

 

   

 

   
      
    
    
   
     
     
 
 
 
     
   
 
     
 
    
  
   
      
 
  

  

    

  
       
   
       
   

  

 
  

  

 
 

   
  
   
   
      

 

      
     

  
   
 

    
 
    

   
  
   

   

  

 

    
  
 
 
    

      
     

 

    
   
 
   
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
  

  

   

 
   
   
   

   
     
 

 
 

    

    

  

Unfit)“ Malayan ,    ,-, “4]  . _
wen on » ppy a . too one 7 4 
Stone undObermery the center“ onep ‘

  
 

or,
'Coniiitock to oxplhrexflie third alone. The lab '
tordidnotwagtetimomenrching £01“ tracks '-
thc they, grQ ad. but trottedaloi ,,,
shrug were no. subtleties, nu
tnvorc‘blov w ,
nomadic,

on.

  

Madman-en here he
‘ .and ‘

nip

 

 

 

, sucht tsho

o

' rifled, b the excitable manner of
but at tile

’ fine at “but M u .
um“: 30 dflrI   m abduct he] “Ob
_ 9 l

, ism

‘ ly back to the chamber where Kc

' ture asserted itself and

. trouble.

a. My"... MW~.M .

 

jDime Library.

44

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.ymnrww'v-r M. w . .

 

 

 

of firearms, followed by a wild scream of mor—
tal agony, coming from the direction of his
friends. Drawing a revolver, he sprung up the
sloping ridge, and, seeing Happy Jack standing
about liall‘«way down the slo>e, he bounded
recklessly toward him, just as owen and Ob—
ermeyerinade their appearance with loud ex—
clamations of horror. '

At the feet of Happy Jack lay the bleeding

' form of Ca tain Stone, a narcntl dead!
I? II Y

“Good (1011! pard, what does this mean?”
gasped Comstock.

As though the words were magical, Captain
Stone raised himself upon one hand, pointing
the other at Happy Jack, and cried in a husky,
shaking voice:

“Pits God is my judge, that villain murdered
me

With.that terrible accusation, he fell back,
stone dead!

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A WOMAN’S WIT.

WHEN Martha. Bascom—for that was her
name, by virtue of her marriage with Thomas
Bascom, otherwise Baby Toni—declared she
was risking her life in setting Ha py Jack free,
she said no more than the truth. i he well knew
that if her agency was even suspected, she
would have to suirer the penalty, and Baby
Tom would robably be the one to administer
it. .Yet, ha she known that discovery was cer-
tain, she would hardly have hesitated.

She was at the entrance of the cave when the
party paused at the foot of the hill, and she had
a fair view of the prisoners” faces. er faCe
turned ghastly pale when she noticed t _ oung
scout, and for an instant it seemed as t ough
she would fall. As the men scaled the slope,
she hastily retreated, nor did she come forward
until Baby Tom called for her. .

“Take this lady back thar—take good keer 0’
her, too. She’s wuth a. chunk 0’ gold bigger’n
a mule!”

In silence she led Kate Markham through the
loom passing into a small, though “not uncom-
ortable, chamberlike recess, before which him

a rude: screen of skins. As the robes droppe _
behind them, she hurriedly demanded: ,

"That man-the prisoner; who is he—what
is his name i”

“He is a scout, or do; I believe people call
him Hap y J ack—” esitated Kate, half-fright-
ened by 518 woman’s impatient vehemence.

“ You must remain here.‘ I will not be gone
long. When I return, Iyou can tell me your
sto , and we will see w at an be done.”

Darth. Bascom left the cell-like chamber and
noiselessly glided along through the darkness,
evidently thoroughly ac uaintcd with her sur-
roundings, for, though t e floor of the cavern
was rou hhand uneven, notdthe cfaintest slouilild
betra er, passage, an un iscovere s e
passed just outside the narrow circle of light
cast b the sputtering torch. Her position was
had a. fair view of the scout’s fea-
tures and a. long, earnest scrutiny convinced
her that her suspicions were well founded. ,

As the woman listened intently, almostr
breathlessly to the conversation that ensued,
her resolve was n. ,She would save this
man—would risk her life, if need be,_and, thus
in part, atone for the past. She readily divine
the trap which cunning Ben Watson had laid
for the scout, and she knew, too, that she alone
of. all present could read the memage as really
written. Every word that the decoy uttered
was treasured} up for future use, and when her
husband bade Simpson fetch her, she fled smit-
teawaited her,
and barely had time to caution the captive
figrainst speaking, when the outlaw summoned

1Sligdhreader kapvzs'fhowlgc’ell MrslbeBhscortr'i
erpart a o aco “on sa en '
tywhen s e réturned to her’afiiding- laceg, no:

she broke own in a

almast ter-
. the woman
sight of such bitter tears she forgot
all else save that one of her own so): was in
Her tender ministrations and sooth-
words soon prod a'favorable street,
Mrs. Bascom gradually regained her com-

' "‘ I am better now—it was very foolish forme

flood of hysterical tears.
‘ Until new Kate had been repelled

to give way—there is so muchto be done. Will
an tell me all t at has ha penned—Why you
ve been broug t here? am not asking

thronzhidleicuriosi ."5
’ Kate Markham mtiyiipliemaiviug a. briefvout-
oomph-ed since the White

to uttered in [her hearing
om. '

‘ that‘creatin‘eiuny husband—God help
me!” cried Martha‘Bawomrbittei-ly; addin ,
on Kate inVOluntcrily. away:_ “Tth
rig? drawback lest‘ll,‘ _
__ o thanlxlescrv,”-“  

Wmeflsaid'mtablushe
beck-your face

     
   

  
 

an object of loathing! That is, of late years.
Once I was very proud of my fair face and fine
figure—God help me! The beauty was all out—
side! It led me into sin—it sent my poor moth—
er to the grave before her time. I was so proud
and haughty, theni Now—I am the wife of a
common drunkard, a brute, an outlawed rob—
ber—it may even be worse !”

“ You have been more sinned against than sin-
ning—of that I feel assured,” said Kate, gently.
“But why tell me this, when it must be so bit—
ter to recall—”

“I could not help it. You spoke so kindly—
you are the first true woman whom I have met
for years. I had to speak, or I should have
gone crazy. Sometimes I fear that I am mad
~I would have ended all, long ago. but for one
hope. But there—J am wasting recious time.
You are the daughter of Colonel arkhani; tell
me about him. Of course he knows this stran-
ger—this Happy Jack. On what terms do they
stand? Are they close friends?” .

Kate’s answer proved far from satisfactory.
She had been but a few days at the fort, and
during that time Happy Jack had been absent
on duty. She had never met him until the day
of tho feast—had never even heard his name
spoken.

“ He is a handsome young man,” slowl ut—
tered Mrs. Bascom, her eyes riveted u on ate’s
face. “It is a pity that he should so igno-
rant and rough—”

“You do him injustice, madam! he is a per-
fect gentleman in—”

There was something in the older woman’s
eyes that caused Kate to hesitate, and brought
t e swift blood flaming hot] to her cheek.

“ My dear young lady am going to say
somet ing that you may think is very importi—
nent, but, believe me it is my wish to serve, not
annoy you. After a l, I .may be wrong—if so,
there can be no harm done. You will not take
offense where none is intended?"

“ 'I do not think you would say an thing will-
fully to hurt my feelings,” replied ate, though
hesitatingly. .

“I can see that you doubt—but time will cure
all things. This young man is handsome, brave
and is of a far higher station than ,liis present
calling would seem to indicate. He is ’such that
any woman might be roud of his ,love. And
yet—you must never a low him to become dear
to you—iii that way. You and he can never
marry. You smile, but is there no danger?
Ah, poor girl! that red flag is ea'sily translated
by eyes that have seen as much as mine. But
there cannot be much danger where the ac-
quaintance has been so short. You must be on
guard. There is a bar [between you tworthat
cannot be I can sa no more now, for
there is work before me.‘ Listen, ” and, drawing
nearer to Kate, Martha. Bascom revealed the

lan she had already formed for the release of

a Jack.

‘ is life hangs u n a thread—if the truth
of that letter should... discovered he would be
murdered without a doubt. And yet—if I read

his character Bright-he will refuse to flee while

you remain a. captive. You must send him

word to go—for your sake.”

Kate gave the requested message, and then
Mrs. Bascom stole silently away.

With face buried in her hands, Kate Marku
ham thou ht long and earnestly over what she
had hear Who and what was this woman?
What did she know of He. py Jack, andgewhat
could the bar of which she spoken be? In
vain she sought for a clewto the mystery. All
was dark—all was confusion from which she
.failed to extract a. sin 1e gleam of light.

After what seeme hours to the agitated
maiden, Martha Bascom re-entered the cham-
ber, breathing uickly. Kate looked up anx-
iously, but a'sWift gesture checked the query
upon her lips. _ ,_ .

,“Lie down—not a word!” and the woman
forced her toward the pellet of skins. “Pre-
tend to sleep—for, our life 1”

As she spoke, . Bascom extinguished the
light and dropped down beside the maiden. For
several minutes all was _silence——then came the
wild alarm of the surde sentinel, and in an-
other minute the entire cavern was in an up-
roar. “ ‘
. “ 0 not speak a word—leave all to me,” hur-
whispered‘ Martha, as rapid footsteps were ,
'hear drhwmg near. ‘ . ‘ . ,

I log a lazing torch, Baby Tom sprung
into the cell, his face like that of anan lion.
He saw the‘two women lying side y aide;
though awake, and his worst fears were alloyed
as‘i‘go at the Kmsghung I" when
ineo , men "su m-
lysaidMartha. , w ’ p.
T “You bain’t bin out 0’ here?” snarled Baby
“Not since .we gyms the

uiet reply; i i . 
. “See ’t you kee close,
back. Ef you - 3'3 step
you‘fiobgains gagged out-«isms;1

' u wai' orarepy, e

‘ “Homes 12 '
he maynot  recs 'turedl ’

, lay down—why?"
 ‘cntel'li come
do

 

 

     
 

letttheroom. '

 

spasm? 

f-whites had fairly w’on

'you. ,’l1. 1:
hearrl’ond’thgii, ,
safe] miracle—soled? . sthatw

  
  

In silence, in fear and trembling they awa
ed the result of the pursuit. Of the tw
would be difficult to say which felt the d; ,‘l
interest. 1 

As the hours wore on, their ho es increi ledhim reti

Surely, unless Happy Jack ha successde “Wei
eluded his pursuers, t ey would have return Squaw I
ere this? the chic

At last they heard the sound of some perm“ “A s
entering the cave and a short time after  might
the harsh voice of Baby Tom. 9 braves'

“ You hain’t heerd nothin’——-thcy hain’t tfl Pine Sa‘
no tricks?” ' .; foe. S

“ They’ve bin whisperin’ some, but I coulifl obeyed
make out what ’twasabout," replied Simpsofi “ An

 

  
  
     
  
      
  

 

   
 
       
  
 

 
 

    
 
 
   

   

      
    
   

 

  

 
  
   
  
 

  
 

 

  

  
 

 

      

 

 

  

 
  

 

      
    

“Thank God that we were prudent! TH mutter
man has been spying upon us!" muttered ear.
Bascom. - ~ my wo

Baby Tom entered the chamber and lights others
torch, thrusting it into a crack in the wa l, t mg 511‘
turned toward the two women. the 5

“Now, old gal I want to know what all t horses
means. What ’d you set that man loose fer? 3033 a

“What do you mean?" coldly respon W6 W
Martha. - ! Bro—a

“ Halplpy Jack. I tied him myself, an’ I kn “ I (
be con n’t ’a’ got looSe 'thout somebody hel Br?"
him. Thar wasn’t nobody fool enough to d ” 0'
onless you did, an’ I want to know what you ly, as
' or? ’ [5 not

“ I have not seen the man since I read you b83111,
letter.” NW

“’Tain’t likely you’d take a can’le, to tell 3“
all what you was u to," and Baby Tom showei, could
his teeth. “Coma ere.” g T1?

In silence Martha obeyed. The ruflian grasp 091ml
ed her by the shoulder, holding her in such filled
way that the red torchlight fell fairly upon be! her, ‘
face. ‘ reacl

“You see this?” and be cooked a revolve were
which he held before her face. “Now yo bu“
want to tell me the hull thing from eend t1 apaé
eend, or I’ll send you to never come back ag’ii 18m
in jest ten seconds—you hear?” In

“Fire if you dare, ou coward! You hav $119
not made my life so p easant that I need fen, $18:
death. Fire! if I knew all and more than 0!
ask, I would refuse to speak one word a to at???
your threats,” dauntlessly cried the woman. um:

CHAPTER XIX. fort
RACING AGAINST TIME. 1110‘

THE enigma that had so utterly baffled Bil 
Comstook and his comrades—why h 1"“
White Sioux drawn off his braves n the ve, Ted-
moment when complete ictory was ,crowni ‘1“,
their des rate eflorts?—- a very simple s Y0);
lution, af rall. . ' 1 U

When the chief sprung u on the ledge at th
head of his braves, the rst' glance told h' , W9
that he had been fighting fora myth—that Kat ‘ ' WI}
At that moment he would have been well con yer
tent to abandon the struggle, for. despite th 70
thousand and one stories of his fiendish BY
barity, be was by no means the ruthless hate)? ,3“
and enem of his own race for which he re- “'5
ceived or it. He had sworn bitter and undy ' -
ing vengeance against one man—the man who, 9"
ur on by fiery 'ealousy had wrecked t ‘ in
life of his successfu rival; but no more. H L; “a
had taken life, more than once, but he had risk“:
ed his own as freely. "He had found a homo . 5‘
men the red-men,“ when his own color had "
hun him down like a mad-dog. His naturan ‘1
powers had gradually won for him respect and w
veneration. His word was law. Butdnsteadol ‘1
being indiscriminate] revengeful the White , “
Sioux had used hisi uence freely in the cause E
of mercy—plied saved scores of. lives that would ‘ ' t,
otherwise have been sacrificed. He wan-ed
only againstthe United States troops, watch. ‘1
ing an waiting for the hour that was to bring‘ F
him the one thin that could make part atone ' ‘
ment for the He felt that this our had ‘
come when Colonel Westley' Mark am as
sumed command of Fort Western. He billed
his time with the patience his red-skin brethren.

 

had tau ht him, and on the day of the feast 5119*.
made stroke, with the result alread record? .
ed. Since the father had escaped  
whole heart was bent on securing thedaughter, ,- '
andhisfirm belief that she was amo t 9 oc' 
~cupants of. the stone fortwill accoun for tin
deagly amttfnce of his assaéiilstgiu ' 1’ 4-.
.i 9 un ess coura e

respect and

with real satisfaction that be *seized the oppor
tunit'y of sparingugheir lives without arousing
the suspicious of ' brcv . ‘ : . ‘1
Hisearcaught the‘flrst sound ofthe yo
woman’s voice as she 3:110de up ,the valley
and though he smmely rehended the, , ,
union of hex-“words he the signal to-ros
ea. Liv, _ . - .
“ Back—W10 the horses!” he cried, as he
ran swiftl‘jfi 'ward the rider,speaking in’tha '4
Sioux dialect‘; ! »“Now, why are you here! what ,
, word do you‘ln’ingi” he added, hurriedly ‘
th‘e“ ‘ ' toahalt. _. Q

  

    
 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

     
  
  
  
   
   
   

  

  

  

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i

    

‘J:\

The Long Haired ‘Pardsf'

 V...;_.a:=“.‘~.:"... .

“M!” " 19“”
.“P‘WZ‘ ....- '.-..-W
1“}.r-ifr.  i w .r- ‘ “

 

 

ms Littlo

ople dead and their scalps stolen.
and the wife of tho

ul brought the news

.ge hite. Chief bade mo ride like the wind to bill
"Tet {whim return.”
cessfull'

“ Were there no men among the Sioux, that a

returndsquaw must act as a runner?" and the brow of

a

.‘X' on;
i’t trl
could!
npson
, ,
ed M!

is,

all tli
for ?’

sis-return

 

__i.

 

"pf-p. i... u.~._‘\{

 
 

  

  

ad

»_portion of his‘braves, had do

{the chief grew dark. .

' “A squaw could ride as swift, though she
might not tight so well.
braves to fight so many wolves, and the Yellow
Pine said no warrior must turn his back to the
She bade me find llllll, or die. I have

 
 

foe.
obeyed."

“And God bless you for it, my Eunora!"
muttered the White Sioux, his lips close to her

ear. “ I am very proud of in r children, though
my words may sound cold w on spoken where
others can hear.” Then adding, aloud, address-
ing the warriors, who were greatly excited by
the startling tidings: “ (J‘ro repare our
horses for a long and hard rid]; The row
dogs are threatening our women and children.
We will teach them a black and bitter lesson.
Go—and quickly I" -

*1 do not see Kenekuk—whero is my broth-
5r.

“ Come with me—no, child,” he added, quick-
ly, as the fair face of Eunora grew pale; “ there
is nothing to fear._ The lad is wounded, but not
badly. ellow Pine will have good cause to be
Sroutl of her young chief, for he fought Well to-

ay—he struck the enemy even before my arm
could reach them.” ‘

They found Kenekuk eagerly awaiting their
coming, lirom his resting-place he had recog-
mod is sister as she dashed by, and called to
her, but his voice was too weak for the Words to
reach her ear. His wounds in face and body
were such that Eunora dared not embrace him,
but their hands. met in a loving clasp that was
atimpagtial exposition of their deep and pure of-

on.

Ina few words. the White Sioux made known

the important tidings brou lit by the young
1, and the knowledge 0% the peril which

reatened his mother seemed to suddenly ro-
store the young brave’s strengt . '

“We must go at once! why do we wait?” he
uttered, seemingly not feeling the pain the ef-
fort to speak caused his lacerated cheek. “ Our
mother is in danger—and I am lying here—"

With a. sudden motion he arose laughing
faintly as a little cry of alarm arted Eunora s
red hps. The chief said nothing, though he
drew nearer as though expecting the wounded
youth would fall.

, “You cannot—it will kill you—”

“ If I die it will be in the saddle, my face to-
ward our mother,” was the resolute repl . “ I
wfllcgo, though I go alone and upon footl’

“ 00d! you are her son, to the heart. If
your body is strong as your spirit, on shall tell
your,mot er_we are coming with 100d in our
eyes! ’ exclaimed the White Sioux, just as the
mounted warriors came across to where the
trig were standfing.

murmur 0 ap roval ran throu h the dusk
can: use“ inched

we

“aimed Wéfih fhggesum ear , and was well

mong e e arses ’were three thath d es-
caped from the foot of the hill, when the fglling
rock had burstitheir tethers and, breaking away
from the warrior who ledi , the ungainly brute
with which Comstock had ex rienced so much
trouble ran up to the White oux, with a glad
whimper. At the chief’s command, his own
saddle was laced upon the animal, and then
K‘enekuk ully climbed into it, doggedly re-
main any assistance. Eunora and her father
quic y followed his example, and then the
party rode rapidly out of the valley—less than
one- gilf the number that had entered “(that
mornin . .

Billl h lmistook1;)voulatlilgiiave opened hi. 9;
com e vs wi 683 e manner in wh ch
his troublesome capture bore its resent rider.
At a motion from the White S oux, the big-
boned, loose- ointed animal became a marvel of
Iwift, yet smooth and gentle motion, carrying
the wounded brave as softly and carefully as a
loving mother her babe-

The trio rode at the head of the cavalcade,
heading sin-night for Fort Western. And while
they prom, EUROPE told her story with
greater detail. _ .

A cunning scout of the Sioux had discovered
the plans of the Crows .who, it seems had
learned that ‘the White ioux W'lth the larger

parted upon some

Won which, from their elaborate prepo-
m. was evidently to be a prolon ab-
Naturully enough they resolved
upon this golden opportunity of striking a
heavy blow at on audacious enem an to

'Iureof-mccess, the weretoc inseve—

. ral bands which were hen absent, hunting.

:fraid toweoken theirs-[algal] £91208 b senflin
wayevononeman eow e, aces
wfig. 13050119? ang'hter carry the news. Right
'Y the beycd, her horse dro ping dead
several miles from F0 Western.
011, 3116  the Sioux, whom
in‘ tbev ey to the aidof thevil—
than, freshlyme sped on along the

when

the White Sioux returned it should be to find I “'hite Chief’s trail, reaching him, as heretofore

 

Thcre were fewi

Semi

stated.

Tbc sun sunk from view, and the curtain of
night fell long before the party came in sight
of the fort. Muiiv were the anxious glances
cast upon Kciicknk, by futlici' nnd sister. for,

thou h he iicvcr bctruycd by u sound the tor-
ture e was undcrgoing, a loving cyo could See
that his strength was fast fiiiliiig. And then
all at once, the stout—hearted hid gave way, and
would have fallen but for his parent’s hand.
Without slacking his speed, the chief sprung
behind Kenckuk, and holding him fast, urged
his horse on—oii like the wind, reaching the val—
lcy far' ahead of his f()ll0\V(‘l‘S. Disinounting,
he bore the youth up a steep ascent, entering a
cunnineg concealed cave, small, but airy and
comfortable. than descended and awaited the
coming of the rest.

“You will ride on,” he said, addressing a
middle-aged warrior. “Stop for nothing.
,will soon follow you."

As the party passed alon , he selected two of
the braves. Those, with unora, he led u ) to
the little cave, where he briefly gave them t cii'
instructions. Upon no account were they to
venture from their covert except at night, and
then every trace of their passage was to be
carefully removed. If discovered, they were
to fight to the bitter end—4f need be, to kill
themselves rather than be captured. To Euno—
ra he gave directions how to dress the wounds
of her brother. Then, with a silent hand-pres-
sure, he descended to his horse, mounted and
rode swiftly away.

On through the night, like the wild huntsman
qof old—con, without pause, over hill and rock,
through valley and prairie, overtaking the
Sioux, and shouting for them to press on at
speed while their animals could keep their feet,
still on the White Sioux dashed, nor paused for
rest until the sun cred over the mountains.

One hour he a1 owed his horse for rest and
food, then once more sped on. riding against
time; Twice during that day he was forced to
draw rein, not for himself. but not o‘en his
faithful horse could accomplish the impossmle.

As the ni ht fell once more, he overtook the
warriors w om Eunora had sent ahead. He
rode with them for a few miles, for the village
was now close at hand. Then—faint and indis-
tinct, but unmistakable came the sound of fire-
arms! The Crows had made their swoop! _

Using his knife for a spur, the White Sioux
thundered on, his heart sick with dread. _He ut-
tered his wild war-cry as he ordered the Village
and the exultant yells of the Crows were turns
to yells of dismay as that dreaded foeman
plun ed into their midst. With revxved cour-
age t e Sioux braves ralhed—fbrced back the
enemy, slowly but surely. Then came the re-,
inforcement. The tide was turned. From vic-
tors, the Crows became vanqmshed. Blood
flowed like water. Stout braves fell like the
leaves in a storm, and the retr t of the Crows
was marked by a trail_of stifle 'nlg co s.

Pale, haggard his r1 ht arm I) oods ' edto
the elbow t e White S oux returned .to his vil-
l e. A faint voice saluted his ear. A cry of
sic ening dread parted his lips as he sprun to-
ward his lodge. Four forms lav close to at or.
Three were Crows—the fourth, his wife, ellow

Pine!

As he raised heir head to his bosom, the red
light of the blazing lodges revealed a smile up—
on her lips, and she murmured:

“Tell my son—I leave him three scalps—for
his lodge!”

She raised her head, feeny pressed her lips to
his, then dropped heavily. ellow Pine was

 

CHAPTER XX.
. AN nxcnnnon or QUARTIRS. "

WITH a cry of horror Kate Markham sprung
forward am turned the threatening wea n
aside from the temple of the" outlaw’s c.
This action so astonished Baby Tom that he
tau-:5 relinquished his grasp upon the weapon,
on vantage that the mai en,renderod despe-
rate was not slow to seize upon.

‘fielease that woman—move not to injure
her in any way, or I will shoot you like a dog!”

With a courage and d‘ ' ion born of the
I“mirztmcy, Kate Markham nfronted the gl-
ant and leveled his own revolver at his head.

or voice run out clear and commanding,
there was a. am e in her eyes that boded dan-
861‘, and the d that leveled the pistol was
steady and true. ,

Slowly the fingers of the giant relaxed their
fimmm, alld his arm dropped to side. His

blue eyes were fixed upon Kate—but their
0 Y expression was that of rise. Taken
throughout he was the very pi ure of utter
amazement. He seemed utter] unable to com-
pnrfihend what had occurred. on, 810M?» “19

ramifidriramtmwm
B ted: ‘

slow]
:: V; y—I—bor-durnedl”
Promise not to in

 

her or I first": t-
ed Kate. studying I hay-immith

force of the situation appeared to down in PM“!
on his slu wits. The udicrous look of b:

 

“ I never railly ’lowed to hurt her," coolly rc-
lied Baby Tom. “I jest wanted to sheer tho
i'uth out 0’ tho critter; but ef I wanted to kill
her the wust kind, one word from you’d be
more’n enough to save the powder,” and a. hot
light of admiration filled the outlaw’s e es.

“ lspecially when backed by a lomlcdypiatol,”
rcmrtcd Kate, with a rather hysterical laugh.

“ The weepon ain't nigh so dan rcrous as your
two eyes "—but the undoubta y sincere, if
rudelycxpressed speech was cut short by a low
satirical laugh from Martha Basconi that caused
the hot blood to darken the giant‘s brow, as he
turned uickly upon her. “ You want to go
slow, 0] woman! I let ye OK this once—an’
you kin thank this young ledd for‘t. But go
slowl of ever I find you‘ve he an thin’ to do
with lettin‘ that fuller sli us, you’l never got
another chaiiice .of play ’ your devihimt—
mind that!"

“ The day is past, Toni Bascom, for me to care
for either your hate or your love. I almost
wish you had blown out my brains. I would do
it ifiysglf, only I know that would please you too
we —

“That’s enough. Now you two want to git
ready for a long an’ hard ride. We’ve got to
skin out o’ yer. nn’ thatinighty lively, tool You
hain’t got much time, an’ you’d better make the
best of it."

Baby Tom, without attempting to reCover his
revolver from Kate’s hands, turned and left the
chamber. He was in a far better humor than
when he had entered it. The unlocked-for dis-
play of spirit on the part of his captive, seemed
to afford him no little gratification.

With a. caution to Simpson a inst letting the
women as hiui, the giant in 0 his way to the
cave on rance where still lay the co 9 of tho

ard whom Happy Jack had slain in making

is escape. Day was just beginnin to dawn, as
She creamy tinge beyond the h' ls bore evr
once.

Baby Tom gave vent to a t—whether of
satisfaction or of disgust, we (1 be hard to tell—
ashe saw a small group of men ap reaching.
He reco ized them at once. and iis cat-like
vision to d him that Happy Jack had not been
recaptured by them at less .

“ he varmint got clean off!” said Ben Wat-
son, in a tone of intense disgust. “ A blood~
houn’ couldn’t foller a foot trail thrOugh them
rocks. Some 0’ the be a kep’ on, but ’tain’t no
use. They’ll nevor ketc a man like him I"

“ An’ that knocks your bi mono higher’n a
kite!” sourly uttered one of is fel ows. “An’
we’ve got the al on our hands, to boot. Ef
ever you ketc me in a-nother sich fool
“ob—H

“ You kinskin out jist as soon as on like, Bar-

ker,” interrupted Baby Tom. “ har’ll be so
much the more for the rest. gépose he did git
away, what does that hurt? e’ve got the go],

hain we? An’ we’ll hang on to her ontel the
old man shells out the chink, or he’ll never set
M Ityre eyes on her this side 0’ monkey-hear
ven

‘.‘ That’s the talk—I knowed you’d got the
sand, ca ’ni Wekin rake the ile of we jest
play our d for all its wuth. 9 must hunt
out another hole, take the gal thar an’ keep
lfielrfijlpse, while we sand on our tarms to the

O .

“ Who’ll kerry ’eml” interrupted Barker.

“ l-lci’izvibfitteié ’sure b.1131 life, fusti'g” Ki Dick,

—e ou e. vs me a
sheer—that cogs hit harggg’en a. mule kud kick!
I’ll run the rank, of you say so. Ef I don’tcomo
back inside a. week, you kin know that I ain’t
in travelin’ order an’ then you must look out
for snags. But I’ll put it to ’01:: so strong the
oldman won’t dar’ try any tricks.”

“What wedo ’sgo to he did soon. They’-
no tellin’ but that cuss mayrun ’cross comes
body out huntin’ for the gal, an’ we want to be
somewhar else when they call, I reckon. Ef the
rest 0’ the boy: was here—but they kin take thar
chaincoa. reckon we’d better make for Black
nglrm‘ fivergngood, :in’ w: kin sit in by tho
0 c on ea an

“Better pin the dd “some. Elm-t o! to-
m”, then Sp t up an’shoc the critters. Wait

for me—
“ we havetowait too longs!
I’lloometo uswhnt’l the ma .

I reckon
vs thou-

tota "(afietlylad edge t.
be hbwks, an’ not no he ,"» ra-
godfigauon, 5mm, utly not caring to nflcetho
{her some further discussion this n was
adopted and the outth at once not a ut their

one. .
pram the men were bulled with the horses, '

several others, including Baby Tom,
kadim the few articles of use or value w
iii: have contained and which could be trans-
an homka Then the
ed Martha and Kate,
readiness for the road.
silence to the outer air, where the animals were

trunnion-
dingthem'ln

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her to the saddle. As he did this a peculiar,
wort laugh parted his lips. Kate glanced at
him .'i'irp1_v, but he turned quickly away and
mounw ‘ Simoom.

Tao c wall-'1‘ le trotted briskly along the valley.
"he .1 st red rays of the sun were ting’ing the
hlg'u-st omit-points. The air was fresh and
balmy. Under almost any other eirmnnstances,
Kate Markham would have enjoyed the ride;
but it was almost positive torture, now. The
terrible micertaintg,’ whether her father was
living or dwul~tno danger that threatened her—
self; these anxieties were almost unbearable.

For an hour or more the party rode on, then,
at a point where the conntrv was more level,
the outlaws separated into )airs, save the. three
men who each had one pac “horse, and who Set
of! alone. After ridng a few hundred yards
beside Kate, liaby Tom dismounted, and with
cloths and skins brought from the cavern, care-
fully Wrapped the feet of both horses. In that
minute came a strong temptation upon the,
maiden, and she cast a quick glance around her.
But there were three different parties still
Within sight, all en agal on the same work as
the giant, and she inow that the time had not
yet come. .

Baby T0111 remountcd Simoom and once more

cued his way through the apparently track—

ess Waste of rocks. Yet he never hesitated, ne—

ver once seemed at a loss which course to pur-

sue. For more than an hour he never uttered a

word, scarcely glancing toward his prisoner,

seemingly satisfied that while he held the hal—
ter of her horse, she could not escape him.

Kate‘s left hand rested upon somethingr hard
and hmvy, which was concealed within the
folds of her riding—skirt. It was the revolver
she had taken from the giant a few hours WW
viously. She felt that One shot from it would
set her [roe—she had resolved to make the at-
tempt; yet Baby Tom seemed so misuspicious
that the deed looked almost like murder.

“I)’ y’ know what I‘ve bin thinkin’ about!"
suddenly uttered the outlaw, turning his head
and looking s unrely into her eyes. “I’ve bin
thinkin’ what 7(1 better do: keep right on an’
meet the boys, as I agreed, or take you an’
strike out on my own hook. ‘Vhich ’(l you say,
s’posin’ I was to give you the ch’icel”

“Take me back to the fortl—to my father!
act the part of a man and a Christian—” impul-
sively begun Kate.

“ An’ git a chunk 0‘ lead for my pains," drny
interrupted Baby Tom. “ That would be
smart!”

“ You shall not be harmed—I pledge

on my
word. If you want money, you s l
it I)

have

“ I ’Spect to. I was thinkin’ of it wouldn’t be
the best plan to marry you outran’out—”

A shar cry of anger broke from -Kate‘s lips,
and her ace flushed at the gross insult. It was
the one thing required, and she slipped her hand
down until it firm] gr the pistol-stock.
Then, forcin herselfy to speak calmly, she looked
the ant f in the face, and said:

“ ou ask my advice, then?” ,

“ Sartin,” came the unhesitating response.

“ Here it is!”

As she uttered the words, Kate raised the re-
wolver, cook it with the same motion, and
lllrod, the muzz e almost touching the outlaw’s

a

co.

But the next moment she felt the won 11
twisted from her grasp, and heard Baby om
utter a. taunting laugh! Quick as her action
had been, he had been no less alert, and duck-
ltpg his head, the bullet had whistled harmlessly

y‘I‘Now we‘ll ride on," he said, laughing.
f‘That was all I wanted. Ye see, I felt the
weepin when I lifted you on the hem. an’ I
knowed you’d be on the look-out for some sech
chaince butl didn't like to s'arch ye afore the
gays. llg I ’cluded to git your mad up—an’ I

' too

Khte dared not trust herself to reply. The
hot tears beglan to well 11 into her eyes, but
she averted or head to eep them from his
sight. And as she did so, she saw something
glut caused her heart to beat with suffocating
orce.

' Far away, ahead and to the left, were several
horsemen. They were upon 111%? ground, and
as the morning sun shone upon t 811‘ forms, she
could see that they were white men. She could
see, too, that one of the number rode a large
white horse—and the wild hope flashed throu h
her mind that this was her father, upon his a-
vorite charger, searching for her!

And she prayed in her heart of hearts that
her caphtor would not observe them In time to
avoid 9 meeting.

 

CHAPTER XXI.
mm? JACK IN TROUBLE.
CHARGING Ha py Jack with his murder, Cap-
lth h h rd arose 022d? “32$qu t-
en 9 as. w so y u
tered, when he saw the man’s accusin

d .
finger leveled at himselzutge scout seem

dazed until the full force of the situation was
revealed to him 1) the involuntary shrinking
any“ the two so diets. Not until then did he

 

 

 

 

r r Ar’yDime-p Library.

seem to realize the whole truth—that he was
branded an assassin. An angry cry parted his
lips, and he started forward as thong 1 to force
a. retraction from the lips that were already
locked in death, but Bill Comstock stepped be-
fore him, saying, gently:

“The man is gone, pard. I reckon he was
crazy when he said that. [ know 'ou wouldn’t
’a.’ fetched him onless it mought e in a. fa’r,
man-to—nian fought,”

“I had pledged my word to keep the peace
with him. So far from doing him harm, I tried
to save his life. Look over yonder—b' the
black rock. You will find my game there, ’said
Hap )y Jack, coldly, though his eyes \\'_ere still
fille with a lurid fire.

Coinstoek uttered a joyful yell as he sprung
to the rock indiaitul, for there, in the shape of
a rough—clad man, now groveliin,r in a pool of
his own blood, he found what he believed would

rove the true solution of this terrible enigma.

e two soldiers and Happy Jack slowly ad—
vanced, and as the wounded wretch looked up,
the scout uttered a little cry. He recognized
Ben Watson, the decoy!

“ Keep a still" lip, pard—stick it out—I won't
peach!”

The words dropllxed from the, outlaw's lips in
snatches, and a ook of intense cunnng stole
over his face, while his eyes rolled wildly from
side to side. Comstock started. Bowen and
Obermeyer interchanged swift glmlces—but
1lila 3py Jack caught them, and his face flushed

0t .
“I’dOn’t know What you mean,” he uttered,
stoopin ' and endeavoring to lix Watson’s eye.

“ That shot you, I don’t deny ; but it was only
after you shot Captain Stone.‘7 ‘ 0
Sergeant Bowen now interposed. Ills tone

was grave. and there were traces of painful re-
gret upon his fluco.

“Gentlemen,” he said, though his eyes were
fixed upon those of the young; scout, “ this is a

very painful all'air—and one that must be
cleare( up, at whatever cost. I think I can
manage it. But first—sir,” and he extended his

hand to Happy Jack, “ I believe you are as in—
nncent as I of this crime.”

“You do me no more than justice, friem ,”
quietly replied the scout. “ As for your plan—-
all we want is the fmtlh.”

“ I know it, sir. Then lend me the iistol on
have in your hand. Thanks. See— mar it
with two crossos. Coinstock, will you mark that
one?” and the sergeant nodded toward the re-
volver lying beside the wounded outlaw. In si-
lence the scout pointed to the initials “ B. W.”
rudely cut upon the walnut stock.

“ Good! you see-this pistol—belonging to
Happy Jack—is Uolt’s Army pistol, while that
one is Navy size. One of these two weapons
must have killed Captain Stone. Unless the
bullet has passed entirely fhrou 7h his body, it
will not be hard to determine w ich weapon it
came from.”

A quick smile flashed across the scout’s face
but Comstock mlutterai something that sounded
very much like a curse. Sergeant Bowen turn-
ed toward the corpse, and Comstock spoke to
Jack in a quick, guarded tone:

“ They’s only two ag’inst us—I kin knock ’em
both over—everybody ’ll lay it on them In-

uns—
J “ Are you crazy—or drunk?” and Happy
Jack stared at his comrade in genuine astonish-

ment.
. “ Look here,” added Comstock, holdin up the
istol which had fallen from Ben atson’s
d. “ You see that?”

Happy Jack turned White as a snow—drift, as
he divmed the scout’s meaning, and for once in
his life he realized- the full meeting of the word
fear. His hand shook as he 39' the weapon
and closelyins ted it. There was no mistake.

wea. an. ad not been discharged I and
armmd tfe tube 14. n which the hammer rested
were small partic as of dust!

“ Quick—say the word—it’s you or them!”
hissed Bill Comstock, his eyes on fire, his mus-

cles uivering.

“ ever!” y responded Happy Jack, toss-
in his head roudly back. “I am innocent,
be ore God! will not—” -

“Then ’knowledge he threatened you—drew
fu’st; on bed to shoot him to save your life—”
“I id not—he never assailed me, nor I him.”

“ Sergeant’s found the bullet—wants on to
come an’ witness,” said Oberme er’s oarse
voice, and as the two scouts turn toward him
they caught asuspicious glance that brought the
hot blood to Ha py Jack 5 cheeks.

“Hark!” exclhimed Comstock, bending his
ear, “ somebody’s comin’—-I hear hoofsl Take
to kiver—” '

“ They are whites—I hear the jingle of so.-
bers,” interrupted Happy Jack, not moving.
“They must be friends; yet Martin could not
have gone and returned so quickly.”

bermeyer ran rapidl up the rocky hill and
peered over into the vafie beyond. h Then he
rose erect, and, with a lou cheer, swunghishat
above his head, then diaa ed:

Sergeant Bowen arose m beside the corpse
and said, with an air of relief:

“ Tho must be friends. We will wait. The
morn we have the better. The bullet

l is there—lodged just under the skin. A fowl“, tha
minutes will show.” corp:
Comstock sat down, moodin picking at th ,four
earth. There \vasa brief period of silence, the side.
with Colonel Markham at their head, a squado wardt
cavalry trotted up to the spot. From th "You
troubled l)0k upon the commander’s face, 119 rela
was evident that Obermeyer had spoken of t sad?”
tragedy. Upon the faces of the soldiers res Ha )pj
curiosity, but there were no traces of res )ect ' “ lei
the glances cast upon the dead man. His oomnt sh
duet in life had not been such as Wins eithene dec
love or respect from his inferiors in rank. ht sl
“ Your report, sergeant,” said Markhmn, di. ging
mounting. “ Obermeyer tells me that Capmi he bu
Stone was murdered." .ours.
Salutiuc, Sergeant Bowen briefly detailed thdolonol
facts so far as knoun. ,
“ (live me the weapons. You say they are
marked!" , ,
The isiols were handed him, and closely ex! FOR

 

 

aminee A nick glance toward the ace ,
told that he iml made the same discovery or
Bill Comstock, but without a word he turned or .8
where the corpse lay. One hand still clutch ,bedlel
the butt ofa istol. Markham gently uncinsp'liers 8
ed the stiffening fingers and held the weapon u
where all could see. It was richly ornament
and bore the peculiar monogram of the de.
man upon a plate set into the stock. A singl
chamber was discharged. The wen on was on I
of those cmnmonly called “ (.‘olt‘s - avy.”

" One word, Colonel Markham,” said Happ _
Jack, coldly. “I have been accused—wrong 8 _1"
fully, as God is my judgel—accused of murde BID
hm; that man. Before you investigate further
wish to make a statement. Sergeant Bowelllneim1
and myself were searching for a trail in tllt3l‘lOSAftl
valley beyond. “'9 came upon soft ground, and 0S01V
found that our game had not passed in that di-__
recrinn. and cut across that ridge to rejoin our-‘- 0139‘
comrades. Captain Stone and “'alt Oberme or W
were searching for the same trail in this val e Wk;
—Comstoek in the one just beyond. Sergeant P0“
Bowen fell behind—he had gotten some gravel “Y
in his boot, I believe. I passed on ahead. Just
as I passed around yonder large rock—the one,
with the three cedars upon it———I saw Captain
Stone arise from his knees and step forward,
calling sharpl to some person, at the same
time drawing is revolver. Then I caught sight
of a man—~he lies yonder, wounded; I saw him »
in the act of flrin at the ca tain, and, cover-
ing him, I fired. Iioth he am the captain fall.
I ran forward, thinking there were more ened [’3
mics near; but it seems there were not. Then,
Obermeyer came: and shortly after Sergeant
Bowen and Comstock.”

“How many shots were there fired?” asked
Markham.

“ I heard onlv two—my own and that of the
deceased. And yet—there must have been an-
other since he was shot.”

“ You were standing by that bowlder when
you fired?” -

“ Yes. Captain Stone was standing just
whirg he fell; the stranger was beside yonder
roc . 7

“You are positive that when you fired, the
deceased and the wounded man were. facing “3
each other?” -

“ I can take my oath to it, if necessary,” was
the Iprompt reply. .

’l‘ are was a sudden change in the colonel’s
face as HagpyJack made this answer: his
brow grew ark and his thin lips were firmly
com ressed as be advanced.

“ must request you to deliver me your
arms—” I .

The scout started back with a low cry. Com-
stock strode to his side, an ominous fire in his
tillack eers;kbiég tlllljs movement:i servgi to bring

a. py we 18 sense an en ushin
Bilfaside, he resigned pistsdl and knife): p g

“flanks. I hope soon to return them with
congratulations. A brief examination will
servelto prove who killed the deceased. Until
then—sergeant, this gentleman is under you:
char 6.” '

“ aka a break for’t, pard—I’ll kiver ya!” on,
gerly muttered Comstock. “Dodge ’mong the
rocks—”

“You, too, think me guilty, Bill?” and tin
accused smiled sadly. “I thought you knew
me better—” ’ ‘ ’

“The man as dar’say ou did it, or even
think 0’ sech a thing, 1’11 0 aw up like smoke!”
granted Bill, with an ugly glance at Bowen.

“If you could manage to knock me down,
sir,” dro pod slowly from the soldier‘s li , a! l
hee dpclosotoJack. “Strikehan'l an surd'
-—don t be afraid of hurting me—snatch my re
volver and run for it. It is your only chance

 
  
   
 
   

 
  

 

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__ ..._. a”. .naasnuaa‘szfiga -_8'§‘§2§22J;

—a moment’s delay will be too late.”

“ Are on both craz -—or am I?” in: tiently‘
uttered t e scout. “ r are on both league ‘
to make me appear guilty, w ether or no?” - ,

“ Will you swear that on are’innocent—that
you did not—I mean, co d it not have been that i
the bullet glanced, or something—”

“His blood is not 11 n my head by accident
“if? . midi t by” 33%.. ‘ "55;?" '

e . “ m Y Wu P Y !
q “I believe youl only—God t, that tho

 

 

 

murdererdid not use a pistol of the pane caliber
as yours, for if he did—l” _

 

.«u v“-

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‘ mfimfinmzfl‘nm' q»

The Long Haired

 

-  ’k‘fll‘im. ,
:r'r'  r-r ' .

 

   

 

P
A f6 tthat moment the little group surrounding
corpse re )orted. At a. signal from the colo-
8‘ at th , four 30h iers dismountod and advanced to
109» the, side. Signing for them to follow, lio strode
squad Olwurd the accused.
r‘om thflYou still persist in your statement as to
facey 118 relative positions of yoursell‘ and the dc-

”1 “f t sad?" he asked.
[‘5 1'83 Ha )py Jack bowed in silence.
‘ Tlieii I arrest you for willful mnrdcri

 
    

is lect ' ‘ The
Hisconjtml shot came from that boulder—it struck
is eithel.;e deceased beneath, and to the rear oi' his
{. ’ ht. shoulder passing through his body and
“In. (113% ging beneath the skin upon his left breast.
Captal he bullet came from the same size pistol as
' burs, Do our duty, iueii!" coldly exclaimed
.iled thtloloiicl Mar um.

hey are CHAPTER XXII.

‘ GROI’ING iN THE DARK.

tely 8x1 FOR one moment Happy Jack stood motion—
iccus 33, a. sort of dazed incrmlulity written upon
Very er feature. He Seemed to be listcniiiw 1-,.)
riled topm- s intended for somebody else. But  iii
,utchedlbedience to the Colonel’s orders, the feiu‘ sol—
ncinsptliers advanced to arrest him, his iimgiiifici-iit
pon u , inn suddenly Stl‘aig'llifllli‘d, his head was ilunu-
iente ' ioudly back, his face flushed hotlv and n (11,]:
e de erous light filled his eyes—us though, unnrmed,
shiglofie would defyr their power to arrest him for a
'as onejmime of whic 1110 was innocent. lint this lasted
’ . ' nly for an instant. Then the Scout bowed his
Flapp lead, his hands lun'lenclled, he was ready for
vrong evlllevli‘dtlilo.

urde 1Bill Coinsiock had missed nothing of all this.
‘therllior one moment he believed that his friend
lowemneant to resist arrest, and his brown fingers
in thejlosed ( Liickly around the smtk of his revolver,
(Land csolvec to full or stand beside his “pard.”
at di , hen he saw how J uck had almndonml the vain
11 cup: ope of resistance—and his resolve was prompt-
ne er: taken. He sprung swiftly before Happy
Ial e_ , ack, and drawing his revolch dropped them
geanl“ Don the ground at Coll incl Markhmn s foot.
revel. “You tellers is on the wroni: trail,” he. begun,
Just akiiig slowly and with a peculiar doggwlncss
9, one . at was impressive. in itself. “ ch never killed
ptain lith man—he couldn’t do ill—’t'iin’t in him. Eff
vard, you want to know who did it, l'm the man—

 

 

  

  
   
   
      
        
     
      
    
      

   

   
   
 

     
  
     
    
           
  

 

   

samo {l sw’ar by the Eternal that I th'. C'riji’n Stow /”
sight- A an of strong hands were placed 11 )Ol'l his
- him lsho ders, and turning his head, he met the gum
aver- of Happy Jack—a look that seemed to reach his
{91], very heart, a look full of strong affection, yet

one“ [an hing and quizzical. ’
[‘hen ‘ on mean well, old man, but it won‘t work.
may The bullet will not lit vour pistol, and it “1'11
« fit mine. I thank you all the some, but the best
sked.‘ thing you can do for mo is to wait—and let
; mutton; take their Course. [ask it, for the sake
‘ the' of old times, pard,” and he gently pushed Bill
1 am, 1'1) one side, in ding: “ I am your prisoner, colo~
n61; only—there. is one person here who can
vhen clear me, if he will. I mean the man lying yon-
der,” and he pointed toward Ben Watson, be.-
just,% side whom knelt a. little fat man, the surgeon
1d”; of the fort, and who at that moment hastily
the “A paper—directed to on air ” he said in
my. ~. Wei-w Colonel Markhanlf’s glande. “ He had
was ‘ With a. changing countenance Colonel Mark-
, ham read the messageT-the same which Hap y
as Jack had written 'while the prisoner of Ba y
his Tom. Strange as it may sound, he had almost
my _ forgotten the unexplained absence of his daugh-
ter, in the discovery pf the murdered man and
my. the best investigation which followed. Now

' be tame to He py J tack, and asked:

m. - “You wrote t is? What does it all man?”
his The youn scout _ vc a. hasty explanation, his
ng words creating no ittle excitement among his
ng auditors. Brief as had .n her residence at
, Fort Western her grace, her beaut and spirits.
m, . but above , her kind heart am; ready band
.111 had made her the idol of the boys in blue. But
m of them all, no one listened more intently than
u Ben Watson, and as he learned how utterly he
and his comrades had been duped by the scout

0 he mentally vowed a. bitter vengeance again
a, the man, even though in car; '11 it out he
' should find it necessary to seem ce is own ' e.
u i And unwilling to lose one moment’s time, he
v, , ~ i gave vent to a. hollow groan, contorting his face

1 as though in mortal agony.

a, . “I’m a-dyin’, an’ none 0’ you won’t help me!”
p- 116 gasped, as he saw that he had attracted at-

tention. “Do somethin’ to stop this awful are
inside 0' me!—’pears like I’m in hell u’reaxly!”
' * With a. warning glance at the colonel, Dr.
3.Burlbutt nodded toward the wounded wretch,
‘ " preternaturully grave. _
‘ _:‘Ihiive done all I can for you, Without in-
enta. There may be a. hope for your life
“if  our ,mind 1311?: rest. ’Il‘llgere 21315033 sacrfi:
. you. on co ass i ma.
bfifiwi’ée ‘iiobe’i-ly. 
i l I ain’t-flint while he’silookin’ at me,” gasp-
Od the decoy, casting a: swift glance toward
m lyegzcski. Muslims?“ dlway—whenmhis’
: _ ‘ . cor ‘
but‘whatheis -"’°’i.houm; m.” l” “
nn’I’ll—dsell all]: " I ' i .
' ' The efl'ort seemed to
closed. his breath came
orthy m mi

  

        

   
     
   

 
 
 

  
   
 

. aw» -

 
 

for VVatson’s wound, though severe, was b no
means mortal. Yet, deeming it advisab e to
learn the truth, by all means, he withdrew the
colonel to one side and made him understand
his plan. Markham nmldcd. and then motioned
for the men to full back, asking the two scouts
to accompany him for a moment. Drawing
them beyond ear—shot, lll‘ improved the oppor—
tunity in learning what had occurred since the
interrupted rabbitw'linsc. '

Meanwhile, lien “Vitson was pouring: l'oi'tli i
‘ his confession to the smrth d and sviiiidulizod
surgeon. 'l‘hc decoy was nothing,r if not dra—
iiiaiic. ‘Vith a better education he would have
made a superb sensational novelist—«and bettcr
than most, his stories, though impromptu, in
this case, bung well Vigether—thero \vcro no
ragged ends, no useless threads—Just enough
and nothin cut to waste.

He state that himsvlf and Happy J ark were
old friends, and had been eiigagml in more than
one pretty piece of work in the youis g1 mn by,
though for some time they hau been working
dill'crcnt leads. They had met that nivrht in the
valley, by accident, but while Miss Silarkhum
was sleeping, Happy JaA-k had revealed a bold
plan by which a large sum of money might be
made, without much risk. The lady was to be
held for i-aiisoiii. The preliminaries \vcre car-
ried out faithfully, the scout being treutcd as a
prisoner while luil'orc Miss Markham. lhitthcrc
was a plot within a plot. The twp—himself and
Happy Jack—“hall arranged to secure the Whole
suiii demanded as ransom for thei‘iimlvcs. Wat~
son was to carry the letter to the fort, Where it
was exiwctcd that the colonel would proiiiptl
act upon the information therein container.
Meantime, the scout was to steal Miss Mark—
ham ziwav from the others, and plum) her in a.
secure hi< big-place. Of course the other men
would take the alarm and flee for safety, the
cave would be found empty, and in time the fa-
ther would be forced to pay the money to Wat-
son. as demanded. ,He was to make tracks at
once, only setting up a signal which his partner
would understand. Then Happy- Jack was to
carry Miss Markham away to the rendezvous,
where, unless she would agree to become his
wife, she was to be used to extort still further
sums of money. '

“I see him airly this inornin’, an’ be told me
the gal war all safe, but wouldn’t say whar he’d
hid her. He said I must foller un’ watch the
fellch he was with, ’causc thur was a man—yen-
der he lays, bossl—n mun thnr as could an’
would 5 ’i'lo the play of he warn‘t wiped out. I
tried to Klg' olf, but—*1 cain’t explain lww, but
when he looks at me, I‘m jist like a machine—I
hain’t got the feelin’s of a man a-tall. I’ve got
to do jiist what he says. It’s some devil’s inedi-
Cll‘lfffinlellif'.” ” t d th _ _

agile ism, vcn ure a surgeon, W1 .1
his flushed brow. p ng

“ Mehbe—I don’t know. Anyhow, Isaid I’d
do it. I tried, but my cap bu’sted, an’ the teller
shot me! then he kcin out, an’ shot him from
over yonder. Thar! that’s the truth an’ noth-
In’ but the truth, so help nae—l" and the lying
wretch sealed his fiendish fabrication Witha.
solemn oath. .

Dr. Hurlbutt, never vei' acute, was thor-
ough] and utterly deceiv . Not that he be-
liev Watson was dying, but that he really
thought so, and the confession, though so horri-
ble, was so adroitly told that it sounded tar
more like truth than truth itself.

Brawl Colonel Markham aside, he hurried-
ly detaile What Watson had confessed, dec n-
ing the impression of its truth, tho h bly
unconsciously, by his method of spec. 3 about
it. From that moment Colonel Markham doubt ‘
ed no longer. All feeling of. ity, of regret,
vanished before a stern resolve punish to the
utmost limit of his power, the wretch who had
so basely plotted against the
ness of his idolized child. almost cursed
Eigself for the leniency he had thus far shown

In a. hoarse voice he ordered the soldiers go
make ready—40 cover the prisoner with their

angry oath from the li of Bill Comstock, who
sprung before his frieiids as though the threat-
ened volley should first pass through his br‘east.

“Sergeant Bowen.” added the oflicer, ad-

It he attem ta to

{misfit}? if an manninterferea, stand asi band
6 e

ea‘y figm—wlgkin jist lick the hull outfit!”

hissed Comstock, still standln _ betore Ea py

Jack, but than those hands put in aside u ’3

had once before, and the young scout vutte ,

 can serve me better-stay waiting, paid.
You know that some one kill him—seek him
out. ”l'1 too late to save, at least revenge me on

k said'not a ward. There was a
mooangemafiiiicniph his throat that would not let
him.

hands the th ‘
‘9 ground

vanes and bind the prisoner.

 
 

‘ Then he squatted down

and new experience
he felt so 

 

fiance. and happl- ,
e

 

carbines. He was obeyed in silence, save an‘ gull

he
v around t 'o rocky spur then

Hestondaside and sawka ertendhk.
dinghiatabein bothhands. ‘

.cmifederates appear, your irst duty Wl

06ml
. in,

J.

 

cnlincst person within the little valle . and his
voice sounded clear and self—coiituinm as be ad
dressed Colonel Markham:

“ May I ask why you have so suddenly——-”

“Ask nothing~but toll me, where have you
hidden my daughter! Tell me, I say—l”

" If she is not at the cave, I do not know—"

“A lie! you have hidden her away—your

iui'tncr in the foul plot has confessci every—

‘hiiig. Tell me what I have asked or by the
living Eternal! I will tear you limb iii-om limb l”
raged the otllcer, fairly frantic.

“Sir, [on lie when you aniline a. liar. Until
you how: apologized for that lie, Iwill not speak
another word," uttered Happy J lick, in a. low,
stci'n voice.

Dr. I-Iurlbut‘t now interposed, whisperin a
few words in the colonel’s car. With a. visi )lO
effort, Markham choked down his rage, though.
it was several moments are he could speak.

He called forth the names of six men, and us-
thc soldiers advanced, he continued:

“ You will remain here, and guard the prison—
er. If he attempts to esca ,c, or it any olij.’ his

6 to»
blow his brains out. Otherwise, await my ro—
turii. Sound boot and saddle, there! You,
Coinstock, will guide us to this cave—l’

“I’ll see you d——d fust—aii’then I won‘t!”
bluntly iiiterruptcd Bill. “Not one lick (i! work
do you git out 0’ me while you keep my purd,
tliar. tied iip-"

“ Do you wish me to place you under arrest
Sir?" V

“ You kin order—but tliar’ll he (wrlve men g3
under fust—(m’ you‘ll be flu' fust to laid t
mail," and us he spoke, Cornstock drew and;
coc 'ed his revolvers. “Treat him like a. white
man, an’ I’ll do what ve like. Take his Jaimie,
ontio his hun’s, un’ we’ll both try to me. (c this
’erc muddle out. Ef not—thou you don't git
nothin‘ out 0’ (his Chicken softer nor lead pilk
~—you hear nu: l’" 5 l

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE LOST TRAIL.

.va: scene was a peculiar one—a single man
apparently defying three-score. Squattiiig up
on the low bowider with a cocked and half—lev-
eled revolver in each hand, his dark, Indian-like
face bearing a hard, dogged expression, his
small, black eyes alone betraying any excite-
ment, Bill Comstock awaited the answer to his
bold defiance.

Colonel Markham, though very an , wan
conscious of a. feeling of admiration ‘or the
scout’s blind, unreasoning devotion tobis friend, ~
and hesitated to utter the word that could only
preci itate the bloodshed which he wished to
avoi , if possible. And yet, he did not see how
he could overlook the pointed challen e of the
scout without positive injury to his uenco
and discipline.

At this moment Hap y Jack, his arms boun
passed over to where ‘omstcck crouched, an
spoke rapidly, earnestly:

“ If you are really anxious to nerve me, Bill,-
you must drop the trail you are on, and
up the right one. You promised to hunt out
the real murderer—how can you 1:33! your word
if you butt your brains out iii a rock that
you can pass quietly around If on want to
serve me. find Miss Mar aka. up the

    
  
   
  
    
   
   
    
    
   
   
   
  
   
    
    
  
  
      
  
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
   
   
  
    
   
   
     
  

kliam.
trail for these men, do the best you know, and
trust to time for the reqt. Bay on will do this.
,——there is no other man here w 0 would have
one eye for mv interest, while working (when.

    
       
        
       
   
     
  
   

You will ‘go—as a. favor to me, 'dl x
“I‘d ofo'h—l itself, at you 33d inc Jack—A , :
that! the dust!” and Bill wmkea lilting-yes. ' .
savagelv. “’F on tellers ’s ctine to tr far ,
ye, you‘dbeat ck up your egs mighty lively .
~iouhhw’ii Co stock run up the 
s e
not cutma singe alliance backward. , . ,
Colonel Bfarkham hesitau'd fora nioment. and '
there was a curious egressmn of mingled doubt,
and regret upon: his cc as he glanced at the-
prlaonorg'sllio had qguiflretumedto historian

   
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
 

        
        
   
 
   
 
 

  
  

position do his . Could this mambo .
t 'of cheold- loqded clinics! And yet- . ,
why ad t e'man,bchevinghimsel£to buhfl
his, thnhad he accused the prisoner, if in]:
dthe proofotthem when

E ' I .
p With an effort the colonel brushed aside that ‘
reflections. and bidding Sergeant Bowen remit).
“in‘command of the guards ,and their prim,
into the saddle‘and rode mantel]; ,

0 on

 
    
 
 

   
  

 
    
   
      
   

 

{gt-suit or Comatock, w chad y any 
broken trail and was following it It a long;
swift, loplng stride. ' ' ~‘ ‘ 
‘There was little. difficulty alter this for tht
trail was deep and broad, and within the bout \
Comatock paused pt the foot ot'tho “centiwhhby '
lediothecavemmthehlll ‘- ’ " '

       
   

Colonelnm, hamaprun, gbomtheladdltnnd
led the“! in , , en ‘thejcavu-n
without Walden; But here ‘ , .

pram until materials.ch be
. ‘ W‘aflre.’tornomwuld tellwhut.
,1W,,"fib4°m by 

torches

  
 

 

WWW:  ‘1?“ I

'0

so

20

~. Dime Library.

 

“xv-V

Though it was found untenanted by other than
their own party, there were scattered around
ample evidences that the retreat had not long
been abandoned.

Comstock had not entered the cave, but
busied himself looking for “ sign.” not without
success. He found where the outlaws had kept
their horses, and found, too, where Simoom and
the little chestnut mare, which Kate Markham
had ridden had been tethered. He followed
their trail backto the front of the cave, and
when Colonel Markham returned, he pointed
out two small footprints upon a bit of moist
ground.

“Them was made by your daughter. The
man with those big boots on, lifted her onto her
critter—the same mar’ which she rid that day
back yonder. Does that look like my pard stole
her away las’ night? An’ he with us as airly as
midnight?”

“ You think then, that that fellow lied? That
m child is still with this party?” asked the colo-

ne.

“ I know he lied—an’ if he lied in one thing,
wh not in the hull 5’ Jack never had no more
to o with killin’ Cap’ Stone then you; did—not
I. dumed bit I”

“ I wish I could believe it—but the proof! the
widence is so strong—"

“Look here, boss. I kin prove he was with
as steady from midnight, last night. Now call
out any one 0’ our men as knows anythin’
about trailin’. x him what time them tracks
was made, afore dew-fall or a’ter dew-fall. I kin

rove that the dew fell ‘est afore da fa’rly
roke—come down most 1 e a rain. ow that
cuss back ender said my ard kerried off the
al afore e j’ined us, fullp twenty mile from
Putt two an’ two together; that’s all I
ax.”

Colonel Markham said nothing, though Bill
saw that his arguments were not lost, and he
once more took up the trail, following it steadily
and without a break until reaching the point
where the outlaws had separated.

A brief scrutiny showed him that Simoom
and the chestnut mare had not arted company,
and that fact decided him whic trail to follow.
Five minutes later he halted, and at his signal,
Colonel Markham advanced.

Comstock pointed to where the visible trail
ended, then to several threads of woolen stuff
scattered around.

“ The 'ig’s up, boss. The varmint’s putt
blanket-s 065 on the critters. Nothin’ shorter’n
a four-ls ed hound could foller ’em now,”
quietly sai the scout.

“It must—it shall be followed!” cried the
father, half-frantic with fear and suspense.

“Them’s big Words—easier to say than to live
up to,” was the deliberate response. “ It mought
he did say a man crawled on his two knees an’
nosed his way, so to s -—ef he had plent 0’
daylight an’ nothin’ e se hendered. But loo —
the sun is down, an’ wum: you see them
clouds? We'll have a rain afore day, sure as
Ihootin’. You kin guess how much trail that’ll
leave.”

A bitter groan burst from Markham’s lips as
he read the truth of the scout’s words. Fate
seemed against him in every shape.

“Find my child—find her, and you shall
have all you ask. I will give you a thousand
dollars— ’

“I’d do it at I could—not for your money,
though, but ’cause he axed me to. Ef thar was
a. show, I'd stick to it but that haiIi’t. Thar’s
only two things on ‘ do. Send your men
out to hunt the hi 5 through; or pay the money
as that bit 0’ aper told ye. Onless—mebbe you
could wring t e truth out 0’ that wounded cuss.
He must know whar the rest was boun’ fer.
Putt him in my han’s—let me hev my own way,
an’ I’ll squeeze the hull truth out 0’ him of man
kin do it ’l

The sun had set. The black, threatenin
clouds Were ra idly overspreading the sk , an
there was not he east ssibility of flndin the
trail that evenin . Remtantlyenou hCo nel
Markham gave 1: 9 order to retrace t eir steps.
‘Comstock rode beside him, two of the soldiers
“ doubling up ” for the occasion; and the scout
earnestly urged the caseof his friend. The colo-
nel seemed impressed, but finally said:

“ He has been accused of murder—he must
stand his trial. It shall be a full and impartial
one, and if he can prove his innocence no man
will be more leased than I. But—if he is found
guilty, thogfil he were my own son, he should
suffer the penalty! I can listen to nothing
more. though I honor your fidelity to your
friend." '

By the time they reached theOhttle valley
where Ca tain Stone had met his death the
darkness ad become intense, and Colonel
Markham ave orders for the company to go
into camp for the night. ~The horses were se-
curely tied, though feed there was none.
several fires were kindled, and thered
around these, the soldiers munched t en- dry
rations at their ease. Comstock gained the
colonel’s permission to keep Happy‘Jack corn-
:pany on pledging his honor not to aid the pne-
roner in any manner to esca .

The two friends conve in whispers, engor-
and seemingly persuasive on Bill’s part, while

Happy Jack, though his voice was peculiarly
soft and even affectionate appeared to be
steadily refusing to grant domstock’s request.
The guards remained where they could see ev—
ery motion, by the red glare of the fires, but
not so near as to interfere with the privacy of
the conversation.

As the evening wore on, the wounded man,
Ben lVatson,ap arentl grew worse. His head
rolled uneasily ii‘om si e to side, and he began
to rave—uttering broken sentences, giving
vague hints of a dark and troubled past, utter-
ing words that caused little Doctor Hurlbutt’s
eyes to protrude with genuine horror, used as
he was to such scenes.

“I shouldn’t wonder if the wretch—why, just
think!” he spluttered, addressing the colonel,
while inspectin r his pocket-case for a soporific.
“ If what the fe low says is true, he’s murdered
his own father and mother—and the rest of the
family, for all I can say!”

It was with difficulty that he administered
the drug, and the greater ortion of it was
spilled, but the portion swallowed by the a-
tient seemed sufficient. The ravings adua y
grew less frequent, the restless hea became
$iet, and an hour later the doctor pronounced

atson aslee , though greatly exhausted.

“I fear he” i never be able to bear transporta-
tion to the st, and yet—I can hardly under-
stand itl he wound should not be so den or—
ous. It has cut no important artery, it
missed all vital organs—unless it has taken a
diagonal course from striking a bone. If I
only had my tools—”

But no one listened to the worth if prosy
little doctor’s words. Colonel Mar ham was
too deeply concerned about his child, the men
were too wear and slee y. Four men were
placed on ar , to be reheved at stated inter-
vals, and t en, seeking such shelter man the
rocks as they could from the driving win and
threatening rain, the remainder composed them-
selves to sleep.

For some time Happy Jack and Comstock
conversed over the mysterious events of the
past day, striving in vain to see their way
through the cloud that enveloped them, but
their fati e and broken rest asserted their
claims, an side by side they lay down and in a
few moments more were sleeping as soundly as
though trouble and danger were not.

The storm held off until past midnight; then
the low rumbling of thunder broke the silence,
and quick flashes of lightning pierced the black-
ness. A huge drop of rain, cold as ice-water
struck upon the neck of the ard, and arouse
his droo )ing senses. A vivi flash of li htning

instant the sentinel caught a glimpse of a hu-
man figure stealing Silently away. With a
sharp cry he raised his carbine and fired.
Instantly the cam was aroused, and as he
rugg to his feet, olonel Markham shouted
a on :
“ Look to the prisoners—shoot the first one
that attempts to escape!”
But he was too late. The mischief was done!

CHAPTER XXIV.
BLACK HOLLOW.

STRAIGHT ahead rode Baby Tom. a broad
smile upon his face, and a soft chuckle playin
up and down in his bi throat, as he recall
how adroitly he had “ Iayed ” his captive. He
looked little like a. ru an, save for his free and
eas style of dress. A little soap and water, a
litt e judicious trimming of the thick, curling
beard and hair, would have discovered a comely
if not handsome face, by nature filled full of

cod-humor and blunt honesty—and weakness.
Time was when Thomas Bascom might have
been pointed out as a. model farmer neighbor
and husband; but whisky and cards 0 anged all
this, until now he was outlawed for more than
one trangression of the law, was driven to live
by the strong hand, to sleep beneath the black
shadow of a dangling rope:

Choking down her emotions, Kate Markham
covert] watched the movements of the party
she h discovered, and once when Baby Tom
turned his head away she ventured to wave her
hand toward them, oping against hope that
they would understand her ap a1. Then, as if
by magic, the horsemen vamshgd as utterly as
though the earth beneath their feet had opened
and swallowed them up.

The succeeding ten minutes were full of pain.
ful suspense to Kate for Baby Tom, though
clearl unsuspecting the Vicinity to be occupied
by ot er than himself and captive, had chan ed
his course until heading almost. directly for he
spot where the strangers had disa peered. And
her heart gave awil bound as t 8 four horse-
men suddenly spurred into VleW, uttering loud
cries as they dashed forward.

Baby Tom wrenched both horses to a stand-
still as though about to seek safety in flight, but
a single lance showed him the truth, and With
a glad c car he rode forward to meet his
friends, for these mere the men whose absence

 

was spoken of by Bsscom while freeing
Happy Jack. /

In a few hasty words Baby Tom we them a
synopsis of all that had . and their

 

reasons for seeking a. new lair. owing the

rendere all around distinct as day—an inthat.

 

v 11

value of caution, the men dismounted and 
fully muflied the hoofs of their horses hymn. 11
turned to bear the giant company to Black H u are in
low- . “the wors
The time thus consumed was of great bene utter 5m
to‘Kate. Her hopes had soared so high. Whom 1 ,
reality had proved so bitterly disappointinulw and
that without those few minutes for regainlrosé fierce
her composure, she must have given way entirt. You m
1y. As it was, the remainder of her long ri ins you’
was little better than a blank. She was c “I am V
scious of rapid, steady motion, but that was artha a
The day was fully two-thirds spent when n as h'er
little cavalcade came to a halt beside a narro I. you u
but swift and turbulent stream that seemed you)“
find birth beneath a gloomy, frowning mass 330115 it
rocks and shrubbery, above which, almost ey only
pendicular without break or passage, towe (may as
the white face of a mountain. ut, he—I
“VVe’re ’most to home, miss,” uttered Ba on were
Tom as he dismounted and lifted Kate from h hi \Vhfl
sad e, “Thar’s a nasty bit to cross, yit, b e?” and
you kin trust me to take you throu h all sa “Thou
0ndly—it’s for our own good; you’ git skc oney f1
ed an’ most like y pitch us both into the drink  posse:
an’ I reckon a feller could go clean through 51‘s, we
thrashinl—Inachine an’ come out in better 11' For se
than he would through them rocks!” 'uined
Kate instinctive] shrunk back asshe saw ' the 8:

w1'-

propose to blindfol her eyes, but at the ten utlaws
of his brawny hand she saw the folly of attein the tr
ing resistance, and sively submitted to h “ I ov

fate. Bidding his f0 lowers look after the an eeping
mals, Baby Tom raised the maiden in his arm ansoni
and passed up the stream, pressing the leaf to a, '
screen as though about to attem t to scale th‘ orse t1
precipitous rocks. But instea , before h’ , “But,
yawned a black  throu h which thi “Nm
swift waters rush wi a ho ow, rumbl‘ oice is
roar. This opening somewhat resembled t “er,
mouth of a huge river. The roof and sides we Bard t
of solid rock. Close to the edge of the water is wag
a narrow ledge, damp with spray and slim ' en
Along) this precarious trail, shrouded in almo berg hi;-
i lackness, Baby Tom moved slowly, feel iving,
ing '5 way foot by foot, knowin that a. single he w<
misstep, the slightest slip, w d preciJita eavini
them both into t e swirling watersto an a mo can E
certain death amon the many sunken rock, knov
and bowlders. An , stout though his nerveqthe tn;
were, the giant gave a long breath of relief 23%ur w;

 

the faint glimmer of daylight ahead gre los
stronger and he emerged into a long, narro ow-
valley. , “ Y
Very appropriately had it been christeneaness‘.”
Black Ho ow, for a more gloomy place couldglation
scarcely have been found out in the open air. “V\
The narrow valley was almost completely roofJ are a:
ed in with the black and somber pines and fir: jam
that shot out from either side of the divided use i
mountain. Only when the sun was directly They
overth could its yellow 1i ht penetrate th upon
secrets of the hidden Valle . 0 day was twi Th
1i ht the night utter blac ness. befox
a y Tom pressed through the dense shrub vent
bery until he reached a small clearing in which dart
stood several underbrush huts. Beside one of ham
these he used, and removing the bandan dark
from Kate 3 eyes bade her enter. In silences 0 ing I

obeyed, and as the brush-wattled door was tha,
closed behind her she sunk wesrily upon the ban
ineleaf littered floor, her spirit utterly broken A 1
yanxiety and fatigue. A few moments later 6
she lay sleeping heavily. “
When she awoke there was a. tiny fire glowing! Ma
in the center of the but, and beside it crouched. tun

Martha Bascom, who raised her head with t '11!
wan smile as Kate started from her slumbers. 11!

“Not a word!” cautiously uttered the we
man, with a swift glance toward the door.
“ Listen, but do not speak. First, you must eat fill
this bread and meat—I cooked it for you my;
self, while you were sleeping. Iwish there was . eh
some tea or coffee, for you will need all your sl<
strength; but this and water must serve. Eat so
—then I will tell you all.” to

Kate’s sleep had served one good purpose ' so
since it restored her appetite, and after the first cl
taste she ate as thong she had been starved re
for da 5. Martha Bascom watched her in si- ,
leuce, ut with an approving light in her eye,
pressm bit after bit upon Kate until the maidv
en coul eat no more.

Martha arose and o nin the door glan
swiftly around her. ve were burm'
within the little clearinga yet their light W.
barely sufficient to rose the thick wall of
vines and shrubbery beyond. Yet, far above,
a thin line of sky was visible, and Kate knew
that it was not et night in the outer world.

Around the _ es were lying a dozen or more
men, some talkin and smoking, others sleeping.
Satisfied that were there, Martha Bascom
closed the door and drew Kate to the center of
the but. They sat down close beside the dying
fire, and spoke in low, guarded whispers.

“I have learned much since we parted,” bo-
gan Martha, “more than enough to break my
heart, had I any left. It was turned to stone
long ago, and I am glad now. Hush! listen, but
do not speak. There are wicked devils around 7
us, and their careers long and sharp. I can
see that you doubt me—you think me crazy, as
others have—but I’m not; the worse for moi
There—enough of that! It is of you we mat I
think. Youaroindanger here—gent danger. -,

N's'm-..iu.4m-ifl at!-

 

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:53: The Long Haired ‘Pards.’

ml and  ’~;
 n t your life—«that is safe perhaps, but worse.

 

u are in the reseiice of lawless men—and he
.8” benei‘the worst. ‘od pity moi that I should live i
) M h h utter such words about my husband—lie for i
,p )ézin‘tinhom I gave all—home, parents, my ver
_ r1 . . ill!” and the woman pressed both hands a -
eg‘“ 0le fiercely upon her forehead.

 

(Vii 16mm“ You are ill—do not speak any more since it 1
, “Hg 5‘ ins you,” said Kate, gently. ,
at was , “ I am well—I W111 not give Wa again," said

artha, and indeed she up are another per-
n as her will asserted itse f. “ I must speak,
r you must know the dan or that threatens,
your heart may fail you. on were told their
most asons for capturing you, and I believe that
’ to» ' ey only intended to extort a large sum of
r “9 oneyas the price of your freedom—at first.
red 8 glut lie—my llusbnndfhas eyes, and he saw that
’ {m ‘1 ou~were very beautiful. t is hard to say——
I #13th what am I that the truth should frighten
'lv g’fi : a?“ and the woman laughed, low but bitterly.
.t in , “Thomas Bascoin has resolved to extort this
glnfimney from youijfather, and still keep you in
h 1 uspo$ess10n. Hist! if your cry reaches their
rough BIS, we are lost!"
ether 11  several; liliinutes the two women maili-
l V _ nine r cc 81 once, then the elder one o len-
5““ hflxl the 33m to reconnoiter. All was quiet. {The

; 6 ton ‘utlaws seemed unsus iicious
. . and she r tn (1
dttteomf%i the tremblin r maiddn. , t me

? When
a narro
seemed
g moss

“I overheari them talkin while on were

1:32:11 eeping. You are not to begset free {vhen the

he I lii'aiisom money is paid, but are to be frightened

cal 9“ into a marriage with him, by threats of still
9 t 'orse treatment—”

E";  ‘f But—you are his wife—~” ‘
1c b..' "‘Now—but I would not be, then. A sin 1e
I131 ‘t clce is easily hushed—a simple push into t e

I liter, and the rocks would do the rest. I over-
es "fiaeard them talking it all over. If I stand in
3' T" is way I must oto the wall. He saidas much
$12036 . And t at is wh I am here. It mat-
,”Jmo rs little what becomes 0 ale—better dead than
iving, perhaps. But still there is enough of
, . he woman left alive in me to fight against
315"“ caving him to be happy with another woman.
a m can save you, and I Will, if on will trust me.
‘ r know this place well, I can end you through
HGWG'the tunnel, and once outside we can easily fmd
' 91 “our way to your friends. But there is no time
STBW'to lose. 8 must escape to-night, if at all.
"POWNow—one word. Will on go with me?”
d “ Yes—and may God )less you for your kind-
E’anessl” sobbed Kate, terrified at the black reve-
cou‘ldllation. -
_n air. “ We have only to wait, then, until the men
r00f are asleep. I have secured enough food for our
journey, and have weapons, if we are forced to

i. ding]

 

 

_Vld use them. Now lie down—pretend to sleep.
ectl _ They may suspect something, and come to spy
e 3h upon us.’
itWi Those were long and weary hours that passed
before Martha Bascom deemed it prudent to
"1113' venture forth u n their trul hazardous un-
Ihlch dertaking, but it seemed we when hand-in-
ie of hand they ventured forth from the hut. The
da darkness was intense save close around the dy-
e s a ing camp-fires, but as if guided by instinct Mar-
Wan the Bascom led the way toward the ri\ er, the
. the bank of which was amed without interruption.
Jken fipargntly the on aws considered themselves
liter 0 Without the precaution of keeping ard.
We must cross the river here,” W ' red
Vin“ ManhaiBascom. “There is no path alon the
flied. tunnel upon this side. The water is not eep,
.h I not here, though very swift. We can pass
ii. 151: easily, 1 you are only cool. and steady-
wo- nerv . Keep close to nae—hold fast to my
)or. dress, and there is no danger. Remember what
out , fate you are leaving behind!”
ny‘ Kate made no re ly, but did as directed. The
mlw elder woman bol y entered the water and
in: slowly tgrossed forward, though the current ran
But so sw1f y that it tested their strength severel
U to avoid being swept from their feet. Thong
Ie‘ ‘ so narrow, it was a long and toilsome task, thii
rs crossing, and Martha Bascom uttered a sigh of
8d relief as she drew near to the other shore.

31' ; At that moment a sharp challenge mnfilfortb
'0. from directly in front—and then a. b ' dinfi
dv flash filled their eyes.
A wild, piercing shriek rung in Kate's ears.
: and she to t the dress torn from her grasp. She
reeled—her feet sli pod upon a slim rock—the
I Swift current whiriiad her from her ooting, and
>1 with a scream of terror, she felt herself swept
3. into deeper waters and hurled alo With fright”
1' . £1111 velocity tfiough thteheilpky b acknessmnl;
0 . r c — came 8- OWE
_ blow—emf“ wag albinnkl

CHAPTER XXV.

SLOWL? and N6 A'imtfii do find nights
W

on my e y altered

Wit

loo

 

   

 

 

  
 
  
 

'5 31053 to the four Occupants sh
_n the little cavity in the rock wall over-
. the oval valley within which the White
Sioux ‘plaoedhis braves in ush. The
lone and him! gallop from Crooked Valley had
tly aggravated the wounds of Kenekuk,

t o younéawanior, and for many a weary hour
Eunora, sister, crouched beside him. «icing
brave battle With death with the mtg;- p -
.‘ancesnt _ seemingnnoouciousof fl
mlycowanhng to. close her eyes when
 change for the better-{smaller skill

   
  
  
 
 
  
     

   
 

 

 



said that the crisis was list—that Kanokuk
would not die upon his firs war—path.

It was the third day after the White Sioux
had left them to ride on to the aid of his people.
Throughout that day the sun had beaten down
hotly upon the rocks, and the atmosphere with-
in t o rocky (ion was almost stilling. l‘lunora
had moved her patient close to the entrance,
and now sat beside him. The two braves were
slee iiig soundly beyond.

“ isten, sister,” and Keiiekuk would have ‘
lifted his head only for the little brown band
that gently missed him back. ‘f I can hear the
trampling oi‘ lllll's(‘S.-i)lll‘ father is returning!"

Eunora made no reply iii words, but carefully
parting the leafy screen, she period eagerly up
the valley. The sound of hoof-strokes upon the
ilility ground grew (-li-uror and more distinct—
thona small (-avalcndo rounded the turn and
rode into full View. No Indians were they—one
glance told the dusky maiden so much. But
why did her 03 es dilate—her lips part and turn
pale.)- that caused that sharp, painfullmoau!

Kenokuk looked at her idling face ill won-
der—then painfully lifted llS bend until he too
could look out upon the valley and its occu—

alits. He saw seven horsemen trotting steadi—
y through the valley. He saw that six were
well armed—but the seventh? Instead of bear—
ing weapons, this man’s handswere bound be-
hind his back—a stout mp: led from ankle to
ankle beneath the horse’s lly. A prisoner—-
'et the proudest, kinglicst man among them all!

all and erect, his proud head rising its own
hight above those of the men who led him cap-
tive. And a low exclamation parted Kelle-
kuk’s lips as he recognized the man who had so
adroitly baffled the plans of the White Sioux on
the do. of the festival.

Ast ou hthe exclamation was loud enough
to reach is ears, one of the six men cast a
quick piercing glance upward as his mustang
bore him b . nstinctively the young brave
drew back, at his hand was powerless to move
Eunora. As though fascinated, her eyes never
withdrew until the escort and their prisoner

ed near the mouth of the lass.
. ou saw him?” asked Keno uk, as the
maiden bowed her head u ion her hands. “ The
man who looked fip as t e rode last? He is
a_great brave! e shoul be a e ’1d of the
Sioux.”

“ I saw him not, brother,” and Eunora lifted
her head, a strange fire in her wonderful eyes.
“I saw but the brave whoSe hands Were tied;
and as I saw that, my mind went back to the
black moon when the spotted death stole into
the lodges of our ople, to the do when we
were at war With t o e-faces an there was
none among our poop e to send for the great
medicine that alone could cure them—none but
Eunora. She alone among the s uaws could
talk the white man’s tongue, an to send a,
brave would only be to send him to his death.
So the great chief our father, badeher go, and
Eunora obeyed. She rode Without pause until
her horse fell dead. She ran on, carrying the

16. that was to buy backthe lives of her people.
Elie bought the medicme—and a stout horse to
hear her home. But as she rode own from the
big lodge, flve pale-faces met her. heir blood
was hot with the fire-water that had stolen
own their brains.

“ hey spoke black words to Eunora, and
when she sou ht to pass them by, thei‘dragfid
her from her orse, though one of the num :-
felt the sharp point of her knife bite deep into
his black heart. Eunora stru gled, but death
and worse than death would we been hers,
only the Gieat Spirit sent her aid. Like an
angel of li ht another white face rode up—
struck sw‘ t and sure and Eunora was free.
Eunora thanked him—her words came hot from
her heart, and he spoke soft words to her and
bound up her hurts, while his friend stood by
laughing. He can ht the runaway ham, and
oflered to ride wit her. but she remembered
her 0 1e and his people were at war, and
than e him. I

“ From that day to this. my brother, his face
has been in my heart—but never, until now, did
his face meet my hungry eyes. And now—hi8
life is in danger—for t t was he that rode be-
fore us, a prisoner!” ,

“We are but four—one a squaw, one a crip-

lel what can we do? Keneltuk would ‘ve
his life for the brave pale-face, if that woul set
him free. ”

“He saved Eunora—sbe will save him, or
die,”_softly uttered the maiden, her big eyes

(5

 
  
  
  

glowmg.

“ If our father was here—bitterly as he hates
the white faces, he would dare anything to y
the debt which his child owes this yellow-han
chief. ,He may come in time—Leapah can go to
meet him—”

“The White Sioux is mi h , but can he ride'
over the big fort out you or NO' there must
be some other 'way, and Elmore. find it, or

die at his side. .’
Kenekuk at the face of his
hough

sister, but d not speak. I

white father and half-white mother

 
 

   
 

.ofa.

    

 

been reared among Indians, and had ,
their  on one,

 honor .1 _ _
f

 

 

unable to stand alone, much less aid another
he could not attempt to dissuade his sister from
the resolve she had taken.

Only for a few minutes did Eunora remain
quiescent. Then she awoke Leapiih, and briefly
bade him transform her face as thoroughly a:
paint and pigments would do it. In silence be
obeyed, not even allowing his stolid features to
expressthe curiosity he undoubted] ' felt;
few moments his work was done.
ruthlessly toro off the rich ornaments from her
dress, cutting and soiling the soft fawn-skin
until it hung around her in u 1y rags. Mois-
tening‘ her hands, she rubbed black paint and
dirt upon her hair until its rare glory was ob~
scurei . Then, bidding the two braves keep
close watch and ward, sbo silently pressed her
lips to the forehead 01’ her brother and noisolm
l y stole down the rocky wall.

She passed down the valley, ausing at tho
entrance and gazing steadily att ie fort. It lny
silent and rim—seeming] devoid of life. Bul
she knew t lat it containe her heart, and with'
out faltering slie advanced toward the build‘
iilg. ' '

At nearly the same moment a sin le max.~
emerged from the big gate, and strode orwurd
as thou 'h to meet her. Thou rh her heart throbv
bed big 1, Eunora did not ositate. A deep
glow filled her eyes as she recognized the man.
It was Bill Conistock, the scout, and she knew
that lie was coming to moot her. She used
but the ea or look u )0“ the scout’s face 0 ngmi
to one of doubt an disappointment as he drew

near.

“ Wa—al I ber—durned!" and he stared in o n~
mouthed astonishment. “’Poars like the ulI
creation is turned outside inl I came to find 3
angel an’ she’s turned—-” _ .

“Then Double-aye is not quite. blind? H.
can See the face of a friend when it comes M
fore liinl’!”

“ I saw you. back yonder—that‘s what I came
out alone fer. But it takes two good looks to no.
you now I”

“The Indian girl can see better. Her oy-
can look back and see two men who were
friends and brothers. And to—day she saw the
same men one bound with stout cords, the other
ridin by him with rifle and pistol, readyth
his 1i 8—”

“Ef you was a man, I'd dreen your heart
dry fer them words,” interrupted Comstock,
his eyes leaming, his voice husky With emo-
tion. “ ven a squaw cain‘t say ’em two-
mind that I” , I

“lie was bound, you were free. There war
but five others. ‘ Yet the man you called broth}:
was carried to the fort, and the trail was as big
at the end as at the beginnin .”

“ It wouldn’t ’a’ bin only e swore moto lies
the peace—he said had cuss me of I ’toin
to set him free. What could I do?‘ A dozen
times I vs him the ohaince to run fer life
while I opt them back—but he wouldn"
do it,” and in as few words as possible Com-
stock told Eunora exactly how the case stoad.

“Thar’s onl one chaince for liim-sence liq
won’t take no. 81% from me. That varniint giv’
us the all , in t 6 big rain. We looked on“
s’archeda oneda , but the trail was washed
3W“ 9 811’ we con] n’t find him. He knows the

trut , an‘ of I could find him I’d wrin it out o' .

him of I bed to skin him alive. But I go of!
to s’arch for him, who’ll look over. my

lie hain’t no friends thar—none but me,’ do-
Jectedl added Bill.

“Te lne whatthis man is like, an,
above ground, I will have him found,‘ q, ‘
said Eunoro. V -

Comatock gave a careful description 09“
Watson.

“ He shallbe found. You must make all the
dela you can. If you can talk with Sky-eyes,
bid im not despair. Say that true friends are
working for him. If one plan another
must succeed. Tell him from me that he must
live to prove his innocence and uniiih his foot.
Say that none but cowards int own uietly to
die the undeserved death of a. dogs. I I could
onlymsee him—do you think there _ an chance
oft t?’Eunorandded,eagerlonging linghcr
e as

y“Pi-i1 steal-d not,” was the slow reply and a
shade of sorrow .over the scou ‘5 face
that was not all born of the peril of his friend,
ashe saw how wholl the maidon’s heart was
occupied by Hal-13y salt. “The old man give
mi hty strict o

     
  

era—indeed he told them un-
be own to me, that they mustn't even 1 m
use the lad alone! That’s what they told me in
yonder, but I pulled this ,” tapping the butt
of his revolver, “an’ t cowards swallcred

   
 

my password, an’ never once opened their heads ‘ 1‘

’inst it. But with you—I don’t know. You
n'come tomorrow. Well, I'll do what I
but don’t count too much on’t. ’Bout that
liar—you’ll hav him hunted u l” ,
Themaidon nodded lmpa ently. ,/
E 1m”, he will be m be
»— worst comes We in
our friend
. shothf that is
the— thooxecn
fort; If

   
 
 

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en Eunoru ‘

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22

Dime Library.

  

 

 

of the grave. Eunora is but a squaw—but her
voice is powerful enough to insure him life,
there.”

“You mean a charge—Injuns—” eagerly be-
gan Bill.

“If you know nothing, you cannot be
charged with plotting arainst our people. Do
what I say, and all wil be we 1. Go, now; but
to—morrew. Tell your
brother that the Indian girl has not forgotten——
that his kindness is here—in my heart!”

Then, as though afraid to trust her tongue
further, Eunora turned and glided through the
twilight back to the valley. «

CHAP' ‘ER XXVI.
AWAITINU THE VERDICT.

HOWEVER long to others, these (in s were all
too short to Colonel Markham, thong ieach hour
was one of bitter disapimintment, of never
ceasing anxiet , of wearing suspense that left
its mark in tie deepening lilies of care that
seamed the soldier’s ruddy face and left deep
hollows around his blood-shot eyes. From the
first gleam of dawn until the shadows of night
he was in the saddle and ranging far and wide
among the rocky wastes, searching for seine
sign that mi ht guide him to the spot where his
idolized chilr was held in bondage; but all was
in vain. Since that stormy night—on which, as
Comstock told Eunora, the wounded outlaw,
Ben \Vatson, had escaped after so adroitly
feigning deathly illness—all trace of the fugi—
tives was lost. Day after day the scouts quar-
tered throuin the wilds, urged on by treble
wages and the promise of a heavy reward in
case of success. ‘hey did all that "111.11 could,
And so, on
the fifth night, they respectfully told the colo—
nel as much.

He heard them in silence. for he knew that
their words were true, and after a few ino—
inents of bitter silence. lie askcd his men what,
in their opinion, would be the wisest course for
him to pursue. In answer Lieutenant Blake
spoke, and to the point.

“They can have but one hope, in holding Miss
Markham iii captivity—and that is money. If
you agree to pay the deiiiaiidwi ransiun, and
promise the rascals immunity, l feel sure that
they will restore the lady, safe and nninjin'vd.”

“lintliow can w:- sond them word! If We
knew ui/u'rl', I would have carried my answer
long ago."

" Then- is one \

 

I’ost notices in a (lozci
conspicuous plar inning; them the cow: in
Crooked Vallvj.‘ 7» 5 iin'tlint you w-ccpt tlicii'
Lel'izis. and l'i‘ullir‘ni‘ :i 'll"“‘.lll‘§. Hoonci- o;-
ill“) ‘ill lin'l rlicin ii‘ \vo 1mm» ~
.L'ivo the .2: chain :

fair or d soon-r):
your phi-.1."

 

     

 

    
 
 

  

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y

 

‘ )‘h: le’ltenan?
'(ii incl." said .Ju.‘.:i .‘tli'
<l!"<’: (‘onis'tou‘r :In'l ni.‘
“ Y ,u'll 1' [ch 3 t I 1’;:-‘
‘ln'oziiiws 1,1 woman: .
under you. command will i.  ‘
kin (Ii :clmruw mil 'in‘ tho boysi
;rx' «1‘  Ilon‘i, |(Ji("il in both lilo. .. . g .,
‘ 4, I‘ll eat my ha! I” l
gill-(hi f‘oloziul Markham 'w'ciql-(‘d [

 om,

.lln’l sou-g no :dlfll’l.('l‘ \‘.' _
..:t no :1: putting lilzikl-‘s ‘

:‘n v ’

  

    
 

   

  
   
  
  
 

 

llln ! “LL.
of thc illli‘lillll
pl'iii into om
i'ill inlxhtui‘
cavv-rii lli'll
UV“. .‘ili'i .
iiearciul, Lil" pm i v 1..
tho I'oi". ciiici'i.
ri-sl. bclow ihi- \

till ('oiizsli 1
Happy Jack,
in silence. .

” I caught Sillll‘ Words (h: l ("‘l'l" dong—sour»
thin‘ 'bout a A ourmnartiai.” id (ionistock,
Sli’lwl)‘. " lint that‘s fool—1.111;, homi- yoli‘vo 11o.—
w-r bin swui'o in. Tth (-.iivi‘t do no more Llicn
turn you on 1' To the law, kin 'lLll'W' f"

“ Law is a dead letter i: Alum,“ rzplicd
Happy . . with a lmli‘~l:iz.;.,li. “if llll-l'il is
any trial. it must be by a military ('Iiui'h. I
would ratli“: trust. my life to that, than a rcguv
lul' ,i'  1 0m." 11"llU they Will run it through
witlir at delay." ‘

“ 13; WW could only find that ensued snake—-
I'm goin" out to see cf the Injun girl hcs liearii
anytliiii’ yet. Ef not, we’ve got to think up
some other place.” ’

Bill left the fort and met Eunora near the
mouth of the valley, but there was no news,
Lcapah had not yet returned. For a fun 1mm-
thc two consulted, and finally came ton, decision
as to what their course should be in case the
worst befell. They parted, and Comstock, full
of a new 110 yr, hastened back to the fort and de—
manded rat or than asked an interview with
Colonel Markham. He was admitted, after a
brief delay. The colonel apparently had been
holding a council with his officers.

“Your friend will be tried for murder, by
court—martial, to-morrow,” said the colonel an—
swe ' the scout’s look, rather than his saluta-
tion. ‘I tell you this that you may carry him
word. He may need time to arrange his de-
tense.”

 

tun--
m. 'Pll" ii midis» wow) \\".‘iL‘..-’*i.’
'Huilh plum-s, that :it til“
in the wall iii lingo lt-t—
.: ,lmlwi erl heavy—
7!‘ ll’dli’IR ton/oral.
I :.i.i minl: to

 

   

    
 
  

 

.n.
‘ ~- tiling“: ioliisi'ricnd,
4 he ('OlllllllllllCZILIOH

 

       

 
 

.r out of tlic sci"

 

“ Ef the truth was knowed. he wouldn’t need
a. minute, colonel. The man’s a low-down fool
as could even dream of my pard’s shootiii’ a
man from aliind, ineniy or no inemy. Ef you
hedn’t let that pizen snake slip—"

“I am suffering for that more deeply than

on can, llill. I would give my right hand to

ave him here, this minute!”

“ Putt off this trial, then, an‘ give me a
chaince to find him ” eagerly cried the scout.
“ Ef he’s atop 0’ airt , I’ll find an’ fetch him in.
Jest give me a week—it‘s all I ax—”

“ At ten o'clock to~morrow the court will sit.
There has been a foul murder done, and the as-
sassin must sull‘er. If the prisoner is innocent,
he will be cleared—if guilty, he shall die—that
is sworn to.”

“Colonel, ef you only knew who an’ what he
is, you’d give him this one cliaince. Et‘ I could
only tell yel—but he swore he'd cuss me with
his dyin’ breath ef I should! Ef you only
knowed! Mcbbe he’d tell you of you’d ax him.
VVon’t you try? "l‘aiii’t often I ax a favor of
anbe ', but, colonel, Jack is dearer to me then
life—I’ even go down on my knees to you, for
him. ’Tain’t so much fer you to do—jest go an’
ax him who he is—ax him who was his mother
an’ father—stick to him ontel he tells you.
Make him tell, or give me leave to tell what I
know, an’ I’ll serve you, colonel, I‘ll be your
do r day an’ night—l”

he'scout’s voice broke, and though he turned
his face quickly aside, Colonel Markham saw
that his bronzcd check was wet with tears. ‘He
saw this, and it broke down his opposition.
Gently touching Comstock’s arm, he said:

“ I will inakc'tlic atteni it you ask—conic.”

Together they entered t ic miard-housc, and in
a few words the colonel made known the object
of his visit. Happy Jack listened in silcncc,
then produced a small, flat parcel from his
bosom, wrapped in oiled silk and securely
sealed.

"'Wliat you seek to know is written bore.
Take it—on one condition. If I am found inno—
cent at the court—martial to—morrow, you pledge
your honor to return the parccl tonic, unopened.

1~ guilty—keep tlic souls unbroken until after
the mntcncc is ('Vl‘(‘llb(‘4l—~illl‘!l _\'ou:11'e:1tlibcr—
ty to read. \Viil you picdgc inc your honor on
L iist”

“Sim-c you as}; it. _\ “:1. And yci—how can
this concern in»! l non-r iiict ~you before last
spring— " , .

" You hold the explanation in
coldly iiitci'i‘uplc-l the " '
weary, gcnilcn An, (‘ ;]i l"

Day Il.’l\Vl|('(l and the hour nppoini'lvrl for the
lirial :irriw-d and pawl-d. ' '  4 ar—
raigned before the court. l; with << was
admitted at lime. and won Hill (hill'lx‘il. l; was
a.\:I-lu'lml. not of long; duration,
ind as thu- .' irlc" 1.: " willy heard all the "
deuce that 'oulul :nllu -in'v ill" «'asc, a i'opci
is not necessary. ’l‘m-i risoncr \
*.:) :Ll: in his own b: '
v. ords, thon submil ‘.
durivi burl-r to ‘l -
prom :‘dsl in \'.'il

your hand,”
“ Sow—1 uni

  
 
 
   

  
 

    
   
 
 

  

    
 
  
 
  
 
 

 

   
 
 
  
 

 

 

  

\flll'l' lb“
'1'; 'l’(‘lli‘ll
l «' Union-(l.
.o .111» i'iw lull v thoroughly
"ii ldclivl‘wl \»’l;.: Jock i'oi‘pcr-

 

Numeric” ,iw‘nmj‘

 

our.» . .

" "‘ai'i‘i too lzitc even now, i, .u'dl Just givc
inc tho \‘.'(rl'il, 2121’ 1'” lot lllrll k..o‘.n ml’ll bu’st iii
the door, :IT' thcy won’t open! . t me tell him.
:in' h 3 muw', give you a chaincc. Say I may——
for God‘s sake, paid—3’ _ ‘ _

" Hush, lill—yon ask too niiit'li."s:1idhappy
Jack, gciiily. l‘c

   

“ All you could soywould n ' .
no difference if they have wlichd inn gull
it would look a. length l n~: il‘V’lll'” to sm
pc like a guilt l. “i on
an that yoi mould uni il 1
give ya ‘ ‘ord. I" you local: that o;ifll,l
will come ii tl \ L) c to haunt, you~"

'1‘: i‘ (liuil' o1 l'ilU I ‘1 I , lit Lowell ('iii‘v-l“
cd, follow-rd ‘ y 1‘. lilo of mldicis. llis honest
" ~ end his en's failed" the compas-

    

      

 

 
 
 
 

 

ll:l.‘v’-‘ s'

 

    

     
   

H his 1i: i I"! not nth-r.

“ They’ve found he didn’t do it—V'ou’ve come
to set him free?” (eagerly cried Bill, grasping
Bowen’s hands and wringing them with an al-
most insane arder.

“ I have orders to bring you before the court,
Jack. By mighty! it’s the hardest duty I over
met!” and the sergeant blew his nose fiercely.

“ I expected as much—and yet, God knoWs
that I zun innocent of this crime. Lead on, old
man. I don‘t blame you!”

Comstock kcpt close to the risoner’s side, and I
as the sentinel attempted to «:eep him from en-
tering the court-room, one swift blow hurled
him senseless to the ground, and Comstock en-
tered the room, molested no further.

Colonel Markham looked at him sternly, but
he saw the fierce, almost insane glitter in the
scout’s eyes, and really feeling for him, made no
objection to his presence.

“Prisoner ” he be an, solemnly. “You have
beenacc of wil in murder. You have had
a fair and impartial, if a little irregular, trial.

 

We have carefully weighed the evidenmagainst

 

 

 

_, -._. . —-i

 

 

your statement, and, while giving you the hem
fit of many doubtful points, find that‘you, and
on alone, are guilt of the death of Captain
wrence Stone. on are new bro ht before
us to have sentence passed upon you. ave you
anything to offer as reason why judgment,
should be delayed?” '

“ Only wliatl have already said—I am inno-
cent, before God 1”

“You have been tried and found ilty of
murder. The proof of this is so overw elming
that the decision is unanimous. The sentence
of this court is that you shall suffer death in
punishment for your crime; but in consideration
of your past services, instead of hanging, you
shall be shot to death, at sunset, to-morrow—
and may God have mercy upon your soul 1”

CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE noun or DOOM.

NEVER a muscle of Happy Jack’s sternly s"
face changed as he listened to the solemn] pru-
nounced sentence of death, but as the co onel'il
voice died away, a shrill, peculiar laug fillel
the little room and Bill bonistock glii ed for
ward, pausing beside the doomed prisoner, lean
ing heavily upon the pine table, his black, buri r
ing eyes slow y passing from one to another; I
the five judges.

“ You’ve did a mighty big day‘s work, gentle-
men—five 0’ ye to sw’ar away t 5 life of a inno—
cent feller-critter! I’m glad ye all 'Voted one
way—it’ll save the trouble 0’ piekin’ aii’ choos—
inl_7)

“ One word more. Comstock, and I place you
in irons!” steriin ('ricd ('olonel Markham.

“ For my sake, pard, rein in," hurriedly mut-
tered Happy Jack. his stout hand closing upon
(.‘omstock’s SliOlllzlLl'. "’ They’ll shut you out
from me, and you are the only friend I have,
now. (Thoke down what you feel—apologize, if
you can.”

“ I reckon this ’ere thing’s driv7 me nigh about
craz . boss,” said Conistock, addressing Colonel
Markham. “Mcbbc I spoke to: loud, iest new
——you won’t lay it up ng‘iii,~.t him, co onelé I
reckon he‘d iiial-:c a white man out o’me, of
you‘d only give him iinuiw“

" That, will do. Hi'igcniil. escort the prisoner
back .,o the :{iiul'd Lonsu. 1’]: ,e a dopbic guard
Mi dnt V and see that no person whatever is al-
lowi ' lll ianm- to the pi isoiicr without a para
mit ll"(l by mo. You may go."

“ pt mo, luns~you won‘t try to shot Inf»
away i "Ilill limit" quickly i-l tor. -

 

 

  
  
 

U 'L

“ ‘i'onlmw- )Ulll‘ol'llt‘lf', >cr;,;wuit,
bani. (-ol' ly.

-~ Not a word, pard.” lillliii 1111 the prisonra,
“ I am lt‘ll(l\', Bowen.”

The file of soldicrs l'lll‘ I d around the riooinml
scent and (wow d 1.3m ‘o tho illirll'li—liuusc.
Closn- lliml‘, ll. " liill if; z-k‘. a, \ i—
t’l'illw‘ “ll'u' l1! ‘ ind the men who
' H. ‘U \‘ oli‘li tho hr ‘1' Spectacle inii‘l‘l

' ~ for ila-y l'oll; l."“~.l flu rt:
1":lll'.” The keen (:\k‘ of rm r—
' I' not 7()‘.'(‘,l‘ltl0l{ tilehc  gm)
.l in Harpy Juik‘sc'ir'
cl: nil] inuima foo ' i: elf, and

ms you can niaer l.;;n Ln :.r ii ascri,
iriunl. v n have our (“Tit-l“. .‘l‘lli :nuxt (-ari‘)‘
tin-m out, butI don't in: Liii‘l. Infill. Try.
what you min do with hi

As the door \i.  i“ or? i
around, and, \\ Ln .1 ;, mi: .1-(
tion, spill-Tc:

“(t iitlt~lll<'l‘. .'
l'rimid. int-i lw (3:
Jill, oh! l“'
from l
1111

     

 

  
 
 

 
    

 

 

  

 

  

!. ii. i, prisoner tin‘nel
innianding atten-

 

 

oue word Hi: 'v ~
:21« u more my impriu
‘ i u runn well, and 1 din . ’
mil of! my in art for HE:ll:o,.lll‘,§ by
lllllllY. You heard ’11) fd‘llli‘lh'n. and
that l hch never done alight to serve
'.l‘l:l‘l'1_' is another who knees t,lii;.v-—try to
mid him, Bill, for my sake."

" l‘m such a din-nod fool I Y.'()!1:zln‘5 know him

        

   
 

    
   

     

 

1 of be war right under in): noses-but I’ll try,

pard. (:ood-byl I’ll be bm-k here aforc that
time, an’ of sonzctliiia7 don‘t turn u 'i to let in
daylight, thcy’s gr iii' to be jest the liveliest lit-
tle circus in il i-rt lilzli'S—~_','01lllé:lr me !“

Sergeant in w cut short the interview, and
as He) U >lillt in, be briefly gave the
guard their or: t. (-i) signed to Comstock to
follow him. 1 .is~ir;., beyond earshot of the cu;
rious soldiers, the id“) men conversed eagerly
for several minutes. after which they warmly
shook hands, and Comstock, rifle in band, led
his horse through the side gate, mounted and
gallopcd swiftly away. .

Within his gloom prison, Happy Jack sat
pondering over the c m of events that had so
swiftly led him to .an almost certain death.
Knowing his utter innocence of the crime for
which he had been doomed to sufler a shameful
death, he was unable_to prove this, was even un-
able to guess who might be the true criminal.
That C ptain Stone had been foully murdered,
he could not for one moment doubt—but whose
the hand which struck him down»? Therein lay
the mystery. He had heard no pistol-shotsave
his own and one other. Until the weapons told
their story, he had believed the two hots were

 

    

3
s

{

  

fired by himself and the outlaw, Ben Watson. '

Could itbe possibe theta. third shot had been
flredso simultaneously with the other» that it
hadescaped hisnoticeinthe enchant? That

   

 

 

 

 

l 1...:

 

 

  
 

l'

43‘: 2;

 

 

 

 

a, .

 

seemed the only solution; yet who had hold the
fatal weapon!

All was a black mystery, and the scout racked
his brain in vain for a plausible solution, until,
with an impatient sigh, he thing mid“ mm 1)...
wildorinr tangle and forced his mind to has-)1
itself wit 1 other thoughts. This was not so dif—
flcult as it may appear. As he closed his 113113 R
bright, beautiful vision stood before him—~tho
image of the fair you": woman whom he first
met at the feast given in honor of her birthday
_Kaw Markham. And yet his thoughts Wei-e
far from pleasing. He knew that she was not
for him~ even were he to osrapo the disgraceful
doom which lulngowr his 11.1.1.1, }{,. pm“. that
there was an impassablo barrier botwven tl1e111~
that they could never be nearer to each other
than now. Then he forced liiiiisell’ to think of
that other fairmaiden—of the lndiau girl who
was Working so earnestly for his salvation—«if
Eunora, daughter of tho While Sioux. llill
Comstmrk had told him of all she was doing—of
what she had pledged her father to accomplish,
if the worst came to worst.

“ Why not!" he muttered, unenlisciously

s making his thoughts aloud. “\Vliy should I
(llie, fo‘aerinio another committed! If I give
my consent the thing is done. Have these men
treated me so generously that I need die the
death of a 111 1;.1; rather than see a few drops of
theirblood shedf There are Illul'U ways of liv—
ing than one. And if what Bill says is true,
there would be another to share my lot. And
Vot~l” .
‘ Slowly the hours rolled by, and still the
doomed soner sut upon his low pallet. think—
ing, thin ' 11g steadily with his eyes fixed on va»
cam-y, only the swift changes as they swept
athwart his countenanee telling that he was
more than a seiiselt,-ss statue. ()1in his eyes
moved when a. soldier brought him in food and
drink; moved for one moment. then returned
to the. narrow thread of sunlight upon the Hour
that marked the passage of" time.
the soldier parted, and there was a peruliur
glitter in his eye. but a sound from without
seemed tovheek 11511.1 w 1rds he would have 11l-
tered, and inppin;n upon the door, it opened and
closed behind |1i»;l‘or1n.

Night came. 1! I it < weary lenyth along.
and when 11'11111 _ . _. 11 ol'dam'n .l.11le through
the. 11:11'1'o\\'. L '1rd window. i1 l'ell 11111111 1|:1-
while fab-11f tl111 i11'i~o|1111',wl111 Vllil 111'11111'l1111l

 

   

     

    
 
       
    
 

   

 

l
1

l

1 anxiety.

1 to my friend, Mr. Conistoek.

 

to hack mo up. Maybe We can scare him into
postponing the hour."
Happy Jack nodded, and Cornslxmk accom-

1 panied the doctor, grasping at the faintest hope.

lut as the hours crept by and Bill did not re—
turn, the prisoner‘s wom er grow into painfu]
Could it be that there was a plot in
Working for his rescue? Qr—and 1t soemed as
though the last gleam of llght was blotted out—
was all this but a rum to separate him from his
last friend! a. trick to draw Coinst1 1ek where he
could be placed under armst _without dis-
turbance, and thus insuro lllS glvmg no trouble
when the oXeeution was taking place!

llappv Jack arose and held out his hands 1L,-
Lieutenant Blake entered at the head of a lilo
of soldiers. to lead him to the plaee of execu-
tion. In silence the handcuffs were appliod, and
tho doomed man was led out from the silent fort.
He saw that all wasin readiness for the tragic
not, T1111 soldiers were drawn up in line. The,
ollieers wore. standing together, a little apart.
And behind them, his fame white and sternly
set, was Bill Gums-took. A sudden impulse
seized upon Happy Jack, and he boggm tho

1 lieutenant to allow him one word with (lolonol

Markham. The request was granuid, and paus-
ing before the group of officers, Happy Jack
‘aised his handcuffed wrisls and salutei .
“(‘olonel Markham, I haVe (NH) favor to ask
of You. Nay.“ he added, quickly, as tho colonol
11111111111 gesture; “ you aro tho last man on earth
of whom I would ask mun-y.
way—when you are tlirongi with your littlo
amusement, please pass over what is left of mo
Will you eonsont

   

j to this!"

The lips of 3

=11.“ his wallet ‘ :1‘\'1\‘ ‘<l:11‘11 {undilu' :11 ‘

~-111i1-1i11.'1 r? «1111 had . 1 1' l. ‘
11‘1':11 l1 ‘ 1"1'1‘ :1111l l1?- 1-3111" ll11|21 l
spii1l~:l":1l‘1  l111.1.l. '-':'1 in :11l1.
i‘lieiw \\ - 1111 x‘ 1". “ 1 :i..
zrii'rh-r :11; «1:11,; 1'. ‘ 1l ' 11-11 11 H11
"111'111111'L ll(‘11:1isl113.

'l‘l» «'«y.1;1-l' 111- 1,1.11  1 -1 ..1 1

1| :l _.,1

. 11 ,
111-11 '11 wild 1.11:1

11.

      

 £111, l1
!.1 i.’l"\\ 1::1'1'
fl)'..1":i1l')1‘.
“Don‘t blame 111-1. 11.11111” :1'11  '1"
V'11i<'11-\"11>‘1li!l~xl\ I“ bespoke. "
'twasii’r, nouso. l wouldn‘t 141}
' ’Tll'ttllu‘lll'l'l\\':'Sl'llll:1l!i7.l - '
1'111;1 i-11j11-\\':1sli-1d roini'liiiyiiz-
hr :111‘ ll.1~3.1111'1- l fillll111;.’.i.
{l:«*'. (full :‘11':1
1::f link 3111!,11'1! ‘171
A“. 1 1.,11'. 1111:11.rli1"l1111.1_1.
1-1,..11;111_1-, 1'11  1,111
.’ ~11ll1:11'i" V
1.1si11-1:l:,l1111 the '11

 

   

 

 

 

    
  

 

  
 
   

   

l‘1!' '\‘ 1. .
heart 11'1'.‘ ‘
ll'ippj

1»1,‘11111

 

  
  
  

 

 

treat  , 111 11in l'l11'11‘ll,-"1Wl, 111:1111ik4
flap...“ .,  ..11 1- 1\lll‘i lest he should l1r11:.:k
lily-311 11.,111111 Li, [‘11s‘.1~:1'l lio 1'1:1~=1,111l ’11l

 

 

:rcout‘s 111,111 1'.
llfv’ til lo, '
knew .
illl..<l1)i'1-
Wliole-heai-lwd as this, _ V
Lot those \\'li11l(ii11\\' him testlly.

11-11! l':1~l‘ 111:11111.~::1td1-1 11
1 I'M->1). 1'l1. .\111lll:1pp
,,.,.1‘,..,,,1111111l1be s11 l1ad,z

  
 

    

 

purest gold r... his. , .

Thus the l1\\’11 friends sal until high noon.
Then the door opened and little lh‘. lliu‘lbutt
entry-1111, and grasping the prisoner :1 hand, he
shook it vigorousli‘.

“ l‘llOl‘l‘lr l s-iid I’d do il'A-rl told those poin-
l’OUS fools that they had sentenred an innocent
man, whogp 1min finger was worth double their
301113 lumped together—I told them that. and
dared them to cashier mo, ,1 emue. here, to say
that YOU’VO got one friend, my 1“ 1y-thut s 1111'!
Don’t give up War—we’re doing all we can for

 

$011; don’t des air oven when you stand facing

mnskots. f iiothinrr else will do, blamed if
don’t kick up a mutini? and blow all creation
Yhunder!” '
t Pom 8t into trouble on my account, doc—
}?r’ and “PIJY Jack laughed as. he grasped
uflbutt’s han . “Now téll ll]0-\Vll!1l} is the.
l’roflamme? I might as well be learning my
Pail? 1n the p15 in
“u know the hour. The lace is just be-
yond the pavilion. There Will be a general
mustw‘fo“ sake of the exam ile, the old man

says: but I told him it was cause he was
Mia“! Your friends would kick 11 a. muss! The

“E Party is under common of Sei‘rreant
Mum?“ Stout friend of yours, my  lDAnd
“'9”th 3111 I believe. I can’t1sto . ill, I’m
m to 01138 the colonel alittle, an I want you,

1 was left him 1 friend. so true, so .

lou'rh, 11114 ‘1
lettered s11 Ma's-litmus Hill C11111s1111'k—u law“ «11 ‘
~ l

 

 

(‘olonel Markhmn nodded shortly. then turn—
mi away. With a fin]! step, the dooinod 111111
strode on to the spot where :1 plain pine ('nlliii
l1IVl’IIVl'l't‘ll with an army blanket, lheii turned
11111111111-11111111 firing party, a proud, half—deliaiil
{zlow upon his handsome l'uee.

" Make :1 sure thing of it. boys." he said, with
:1 low, mush-1d laugh. ” .li imagine tho While
Sioux oi- sonieolher rasl lands before you,
and send your bullets home. .

“ ls thero llll\'lllll 1' I ran do for ‘\'()ll—-*Illl)'

   

 

 

 

Mums-1,; 2’" <’1'l<1-l l)1'. ,llnrll1utl. as he hastened
11p.

.lnt'l: l.ll'll‘ll. ll11'11 ullll:

"Ye ' i1-ll 1111' 1'1'11-111ls 1‘1l1a1 l died for H111
1'1'111111<11' another l‘n-I'oie‘hvl! (11,111 hinom-nl i“

1.», fl
1

 "I~111111l 1113. i1

 

 

     

.1111l11'111.‘ mods and 1111111111111 111
1.1 .s 1--'1‘- 1'11“, ‘111 ill“. ‘1\";1.~.1I11-\ril1l11l1'1-\'..l‘111
.11-1‘r,l..-;i11\‘,'.1-.1111\\4-1l..111l1’1.11':1"11r-11'1‘.‘
.1 1: :1 I.  -1'111:11111. l.1'11A
i l 1 1 1H1 111ml, in-

.111
1 11 j 1 . 1111 1...:1_\'. Hill

 

1:111'1- :1
A111,

  

     

     
 

  
 
   
  
  
 
  

. . .1'1‘ ‘1 - 11 .1111-
l-rw 11-1 l::» l 11-:1sl, [1 1-1 11 1111‘. ‘
'31'11l1111~>"11l'ov'unr . ll xii, _.
liislw'el ~1l--l1i111~11

I111.1I111,1l111 1'1-1 1'111'1 .111ls1'o1

     

ll1'1i1113.‘ .1 l‘.11-'. lil'v'
»I'. \‘l:l ll1l121 l111‘l11‘
[blond 1.1 fl‘-1 1(1'i1-!;l\ 1.11'1~
l4111111‘1‘l11-i1'1l1‘l'..
11 1' la wild y1-ll,:1111l lizapiiit
111'1l.l'1-!l 11111111 his knees nl 1'111- :~i<l11 o1" 1;
llr. iiurlbn‘t arose,:11111l1i-eVoiee 11111.11;
1.111. r-old and stvrnly:

" ’l'h" man 1's1’1'1111-3‘1111/flu-mom I/u‘ [lull/'1 I"

 

I ll 1*
'lu'n'

 

   
    

  

(‘l,l.\l"l‘l" XXVI? ’.
“'1‘11211 .Ioi‘nxlzi’ 1111 in \‘1":."

As the sharp r111 111111111111 blindin Hash quickly
l'ullowe'l the .sl 1 11l11lle11ge, i. :111edt11l\'1117-
lha llaswoin 1.111 1 tlm whole 1 1" her fa 1 had been
:1lowii away .1511 h1-11\'_\' was the shot-k; so intense
'ho pain. l'liwi'nit'.‘ :1 wild sen-11111olfiig1,111\',slio
st gored bark. tin-11 fell heavily. just as the
s\ ft current swept Kate Markham from her
foothold. More by instinct than owin to auv
lixod purpose, Martha bust-11111. flllll"; «it 111111
arnisnnd graspt d lirni hold of :1 }»l")_lla'lili;" 1'« mt.

 

 

      
 

    
 

 

 

 

   

the swift waters whirling her body in ound unlil '

she. lay closo along and partially under the low,
overhanging hank.

She heard l'l 1e man who had lirod the pistol-shot
spring into the water with a loud, warning cry,
and she knew that He had recognized her com-
panion—for loud above the rushing waters his
voice rung out in warning that the captive was
attemptng an escape. She knew that the out-
laws were fully aroused—and for a moment she
almost resolved to release her grasp upon the
friendly root and trust herself to the more of
the river rather than that of her husband.‘ ut
then came another thought. Often as she had
wished for death, now that it almost stared her
in the face, she shrunk from it, afiipalled.

She heard the loud voice of aby Tom, and
that nerved her. With a des rate effort she
crawled 11 the steep bank. ut where could
she go? S e heard a. loud shout come lrom the

mouth of the tunnel nearest her; that avenue of

What I meant“

The Long Haired :Pards.’

 

 

 

23,

escape was shut off. From beyond the rivet
came the uncertain gleam of toruhmi being kin~
dled. She heiqu Baby Toni plunge into the
river, and lent strength by tho enmrgeucy, she
arose and glided across to the foot of the steep,
almost perimudiculnr mountain. (.‘.luto'nin,,r
vines and brain-lies of tho stunted shrubbery
that vailed the hillside, she toiled on and up-
ward, thinking only of eluding the fiercely-
oursing mun below, though she knew that each
foot of irogress was won at the imminent perih
of her life. ’

She. saw the bl uzing torches flitting to and fro,
borne by fiercely-cursing 111011, and when one
came nearer than tho others, she lay still, afraid
that the painful throbbin of her heart would
betray her presence; and t en, as the torch ro~
ceded she woulddraw herself 11 Hindu through
the inkv bhu'klloss. She saw t io tore ies disap-
pear within the tunnel, and know that this was
1er one chance. With a strength and dexterity
born of the uniergoncy, sho clamborod on, more
than once escaping a full that could have been
nothini loss than death, yet pressing on and
upwar< until her overtaskod muscles refused to
hear her further, and a deathlike l‘aintness are t
ovor hor. Htrugglin resoluter against thm,
Martha Baseom loam-.1 against the serubby )ine
tree while, she unslung the pouch of provisiom,
which she had provided fortlieirj11111'1111y. from
her liauk, and witlitho stout leather strap bound .
heiself fast to the tree, yet in such 11 manner
that she Could back against the nearly perpendi-
cular bank.

NomI too soon was this precaution taken.
Hor senses gave way, and for many a l« 111;; hour
she lay like one dead. lit-low. the rivrr brawled
and roared; tho outlaws passed and ropnssed
and once their loud. angry Voices grew low ant
almost tearful as they passed slowly along. the
red, glowing tori-hos lighting 111111 still. while-
l'need figure borne in their midst. Above. the
storm eleinenlswm‘o doing llt ree but tle. Ill-avy
raindrops Were borm1 upon lln- lioru V howling
winds, the thunder roll1-1l and vii. 1l111d, tho
forked lightning rent the ink. clouds \11lh awry
some splendor. lJut \vl1e11- the rolls: l1 ss woman
lay, the :itiiiosplieri- “as only 13,1411!» di 11lll‘llfid,
nor could tho driving rain 1'11:11 ll in r. :1 yet.

As the night grow older, lllllt' 1ifls. 11l’water
(-111.13 croeping down the 1'11-1phillsf1'e. here and
lln-re,gro\\iii;; t 12d L‘lllll puunrwith
1-111-l1ino1111-111,.-1 - ‘ 111,- iii 1111111.
lll‘l until lil“ 11111 ire slope \11e1 11111isl1-‘11211l, livery
11111:. :11111 H1111 >1111~ l1.. l111\\|1l11'. l1 owned.

1. fin... . .. T...” 7 ,.,.,... .._._.. -

   

 

            

 

        

 

  

 
 
  

   

 

 

1.). :i11- [,1-111411‘11111114 lll1~ ll‘<‘. Would ,dido and
l--.1:1'111dll111111l1-rd11un11111liill1:21'1li1 plun od.
v. 111- :1 sullI-i 1pl‘;~.i‘ inl 1 1‘h1- 1-is1'11\1..1ters 16
low. .‘1111l 1l111111,1'1= 1: Martha Hui-11111111.)"
l1l14‘ 41111 I" 1 1'1 "111111 l1 “WWII
'11l 7‘1-1. 111,1- 11121 had
ll'llu‘ ‘lll' 1' 'sv‘ V .‘l‘1‘l‘llll"l11 ' ‘I "
1 ~1 111' l ' I 1
1 .\ . ‘111‘. 1 1 1 11~1'»-l1l‘.o
‘ 1 1‘11.1.\”1 ' 111 1 '\‘:1sl‘.~
‘ l
1‘. 11 .11 1 ‘ -11 1 1 («is
11.1111 "1 l ,1“-
1 11 111 1 '1 111.11\«r~
11.:l 1 ,. 1‘ 1» 1 I.‘ .1 . «110$.
1- ‘ :11 1 ‘  '11 >-i 1'11! l‘;
‘1 .1 . 1’1  .21»: :L11. 11- 1* 311'»\'11.*111
11 1.1 11:11‘.1111,’11<1ll111,. : 1'i1r11dlv
1'111111'1i1 1 .11111-1111'l11-1 1'11"111 .':Il11-'n'1
:111111111;1111 1 hour 1.11m - 111 1i 11 l:1~rli111:-
b.11111,~;iI-'I'1~11.11x111l 111<1sf1-1,1 :11. . 111111;; the
damp 111111111 '. 1: 1 toward.

 
 
  

Um liill— 1'1 .. .1 l7111l1s on
:ml 1111\11‘111'1'1. 'l‘l111 . 1111.. 1 .  1.~‘1=1'e1l ln-i'
1,11 1l11ul1l\ 1111111-1111..111111 '11” 1- 111111 .‘llllzolll‘
l>l.\('V1‘l‘1‘l.‘il:ul', Martha l'." 1 .1"  11 that slio
had. use-“11¢ d barely 11 1h 1 inf. lo despiul'
she unused upon the inn 111' '1 '1:'11'ug tree.
llei‘ln'aiii seemed on lire- 1h: 1' 1'1: ~1 were al-
most helpless. vet full of pain. She glanced
downward. and felt tempted 111 112d all in 0110
desperate plunge. “'11s life \‘.'o1 ll: ll11livi11g.’

.\n1lthr1n, oiiobyone the e\'_1 111% 111 In r past
life seemed to unfold their he ‘-'-1 Manes, to
stand dainlv before her. Hhe (-111 l. .l l11 r oyes,
but 1 1e visions would'nol :1\':i-. 'l‘he dead
seemt d to arise, their mournl'u! 1 r reproaehing
eyes looking down into her very 1111111 t—and she
would hear their voices in the 1111'. \\'l1isperi11g of
the morning breeze as it oddh .11 through the
still’ foliage around and about lu-r. .1‘\ bitter
groan pin-tod the white lips, as she iaiscd her
head and cast a fearful glam e around.

“ lwill do what I can to 111aheaii11.1111ls—I hm o
repented, God knows! Mother in heaven! am I
going mad?" -

The fear of this gave her strength to fight
back the visions of a dead ast, and to measure
the full force of her presen situation. She saw
that the ascent was one that would severely
task the powers of the strongest and most ac-
tive man; and yet, she felt that, wounded and
Wearied as she was, she could accomplish the
feat unless discovered by watchful eyes below_
But to do this, she must nuiso her strength, and.
o ning the pouch, she forced herself to oat of
1:111): contents, though the act seemed painful.
Her cheek, throirrh which the sentinels bullet
had tore, was vcr .much swollen, but she could
onlv bind it u with a rag torn from her dram.

' done, a 6 once more resumed her W

 

    

 

  

 

.~..-"";-"_-...._. . ‘

tx._.l-.L- .c. he

a

24

=.Dime Library.

 

 

gles, fearing to delay; for, though she had an
abundance of provisions, water there was none.
Many a backward glance she cast, but the val—
ley below was shrouded in gloom. A shudder
shook her form at the thought that at any mo-
ment she might be discovered b some one of
the outlaws, though unseen himse f. And then
—-she knew that a rifle-shot would end all, were
she to refuse their command to descend; erhaps
his band would hold, his eye direct t e fatal
weapon!

Foot by foot—almost inchby inch—she crept
on and upward, frequently forced to ause by
her failing powers. The hours rolled y. The
sun passed across the narrow rift and vanished
from view; yet the summit seemed as far
away as ever. Then—a treacherous root gave
.way ‘ust as the woman’s whole weight de-
pend ffom it, and down she fell, hurled from
point to point until the same tree-trunk to
which she had bound herself the night before,
arrested her further fall. She hung across the
tree, like one dead.

A loud shout came from below, anda moment
later a rifle exploded, the bullet burying itself
'ust above the falling fi e. The voice of

aby Tom began to curse t e marksman, whose
hasty shot might betray their retreat to to those

ho were hunting their lives; and abashed the

an slunk away, believing, as Baby Tom de-

clared, that he had been deceived by a falling
bush or broken limb.

A few minutes later Martha Bascom struggled
back to consciousness, and managed once more
to bind herself to the tree-trunk. She knew
now that the ascent was beyond her power. The
fall had bruised her terribly. It seemed to her
that she was <1 ‘ng. The trees around her were
nodding and ancmg, keepin time to a weird
melody that seemed ringing t rough her brain.
And then—a mist overs read her e es—-her
head drooped against t e earth—a1 was a
blank.

How long she lay in this deathlike trance
Martha Bascom never knew. The hours an
days had passed over her head unneeded. It
was night when her e es opened. All was
black and silent as eath. Even the river

below seemed to have ceased its complainings-

for the moment.

With a steadly, unfaltering hand, Martha
Bascom unbuck ed the strap that held her to
the tree-trunk. She rose, grasped a slender
bush and lowered herself to the full len h of
her arms. Her feet rested upon the en of a
rock; and repeating the operation, never once
hesitating or ap ring in doubt she worked
her way down t e face of the hill and stood
safely beside the river. For a few moments she
stared steadily across to where the outlaws’ huts
lay shrouded in the dense obscurit , but then
she shook her head decisivel , and g 'din along
the bank, entered the tunnel, treadin t e nar-
row path, passing the many unseen angers as
readily as thoug crossing the smoothest floor,
reaching the moonlight beyond in safety.

Here she used as though for reflection, pre-
sently turning and skirting the base of the bill
for several hundred yards. Entering a narrow
gas, she proceeded until a narrow valley lay

fore her. Passng through the bushes she
came to a rude but strong corral, containing a
number of horses. She entered and followed
the snorting animals to the further end. She
spoke a few words of soothing, and then wound
her fingers in the bushy mane of Simoom. The
noble animal followed her without an effort to
break awa , and stood quietly beside her while
she pull a saddle and bridle from amon
others beneath a pile of brush. She adjusteg
these, then left open the bars as she sprung into
the saddle and rode rapidl away.

The noble steed obeyed . er slightest gesture,
and a wild, erratic trail the twain left behind
them! The crazed woman could remember that
she had vowed to go somewhere, but that Was
all. She could not stop—she urged Simoom on,
now in one direction, now retracing her steps,
for hour after hour. '

Broken sentences fell from her li . Her
burnin eyes roved here and there—s e seem-
ed 100 'ng for something which constantly
eluded her.

Then the old feeling of faintness crept over
her, and with a faint remembrance of what had

med, she buckled the stout strap around her

y and tied it to the high pommel of the sad--

dle. The reins fell from her fingers, and her
head dr00ped.

Simoom uttered a low whicker tossed his
head ladly, then turned into a valley that led
at rig t angles. As though he knew that his
rider was hel less, he paced steadily and true,
than h s tly. Through the valley, into
Croo ed Valley, past the stone fort at the base
of which gaunt wolves were snarling and fight-
ing over many a glistenin bone—on ast the
a ring and out upon the love , sandy plain wood

6 good horse, knowmg that he was going ome
to his loved master.

On and on as though his limbs would never
tire sped the blood bay, and at length the dis—
tant walls of Fort 'Westem are visible. With a
sharp neigh, Simoom stretches out in a long
sweeping stride. The woman lifts her
With a start and low cry of wonder. are

 

notices the fort—she sees a crowd of men col—
lected; and a bright light—the light of return-
ing reason—fills her eyes. She knew now what
she had been seeking for!

She saw the pufi' of smoke—heard the heav
report—and as one man fell to the earth, Si—
xnoom utters a, shrill neigh and plunges on,
only pausing when his hoofs graze the side of his
fallen master!

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE DEAD PAST REVIVE'D.

SIMOOM aused short beside his one—time
master, an bent his neck until his velvet muz—
zle almost touched the white, rigid face. But
the eager whimper met with no res “1513.

Martha Bascom, as thou h awn ing from a
dream, stared wildly aroun her pushing back
the heavy masses of gra —strea ed hair from
her bandaged face. She s ivered from head to
foot as her gaze rested upon the face of Colonel
Markham who, reco 'zing the horse, was
eagerl advancing, a Wild hope of hearing some-
{lhing efinite concerning his lost child filling his

cart.

“ The man is dead!” repeated Doctor Hurlbutt,
and raising the blanket from the coffin, he
covered the blood-stained form. But his words,
5 oken so close beside her, attracted Martha

ascom’s attention, and for the first time she
noticed the face of the corpse. A low, wailing
cry parted her lips, she covered her face as
though to shut out some dread object, and it
seemed as though the leather strap alone kept
her from falling to the earth.

“ The body is yours, Comstock—take char e
of it,” and as he s oke the sur eon gras d i-
moom by the bri e and force him has from
the coffin.

This movement brought them face to face
with Colonel Markham. Martha Bascom bent
her head until it was level with the soldier’s
face. Her voice was low, and she spoke (iuietly;
yet each word was like the deliberate p anting
of a bullet.

“ The curse of the past is working, Alfred
Markham! You lau hed me to scorn, then—it
is my turn now. 0 y for you, my master, my
father might now be alive. That loss was my

unishment—yonder is yours! Down uporiayour
knees, man, and pray for the soul of John ark-
ham—of your son, whom you have murdered!”

“A lie—he was no son of mine!” gasped
Markham, yet the ghastly pgllor that over-
spread his face told how near '5 heart the ar-
row was planted. “Who are you—I don’t—”

A low, mockin laugh interrupted him.

“Achan e, is t ere not? Yet once—bah! the

est is de ! Enough that your son lies there—
gead, his life cut short by your hand. See!—
the blood! it wells up—it spreads-it bears wit-
ness to God!”

“ A fit—make way!” cried Dr. Hurlbutt, ex-
citedly, as the woman’s head fell back, a bloody
£20131}: oozing through her tightly - clenched

et .

Cutting the strap that bound her to the pom-
mel the sur eon called a couple of, men, and
with their aid bore the woman into the fort.
Colonel Markham had turned toward the body
of the man whom he had doomed to death—the
body of his own son, if Martha Bascom spoke
true. It was false—1t must be false! And yet
it required greater courage in him to resolve to
remove the blanket, to satisfy his doubts, than
would have led him to the mouth of a cannon.

ButBill Comstock crouched beside the bod
of his friend one hand resting upon the blo -
stained blanket, the other grasping a cooked re-
volver. There was a fierce, hunted look in his
eyes, and his voice sounded harsh and unnatural
as he snarled, rather than spoke:

“ You’ve did your bloody work, Colonel
Markham. They ain’t nothin’ more you' kin
hurt. Go your way afore the devil that’s in me

't5 the upper ‘ han —-go your way, an’ pray to

0d that your trail won’t never ag’in cross that
0’ Bill Comstock!"

“You heard what that woman said? I must
see—if he is my—my son,” muttered the officer,
hisfingers nervously p18,?) ing with acoat—button.

“ Lay one finger on t at blanket an’ I’ll kill
you ” said Comstock, in a low, eadly tone.
“ What he was in life don’t matter to nobod .
Afore he died, he give me his body. He to (1
me aforehand what I was to do an’ sure as
thar’s a God lookin’ down on us, I’ kill the man
as tries to cress me in kerryin’ out his wishes!
Big a man as you be, on cain’t tetch this body,
an live.‘ I ’most wis ou’d try! only I know
he wouldn’t like it. Goyef you ain’t achin’ to
die—git away from me. I tell you thar’s a
blood devil in me a-callin’— Drive up" on this
side, artin,” the scout added, as his brother
scout drew near, leading a horse and small am-
bulance.

Like one in a maze, Colonel Markham stood
watching the two men as they lifted the bod
and placed it in the ambulance. The coffin _fo -
lowed, then Martin took the horse by the bridle
and moved slow] awa . Comstock, With
drawn pistol, w ed be ' d, w'mh many a
backward glance, as a lion sometimes reluctant
ly leaves its prey.
nested in pursuit,

A shrill ne' h—then Simoom’
falling into e; and thus the

 

_,
._q

strange funeral cortege disappeared amid the
darkening shadows.

Lieutenant Blake advanced and addressed the
colonel. Markham started like one just awaken‘
ing from a dream, brushed his hand quickl
across his face as thou h he could thus banis
the black memories t t thronged his brain,
and muttered a brief reply—what, he knew not,
and turning, he strode toward the fort, swiftly,
yet with the uncertain step of a man who has

con drinking.

“The woman is better and has been asking
for you, colonel,”snid 151'. Hurlbutt, meeting
him at the gates. “She must have endurot
frightful sufferings—I would give much to know
her whole history!”

“ Is—is her mind clear?” hesitated Markham.

“ As yours, my dear sir; that is, for thu
present. She has had fits of insanity, and more
than once; she will have another—and she wil
never live throu h it. She begged me to send
for you. There IS something weighin upon he)
mind. With that removed, she may Iive on for
months; otherwise, she will never see anothe‘!
sunset.”

“Where is she?"

“In my matters. I couldn‘t take her to the
hos ital. hall I tell her on will come?”

olonel Markham signe for him to lead tbs
way. Obeying, the surgeon aused inside only
long enough to give his patient a draught oi
cordial, then, bowing gravely, he closed the
door behind him.

“There wasatime when I did not have to
send for on, Alfred,” uttered Martha Bascom,
in alow ut clear voice. “You stare at me—-
am I so changed, then? Through all the long,
weary years that have gone b ,I know your
face at the first glance, Alfre . Look at me
once more—you can remember what I once
was, when you knew me as Martha Bogarth—”

A strange cry parted the soldier’s lips. The
woman smiled.

“I tell you true, Alfred. I am the little
Martha to whom you taught the first lesson of
life. The finger 0 time has touched me heavier
than on; but that does not matter. I did not
send or you to weary you with complaints of
vanished beauty. I havo something more im
portant—”

“ Some other time—I don’t think I can bear
your reproaches now, Martha,” said the soldier,

oarsely.

“ Some other time! have I so much longer to
live? No, Alfred Markham, we are only sure
of the present. I know that I have only a short
time to live—and I must clear my soul as far as
confession of sin can.”

“The sin was mine—not yours,” muttered
Markham.

"The first—— es. I was innocent and pure at
heart as an in ant when you first met me, Al-
fred. Andd'et—I cannot regret those days—so
ha py, my 0d! It was like a. glim e of heaven
—t e only heaven there is for suc as I! Bui
never mind. I know that you did love meg
then. And I—you were in god! Then you-i.
went away—I read your otter—and I wen'
mad. There was a bab —and when my reaso:
returned, they said I k' ed it. I do not know
If so, it was for the best. It died before it
cheek could learn to flush with shame at it!
mother’s name.

“ Alfred—it is hard to say what I must' am!
yet I cannot die with in sin untold. w:
your face away, I can tell it better, then.”

Colonel Markham sunk into a chair, and
Martha Bascom turned heavily in bed so that
her face was hidden from the ight. She spoke
quickly, as thou h fearing to allow herself time
to reflect upon w t she was sayiixig

“ I followed you to the' city. on were liv-
ing with your wife, and—her child. You must
remember the time, for soon after I found you
you received a notcba note that I wrote bu
did not sign. The words it contained were false
-—a deliberate lie. The woman they accused of
sin was pure as an angel. I knew that; but you
loved her—had left me for her, and that was
e’iliough. I believe my mind was crazed, even
t on.

“ That note was followed by others. They ac-
cused your wife of betrayin you—of lovin -
other. The proofs that gave were igalse,
though so cunnineg contrived that you be-
liev them. '

“ I had an accomplice—a man who loved me
well, at that time. He was rude and ignorant
and when I promised to marry him he agreed
to help me in my plans. You saw him, once, If
you remember: he was in disguise, then. That
was when you found him with your wife.

“ In compliance with my plans, you agreedto
tell her the. business Would call on away from
town for se‘veral nights. Instea ,you disguised
Wolf and remained in readiness for my sum-
mtns. You did not have to wait long. Ac—
companied b a witness you drove to the house
I bad name , forced your way up-stairs and
found her—your wife—in a private chamber,
with a man. With a curse you struck her down
—--would have killed her, only for your friend
The stranger escaped. ,

That man was my friend. I sent our wife
word that you were fatal! wound 0 fall
intothe trap. Sbewash bytoneein.“

 

 

   
 

p.
u
L's aw“- ~—'—‘"

,.

 

, me,” .

 

TheEong Haired f

“WK” __"..;.vn- -

 

 

,.__..__. W. ..-..-,A... - 7A ,m

chamber until you come. As Godhears me, she
was ininxrent as the child unborn!”

A heartrending groan broke from the man‘s
H , and he sunk upon his knees beside the bed.
Th; woman continued, her voice even and
steady, though her whole form quivered with
stron emotion:

“X our wife fled that same night, taking her
wild with her. You sued for adivorce, andob-
tained it. Your friend bore willing evidence,
and she never appeared to contest the decree.
You sou rht far and wide for the child, but in
vain. T ey were with me, for years, and after
that I kept track of their whereabouts.

“ I married—and then my punishment began.
My father and my mother died-dicd of broken
hearts. They cher held up their heads after
my disgrace. From that day I went to the bad.
How could I help it! Their faces Were ever be-
fore rue—day and night—waking 0r dreaming!
I could hear their prayers for their erring child
—I can hear them now—they ring in my cam
film the knoll of fate! I can see them—God of.
mercy! look!” and Martha Basconi started u in
bed, a maniacal lire in her eyes, her finger point-
ed at vacancy.

“ Fatlier—niother—do not look so angry! I
could not help it—tlic devil urged me oil—he.
would not give me time to reflect. Pity mew
mercy— on are killing me!”

A \vih burst of hysterical laughter followed
until, exhausted, the woman fell back upon the
bed. Dr. Hurlbutt entered hastily and bent
over her. Her eyes opened, but the, light of
reason was gone, to return only for a moment
before death.

“ Tell him—his daughter—Black Hollow——
dead—”

Then Dr. Hurlbutt gently drew the sheet
over the face of the dead.

CHAPTER XXX.
NIGHT RANGING.

THE breath of the. runnorcanie hot and quick-
ly; his chest rose and fell like the working of a
human bellows; tho perspiration streamed llU\V1l
his face, over his broad breast, blurring and
blending the fantastic devices of a bird, beast
and reptile; but tllOlllgll. his limbs were aching,
his brain throbbing, l xapah pressed on with u
courage that conquered fatigue, his eyes fixed
upon a faint Spiral of smoke—so faint that only
a trained eye on the look-out for )recisely that
sigiuil could have distinguished nit from the
light, fieec y clouds beyond. As a spur lends re.-
newed tire to a. generous coarser, so this tiny
smoke-wreath caused the Indian runner‘s strides
tolengtlien and quicken. Straight on until a
narrow, secluded valley opened before him, a
valle that, to acasual glance seemed unoccu-
.- led ylivin man or beast. hiitLeiipahknew
_ tter. He ropped into awalk, and only his
glistening skin and the mingled pigments told
of his 1011 r, hard race. His eyes swopt rapidly
around, tien he strode across the valley and
' aused before a. low line 01’ trees and shrub-

. The leafy Screen parted and the W'hite Sioux
stepped forth, his eyes asking a question to
which the Indian scout made rompt re 1y.

u My father said—‘Go find where the le-
gaced squaw of the fort is hidden.’ Leap has
obeyed. Where the river runs through the
mountains-where the bud Spirits dwell—there
Lea, ah found her. She is a captive among the
white skins who follow Strong rm—”

“ The dog who sold Eamoned fire-water to the
Sioux! It is well. T e wolves shall gnaw his

’ bones,” and, his Saw-35 8‘10ng hotly, the White
Sioux uttered a 5 cup crY- .

As though by magic the. valle was filled with
armed an mounted warriors, 15 em faces int-
ed for war, With a. celerit that woul have
shamed many a, well-drilleL company of sol.
dim the dusky troop wheeled into a. double
line ’before the ‘grea chief. He raised his
1131121411 wagstin, even the Wild mustangs
fitood as though turned to stone. .

’ “My children! I See blood in the air—white
.Scalps that layrri for our kniveSI Lcepah,
my son of the swif foot _a.nd. true—Leapah has
, unted 3mm Arm to his hole. He heard him

[the children of the Sioux cow.

 

.  “fig said they are squawxs—they1 are afraid

’of ' ‘ “ ‘ dare not come w ere,I live.
Bumlijégts’Vl’gdwfll and take hisscnlp. I
Will lead the way—an my children Will follow

 

 
 

‘ There was no reply in words, but as one man
the red-skinned warriors ,raised theirweapons

 shook'them'in the air. The White Sioux
W grimly then blew a sh note through
nil ith a. joyous w imper his blg

    
        
   
  
  
  
 
 

fingers

home b t t h the bushes and used be-
]. Ride  Tlhleo’vg‘hit’e Sioux vaulted“ into the

8fiddle ' .slowl rode alon the line, ' e e

y grhtinizlnyg each homiman as bemusde
'The'result seemed satisfactory, or he
Vital 'handond trotted 1:81”de
1W- Ifhe into Imam

mm W  to mag; guide.
, ,. ,7, m, .
' pimpimfémgnmfls

up the val- -

 vmh“

' in mwfiaponfl~

 

twilight deepened into night. Not a word was
spoken, only the steady trampling of hundreds

of boots broke the stillness of that rocky, sterile 

waste.

Stainlin the war-party pressed on, now walk- i
1

ing their animals w ere the trail was unusually

difficult, now trotting", again breaking into a Q

long, swift gallop that rapidly devoured space,
The hours iasscd by. The moon arose and cast
a weird light over the night rangers.

chief sued on at the head of his braves. The
wild riile recalled that of a few days since, when
his mad raw! ended barely in time for his 1i 5
to receive the lust brcati of his Indian wife.

And as he recalled that tragic scene, he urged :
on his horse as though trying to flee from his ‘

own thoughts.
When the party drew near to lilaek Hollow,

the \l'hit'o Sioux slackencd his speed, and sent

several trusty braves on in advance, following; ,

at a. more deliberate pace. But the, precaution
proved needless. The path was clear.
less the outlaws were fast locked lll_ slumber,
trustng to the natural defenses of their retreat.

The Indians rodo up close to the mouth of t‘
tunnel, knowing; that the roarng of the waters
would cil‘eetually smother any sound they
might make. ()u foot the \Vhito Sioux crept
forward and entcrml the arch. Though the in~

tcnso darkncss bulllcd all vision, the sense of ,
touch told him that an attempt to sur n'isu the .
outlawsby meansof this passage would e worse .

than folly unless the. adventurers weretlli‘l'1mlé'h‘
ly acquainted with the perilous trail—which he
nor his were.

Slowly retreating, be summoned several of ‘

his more promiiwnt braves by name, and Wich
drew out of ear-shot. '

“Strong; Arm is like the gopher: he has two
holes to his retreat. When he hears us Coming

in by one. he will run out at the other.”

“ If both holes are large enough for him, they
are large enough for a Sioux brave,” uttered
one of tho purl y.

“ Blackbird has an old head; he speaks what}
have thought,” said the White Sioux, and his
voice sounded colder than customary. “lie
will stop up one hole and hunt the gopher
through the other. Leapah, the right to strike
the first blow is yours. You will take two—
‘thirds of the braves and lead them around the
mountain to the upper pass. Ride smit and
hard that .you may have darkness enough to
hide your coming from the white snakes. Leave
your horses and steal upon the enemy—let your
knives and toniahawks be the first_to tell them
that death is upon them. Then strike hard and
sure!

“But first—'to. you I give this duty. The
white squaw must not be hurt. Fin ii“? Edge,
and secure her first. Caution our braves as
you ride along. He who brings ier to me, sale
and uninjured, shall be the richest among the
whole Sioux tribes. Gonow—you know your
duty. Jhoose the best horses, and leave a. hot
trail behind you.”

B“One y'ord, chief,” spoke the brave called
laekbirt . I
“Well?” and the YVhite Sioug: spoke Impar‘,

tiently.‘ l _, s
“ I am to ride with Loapub?”

“ No. - You are wanted here.” . .

RProud of his being selected for such an ini-

portant 'missiou, Lea )ah lost little time in

choosing his braves, liking- two-thirds of the
one hundred warriors. Mounted upon the fresh-
est horses of the herd, he led his and through

the night. ‘ ,
Blackbird, after his shai denial bythe chief,

turned aside and squattc. down beSIde a. man

Who was lying near the water’s edge. They

conversed earnestly in low, guarded tones.

The White Sioux glided pastxtht‘m, will they

were silent. He paused foramomeut, his eye

fixed uponBlackbird, but finally passed on
without speakin . A few minutes later he re-
turned, but the §wo fln‘ures had vanished. He
peered keenly aroun then hastily_ passin
hrough his lines. But is search was in vain.

Neither of the men were to be found. He lean—

“.i Fguinst a. rock in silence. Whatever his sus-

picwns might have been, he did not give them

open utterance. '

An hour of silent waiting rolled by. Then

the White Sioux gave a. start, rinwing sud-

denly into full life and action. ‘ 'n and in—
distinct, there came to his ear the regular tramp-
ling of Iii/horse’s hoofs in re )ld gallop.

,l'ow hiss parted his 'ps. Three braves,

   

 

  
 
      
   

   
       
     

     

 
 

each coiling his lasso as he ran, dartedvaway v

through the gloom. Motionless as grave».

es the remainder of the Sioux awaited the
resu t. v'l‘hey heard the patterin sound ab-
ruptl cease and knew that the rl er hadbeen
aiTes . few moments passed—'then the
three‘braves retmemiaccompanied by horse
and rider. ‘ '

 
 

   
 
  
 
 

’ The White Sfiogx ,storted1grward- us he ,recog- ,
1'. i ‘ w

  
  
    
  

“ Eunoml what does this 
“herein dun erg—tbs 

 

,paiite‘dth'o mai mfiliuzlnftepflie 9m

wool: tro
‘~ “flow-aniline

F. 9..-..." - - h“, a. , .. 

Fjords."

.-._ - m.

His face .
showng stern and rigid in the white light, the .

Dolllit- .

iltl ‘

  
 
  

a  Karin-«f A

 

 

.. , .... ..._.-..... . . . . .2

have his braves look upon him when he was

wz .

“ Tell me all—what have you learned? “'hy

did not Enianthca bring me the tidings!”

“He was gone—I dared not Wait,”and be
tween her panting Bobs Eunora told her story.

Their spy at he fort—a lame half—breed—
brought her the tidings. Martha Bascom had

j spokciiof Black Hollow, just before she die],
and Colonel Markham, as a. last hope, l't‘sulVéll
to seek his child there. He was to ride forth at '

dusk, to avoid Observation in case there were

spies lurking near. The hulf~brecd stole away

at the first 0 portunity and told l‘hmora. Slit
fearing for ier father, mounted her horse an!

rode hard in hopes of finding him at the val—

Icy, but was too late. She pressed on, at full

speed, (L001 miplisliiny; her mission as described.
The White Sidux pressed one kiss upon her

brow, and bade her await his return. 110 select-

ed several braves Whose irowess he could trust.

and giving; them carefulinstructions, dispatched

them to watch for the coming of the enemy.

, This precaution taken, he returned to l‘Iuv

. noru. ‘

“Thou;le there was reallyxno need of your
coming, little (me, your thoughtfulness of mv
welfare is very dear to me.” he said, in a low,
ull'ectionate tone that snuuded strains-Iv from
one of his merciless reputation. “l‘omc—l
must place you where you will be in safety."

lie fomu her a secure retreat anion},r the
rocks, and then awaited the result. The delay

‘ was but brief. One of the scoutssoon returned.

The soldiers were near, had only paust to send ’

a scout ahead to see if the way was clear. Bid» '4

(ling his daughter remain perfectly still. the

‘ \Vliito Sioux stole away to where his braves

wore placed in ambush alpng the trail the sol-

diers must follow in order to reach the mouth of
the tunnel.
The scent was suffered to priss and repass un-

, harmed, nor did he so much as suspect that

i nearly two score deadly foes lay within half

ii that nuinherofi yards, as he trotted past than

to make his “port that the trail was open.

‘ A brief pe odof suspense, tlicii‘(-:inic lfllutlllll
, trampling of many ho fs. Through the faint.
1 indistinct fight of approaching dawn, the body

,5 of soldiers become visible.

And then—mild and piercing rose the war-cry
! of the White Sioux. A blindng {lush—ii
withering volley—and the air was filled with
shrinks of pain, groans and cries of horror!

CHAPTER XXXI.
mums IN BLACK HOLLOW.

WHEN Kate Markham lost her foothold and
was swept away from the sidooi,’ her companion
in her intended flight, she had scarcely time. to
realize herperil when the swift current whirled

her into the tunnel—«her head struck with ter-
rific force against a rock, and she knew no more
for many a long hour. Yet her-life was spared,
and perhaps the more certain] that she was so
early disabled. Borne through the arched pas—
sage, bruised against the sunken rocks that still,
ash a miracle. spared her life. the unconscious
mai en was tosse into a whirling edd n féw
rods below the mouth of the tunne. . The
waters swept her against the bank, and her
long llllll'_t'u.llgllt upon a projecting snag. Obey-
mg tho-circling wobhcrllimbs swun'r around
until the inrtially submerged log held her
fast, her cad raised above the bubbling '
waters. ' i

It was thus that Bob Tom found her, and in
silence, almost reverent y, the outlawsbore their
senseless burden back to the huts in Black Hol—
low, wliere a. middle-aged indianr squuw the
wife of one of the men, took charge of the
body. The riant hung mound, nervously im-_

patient, unti he received the squasz verdict
but Kate was alive—was not very seriously in-
?m‘ed. Not until then did he seem to think of
do wife. Doubtingly the man whose pistol-
shot had given the alarm. made his report, ‘IBy'
the brief glare of hMlStOl, he had reoo mod.
the white faucet M a Bascom, and t ough
feeling himself blameless under the'c'ircum-
stances he drew a. ion _broath of relief when -
Baby Tom cursed-Hie: un but the missing wm
man. Immediate search was made _for her,
body alga the little river but in rain. And
than 185 ygl‘om celebrated his freedom by gas. -

tin oriousl l I
*flig-lhoun to Markham lay like one dead, ,
merely breathing but the Indian women never
seemed to doubt he_u1timate success of her ad-
‘ministrations. During thoso two days, while
we madam: were no silent] centendin for.
1333‘ fission of hi: captive aby Tom d a- 3-
‘vastgealot soberd: . The )vords he had ,
'vmu. outta-Ketch ng than! fit his twin .
. a119,,nowtairlybaunted h. . The'
obstacle that; en existed was removed. How
mowuonlythe willed ateeble 'lbetweon '
£11m _ do pretty wife. a rich tot er-imlow a. .
" mac-and comfort fox-the future. 1 ' '

..r,“i».j.~.,.-1.." 4 . ‘

 

   
  
   
  
  
  
   
     
 
  
 
    
     
 
         
     
 
    
  
      

  

   
  
     
      

 
   
 

        
     
     

          
   
     
      
        
     
   
        
  

      

  

     
    

  

    

    
 

    
  
  
 
 
  

  

 

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26

the tunnel, and aft r inanva painful effort, suc-
ceeded in lllfllliil :l:I;r;sLIf heard. And thus Ben
lVfltSL.il came ll()2.l('l

By 2w
gasp, la

 

told his story.

hidden during the hot and persistent search,

more than once peering out upon the llli‘ll as ,‘ fires, to sleep—the last sleep that they were to
.‘ they ranged almost within arm‘s—length of his ‘

covert, until the quest was abandoned as hope—

. Then wounded, unarmed, without food
or the means of procuring any, how he had
dra ged his heavy lini';s over t e long, weary
trai suffering a thousand deaths before he
reac ed the end.

And after lVatson came, Baby Toni thought
harder and mere persistently than ever, but
making slight progress.

The end—the result to be accomplished, stood
out clear anl plain enough ; but the preliminary
details as he attempted to sha them, sent his
heavy brain whirling and rec ing, until he felt
like a drunken man. And one day Ben Watson,
whom plenty of food and repose had wonder-
fully restored, fairly bewildered Bab Tom by
broachin the very subject that ha so long
puzzled tge giant’s wits.

“Thar‘s only one way on kin make things
sure, now, boss—marry t 6 gal. Do it up in
style—no slop-work, but the clean, ginewine arti-
cle! It kin he did, now the old woman is out 0’
the way. Take her critter—back to Laramie—
git the chaplain to double ye up. Then strike
the old man, her pap, fer somethin’ heavy. He
cain’t well hang his own son—in-law, you see.”

“She wouldn’t have me," muttered the
giant, his face glowin hotly, his big eyes
sinking before the catrlike gaze of his com.-

e. ,
“She mought do wuss. Fine ladies like her
think a heap of honor. Say the word, an’ I’ll
ac to settle the cas-x T.in minutes' talk
' be enough. I’ll skecr her into sayin’ yes—”
“ Yousa one crooked wor l to her, Ben lVat—
‘son an’ l’l cut your heart ou‘. !" said Baby Tom,
With deliberate emphasis, a blazing devil in his
eyes.
The decoy uttered a low. long-drawn whistle,

but drop d the subject. But his words still
rung in aby Tom’s ears. They haunted him
b night, and furnished him with food for

t ought durin the ion , dull days that crept so
slowly by whi e Kate rkhain lay struggling
with death. And when the crisis came an pass-
ed, and the Indian nurse told Baby Tom that
her patient would be perfectly restored within
the week, he entered the little but one afternoon

and motioning the squaw to withdraw, squatted
down beside the low pallet of blankets and
skins. One glance showed him that Kate was
awake. Then he averted his head staring
steadily at a bloated spider at work in the corner,
and like a school-boy ‘ speaking his piece,” un-
burdened his mind. ~

“ Mebbe you hain’t forgot What I said to you
t’other day when we was ridin’ over here. i
laid I was thinkin’ 1powerfully of making you
my wife. I was 0 in‘ then, fcause I was a1-
roudy married. ut things is changed now.
She's dead—Martby, I mean. An’ the he s is

wlin’ ’cause we‘ve run so much resk an got
nothin’ to show for ’12. Your pap won‘t pay us
money. The boys think we’re runnin’ too much
reek in keepin’ you here—”

“ Set me free—return me to my friends and

on shall have money!” eager] interrupted

to, her pale face flushing with ope.

“ The boys won’t agree. They so. you’ll
pi’iunt ’em out. The soldiers’d hunt em own an’

’em like dogs. They say better fer you to
go under then'them. They say ’1: ’d save trouble
‘1 We Putt you in the river. The .say cu
cain’t never go out 0’ this hole 've on ess
you’re so bound to us that you won’t dare split.

hey say there’s a preacher man over to La-
ramie. ’Tain't so fur to ride. They say of
you ’gree ’to do that, they'll let you go back to

our p.

y “ I on't understand on,” faltered Kate, but
the flush of ho fad from her cheek, and a
look of terror ed her 9 es.

“The boys say that t ar’s only one here as
has had any ’sporience in ’lar, sure-enough
max-ridge,” continued Baby om, his big 9 es
never moving from the bloath s ider. ‘ at
man bed a. wife, but she’s gone odd. I won’t
speak no names, but you was ’lon 0’ her when
5 e was shot an drawnded. The ys say you
must marry that man, of you ever keer 'bout
seein’ vour folks ’in. They said for me to tell

a. They said he’ tryto make you a good hus—
hau’. He’s a rough cuss; I won gainsay that,
but the boys said mebbe you'd t to git along
with him ruther than the river. ey said you
could hov ontel to-morrowto think it over. An’
-that’s all they said, I think,”and Bab Tom
arose, still staring at the bloated spider. ‘ Ijest
th ht I’d tell ye, seein’ the boy: was so sot. on
it. water’s colder, sence the rain, I think.
You don’t look overly strong, an’ it might give
you a cold—tho river, I mean. An’ that fool
man—ho loves you harder‘n a mule km kick
down-hill!” ‘With which words, ken in a.
tone for different from the one in which the oth-
Inwuro uttered. Baby Tom strode from the

ctchos. and broken by many a painful l down into Black Hollow as though anxious to
How he had dcceivud ‘, read the secrets of its gloomy depths.
the soldiers, how he had stolen away under y laws cooked and ate their supper, smoked their
cover of the rain—storm; how he had remained 1, pipes and then crawled into their rude huts or

~abo

 

 —»D1F1.3._L1P?§W'

 

 

hut, leaving Kate to herself and her troubled ro-
flections. ‘

The afternoon faded, the stars began to poor
The out-

stretched themselves out beside the cheerful

know in this world.

The hours rolled on. The moon climbed the
mountain-side and looked down into Black Hol-
low. Did its full orb observe that dim, phantom-
liko figure so silently creeping through the
bushes, into the clearing?

The faint light of the dying embers were re-
flected from a bronze, shining skin, nude from
the waist upward.

Crouching low to the ground, the shadow
stole from but to but, pausing for a brief space
by each, entering more than one, as if in search
of some articular object. And as n. half-burn-
ed bram broke in twain, its ruddy glow revealed
the shape of an Indian, bending over the form
of Baby Tom who was muttering restlessly in
his sleep. A long knife hung over the outlaw’s
heart, but his mutterings ceased and his life was
spared, for that moment.

The shadow cre t on and paused beside the
hut in which lay te Markham. Through the
brush door came a tiny ray of light. Nodding
over the dying fire crouched the Indian wo-

man.

Gently the door was pulled open not the faint-
est sound betraying the action. Then, at a low
hiss, a second figure a peared, and the twain
crept into the hut. T 1e new—comer crouched
behind the s uaw. The first, passed on to the
pallet whereclay the maiden, slee ing. A slight
motion of his hand—and each s adow gm. (1
its prey. There was a brief, almost noise ess
struggle.

Kate’s eyes opened, but a firm hand was upon
her lips, and, before she could realize her peril,
a soft gag was forced into her mouth. She
tried to shriek—but in vain; and then her brain
reeled. She had fainted.

The Indian caught her u in his arms and
turned toward the door. ' ie squaw lay help-
less, bound and gagged. The man who se-
curedher lidedtothe door. All was still. The
outlaws ay sleeping, little suspecting the
strange drama that was being enacted in their
very midst. '

In silence the bold abductors stepped over the
prostrate bodies, crossed the clearing, gained
the river and forded it without an accident or
mishap.

The shadow whose arms were free, fumbled
around in the dark for a few moments, then si-
lently laced the end of a. stout raw-hide ro
in the rid of his com nion, and began clim
ing up the stoop hi ide at the very point
w are Martha Bascom made the attempt,
days before. When the lassowas drawn taut,
the man who bore the senseless maiden upon his
left arm began climbing up, aided by the rope,
until he gained the point where his comrade
stood.
Twice was this repeated, and the twinklin
stars above seemed to be growing nearer, an
the maxing of the waters below to recede. But
then, when only a few feet of the lasso hung be-
low his hand, when he felt the moist earth
crumblin beneath his feet and the entire
weight of imself and that of the maiden depend-
ed upon the grasp of one hand, a frightful m1
menaced the ndian. Asharp hiss startled ' .
Two glistening diamond-like eyes suddenly ap-
peared just above his head. nd then a col ,
clammy substance touched his hand. A low,
culiar skir'r sounded in his ears. And he

ew that a rattlesnake was preparing for its
fatal stroke!

“Blackbird i” came a cautious whisper from
ve.

As thou h startled by the sound. the serpent
crawled ong his hand and its head rested upon
the Indian’s neck, its angry hiss filling his earl

CHAPTER XXXII.
FOUND AND LOST.

HIGH above the roaring of the little river,
whirling through the arched passage, reverber-
ating from int to point of the pine-clad moun-
tain, rung o echoos of that withering volley,
of the shrieks and groans of the fallen, the ex-
ultant yells of the ambushed savages—and hi b
above all ed forth the wild war—cry of t e
terrible W ite Sioux!

Baby Tom sprungfo his feet, thoroplglhly
awakened, as the  yell filled the v ey.
He glared around , fearfull , and even
made one stride toward the frien y bushes, so

eat was the dread with which that wild

ogan inspired him. The friendly dark
ness covered his ghastly face his trembling
limbs and starting eyeballs. Flor the moment
he was utterly unmanned by the remembrance
of a. past crime and its solemnly-promised pun—

ent.

“ It’s Injuns an’ soldiers I" exclaimed Ben
Watson. so close beside him that the ' t start-
ed. “ they’ll only chaw each or up!, I
reckon e’ll hev to git out 0’ this—”

 

' ,__....4~!'..L‘_4_~ _.._ ,_ ._. a"

 

“ You thinkthey’ronttar is!”

__==K::

“ Sartinl What for else would them
critters be so fur from the fort?" snarled t e do-
co .

XYou git the b0 5 together—tell ’em to pack
up whatever they eer ‘bout takin’ along,” said
Baby Tom, once more himself. “ I’ll go take a
squint at these critters an’ fix the trail so they
cain't come in on our acks. Tell ’cm to keep
cool—but make haste !”

Baby Tom crossed the river and entered the
tunnel. holding a drawn knife before him as a
guard against a ossible surprise from some inv
tre id enemy, t readin the narrow, perilous
trail, though in inky dar 'ness, With a sure and
confident foot. Cautiously he peered out, and
through the faint gray light of the dawning
day, he could distinguish a mass of writhin ,
struggling humanity close locked in a death-
grapplo. There were flashing revolvers, though
these were but seldom used; the fi ht was too
close and deadly for anything like eliberation;
the cold steel was doing its work, instead.

The giant’s eyes sought for one particular
form, and the manner in which he fingered his
revolver shadowed forth the deadly wish that
filled his heart. ,

“Jest fer one minnit!” he muttered, as he
peered through the gray mist. “Jest one
glimpse, an’ I’d be a free man ag’in l"

He listened for the voice of the White Sioux,
but it was silent. If he could only know that
the man whom he so feared was dead! And
yet he dared not step forth to ascertain—he
dared lin er no longer, and turning, he retraced
his steps . a few yards.

Pausing here, he crouched down and slipping
his fingers into a deep crack, threw his whole
strength into one effort, tearing a section of the
ledge from its position and to pling it over into
the water. For full six feet t e trail was com-
pletely destroyed. .

“Let ’em try to come in now!” he chuckled
arising and resuming his progress. “Ef he’d
only try, fustl”

During his absence Ben Watson had not been
idle. Several fires had been rekindled, and the
little clearing was now fully illuminated. The
outlaws were hurrying to and fro, preparing
their loads for a hasty ight by the upper pass.
Ben W'atson reached Baby Tom’s side and has-
tily muttered: ,

“Promiseto give me half you make, an‘ I’ll
help you 've the b0 5 the slip. ’Twon’t be
hard—they re skeered afe out o' thar boots as
’tis. How is it—quickl” _

“Good enough! come—we’ll git the gal, an’
make a break. Ef only those devils hain’t
thought 0’ sendin’ round to the up r pass!”

Catching u a, blazing bran , Baby Tom
sprung to the at where he had left his captive,
and flung open the brush door. One lance—
and he stood like one petrified. Ben atson
dodged under his extended arm. He saw the
bound and gagged form of the Indian woman—
but no more. The ’ l for whose possession
they had dared an suffered so much, was

el
803%“ is she?” he snarled, whirlin around
with bared lmifethreatenin the stup'e edgiant.
“You’ve run her off to c eat'me out o’ my
rights! Tell me wbar she is, or I’ll cut your
heart-—” '

   
  
  
  
  
   
 
    
   
    
 
   
  
 
    
      
 
   
 
       
   
   
  
      
         
    
     
  
   
  
   
   
   
     
  
      
 
  
 
     
  
    

The air was filled with a series of yells, blood-
ang and awe-inspiring; the nu ' war-
whoop of the merciless Sioux! Angutgrou h
the line of shrubbery burst the painted hor 9,
led by tall Leapah, whose revolver rung out the
death—knell of a brawny outlaw as he sprung
within the circle of light. '

This sight seemed to break the 11 which had

prize had vanished, and with a loud, bellowing
ro ~r of encouragement to his men and defiance
to his enemies, he drop d the torch, drew his
pistol and sprun into t e thickest of the melee.
Great as was t eir numerical superiority, the
Sioux fell back before this human avalanche
who seemedto court death as,a pastime, an
with a show of returnin courage, the outla
be to fight for their lives.
wice Baby Tom snapped his revolvers, an
each time ta? failed 1111, having been th
oughly wet when he destroyed tie n :
through the tunnel. With an angry curse h
flung them at the heads of the savages, an
snatchin up a heavy, blazing log from th
nearest re, whirled it above his head . -
brought it down with terrific force full upon
shaven crown of Leapah. Without a groan '
young chief fell, his skull crushed out of .
semblancetohumanity. A ain and again 1,
ponderous weapon was whir ed aloft and -~ v
time it descended, there death followed. ' -'
every stroke the giant gave vent to a d v
heavy roar of fierce hatred. He seemed like
avenging colossus—like some horrible u: A
of destruction rather than a simple mortal,
the bravest of the Sioux warriors shrunk I
before him, though lying their was as do ,
from behind. With ' e, tomahaw and p'
they sought to avenge the fall of their lea
but turning to flee ,whenever the raging 1
faced toward them' ,
Bl flowedinstreamsfi'omadozen "r v
and th ovoments of Bhby Tom grew-
rwiftan certain. He‘began -.-: ,

 

        
       
  

fallen upon Baby Tom when he ound that his .

  

‘-<‘_._._- -A A

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!

    

 

O'V"

Joy, and knowinEVthis, Bill manage
l

uter he struggled. It was g

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.x........,..., a";  -....._,-

  

wfid light in his big eyes to dim, and when his
lips parted to emit t at sullcn roar,a bloody
froth fell upon his long beard and swolling
chest.

And then—he stumbled and fell upon his
knees. \Vith fiercely exulmnt yells the dusky
warriors hurled themselves upon him, plying

ives and hatchets with demoniuc rage. But
even in death the lion is dangerous.

Shakinw off his assailants as u buffalo hull
scatters the cowardly coyotes, Baby Tom arose.

is huge hands graspedim Indian by the throat.
' hat terrible gripe lasted but a single niomcnt;
then the Indian was flung aside, with broken
neck and the giant made a blind rush toward
mot or enemy.

His limbs failed him. He flung back his head,
and tried to shout forth his defiance, but the
hot blood choked his utterance, and he sunk
heavily to the ground. Once more the Indians
Iprung upon him, but the wounds their weapons
uflicted, he never felt.

Baby Tom was dead.

 

At the first alarm Ben Watson had turned to
ice, but to do so he must cross the clearing in
the very face of the Indians. Before he could
turn to crawl into the thicket, Baby Tom made
his impetuous charge, and, despite himself, the
decoy felt that he must watch the result. It
was as though a spell bound him. He could not
turn his eyes from the raging giant. Through
every chance, every movement of that horrible
yet strangely fascinating tragedy, his eyes were

lued u on the giant, nor could a turn to flee,
fhou h he knew that to remain was almost cer-
tain eath. ”

When the brief strug lo was over, he crept
Aim the line of bushes, oping to escape from
the c caring and reach the trail leading to the
upper pass, unseen, but he was doomed to disap-
oomtment.

A dark form leaped from the water upon the
tank, with a. low grating cry of ficrce Joy.

“Ive ot (ya this time!“ and Bill Comstock
glutched he eco by the throat.

The two men all to the ground, struggling
fiercely. A brawny Indian, who had been in

mud; of the fugitive outlaw, stumbled over

em with aloud grunt, the shock forcmg the

ood-dripp' tomahawk from hi hand, as well
is separating be two foes.

Ben Watson rolled swiftly over toward the
river bank. Comstock sprung erect with a yell
of anger, only to be confronted 8b? the Sioux
warrior, whose strong arms imm iater encir-
cled the body of the scout with crushing force.
There was no time for explanation. A mo—
ment’s delay might insure the escape of the de-
d to draw
the knife from s belt. Thou h clasped too
closeléfor dealm a sure blow, t e scout man-
aged place his. 'mfe against the Indian’s side,
and then pressed it home to its very haft. Death-

utricken, the savage released his grasp, and was.

hurled fiercely aside.

Ono swift glance showed Watson just ring-
ing into the river, evxdently intending to 0rd it
and seek concealment union the dense shrub.
bery upon the further wall 0 the val] . Com-
Itock nve One ml hty_ leap and landed just be
hind atson in t e nver. The decay made a

, fierce, backward thrust, and Bill felt the keen

libel entering his side With apan like death.
But not even death should chea him of his
pro . F ' ng himself forward he grappled
Wit the out aw, pinning both arms to his side
I0 that he was unable to usabilmife.
The death that stared him in the face lent
utson strength and coura e and right despe.
hting against fate.
He was helpless in the gimp of an enem whose
ld‘gantage could only annulled by oath it-

The current beatfiercely against them. The
Pelt! bfi‘neatb “at: £126: were. oovgred with
e. hen—as u eapairingo esca _
WMiami fluu his boiy backward, and Est},
1"911 fell at ull length. The roaring wagers
y whirled them into the _black tunnel,
'hfil'o death lurked upon every Slde.

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
A run you A Lira.

 

 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  

. I 1/ n
’ cl“? and open,
‘ a:me into the trap set for him b the White

,in

PLACING implicit confidence in his scout, who
M turned and reported that the we. was
Colonel Markham led li men

‘1! cu tin uothin until t rin
Wigglénuthtue dn—uugtiiivifle and glam @225
w: ering vo mow1 own one
'1 rider in one Indeed: smtthAud without
5‘ *n soldierl am for breath,
‘3 to Sioux ledhis braves'to the charge,
red. Joined in, a fierce, mor-

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
   
  

r V the‘vbioe

death-grapple.

h M m ‘ ‘ bold-fl: h oundeni

the as I  w
and

"a" . 31%:th um.m,wlw

 

 

 

'Black Hollow—and dead—he

.. sash; M"

4...“: .. 4" ram”:-

‘1 ‘ u . '*

Indian slowly fought its way toward him, he
cmpticd the chambers of one rovolvcr in swift
succession, and us his dreaded foe Eta rgered back
and fell, :1 hoarse shout of triumph who from
his 1i IS.

with the fall of their chief. the Sioux braves
seemed to lUSL‘ a portion of their fire and impo—
tuositv, and the soltlicrs, with a united effort,
Slicocetled in cutting their way through the toils.

m... . ,.‘..

The. P033331??? 7????‘31

l
l
I

For a few moments it bade fair to become a hot ‘

retreat, for the deadly surprise bud greatly
magnified the numbers of their foes, but dash-

ing through the crowd of fugitives, Colonrl 1

Markham succccdod in rallyingr thczn. Even in
that hour of intwnso excitement, the thought of
his daughter outwcighcd all else. '

Tun minutes latcr ‘thc party was collected
near the foot of the steep rock-wall, the oiliucrs
consulting upon the best course for them to lur-
sue. The council was of brief (luratwn. ull
and muffled, vet unmistakable, there came the
sound of ii rhting——Leapuh’s assault upon the
outlaws in lack Hollow. For one instant the
soldiers listened, breathlessly. Then Dr. Hurl-
butt spoke, pointing to the rock-strewn space
before them.

“ The question is settled for us, gentlemen I”

Leaping from cover to cover numerous dusky
forms could be distin ruished by the growmg
daylight. In order to cave their present posi-
tion, the whites Would have to run_the gantlet
of more than a score of riflcs. A smgle glance
showed Markham that, though his force was still
the strongest, numerically, owin to the advan-
tage of cover, any attempt to real! through
that line would be little short of suicIde. There
was but one chance for them, and that was
promptly embraced. _

“ llisxnount and form a corral With the
horses 1” he shouted. setting the example.

The animals were securel bound, two and two,
in the form of a half-Ciro 6, either and resting
against the pe ndicular rock. A taunting
'ell came from t e Sioux and stealin closer, a
few of the braves opened fire upon t e livmg
barricade. Two horses fell, then another, their
dying struggles threatening to stampede the re-
mainder.

Colonel Markham called several of his men by
name and directed them to try and silence the
savage marksman, while the remainder, under
his lead began loosening the gravelly soil with
their sabers and throwing it up in the form of a
hreastwork.

The sun peeped over the hilltop, and found
all busily engaged. The Indians were still keep-
ing 11;) a gal mg fire, though as at their bulletb
had ound no nobler victims t na half—score
horses. The soldigrs still laboretdl at the trench,
now making' qui e a res cta e appearance,
for, as the horses fell, the§e were promptly las-
soed and dragged into position to form a part
of the breastwork.

There came no further sound from Black Hol-
lsow, and Ciglonel llfarkliai‘aiI {caged )the 30513;.

trange as may appear, 0 , w on y ,
Martha Bascom had spoken of te‘s being at
believed the one
part. while 1 uoring the other. He felt that his
child was ive—but now, he feared, in the
hands of the ruthless Sioux. He flung his whole
powers into the work,and performed more than
an two men under his command, but he oould
no smother that sickening fear.

Suddenly the scattered shots from the enemy
became a long, rolling fusilade. and behaving
that this covered some important movement,
Colonel Markham called to his men to cease
work and stand readyto repel a charge. But
not an Indian could be seen,rand their positions
were only indicated by the sharp puffs of blue

smoke as their rifles were discharged.
One soldier itched heavil orward, dead
ere he touched e earth, shot i: u h the brain.

Another staggered back and r0 ed into the
trench, with a. sharp cry. Dr. Hurlbutt was
beside him in an instant, forgetting all else in
his professional zeal. is last man was Walt
Obermeyer. one of the survivors of the fierce
and sun ry struggle at the stone fort in
Crooked all . " ,

Warned by his loss, Colonel Markham order-
ed his men into the trench, where they. would at
least be partially covered. As for f, he
seemed unconscious of dun r, and stood beside
his big white war-horse, see 3' in vain for an
enemy upon whom he might avenge the death
of his soldiers.

As suddeul u it had 0 ed, the mail-do
ceased, and
mzclouds of hazy woke, there was nothing
tobe aythe resenoeofanenemdy. , j

Gradually t e soldiers remnne their labor:
and continued then: until quite noon, with only
one interruption. Al he stood watching, a
sharp exclamation escaped the colonel’s H A
strong force of Indians were ridin rapi up
the valley, but’drew‘rein uva ootmcu‘ran
swiftly toward them. There ow to be a
brief interchange 0! words, then a now-comers
dimmted, tethered their horses anddisa
the bushes andbowlders‘.‘ Bites *-

Wm 8MB?

  
  

l absence, and. son

 

2'7

,..A .  7 ;‘_.._....

“Better if we had charged them at first,“
muttered the surgeon, at Marklmm’s elbow.
“They outnumbcr us three to one now, with
over ' advantage of )ositiou.”

“ low 111tu men lave we—flt for work?”

“Thirty-one, all told. Obvrmuyor  hard hit
— yin , I fear,” replied tho surgeon.

ll nrk 1am stared moodin before him. The
prospect was black, indeed, and he could see no
way out of the toils.

“ We can only wait and sell our lives as dean
1y as possible," he said, after a pause. “ There‘s
not enough horses to mount us all. We must
fight the blocxlhounds until hclp comes from the
fort. Blake may grow uneasy at our prolonged

out a scout.” But it was

' plain that the colonel had little hopc of this pos-

was still wit on . Onlyfor the'

khuueedthe 'looldn"for.
, 3m ,mxmlf ,_

sibility over coming to pass.

_“ Lookl what on earth—a white flag, by J u—
pltcrl” exclaimed Hurlbutt, pointin to where a
white cloth was moving to and fro a ve a. black
bowldcr. .

“ It may be a trick. but you ma ' as well an?
s_wcr it. At any rate there wil be 3 much
tune gaincd. Give me your handkc biof—
mme ll red. Now go and see that the men are
ready for anything that may turn 1‘ .”

W iile hurriedly speaking, Mar ham
knottin the doctor‘s handkerchief upon the
point 0 his saber. Lifting his arm, he an-
SWcl‘od the signal. Immediately a man arose
from behind the black bowlder, and bearing the
flu of truce, boldly advanced toward the bent
ca e. Markham started sharply, and his florid
countenance turned ash white. In the being
before him he recognizer tho mun whom he bo-
lieved he had slain—his deadliest foe—the White
Sioux!

With a violent effort he mastered his 6111*
tions enough to cry aloud, in a human, unnatural
v01ce:

“Halt! you are near enough. What is your
wish?”

“ You are Colonel Westley Markham?" came
the words, clear and cold. “Good! and I tun
Leroy Temple 1” .

“ A cashiered officer—a deserter~n murderer,
traitor and renegade! You do well to cover
your head with a flag of trues l”

“ There is one title you have forgotten,“ and
the White Sioux laug ed metallicully, “I am
an avenger as Well as the rest. But let that
pass. I did not come here to handy epithets
with you, butto offer you terms for the lives
of your men.”

‘ Proceed figu are growing quite interest-
ing,” snee rkham. ~

‘I have just seventy-two braves, fit for nor»
vice under my command, at resent. You can
see or yourself that their ri es command your
position, and a very little reflection will show
you that, if I say the word, they can pick yep;
off one by one, without running the Iligh
risk themselves.”

“If this is so—which I deny—why are you
taking somuch trouble? Wh come here and
beg for what is our own? 2 your state—
ments are contr 'ctory.”

“ You wish to know why! That is may mid.
A chance bullet might cut you off—an I am
not ready for you to die—yet.”

Slowly these words were enunciated. and
with such'a deep, intense malignit that tho lol—
dier’s heart grew cold as he 11: nod. Right
well he knew the meaning of his enemy. ut»
his voice was steady when he replied: .

“ What terms do you odor?"

“The life of one man for those of a score.
Your men are at liberty to depart, but they
must first surrender you into my bands," was
the rompt res use. ‘

“ on take your shower straight. '
from the lips of In men.” and Markham ,
laughed, shortly. “ on have heard boys; I
you are free to ride away, if you will only
give me over to that follow. Speak out-and. _
speak (reel; l"

One lou ell of den-ion amee. Markham.
Si grimlyu he agaui faced the White

oux.

“You have your answer. Go back to our
red-skinned dogs and. say that we dare thehi to
come and take us!”

The White Sioux made no answer in words,
gusttz'uveg {he flag! triIiIce léighflabove 

ma 3 an er ure a
u n ethic? bla’ck bowldor—the £35m of}: whit.
girl—of Kata Markham, her arms stretched up
poolineg toward the spot where her t, I
stood. Abittor broke from the
lip: as he “cognac! hi- child, and ruined how
helpless he $391311! her. , u M! I t
» Man—do e gasped. ease her-— a
liar ofreo, unharmed, and I will surrender—
ui rmaifyouwflhbut roherl' . ,

“Your men may? hoe, at your life ma
her life to me coldl uttered the chief.
“Those are. a only can no I Maser.
Whatwhitebloodlbavo shed has been in my, ,
fitkmptzto capture you. My hour bu come at

W 8.5

 

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lwillbebouudtotho upon .
Wiawt'mfimr’%dmw31?sihom' ' ‘
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28

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CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE DEAD ALIVE.
WITH the angry hissing of the venomous scr-
pent Wing his ear—with the cold, clammy coil

resting upon his bare neck and shoulder—with i, into their confidence at first.

the soft point of earth crumbling beneath his
feet, leaving him suspended by one arm, while
the mlcOlerlOllS maiden him across tho other—
there seemed no escape for t e Sioux brave.

Again, and in louder toucs, came the wonder-
ing call from above, but Blackbird dared make
no reply. He felt that the serpent was in readi—
ness lb strike~that the faintest sound, the
slightest motion, would hasten the venomous
blow. Those few moments were ages of horri-
ble torture. The warrior who had stood face to
taco with death a hundred times, now turned
dck at heart.

“ What in thunder’s the matter down thar.”y
repeated the voice from above, and the tightly-
stretched lasso was shaken impatiently.

The shock was too much for the cramped and

rtilfenini; fingers of Blackbird, and he slipped ,

from his precarious foothold, falling swittly
teveral feet before he could check his descent.
[it foot‘struck against a small point of l‘O”l(,
lllll this, added to the knowledge that almost
:ertain death awaited him below. lent him the
strength necessary to check their fall. The
shock came so suddenly that the rattlesnake
was flung from Blackbird‘s ncck before it- could
usc its deadly fangs.

He heard the angry skirr below him, and
firmly clutching the lasso, he called to his Com-
panion to draw him up. Though slowly, this
was accomplished without further accident. and
then Blackbird sunk down upon the narrow
edge breathless, almost faintng after his silent
but awful struggle against death.

In silence. though evidently not a little puz-
zled, his comrade bent over iim for a few mo—
ments, then turned to the unconscious maiden
lying at his side, and removud the gag from her
mouth, thonin holdng his broad palm in rcadi—
iiess to smother any outcry she might attempt.

A moment later came the mulllcd but unmis—
takable sound of tiring and wild yells from be-
yond the eastern rock of wall. Blackbird sat
up, echoingback the cry of astonishment that
broke from tho lips of his comrade.

“It’s from the outside~uwbbe it’s the boys
from the fort, got wind 0’ this hole—they’ve run
chuck into a hornets’ nest!”

“Hist! those hounds are awakened below!
Not a word—listen!” muttered Blackbird.

The sounds of fighting grew l'aintcr and less
distinct until the busy hum from the outlaws’
camp below was the only sound that 1'1 iso above
tliebrawliniir of the impetuous river. The camp-
fires were blazing up brightly, and the, move—
ments of the excited outlaws were distinctly

visible to the two men.

“What kin be keepin’ them red-skins?" imv
patiently muttered the white man. “Lord!
what a clean sweep they could make, now!
Look—quick! by the bigr lire—it’s that.Bcn
Watson, by the litarnal!”

Without another word, Bill Comstock—for the
reader has already reconnizcd him—grasped the
lasso and slid down the 1hillside, 'ust as Leapah,
the Sioux, broke cover and struc his foe.

With breathless interest Blackbird watched
the struggle that followed, his eyes riveted up-
on the huge form of Baby Tom, his heart beat-
i quick as he drank in every detail of the ter-
1' c death-struggle which ended in the fall of
the giant. As the dyingi gladiator fell, an un-
conscious sigh parted his ips, and was answered
E); a low, imping cry close beside him. Kate

arkham a( recovered her consciousness.

Blackbird quickly but gently placed his hand
over her lips, hurriedly muttering: "

“For the love of God, lady, do not scream!
our lives de mi upon your prudence!”

The red i ht from below penetrated the
shrubbory an was reflected from his rude and
'bronzed form. A look of sickening despair
filled the maiden’s eyes. Blackbird read the
meaning of thatex ression. and spoke, uickly:

“I am a friend, ll iss Markham—I risked in
life to rescue you from the hands of those ru -
flans. I do not wonder at your failing to re-
cognize me in this dis 'se. Surely you can

' trust me—I am Happy ack, your friend!”

When John Markham—or Happy J ack, as he
was far better known—held out his hands to
Lieutenant Blake for the manholes—when he
was led forth to die the death of a convicted
murderer—when he made his last nest of
Colonel Markham, that after death his body
might be handed over to Bill Comstock for bu-
ria ——when he stood beside his coffin and bade the
file of soldiers send their bullets home to his
heart—when he bade Dr. Hurlbutt, as a. final
message. to proclaim that he died with his soul
unstained by the crime for which he had been
condemned—up to that moment Happy Jack had
composed his mind for death. He ieved it to
be inevitable—and yet he lived.

All the time he had spent in schooling him-
‘ self to meet death as a brave and innocont man
should, true and faithful friends were working
steadily and deliberatel for his life. Promi-
nent among these was r. Hurlbutt and Ser-
geant Bowen. Believing him Mount, despite

 

 

 

9 ed, he would reluse to play his part.

' spoke a few rapid words to Happy Jack as he

' Dime 

 

 

the overwhelming if circumstantial evidence, the
moment sentence was pronounced, the began
maturing their plans. Every precaution was
observed. Not even Bill Comstock was taken
They knew he
could not kee ) the secret from Happv Jack, and
they feared that, if he knew what they intend—

Not until a few hours before that appointed
for the execution, did Comstock have the glad
tidings imparted to him. On pretense of tak-
ing him alongr while. he went to “cuss the old
man.” Dr. Hurlbutt led him away from the
guard-house and told him all, keeping a close
“arch over him lest he should betray the plot
in hi»; insane joy. But Bill proved himself a
discreet coadjutor. Having: full confidence in
Marlin, the scout, he enlisted his services, and to-
gether they rigged up a condemned ambulance,
in which to carry off the pretended corpse.

Sergeant Bowen, to whom fell the duty of
preparing,r the iii-incr party, did his work well.
it was not hard work to select men who were
ready to run the YIN ary risk, for Happy Jack
was an almost unich ll favorite. Even those
who believed he had slain Stone, grinnblcd at
the death sentence being,r passed uporl a man
who had rid the army of a dangerous nuisance.

The sergeant was far too old a. soldier to fall
into the error of having- his men load with blank
cartridges, He knew that, even in the excite-
ment of on execution, any practiced car could
eusil r detect the wide difference between a
blun ' cartridge and one fired with a ball. Se—
lecting reliable, steady-nerved men, he gave
them orders to load regularly, but to aim so
that their bullets would just miss the scout, up-
on the left. By so doing, even the sharpest-
cyed spectators, seeing; the dust raised by the
balls, could not tell that they had not passed
through the scout’s body, instead of past, owing
to their position,

The reader will remember that Dr. Hurlbutt

 

      

s ood beside the collin, which produced a mark-
ed dill'ercnce in the man’s temeanor. Those
words told him what was about to be done, and
bade him remember that on his acquiescence
rested the fate of his friends, as well.

“ Live to solve the mystcry of Stone’s mur-
der—live to clear 'our own name!” concluded
the surgeon, stepping aside.

The volley was fired. Happy Jack fell as
though dead. Stooping over him Dr. Hurlbutt
emptied a small bottle of blood inside the scout’s
shirt, slipping the bottle into his own breast,
then arose and pronounced the man dead. It
was to prevent a too close scrutiny that ho lining
the blanket over the prostrate figure, the mo—
ment he felt that the spreading blood was no-
ticed; and this dread also accounted for the (les—
pcrate manner in which Bill Comstock guarded
the supposed corpse from even the eyes of the
dazed and conscience-stricken father. -

In the ambulance Happjy Jack was conveyed
to the valley where unora was waiting.
Then came her part. By her advice [Hap y
Jack allowed himself to be disguised as an n-
dian. Then she led him to her father, tellin
him that these two men were those who hail
preserved her honor, if not life. Assuming the
name of Blackbird, Ha py Jack accompanied
the Sioux to Black H0 ow, resolved to rescue
Kate—his half-sister—if mortal man could.
Stealin away, after his rebuff by the White
Sioux, he and Comstock scaled the hill and en-
tered Black Hollow, with the result stated.

All this the scout told Kate, as they occupied
the niche together, concealing nothing.

“I could not bear that you should think me
dead, or guilty of this crime,” he added. “I
swear by the soul of my dead mother that I am
innocent! That is all I care to live for now—I
mean—Z and he pausedgabmptly.

“I do believe (you—I know you could not be
so wicked,” sai Kate, soft] . “But it is so
strange! I never knew that had a. brother liv-
ing. And yet—when I first saw you, I felt
drawn toward‘you—it must have been the voice
of Nature—~”

“And I to you,” interrupted Jack, his voice
not so steady as usual. “ ut with me it was
different—I said in my heart .that it would be
like heaven to gain one look of love from those
eyw”

At this moment the sharp crack of a rifle
sounded from below, and a. bullet sunk into the
hill just above their heads. A loud voice came
to their ears, and, glanciniI downward, Happy
Jack discovered several dus y forms staring up-
ward, threatening him with leveled rifles.
Thoroughly conversant with the Sioux tongue,
the scout had no difficulty in comdprehending the
summons. He was threatene with instant
death unless he descended at once. A sin 18
glance showed him that escape was impossib e.
The niche was not deep enough to protect their
bodies from rifle—shots below. Covered by the
shrubbe , the Sioux could pick him off with-
out running the slightest risk themselves.

“ We must. descend—but trust to me. I will
contrive to battle them, yet. Remember—I am
a stranger—a Sioux warrior, to you. Be silent,
but brave-hearted. ”

Hoary Jack assisted Kate down the hi], and

 

 

 

joined the Sioux. At first they looked su8<
piciously upon him, but he recalled the words of
their chief olferin a large reward to the brave
who should fetch him the white squaw.

‘ ‘ We will share the reward," he said, laughing.

CHAPTER XXXV.
EUNORA AND KATE.

CIDSELY as Happy Jack watched for an op»
portunity to give is red-skinned companion:
the slip, during their lon and roundabout ride,
he was disappointed. e Sioux braves evi-
dently placer ittle confidence in his sudden con-
version from enmity to friendship, and there was
never a moment but what one or more rifle muz~
zlcs covered the scouts erson.

It required all his so f—control to keep from
flyinrr at the throat of the White Sioux, when
the dliief coldly gave his orders for the dispos
sition of Kate llr arkham, in case his first pro—
)osition to the besieged should be rejected. His

alt—formed resolve was not overlooked by the
renegade, and in a cold though not unfriendly
tone the chief spoke to him.

“ Don't tempt me to forget that I owe you a
great debt, my friend. Not only am I grateful
for the service you rendered in daughter, but
I respect you as a brave, true- carted encm .
But if my own children were to stand in tile
path of my 'ust vengeance, by the mother that

ore them! would strke them down with my
own hand! If'you are wise,” he added, in a
hard tone, “it you are wise, you will with-
draw and not mingle in this matter.”

Happy Jack turned away, but not in simple
obedience to the White Sioux. He cau'rht a
glimpse of a trim form and rarely beautiful face
through the leaf ' bouuhs be ond—hc saw a
little brown band timidly bee on to him: and
hoping that Eunora despite her passionate love
for her father, couh suggest some plan for libe~
ratin Kate, he obeyed the summons.

Fo owing the silentlyflitting figure.
Jack at length came up with Eunora beside t.
river-bank, where a luxuriant wild gm ie—viae
festmncd a small clump of saplinm. l‘lie. ln-
dian girl looked full into his eyes for a moment
with an intentness far different from her usual
demeanor while in his company, then spokci-

“ What is that white girl to you 5"

“ She is m sister,” the scout replied, pronipt~
ly enough, t iough in evident surprise. “That
is, her father is my father, though our mothers
were not the same. ”

“ I thought—I was afraid—” and Eunora
drooped her eyes, the hot blood mantllng her
rich cheeks.

“ She is my sister, and very dear to my heart.
Your father has called me his friend—he says
he is grateful because I was once your friend in
danger; yet he holds my sister captive, and says
that she must die. When that hour comes, I, too,
will die—hut not alone. There will be many
black faces among the Sioux.”

“Then Eunora will die, too,” softly uttered
the Indian maid. , '

' Lonrr before this day, the handsome scout had
learnec that Eunora loved him, and morefthan
once he had cau ht himself vaguely picturin
a lifetime of wil sim )licity in company wit
her. But never since 1he first met with Kate.
Though she was his sister, one look at her fair,
prou face told him that there were higher and
nobler walks in life than the one he was almost
unconsciously gliding into; that, the life of a.
scout and Indian-fighter was not what his dead
mother would have wished him to follow.

There was no attempt at concealment in the
lustrous 6 es of Eunora as they met his. She
loved, an was roud of her love. Happy Jack
saw this, and tiough he felt a sharp pang of
compunction, he resolved to make use of this
love as the last hope of preserving Kate

“No—you must live—the sun would lose its
light were Eunora to die,” he said soltly. “ We
are both too young to think 0 dying, While
there remains a single ray of hope. f I can

 

steal my white sister away, Eunora must go .

too. There will be room in our lodge for three.
The days will be lon and bright, and our love
will make them pass ike a, dream—”

“Ef them ’ar don‘t fetch her heart plum up
to her month, then it’s made 0’ putty—that's
all!” and the le s of a. man protruded throu
the leaf mas 3. yo, and their owner drop
lightly the ground.

“ Bill!” exclaimed Happy Jack, astonished.

“ Nothin’ shorter!” grinned the scout. “Sar-
vent, miss! Sorry to spile your pritty talk
pard, but them durned vines give way aforel'
could think 0’ knockin’ to let 9 know I was
comin’. But of I heard ary wor you said, hope
ma die—l”

‘ Never mind; I’m lad to meet you on any
terms, I’ve been won ering what on earth had
become of you.”

“I jist tuck a. flyin’ trip through purgatory—
did so! Talk about chain lightnin’l ef 303n-
non kin spit a feller out any quicker than that
durned derrick spirted us two through yonder
hole, then you needn‘t ever use me for gun-wad-
dln’—-not much I” ’ '

“You two? Did you passthro 11—”

“Waal, I should re-markJ Et hadn‘t awn}

lered so much water that I run aground, Pd ’3'
bin to Orleans am tun-up!”

Happy; I
l

 

r —‘»4 v-: .4...

a...

at

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

’ Happy Jack, earnestly.

' Sioux, and then finally passe
‘tive.

.. "amt,"  c. .. 1-3313 

 

   

m_-_. .n_,, .. -. .VDF;.‘.L=___.\-___

Comstock seemed in an unusually loquacious
mood, but a few adroit questions soon extracted
the pith of his adventures. He and Ben W at-
:on. tightly locked in each other’s arms, were
swept throu b the tunnel atfrightful speed, and
drawn into t e same eddy from which Baby Tom
had drawn Kate Markham some days before,
Thou h bruised and breathless, Conistock inun—
aged 0 crawl ashore, still holdinfilhis prey: but
when he recovered a little, to Is dismay he
found that Ben “'ntson was dead—his skull
horribly crushed where it had Come into con-
tact with a sunken rock. Believingthut some,
of the Sioux had seen him strike down tlln In-
diun in Black Hollow, he dared not attempt to
rejoin them, and feeling too crippled to M1119
the hill again to rejoin his friend. he sought, m.
fuse among the grape—vines, to wait for dark.
new: to cover his movements.

In return Happy J uck informed Comstock of
all that had occurred since their farting, and
pictured the peril that threatened awhmviwd
colors. Drawing close together, the trio our“-
ostly discussed the situation and sought to devise
some plan for rescuing the maiden. '

“ if there was only more time—1f we could
only have this night to work inl” muttered
Hap y Jack. “It is a slim chance, but if all
else ails, I will try to carry her off by a dash,

Simoom!’
on“That would be certain death,” interposed
Eunora. “ If she only knew that we were try-
ing to aid her—but she will be watched closely.
I could not get to siniak—" ’ _ a,

“ Could you rive her a note—a word of writing?

“ Perha. )s—— will try. - It must be small—Just
a‘word. .‘cruteh it upon a leaf. Tell her to
make believe faint—to be very 11]. If she can
play a part, I think I can manage the rest. Let
me think—l” mused Eunora.

Smothering his anxiety, as  he could,
Happ J ack scratched the words indicated upon

' 3 Im l, smooth leaf, and waited. In a few mo-

s 'an' 'rl lifted her head and spoke;
mlP§otiiLgiIdi§lwat§di me closely. but  irudcnt.
If I can manage, as I hope, there Will )6 little
danger. When I makea motion—sg, .you must
lead your horse down to drink. ‘. on Will be
watched it is likely. Lethim drink, then lead,
him back, slowly, as close to me as pOSSible.
When I give you the sign, place her upon your
horse and flee for life." . .

“Ef ’twas me, I know mighty well which
critter I‘d run away with!” muttered Com-
ck, with what sounded _ver like a s1 h, as
unora, bearing the talking- eaf, turne and
rrlided away from the natural arbor. '
‘3 “She is a. noble girl—‘God bless her!” said
“But you, Bill—I’m
afrai ou’ll have to lay low .until dark. ' It I
succee in carrying oil my sister, this Will be
like a hornets’ nest, sure. i” _
“Nor th y won’t be no InJun gals fool enough
to try to g1 -me out 0’ trouble, nuther, ’ laughed

A Bill, but with an evident effort: The bright

eyes of Eunora had touched his heart deeply.
‘ You never mind me; you’ll hev your han’s full
with her. Ef you do git her cl’ar, what next?
You cain’t sca’cely take her to the fort—”
Happy Jack made no reply, for an Indian was
seen approaching and Gemstock quickly ,crawl-
ed 11 into his former hidm -plaoe, while his
frlen passed through and t on roun d the
clump as though Just coming from the ver.
Putting on a mask of moody unconcern, the
scout slowly returned to the broken ground
where the Indians kept guard over themtrench-
ed soldiers, though he_ truce was rig-idly ob.
served, otherwise. Taking a pos1tion where he
could overlook the bowlder, beneath which,
bound hand and foot, Kate set, he awaited the
denouement of Eunx‘ira’s plans. . _
She was conversing earnest] With the \tho
before the ca )-
Eunorn. seemed scintinizin .her close y
and curiously, then, with a litte laugh, she.
turned away. As she did so, the leaf-dropped,
face up u n Kate’s luv), and tho’ Signi cant
words nict nor astonished eyes. For an instant
she seemed pnuled—then Eunora cast back a

'swift, meaning glance, and Kate knew that

' - q me scheme afoot for her relief.
mildlfiiigments later she fell upon her side,
With a gasoing, iurgling cry, and when bunora
and her father mstcned back, the. captive lay
rigid, her face distorted, bloodtingmg her lips,
like one in‘a fit. So well did Late day her part
that for a, few moments even era was
 me carry her over yonder. There is no
“anger. She has only fainted from terror and
fatigue,” e laincd the Indian girl. . a]

Covertl appy Jack watched for the Sign .
5'! led 11% horse to the river, as directed, and

' saw, tohis joy, that he was not followed, though
ed

evidently watch . , _
1Kfol’iei-afew minutes he up It?! retléflif:
5 [P3, musing eve few a s on ow
a mouthful or twat y , and gradually edg-
ing toward Elmo . ow that the crisism so
near. his brain was clear, his nerves as steady
as iron. W'ith a careless glance be selected the
best course to take, and saw With satisfaction

i I that adozen 'of Simoom’s bounds would carry

around the.ris_o, Where no bullet
them. i _

 

 

The Long Haired ‘Pards.

... -- ._ .-... ....

    

 “flaky-x.» -
«fig.— _ -....~. ... . h H.

9

 

. —_._. -. .'—..m_—..—.——-r- rv-m

 

Eunora made the agreed upon signal, then
turned her back. Happy J uck led bimoom on
-then sprung to Kate s side, and lifting her in
his arms, leaped into the saddle and cheered Sl-
mooin on, bending low down and shielding Kate
with his own body. as angry yells and whistling
bullets told that his bold attempt at rescue was
discovered.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
Tunorou Nlllll'l‘ To 1.1mm“.

" COLONEL," said Dr. llurlbulzt, gently touch-
ing the commander upon the shoulder as he sat
buried in deep, troubled thought, “ Private
Oliermcyer is Sinking fast—dying, in fact. But
he snys there is something Weighing upon his
mind that he. must get rid of—lio asked me to
beg you would just step over to him for a mo-
ment. From w int he let drop, I l'nncy it con—
cerns the murder of Captain Stouc—”

Colonel Markham Visibly winced at these
words. Though he had stubbornl ' strove to
hide his real emotions, tho knowlei go that ho
had condenuied his own son to die n. shameful
death was bittm‘. indeed. Arising. he followed
the surgeon to where the dying soldier lay.

“The colonel is here, \Vult," suid Hurlbutt,
and the man’s eyes opened with a wild, hall'—
duzed stare. “Tell him what you have to say«
Put it short and clear, for your name will soon
be called, and ou’ll be off duty foreverl”

“You noedn t go, Doc,” gasped Oberine or,
painful] '. “I can tell you easier than iim.
thou rh didn’t know, until too late, how hard I
was itting him. Let me confess to you—but
let him listen. It's about that black day—Hap-
)y J uel’r was innocent—I shot Captain Lawrence

tone!

Thou in his first words had in a measureme-
Imred them for this, Obernioycr’s confession ex-
tol-ted sharp, indignant exclamations from both
Markham and Hurlbutt. But the dying man
attempted no apology. In feeble, broken sen-
tences, he made a 111 confession clearing up
every doubtful point, leaving not t e shadow of
a doubt remaining in the minds of his hearers-—
for now the other soldiers had drawn around
him—as to the utter innocence of Happy Jack.

The substance of his story may be condensed
into a few lines. Several years before, Ober—
meycr had been a private in Captain Stone’s
com any, and by some means had fallen into
the i l graces of the petty tyrant, who managed
to make the soldier’s life a perfect hell on earth,
until he finally deserted, and enlisted in another
regiment. knowing that, if discovered, this re-
enlistment would render his punishmentli hter.
But then Captain Stone himself was trans erred
to that very regiment, and though he did not
appear to recognize Oberineyer, the soldier
knew that this could only be a matter of time.
He was right. Discovery came on that after-
noon when he, in company with Stone, was
searchin r for the lost trail. Yet even then he
had no i( on of committing murder to save him-
self. He fell to the rein—then the min tation
came. Captain Stone discovered Ben V atson,
and called upon him to surrender, but the out-
law raised his pistol to shoot. At that moment
Obernieyer was standin ' beside a huge mass of
rock—unconscious that Iappy J ack was direct-
} opposite, with only the owlder separatin
them. He saw Ca )tain Stone about to fire. an
believing he coul throw the burden of guilt
upon the shoulders of the outlaw, he raised his
pistol and discharged the fatal shot. At the
very same instant Iappy Jack fired at Watson,
but his bullet missed as the outlaw fell, wound-
ed by the captain’s ball. Obermoyer saw the
scout leap forward, and hastil retreated, only
coming up when he saw the ot‘ '
Hi3 agenlfiy was never suspec
love of e he suffered event; to takentheir
course, and another man to undergo the punish-
ment he alone deserved. -,

There was a dead silence after Obermeyer
concluded his confession. for all saw that was

ers draw near.

fast dying; Only for that. he would have ared
3.

ill at the ads of the soldiers; not because he

had killed Lawrence Stone, but for the death;-

as they believed—of Halpp Jack. ‘
Colonel Markham loo er like a man who had

’just listened to his own death salience—crushed

and broken down. The surgeon, relentin , was
about to make his confession, when a. w d‘ tux
mult amse among the Sioux. Though the be-
sieged little sus rooted it, this was caused by the
bold rescue of ate Markham by Happy Jack.
“ Lie close. boys!” shouted Hur utt, and
right well it was that the men promptly obe ed,
for with a rattling volley, the savages, 1e .by

the White Sioux, broke cover and impetuously

charged upon the breastwork.

Stern and deadly work ensued. Ra idly the
rifles and pistols of the soldiers vomi d forth
their contents, but steadil the Indians charged,
though leaving some of air number at eve
step. Right up to the breaatwork they chargg
—~and then came the hot work hand to hand.

. The White Sioux raged like a very fiend of
battle. But while his envy saber dealt death
on‘ever side, his shrill voice We heard above;
the trig tful din, warning his raven to spare,
$e 1330 of Colonel Markham, though theys‘hw
0 61‘s. - ‘

and through ,

 

,' The soldiers were terribly outnumbered, and. V

.',/

#7... . M,

though they fought as only men can who know
that they must conquer or die, there could
scarcely )0 a doubt as to the ultimate cndin at
that unequal conflict. One 1) one Were t icy
falling, dead or dying. The b (leiliirsty Sioul’
were pressing them hardly, hemming them in
until there was scant room to swing a saber
All seemed lost, when— -

A ringing cheer rent the air, and two-score
horsemen, led by Happy Jack u 1011 his gallant
Simoom, tliunt cred around t to curvo and
plunged into the melee. “’ith a hoarse yell of
fury, tho \Vhite Sioux leaped upon Markham
um plunged his knife to tho hilt in his bosom”
the next moment being fairly spitted upon the
swurd of Lieutenant Illnke.

“ Alive? then bring him here,”faintly uttered
Colonel Markham, as liurlbutt answered his
qiiestion concerning the White Sioux.

Fill-ll? sinking. yet with mind clear, the white
chief wns lnid beside his mortal enemy, who was

)reparing to enter upon the same din-l; trail.
Inrkhum fecny raised himself upon one elbow,
nnd after gazing earnestly, sadly, upon the
wreck before him, spoke earnestly:

“1 how sinned heavily against you Leroy
Tem ilo, and now, in the presence of death, I
hum )ly beg your forgiveness. I have been a
hard, cruel man, and yet—I have cared for your
child as for my own—more l"

The White .‘ioux strove to speak, but the ho"
blood filled his throat. There was a wild, eage:
look in his eyes that Markham readily inter

iretm .

I "Hear me out. I am dying, and you shall
hour nothing but the truth. The stor you
heard about your wife was not all true—though
she did die in giving birth to a child. She was
mor and had no near friends. It was easy work
iorme. Ibud her buried. I hired the cop's.
to tell you that both she and her child he died.
But it lived. I carried it away and had it
raised and educated as my own ( aughtcr. In
its face I could trace the likeness of her—my
God! how Iloved her!”

“She lives—your—m dau liter? not that
one,” gas ied the White .ioux, ut the exertion
cost him ( car. The black blood burst from his
lips and his head fell back a lifeless weight.

.“He is dead—God rest his soull" solemnly
pronounced Dr. Hurlbutt, arising.

 

“ Be kind to her, John ” faintly whispered the
dvingsoldier. “Shelms )een theli htofmy life.
I ard and cruel 2181 have been, I mi ht have
been even worse 0in for her gentle in nonee.”
Happy Jack and to Temple—brother and
sister no lon war—knelt beside the blood-stained
pallet, their ands clas d‘in his. Feelil , un-
certainly Colonel Mar ham drew their hands
together, pressing them down upon his fast-
fiuling heart. And thus they were when the
daylight faded; when the stars grew brighter
in the great vault overhead: when the round
moon arose and cast its silvery sheen over the
scene. Andtbo white fingers clasped above
theirs -ew colder and whiter, and thou the
know t they were orphans, indeed. ‘

 

A few more words, and rest is ours, reader.

Martin the scout must be than ed for bring-
ing up the reinforcement in time to change de—
feat into victory. While out, scouting, he:
espied the war-party of the White Sioux, and
stealing close, had heard the words of the chief.
Knowin that Colonel Markham intended rid~
in .to flack Hollow, he hastened to the fort
w: h his war 7' , but raining his ankle he
failed to reach 1: ere an 1 late at night. No
more time was lost, and uiountin the soldiers
rodoharcl, guided by Martin. Ju l.)
ing the spot they met Happy Jack. Pl
Kate in a place ofrafety, he led the charge,
with the result alread recorded.~ .

Happy Jack had bu one more interview with
Elmore, the Indian girl. He urged her to make
her future home with him and her half-sister,
but Ennora firmly refused. She knew that he
could only give her a brother’s love, and frank
ly told him the might of another’s filling the

lace she had hoped to fill, would be worse than
eath to her. Resisting all persuasions, she re-
turned to her mother’s pie, with Kenckuk,
her brother—who, embitteer by his father’s
death, is now fighting under Sittin Bull. 3

In due time Happy-Jack on Kate were
united, and are now living a quiet life upon a
Colorado ranch, which the mono left by Colo-
nel Markham amplv stocked. at, happy as
the scout is, there ten corneas. cloud over his

8 mm as he thinks of his true-hearted “pard,”  '

lComstock, whose presence is alonewanted
to completd the measure of his happiness.

Bill Comstock—heart-of—gqldl
humus, carrying witches where no other
man dared venture. when hand he tell no
man but those ,who murdered him know;
When his body was discovered he had. been
dead for many days.

, _,

Though his-grave is unmarked and forgottenI

few men have a whim: or richer mm
;M the poor ill-fated scout. Look into'thq
hearted All those who ever knome
'youwlnflndhisnon “ ., ».  

u}, _'

 
 

store reach I

ediedin'

  
    
    

  

x..;f;3‘;.....k 

    ‘.

’37:»

sum”.

,1,

  
   
  
   
  
   
  
    
   
   
      
       
             
      
       
      
      
     
       
       
       
      
         
      
     
    
    
    
     
       
     
       
       
     
      
      
          
      
  

      
 
  

  

BEADLE’SaKeHALF-DIMEaKeLIBRARY.

Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers..

 

 

 

      
     
      
    
     

  

 
  

  

      
     
     
  

  
     
     
     
    
      
 

  

         
  
  

   
      
      
     
       
       
         
     
       
     
  

        
       
  
     
 
  
   
    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.I’ 9‘
BY ' 9:
EDWARD L WHEELER Other Novelw I. ’ 9
. . . . y E. L. “’heoler. ‘ ' ‘
Deadwood Dick Novels. . BUFFALO BILL NOVELS' : 9‘
80 lionebm- Roll: or. Nugget Ned, the Knlzhz. 8‘
20 “:003 the I’nm‘e 0| the Road. N»! Ihynebul- Rnlhon II and; 0r. 1:1}1‘ the Girl Miner, BY COL. PRENTIBS INGRAHAM. , 8;
.3 2.3:. ..."r.:'::;:'.:;.."2r“s:‘:hPsalm 13’: hm!“- llalze   m 1m Bum-Io "ur-   r 8
8r. wood In In. vnnt'le ' ' 27? no.3...- )oll n o Drltrtltvrfie' "'3 ("'1")'""\'5"‘ WI": 1007 Buffs-Io Bill's Sure-Shots. l a
4! wood ‘u llonnnzo' or"l‘ha Phantom Mlnrr 281 Denver loll‘I-l llrt  -'or"§|""h"" Ill; Mk” “surround 109“ “mm” ""1" "(guy Boy" ‘ 8t
49 wooll In Dunner" or, Onnna on. I 286 Denver )oll‘n Dex-ow ~y'ur lltllu l3“; “nu-1mm“. 9”" “"m'I" "m" "TON "I" DmeShnt Nod . the Knunn Kid. -
5? wood ‘I Engleu: Jr, The Fold! 0! Flood Bar. 396 Denver loll‘n Drill). 'nr. ’l'h‘a RindI of...§"““' an“ “HIM” "'11:" l:“""0 Thr‘?“"~""' r’ 
73 wood on Del-k: unlinlolnity a Ine.the Herolnn 86" \‘rekn .Illu. "IV ‘IlflfllulnllI‘ll‘l‘l‘rl or  L” L . i 8-1- "uflulo ""1 5 “WWW 1‘ he“ 8
7’? wood ’u Luv-t A0“ or Coldul’ny’ Charlie 879 Yrokn Jlm’ll I’rlyc- or 111- “V lv t"\\' ll a Query "7" "mm", “I” F‘ Rmehh‘m" 84‘
9 100 wood In Lemlvllle.‘ ' 835 Yre'm Jilll.fiJokér- m: “I: m"! 1M 3"“ Ilfi-Up- 91?} linil’nlo lllll'n Run-h Rldel or, Sure-Shot. the HI h-Flynr. q 8‘
I04 wood Dex-lee» or 'l‘ho Double Croal Sign. 894 Yreka Jlln ol' Yul»; lilllll \ t a 0 N L". 9‘4 “umuo "up" "econ 0" The Adm“ Cmck S m“ -
109 wood on lh-tochvle 209 Frltz the Bound-Boy l)at1t(‘llve"nr Pull -ll 1‘ 95“ “mull” “HP” Max") “'Clm'o' ' a 8‘
199 wood 'I Double: or "l'hr Gorgon’anlch Ghent. 913 Frltzko the Front or 'll'ha '\' III '|’ 1&1 l; “we. 94“ ""m'l" "m'" fln'm's “‘ ‘ "“- Wm Km" Tu“ T‘“! 'v 71
13" wood ’II llnlm- "not: or Blonds lll 34-5 H-orra Ham lllu Frnllliv'r l‘m‘fi'f' Xi!” )“MM 942 “"Wul" BIN,“ To“ " T"""‘“- 71
I 149 wood ’11 Ill: h‘trlko or ‘A Game of Gold 848 fluorro éaln;u Secret - or The '8‘er l Ills”: 5 Down“. 98“ “um.” “HP: Buy ‘ "wot. 0" Jo“ Jur'w Hfld'up‘ '7!
1515 wood 0! ln-mlwoo : o'r 'lho Plcked Part 853 s-erro Sllm‘a Purtfi or l‘n Al ‘KI‘YBlmVylfluu'  “mm”, "m," crm’k'"h°t ’“rd‘ 7'
“"3 W00" III-emu: Ur Tho l’llvnln olthe Rand“ $55 fin-errn Sam’- sev". 0', Tie glfifeg'mi: "3‘ “H0 Bul'nln "lll'l Boy Pal-d: nr, llutturfly Bllly. ‘
sol wood ’ul “'urll' or "l‘hr Black Hlll’n Jul-ho]. 834 kangaroo K“; or T m N‘lvaterlOIln \ll 8' a!“ ""0" l“"' "m Prince 0’ "'8 Ram" 7‘
0“ wood Iloom‘: or.Calnmlty Jane’s Mann}... '89 Kangaroo Klt’n l‘lnckot" ur 'l'llu‘l'r'i‘flz'ol Pln d 0 L 892 mm" um.“ Clue: M' Gm’m‘ 8mm Spon' 7:
1'," wood ’n "and In “I. 89 Death-Face. Detective: or life'in New York N . u
9‘31 wood 'n lu-ntII-l'lnnl. 96 \anoh-Eyo the Dalrv‘tive: nv. Arnlro and Angels. BY BUFFAw mu" . 7.
98’) lluat A Rmnnnn~ ol' Rallth and “laughs. ll? Gut-Edged )lok. tbs S nrt Dateutlve 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout. or, The Bonded Brotherhood c
8812 wood [In-Ida or, The splm of swamp him 14.“. Onntnln Ferret, the ew York Dutcctlvo 0i Border Robin flood: or The Pralvle Rover. ‘,
"‘3 wood hentn ‘rnll. 16! New York Nell. me Buy-Girl Detective ' 158 Funny Frank of (Yoloraoox or The Tropper'l'l‘rnlt. . 7*
B09 wood Deal; or, The Gold Brlck olOrezon. 226 The Arab Den-«the (or, Slloolel‘ tho-Boy sharp 1029 The Phantom Spy. ’ 7(
8911 wood 'n Dozolll “Vlem Faklr anbantom Flu. 991 Turk the Boy Ferret. ’ ' 6s
'4? wood '1 fluent-l or, Day» In the D! glnn. 325 Kelley. Illekev .15 00.. the Drtw-tlvn obelIndelpbla. BV CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, u. 8. A. 3 (3;
‘51 wmld Sentenced: ov,'l'no 'l‘nrlble gandottn. 348 Manhattan Mlke, thu Buwerv Drlvl‘tlve : .,.
30’ wood ’I (‘Iuhn 400 \Vrlnklen the Nl ht~Wntch 17‘...ch ' u“ “umflo “In.” H" B"? mnfl‘nhn $2 6‘
4% wood ln nona' filly. 416 lllgh Ilnt’llnrry? the a»... Bull 0.1.9.11“. "’4 “"3"” m" ' "9“ “"3 “‘mb‘" °““'°- ’" 61
410 and lilonmndo. 26 Sum Blabnldcn. the lle nr-Bov Detectlva. w" ‘ 6t
4.91 wood New \'orkt.or, A "Cqu Can." 484 Jlm Book and Pol. rlvate'Detsctlveu. BY COL PREN’I‘ISS IVGRAHAM 65
480 wood "not; or, The Cbnlnod Hand. 26 Uloven lloof‘, the BntTnIn Dmnon: or The Border Vultures. ' ‘ . ,
448 .lr.; vr. 'l'llr Crlmlon Crucent Sign 32 Bob Woolf; “urn,” gm Dudsm" 1081 The Texan llnntlero In Cuba. 
44" Jr.‘n. llol‘lnnve. ' 45 old Avalanche: or Wlld Nun the" 31:13.1 um 10’“ Tl” "WWW “amen "' Cub“ 6%
453 Jr.'- Full “and. 58 Jlm Bludsoe. Jr. ’nn. Boy-rhino ‘ ' 10"" TM F'Y'W ‘ "I'kee 0': Th” 0m“ Cum"- 6:
4n» .lr.’n. Inn Round-Up. 1n lim-khorn mm 0;. The Rad lllflo'l‘anm "’23 Tl“! “Nb” 91"“ l" C“ n- 6]
4% Jpn. Inn-1m at Claim 10 92 (lunodoCheH or on Annmndnln simn Bull’s c... 1“” Th“ "9 ' "Wm" '" CW“- ' '1 ('
4?! Jr): Corrol- or Baum-n Elli. 118 Jock Iloyle the Y'nuug Snaculntnr R p' 982 New "or ' Nnt‘n Dro‘): or. Ex-Fmetsyhl’ Bold Gum \ 5d
47“ Jr)», "on: Hotel-the. 195 Bonanza Bill. \llner~ or Mung", “mg me For er 926 New ‘Cork Nut and i no 'l'raltor Ferret. ' 5E
4’“ Jru In Ivoodnood. 188 “on mm the King orllr'wtl. ink. ' ry’ - g ' 3’2“ 1‘9“ ‘l 0"“ 5'“ TWWN- 5?
4' “ P-"u «Impact. 14] Solid Sun! the Boy Rond-Agvnl' 'v-r The Branded Brow 914 New "0"“ Sm,“ 1 hree or a Kind' 5‘!
4’“ Jr.'u. Inheritance. 1?? Nohh Nlék ofNevodn: or "l‘he' Slerrn- Scorn n h 90" New York 1‘9"“ D"“bl‘~‘- 55
’ 5’” .lr.‘o ll Ingl. 181 Wlld ‘runk the Burkskln Brn'vo- 0r [ml Ill "31;... mm Va“. York hut,“ 1" Colorado' v
5 #8 4.3:. lo voronce. amt Apollo Inn, the Trail 'l‘ornndo- n} liol‘vdylént: ' 89 “W ‘ "Pk N1" in 90” N‘Ilfll 09ml» ' 54
5 5 5h"! 50349226. 940 Cyclone K“ the Young Glndlotor: or Tlle Lodgeth 11 ” Sew ‘:°rk Nut” he‘dly De“ I l 54
5’35 Jr.’II.1‘hree. 278 Jumbo Jo 'tha llny Patrol‘ or Thu R'lvnl Ham 3 a" ” ““V V "k “P” C'“°k'°'"‘"‘- ; 58
‘ 9 eri, I'ullfl'er Ducks. 830 LIMIe Illa-Shot; or Til. 60nd FM. 0! Do lenvlllo 7 ‘GW work but,“ Trump can" 5Q
” l4 Jl'.'llp Death Hunt. 853 Flat-0 an! Fred me (genumm Go h" '3 ' 7 haw York hut null the Grove Ghouh. 1'
*9 In. In Texas. “ 87F! Nobob Ned; or Ir’h. Srcrntolslnb c w ' 9 ' .9" .rm‘k NM" Mflfl'm‘ WM“- : 51
4 Jr» ch. wua wmvmoc. 88! Cool Kit the Khan «may or A vnn‘léw Vengeance "’ “W "k 1"" "‘e G‘““‘" WWW ' 50
0 JP-u on IIIII Mettle ‘38 Santa Fe, Sol the Slnlhu: or’A Son's Venuewmce . 5 "0k "'"'""‘ Kid‘ml’ 0" knoek'uu" l ‘19
l 4 r., u (lot om. ' “I! Real-kl" Sam, the Spurn-7r or The Trlbunulol'l‘vn 4 “"k "mm" Te" a" k‘" " 18
I |'-. In Bolton. 913 K“. Keltll.t a'Ravauue Spntlar ' 4B Dlok Dooln’n Fluih llond. .
. 7 J... In l’hllodelohlo. 922 Sol r‘mnrne the Vew Yorli \nght-nuwk 7 "0" "Wm" "Wm-0"” "3”" WW" by DWI!- l 47
r- : Jr-y In Clllell‘o. 943 "In llaynee‘d Amount “III-co :Vlen. .  not :omn" "(Snail O'v’r’rqufil’ B'I’Lfklny,‘ {'mr-  
' .. . ~ v . - (‘ oonu Ol’. Its _ mrm um . ml .0 or or . '
é ' A  Milli-v... 100‘ “an” ’ the new" noommu" g  :oom an I‘lfltom or. A Mon 01 Many Math. 44
A 0 .v - - 0 onto n ‘ I 1-1130. .
. 5 i:.,":.."h‘e'e°liéhum null... BY J. C. cowmucx. 9 Dix-k Doom 1.. the \nm We". 4%
1 0 Jr" .1, Cone “and. 49 Broad way Bluy. the Boolblock Bru'o. 0 Dix-k room’s Clean Fwoop: or. Flu Llnku lo I Cloo. 43
-« ‘ ’3 Iran, Lemlv 3 3y 5 1 Brood way Bllly’n Boodle; or,Clenlln¢ nStrup Cm, 0 Ilok loonn’n Death (line. 42
:1 l 9 r.. in lletrnn. 5 “root-way Bllly'a ‘lblll‘lklltyfl‘ 81 “0k ioom’n Diamond Ill-o]. 41
'a. 8 Jr. ln'OlneInnnfl, 5 i Broomway Blll ’n l'eath llm-ket. |ll lok Doom’n Glrl Illa-col. { 40
 1 4 Jr” 1.. Neygdg, 5 llrom wuy Bll y’n Surprlu: Party. “3' "ck Doom'r Shallow llunt. ‘
a o .1... 1.. x. many. I, a a “rum way nllly. or, 1-1.. BnyDelacllve'lBlzlnnlnr. 3 "cl 'oo-II’I "I: "ML ‘19
‘- 1 3 Jr.’ After the nose“: ' 1H) Bronu‘wny Illllv'o Dona Aotl or,’l‘ha Lou us ol’Saverll 4 Chl‘l'llt'l"2'11"KW‘UCR)‘Tfllderfwmmfllmllc 391
1 1 D an: n. nun]... ' a ) Ill-om way Blll'y Abroad: nr.The moon... 1.. rm... 5 ‘-- -=. (‘hurlle's lle-th-yl onTho Rvnmde'l C-ptln 88:
‘ 8 'I ‘Ohnnc Aorolsthecontlnent 6 i Brno wny Bllly’n “1:111; onBeotluxSnn Francluo’nFlnut. “ ’“I- I!" llmrlle’u Pawnee ’or . 37.
z 1 4 'Anmn. u... smuggle", 8 llroo way llllly In 0 over. 6 ‘ Charlie, the Relcuer. 86;
'» 0 l rum-e use 6 “rou- wny Illy In Texnll; or,‘rho le Runlm. 1‘9 Bul- k Tnylor. Mn: olthe Cowboys ‘
' ‘t‘ “ In the Min-g. 7 DB Broadway Bllly’l llrnnd. 73 Rue; ’I‘nylor. tho Comancho’l (‘n live. 861
V 1 9 or. 4‘ animal 1..» r l llroodwny Bllly at snnm Fe: Mn. Cleveanl. fl Buck Taylor»l my; thheP-e RM"- mho Rio Gun“ 85:
, : 2 "Jana .hnm ; RPDI1 wny “I‘lll'y’r )finllillnndl or. Thu Gunln Demon. And If” Others. ' 35:
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1 it mvm“ 1 11:3: 3:; nm’}.."..;.l‘.$‘i‘.’;, o. 1).. 11m. Damn" 589 Tom-Cot 3nd Pot-d: onfln Dull so It sllvo any. 33;
'4 Bron way Bllly Ills Relrlevev Dotson“ I 6‘9 Tom‘cnt'“ Trina ""~ Tl" 5"" "' T°mh“°“‘- '81!
l A 0 z “w. “v.1 nu]le ghndow on“, ' 621 Tom Cat’s Terrlble Took; or The Cowho Detactlvn 
a 133 13".. “my my’,‘ "may"; 0, Th; my, Q“... 6 8 Tom-cum Triumph or.BlIck finn‘n Gun omhlnn.
g 7 "PM" wuy "my... Tom". 0.. TL, emumml, mu 'pun 546 Ooptoln Cnetnr lho hlplflllcock;0h10|h’l1‘ln Bulls. 99
8 7 “row way Bllly’l Brigade" 01 The Dad All" ' 508 The Dandy of Dodge; or. Rustlllm lot Mllllonl. \ w
A ‘f Ill-om way llllly’l Queer lloqu'elt. ' 576 The fillver snort: or. .loIh Pnppennlnt‘n Jubllu. I 951
.0 9 Bron way Billy Hailed. ‘ 533‘ Elihu! 301‘ ‘h' M“ wm‘ I 5'1"“ 1 ' ‘ 2;“
u 7 8 Bronr'woy Billy’s sl mu song”, «01 Rn p llnnn, thu Dutch Vldncq; r,HolTlmuIl RmbUp m
9 8 Ill-M1 way llllly’n W no m n. 811 “Sui Barnacle, the Ditcctlu rum... 1
"l I! l Brood way Rllly’n llnnk Bucket. 646 Cowboy G “p the Cutie-Rm” Dmcmi- 98%
4- 8 I Brool way Billy'l Blu . 05? Warning VI Imam lhs Mount-In Mount-bunk. m]
0 82 Bron. woy Billy Amon Jerley Thu”. “65 Jolly Jefenlhfllilhe Plnln- Detach". m
s :43 um way llllly’n mull mm m nol s... the Mkout scout; m
1 £19 EM Broo- woy Bllly’n BI: Room. 089 Bflly the dym flny: on'lhe Mvmr‘y ol'l'wo Hm. 16:
S? 84‘ Bron: way Bllly’n Bl: flulse. 699 Ilvnple Sim, the ranch» Bull-or: on?" I: sun...
8 84 Brow way Bllly'l .100 0 0 Snap. 71.9 The Manuel-Int Sport: on Thu Myltlllud Donut". 154
851 llroo way BIlIy’I Bllml or,’l‘he Bootbluk Stonuuy. BI Tolteo To In, tho Marl Pro-ruler. 1‘]
08 8139 “run way Billy in Lon o . 45 Kan“. m [he Cram-Cut nut-um. 1“
868 Bron way Billy Shadow" London 51...... 'Ml Mormodnu, the Mnmnler Dammi- me
“74 Brno woy Bllly’l Frem-h Game. 7 8 The RIIItEIP of Rolling] None.
880 Drool way Bllly 9nd tho Bomb-Throwers. f 5 acme Ilnnd Joe 1h. Conumlltn at One. 1 8E
I60 llllver Monk tlu \lnn am .1. v- or 'n a I, R 801 out: Kirby, the Hunnk rker mun lulllmk. : 71
so» Min-11; the {main 3'7 Jam; n'§ ° 51m.” 3” Tl“ I'WW' “"fi‘me “ TH“ ’ ; 4 : m
‘90 Th 0 ’ t] ’ m" | ' A'B w ' H" '1‘ o/ ihowmon latent-vol In Color-do. ,» I w
«4 com: 5.311;. 3. fiffill‘fimll Anflyu.‘”°““""'" 9" Tm Em“ ?"°""“"“‘ °" 3"“ ‘”""5“"""°" ‘
489 handy Int-nu cam-13cm. 961 The Pump l Trump-Trlek. . 

 
    
    
   
   
     
   
    
      
   
      
      
     
 
  

  
         
  
 
 
 
  
     

 
  
    

    
       
    

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'BY '1'. 'J. FLANAGAN.

“In” no". the Pinto eaten».
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22 1} ‘l"‘".“""‘h'2‘ 'il“"°"“l.'lfil‘n a n .v n .
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43 Mg", lhENlthl» E: m. Dal-:15". R P '
1 llr-Llne Luke t a Young Enulnmx or Thu Double Cm
' Roy Plnkcrtonl or, Runnlnl tho unl- Ont.
1hr Chm of Chllnod Cyclone.
"Ill-chock 1m , the Centaur or tho-Chen.
'l newrlter 'l‘llly. lh. Mrrchmt’l Ward.
659 can “OI-gun tho" Hunul”)hn of AI“ Bot.
88'! Battery “on. the book Detective.

94 Arllnno “low: “I e-lhlt. .
00 Jumping Jot-Iv: bllee.
00 In! my Mom. on Cynlo Sport.

3 Tr 11 Boy Trlnt‘l l‘lotllulltle.

 

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owony'chm-llo'n Double. ‘ v. .

47 The Bowfry W render; or. Tho Bulehqr-Boy'l Banker.
58 Pnddfi’u rump Card; or, Sllvn 8.1m. the Girl Sport.
00 'l‘ a roadway Soon-1'1 or,Flvar ’s lwvcuo.

1t; a 000 Reward] or. ho Rlvnl Roporhn'fluk Snoop.
2' futon: Billy the Corker-F not. - -
28 P uokv until: Street—Boy ~Detective. , I
>80 Bicycle B l". "01. Search.

9? Morel»!- Snm. tho Domtlve all Whack.

004 Sooroher Inn’n Sweep-St In: I. ,

000 l‘uofllrl 0.01105 Wall: 3 “and. ,

. nY wnunm PERRY nnoWNE.

9150 “mold “oil's Bulk” Ir Dado" 1’0 Du
08 The Ilium-Ellie flpotturl arz'l‘umlnygbflown the l Thm

 

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2315, Thu lleportorvflotootlvg’a Biz Pull.  n ‘

 

     
    

, ‘ NEW ISSUES.
1044. Tho New York Show. By Ben D. Hollldoy.
1045 Mouton: Merle‘l Mine. By Nlj. Sm. 3. Scott. I

1046 Gold Plume, tho Boy Bundlt.: or. Buhlo Blll,thoPony
Expru: am... By Col, Prentlu In on. '

I114? Flyer Fred. Ill. Oyelht Ferret. By Ray MY
1048 The Street Ipotterl’“'elr1l flout. By Wulnl,
1049 Queen Edna of the Plath." 3y Wm. R. mm.
1050 The one-Armed Sport. By 'I‘. 0. Hannah.

1051 The Boy llereulon. . By Oll Coomw

J 051‘ ISSUED. \

    
    
 

sgéggasggagaaag

‘ Rob’n Clronl. 3v Aman- Cy. ‘

332 " £315 Wlmh’l shallower. By ColJ’. lnxrnllm. 1
085 Ahmfiho Row Guide. ‘B 0110 um. _ ,1 631
0.6 good filer: onble. By Ruben . Ian D.
08‘? ' Blot Intefllve. By Col. P. ‘Itrllllln. 1
0 ll ‘ or, flu Rod Elfin HA: . Bv 8min Bin.
0 9 . , tho Boy Ranch-r. Mad 5 B. m
0 Ill'u Ply-i Patrol. 3 _
1m .31”; on: m, gm”?! “

' P I u
048 \ on .key If» from Orou Crick. By Adm

A x... lune} Every Tuesday. ,
Ilium-Dho Wnuhluldahdl I'M”
"www.crmlbywlfl washout-om. :

' alumna AND ADAMS. Pubuoho _
‘ . .n ’92 Willing-street. Nowxfo

 

  

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Published Every ll’mlnesday. Each Issue

 

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BEADLE’SrDIMEruBR/XRY.

Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER. JR.

. 928 Old Sohcrsitles, the Detective of St. Louis.
I 925 White-linrsc thcler. the

iii-venue Detective.

918 The I)1llll)l\‘ Etlgel Dctcclive.

907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere.

898 Silky Steele, the Stay-in Sport.

Toe S otter-Sport‘s chk-Tic Parry.

High- Voter Mark; or. Silver-Tip Std.

Riata Rob. the Rang» ('hulu ion.

The Ct-wbov Chief‘s Sure-S 01:.

The Rival Red-Hut Sports.

Curly Kill. the Cheyn-nne Sport.

821 The Soft Hand Dettctive.

815 The Soft H-lud's Clutch.

809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport.

791i The Frisco ltetcctlve's ThugJI‘anglc.

Sam Cary. the River S ort.

The Dead Sport’s Dun 19.

Prince John, Detective S ccial.

Dandy Don. the Denver etcctive.

751 ’lhe Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield,

Doctor Detective.

’bWeepStEkeS Sam, the Silver Sport.

The Secret Six- or. on Halcyon.

The Man of Sit '.

Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butté.

Kent Knsson, the Prcucher Sport.

Bob Breezc, the Rounder Detective.

Steel Sorry, the Sport fr. 111 Sunrise.

Solemn Soul’s Luck Strlak

681 The tictJl‘here Sharp.

651 Slivertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Sisklyou.

615 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 ol' Brimstone Butte.

588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City.

576 Silver-Tonguctl Sid; or, Grl Sack Sharp's Sweep.

564 The GripSack Sharp; or. he Seraphs ol’ Sodom.

555 (imp—Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. .

547 The Buried Detective; or. Sanl‘s Stx Sensations.

541 Major Ma t. the Man of Nerve. .

535 Dandy Duh: . the Decorator from Dead-Lift

l Dandy Andy, 1119 Diamond Dt-teclive.

514 Gabe Gunn, the Grizzl ' from Ginseng.

504 Solemn Saul. the Sad an from San Saba.

495 Rattlepatc Rob; or. The iloundhead's Reprisai

488 The qu'rcughbretl Sport.

474 Daddy cad-Eye, the Desuot of Dew Drop.

466 Old Rough and Really, the Song of Sundown

453 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spittenberg.

443 A Cool Hand: or. Pistol Johnny's Picnic.

4-38 Oklahoma Nick.

Laughing Leo; or. Sam’s Dandy Pnrd. _

426 The Ghost Detective: or. The Sceret Service Spy.

416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck.

403 Rob Roy Ranch: or. The Imps of Pan Handle.

‘10; The Nameless Sport. '

39.: Deadly Aim. the Duke of Derringers.

337 Dark Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills.

372 La tutu Crisp. the Man with a Record.

367 A 3:11 Flush: or, Dan Brown’s Big Game.
Jumntng Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown.
Storm Steve. tho Mad Athlete.

351 Nor est; Nick. the Border Detective.

345 Maskeaj‘llark. the Mounted Detective.

839 Spread name Sam. the Hercules Hide dunter.

g8! Chispa Charley. the Gold N uzget Sport.

2%.? Maui: Lighttoot; the Miner Detective.

oko Homer. the Boss Roustalg'out.

$88 Pistol‘qohnnY; 01'. One Man in Thousand.

288 Sleek Sam. the Devil of the'Mines.

257 Death Tm o "1.31% links: or. A’ Man ‘Way Back

. uramzo. ‘

1 Spitfire Saul. King or the Rust

33!}! $1116 91.13;ch ogombstone. 19“.

ra‘e o 5 cars: or. do uin‘s

180 Old 49' or. The Amazon of “zonaPeath Hum

170 Sweet-William. tbc Trapper Detecuve.

165 Joaquin. the Terrible

154 Joaquin, the Saddle King.

141 Equinox Tom. the But! of Red Rock. ’

119 Alabama. Joe; or. The azoo Man-Hunters.

105 Dan Brown of Denver: 01-. The Detective,

88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.

71 Cantng Cool Blade: or. Mississippi Man sunk
67 The Boy Jockey; or. Honesty vs. Crookedneas:
50 Jack Rabbit, the frame Sport.

I"! WM. G. PATTEN.

no Fire-E a. the Thug‘s Terror.
795 Old N chit-Hawk, the Crook Shadower.
788 The Prin‘ ‘8 of New York Crooks. .
755 Old Burke. the Madison Square Detective.
747.Doubte-voice Dan's Double Disguise.
 gouge-301% Ban (all: Dick. '

011 e- 0‘09 an. e \v s-on-DeckD toot
696 Double-Vows Dan, the Alone Detecetivo.we
689 The Sparkler Sharp.

no
a?

862
3.55

837

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the

693
683
67

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». 6711 Hurricane Hal. the Cowa Ho ' ur.
a 669 Old True Blue, the Trusty. y up

“a 3%? (film 5 ‘1’” l3”§°‘d 1° Sltfi'éaa

u t: . e nug' an .
648 Gold Glgve Gyi’d. the Man of Grit. y
641 Aztec Jack. the Desert Nomad.

I 1581 Colonel 0001. the Santa Fe Sharp

602 0a min Nameless. the Mnuntaln-‘Myatery.
09‘! 0 Dismal. the Range Detective». '

:Wi‘fiustler, Harry, the Cowboy Sport.

_ . ' gin! GEORGE C. JENKS.
010 The Arizona Detective.
6% Silver Sam. the Shasta. Sport.
can The Silva/r Sport’l‘ Double. 1 .
see The Race-Course Detective. ‘.
856 The Hay/wad Detective.  t
m Custom Gordon, the Twister Detective. . .
a romanticsta'rwmmwv- 
. o ‘ m
1110 Boston Bob..tbe ' 
m Jauntv Joe. the'
m as .v
e
Death-Grip. t
,The Drummer. .
The Giant Horseman;
Dye, th . y ,

      
 

 

 

 

  

. 111 The Smuzglcr Captain; or.

 

t' mmHuntcr’sFout. .I'   w ._.

 

IIY “'ILLIAIVI R. EYS'I‘EIR.

Two DeutLSquat-e Sports. ‘

Soft Vl-lvct, the Man front Sandrock.

(icutccl Jiul. Spol't-atlLarge.

The. Clubluan-Crook's Cat‘s-paw.

867 The Frisco Sport.

852 Tim Stranger S )ort's Shake-n ).

‘ Kirk King. the ion from Kir y.

818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport

783 Thu King-Pin Tramu.

767‘ The Sport 01‘ Silver Bend.

718 Uncle lietlruck’s Big Bounce.

707 The Rival Rovers.

1187 Double Cinch Dan. the Sport, With a Charm.

677 Mr. Jackson, the Giant from Jaybiru.

651) Gilt—Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers,

650 Luckv Lostcr‘s 1.4.0110 Hand.

(Bl Old Haudcart'sI ling Dtump.

622 The All Arouut .‘ or s.

603 Dcscr.‘ Alf. the all... With the Cougar.

590 Gentle Jack. the High Roller from Humbug.

57% Seven Shot Stove, the Sport With a Smile.

568 The Dude, Detective.

558 Hurrah Harry. the, High Horse from Halcyon.

511) Bolshazzur Brick. tln- Baiilfl of Blue Blazes.

533 Oregon. the Sport “ ithaScar.

503 The Dude from Denver.

478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from Way Back.

459 Ma'or Sunshine, the Man of Thrce Lives.

4211 Hair Trigger Totu of Red Rent],

402 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels‘ Flat. Racket,

31113 The Piper Detective: or. fi'hc Gilt Edgts Gang.

375 Royal Geor e, the Threc in One.

336 Three Ham sonic Sports; or, The Combination.
‘13 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.

268 Magic Mike. ‘he Man of Frills.

2'29 Captain Cutstcevc; or. Thu Little Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports: or, Gert 1e of the Gulch.
18:! Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon.

1130 Soft Hand. Sharp: or. Thc Man with thasand,
145 Pistol Pards; or. The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

BY NED BUNTLINB.

657 Long Tong, the Privateer.

can The Sea ‘ )y.

621 The Red rivatcer; or. The Midshipman ROVer.

584 Fire Feather. the Buccaneer King.

517 Buffalo Bill ’3 First Trail. .

361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot.

122 Soul Sabberday. thc Idiot 
)6 Skipper‘s Crime.

IR The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the‘Islé. ,.

16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet.

BY JACKSON KNOX—“01d Hawk.”

838 Old Grips Still Hunt.

827 Detective Waldcn‘s Web.

778 The Butler Detective; or. Old Grip's Grip

770 Thu Showman Dete .Iivc. .

762 Old Grip. the Detective.

740 Captain Clcw, the Fighting Detective.

732 The Hurricane Dt'tet’th‘.

643 Castlematnc. the Silent Sifter.

616 Magnus. the Weird Detective.

606 The Drop Detective.

595 \Vellboru. thc Upper Crust Detective.

5R2 Jormn. the DetectiveExpct-t.

574 Old Falcon ‘5 Double.

561 The Thus King: or. Tire Falcon Detective‘s Foe.
548 Fulcnnhridge. the Sphinx Detective.

5311 Old Falcon-s Foe: or. The Detective‘s Swell Job.
515 Sliort~St0p Muje, the Diamond Field Detective.
509 Old Falcon. the Thunderbolt Detective.

501 S rluzsteel Steve. the Retired Detective.

4111 T 10 Dctective‘s 3(3).

485 Rowlock. the Bar 1' Detective.

477 Dead-arm Brandt.

467 Maiuwuring. the Salamander. a.
2?; The Fifiustlyegctlvet P tectlve "

Gri cc: c oc'e ye  .
444 ThepMazic Detectlva: or, The Hidden Band.-
424 Hawk Heron‘s Deg‘uty. . r
886 Hawk Heron. the alcon Detective.

9115
Elm!
hill
881

a:
I:
12

o

BY J. l. cowmucx.

:33 11;“ S“ let ‘u °'£z°§§’b“§30‘3f‘£°écecuve

coats on e a. .-
612 Shel-in Stillwood, the Regulator of’Baapberry.
598 The minis Detective.
591 Duke Daniels. the Somety Detective.
580 Shadowing a Shadow.
565,Prlnce Paul. the Postman Detective. ’
557 The Mountain Graybeartls- or. Riddles Riddle.
519 Old Riddles. the Rockgo hanger
499 Twilight Charlie. the ad port.
4713 Gilbert of Gotham. tho Steel-arm Detective.
452 Rainbow Bob, the Tulip from Texas.
486 Kentucky Jean. the S rt; from Yellow Pine.
4&2 Blue Grass Burt. the old Star Dqtective.
890 The Giant Cupid: or Clbuta John B Jubilee.

BY EDWARD WI LLET’I‘.

483 Flush Fred. the River Shn . '
368tThe Canyon King; or. a P3236 on his Head.

. 848 Dan Dillon. King of Crosscut.
» 337 Old Gabe

the Mountain Tram .

327 Terrapin ‘chk. the Wildwood etectlve.
.315 Flush Fred’s Double: or. The Squatters‘ League
808 Hemlock Hank. Tough and True. .
298 Logger Lem: or. Life in the Pine Woodl. .
289 Flush Fred‘s Full Hand. .

W4 Flush Fred. the Mississiptpl Sport. 9
24!! Montana. Nat. the Lion 0 Last. Chance 0111119.}
222 Bill the Blizzard; or. Red Jack‘s Crime. . -
209 Buck Far-lo .tbe Bonanza~Prlnoe. . -
129 Missing-limit ;.or. a Strong Man'sfiaqflfloou
BY «ta-Pram martin-nun. ‘1
m The White‘Squow. ' ' ‘  . .

 

m The Wild n
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"Y (1014. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

911 The Blue Blockader; or. The Coast Grayhound.
906 The Cuban Crtuser.

851 The Ocean Gipsy.

831 The. Wild Steer Rich-rs; or, Texas Jack's Terrors.
819 The Rival Monte Cristos.

805 The Last of the Pirates; orY Doom Driven.

801 The Water Wolves” Detectlve; or, 'l'rnpning the
Grave Ghouls.

791 The. Const-Roidcr‘s Deaterbase.

718 Arizona Chartiv, tlm Crack-snot Detective.

701 nvtslhlc ivan. the Wizard Detective.

685 ha Roll-skin Sou Rover.

679 Rt-vcllo, tho .lfirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rover!
67".? The Roll Rllpil'l': or, The Sea Rovcr‘s Bride.

61):! The Jew itrtectivc: or, The. Beautiful Convict.
611) The Rovn r‘s R1 1: ibutiou.

035'The Ex-Duccuucrr: or. The Stigma of Sin.

6215 Red Wings; 01'. Tim Gold Sr-ekcrs of the Bahamas.
 TPhe  . lfi‘callet‘l's.

‘ ' he at at: over;or,\Vhite Win sot th D . .
605 The Shadow Silver Ship. g ‘3 eel)
600 The Silver Ship: or, The Sea Scouts of "76.

593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution.
5"? Conrad. the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of ‘76.
ml The Olttlawrd Skipper; or, Tile Gautier. Runner.
550 The Man from ll exlcn.

55:1 Illalk Monte. tthutiueer; or. The Branded 13118.
516 TM Doomed Whalrr: or. Tho Lll’o Wreck. I
530 The Savages 01’ the Sea.

524 The Sea Chaser: or. The Pirate Noble.

510 El Moro. thu Corsair Commodore.

493 The Scouts of the Sea.

457 The Sea. Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son.

448 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast Corsair.

485 The One-Armed Buccaneer.

430 The Fatal Frigate; or. Rivals in Love and Wu.“
399 The New Monte Cristo.

893 The Convict Cuptian.

377‘ Afloat. and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirator.
Boll The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea.

351 Thu Sea Fugitive: or. The Queen of the Coast.
in The Sea Desperado.

. W The Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Frccbootcrs.
8‘45 The Gentleman Bit-ate: or. The Casco Hat-tutti.
318 The Indian luccaneer: or. '1 he Red Rovers.

30? The Phanto hratc; or. The Water Wolves.
255 The Pirate Priest; or.Thc Gambler‘s Duu Mar.
246 ueen Helen. the Amazon of the Overlan .

235 (1 Lightning the Man of Chance.

‘44 Black Board. the Bu ccuucer.

220 The Specter Yacht; or. A Brother's Crime.

810 Buccaneer Boss. the Lioness of the Sea.

1115 The Gambler Pirate; or, Ladv of the Lagoon.
195 The Skeleton Schooner: or. The Skimmer.

184 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.

108 Merle, the Mutinecr; or. The Red Anchor Brant

BY PHILIP S. WARNE-

801 Dan Dirk King of No Man‘s Land.
581-! Captain Adair. the Cattle Kin .

567 Captain Midnight. the Mano Craft.
544 The Back to Back Fords.

522 The Chain ion Three. ~

502 Bareback luck. the Centaur of the Plains.
4723 Six Foot 81: or, The Man to " Tie To."
481 California Kit. the Always .m Hand.
401 Silver Sid; or. A “ Daisy " Bluff.

880 Ticer Dick‘s Pied e: or, The Golden Serpent.
359 Yellow Jack. the cstiro.

338 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.

290 Three of a Kind; or, Dick. Despard and the Sport.
251 Tiger Dick vs. iron Des «rd.

207 Old Hard Head: or. W lrlwind and his More.
171 Tiger Dick. the Man of the Iron Heart.

11-1 Tim Gentleman from Pike.

.‘ 80 A Man of Not-re; or. Caliban the Dwarf.

51 Always on Hand: or. The Foot-Hid: Sport.

21) Tiger Dick. Faro Kin ; or, The Cashier‘s Cmi
4 The Kidnapper: or. he Northwest Shanghai.

BY CAPTAIN M'ABR WILTON.

32‘] Kotspur Hum; or. The Banded Brothers.
'811 Heavy Hand: or. The Marked Men.
305 Silver-Plated $01, the Montana Rover
291 Horseshoe Hank. the Man of Big Luc .
285 Lightniun Bolt. the Canyon Terror.
2'76 Texa: Chick. the Southwest Detective.
55% E‘°“°“%"1?‘t”“i§“ °‘ lelane-nlom
eopar u e e n o .
863. iron-Armed Abe. the unchback Destroyer
25% Bullet Read. the Colorado Bravo.
237 Long-Haired Max: or. The Black Les 9.
2‘27 Buckshot Ben. the Man-Hunter of Ida. to. V
223 Canyon Dav the Man or the Mountain. .
219 The Scorpion rothers; or. Mad Tom : Minion -
202 Cactus Jack. the Giant Guide. ‘ -
194 Don Sombmro. tho Cantornla Road Gent. >
176 Lodv Jaguar. tho Robber Queen.
BY Old: 0001!! ES.“
& Co . the Border Dates: 3.,
 £3238?“ Alt. the Giant Hunter.
09 The Giant Riflemlnl 01-. Wild Camp Lite.
48 Dalton Dan. the Reckless Ranger.

IIY con. Taurus II. MONSTEBI.

Sam: or. The Monarchs of the flay
%  Iowl-311w. Kineot the Swordsman, . ~ .

. an on. mun. nvmun.
’ 1 negation-m- or The Patriot Privateer.
33$» muse: ' » -

Croo a. r I
bar (‘Jnebme Dead-net Detective.
. or» etect vs. ~
fihrmviw.  “‘"b‘°ii.’“‘3‘.l:‘é..a...
not won author. e 
500 Tho,_,TrlIa-fiaort Paras. ; _ r . . ,.
‘ ' V 1‘ amounts New WedMaday ‘ "
Banal-u. nlme Library in tar late q_, 

:19 ton cents ‘ or sent 1) .
an“ #3119 cont: afiwpy‘ ‘ y. _ 

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BEADLE’SrDIMErflBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

  

 

 

 

 

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
By Colonel Pronuns Iugrahain.
964 Buil‘a'o Bill“: Invincibles
960 Bull‘an llill’s llluc Belt Brigade.
956 Buffle Bill‘s VuluuteerVigilantes.
951) Buffalo Bill at Buy.
943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game.
936 Buffalo Bill s Black Ford.
927 Buffalo Bill‘s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Snort.
Buffalo Bill's Quandary: or. Velvet Bill’s Vow.
915 Buffalo Bill and the SurgeonyScOllt.
909 Buffalo Bill‘s League: or, Red Butterfly.
Buffalo Bill‘s Tangled Trail.
900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders.
895 Buffalo Bill‘s Secret Ally.
890 Buffalo Bill’s Life—Stake.
882 Tm- Three Bills: Buffalo Bill Wild Billand Band—
box lliil; or. The Bravo in Broadcloth.
871 Buffalo Hill‘s Buckskin Braves.
869 Bufl‘ulo Bill‘s Road-Agent Round-up.
863 Buffalo Bill‘s Deth Charm.
857 Buffalo Bill‘s Royal Flush.
861 Buffalo Bill‘s Double Dilemma.
845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse.
‘ Buffalo Bill‘s Bovsin Blue.
826 Buffalo Bill‘s Shfll )Shooters.
822 Buffalo Bill’s Best ower.
816 Buffalo Bi'l‘s Red Trail.
812 Buffalo Bill‘s Death—Knoll.
4 Buffalo Bill's Winning Band.
787 Buffalo Bill‘s Dead Shot.
781 Buffalo Bill's Brand.
777 Buffalo Bill‘s Spy Shadower.
769 Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake.
765 Biil'alo Bill's Dozen: or. Silk Ribbon Sam.
761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot.
757 Buffalo Bill’s Double.
750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four;or, Custer‘s Shadow.
Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand.
. Buffalo Bill‘s Blind: or. The Masked Driver.
735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men.
731 Bufialo Bill's Beagles: or. Silk Lasso Sam.
72? Buffalo Bill’s Bodv Guard.
7'22 Buffalo Bill on the Weir-oath.
716 Buffalo Bill's Scout Shadowers.
710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado.
097 Buffalo Bill‘s Buckskin Brotherhood.
691 llufialo Bill’s lllind Trail; or, Mustang Madge.
667 Buffalo Bill’s Sw00p; or. The King of the Mines.
658 The Cowb-w Clan: or. The Tigress of Texas.
653 Lass» King‘s League; or. Buck Taylor in Texas.
649 Buffalo Bill's Chief of Cowboys; or. Buck Taylor
644 Buffalo Bill‘s Bonanza; or. Si ver Circle Knights.
362 Buffalo Bill’s Gri ,i; or. Cain Bound to Custer.
329 Bu alo Bill’s Ple ge: or. The League of Three.
169 Wi d 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 "‘an Bill.

978 The Dread Shot Four

969 Texas Jack, the Lasso King

839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot.

820 White Beaver ’3 Still Hunt.

807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist.

800 Wild Bill. the Dead-Center Shot.

639 Buffalo Bill's Gold King.

599 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Pards of the Plains.

414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective.

401 One-Armed Ford; or. Borderland Retribution.
397 The Wizard Brothers: 01'. White Beaver’s Trail.
394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte.

319 Wild Bill. the \\'hirlwihd oi’ the West.

304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier's Sweetheart.
83 Gold Bullet Snort; or. Knights 0! the Overland.
52 Death-Trailer. the Chief of Scouts.

By Leon Low“, Ned Buntllne, etc.

773 Buffalo Bill‘s Ban; or. Cody to the Rescne.

682 Buffalo Bill's Seer it Service Trail.

629 Buffalo Bill‘s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick.

517 Buffalo Bill‘s First ’I‘rnil; or. The Express Rider.
158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts.

117 Buffalo Bill 5 Strange Ford: or, Dashing Dandy.
92 Buflalo Bill. the Buckskin King.

BY HA "OLD 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
853 The Quaker City Crook.
844 Tracked to Chicago.
886 The Policy Broker's Blind.
829 The Frisco Sliarper’s Cool Hand
821 The Tramp Sliadower’s Backer.
813 The Sham Spotter‘s Shrewd Scheme.
806 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpers.
798 Detective Burr’s Luna'ic Witness
792 The Wall Street Sharner’s Snap.
764 Thad Burt’s Death Drop.
7 42 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs.
734 Detective Burr‘s Foil; or. A Woman‘s Strategy.
728 Detective Burr. the Headquarters Special.
713 Delec‘ive Burr‘s Spirit Chase.
706 Detect've Burr’s Seven Clues.
698 Thad Burr, the Invincible; or, The “L " Clue.
690 The Matchless Detective.
680 XX. the Fatal Clew: or. Burr‘s Master Case.

IIY lilEll'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.
843 The Crescent City Sport.
832 Gid Gale's Block Game.
804 The King Pin 01‘. the Leadville Lions.
786 Chicago Charlie’s Diamond Haul.
776 Chicago Charlie, the Columbian Detective.
756 The Wizar'l King Detective.
72"} Teamster Tom, the Boomer Detective.
709 Lodestone Lem, the Champion of Chestnut Burr.
695 Singer Sam, the Pilgrim Detective.
688 River Hustlers; or. the 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 Prince Primrose, the Flower of the Flock,
528 Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective.

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BY CAPTAIN H()\VARD HOLlVlES.

929 Gentleman George. the Showman Sport.
91': Gr-nteel Joe‘s Lone Hand.
903 The Train Detective.
896 Kent Keen. the Crook-Crusher.
888 Nightshade in New York.
879 Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective.
871 The Crook Cashier.
859 Claw-Hawk Keene‘s Right Bower.
87 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective.
841) Major Bullion Boss of the Tigers.
' Shadowing the London Detective.
817 Plush Velvet, Llll‘ Prince of Spotters.
' The Bogus Broker‘s Right Bower.
The Night-Hawk Detective.
Silk Ribbon‘s Crush-out.
Detectin Zach, the Broadway Spotter.
The Dark Lantern Detective.
7 ‘ The Never-Fail Detective.
72A Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective.
711 Dan Damon, tho GiltEdge Detective.
701 Silver Steve, thn Branded Spelt.
694 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower.
684 Velvet Van, the. Mystery Shadower.
675' The Dude Desperado
671 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret.
664 Monk More], the Man-Huner.
654 Sol S hinx, the Ferret Detective.
642 Red ard and Yellow
608 Silent Sam the Shadow Sphinx.
592 Castain Sid, the Shasta Ferret.
579 01 Cormorant. the Bowery Shadow.
569 Captain Cobra. the Hooded Mystery.
659 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.
550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret.
513 The Magnets Detective.
5‘32 Jack Javert. the Independent Detective.
5‘23 Reynurd of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective
512 Captain Velvet‘s Big Stake.
505 Phil Fox. the Geuteel Spotter.
496 Richard Redfirc. the Two Worlds’ Detective.
487 Sunshine Sam. a Chip of the Old Block.
480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.
458 Coldgrip in Deadwood.
460 Captain Coldgrip. the Detective
453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail.
447 Volcano. the Frisco Spy.
441 The California Sharp.
434 Lucifer Lynx. the \\ onder Detective.
421 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow.
413 Captain Coldgrip in New York.
407 Captain Coldgrip‘s Nerve; or. In'un Nick.
400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New ork Spotter.
392 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.‘

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-865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.

'2 The Desperate Doznn.
‘ 7 Denver Duke. the Man with “ Sand."
340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective.
3‘35 Flush Dan. the Naboh: or. Blades of Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude. the Lone Bandit.
294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.
941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco.

BY \VILLIAM ll. MANNING.
948 The Red-Gloved Detective.
931 Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch.
920 The Monvana Miner in New York.
908 The Doomsrlay~Den Detective.
899 The Double-Quick Detective.
893 Yellow Gid. of Dark Divide.
885 The Expert Detective’s Shake-up.
B75 Trap ing the Race-Track Judge.
864 The olice Speoiul‘s Dilemma.
844 The. Genteel Sharper’s Combine
841 Grayrlon‘s Double Deal.
833 The Sport Detective’s Griz}.
8:53 The A thlete Sport About own.
808 TheCrook-De tcctive‘s Pull.
790 Film er Pete, the Race Track Detective.
782 Rova Rock, the Round-up Detective.
774 Stéve Starr. the Dock Detective.
764 Tho- New York Sliar i’s Shadower.
738 Detective Claxton. t e Record Breaker.
714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump.
703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Sus ect
692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range x lorer.
655 Strawberry Sam. the Mall with the irthmark.
646 Dark John, the Giim Guard.
6’38 Murdock, the Dread Detective.
623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. ‘
611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas.
596 Rustler Rube: the Round-Up Detective,
585 Dan Dixon’s Double. I
575 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives,
 Wyoming Zeke, the Hots ur of Honeysuckle.
551 Garry Kean. the Man wit Backbone.
539 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective.
531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur.
521 Paradise Sam. the Nor'—West Pilot.
513 THan Tartar. the Man With Nine Lives.
506 Uncle Honest. the l‘eacemakerof Hornets’ Nest.
498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy.
493 Border Bullet. the Prairie sharpshooter.
486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective.
479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack.
471) The Duke of Dakota.
463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator.
455 Yank Yellowbird. the Tall Hustler of the Hills.
449 Bluff Burke. King of the Rockies.
442 Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
437 Deep Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives.
427 The Rivals of Montana Mill,
415 Hot Heart, the Detective S V.
405 Old Baldy the Brigadier 0 Buck Basin.
297 Colorado Rube. the Strong Arm of Hotspur.
279 The Gold Dragoon; or, California Bloodhound.

BV LEON LE‘VIS.
967 Wind River Clark. the Gold Hermit.
797 Pistol Tommy. thc Miner Sharp.
785 1‘he Down East Detective in Nevada.
773 Buffalo Bill's Ban: or, Cody to the Rescue.
699 The Cowboy Couriers.
686 The On-the-Wing Detectives.
624 The Submarine Detective: or, The Water Ghouls.
484 Captain Ready. the Red Ransomer.
491 The Silent Detective: or, The Bogus Nephew.
456 The Demon Steer.
428 The Flying Glim: or. The Island Lure.

J1

 

 

A LBERT \V. AIKEN’S NOVELS.
Dick Talbot Series.

741 Dick Talbot's Close Call.

737 Dick Talbot in Apache Land.

733 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King.

729 Dick Talhot’s Clonn-Out.

72.3 Dick Talbot in No Man‘s Camp-

354 Dick Talbot: 01, The Brand of Crimson Cross
36 Dick Talbot; or, The Death—Shot of Shasta.

Aiken’s Fri-sh of Frisco Series.

8‘35 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport.
66!) The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Full Hand.
6'52 The Fresh‘s Rustic at Painted City.
647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or. Thr- Su‘anger Sharp.
556 Fresh. the Sport: or. The. Big Racket nt Slide Out.
537 Fresh Against the Field: or. Blake. the Lion.
497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions.
461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio G randc.

97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack

Aikeu’s Joe Plienix, Serles.

965 Joe Phenix‘s Mascot.

959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal.

951 Joe Phemx in Chicago.

949 The Doctor from Texas; or, J on Phenix‘s Clue.

944 Joe Phenix’s Rl lit Bower.

865 The Female Bar er Detective; 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 Pheuix's Lone Hand.

749 Joe Phenix's Big Bulge.

745 Joe Phenix’s Maxi Case.

768 Joe Phenix's Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw.

700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or. Crushing the Crooks

681 Joe Phenix‘s Specials‘ or. The Actress Detective

637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp.

632 Joe Phenix's Master Search. .

628 Joe Phenix’s Conihinl— ; ur,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,

161 Joe Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt.

‘ 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League.

79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy.
Alkcn’s Miscellaneous Novel:

1 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper

 

935 The hawks and Wolves of New York
932 Detective Gordon’s Grip.
926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter.
923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Detective.
901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadower. ‘
892 The Countryman Delective.
876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps.
842 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood.
835 The King-Pin Detective. .'
814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports.
775 King Dandy. the Silver Sport.
753 Gideon’s Gri at Babylon liar.
717 Captain Pat cGoweu, the Greencoat Detective.
674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective.
670 The Lightw eight Detective.
665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden Gate Find.
613 Keen Billy. the Sport. '
607 Old Benzine the “Hard Case" Detective.
594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. I
586 The Silver Sh arp Detective. .
577 Tom, of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act. ’
570 The Actress Delective: or, The Invisible Band
562 Lone Hand. the Shadow.
1520 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 Paelflc. .
421 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants.
408 Doc Grin, the Vendetta of Death. '
381 The Gy sy Gentleman: (r. Nick Fox. Detective
376 Black Beards; 01. The Rio Grande High Horse
370 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to the End.
363 Crowningshield. the Detective
320 The Genteel Spotter: or The.N. Y. Night Hawk.
2 The Wall Street Blood: or. The Telegraph Girl.
263 The Double Detective: or.The Midnight Mystery.
196 La Marmoset, the Letectlve Queen.
101 The Man from New York.
91 The Winning Oar: or. The Innkeeper? Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or, The League 0 Three.
81 The Human Tiger: 01‘. A Heart of Fire. V
75 Gentleman George: or. Parlor Prison and Street.
7'3 The Phantom Band: or. The 5th Avenue Heiress.
56 The Indian Mazeppa: or, Madman of the Plains.
49 The Wolf Demon: or. The Kanawha Queen.
42 The California Detective: or. The Witches of N.Y.
31 The New York Sharp; or. The-Flash of Lightning.
27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York.

NEW ISSUES.

984 Buffalo Bill‘s Lii’e Radio. By Col. P. Ingraham.
985 The Long-Haired Parde. By J 0s. E. Badger.
986 Iron Wrist. the Swordmaster. By Col. Monstery
987 Shadrach, the Sport Detective. By J. W. Osbon
988 Rocky Mountain Rnb. By Albert W. Aiken.
989 Buffalo Bill‘s Marked Bullet. By Col. Ingraham’
990 Bowl --Knife Ben. the Little Hunter 0! the 1\or
West. By 011 Coomes.

JUST ISSUED.

975 Freelance the Buccaneer. By Col. Ingrabam.
976 Overland kit. By Albert w. Aiken.

977 Cyclone Pete. Bv Wm. R. Eyster.

978 Monte Crislo in New York By J. C. Cowdrick.
979 Buffalo Bill’s Relsntless Trail. Bv Insraham.
980 The All-Around Athlete. B A. . Aiken.

981 The Gold-Lace Snort. By as. E. Badger.

982 Chris Crewlry’s Winning Hand. .By A. P. Morris

983 Kid»(alove Kris. the Sports. By J. C. Cowdrick.
A new issue every Wednesday '
THE DIME LtISBBABY is fox; lsale Li :2
N s.‘ alers. ten can r co y. or sen y m
reecvevi if of price. IEAgeLE ADAMS, Publishers.
,92 William street, New York. ,

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Buffalo Bill's Life Rafl‘le; or, The D d
Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Dome

Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail.
Prentiss Ingraham.

The Dread Shot Four: or. M P ds
Plains. By Col. “7. F. Cody.y all or the
Buffalo Bill's Invincibies; or. The Sable Shad-
;)wer's Sublime Sacrifice. By Col. P. Ingra-
Him.

Buffalo Bill's Blue Belt Brigade; or. Sun-
flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The
Mysterious Man in Blue. By Col. P. Ingra—
ham.

Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's
Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham. .
Buffalo Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted
Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra-
ham.

Buffalo Bill's Black Pard;
Boomers of the Big Horn.
ham.

Buffalo Bill's Bluff: or. Dusky Dick,
Sport. By Col. 1’. Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or. Velvet Bill’s
\ow. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or. Go-
wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In-
graham.

Buffalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly. By
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill's Tangled Trail; or. Gentleman
Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P.
Ingraham. ‘

Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack's
Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally; or, The Texan’s
Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Life-Stake; or. The
Three. By Col. P. Ingraham.

The Three Bills; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and
Band-Box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth.
By Col. P. Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves; or, The Card
Queen's Last Ga-ne. By 001. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Road Agent Round-Up; or. The
Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col.
P. Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill's Death-Charm: or, The Man
With the Scar. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri-
der's Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-
ham.

Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma; or, The Great
Scout's Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse; or. Texas Jack's
Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. l
The Ranch King Dead-Shot; or. Texas Jack's
Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. |
Buffalo Bill's Boys in Blue: or. The mimmne
Band's Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. |
Buffalo Bill‘s Sharp-Shooters: or. The surge”
Scout to the Rescue. By COL P. Ingraham.

By Colonel

or, The Gold
By Col. P. Ingra-

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822
820
816
812

Buffalo Bill's Best Bower; or. Montebello the
Gold King. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.
White Beaver's Still Hunt; or, The Miner
Marauder's Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill.
Buffalo Bill's Red Trail: or, The Road—Rider
Renegade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Death-Knell; or, The Red Band
Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham.

07 Will Bill. the Wild West Duelist; (r. The Girl

807

794

“ Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men;

1

66

69

082
7
658

Mascot of Moonlight Mine.‘ By Buffalo Bill.
\Vild Bill, the Wild \Vest Duelist; or, The Girl
Grande Ralph. the Cowboy Chief. By Buf-
falo Bill.

Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand; or, The Masked
Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By Col. P.
Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, ’I‘heSkeleton Scout
of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, The Brimstone
Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.
Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked
Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue.
By Leon Lewis.

Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake; or. The VVipe-out
at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill’s Mascot: or, The Death Valley
Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Double; or. The Desperado De-
tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill‘s Big Four; or, Custer‘s Shadow.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or. Texas Jack’s
Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Blind; or. The Masked Driver
of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-
ham.

or, The
Robin Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-
ham.

Buffalo Bill’s Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sam.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard; or. The Still Hunt
of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or. Slik'Lasso
Sam, the Will-o‘-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In-
graham.

Buffalo Bill's Scout Shadowers: or, Emer-
ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des-
perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or,
Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In-
graham.
Buffalo Bill's Blind Trail; or, The Daughter
of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail. By Major
Dangerfield Burr.

Buflaio Bill‘s Swoop', or. the King of the
Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

The Cowboy Clan; or. The Tigress of Texas.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

u

 

319
304
243

139
175
168
158
117

02

83
52

988 Iron Wrist. the Swordmaster.

988 Rocky Mountain Rob, the California Outlaw.

HE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers,
ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pro-paid, on re-

ceipt of price.

BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 0

92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK.

 

The Lasso King's League; or, The Tigers of‘
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. [
Buck Taylor. the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill's
Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or. The Knights of
the Silver Circle. Dy Col. P. Ingraham.
The Gold King; or. Montebello, the Magnifi-
cent. By Buffalo Bill.
Buffalo Bill's Daring Role;
Dick. King of the Cowboys.
The Dead Shot Nine; or. My Pards of the
Plains. By Buffalo Bill.
Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the
Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline.

Red Renard. the Indian. Detective; or, The
Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.
The One—Armed Pard; or. Red Retribution in
Borderland. By Buffalo Bill.
The Wizard Brothers; or,
Trail. By Buffalo Bill.
White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte; or,
ngronged Man's Red Trail. By Buffalo
Buffalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or,
Three.

or, Daredeath

By Leon Lewis.

White Beaver“ s

By Col. P. Ingraham
Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.
Buffalo Bill.

Texas Jack,
Queen of the Wild Riders.

The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier‘s Sweet-

the Prairie Rattler; or, The
By Buffalo Bill.
heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout
and Guide.

Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or,
Dozen. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Indian
Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger
Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Buffalo Bill. Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed
Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell.
Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; or, Dashing
Dandy. the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major
D. Burr.
Buffalo Bill.
Amazon of the West.
Burr.

Gold Bullet Sport: or. The Knights of the
Overland. By Buffalo Bill.
Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life
and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo

The Desperate

the Buckskin King;, or. The
By Major Dangerfield

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NEW ISSUES TO COME.

985 The Long-Haired Pards; or. The Tartars of

the Plains. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

By Col. Thos.
Boyer Monstery.

9S7 Shadrach. the Sport Detective; or, The Secret

Seven. By John \V. Osbon.

By Albert W. Aiken.

 

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