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7 17. ix _\ _  \.
CHAPTER I. ::‘~-‘ ?  ‘  
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strained to catch the first inkling of an
almost superstitiously dreaded peril.

Twilight had long since deepened into
night, bit the rising moon was sending
streaks and patches of light to blend
oddly with the shadoWs, forming many
a Weird picture there among the tempest
twisted trees and dwarfed shrubbery,
tie towering crags and sun-bleached
bowlders, until even a man with wholly
unshaktu nerve might easily have 3011-
jured n.) aimed enemies skulking and
ClCteilillf‘ his way, on murder bent.

The l .luchstone foreman felt his horse
quivering, and more than ever was as—
sured that'peril threatened~—not so much
to his life as to the precious charge of
which he now was sole guardian.

And yet, how could it be? Cunning
though those human devils were, how
could they possibly have anticipated his
movements?

Instead of taking the regular stage
from Capsheaf to Breakneck, as one
Would naturally suppose, Crossley, on
horSeback, had diverged widely from the
usual route, finally striking into the
long-abandoned trail by which the sil-
ver camp was originally reached.

Yet now—was it a false alarm, or had
his horse with still keener senses de-
tected danger as yet unseen by his
master?

Failing to see aught to confirm his
fears, Crossley, urged his steed ahead
with a slight prick- of the spur. A couple
of nervous strides, then another shying
which carried both horse and rider into
a clearly lighted space free from rocks
or bushes.

Again the horseman flashed keen looks
around, swaying in the saddle with easy
motion, and thus unwittingly toiling his

.as yet unknown enemy.

One of yonder shadow-masked bushes
seemed to spring into sudden life; but,
even as Crossley caught sight of this, he
felt a coil .of rope brushing past his face
and breast,'missing his head, but falling
over that of his horse, as the frightened
animal nervously yielded to those tight—
ening reins and coming back almost upon
its haunches.

SWlILly the ambushed rider acted, now
knowing that it was to do or die, drop—
ping rein to snatch weapons from the
leather belt about his middle, one hand
flashing a keen blade across that tight—
ening rope even as his other flung revol-
yer to a level.

As by instinct he covered the man with
the rope, but, just as his finger con-
tracted the lasso gave way, and though
shot and fall seemed simultaneous,
Arthur knew that his enemy was not
killed, it even struck at all.

Set free from that choking noose, the
horse plunged forward with a snort of
affrig'ht, his sudden action hindering the
aim which might have bettered that in—
itial shot.

A savage curse came from the tumb-‘

ling mass, and swiftly came the threat:

“Halt, ye cur! Hold up or croak, curse
ye! u

A flash lit up that spot of gloom, and
Crossley felt the wind of flying lead as
the she; hummed close to an ear.

He bent forward close to the horse’s
.‘wither‘s, raking flanks with spurs as he
urged the geou steed on, out of the moon-
light and into the shadow, whistlingdead
and barking powder keeping time to his
motions. '0

More like coward than here fled the
foreman, lying low as possible in the
.sacule, until at length the good horse
swung around an abrupt bend in the
trace, and so was beyond reach of shots
and curses.

Then Arthur Crossley rose erect in his
saddle, .while a low muttered “Thank
God! ” escaped his lips. And though he
blackened pace, not until more than half
a mile had been placed behind them did
|he bring his nag down to a walk.

A coward?

Far from it!

Where but life alone was concerned,
how men living could or would have faced

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death with firmer front or cooler nerve
than this same foreman of the Touch—
stone Mine; but now he held a trust,
which he deemed far more sacred than
his own life, and acted accordingly.

“IVho was it?" he asked himself as
he looked keenly around on all sides,
making sure no enemy was within eye—
rangc before reloading and replacing his
revolver. “Surely not the same outfit,
for I saw but the one, and they would—
yet, who else would play such an evil
game? ”

The horse seemed as ill at ease, and
with a toss of its head gave an impatient
whinney.

“Good boy! ” patting neck with loving
hand as he permitted the intelligent
creature to move on once more. “Only
for you, back yonder, my neck might
have caught the rope, and then—~ugh! ”

‘Twas an ugly reflection, even for a
brave man, and Arthur CrOSsley shiv-
ered as he rode on through the night,
eyes in constant motion and keenly on
guard lest further evil should befall.

It hardly seemed within the bounds of
probability that a second trap should be
sprung; and yet, why not, since the first
had been laid?

“ The devil, or one of his chosen imps,
surely!” decided the troubled foreman
as he rode on. “Who else could have
made so close a guess at my movements?
Who else—or could it have been a mere
happen-so? ”

No! He could have sworn that only
one man living knew he intended to fol-
low this long—deserted trace to-night, and
that man was far above suspicion. So he
told himself, now, and so he firmly be-
lieved, even while feeling that ’twould be
simply impossible for any outsider to
anticipate his movements that night.

“ If not the devil himself, then Satan is
backing their game!” was muttered is
the foreman pressed forward. “I’m 11 t
superstitious, but—well, I’d give a year
of my life—lease to be safely at Break-
neck withw-itwright now! ” I

Like many another good man who
scoffed at the bare idea of being inclined
to that weakness, Crossley was super-
stitious to a certain extent; and, when
he rapidly ran over his past movements
he surely had fair grounds for feeling
somewhat off nerve.

So far as he knew, or so far as reason
went, only one other man living had any
knowledge of his purpose in leaving
Breakneck for Capsheaf and points be-
yond.

Of course they might give a fair guess,
knowing, as all the town did, how
financial difficulties seemed closing in
about the proud owner of the Touch-
stone, thanks to a series of heavy mis-
fortunes which had befallen him of
late, prominent among which may be
named the loss of large sums in cold
cash on two different occasions, by
road agents.

“But they .couldn’t know, or even
guess, how I meant to come back!”
averred the rider. “Nobody knew I
had a horse in Capsheaf. I booked for
a place in the regular stage, and kicked
like a bay steer when I seemingly missed
it by a hair. So, how could they know?"

That was the puzzle, and one which
troubled the handsome young foreman
more than such thoughts could fairly
express.

Granting that he had been noticed
while leaving Capsheaf in the saddle,
who could have guessed that he meant
to take another than the regular road
to Breakneck? Who could have guessed
his purpose, and at the same time cut
ahead far enough to lay a trap for his
undoing?

Only one other man was in thesecret
of his plans, and that other the father of
thewoman Crossley hoped to make his
wife—that other the man to save whose
financial credit this desperate venture
was being made;

“ Even if he wasn’t—but, he is honest
as the day is long! ” almost fiercely as-

 

 

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thought forced itself upon an unwilling
brain. “Don't I know? And Phillis—
God bless her! ”

Mental spur was answered by material
ones, and under the double impulse more
rapid progress was made until the horse-
man came to a point where the trail
divided, split by what appeared by that
uncertain light to be the beginning of
another mountain range.

Crossley knew that either branch
would conduct him to the silver camp,
while there was little to choose as to
distance; but—hark!

A sound came from the rear, apparent-
ly from no great distance; a sound
which, under ordinary circumstances,
would hardly have been noticed, but
now sent a curious thrill of half super-
stitious fear through the foreman’s
veins.

He knew that the man of the lasso
could not possibly have won so near
without other than his own legs to carry
him, yet almost as surely that was a sig-
nal of some sort, for—listen!

An answering sound from ahead!

A faint whistle, ordinarily might have
passed for the sleepy call of some night-
bird, but now—

Crossley mechanically turned more to-
ward the right hand trace, for his alert
sense of hearing told him that the sound
came from the other branch—a sound
which found its indistinct echo further to
the rear.

The horse pushed forward a few
strides, only to be jerked back with an
iron grip and held all atremble while its
rider looked and listened, heart thump—
ing furiously.

Was the right branch clear, or was
this but part of a foul trick to accom-
plish his undoing? Could he ride through
to safety and honor, or was there a.
masked pitfall in the way?

Fighting these ugly doubts as best
he might, Crossley both looked and list-
ened, hand on pistol-butt in readiness
for defense of his trust.

Something stirred over yonder, just
where a band of bright moonlight lay
across the old trace—something reach~
ing that impalpable barrier, recoiled as
though afraid to cross.

Arthur saw it, but only to lose the dim
vision amidst those shadows as quickly.
Was it man or beast? Was it—ha!

The solution came. The phantom—
like shape sprung forward to cross the
band of moonlight at a bound, but
slipped and fell in an awkward sprawl,
plainly betraying itself.

At almost the same instant a half-
stifled curse broke from the shadowy
rear, accompanied by a metallic clink, as
of gun or pistol in contact with a rock.

No room for further doubt, now, and
Crossley gave his horse free rein, send-
ing him along the right-hand trace at
more than half speed.

“Careful, boy!” in warning, steady-
ing the nag with reins while bending in
saddle and holding his pistol ready for
emergency. “ A trip or a stumble now
might—ha! ”

Shouts and cries from both rear and
left hand, which could be made only by
a recklessly rushing enemy, who saw
their coveted prey slipping through their
clutches.

One glimpse of those enemies, then
further view was cut off by the rocks
upon whose point the old trace had split
asunder; a glimpse which showed them
daShlng furioule through moonlight
and shadow.

Yet, though it now seemed that his
enemies were thrown to the rear, Cross-
ley was far from feeling jubilant, and
instead of urging his mount ahead, as
one would naturally do in a race for
dear life, he tightened the lines, and,
holding revolver between thigh and pom-

mel, he used both hands in knotting the '

reins close to the neck of his steed.

“Now, steady, boy!” he commanded,
at the same time arming each hand with
trusty revolver. “ If it's clear sailing
we’ll get there in a hurry. It not—well,

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we’ll have a bit of fun while trying, any—
way. So now for it. lad! "

A touch of the spurs sent the animal
down to a steady gallop, which devoured
spate with comforting rapidity.

The ’i‘ouchslone foreman felt far from
assured that there was. a clear path
.ahead, and knowing how surely those
pounding boots were heralding his com—
ing, be rather more than half expected
a hail or a shot at each successive leap.

“The devils! Would they leave me
such a choice as this? \Vould they block
one way, and leave the other open? Or,
was it pure accident that showed their
hand, back yonder?”

Even while trying to doubt, Crossley
was convinced, but what other course
was left open to him?

He could see that all retreat was cut
off, and, unless he should abandon his
mount, only a single line of flight lay
open for him—a flight straight ahead
along that deserted trail, where a deadly
ambuscade might be planted at any rod
of its length; but, in grim desperation
he rode on, right hand and left gripping
pistol-butt, with forefingers touching
trigger in readiness for a snap-shot
which might make all the difference be-
tween success and failure, life and death.

He could hear voices shouting and
cursing as the pursuers came on in fu—
rious pursuit, and, later, he even caught
indistinct glimpses of human shapes
Where the moon shone more clearly.

So far not a sound had come from the
front, and his keenest glances failed to
detect aught of danger to himself or to
his important charge; but he would not
know rest or relief until he should reach
Breakneck and fairly acquit himself of
that sacred trust.

Would that ever be? .

A few rods further ran the horse, sure-
footed as a cat, in spite of the rough way,

'and Crossley was just turning head from

another glance toward the rear, when the
dreaded trap was sprung for his un—
doing!

Just a glimpse did he catch, but ’twas
too late to foil that snare, and, though a
cry of fury burst from his lips, it came
only as he himself went down before the
concealed enemy. ,

Just where the trace ran between a
double fringe of bushes, smooth and
level, the trap was sprung—a strong rope
lifting across the trail, but a second or
two before the galloping horse was fair—
ly upon it.

With a snort of affright the animal
tripped and went down, plunging awk-
wardly forward, pitching rider out of
saddle as stone from catapult, to strike
the stony way with cruel force, both
weapons exploding from involuntary
touch while yet in midair.

Although taken so completely by sur-
prise, Crossley fell clear of the plunging
steed and struck fairly upon his feet,
still gripping his smoking revolvers, as
a clear, stern voice called out:

“ Take him, lads! dead or alive!—take
him! ”

 

CHAPTER II.

A Bmsk LITTLE SKLRMISH.

Sorely shaken and partially benumbed
by the heavy shock, Arthur Crossley saw
a number of phantom—like shapes rush-
ing his way, and hardly knowing what
words crossed his lips, he gave hoarse
warning: *

“ Back. ye devils—back! ”

“Down him, bOYS! ” repeated the
leader of that squad, at the same time
springing toward the horse as it scram-
bled hastily up from its fall. “Down
him, and lively! ”

“ Simmer or croak, blame ye! ” from
one of the ruflians, as he came with a
rush. “We’ve got ye foul, and~”

Turning dizzy though he felt himself,
the young- foreman was anything but
cowed.

“Back, ye devils! Back, or eat lead! "

His right hand rose with his threat,
but ere it could fairly cover that burly

 

shape, a savage stroke turned the weap—
on aside and dashed it from his grasp,
while at the same time a heavy weight
fell upon his back, fierce fingers gripping
at his throat.

A swift writhe and stooping twist
flung that adversary aside, and broke
his grip, even though it seemed as if
his throat was being torn to bloody
strips in that breakaway.

Then, more himself, as he began to
realize the full extent of his peril, Cross-
ley sprang, forward to meet his chal-
lenger, sending out a hard-clenched fist
as he came With such good will that the
knave toppled over backward, feet high-
er than his head as he struck earth on
the broad of his back.

But the gallant fellow was permitted
time for no more. Half a dozen knaves
sprung upon him, fairly crushing him
to earth in spite of his desperate strug—
gles, some hands holding him impotent
while others wrested away the weapons
which he was even yet trying to use.

There could be but one ending to such
an unequal fight, and when the leader
rose to his feet after that stinging blow,
he found the foreman lying prone upon
his back, with strong hands fixed upon
each of his limbs.

“ You have him, then? ”

“Bet yer life we hev! An’ shell we
keep, or shell we throw away es jest
fitten fer coyote-bait, boss?"

“Let up, ye devils, or I’ll——let up, I
say! ” gasped Crossley, striving to break
away, yet with powers so hopelessly
hampered that his enemies could afford
to jeer.

“Lay putt, blame ye fer a contrairy
warmint! ” harshly growled one of the
captors, as he turned eyes from master
to captive. “Want to git an the wind
shet clean out 0‘ ye, hey? Want to—
shell we jest politely croak the fool crit-
ter, boss? ”

“Not yet. Pull his teeth against bit-
ing, then stand him right end upward.
Since he can use his tongue we’ll see that
he makes good use of it. All right? “

“You bet yer sweetness he is all right!
So! Climb up on yer hind legs, John
Donkey—so fashion! ”

With a heave and a toss the toughs
picle their captive bodily from the
ground, giving him a dizzying shake and
toss before planting him squarely upon
his feet in front of their leader.

The stalwart—looking chief now was
standing before his human quarry,
where the clear rays of the full moon fell
fairly athwart his head and form, and
Arthur saw a coarse, ill-fitting, ragged
coat masking the upper portion of that
athletic body, while a dark cloth with
rudely cut eyelets hid his face from view
most effectually.

“ I thought there couldn’t be any mis—
take,” spoke the leader after a brief
scrutiny.

“ If you think—”

“Call it know, and you'll come nearer
the mark, Mr. Crossley,” interrupted the
outlaw, one gloved hand placed upon a
shoulder of the prisoner. “ Shall I tell
you just what all this means, my dear
fellow? ”

“You’ll sup sorrow for this work, be
sure of that much! ”

“Chew that cud, if you fancy the
flavor! " mocked the other. “As for
us: listen, will you? ”

Instead, Crossley began another vain
yet furious struggle which gave his bur-
1y guards some little trouble to subdue,
and wrought still uglier emotions in
their breasts.

“Shell we mash him, boss? Durn the
fool critter, anyway! ’Tain’t him we’re
wantin’ so mighty much as 'tis the pure
quill which—eh?”

“ Button that lip of yours, pardner.
I’m doing the talking for this outfit just
now, remember.” Then, to his prisoner:

“ Don’t you make a nasty matter
worse, young fellow. We not only know
why you took this roundabout trip, but
we know more: , where’s the boodle
you're trying to sneak into Breakneck? "

I, 1.! . ,,

 

“ I haven’t— What do you mean, any-
way? ”
“Business! I mean that you volun-

teered to run a wad of good money
through the lines, to help old Dikeman
through with his labor troubles. I know
that this money is—where is it, you
fool?”

“ Are. you crazy, sir?”

With all seeming innocence came this
query, and it robbed the road-agent of
all patience, for the time being.

“Hold the fool steady, lads!” he or-
dered, harshly. “I’ll look for myself,
unless—will you cough up, then?”

“ I haven’t ten dollars of my own with
me.”

“Bah! I’m after bigger game than
that. The money you hoped to run in
for old Dikeman is ’way up in the thou-
sands, and that is what we want and
what we’re going to have, too! Now,
where is it? ”

“ I have no such sum of money,” stead-
ily declared the prisoner. “ If I had I’d
never surrender it to such as you, save
with my life! ”

“Shell we strip him, boss?”

Already those hands were at work,
searching the captive from head to foot,
front and rear, everywhere a parcel of
money could possibly find concealment.

Failing to find what he sought, the
chief again spoke, his tones fairly
a-quiver with savage rage and baffled
avarice.

“What have you done with it, you
cursed hound? I know that you had it
—know that you were carrying to old
Dikeman the money which— Oh! you
whelp of Satan! Spit out the truth, or
31 have you murdered by inches! I’ll——

) 1._’!

Rage choked his voice, and Crossley
took opportunity to say:

“How can I surrender what I haven’t
got? Give me at least half a show, if
there’s a white man amongst ye. Let
me have——”

“ You‘ll hev it right whar the chicken
ketched the hatchet of ye don’t cough
‘er up. pardner! ” grimly warned the
burly brute, who had already shown a
fluent tongue. “Whar’s the dingbats
which——”

As he ostentatiously flourished a huge
revolver by way of backing up his words,
he gave Crossley the very chance fOr
which that person was watching and
hoping.

With a quick jerk and twist the fore-
man freed his right arm, grasping
that weapon and wresting it from its
owner, who, the next instant, went down
in an awkward heap; then, flinging off
his amazed guards, Crossley sprung
aside, at the same moment opening fire
though without any attempt at aim.

All was confusion, and with wild cries
and curses the road-agents scattered.

Then the unexpected happened, no less
to the surprise of the foreman than to
his assailants.

With a clear, ringing cheer a fresh
force came charging over the rocks
north of the Old Trace—uncertain as to
numbers, yet yelling like a score, and
shooting like a dozen. at the very least.

“ Scatter out and pouch the net,
lads! Don’t let one of the imps get
away! ” -

“Swipe ’em in, an’ hyar I be fer to
play Jedge Lynch on a bench with a
quishion to it!” from another voice.
“ Whoop-up and whoop-er—ee! Hain’t
bed so much fun sence I ketched the
eetch! Hain’t seed so big a—chaw lead,
ye pups! ”

Shooting at every jump, the newcom-
ers charged down upon the now demor-
alized road-agents, scattering them like
chaff before a whirlwind.

One of their number spun dizzily
around with upfiung arms, to sink in a.
quivering heap beside a bowlder, the
white side of which was being sprayed
with his hot life-blood.

With a savage curse the road-agent
chief had knocked Crossley flat with a
pistol-butt, but ere he could do more his
men fled in dismay, as those shouting;

I

 

   

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’ , The:  froml'VI-Iard 

 

shooting enemies came rushing toward
the spot. /

It was a keen little skirmish, and fair-
]y fatal for the forces engaged, as was
quickly ascertained when the rescuers
' ceased their brief pursuit and turned
back to take account of stock and sum up
the situation.

In spite of the noise and bustle, there
were only a couple of them in all, and
both were chuckling at the comicality
of the transformation scene when they
came back to see three bodies lying
there in the moonlight, two of them
masked and roughly garbed. the third
well dressed after the frontier fashion,
and clearly the one held up by robbers.
There was an even stronger contrast
between the two adventurers, as will be
shown later on, for if one looked like a
ragged, dirty, disreputable bummer, the
~ other certainly represented a gentleman
Sport.

The latter hurried over to where
‘ Crossley was lying unconscious, while
his companion shuffled from one to an-
other of the roadeagents. hands busier
even than his husky tongue.

“Steady, there, Billy Bedad! " stern—
ly reproved the Sport, as he noted those,
suspicious actions. “We’re not thieves
nor footpads, remember! ”

“Who? Me? ” ejaculated the sur-
 ‘prised bummer, with upheld hands to
‘ show their emptiness. ,

' “ What are you trying to do, then?”
‘-‘ Lookin’ to see ef ary 0’ these pore
critters hed sense ‘nough fer to tote a
pocket-pistol, boss, an’ that’s honest In-
jun of my name’s Bummer Billy Bedad!
An’ sech dryness onto me, boss! An’
Zech a streak o", crooked luck onto me
r___)!
, Just then Crossley gave a long breath
I, and a low moan of reviving senses.
““ Come here, Billy, and lend a hand. If
_ those gentry should take a notion to look
*back‘ and see what a slender regiment
? We form, they might—easy, partner! "
' “ Devils—I’ll never-—die first! ” panted
the foreman, still bent on defending his
trust.
._ But a few words from the stranger re-
assured Crossley, and seeing himself in
friendly hands, the foreman cast an anx-
ious look around, crying out as he failed
1 to detect what he was searching for:
“My horse! Where is—my horse, I
v  n ‘
“Oh, that’s all right, pardner,” has-
tily assured the Sport, as Crossley stag-
. .gered to his feet like one half-wild with
‘ anxiety. “ They’re running by ear, and
won’t find out just what’s the matter
until broad daylight, if even then. Why,
man, dear-" ’
 “‘ My horse—I Want my horse, I tell
_ on!” passionately cried the foreman,
i"mruggling against the friendly hands
‘ Which Were swift to lend him support,
, really needed in his weakness just then.

He flashed wild looks around, and, fail-
ing to see aught of the animal he named,
staggered like one drunken, hands flying
3 ' up to clasp his head, as though to keep
 it from bursting, huskin uttering:

‘ g“ Lost! All lost! ” r
Ills suddenly rallied powers appeared
to fail him at once, and only for those

    
   
  
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
    
   
   

long to earth.

 

CHAPTER II.

'_,~.rnn HOTSPUR AND THE‘ strumminmrm
3,, .AN ALLY. a ,
L Past doubting Arthur Crossley was
"1511?!” suffering from the. blow which, had
, felled him, and his rescuers began t’o‘fear
' that far worse’ had befallen him than
’ bodily injury. ,
"f Blood was trickling’freely over his
face from a scalp-wound where the bone
had been laid bars by that pistol-butt,,
and the Sport was on the pointof mak—
ing another examination in expectation

, magma the youngfo

all right so is o

friendly hands he must have fallen head— '

{minding a serious fracture of the skull, ..
remantraliiedx 

p

 

panted, struggling feebly to break from
that friendly restraint.

“Oh, it's all right; safe as safe!” as-
sured the Sport, after the manner of one
who seeks to quiet a fretful child, while
the seeming tramp terser cut in with the
words:

“Which is a turrible sight safete’r
then we—’uus be, jcdgin‘ from—cf ye
don't reckon that way, jest take a listen
fer yer own selves, now! "

Certain sounds Were coming back
which plainly told the listeners that the
road-agents had begun to recover from

their panic, if not to actually rally for-

another assault.
Arthur Crossley could catch their scat-

tered shouts and calls, and they served -

to rekindle a fire of vengeance which
lent both voice and body renewed
strength.

“The devils! ” he cried, starting in
that direction“ while hands fumbled for
the weapons which had been torn from
him during that brief struggle. “ They’ve
got—I’ll never—”

“Steady, pardner! " sharply warned
the Sport, while ready hands caught and
restrained the half-crazed foreman.
“ You'll never live to wear gray hairs if
you plunge so recklessly. I love a free
fighter, but you please me too mighty
well right now! ”

“Which is jest what," declared Bum-
mer Billy, lending a hand of restraint.
“ Wc’s only triplets, while tliey’s a hull
team. Go stiddy by jerks, boss, or billy—
be-doodled ef we don’t ketch what ‘Po-
leon did at Waterloo, an’ that isn’t heav-
 I)

Crossley found‘ himself helpless to
break away from those friendly hands,
and, realizing as ’much, gave submission,
standing quiet and with lax muscles
while eyes turned from face to ’face with
a certain degree of curiosity. .

“ I don't know you," he said, speaking
with an odd thickness of tongue far from
usual with him. ‘

“That's our loss, but we’ll hope it
won’t last much longer," spoke the
Sport, slackening his grip and looking to
his pistols like one who anticipated their
need ere long. “Loaded up, Billy? ”

“ Me guns is, but fer me— I say,
boss,” with sudden coaxing entering his
tones, as he smiled fawningly into the
foreman’s blood-marked face, “you don't
happen to hev'no bottle nur flask nur
nothin’ like that, hal'n’t ye? Ef ever I
was dry fer a snort-”

“Cork it up, Billy! " s

“Oh, ef I jest hed somethin' fer to
cork! Ef I jest hed a ole corncob stop-
per fer to smell of! Ef I only-snot even
a drap, stranger?”

Despite his heavy burden of anxiety
Crossley was forced to smile faintly,
that plea so fltly matched the. general
appearance of this husky-toned stranger
-—a tramp from head to foot, and 9. mm-
lens tramp at that. ,

“ If there’s any liquor nearer this than
Breakneckw” ‘

“I'd basalt my neck fer a full snort,
an' es fer a solid quart o’ bug-essence—
Oh, holy smoke! oh, holler sackeriidge! ”

“ Let up on' that worn-out string, Bil-
ly! ” sharply from his companion:
" Hark! Those rascals are tting to-
gether once more, and we’ll h vs a hefty

contract on our hands unless,“ Reckon‘

we‘d better get. a'move on, don't you
think. stranger? ” .,

“ I’d fight the lot if— Wait a bit! "
cried Crossley, springing over to where
the nearest of. those. bodies lay, stooping
to tear sway the cloth mask and turning
the senseless head until the moon-rays
fell fairly a’thwart the pain-distorted
face. . »

“ Ever see ‘him before? " asked the
Sport, close. to his elbow, as the‘ foreman
gave a low, half~smothered exclamation.

“ Yes. One of our men! A'minute ago
I could have sworn‘he w,“ true as steel,
while now-'4'   ‘ '2 ‘  L' - ,

L

 

going through pretty much the same mo-
tions there, only this time drawing a
freer breath as he failed to recognize the
victim.

Then he grasped a brace of heavy re—
volvers which matched the stock of car-
tridges worn in the belt about his own
middle. '

“ That’s more like
fight—W i

it! Now I can

u r '
“So can I, when I Just have to, but

just now I'd heap rather run for my lit-
tle white alley," interposed the Sport, as
still more ominous sounds came floating
down the Old Trace. “If not for your
own sake, pardner, then for ours. Let’s
take to cover! "

Crossley yielded far enough to follow
the lead given, the trio quickly finding
fair shelter amongst the gray boulders
a little to one side, and some distance
beyond the scene of that bloody hold-up.

Then, while waiting and watching, with
guns in readiness for use in case an ac-
tual rush of the enemy, brief explana-
tions were offered.

“ It just happened so, you understand,
pardner?” declared the Sport. “Billy
and I—he’s Billy Bedad, and I’m Hal
Arlington, just down from Hard Luck~—-
were padding the hoof for a change—”

“Bank bu’sted, pockets empty, credit
gone, an’ oh! so dry in the thrapple! "
croaked the tramp. “I‘m Bummer Bil—
ly, an’ he's Hotspur Hal! We’re turrible
good pards to tie to, but—divil a drink
to the bunch 0’ us, an’ the prospect grow-
in’ dryer be jerks! ”

“Billy does the calamity bowl and
looks after the irrigation part of the pro.
gramme, while I represent—”

“Call it windmill; an’ leave ’cr go at
that,”- suggested Bedad.,

The Sport laughed without show of re-
sentment. '

“Right there you have us, stranger.
We were headed for Breakneck, ,acmss—
lots.
iated.’ camped out, and were just
falling asleep when we heard this bit
of a racket, then concluded ‘to chip in,
.just for luck.”

“ An’ never ketched a clam—nur a
drap o’ pizen, nuther, vuss luck we-all! "

As one who feels i a duty he owes,
Crossley muttered his thanks for that
timely aid, but if the strangers expected
further explanations they were not forth-
coming, for the words were still warm
upon his lips when Crossley sprung erect
with a low cry, holding up hand for at-"‘
.tention while hearke‘nlng.‘  . g

The neigh of a herse came‘Cfrqm out
the night, and waiting «barely' long
enough to locate the sound, Arthur broke
cover and rushed" that way Without ask~
ing aid/or backing from his new friends.

“ After him, Billy!" cried Hotspur,
With just the suspicion of an cxpletive at
this .mad movement.
isn’t a’marker. but We can't afford to
lose-4- Whoop ’er up, pardner! "

With no other id 3. than 'tbat"iwas his i

bwh missing moun which .gave‘vent to
that whinny, Crossley dashed, onward,
giving no thought to personaldanger in
his one desire~—thfie recovery of his nag.

Soon, instead of coming upon" a single
mag, and that one his own, he rushed
into a: bit, of-clearing, where a number of
animals fiver’e tethered, and, as he.in..

voluntarily recalled, a harsh voice thun;

tiered forth: ‘
“ Down him, mates!
take, for he is—-”
The werds were drowned "by" zpistol“
811013. CPOSSIOY leaping‘back and aside
to partly foil that sudden rush, his con-

Kill if you can't

Ifiscated' guns coming up toVs'plt forth fire"
to find '

and lead in twin streams, th’“
Tight gallant echoes, as the two pards
jumped to the rescue fer the second time
that busy night. ‘ ‘

Yells and howls, oaths and curses, '
cheers and threats, mixed up with pistol- .-
shots and snorting of steeds, iron-shh

r hoofs smltin‘g the'sioresas the fri 0d
‘ and creatures 'rc red 3, p;  ;.
fl: is! " n ‘ i:

 lost our way, and'we’re‘ be-r
e

“ A. crazy loon 

 

 

1.

 

 

 

was“

Q‘fffiyawlmn"!

v

 

 

 

 

M,-

 
  
 

*1 .W. .mw‘. .(V’raxi; A

 

 

 

 

 

 

,and its. condition.

y 1 your last

loose but a few momen'

~3your friend!
' hag-hot. and you’ll all any sorrow with a
. ..;,idggt".:g’poon if you try further this
 n, , '. . '

(for his ui‘

even while best to
slay.
Boldly though the trio fought, now
shouting entouragement to one another,
then yelling grim defiance to their mu-
tual enemy, luck seemed against them,
for the odds were far too heavy for so

1;;'§:1g their level

few to come off victorious. now they were

at such close quarters.

But the fates willed otherwise, and just
when it seemed as though the weaker
party must go down in defeat, a fresh
diversion came in the shape of pistol—
shots from the rocks to the right, where
io‘ud voices fairly Split the air, for, sure—
iy no single pair of lungs could have
given llil'ih to such varied sounds.

The road-agent Chieftain gave a harsh
yell as one of his death-stricken mates
fell heavily against him, and clearly
mistaking this involuntary, cry for a
defeated call,’ the road rufilans broke
away in headlong flight, stopping not
to pick and choose, but cutting loose the
horses, and each one taking what came
handle :51".

Holspur Hal and Bummer Billy re-
douhlcd their shouts at this, feeling far
too thankful for such a timely reprieve
to press the pursuit.

As for Crossley, a gun-stroke put him
out,of the race for the moment. and
when he rallied, they were alone with
the dead.

“Funny, isn’t it, how much powder
and lead a pack of fellows can get away
with. in a crazy mix-up like this, yet
have so precious little to show for it? "
cynically observed the Sport, as Cross-
iey seemed to be taking notes 8f the field
none of the others disabled! While we
are—all right, Billy? " ‘

“ An' he hain’t got nary a drap ’bout
him, nuther! Right? All wrong, an’ I
hain‘t a-keerin’ who hears me say so,
uutlicr!” growlingly called back the
bumincr, as he turned away from th
dead outlaw in sore disgust. -

“ Who was it—-I didn’t see—”

“ You tell, for I don't know how," in—
terpOsed the Sport from Hard Luck,
catching the foreman's meaning, as
CmSSley looked half-bewilderedly
around. \4“ Whoever it was came in
mighty good time, and made enough
racket for a. dozen: but as for {he rest—é"

Gripping an arm and forcing Arthur

‘ down to shelter of a convenient bowlder,

the Sport‘ cooked pistol as the rapid
trampling .of a horse’s hoofs came to
their ears. _

A few moments of suspense, then. as a
phantom-like shape could be distin-
guished, the Sport rose up to steme
challenge over his gun:

“ Who and what are you there? Talk
white. an talk sudden, or you'll catch
' ckness, sure! ”

a" A friend.” came. the swift rejoinder.

g “Don‘t shoot, unless you're sorry

chipped to save you from death! "
" Thenyou nre—” '.:
Crossley gave a low, glad cry as the

horseman came into a bit bf moonlight,

leaping recklessly forward as he recog-
nized his horse.

mph“; is my— Who are you, any-

” l' ‘F‘way? " he cried, catching reins with one

'wggwhile with the other he half-men-
a , 1th; stranger with a revolver. “ My
horse‘ssmxrsmine, I tell you! "

“ Yoursitzgshall be, then," readily
yielded tho;tali;_stranger, swinging 103
over pommeii'anjd ,slipping’to ground on
the opposite side from thostrangely ex-
cited foreman. "I picked“: up on the
. Rico. It’s not
worth quarreling over, even  Who
am I? as though just comprehending
The devil's, brew is boil-

: “You  half-way white. anyway.
stranger,” put in the Sport from tHard
Lush, coming forward. as Crgssley
seemedi to havsfthpusht and care solely

,. ' t What, wood

)

lowed, after a momentary hesitation by

“Just one stiff, and ‘

  

,_ rude sort'rof living for 

 

“a

rather than run the chances of blunder-
ing into other traps and snares the like
of which— But come! There is no time
to waste in chatter! "

“That's all right, pardner, but come
whither or whence?” '

A brief pause, as though for thought,
then the words:

“ There’s Esau France, the cripple.
You can find shelter under the roof of
his shack for the rest of the night.”

“ If we saw like E-sau—but we're green
as grass and clean strangers to the ins
and outs of this diggings, don’t you
know? Now, for instance, how would
you go about finding a place you hadn’t
even the ghost of an idea as to——”

“Come, if ye like; ’tis partly on my
way, and I'll show you, rather than give
yonder devils another chance to fatten on
—come, then! ”

With a gesture even wilder in sem-
blance than were his swiftly—enunciated
words, the stranger hurried away, fol-

the trio, Crossley leading his horse by
the reins.

“I say, pardner, you hain’t got none 0’
the ginewine good ole stuff ’bout ye, hev
ye?” coaxingly whispered Bummer Bil—
ly, as he tapped an arm on drawing
closer to their queerly acting and speak-
ing guide. \

 

CHAPTER III. ,
CROOKED ESAU‘S HOSPITALITY. '

With all his apparent good nature and
careless ease, few men alive that night
owned a clearer‘brain or shrewder wit
than Hotspur Hal from Hard Luck.

Although as yet wholly in the dark as
to why the road agents were so desper-
ately bent on downing the foreman of
the Touchstone, he had both seen and
heard sufficient to put his wits on the
keenest alert, and readily a he appeared
to accept the guidance of this unknown,
he did so with a secret reservation.

Every mOVement of the stranger was
closely noted, and at the faintest sign
of treachery or crooked dealing, punish-
ment swift and thorough, wo id have
overtaken the man who now led the way
through “those thick-lying rocks.

So far there were no signs of another
attack by the road agents. So far as
outward semblance went, their second re-
pulse was a final one for the night, their
demoralization being, complete.

Little 1by little Arthur Crossley re-
gained his composure, and while still.
clinging closely to his restored mount,
he presently became able to understand
the guarded Whisper from Hotspur Hal.

“Who is Esau France, and where are
we going? Do you know either man or
place, pardner?” ,

Their guide certainly possessed cars of
the finest, for he turned partly that way.

“ Who f Breakneck doesn’t know
Crooked sau? As for his mountain
sh’ack. where he and his son lives while

._4

I know both man and place," asserted
dossley. “ We're not far at from there,
right now, either! ", ‘ ' -

“ Do you mean that, Crossley? ”

“ Yes. I recognize the landmarks now,
and—but who are you, sir, since you ED“
pear to know me so well? l' . '

“ Ask yonder demons who had you foulx
when I came to the rescue.” retorted their
queer guide, with a, wild gesture. as he
sprung away. “ Askthem—if ye ever find
them living! Ha! ha! ha! ”

Weirdly his laughter rung‘ forth for a.
brief space, then died away into silence.
. “Did you .make him out, pardner?”
asked the Sport. .

“ No, but—a friend, surely."

“ It would appear so,‘ judging from his
efforts, back yonder," thoughtfully from
the Sport. “ And this Crooked Esau; what
of him?-," . ' . v -

“I A queer, broken-down cripple, who
has but little more wits than the'law al-
lows. He lives in a shack just'across
yonder- He has one song,th

   
 
 
 

 

8 1h:

gulch which barred their way in that d!

I‘

   

The-Sport sadism Luck.    1 * ‘ .5.

“Then you really reckon we’d be safe
in following that fellow’s advice? Not
another plant, is it? ”

“Oh, I can’t think that. If meaning us
evil, why should he chip in after that
manner, when all was going against us? ”

“That’s pretty much what 1 want to
know. Don’t seem right to doubt one
who has proven himself a friend in need,
but, all the same, I just can‘t cotton to
the criter! Eh, Billy Bedad ?.”

“ Er it’s axin’ me fer infermation, boss,
this is pritty much the whyfo’ of the
whichness: ef that blame critter hain’i:
the Ole Boy him own self, then he’s
shoreiy Satan’s second cousin; so thar!"

Bummer Billy seemed very much in.
earnest, but his manner even more than
his words caused the others to laugh, and
that brief outburst served to clear the at-
mosphere.

Hotspur Hal was asking a few further
questions when their stranger friend-in-
need returned quite as swiftly as he had
vanished. Speaking without preface in
harsh tones, he said:

“If ye would know further of me or.
mine, time will tell it. but bear this much
ever in mind: Joram Wheatcroft is a.
true friend to all who are in the right, a.
bitter and uncompromising enemy to all“.
evil spirits!

“ Devils are abroad this night howling
for prey! Seek shelter if ye love life! Lie
low lest you be laid too low for ever aris-
ing of your OWn accord! .Take fair warn~
ing if ye be not purblind fools! "

He caught off his wide-brimmed hat,
with a flourish, turning a heavily-beard-
ed face toward the clear moonlight, then I .
again dashed away through the shadows .'
with wonderful agility and sureness of;
tread. ~ .

“ Who is he, now?” asked the Sport.
“ Crazy, or only cracked? ”

“I can’t tell you, for, to my knowl-
edge, I never laid eyes on either faceor,
figure before this very night," replied:
Crossley.

“Then it isn’t the crack-brain you
spoke of a bit ago? ”

“ What? Old France, or Crooked Esau,
as people call him? Well, scarcely! When;
you clap eyes on the old codger, you’ll
need no further answer. Come! I know
right where we are now, and there's a
long gulch to be headed beforewe can,
strike the shack across yonder.”

“ Then you really. think we’d better
take his advice? " ‘

“ I really do.’ For one thing, ’63 a long
road to Breakneck from here, and I’m be- ,e.
ginning to feel dead tired. For another, _ ’
I'd rather fight from under cover than .
out in the open, if fight further I must: *
And, besides, young France is full of grit;
and knows how to shoot the head 021:
tack; two mighty good recommendmfor i‘
side-pardner in a hot row, don’t you,
think? " ,

,“ Well, I’m not tarnishing fer \hlood
which I have to supply, either by haunt"
or by veins. Looks to me as though wo‘
might dodge better out in the open {than
while cooped up in a house. Still, “3:13P
thing to keep‘peace in the family. ‘ {In
is it with you, Billy? ” I  .

“ Reckon thar's ary show for ketohhi.’
even a weenty drap 0' drink otter "yer:
way, stranger? Goiy host! I never was
so turrible dry in all the sufferin‘ daysao'ff
my tormented life afo‘——no, I never was."
now! " .‘ ,r ' .

“ Crooked Esau uses whisky to some-4‘5

“ Come on—fer love 0" humanity, cams
on! ” fairly howled Bummer Billy,
smacking and throat sniping eagerly
he hurried forward until further progress

was checked ,_ by a deep and fairly. 

     
     
   
   
  
   
  
    
 
 
  
   
 
  
   
    
   
 
  
   
 
 
  
    
  
   
 
   
    
  
   
   
      
  
 
 
    
    
    
   
    
   
   
  
  
   
    

 

I?

 
 

x

   
 
   
     
    
 
   
    
    
   
  
     
  
   
  

  

  
  
   
    
 
   
   
 
  

 
 
 
 
 
  

    
 

  

rection. . -' N r,
“Can we cross over, do you 
pardner? " asked Hotspur. , ' ' v,
" By leaving the horse we mightl'hli
that I’ll nevendo. Come; I can show you 
the way around. It isn’t mucking-then»
and is a mighty sight easi‘er‘trsveling.‘j;
. Seemingly the. question was settled
without Inst '1‘ debate, forthe fore
notedasguld lions closeup? 55

 
 
   
   
     
  
 

  

    
  

  

 
 
 

   

    

 
 
 

    
  
  

  
 
  
  

 
  

 

w  <‘/1-~.er<;,,-,a,‘-

6 The Sport from Hard Luc

 

 

 

head and then taking them to a point
whence their first view could be caught
of the rude mountain hut.

All was dark and silent. about the place,
but Crossley seemed fairly familiar with
his surroundings, and quickly led the
way to the front door of heavy slabs.
rapping sharply as he added voice to the
summons:

“Hello, the house!
Nathan France, I say! ”

Sounds came from within, and after a
sleepy voice demanded what was want-
ing, in response to which Crossley made
known their needs, the fastening was
removed and the door swung open.

Just then a home—made oil—lamp was
lighted, its smoky rays affording suf-
ficient illumination for their needs, show-
ing a slender, white—faced, big-eyed
youth picking at the charred wick, while
a far less comely figure stood at the open-
ing.

Right aptly was the old fellow dubbed
Crooked Esau, for seldom did human eyes
look upon a more bent and cruelly wryed
form than he was cursed with.

Originally tall, if not shapely, Esau
France was now bent with back almost
forming a right angle to his lower limbs,
head sunken into his shoulders, face 100k-
ing like that of a living skeleton, so
painfully thin it was, with sunken cheeks
and receded eyeballs.

That face was beardless, but over fore-
head and ears fell still luxuriant hair of
silvery whiteness, and crippled in limb
and body until locomotion without a
cane in either hand seemed far beyond his
powers, Esau still contrived to hobble
around after a fashion of his own.

“ Come in, come in, and welcome to all
we’ve got, gentlemen! ” he said, .in tones
which fltly matched his distorted person,
so cracked and rasping they sounded
just then, backing away from the door
like a crippled crab, his metal-shod canes
ratling against the floor as though shiv-
ering with the same palsy which afflicted
their owner.

“ You know me, Mr. France?” asked
Crossley, with a smile and a nod toward
the younger inmate. “How d’y’, Nathan.
Pretty late for callers, but maybe we can
make it all up to you, eh?”

Like one frightened the young man
turned away, sinking down in a darker
corner, hiding his face in his crossed
arms without response to that cheery
greeting.

“ Bashful, too bashful, poor lad,”
croaked Esau, moving so as to partially
mask his son, leaning on one cane to
release the other, with which he gesticu-
lated unsteadily: “ Welcome, gentlemen;
more than welcome! Poor house, poorer
people, but welcome as air—~welcome as
air, and—did you speak, sir?” turning
toward Bummer Billy and almost falling
over sideways as his cane slipped under
his shifting weight. .

“Dry—so mighty dry I cain’t even
whisper a talk fer the life 0’ me!" la-
mented the bummer, drawing a ragged
sleeve across his lips and gazing wist-
fully around the one room. “ Ef I bed a
weenty sniff of a jug, now! Ef I was to
jest ketch a drap o' Juice which is~—an’
me comin’ so turrible sick into the stom-
ach 0’ me that I wouldn’t say—ef I die
this night, pardner, jest sprinkle my
pore grave with whisky. fer to take the
cuss off.”

Arthur Crossley felt forced to laugh,
but still stood at the door with bridle in
hand, guarding the horse he evidently
valued so highly.

Young FranCe started up at this, mut-
tering something about showing him
where to put up the beast; but Crooked
Esau waved him back while himself hob-
bling that way, speaking:

“ The good nag~the bonny brave steed!
I’ll show you where to stable him, sir;
Show you where—pity ’tis so poor :1
place for so brave a beast; so poor 3.—
will you allow me, sir? " i

His tongue seemed afflicted with a
touch of the nervousness which shook
and shivered his distor‘ed figure, but
Crossley, accustomed to t ese little pecu-

France—Esau—

 

‘a.|‘ " ’2 ’8  ’l 4M5;  1‘9 .3 5'5

liarities, willingly followed that sham—
bling lead to the rude structure which
gave shelter to a patient, long-cared
“ mountain canary.”

Tile buro was relentlessly turned out of
his fairly comfortable quarters for this
more aristocratic cousin, and an arml‘ul
of sweet hay from the mountain-side was
placed before him, Esau all the time
croaking on, yet asking no questions,
showing no curiosity to satisfy which
might prove difficult without endanger-
ing an important secret.

Having temporarily cared for his
beast, Arthur returned with Esau to the
cabin, where they found young Nathan
bending over a, quickened fire with cof—
fee-pot and skillet.

As no questions were asked, so little in-
formation was volunteered beyond the
evident fact that they had strayed from
the direct road to Breakneck, and find—
ing themselves near the shack, ventured
to beg shelter for the remainder of the
night.

And then, when Crooked Esau pro—
duced a little black jug, Bummer Billy
seemed lifted to paradise, while his com-
rades smiled in tune with his joyous cry.

Of them all, Nathan France appeared
by far the least at ease, his big black
eyes following every movement made by
the Touchstone foreman, and more than
once seeming to actually appeal to him—
for what end?

At length Crossley asked what was
wanting, only to be checked by garrulous
Esau in defense of his too bashful boy.

The hot meal was fully enjoyed by the
wayfarers, and when this was topped off
with another chance at the little black
jug, Bummer Billy declared that he was
ready to “pass over ” without longer de-
lay. .
“A full meal layin’ in 'twixt a snort o’
turrible good stuff; what mo’ kin a pore
devil ax fer in this weary world 0’ trouble
an' strife?”

With true mountain hospitality Crook-
ed Esau gave freely and gladly of his
very best, spreading a fairly comfortable
lay-out of furs and army blankets on the
puncheon floor, all the time mourning
the fact that he had no better accommo-
dations to offer.

While this was being done, and almost
unnoticed by his friends, Crossley slipped
out of the cabin to steal swiftly over to
where his good horse was stabled, no
doubt to assure himself that all was well
with the creature which he prized so
highly.

His prolonged absence was not noticed
by either the Sport or the bummer for
some little time, forahearty meal, with
its dressing of fairly good liquor, had
made both sleepy past the common.

But, as they were preparing to “ bunk
in," the foreman was missed, and as a

~couple of hearty hails failed to fetch an

answer, the men hurried down toward
the- rude stable, there to make an amaz-
ing discovery by the lantern carried in
Crooked Esau’s hand; the body of Ar-
thur Crossley lying just inside the stable,
apparently cold and stiff in death! '

 

CHAPTER V.

THE HUMMER SCENTS A SNAKE TRAIL.

When the old cripple saw that ghastly
Dale face beneath the yellow rays of. the
lantern carried by his unsteady hand, he
gave a creaking cry of mingled fear and
pity, then dropped the light and shrunk
back, crying and moaning like one scared
half out of his none too plentiful supply
of wits. ,

“ Dead! murdered! Oh, the poor boy-—
the poor, poor lad! "

Hotspur Hal recoiled as well, but not
through personal fear, right hand grip-
ping revolver-butt as he flashed a keen
glance around in quest of foeman one or
many. Then he spoke, sharply, shoving
the cripple still further out of his way:

“ All eyes open, Billy! This means bus-
iness, or I’m off my base. Get down to it,
old man, and make a record if’you can!"

The real or seeming tramp scarcely
needed this verbal spun judging from his
actions, for already he was in motion,

’  Fri-45‘“;  ‘- 

, _ 1:.»  "-v.";:,
.z 4 I ‘ «\"  sf

k.

guns in hand and eyes peering around if).
all directions.

Arlington saw that the horse was still
inside that rude shelter, but that no en—
emy could be skulking there, then he bent
over the prostrate figure, making a quick
yet fairly comprehensive examination.

So far as he could tell, there were no
fresh wounds from gun or knife, although
fresh blood marked one side of the young
foreman‘s face and he gave neither sign
nor stir in response to call or to touch.

Nathan France had come hastily from
the cabin when that alarm was given,
and now stood near by,"his arms support-
ing the poor old cripple, who seemed
wholly unmanned by that ugly discovery.

The Sport gave a little start as he
glanced that way, for the young facé
looked almost like death in its pallor,
only relieved by those big black eyes,
themselves holding a far from canny ex-
pression there under the pale moonlight.

Just then Bummer Billy came around
from the stable’s rear, and Hotspur Hal
called out, sharply:

“What luck, old man?
show? ”

“ Nary! An’ you, thar? How‘s he? "

“Looks ugly, for a fact. Not that I
find any holes or big leaks, but his head
has been pounded until—-" ,

“Not an acident, then? ”

“ Don‘t you think it! Slugged, and that
regardless, poor fellow!"

Esau now rallied sufficiently to beg
them to carry the poor gentleman from
stable to house, even offering his own as-
sistance, seemingly forgetful of the fact.
that, but for those supporting arms he
must fall helplessly to earth for kid: of
the canes his trembling hands had lost
hold of.

Billy pushed past into the stable hold—
ing up the lantern for a more thorough
inspection. Arlington knelt beside the
foreman, supporting his bruised head,
yet following the tramp’s movements
with keen curiosity.

“ What is it, Bedad?
which—eh? "

“ Nothing, only—I say! ”

“ What is it? ”

The bummer caught at and held up the
long, full-haired tail of the horse. glanc~
ing toward his comrade while saying:

“ I cain’t think it cuts any ice, Dardner.
but—didn’t the critter hev a sort 0’ mud-
travel tail onto it, fust—off? ”

“ The hair knotted, do you mean? Yes-
I noticed that, more because of the dry
weather than anything else, I reckon.”

“ Waal, she hain’t that-a-way no more:
see? ” ‘

“What of it? The poor lad was easing
his nag up for the night, I reckon, and
was caught off his guard my—well, I’d
give a pretty penny to know just who
and what! ”

Shaking his head like one hardly satis-
fied with this off-hand explanation. Bum-
mer Billy left the horse and turned to
master. Between them Crossley was
raised from earth and borne back to the
mountain shack, and there given a more
thorough examination.

Another ugly—looking gash shoWed
upon his scalp, but so far as sensitive
finger-tips could tell, no bones had been
broken by the heavy blow under which
the Touchstone foreman had gone down
in unconsciousness that busy night.

Esau lent all possible aid as he rallied
from the shock he had received by that
grewsome discovery, and between them
CrOSsley was soon restored to his senses,
though his sadly scattered wits were
slower to respond.

From his disconnected mutterings it
seemed evident that the road-agents had
something to do with this, his latest mis-
fortune, and while Nathan betrayed no
little uneasiness, Esau hustled about like
a good-plucked-one, using a rusty Win-
chester for a cane as he vowed that all
the devils in Breakneck region weren’t
strong enough to carry the shack in their
faces.

“Don't let him sing too mighty loud,
pardner,” Bummer Billy took occasion )

 

 

Any sign or

See anything

 

whisper in an aside to the Sport fromT

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-m-_-_‘. .m,~........ . .

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we...

 

. Manes, -

 

 

The Sport from Hard Luck.

'7

 

 

Hard Luck, pointing his meaning further
by a,vei1ed glance toward the crooked
one. “Sings a right plert chune fer a
cripple, but it‘s a snake’s eye he totes in
the head 0’ him, an’ the kid—ugh! Bad
medicine, or I‘m a liar!”

Doubtless this was nothing more than
prudence on his part, but Bummer Billy
had his trouble for nothing.

Few men could boast of a stronger
nerve than Arthur Crossley under ordin—
ary conditions, but now as he rallied his
wits sufficiently far to fairly comprehend
the magnitude of his loss, he turned half-
frantic and let the whole truth leak out
before any one could stop him.

He had been caught wholly off his
guard, stricken senseless and robbed of
the money which‘ he meant to defend
with his very life.

“ Gone—all gone! ” he groaned huskily,
burying his face in his hands and shiv-
ering like a leaf in a. storm. “ Gone
I swore to fetch it safely through! Gone,
and now—it means ruin—ruin! ”

The two queerly matched pards inter-
changed glances; both faces betraying no
little interest in these painfully broken
sentences. And then, as though feeling
full confession would prove a relief to an
overburdened brain, Hotspur Hal gently
coaxed the luckless foreman to tell it all
so far as the important points went.

These kindly words and soothing actions
produced the desired effect, and gradually
Crossley grew more composed, although
still ghastly pale and with far from
steady nerves. . .

A mingled groan and curse escaped his
lips when Hotspur Hal admitted that
they could find neither sign nor trace of
the robbers.

“ You were gone longer than we
thought for, at first,” he explained. “ If
you set up a howl we never caught it,
for—” .

“ I never knew——I never saw nor heard
anything until—oh, the infernal devils! "
with hands tightly clenched and shaking
as they rose above his head with an im—
potent gesture. «

“ Nary a glimpse, even?" asked Bum—
mer Billy, his eyes gleaming vividly in
that smoky light as he looked and lis-
tened. '

Crossley shook his head in negative
despair.

“No. I went there—why not say it,
since all is lost? ”

And then, his voice shaking, his sen-
tences broken and not wholly distinct,
Crossley spoke of his mission and of his
trust, telling how he had left Capsheaf
late that afternoon on horseback, with
fifteen thousand dollars in large bills un-
der his guardianship.

“I had to get the cash to Breakneck
safely, to save fifty times the value, and
as the stage had been twice held up when
our money was aboard, I thought—oh,
curses cover the devils who foiled me
thus! "

Bummer Billy whistled softly at the
mention of the thousands, while even
'Hotspur Hal seemed startled by the se-
rious loss thus implied.

“And you lost the money? But—how
came those other fellows to miss such a
pile, back yonder? ”

“ Because I hadn’t it upon my own
person," came the dejected response. “ If
held up in spite of my doubles, I knew
that would be their first thought; to go
through my clothes. And so—my horse

“You concealed the stuff in or about
his saddle-gear, then? ”

" Not Just that way. ‘I tied it up in his
tail, hoping that would fool any rascal
who might—and then, coming so near to
losing my horse itself, 1 went down you-
der to—to—”

“Take the boodle out, and so got your
own nasty medicine," grimly supplied
the bummer. “ Pity you didn’t sun hold
trust in that odd bank; blame’ pity, fer a
holy fact! ”

“ I thought—I didn’t know what better
to do, after coming so far and having so
much—oh, ye devils! ”

A mad rush of blood to his battered

I

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head turned him blind and sent him
staggering dizzily. aside, saved from fall-
ing to the floor only by the swift inter-
position of the Sport from Hard Luck.
“Steady, pardner! You’re a long ways
from being able to run a thrashing ma-

chine, Crossley, and so—steady, can’t
you, now? ”
“ I can't—those devils—the money

mustn’t—~help me recover it if ye be any-
thfng like white men, then! ”

“ You bet we jest will‘ of it’s in the
wood, boss! ” declared Bummer Billy,
lending a hand at an impatient nod from
his comrade.

“ We can’t leave you like this, though,
pardner, and the sooner you calm down a
bit, the quicker we can get outside and

skirmish for sign, don’t you see?”
soothing-1y averred Hotspur.
Under their friendly ministrations

Crossley was soon lying in a fairly com-
fortable position upon a pile of furs, be-
ginning to realize his own temporary
impotence.

As both assured him, ’twould be but a
few hours until his wonted strength

I should return, bringing a. clear brain and

steady nerve with it, provided he acted
like a man of sanity in the meanwhile.

“And you’ll look—you’ll try to—the
money? " he asked, voice choking pain-
fully as he shivered under their care.

He was given the assurance that all
should be done within their power, and
their earnestness may be measured by
the fact that Bummer Billy never once
touched jug to lips as he forced a potion
of whisky upon the luckless foreman.

Then, unable longer to resist those
wistful eyes, Arlington and Bedad left
the shack, bustling about in que‘st of
some sign through means of which the
mystery enshrouding that assault and
robbery might be solved.

Neither man held great hopes of suc-
cess, yet both did all that lay in their
power, quartering the dry ground and
searching for a. possible clew; all in vain.

Then, once more coming together near
the stable, Bummer Billy spoke in guard—
ed tones to his comrade:

“Mebbe I’m a fool, Hotspur, but it‘s
eetchin’ into my cabeza that ef we was
to s’arch inside yender shack in place 0‘
out hyar, we’d come a blame sight nigher
to hittin’ off the right scent; yes—so! "

‘f You mean—what? "

“That thar's somethin’ gone sp’iled in
Denmark, not to say rotten! ”

“ What? Surely you can’t think that;

not the cripple, Billy? ”

“ Waal, pardner, mebbe I’m a plum
fool, an’ mebbe I hain’t so turrible fur off
my base, nuther. An’ thar’s Cripples, an'
cripples! "

The Hard Luck Sport gave a little
start at that thinly veiled hint, moving
closer to gaze keenly into that hairy face
before speaking in his turn:

“ Come off, Billy! Surely you can’t
think Crooked Esau a fraud? ”

A brief pause, a shoulder-shrug, then
the bummer made answer;

“Waal, pardner, mebbe no, an’ mebbe
yes. Aryhow, I’d jest like fer to be bid
in a snug corner nigh—side him in a sure-
’nough snooze, then hev a he’ole ’larm 0'
fire rung right into them ears 0' his‘n! ”

“ And you really think that—~”

“Jest to see ef he didn’t shake foot
’thout ary cane or crutch or the likes 0’
them! An’ then—whist!”

For Esau came crab-like around the
shack, to eagerly hail the partners as to
their success.

" Any signs, gentlemen;
found any signs, pray? ”

” You bet ye! Signs 0' the devil an’ a

have you

' passel 0' his nasty fmps," grufily retorted

Bummer Billy, as he slouched toward the
cabin entrance, abandoning the search
as useless for the present.

Hotspur followed, lending a friendly
hand to the cripple, who seemed more
than ever to require artificial support
after so much and such unusual excite-
ment. '

Bearing that hint in mind, Arlington
tried his best to detect any imposture
but failed, as be firmly believed, because

 

z:
of imposture there was none about Oreo}:-
ed Emu.

It was a far from pleasant task which
now confronted the pards, for Arthur
Crossley raised up from his rude pallet,
face full of intense 8380111883, still fight-
ing for hope against deepest despair.

“You have found something? The
money is not—don’t say it’s wholly lost.
gentlemen?“ he panted, shivering
through intense emotion.

“Maybe we'll have better luck when
daylight comes,” spoke the Hard Luck
Sport in turn, trying to soften the blow
as much as possible.

But Crossley had rallied sufficiently to
recognize the truth, and this dashed his
last hope to earth.

A groan passed his lips. His head
sunk and his face was buried in palms,
his athletic frame shaken by powerful
emotion. Then he spoke:

“ I know what you mean. I felt it, but
—oh, curse them all! Why didn’t they
kill me outright while robbing me of my
sacred trust?”

 

CHAPTER VI.

A MODERN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

The next day dawned (liar and beau-
tiful over Breakneck, a .‘ypical silver
camp, but one rather more reputable
than those of earlier days.

Still, there were occasions when
Breakneck could “ go the pace ” with any
other camp on record, and possibly was
all the more dangerous from having for
so long followed the smoozh path of good
repute.

Just a; the present nothing could appear
calmer, more quiet, or peaceful than this.
same silver center; yet, nevertheless,
under the surface a nasty row was
brooding, and the prospects were far
more for war than for peace.

N‘one knew this better than pretty
Phyllis Dikeman, sole child and heiress
to the wealth of which Roger Dikeman,
owner of the Touchstone Mine and other
properties only less valuable, could
boast: yet she was smiling brightly
while leaving house and tripping down
that winding path which led to the
bridge over the brawling river.

The Dikeman residence lay quite a lit—
tle ways outside of the town proper, al-
though considered part and parcel of
that to-be metropolis.

The river ran between, then cut
through a corner of the town itself, but
communication was nude easy enough
by a footbridge in add?! ion to the road-
bridge lower down, {cross which the
stage—route naturally Lil.

Without a thought (.- near trouble,'her
face bright with emits, even as her
heart was light from pure joy, the pret—
ty maiden tripped on, r. low lilt upon her
red lips.

At this early hour there was little
fear of meeting landCOan parties; to.)
late for the laborin class who found (I‘-
ployment in the I::_nes or their adjuncts,
too early for the riff-raft with which
every town of the like is more or less
cursed.

Still, all joy and innocence herself,
Phyllis would hardly have given thought

to a possible misadventure, no matter .

what the time or the place.

In spite of the awkward happenings
which Ltd of late days so seriously un—
dermine the happy influence of her
father, Phyliis was a general favorite
throughout Breakneck, and never yet
had she met with frown or hard word or
insult since her :rst coming“ to town
from school. i

A turn in that rath carried the maiden
out of sight of her home a short time
before the footbridge was reached, but
she had no fears, and passing out to near
the center of that span, paused to lean
arms upon the railing and to gaze down
upon the foam-decked waters beneath.

The stream had eaten for itself a can-
siderable channel in the ages gone by,
for here the banks were more than "a
score feet above the water-level. _'

Just there the stream flowed smoothly,

\, . ,.

 ‘3 l‘.’
‘  ., i «' .

’1. quip"? . V ’ .4\ .“1, ' g e
l 50,:  _> . v‘: '-:. '

   

 

 
    
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
    
 
  
    
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
   
   
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
   
 
  

fer the water was deep, although but a
‘ few rods higher up great bowlders broke
the surface and sent little lumps of foam
to lighten the expanse below.
For several minutes Phyllis stood nio-
tionless, with bright eyes fixed upon the
flowing waters, where an occasional flsh
turned up a silvery side in play or a
‘ dash for food.
It was more habit than aught else, this
lingering upon the foot-bridge, for here
was a favorite resort of the maiden. At
other times she found amusement in
watching the active life below, but not
now, for something higher and prouder
than piscatory life brought flush ‘t'o cheek
and smile to lips; something more than
the reflection of lyr own fair face in the
waters below brought the love-light to
her great eyes of heavenly blue, just
’ then.
A name passed her ,lips almost un—
consciously, and startled by her own
voice, Phyllis drew back frOm the rail-
ing to flash a nervously abashed glance
around on all sides.
l Unfortunately, perhaps, the maiden
was too deeply confused to search close—
ly, else she might have escaped the en—
counter which a pol-verse fate had fixed
for that bright morning.
, Ugly eyes had been watching the girl
ever since her light steps first touched
that crossing, and now an ugly face
~ broadened a bit with a still uglier grin
" its Phyllis resumed her journey, drawing
nearer the Breakneck end of that bridge,
Where a few great rocks were partly
.masked by vines and scrubby bushes.
Right there an evil—eyed knave was
lying in ambush, and not until the
Gdaughter of Roger Dikeman was within
a half-dozen yards of his hiding-place
did the fellow spring up to view, giving
7'", the maiden quite a start by the sudden-
. ness of his apptarance.
/“ What ye'skeered at, pritty’?" he
coarsely cried, coming forward with a
 tklurch, hands resting upon the guard-rail
as: though their owner felt the need of
some such support.
At first glance he seemed well under
the influence of strong drink, and as she
caught this impression, Phyllis half-
turned, as though to ‘beat a retreat; but
she was proud and high-spirited. in spite
of her loving disposition, and that coarse
sneer caused her to pause, even as it
brought a ho: flush to her smooth
cheeks-
l l“ I am not scared; why should I be? "
" she retorted, just a bit sharply. '
* The fellow gave another forward lurch,
 , “time effectually barring the way,
 winning the advantage he Was play-
tifinglfor from the start.
Phyllis was too proud to turn in flight
g'w'ithout more serious cause than she saw
idfnr,,.and thanks to this the knave won
lose enough to be within reach through
“along bound, should he see fit to make
such. ' I _
.‘(flfgfi'Mebbe I hain't Jest the sort '0’ com-
p’ny’ye lofted on flndin' down hyar, Miss
Effleman.‘ Mebbe I hain’t nigh so pritty,
, or do neat, nur so smart, nur so sweet-
jxscented all over, but—eh? ” ,
vf‘ Will you kindly stand aside, sir?”
idly interrupted the maiden, nodding
eadnnd waving hand imperiousl'y. ,
, on my way to town, and this is
either time no place for— Stand aside,

n yo don’t know me,’pritty? Ye
f w’t'iee what Stiddy, thar! I- never
llnlilte/fer to be scrowfiged, even by is
its! gal which was—1n“ you be all-over
  H .y

‘  to ~ , ‘1 !

awash!“ now, honey-dove o’ dewy de-
x'ltilht‘! ”. chuckled the.‘ brute, as he almost
imperceptibly edgedja trifle closer his
mended prey. at the sametime flashing
grin: glance over one shoulder as if
fii'make sure there Was “no immediate
,t of intrusion from that quarter.
on was to once git to knew ,me,’

than she had thought
a W

 

 

i},

stopped black a couple of paces, yet still
facing the foe.

“ Is that so? An’ how much mought
ye know of me, now? "

“ You are the—the person who called at
our house; to see my father, the other
day.”

“ Your pap, hey? An' he is—jest who
mought that same pap be, my bunch of
everlastin’ delight, now? ”

“Mr. Dikeman, if you have any'busl-
mess with himw”

“Augh-yaugh! ” with a savage snarl
and vicious showing of tobacco-stained
teeth, as his dirty hands closed and made
a passionate gesture. “Business, is it?
With Roger Dikeman? You jest bet I
hev, then! ”

“ You know where to look for my
father, sir, and now—again I ask you to
stand aside and permit me to pass on my'
way,” proudly spoke the mine-owner's
daughter, eyes glowing and cheeks
flushed with indignation.

Phyllis stepped forward like one able
to enforce her commands, but with
quick movement the rufiian caught both
of her wrists, laughing coarsely as she
gave a faint cry and struggled to break
loose.

" Stiddy, ye blame’ little fool, ye! ” he
dried; with another ugly Show of teeth,
as he held her helpless. “I haint gwine
fer to do ye no hurt. ’Tain’t you I'm
out gunnin‘ fer, this lay. But— \Vaal,
reckon [ kin tell ole Dikeman’s gal
what’s comin’ fer ole Dikeman himself.
Eh?”

“ You cowardly brute! ”

“ What? Spit-cat, eh? Ef I didn't——
Durned of I hain’t a good mind fer to
take— Brute, is it?”

“Let me go— How dare you hold—
Release me, I say, you coWard! ” panted
the maiden, struggling with all her poor
might to break away from that loath-
some clutch; but instead of succeeding,
she felt the rascal shift one hand so as
to clasp her waist with a strong arm, his
other hand rising with hers in grasp to
press against her bosom, and so force
her head backward and face uppermost
in spite of her struggles. '

“ Allgh-yaugh! Ugly words, is it?
Wall, words kin go fer a lick, an' don‘t
the Good Book tell us to pay back kiss
for a blow? So—oh, be aisy, now! I’ll
kiss ye ef it takes the peel off, jest fer
good luck! ” .

, “Phyllis felt like one crushed in the-
grlp of a. giant, and she could scarcely

cry aloud, struggle as she might; but
faint though that appeal for rescue was,
it seemed to reach the right ears, since
a. tall forni came swiftly forward, strik-
ing the footbridge before giving about or
cry. ‘ ' .

The jar of that leap served to warn

the milieu of danger, for he turned half-
way around with a. ‘snarling curse upon
his lips, even before he could have rec-
ognized the newcomer. '
. “ Drop that, you whelp! " fairly thun.
dered the rescuer, as one hand shot
out to catch the shrinking maiden, its
mate drawing back for a sure stroke
from the shoulder. .

The ruflian released Phyllis to defend
himself, and ducked far enough to escape
that initial stroke; but then, as the
maiden retreated a pace or two, leaving a
fairly clear arena for the two men, the
collision came in a hurry
, Another curse, another hlow, then the
rascal went down heavily from a non
left-bender, jarring the whole bridge in
his fall, then lying in a shivering heap
for thetime being. I '

“Lie down, you cur! " fiercely cried
the rescuer. Then, ,as his enemy made
no sign of rallying, .he turned toWard
the maiden, smile chasing'awayfrown,
and tones growing act ly musical as
g: spoke, with hand it ping his stylish

t. . ' ’ ‘ ‘ .

But poor ruling, frightened 1dr Worse
possible-under any

circumstances and 18811 . one

‘ brutal distinctness.

{lifted to point to about
, l‘. ' , .

 

dancing strangely before her dimmed
vision. ’

With a swift leap the man caught her
in his arms, and as though that mere
contact set his own blood on fire, that
support turned to a passionate embrace,
and the kiss which had been spoken of
by the ragged ruffian was taken by this
well-dressed gentleman.

“My love—oh, my precious darling! ”
he cried, huskily, yet with anearnestness
which could never be feigned. '

Tighter yet grew his embrace. Closer
yet the maiden was drawn to his breast.
And again those neatly—mustached lips
sought to sip the unconscious honey
from her partly—opened mouth. But, no!

With an energy which seemed mi-
raculous, under the circumstances,
Phyllis drew her face away, and at the
same time twisted out of that almost
fierce clasp, giving a little cry which was
hardly articulate as her feet again
touched the planks of that footway.

“ You are not~— I feared that rascal
had seriously injured you, my dear—my
love! ” huskin murmured the man, eyes
glowing and face warmly flushing with
a passion which he needed not to feign
even in part. x

“ No——he never-I don‘t—” stammered
Phyllis, almost unconsciously brushing
a hand swiftly across the lips his kiss
had fallen upon, as though there might
be pollution in the touch. -

“ if I thought he had, I‘d murder the

ugly brute by inches! I‘d— Are you so.
certain then, miss—my darling! ”
_ Like one unable to smother his fiery
passion even in part, he again caught the
maiden in his arms, holding her with
almost brutal power, while again seek-
lng her .lips with his.

Even as success seemed his, failure
came. Phyllis deftly slipped a little

hand over her own lips, pushing him’

back with her other hand, or in
she did this. i , y g om as

“No, no! You must not——you shall
not, Mr. Eden !,
to be— Release m’e, sir! "

'His face turned pale in an instant, but.
his eyes glittered even more vividly
than before, while there came a brief
show of white teeth in tight look as his
full lips parted in half-smile, half-sneer.

“ You are one to be loved, worshipped
adored, Phyllis Dikeman! And I am
your.slave, your doormat, if you see fit
gigs? thgse diiinty feet upon my poor

. an
Phyllis?" say more than that,

“You can say less—far less than that;
Mr. Eden,” with forced‘composur‘o,“ filo
smoothed her ruffled garmentsand drew
a. little away from the tall man, whom
Breakneck knew as its most daring,
audacious, successful gambler and sport
in general. - f '

“ If 1 any aught, it must be the truth
Miss Dikeman,”‘declared the gambler,
with a half-mocking bow. “ And that.
truth is-—” '

“Far from agreeable to my ea‘rs, sir
though as a gentleman you ought not
oblige .me to speak so plainly," cried
Phyllis, with a swift gesture. -  "

she half turned asytho'u'gh to, retrace
her steps, yet even now her proud nat-
ure kept her from actually taking to
night, disagreeable though all this cer-
tainly was to, her. _ f ~

“ Would it hays been better
have hildhlilack and allowed for me to
to. war 3 evil will u on
Dikeman,” asked Saul Eaé’n,~wil%“h$iii

thanks than re m r.
lady?,, D ach for all this, little

" My heartfelt thanksgare certainly

yours, Mr. Eden; but when you presume

further. and—~”

“Is it presumption to love one so
wholly loveable, then?";

Instead of replying, Phyllis gave a
quick cry and a start as of terror; then

cried' out in sharp acce

6.

M '
Look!
‘.

Yonder cur ,

“ Surely I merit more .

ts, while hand,

.e

I nevel-,-— I am not one, \

 

 

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h... «flw‘ . . W a

 

 

‘ X.

  

 

 

  

 

 

I

. being lemon through space.
-  ‘ wild

The Sport frbm

r. ' i, A
. . .  a

hard Luck.  ‘ V ‘ ‘  "9’

 

 

For the burly ruflian who ‘had gone
down so heavily before that deftly plant-
ed stroke of fist, had rallied sufficiently
far to scramble to his feet, and now was
cocking a revolver as his hand rose for
a shot! \

 

CHAPTER VII.

110w ROUGH HOUSE TOOK WATER.

One especially quick on trigger, or
even fairly expert wit a gun, would
have drilled the sport before he could
turn at that alarm; but this rough-clad
and rougher-tongued knave seemed
clumsy past the ordinary, or else had
not yet fairly recovered from his down-
fall.

Saul Eden wheeled swiftly to sight
both man and gun, giving a sharp cry as
he half-crouched for a leap upon his

‘ enemy.

“ You, Rough House? ”

“ Yes, an' I'll blow ye clean to—so! ”

The waste of barely a brace of seconds
for an answer, yet that was enough to
make all the difference between success
and failure, victory and defeat.

As he saw the revolver swinging up-
ward with a motion which surely meant
shooting to kill, Saul Eden gave a cu-

?" rious twist and squirm as though to con-

fuse an aim, at the same time springing
forward to clOSe.

The weapon barked viciously, but its
lead sped harmlessly by, leaving: the

gambler untouched and doubly danger-'

ous, since now he had a fair excuse for
summary work. '
“ I'll kill you like—"
“ You drunken brute!
or— Drop it, I say! " ‘
With the words Eden’ closed in, clutch-
ing the armed hand and forcing the
weapon out of line even as Rough House

Drop that gun,

strove to lift hammer for another and,

surer shot.

A blow, a kick, a snarling oath, then
.the two men were lccked‘together in a
desperate grapple, bending and swaying,
panting hotly as one strove to shoot, the
other striving to disarm. ,

Both ,men were powerful, and each was
accustomed to hold his end level in a

. flght, no matter where or how that row -'"
should start; but just now the gambler

appeared to be in beher trim for such
a contest, and little by little the tide
turned his way.

“Drop it, you cur! " Eden repeated,
sternly, forcing that armed right hand
upward and backward, keeping his ad-
versary from firing another shot the
while. “Drop it, or—now! ” '

Breast to breast the two men were,
writhing and twisting, fighting with legs
and feet as with hands and arms, but
now a sudden wrench and twist caused
Rough House to give a cry of savage

'f-pairi and fury, then the weapon in dis-

pute went dying outbf his slackened

ip, to whirl over and over are it struck
the flowing waters beneath the foot—
bridge.

Like one fascinated, Phyllis Dikemsn
witnessed this swift, close and stem
grapple, shrinking hack s bit as the two
men struggled so desperately for the
mastery, yet held from flight by some
strange charm. ‘

And now she saw victory coming to

0 the right-11w the whisky-enflamed ruf~

fian falter and almost collapse before
that fierce strain; heard him cry out
in savage despair, sven‘ as the Break-
neck Sport pressed his advantage to the
utmost. ,

Saul Eden put forth his greatest of-

forts as he felt Rough House giving way,"

breaking the 8119 Of these dirty paws

ii and twisting the rascal nearly :03 his
.‘ feet as he swung him partly around.

" Forced against the railing of the foot-
,bridge, his' strength seemed to fail all of

, a sudden, ’and with hardly a struggle on

his part, Rough House was lifted a; the
floor and rolled over the rail, held by
. those strpng arms far a moment before

10

which sent a “chill,
u!” ~‘1

 

through the maiden, and seemed to fair-
ly curdle her blood, then Rough House
struck the water, to sink and vanish
from sight amid a shower of spray.
Phyllis cried out in terror, and with-
out so much as a single glance after his
defeated adversary, Sapl Eden sprung
her way, those same powerful arms lend-

ing her fresh support as her limbs
seemed failing her. ‘
“ There, there, darling! ” he said,

soothingly, with another warm glow re-
placing that battle-light in his dark
eyes. =“ I had to do it—just had to! Not
for myself; I don’t count; but the rascal
meant shooting, and was just drunk
enough to scatter lead regardless. You
might— I just couldn‘t let you run any
further risk, dear Phyllis! ”

The Breakneck Sport seemed remarka-
bly agitated for a man of his recognized
nerve, but surely, the excuse he thus
gave was sufficient?

With a barely articulate cry the maid-
en broke away from his insecure grasp.
swiftly retreating the way she had come
but a few minutes earlier, followed
quickly by the gambler, who, just then,
appeared to have no other thought or
care than to press his suit in that quar-
ter.

He paid no further attention to his de—
feated antagonist, nor even looked over
shoulder when sundry shouts and yells
came from the direction of the town, al~
though they certainly must have reached
his ears. ,

That pistol-shot attracted attention,
and at least half a dozen citizens wit-
nessed the greater portion of that strug-
gle above the water from a distance, and
even before Rough House took that
downward plunge, they were rushing to-
ward the scene of action, giving shouts
and yells which rapidly spread the
alarm further. ‘

Possibly that coming rush may have
added to the maiden’s fears and quick-
ened her flight, but Saul E en seemed
proof against all that. He f0 lowed even
more swiftly, only once losing a few
yards, when a couple of men came run-
ning from that side, eagerly demanding
what the racket was all about.

“ Rough House,” was the Sport’s curt
response, barely slackening his pace for
a couple of seconds to fling forth the
words. “He insulted Miss Dikeman, and
then tried to plug me. I dumped him
into the drink a‘nd—— Look to the fool
if you like! ” .

His left, hand struck down the arm
which would have stayed his progress,
then Saul Eden rushed on, to shortly af-
terward overtake the young woman, who
now showed signs of failing, more
through excitement than ‘overexertion,
however.

“It’s all right. There's nothing more
to be afraid f, dear Phyllis. That ras»
0&1 OUIY- oor child! “ as he strove to

laiiihherwaist like one who feels sup-
portis sorely needed. ,

But again he was foiled, the girl twist-
1118 sharply aside, and» even, striking
his hand with hers as a warm flush came'
to her pale cheeks. i

“ Don‘t, sir! You must not——" ,r

Only a fool or a blind man could have
mistaken her meaning. new. and his own
face flushed hotly, for Saul Eden was
neither. the one nor the other. But in~
stead of recoiling, he persisted, know-
ing as he did that ’twould be hard to
make a. bad matter worse. ’

“I will—I must, Phyllis, darling! ” he
cried, in earnest tones; with quick move-
ment, catching her hands in his and
checking her attempted flight once more.
" It maly seem ungenerous, so soon after
risking my life in your defense, darling,
but I‘love you so madly, and so—”

“ No, no! " cried the maiden, cutting
short his speech, more by her determined
effort to free hands than by words alone.
“Youmust not use such words to me,
Mr. Eden. I cannot listen, even—1’

“ Rather than see yonder [brute ’touch

 

You, ,PhYlllfl'gjl“;WQllld _ aver (ii
twill“ Magnetics - 

holding her hands between his own and

,«drawing her a littlecloser to his broad

breast. ” He meant to murder me!

; Don't make me sorry that I tone-d the

I

, been my
‘ from

v

 

‘ me across the

 

Don't make me wish (lea... had

sole reward for saving you
insult—or even worse, 111.. 1.;E~
cious!  ‘

Phyllis (‘Gi131(‘(l_h(‘l' struggles at this
passionate appeal. zuce .urnmg veg; :aie
and grave as her big blue eyes bmxely
met those glowmg orbs of ju. A .nov
ment's silence, men the maiden S])Ol€.c1

“I am truly gxuteiul for the scrvice
you rendered me, Mr. Eden, but you
must never again speak to me in such
terms—never again, sir! "

“I love you—I love you!" LC- cried,
voice almost harsh from the intensity of
his passion. “Never more, you say,
Phyllis? Ah, my love! You at. ci'uci—‘
too cruel! 1 love you as no man ever
loved fair woman before! 1 love you—-
I worship you! My love is my lite, and
both are for you——ever and always for,
you, my angel of light and of love! "

“No, no! You shall not—you must
not! ”

“ I shall—I must, Phyllis! I love you
so madly that— Look ye, girl!” his
tones changing and his face altering un-
til he seemed more nearly demon man
man. “With your love to bank on, I'll
be white as the day is long, and honest
as your own pure soul. Without—bond: ‘
make me say it, darling! And yet—yes!

knave!

If you throw me over now, it‘ll turn me ,,

to the bad; it‘ll make me a very dew! ”

Phyllis shrunk as far away as those
strong hands would permit, her face pale
from strong emotion, but her soul brave
and undaunted as ever. 4'

Blue eyes met black for a momentf '

then the girl said, gravely:

“I am sorry, Mr. Eden, but—it's no
use! I do not-l never can return LUCh
love as you now express, and—” ' . .

“ Don't say that, rhyme; don’t tell me
there‘s no hope! 

"‘I must. for it is only the truth. 'I
don‘t love you as~—i never can love you,
Mr. Eden," bravely persisted the maid-
en, then freeing her hands by a sudden‘
effort and movmg on in the un‘eCUvu of
her home, now within lair sight and at.
no great distance. »

With a swift leap the Breakneck Sport
was beside her once more. He mane no
effort to recover his grasp, but spoke
in stem, even harsh and menacing ace
cents: p ‘ , v

" 'i nink well before you say the likes
0’ that, Miss Dikemau. If not 101‘ my
sake, for your mun-«aml for the bale of
your doting father, my proud and naugh-
ty girl! 'l'nink pf him before you L.qu

safety-line, l’nylli...

Instead of, replying the maiden hur-
ried on still faster. Eden kep. Lear,
speaking further in those ominous tones.‘

“ You'll sup sorrow with a long spoon,
girl, if you force me to— Why, Phyllis;
can t you even begin to see? I can save
your rather from heavy loss, if homing
worse. I can hold him up in spite orghls
tottering credit, or 1 can throw aim, an .
into the dirt and mir0—-— Ay, node—1»!
can turn his fine clomes to?qu games
and—" ‘ . .  " '

“ Coward! Liar!” A, v

Almost nemer came these epinets.
from the maidens lips, and then r'nxilis .
fled on in haste, leaving the gunman

l

3.

Standing in his tracks like on» salt-3

stunned by a vicious slap full ,1.) «KM;
face. ' ~ ' ‘

So‘he stood and watched until he saw!
Phyllis reach her home and pass minim.-
only drawing a long, iull breath ween:
caught the taint echo of that emu-ax".
slam.

water."

ban

 

 

 

Slightly dulled/by the distance. 
Eden caught cries and shouts wnicn 
at or near the footbridge, and his mus- ~
tached lip curled d bit as he named a].
look toward the spot where he had:
caused Rough House to~literally “Oaks '-

'f‘Was it wont) while? "Qer‘musedf-WA I
’. usely ‘ ' f . .' “f

 

    

/

 

_10'

The Sport from Hard Luck.

 

 

imperial up to his sharp and gnawing
teeth. “ Couldn’t I have used that drunk—
en fool to better advantage? If old Dike—
man—when the girl tells him—”

Those glittering black eyes turned
again toward the house within which
Phyllis had so recently vanished, and
after a barely perceptible hesitation the
gambler gave a decisive nod of head,
then strode forward with the air of a
man whose mind is definitely shaped at
last.

" i'll do it, and do it right now! ” he
vowed, resolutely.

It took but a few moments for those
Tiong and shapely legs to cover those few
rods of space, and there was a grim
smile upon the gambler’s face as he
paused upon the low, broad step, hand
lifting to sound a summons upon one of
those painted panels.

But before his knuckles could come
fairly into play, the barrier swung wide,
and a tall, well-dressed, stern-faced old
man stood in the opening, his voice com-
ing sharp and distinct the next instant:

“What evil have you been up to now,
Saul Eden? What have you been try-
ing to do to my girl? ”

“ Why, my dear Mr. Dikeman, how can
you talk so?” fairly purred the Break-
:neck Sport, showing teeth in a bland
smile theswhile.

“I can do more than talk, Saul Eden,
as you may discover, if you dare venture
too far. I am an old man, and far from
being what I once was, but if you dare

' harm my girl I’ll kill you as I might a

,mad dog! ”

 

CHAPTER VIII.
SAL’I. EDEN SEEKS A RE'WARI).

Sternly, almost fiercely, came these
words, but so far from flinching or show-
ing signs of dismay, the Breakneck
Sport smiled and bowed afresh, laughing
softly and briefly before making reply.

“Why, my dear sir, instead of injuring
your daughter or being your personal
enemy, my proudest aim in life is to
make you my happy father-in-law! ”

Never human dove cooed more sweetly
than this, but that supreme insolence
(which he alone could fully appreciate)
stung the mine—owner to the quick, and
with a low, fierce cry he clenched fist and
struck full at that mocking face with all
the power of his still good right arm.

Had the blow taken full effect, Saul
Eden must have measured his length
right then and there, but it was not so
to be.

With the deft ease of one'who held
all the arts of the “ squared circle," Eden
jerked his head to one side, laughing as
he caught that wrist and brought his full
powers into play.

In spite of his age and gray hairs,
Roger Dikeman was still a powerful
man, yet now he found himself little
better than a child in the grasp of his
present adversary.

With apparent ease Saul Eden forced
the mine-owner back over his own
threshold, following after and kicking
the door shut with easy skill, performing
it all so neatly that, even if many eyes
had been watching their actions,,very
few would have been een enough to
read the whole truth, or to see more
than an unusually cordial greeting and
friendly entrance.

‘ “qu, don’t you play the fool all

over, Roger Dikeman," sternly spoke
the Breakneck Sport, as he. won admis-
sion after this fashion. “Why not take
it gracefully, and play—”

“If this is a Jest, sir—" began the
indignant proprietor, only to have his
unwelcome visitor cut in with cool
Mords:

“ About your becoming my honored
lather by course of law? Devil a joke,
lthen, but solid earnest on my part, I as-
sure you, Mr. Dikeman! ”

The mine-owner flashed angrily at
this, but controlling himself by a strong
effort of will, he spoke in turn:

.- i “ 0.

l “ . I l. ' ‘ ,. -" "
M.A.y..'.:y’.' .w‘ l.  r  ‘ v’ i ., 5.} «1km , I

 

.’ : '~ ‘3
,v‘,,hu'(,",.. g," “'4‘ 'l w: ‘

“Then, sir, drop it; drop it now and
forever! ”

“ But, my dear man—"

“Drop it, I say, and never dare to in-
sult me or mine in such manner again,"
sternly men-aced the old man, and he
reached forth aJiand to turn knob and
fling wide the door for the gambler’s
immediate departure.

But that was not in accordance with
Saul ,Eden's game. With a light laugh
he nodded dissent, coolly passing on and
opening the door which all Breakneck
knew led into the private, or home of-
flce of the mining magnate.

“Whenever you're ready, I am, Mr.
Dikeman,” he said, showing white teeth
in a smile as he paused for an instant
upon that threshold, then stepped with—
in the room with delicious nerve and
coolness.

For a brief space the proprietor hesi-
tated, hand on knob. Then he yielded
so far as to turn and follow his insolent
visitor to that other portal, frowning
blackly as he looked within. .

The gambler of Breakneck had al-
ready seated himself upon the easiest
chair he could find, and was just touch—
ing lighted match to cigar as the mine-
owner came to the door. Nodding easily
he spoke again:

“ No objection to the smoke, I trust,
sir? Thanks! Come in, please. Don't
stand on ceremony, I beg. Why should
you, when I am not? ”

“You infernal scoundrel! ”

“ Better knave than idiot, and the last
is Just what you are trying to brand
yourself, Roger Dikeman,” coolly re-
torted the gambler, yet with a change of
tone which helped warn the mine-owner
not to go too far.

“How dare you, sir? What do you
mean by What do you mean, I say? ”

“Business in a minute, Mr. Dikeman,
if you’ll only bridle that far from ruly
tongue of yours long enough to give me
half a chance. Come in and sit down,
or~would you rather have Miss Phyllis
as a witness to our little confab, then? ”

That pale, gaunt visage flushed hotly
for a moment, paling again as he looked
into those curiously glittering eyes be-
fore him. Roger Dikeman was far from v
being a coward, and he would far rather
haVe answered by blow or kick than by
yielding. Still—yield he did, so far as
stepping inside the room and dropping
into a chair was concerned.

With easy grace the gambler crossed
over to close the door, and if there had
been a key in the lock doubtless he
would have turned that in addition, for
he pressed the top catch home, laughing
softly as Dikeman gave start and frown
at the sound.

“For your sake more than my own,
dear sir," he assured, returning to 's
chosen position, to add: “ Now, sir, right
here you have it. I come with an olive-
branch in one hand, a bared blade in the
other. What is your preference—peace,
or war to the knife?”

“I hardly— Just what do you mean,
sir? ”

“Business, up to the throat,” came
the brisk response. “ You’re in a nasty
row with the miners, particularly of the
Touchstone——”

“And who is most to blame for that
part of it all, you villain? ” passionately
cried the mine-owner, hands clenching
and face flushing with angry conviction.

" Do you mean to insinuate that I had
a finger in your pie, sir? ”

“I believe it—on my very soul I be-
lieve you are at the bottom of the whole
trouble! "

“Thanks for the compliment, but I
must decline to accept that honor, my
dear sir,” smoothly declared the Break-
neck Sport, smiling afresh. “I am free
to admit that I’ve taken a certain interest
in the matter, for reasons which I'll ex-
plain a bit further along. For, now: lis—
ten, please!

“ I repeat: you are in an ugly box, Just

 

 

now. You have sore trouble with both
mines and men, but especially pith the

  

 i! 35'

.1. l, . .f U. a ., ‘
..r ' ‘ mi N" ' ‘. 3-
‘ .' 1.... ': ‘ 9w“ w \v, 1,2 .

Touchstone workings. Am I not right,
dear sir? ”

Saul Eden paused as though for an
answer, but instead of putting that into
words, Roger Dikeman let his head droop
and gave an involuntary sigh which
spoke even more plainly.

“ All right, and you needn’t admit what
we are both fully convinced of,” easily
Spoke the gambler, with a brief nod of
approval. “The situation looks mighty
nigh as bad as it well can appear, yet—I
can make it ten-fold worse, or I can
smooth it all over again, just whichever
you see fit to elect, Mr. Dikeman! ”

The mine-owner gave a slight start,
his briefly dulled eyes brightening again
as he lifted head to gaze squarely into
that handsome face before him.

A brief pause, and again he spoke:

“ How do you mean? What do you
mean, rather?”

“Wait a bit, please. So far as this
Touchstone mine is concerned, Mr. Dike-
man, you merely hold the property on
suffrance~—-"

“ A lie—you know you lie! ”

“ The naked truth, Mr. Dikeman,”
coolly asseverated the Breakneck Sport,
waving a white hand as though brushing
aside that rude speech. “ You have no
papers to prove your claims to the owner-
ship, and the records have been destroyed
by fire.”

“But I did have papers, sir! " passion-
ately cried the old man. “I had the title
deeds and a receipt in full. I had the
claim legally recorded, and only for—"

“Exactly,” came the cool interruption.
“Any man under the same or similar
circumstances would naturally make just
such an assertion, of course.”

“Sir! Do you mean to insinuate that
I would lie about it?”

“Well, the Touchstone is valuable
enough to justify almost any means or
method, my dear sir. And, unfortunately,
how can you prove what you now claim
is gOSpel truth? ” ‘

Instead of replying, that gray head
was once more bowed, and again a hol—
low groan was wrung from those quiver-
ing lips.

Saul Eden smiled maliciously, plainly
enjoying this suffering, yet ready to don a
mask should those eyes he lifted again.
While meaning to torture, he was not
yet ready to drive this man to utter re-
bellion.

" AS I Put it at first, Mr. Dikeman, you
are in an ugly box so far as the Touch-
stone property is concerned. Leaving the
labor difficulties out of the question for
the moment, there is the other horn of
the dilemma: Another fellow does hold
title deeds to that identical property, and
stands ready to make legal oath that you
never paid him for the claim save in
empty promises.”

“A lieh An infernal liar—~—and you
know it, Saul Eden!”

“Oh, no, my dear sir; lie or gospel, I’ll
never swear to one or the other. In fact,
1 don’t know anything at all about it,
save—later on. ‘

“ It’s a fact, though, that a prior claim
has been brought to light, and the out-
come must be left to time, the decision
to law and the law-sharps. Unless—will
you listen to a bit of sober reason, Mr.
Dikeman? ”

The gambler spoke with abrupt change
of voice and manner, and the mine-owner
lifted head in wakening curiosity.

He believed this man to be one of his
most unscrupulous enemies, yet he could
not afford to throw away J. single chance
where the odds had turned so heavily
against him of recent days.

“ What is it you want, Saul Eden? ”

“ To make a square deal with you, for
one thing, if you will only come to meet
me halbway. Will you do that much?”

“What do you mean? ”

“Well, I’ve got the man, and that man
has got the title deeds to the Touchstone
prowrty, which is——”

“ They are forgeries! ”

“So you say, but who’s to prove them
such? I claim to be a pretty fair judge
of such trifles,‘and I'm free to say this

I , .
wt“. v. " . Jr.  -. ;.

   

'\

as“

   I

   

'  17: 

 

 

  

much: If it has to come to that, those
papers will stand good in any law court,
and you will just as surely be cast in
damages. Do you fairly comprehend
what that all means, Mr. Dikeman? "

“l'll light it to the bitter end! I’ll
never yield to such foul blackmailing as
~~—oh, you infernal scoundrel! "

“Hard words break no bones,” philo-
sophically quoted the gambler, his lip
curling with unmasked scorn. “Even
while the vow is hot upon your lips, you
know that the game 'is lost to you even
before the first card touches the table.
And so—play white, old gentleman!

“"If that man holds the deeds, I grip
the fellow, and he’ll squeal or button up
exactly as I bid. I can make you or break
you, and so——here you have it, sugar—
coated to suit almost any sensitive taste!

“Pay me my price, Roger Dikeman,
and I will silence Rough House and turn
those papers over to you, to preserve or

“to desitroy, just as you may deem wisest.
“ Right here you have it, sir. Can any
man speak fairer?”
‘Saul Eden wore a bland smile, his
white teeth showing a trifle as he leaned
forward in his chair, elbows on knees,
fingers interlocked and thumbs smoothly
twiddling.
a - Roger Dikeman slowly flushed before
 r ithoseekeen black eyes, but if he felt the
 powzrful temptation thus deftly put in
l: shape, he made no haste to accept the
 offer, speaking slowly: '
“ Go on. You haven’t finished yet."
r i “ Nor, can I, until you accept my offer,
. :sir. And—you do accept it, of course? ”
 ' (This with fair assumption, yet under-
neath lay a. degree of uneasiness which
could not be entirely masked. ,

“Go on,”. repeated Dikeman, huskily.
"“ That price is—-—what? ” ‘

“ Only a few minutes ago I saved your
daughter from coarse insult if not'from
fouler injury. Roger Dikeman.” swiftly
spoke the gambler, now thoroughly in

, -, earnest. “ I love her; give me Phyllis for
‘ ,a. wife, and;—”

Mr. Dikeman sprang to his feet with an

‘ angryejaculation at this ’audacious de:
mand. but ere he could find words to ex-
press those feelings, a loud alarm broke

' forth in front of his residence.

 

 

 

CHAPTER IX.
THERE IS Mirsrc IN THE AIR. '
Although the room was enteredfrom
the hallway, two of its window's looked
towasd the south, in' which direction

’Breakneck lay. , - . i

As an evidence of luxurious comfort,
 Roger Dikeman had provided his place
with outer blinds, and now, though these
were closed, sounds came distinctly
through the raised windows from the
from. ‘  ‘ - . "

Ileg scunds; too, for a man who knew
himself in evil Oder with the laboring
portion‘of Breakneck, against whose life
more, than one dark threat had been
hurled of recent days. ~.

In spite of his granted nervegthe mine
downer turned a goodly bot paler as he in-
stinctively turned toward the light, for
i his first thought was that the miners had
‘ conic to demand blood it gold was longe
"la king. ' 
' {Mil Edenubeuayed far less agitation,
althoughne "had a clearer conception of
. the situation. there was a silent

laugh ‘1an his “bags he turned partway
' in his chamomile; legs with careless
grace. - ‘ ‘ ,-

f‘ Nasty bit ofimpudence,.xan’t it? " he
i drawled, elbow on chair-back as long

 

 
 

  

 .. “ Sorry. sir, ’pon h0n01‘.'but‘l never: told
" "em to tune up——-ilke this! ” ,

Wilden-audible, and Roger Dikeman.
. ,Iihn’ltbewildered. turned face toward! the
x."?g§.mhle‘r,.exciaimingz ' .
‘ .‘f Whyflt’s-they mean you? ” ,
“‘W'eli, tit~does sound that way, for an
act.",} ‘31, . n, .

  
   

  
  
 

“fingers smoothed his jetty mustache“ 
F‘orjust then words and even sentences.

. ingness to fight.  _
’ A brief.pause,.zthen the gambler.spoke’-‘

 

Blit"th0 mine me. was 11,“ “will”?

he both saw and heard;’ saw! a round
score of rough—looking fellows there in
front, 'with others hurrying up, heard
calls for Saul Eden to Show himself un-
der penalty.

“ Come out o' thar, or we’ll done fetch
ye! n

“He done it! I seed him with my own
eyes! ” ‘

“ It‘s bloody murder; no less! Yank him
out o’ thar ef he don’t come a—boomin’,
lads! ” '

Roger Dikeman could see that fully
one-half of the crowd wore wet and drag-
gled garments, much as though they had
just come out of the river, while nearly
all of them were brandishing or making
a Show of deadly weapons, while yelling
after the Breakneck Sport.

While he must haVe felt not a. little re-
lief on his own acount, after the natural

dread which had first inspired him, Roger.’

Dikeman was puzzled and" confused,
turning toward his unwelcome guest to
mutter:

“I don’t—why do they talk so fierce?
Surely you have not—-—”

“ What I’ve done was in defense of
your innocent daughter, Mr. Dikeman,”

. ‘quickly vowed the gambler, as he rose

erect and moved nearer the shuttered
window to glance forth. “Keep that in
mind, will you? And if you back me up
as one white man should another, I’ll
bluff those howling devils dOWn, even
yet. ”

He took time for but a. single glance
through the slats, like one counting the
chances for and against himself, then
hurried out of that room to the front en:
trance, flinging wide the door and boldly
facing the disorderly crowd‘as its mem-
bers fairly howled at his appearance.

With his tail, athletic figure drawn to
its greatest Iheight,
lightly on a hip, while its mate was
flung upward, commandingly, Saul Eden
confronted those who were howling for
his life-blood for a few seconds in proud
silence.

“ Button line. all who claim to be white

,men! ” was his crisp salutation a single

breath later. , .

Almost instant silence followed, and
after running those keen black eyes over
the assembly, the Sport of 'Breakneck
spoke again:

“ What’s the matter with you, anyWay,
boys? From the way you came howling
one might fan'cy ’twas a whirly—gust of
wolves On a bender!” ‘

‘v'Whar’s Rough House, durn lye?

cried one of their number, pushing more
to the front, shaking a by no means too

clean fist in that direction. while adding: .

“ I see ye bloody murder him, an‘—-”
“That’sa lie, John Whither, and you

know it! ” sternly cried Saul Eden, that

seemingly careless hand flying up witha

revolver at‘ cock and covering yonder,

bllrly reuom “ Rough Honse' wasxliving
when I dumped him into {the drink, and if

that killed himr—bia‘me his lack of clean:

liness, not“ me! ”- ’ r

“ Thar wasfidida’t ye shoot him fustir‘F

“I did‘not. The only powder burned
came from his end of the circus, while I
was seeking to defend a lady from insult.
If that is a crime for lynching, gentle-
men; make the most‘of it”! ‘ 

.John Whittier fell back, confused by
this. blunt denial, and with the air of
one who feels he can take the chances.
Saul Eden lowered his weapon, mhzzle
turned to the rear as the' back of his
hand once more rested lightly against
one hip. -, l 7  . ' '

There was "a half smile. half sneer, upon

hisface'just then. "Biack’ eyes had caught‘

a glint of -.red,5and3t1uletly though he
stood, the. Bneakneck Sport looked the
very personification of nerve and wing

    

    
 
  

again: “  . p» _ , 1
' 7" “a” . New '5‘)“. men like i it.

8:  9”

one hand resting.

. haste to begin his defense, ugly mutter:

to heaven! I saw him start up and in

' almost into hysterics. -
(

  
   

filth

 

  

more than it wakens my cowardice, for
1)

    
      

“Nobody never
Eden! ”

“Well, the same man never did it
twice, to my face,” retorted the Sport,
with a brief laugh. “ But, as I started to.
say, now that von are playing just a bit‘
more decent, what’s all this racket a._. ’
anyway?”

"‘ Waal, thar was Rough House, ye see,
boss," hesitatingly said John Whifller,
shifting uneasily from one foot to its;
mate. ,

“ We done hunted fer the pore critter, ,
then, but we didn’t find hide nur ha'r
of him; jest so! ” 1

called ye coward,

   
  
   
   
   
  
    
   
   
   
    
   
    
   
 
   
    
   
   
  
   
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
 

“In the river, do you mean? ” *
“Sure! Didn’t you dump him- over - ‘
the bridge?” t

“ You look as though you had been try- ~
ing for a bath in a hurry,” with a smil-
ing glance over those wet forms. “And ,
youqfailed to find what you Were hunting. ~
or. ” .

“‘ Jest that! Nur he never come out on  t
dry land, nuther. Ef he bed, Some o’zus'd . I
’a’ seed him, shore! Then, too, thar’d 'a’.  '-
bin sign 0’ sech,” hurriedly spluttered g
the big fellow, as though himself on trial \
instead of being a self-appointed judge, V
jury, and executioner, rolled in one. ’

Saul Eden listened placidly, mustache
curling as red lip quivered beneath its
shadow. He appeared to be wholly at,
ease in spite of the vast odds arrayed 1
against him. ‘ r . .

Little by little the first crowd was add-s
ed to, fresh numbers ceming upon the
scene as the word spread throughout
Breakneck of “ music in the air! ” , ,

A dozen at first, then a score, now
nearly double that number, with citize s ‘
coming up singly, in pairs, or by tr p- ‘
lets. And while the majority appeared
to be willing to hear whatever the gum ~ ‘
bier might have to offer in his own dev
fense. no man knew better than Saul
E-ien how easy it is to set a lynching
mob in motion. "'

Still, a crowd that pauses to listen is,
never so much to be dreaded, and the
Breakneck Sport felt that he was master. ,;_
of the situation, even-so early in thej’
play. i ‘ . -

As the gambler seemed in no especial

 
     
     
     
     
       
       
   
       
     
       
  

 
 

    

     
     
    

ings began once more, culminating in an
open demand toknow just why he had
treated Rough House so violently. ' ‘ 

Apparently this was the cue for whic 7".
Saul Eden waswaiting, for his, calmn 
vanished as if by magic, and be‘seeme “
fairly on fire as, he cried out with pasa
sionate gesture: ‘ . _ i. ' 

“ Why, do you ask. me? Because 
House was trying to play the brute with
a lady. Because he was. just drunk ,
enough to be all brute, careless of his,
hands, his words, his deeds! _ :, '

“ I saw it almost from the start, than

    
   
  

   
   
 

 
   
     
     
  

  
   
 

  
    
       
       

   
       
  

   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  

the way as this lady was passirkfiv
yonder footbridge. I saw him accoStIVhSK
then assault her, before I could Win?
enough to take a hand in th me, ,.
.. “Then I dared ‘not .burn "  eat
the same bullet kill the lunacent"with
the guilty, or Rough House‘would haw
perished like, a sheep-killing our,»tha‘t
very instant! ", , “ -.

“ Who wasrit? Whar'sthe lady which»:
—-” began one of the miners, growing ex~
cited/through purecontagion as he Its»
toned-to these swiftly passionate word

Saul Eden flung up an empty handg,‘ ' 1
the speaker broke off at once. 

,“ Since-i couldn't shoot, I did the
best thing; jumped in and, '  ,
Rough. House on the broad of his“.  >
then gave what aid and comfortel, 'f , ,,
to the young lady, frightened as she

  
    
     

  
 
 
 

  
         
 

  
    
       
  

 
    
 
   
  
  
   

  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 

   

    
      
   

  

sWhile I was thus engaged, thatxpur
rallied his senses and tried to 
sv‘shot from behind my  
«in and knocked up hlBM' _,

 
  
 
 

       

 

The Sport from Hard 

 

 

 

~ ’ nouncement, but Saul Eden was not yet
through, speaking on with rapidity. ,

“If Rough House is dead, that’s his
luck. I meant nothing worse than a
thorough ducking, but if so—well, he
richly merited it all! I say this. gen-
tlemen,‘and I’m ready‘to stand by my
word. I was defending a lady whom you
all know and respect: one whom I love
better by far than all that this world con-
tains beside: Miss Phyllis Dikeman! ”

The mine owner flung up 'a hand as
though to check that announcement, but
.failed. The crowd gave a cheer, then
Saul Eden cried, loudly:

“Right there you have it all, gentle-
men. If this conduct merits lynching, as
you howled a bit ago. so be it: here is
my neck: bring on your rope and do
your duty!”

The victory was already won. as no
man knew better than Saul Eden, but
he had his line of conduct marked out,
and shrewdly followed it from start to
finish. ‘ .

As the tide turned wholly in his favor,
/ 'cheers burst from the crowd, and one
I . full—lunged fellow yelled at top of his
‘ voicez.

“ Whooray fer the Sport of Breakneck!
Whooray fer Dikeman’s gal! Whooray
for ’em both in a lump, an’ may we-all
soon hev the chaince to drink happiness
to- ’em both es one an’ ondivisible—
yell!"

‘\

, cheering might have been distinguished
the voice of Saul Eden himself, saying
amen to it all!

Then, as his uplifted hand once more
quelled the uproar, the gambler wholly
ignored the mine owner, who tried to
' cut that sensational scene short, speak-
; ing in clear, far-reaching tones:

_ "‘ Amen, and still amen to that wish,
my. good friends! ’Tls my dearest hope
in life, and if I can win Miss Phyllis

j Dikeman for a bride, I’ll ask no further

‘ "favor of mankind or _of heaven itself! ”
With a double purpose came these dis-

tinct word , for, coming from beyond

"that now nthusiastic crowd Saul Eden

recognized a. man whom he had only too

' good reason to believe his rival, ,if not

an entirely successful one. “

Then, too, he hoped to in a measure
compromise the young lady whose name
thus crossed‘his lips, knowing that, if it
did not help it surely could not hinder

his unscrupulous pursuit. I '

i That rival Was none other than Arthur

M rossley, looking unusually pale after

,' is recent misadventures, his head ban-

._ dazed in white, the cloth‘ showing more

’ (When one significant stain as he quick-

." ened his pace and apprcached that resi-

:' . deuce, fearing the crisis had come at last.
7/ Then he caught those words and recog~

, unload. the speaker, both filling him with

" “fierce indignation and causing him to

rush on, splitting the crowd without

ceremo , reaching the little cleared
ipac' in rent to‘ shake a clenched hand
gambler, as he sternly cried out:

.- " Drop! that, you cur! Only a fool or

r .s knave would make any lady the sub-
duct of such—" . ’

"i Saul Eden flashed for a revolver, as

he sh rpiy cut in: . -

r . “ t those words or—chew lead,

- Arthur Crossleyl ”

x“

 

D
r .. I CHAPTER 3:.
. A sup IN THE non son sum noun.

, With those fierce 1 words thus backed
,up, matters looked warlike beyond the
“ordinary. « . ' I! .
 Few men could pull a gun and catch
the are with greater quickness or car-
tainty {11
almost before another one of all present
could divinex what, Was coming, the
Touchstone foreman “was fairly lined,
Bani Eden showing teeth as he glanced
alohg that polished tube of death. .

- Atwthat. some moment a shrill scream
' ' c,from.Within t "

v " amnmxn’l‘saa at

  

 

 

Yell they did, and even above the

' lady! ” sternly

- the Breakneckians.

an the Breakneck Sport, and,

name had been so prominently brought
to the front.

Had no other interference came, Arthur
Crossley would have fared but illy, for
he never gave thought to flinchlng or of
retreat, while the gambler could have
filled him full of holes ere he could draw
a gun in his turn.

But the ending was not to come after
that fashion, for Roger Dikeman took
swift action, giving a cry of angry warn-
ing as he grasped the gambler’sxwrist,
forcing the weapon upwar and to one
side before a shot could be fired.

“ Careful, you hot—head!” the mine
owner spoke, sternly, as that arm of
steel sinews yielded to his efforts.
“ Would you murder—keep the peace,
neighbors! Don’t let—.quiet, all! ”

That well—meant warning and appeal
combined was hardly necessary, after all,
for several of the citizens jumped in
front 6f the Touchstone foreman when
they saw Dikeman grapple with the
Breakneck Sport, and even had he felt
so inclined, Crossley could not have
drawn a gun. .

On the other side, Saul Eden yielded
gracefully, no doubt feeling that he could
fairly afford so to do, all things con-

_ sidered.

“ All right, Mr. Dikeman," he said,
surrendering his weapon and making a.
neat bow as his wrist was freed by the
mine owner. “I most sincerely beg your
pardon, as well as that of the young lady
whOSe, name has unfortunately been
spoken, just now. My great and earnest
love for her must plead my excuse, sir.”

“That in itself is an insult to any
cried‘ Crossley, as he
jerked free from those restraining clutch-
es to Confront the gambler of ‘Breakneck.

In no wise 10th to meet such an issue,
Saul Eden with quickforce pushed the
mine owner to one side, then bowed
toward his "angry rival, showing his
strOng teeth in a half-wolfish smile as he
spoke with almost painful politeness:

“ You are no lady, Mr. Crossley. but if
you care to resent an actual lnsult—" --

Even as he began, Saul Ede saw a
tall, handsome, dare-devil looking strang-
er push more to the’ front, deftly step-
ping in front of the injured foreman and
bowing as hat came off, followed by the
suave speech:

"Beg your pardon, sir, but Just play
I'm a substitute, won’t you? "

A stranger to Saul Eden, if not an

“equal stranger to the others there as-

sembled, 'but hardly a stranger to the
reader. . '

Hotspur Hal had come to town, and
this was to’be his public introduction to

His, supremely cool ’actlon took the
gambler aback for a moment, but no
matter what else he might be, ‘Saul Eden

'was neither cur nor fool, and swiftly

rallying he spoke. sharplyz I
"Who gave you leave or license to
chip? What do you mean,.anyway?"
" Fun orbusiness, Just as you may pre-
fer,. dear boy," blandly answered the
Sport from Hard Luck; smiling as upon
the best of friends. at the same time
waving hand toward the Touchstone

foreman. , l .
“ Mr. Cmssley is ray/friend. ‘end as a
sale. I, don't know Lgentlenian better
able to answer for himself; but just new
he’s a good bit under thé weather, as
you all can‘see—” ,_ .
" Does he hide behind your back. sir?
~ " Stand aside, Arlington, and let me
answer that!" stcmly cried thc'fore*
man. though his cheek now showed a»
fill of bleed which came from beneath
‘one of those slightlydlsturbed bandages.
!' Quiet, please, pardner," said the
Hard Luck Sport; .
toward the gambler. he added: 1 ad-
dressed you as one gentlemen might
another. sir. Don't make ‘me think I’ve
lowered myself by so doing. I beg of you.
" Who are you, anyway? "

\

   
   

 

house v unmistak- ,.
' ' dro- heroes:

"My name landfill ton. Sometimes
taxes 'pp‘ V i1, " not

‘3:

 
 
 
 

then turning again

 

no great wonder of a man, but such as I
am, I’ll take exquisite pleasure in serving
as a substitute for one far better, but
who just now happens to be under the
weather.”

“ And so hides behind your back, by
way of proving his manhood? " the gam-
bler sneeringly cried, sticking to his one.
point with dogged grip.

“ Gentlemen—gentlemeni.” cried Roger
Dikeman, feverishly desirous to avoid
any actual conflict, most of all just then.
and there. .

But that repeated taunt stung Crossley‘
past endurance, and, pushing Hotspur
Hal aside with nervous arm, he crossed
that space at a single pantherish leap,
striking the Breakneck Sport fairly in
the face with an open hand. ‘

On guard though he ever was, Saul
Eden did not anticipate such an assault.
as this, and the blow was delivered be-
fore he could fairly divine what was
coming, those labor-hardened fingers
leaving distinct impress upon his clean-
shaven \cheek.

The gambler reeled back and' aside
with a savage cry, his footing disturbed
so far that he stumbled ,off the step be-
fore that door.

Swift as thought Hotspur Hal grappled
with the infuriated foreman, and with.
resistless might fairly shoved him over
the threshold and inside the house, where
Phyllis caught him in her arms with a.
low, agitated cry of mingled joy and
alfright.

This was a bit better than the Hard
Luck‘ Sport. had figured on, but content;
with that fleeting glance, he pulled the
door to, then stood with his back to it.
and hands gripping a. brace of business-
like revolvers. , .

Saul Eden rallied as swiftly as possi~
ble. eyes fairly on fire, cheek bearing a.
divided brand too plain for mistaking,
hands reaching for a gun‘ as he glared
around in quest of his rival. -

' “ Steady, there!” sharply warned the
man from Hard Luck, not yet actually
taking the drop, but ready to do so 0
the slightest provocation. '

" I’ll kill him—I’ll eat him up as I
would—where is the infernal cur? ” raged
the gambler, beside himself with savage
rage, as,his smitten cheek burned as
though blistered with fire.

“ Alu’ stiddy the rest 0' ye, gents, all! ”.

g

cried another voice, coming from near.

a corner of the buildings
There Bummer Billy Bedad’ was stand-

ing. his rear fully protected by the wall. . '

his mouth on a wide grin, as he looked
over a couplegof hu e revolvers, the dark
muzzles of which a owiy swept back and."
forth, as if their owner meant to cover
the whole assembly with his battery.
" I'm Bummer Billy from Tougher
Luck a Siht, ,an' .thar’s my side-pard-
ner. What he says goes, an’ ef ye don't
b’lieve it. jest call me a howlin’ liar,
who wouldn’t take a snlfter ef he could—-
an’ then the brass _band begins fer to
play a funeral march—amen!  ‘ ,
. With husky volubilit came this char-
acteristic warning, an if any crane
“ tough nuts " then. present, had felt.
tempted to chip in on the gambler's side,
they paused for a second thought. \ ,
Only two men confronting more than
half a hundred: but those two held the
drop, and both looked like men to make
the most of such an advantage should
they be closely pressed. _ a .
'Saui Eden, though fairly beside him:
self with vicious rage, still could realize

how impotent he was just then; and this '

gave the Hotspur a chance to add; an-
other brief warning. - - 

" Don’t think we're trying to run the
whole town, gentlemen, for that is ’way
beyond our ambition. I’m simply 9183’-
ing true to a good and wcrthy- pard, so—v
listen. please! ’ r

1" Grossley has been badly in‘jured, as:

you surely saw for yourselves. Though.
willina, he I V
here I am. offering to fill his shoe ,"to
 fl'ah‘iii‘t“' ’i

st of {Lyon

      
  

  
 
    
   
  
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
    
   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

 

     
   
     
       
     
     
   
 
  
  

 
  

      
    
   

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1 h ' The "Sport fr m Hard  

    
 

 

55,  »,,-v I  ‘1‘,” r 
‘. .

 

 

 

“ If ‘he is cowardly enough to hide be-
hind your; back—"

" Only it coward would repeat that
.slur, after having his face shipped in
,public by the gentleman ne essays to
.brand," sternly interposed the Sport from
' Hard Luck, partly lifting a muzzle
that way as he spoke. “And unless you
were all cur, sir, you would make allow-
.ance for that evident disability.”

The Hard Luck Sport seemed more '

than willing to precipitate matters if
:such proved to be agreeable to the gam-
bler, but knowing how fatally he was
handicapped just then, Eden made no
positive move

But there was an ominous stir taking
place amongst the crowd, and suspecting
.a coming diversion which might com-
pletely turn the tables in favor of the
enemy, Bummer Billy sung out right
briskly:

“ Fa'r warnin’ the pile 0’ ye all, gents!
I’m right hyar, cocked an’ primed an’
triggers sprung to a hair! I kin thread
a needle in a whirly-gust, or drill a
cobweb cendways with a single pellet!
I‘d ruther fight then eat, an‘ pritty nigh
as quick es to take a five-finger dose 0’
git—thzlr-in-a-hurry'! ”

That the bummer was ready to use his
tools to the best of his ability, none who
saw and heard him right then could
doubt: and if any rush had been con—
templated, the-effort was postponed until
.a more propitious moment.

This brief space of time had been
well employed by Saul Eden, and with
a strong effort of will he smothered his
passions so far as surface display was
concerned, and when Hotspur Hal again

'Ioffered himself as a substitute for his
friend, the gambler had an answer ready.
’With a gesture which called attention
‘of all‘ to his empty hands, he spoke with
wonderful calmness.

“ My quarrel is not with you, sir, but
with Mr. Crossley. Until I have effected

Ja full settlement with that—person, you

are safe in spitting forth 'slurs and in-
sults. Afterward—but time enough for
that when my original quarrel is deter
mined." 1 _. -

“I have told you repeatedly that Mr.
Crossley is physically incapable of meet-
ing a strong, healthy antagonist like
'you appear to 'befisir.’ If you still,insist,
.after this frank statement—J ,

,“I more than insist, sir! "

“ Then I‘ll putlmy hint into plain
words and brand you as a—-" ‘

The door swung quickly open behind
Hotspur Hal, and an open hand was
slipped deftly across his hot lips, cutting
that denunciation short.

Arthur Crossley was coming to the
front once more, and there was more of
anger thanof gratitude in ’his tones as
‘he spoke to the Hard Luck Sport first. of
:all. ‘

“ This is my quarrel, not yours, Mr.
Arlington. I’ll try to thank you later.
but for now—bblige me by falling a bit
to the rear! " l I

A brief cheer burst from the crowd at
this“ crisp speech, but Crossley paid no
attention to other than the gambler,

:Saul' Eden, lifting a ha d that way to
give it a menacing sha e, as he spoke
again:

“ As for; you, Saul Eden, I'm ready to
mee you when and where you see fit to
:nO mate, after any fashion, at any
odds, and I declare right now and here
that I’ll make You beg‘for mercy or
die! " g

“ You can’t try that on any too quick-
1y for me. you brassart!” eagerly cried
the Breakneck Sport- “COme right out
here and we'll-—" I
' Crossley seemed fully as willing for
the supreme test, but others were more
considerate. and Roger Dikeman once
more interposed. .

“I beg‘a truce, gentlemen, all!” he
cried, earnestly. one hand lifted to back
that appeal,‘ the other resting lightly
"upon his‘foreman's nearest. shoulder.

‘ r ““ You can all seefthat Crossley has béen
nanny injured, and is not a; .to mast,i
I ' . y g  ,, '. I .42., , J ' it“. ,1

- i-l
.- 'i

      
 

5.1

such a man as Eden, right now; but
later on—"

“ Will you agree to give me a chance,
later on, Mr. Dikeman?”

“Yes, unless—”

“All right!” yielded Eden, gracefully.
“Your word is my bond, Mr. Dikeman,
and wait it is. Meanwhile, I’ll go take a
look for that other cur, Rough House! ”

 

CHAPTER XI.

MAKING mevx rm: your an‘ru.

With a bow and a smile for the mine-
owner, a sneer and taunting look for the
other two men, Saul Eden turned away
and moved leisurely off in the direc-
tion of the footbridge spanning the
river.

Arthur Crossley started in that same
direction, plainly disinclined to accept
the truce which another had proposed in
his behalf; but that unusual excitement,
combined with the heavy blows which
had fallen upon his skull of late, pro—
duced a sudden faintness before which:
he staggered and would surely have fall-
en but for the support lent him by Roger
Dikeman.

This caused some little confusion,
which was by no means lessened when
the door was swung wider to permit the
passage of fair Phyllis, who gave a half-
choked cry of mingled fright and grief.

A streak of fresh blood was marking
his face, new pale and looking ghastly
as that of a corpse; sorry spectacle for
the eyes of fond love to gaze upon,
surely!

And if there had been any doubt be-
fore this, there was little room left now
for doubting just where the young wo—
man’s affections were located, for ' her
sore distress poor Phyllis'forgot a else
save that one thing: her lover was sure-
ly at the point of death!

“Which he was a liar, an’ billy-be-
dobdled ef I didn't know it the fust
jump-off! ” declared the bummer as he
leaned with back against the wall, leis~
urer taking notes. “ An’, my pardy: ge-
thumper to git thar! Ef he hadn’t a holy
scrowdger, then why not? ” »

For HotsDur Hal, pausing barely long
enough to make sure of the situation,
which he took in at a single keen glance,
again sprung to the front just when he
was heeded the most, relieving Mr. Dike-
man of that awkward burden, speaking
cheerily to the nearly fainting foreman:

“ Take a brace, pardner, if only to re-
assure ,the young lady. Steady, now!
You're right as right, and in a couple 0‘
weenty minuteswthis way, old fellow,
Just for good luck! ”

With‘gentle f rce the Hard Luck rep-
resentative swu g Crossley around and
headed for that ‘open doorway, smiling
blandly as he met the anxious looks of
both father and daughter.

“ Nothing to take a worry over, good
People. and with a. couple of ‘hours’ rest
,he’ll be‘ as sound as ever."

Almost before the Touchstone foreman
could fainly realize what was going on,
Arlington had him within the house,
then did the next 'best thing: turned the
injured man over to his sweetheart for
further care, yet‘ with an adroitness
which robbed the action of any especial
significance. ( r

“If You would ‘kindly get him a sup
of water, Miss Dikeman? It's only a
touch of the morning sun upon a cracked
crown; nothing to worry over, though,
just a bit awkward at first glimpse. You
will? Thanks, awfully! " =

Doing as he himself would be done
by, Hotspur/ Hal checked Roger, Dike-
man as the mine-owner started to fol—
low the young couple from hell to sit-
ting room, deftly veering him in the
opposite direction, only, ceasing those‘
kindly efforts when they were safely

within the .home-oilice where still lin-‘

gered the scent of the gambler's cigar.
Kicking the door to behind them as
he entered, Hotspur Hal rattled on at a
lively" rate, giving ,a surface—view of
the situation, yet

       

   

 

 

the present con ‘
. 199m 

   
    

'more readily catch ahlnt than Hotspur'

a chair. His face was to the am as pale}

fairly well explaining
on_._  minimally,

  
  
  
 

 

   
    
 
  
    
   
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
  
    
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
  
    
     
    
         
     
       
      
 
  
     
     
     
     
    
    
       
       
       
         
   
           
       
     
   

It was simply “a fellow feeling”
which led him. to take this course, for
the fancy struck him that his newly
found friend might need a bit of assist-
ance in his love-making.

“Of course it‘ll not count for long, or
cut any serious figure after he’s taken
a bit of rest and quiet on the half-shell, g
but the honest truth of the matter is '2;
pretty much like this: Crossley has ' '
had a mighty rough row of stumps to
hoe, and if he missed the sexton ’twas
by the bare skin of his teeth.”

“ But, I thought—”

“Of course you did. So would ’most
anybody. So would I if I hadn’t known
better, not through any extra smartness
on my part, but because—and so, you
see—just as I hinted, first-off. *

“ A lively racket while she lasted,
and Crossley held up his end better than 
any ten out of nine lads you could pick
up on a venture; he rung pure metal
with every clip!”

“Then he was—held hp? ”

“Held up and held down, only he
wouldn't stay down, you understand?"
briskly replied the Man from Hard Luck. 
speaking against time and caring pre— “
cious little what words might cross his
lips, just so they kept the agitated mine-
owner off the too dangerous track.

But the old gentleman’s anxiety was\ '
far too great for easy control, and after
several vain efforts be fairly exploded.

“ The\money—~what about the mone ,,
sir? Surely Arthur didn‘t—~he h
brought the cash in safety? "

Hotspur Hal was-spared the necessity .
of answering this almost fierce demand,
for just then the office door swung ’fi
open, and Crossley appeared, withi",
Phyllis close at his elbow. ,

More plainly than ever did the mining
superintendent betray the effects of his,
recent mishaps, now that the heat of ‘ ,7
rage and hatred had fairly died away, mi:
leaving his face extremely pale and hag- ‘ A
gard, more like that of a strong man ‘
who has just passed through a serious .
spell of illness.

Forgetful of self, Phyllis betrayed her'
solicitude, but Crossley gently put the'
maiden aside for the moment, facing the '
agitated' mine-owner and speaking in
husky, far from certain tones:

“I did my level best, Mr. Dikeman.
but luck was against me in this, even ~
as it has been ever since—”

He broke off as the old gentleman
flung up a hand, at the same time giving
nervous glance and half-nod toward the
Sport from Hard Luck. ‘

When he saw fit, few‘men living could

Hal, and seeing how embarrassed'the
mine—owner appeared to feel by the pres- A
ence of a stranger, he quietly spoke:  '
“Doh’t let me interfere; gentlemenfi
I'll hold myself ready to answer any call
you maypmake, more than willing to
serve where  can, but for now, I have a.
bit of business’which needs looking after;
Good-day, all! ” ‘ ‘
He turned to depart, but Crossley pro-~- ‘
ferred otherwise, grasping an arm .. Q
the Sport would ‘have passed, speaking}. ‘
quickly. earnestly: ‘,
“ o, no! Don’t go, Arlington. I want
you o——this is my friend, Mr. Dikeman. ‘
and I want yourto regard him as your
friend as well. Only for his brave and '
generous conduct last night, I wouldn’t. .:
be here now." ‘ »
“ Touch lightly, pardner! ” .\'
“ It’s gospel truth. I owe you my life. 3
The time may come when I can thank’ 
you ‘more heartily, but for now—pity 
those devils didn’t take my life Whaling
they took—’3 , .
“ Then you .lost—the money? " “l I 
Roger Dikeman spoke with extreme
difficulty, shivering visibly aslhe gsupvi
ported’.‘himself by gripping the back of,

  

  

 

x .

  

 
 
  

  

  

 

  

  

as that of the foreman, and neither 
appeared iitted’to carry on “this agitat-Jg
ingscene, ._ . r l,‘ .
W Hotspur Hal “saw. this much, but hm .
knew twee, ugly ‘tr thr v carpi-s ,

    

 

 

 

 

 

" Abe better for all concerned to get it over
as quickly as might be, yet still felt that
his presence was a detriment rather
than an aid or a comfort.

Giving a frank hand to the mine own-
er, he spoke with a grave smile:

“ Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr.
,' Dikeman, and it‘ll not be my fault if

we don’t stack up huge friends. As for
now, what is lost, may be found, and
no game can be called lost while a sin-
gle card remains unplaycd. Sty—brace
up, and hope for the best! "

“ I know, but—"

“Of course. And I know that even a
'friend is considered an outsider when a
family consultation is on the tapis, so—
see you later all! " ’

“ Don’t go, Arlington! ”

“ Thanks, pardner, but reckon I’ll have
to,” responded the Sport as he gently
pushed off the hand which would have

restrained him. “I always was too
mighty bashful for any sort of use, and
I right now—l must go!

“I’ll be on hand in a couple of hours,
say. Until thenmwcll, reckon I‘ll go see
how that fire-eating friend of ours is
working up his nerve for the coming
circus! ”

With a smile for all and a low bow for
Phyllis in particular, ,the friendly Sport
t’ook his departure in good earnest. _

In spite of the assurances given, and
'which they had no cause to doubt were
founded upon fact, all save Crossley him-
'lself felt relieved by that departure, and
:‘he quickly regained his composure when
he saw that he must bear the full brunt
.of that ugly recital. '

Feeling that the shortest way is the
«best, the foreman lumped matters at
_ on‘ce, although he choked a bit as he
looked into that painfully anxious face
before him.

“ It's so, sir; the money is—lost! ”

I "‘ How? Where? By whom? " huskily
asked the old gentleman, sinking into a
chair as though his legs were falling
[their master. “I thought you were so
sure of —” ' '
 ‘t “ And so :I was!
. the scheme’ must work smoothly, but
@47- now—oh, ,if those cunning devils had
only made a clean sweep of‘it! If they
had killed me while—” '
"With a low, pained cry Phyllis flung
arms around the despondent foreman.
nissing him repeatedly while murmurlng
her gentle reproaches, for the time being
getful that other eyes were upon them.
“No, no! You should not—you must
not talk so, Arthur!
v-dbn’t know how badly it hurts me .to
have you say such awful things! ”
‘r-i.“it’s truth, though", gloomily. “ If
u only knew how much depended upon
getting that money safely here-"
 “With that, we might have pulled
hroug‘h'safelyfi muttered the mine own
r. ,“ Without it we are—~and you can't
'~ yjust how, ’twas lost?” ‘
Growleyyshook his head, .dejectedly.
A  Was one of the most annoying parts
or it all, since total ignorance here meant
so muchthe less chance of recovering the
‘ tolen property. ' .‘ ‘ k
Iv-r‘f‘If I only knew that, 'twould be some
 sort of consolation. At least we’d have
some idea'ln what direction to look for
the money, or upon whom to, wreak ven-
fiance if recovering that should, prove
inipos'sible. As the one now. stands»-
?ohzifcurse's cover them from warm to
356%! If they had only taken my life
with the money! " 

Again ‘Pl‘lyllis slipped an arm abJ‘ut
that haired form; again she let fall a-
fitt‘lo shower of-warm and loving kisses
upon that bent head; and now casting
aside all my disguise the young woman
stood forth in her love, pure passion in
story tone as she spoke, swiftly:

“No, no, Arthur! You must not—you

  

 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
   
    
    
  
 
  
  
   
   
   
  
 
  
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
   
    
 

'0
*1

v4
9.

   

  
 

l

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
   

  
  
  

I could have sworn.

It is cruel—«you

way for to'git to town or

 

 

A few seconds thus, then the girl turned
toward her father, one arm clinging to.
the stalwart foreman as she reached the
other hand forth, speaking hurriedly,
earnestly: »-

“Why struggle longer, father, dear?
Why fight against such cruel and un-
scrupulous enemies? VVliy not-—"

“ it‘s pretty much past fighting, now, I
reckon! ” muttered Dikcman.

“Then let it go! Let them keep what
they have won through such vile trick-
ery and foul scheming. Let all else go
and leave this awful place for another
which may—~oh, father! By the love you
feel for me, your only living child, I
beg of you to grant me this; come!
Come away from here with Arthur and
me, to live in peace if not in plenty!”

“ Go—whither? ”

“Anywhere for that matter!” came
the passionate reply. “Anywhere away
from this evil section and these wretched
criminals! For—oh, my dear ones!
They’ll murder us all unless-we must go
away from here! ”

 

CHAPTER XII.
uo'rsrtrn HA1. LUUKlNG ron AMUSEMENT.

Queeriy as it sounded at the time,
there was a goodly spice of truth in the
declaration made by the Sport from
Hard Luck; while no being on the face
of this footstool was more at home
among men, Hotspur Hal was scarcely in
his element where the gentler sex was
concerned.

That because he held them in such
high estimation, "the good fellow would
have vowed if driven to a corner; and
that was at least a portion of the truth;
if not all of it. ' ,

With no sisters of his own, left with-
out a mother in early childhood, fighting
his way through the world as only a.
brave, high-spirited lad~ can, Arlington
grew to manhood without any close ties
on the feminine side, and while Worship-
ping woman in the abstract, he could not
feel wholly at his ease while in actual
contact with one of that gentle sex. ,

Doubtless this feeling (would wearoff
when the right time came, for with all
his' faults Hotspur Hal was right well
calculated to make some good woman an,
extra good husband; but for now, he
drew a freer breath as he stepped outside
that building, to an instant later catch
sight and sound of his queer pard, Bum-
mer Billy Bedad. ,

“ Don't you git, in a sweat jest ’iong 0'
me, pardy," came the cool draw] from}
that quarter. “I kin hold up the side 0’
this shebang jest as long as she kin
hold up me. An’ so~dlidn’t ketch ary
mo’ wet goods in thar than you bed a
place to stow ’em inside 0" ye——-eh,? "

Case-hardened against these more or
less pathetic appeals from his blbulous
chum, Hotspur Hal merely cast a fleeting

glance in that direction, then turned his

eyes elsewhere without,vouchsaflng a re-
ply in words. “ '

Although the interval had not been so
long, it proved quite sufficient to clear

that immediate vicinity of intruders, ,

thecrowdevidently having followed the
lead set them by the Sport of Break-
neck. , ' i,

The lay of the Sréund. together with
the bend in that path, hindered a fair
View of the footbridge, but‘ dram that di-'
Vre'ction'came dull sounds which Hotspur
readily interpreted as human voices in
greater 'or less excitement.

“Heap sight mo’ show for fun than
solid ‘di‘i’n'ks, down yender," drny hinted
Bummer‘Billy as the Sport stepped 'down
to the level. “Ef 'ther as dry other

. “We might as well take a bit of a
wink, Billy." ’ , l

“* Down yondet'ways, partly? ”

“Why not?” a r .
: ff Thnr‘snwhsrthe soap-gnawer went,
ye see.” r" ' - . '

    
 

saloon-eh? ” .

 

v 

as he left his lounging position to sham-

‘ble after his
while:

“Oh, waal, of you don’t mind, I hain’t
a-keerin’ a cuss. I hain't ’shamed to duck
an’ dodge, or even to turn tail for a solid
runaway of matters gits to sizzlin’; but
you»~” ',

“ Don’t you borrow trouble on my ac-
count, Billy,” lightly interrupted the Hard
Luck representatch as he moved off in
the direction of the river. “ There‘s only
one fellow in all that crowd I’d mix up
with, and he—well, a yoke of oxen
couldn‘t drag him into a fight! ”

“Meanin’ him which wanted to buck
Crossley? ”

“A sick man—yes! ”

“ Waal, partly, I hain’t pertendin’ fer to
be hate—way smart as you shore is on a,
rule,” deliberately said the bummer as
he pegged along a bit to the rear of the
more dashing member from Hard Luck.
“But of you go fer to set that critter
down as a dung-hill, then you’re turrible
apt fer to g-it left—bad! ”

“ Is that so? ” , ~ ,

“Which I‘m open to bet all: my wealth
onto the same, partly. He’s had medicine..

comrade, speaking the

He’s fight frOm ’way back, when hegits ‘

a hustle on. Waal, now, you take a fool’s
advice an’——d0n’t! "

This was a vastly higher estimate than
Hotspur Hal had placed upon the gam-
bler, but as a keen glance into that
bristly visage Showed him Bummer Billy
meant every word which crossed his
lips, he. smothered the little laugh of
scorn which was seeking exit, and spoke
more gravely:

“.All right, Billy. I’m not going to-
crowd the fellow, and so long as he keeps
to his own side of the fence—”

“ Augh! Don’t I,‘ know? ” with a snort

of half—disgust, half-admiration. “ Ef he
does jest that, you’ll jump over or
scrowdge under, an’ then when the cir-
cus breaks up, take your davy he done
the row-pickin’; don’t I~know you an?
your fool Ways, pardy? " . i ‘

Hotspur Ha'l laughed lightly at this
quip; but then they came in sight of
the footbridge from off which Rough
House had taken a drop so unceremon-
iouslyihat morning, and the matter was
dropped as by mutual consent.

Their arrival created some little stir,
but as either seemed .inclined to “put‘
on frills," acting quietly and discreetly,
a. few moments later all was going as
before their advent. 4

For the most part the curious citizens
were below the bridge, either in the
water, or keeping watchfrom the narrow?"

ledge which ran along the stream only a.

foot or two aboVe the water’s level.

Back of this the bank rose steeply, but
the shelfai’forded fair foothold, and room
for men topaSS each other as they shift-

ed positionafto suit their changing fan— V

cies.

San] Eden was one of those upon the
bridge itself, and without paying further
notice to the new comers after a first.
glance their way, he spoke in clean

cold tones, evidently in answertto some '

query or remark made not king before. ‘»
“Of course, I’m sorry 0 tithinlt- the;
fellow has drowned, ‘but-—- ow could [
helpit? ,I caught him brutally insulting
a lady whom we all honor and respect.
There was no other way to stop it, save
by killing, and I preferred giving him
that chance. - SQ-‘I punished him. nd
if that is a crime, make the most 0 it
gentlemen!” ~ '

Whether so or not, Ilotspttr'I-lal. fan-'

cied. this speech was mainly intende for
‘his benefit, and with a bland smileftnon
his face he stepped forward. extending an
open hand as he spOke, briskly.“ ‘

“A crime? Don’t youibeginio think!

thgt way. my dear sir." .
What am I to understand by this,
sir? coldly demanded the gambler,.

drawing his tall form erect, eyes glowing

ominously the while-

“So far from being a crime which. 

merits punishmentby.rb 01' t, dost”
{guider at. f 02%;: ‘ 

,,-'

 

    

    

‘4

   
     
  
    
    
 
 
  
   
   
 
    
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
   
    

,_¢.,M,. ,/ . .

«3“42

Mini.

,.. J........

 

 

      

   
   

      
      
       
 
 
 

 

      

The

   

a,"

“Sport -.

a“.

10m ‘ "lard" Liick.’  g

is

 

 

 

 

The Sport from Hard Luck held forth
his hand, smiling even more genially
than at the start. Saul Eden gazed keen-
ly into those big blue eyes like one who
more than half suspects a hidden trap;
but then, just a bit reluctantly, he took
the proffered member, curtly saying:

“All right. Shake goes. In the same
spirit you offer it, remember!"

“Good enough! cried the Man from
Hard Luck, closing fingers and shaking
the white hand most cordially, then add-
ing: “ A man would be a genuine porker
to ask anything better than that.”

“You really mean it, then? ”

“Of course, I mean it, else the offer
would never have been made. I don’t go
a hooter on naked politeness, dear boy.
I couldn‘t play a part if you was to bray
me in mortar with the actor‘s compen-
dium.”

“All of which means—how much?”

Hotspur laughed lightly, briefly, flash—
ing a. look around them.

Bummer Billy, satisfied that his pard
was not going to immediately engage in
another quarrel, and stirred by a bit of
the same curiosity which held the Break—
neckians enthralled, had left the foot—
bridge and was even now clambering
down to the lower ledge to join in the
quest for the missing Rough House.

A number of other men were on the
footbridge with the rival Sports, how-
ever, and no matter what the outcome
might be, there would be no lack of
fairly reputable witnesses.

Turning eyes back to the man-"whose
hand he still gripped so firmly the Hard
Luck Sport got those fingers in a final
squeeze, then let them fall as he spoke in
cool, easy tones:

i
i
,i


 

 aw, ,, . .
U

tice of: running around the country in
search of a quarrel with any other man,
but just for this onCe——eh? ”

A faint flush came to the white checks
of the gambler, and his dark eyes caught
a glint of red as he divined what was

‘ coming. a
' Still, he made no sign, merely saying:

“ Goon. GiVe us the rest of it, sir.”

“ All right, and go on she am! Ndw,”
with'a coaxing echo entering his tones,
“can’t you see your way clear to playing
I’m Arthur Crossley for this special oc-
casion? ” ~ “ , ,

“Did Mr. Crossley send you here to
beg off?” coldly demanded the Break-
neck Sport, curling lip drawing back his
mustache until the ‘tips of his ite
teeth were briefly visible. ‘ . .

" He did not, as you very well know,"
retorted Hotspur, tone and manner
changing to suit the words which to)-
lowed. “And the bare fact of your askg
lug such a currish question proves you

. crossbred, Mr. Eden.” . I *
‘. " And you? ” I

V“Ah, that's different,” with an airy
‘wave of his'hand to match. “ My record
reads far too clearly for any mistake,
don’t you know? “And each being the
fact, I can 'afford to dabble in the dirt
for once in a way without making my

. han s too foul for after cleansing."
Ix‘fgou crow mighty leud for a new-
’ comer, don’t you think?” sneered the

 

Vuié afififyd,&~‘ L 1/ .    W 

- as“,

 

I

 

with precious little mirth to be read.

,5" “It ’30,}! 'Wear‘ ‘mffs that can more

if . than m‘akoimy» crowing good,” came the

 .pointed‘aretort. = ' «“
‘ . By this times hint "

spread throughout the 

  

mbly, and for

 / Rough House, nearly all hands drew,
 ,,closer to that spot. Bummer Billy com-
g with the rest, everrreaady' to back
pp his dashing Bard in Whatever might
’ turn up.E ‘- ' ‘ ‘
'  Although the stranger Sport )made a
fairly“.fayorable impression thr' gh his
(fearless'eonduct in front of the heman

  

A . the large'vma ‘rlty oftthose then present

: . ; .4 Were in favor ot the Breakneck Sport.
~ , Some: um (“muttering we'r

 and in were»

  
 
 
 

 
  
 

  
 

'head; but apparently the gambler felt

, “Well, dear boy, of course you under-‘
. stand that I don’t make a common prac-y

'for less gifted listeners and fetching

‘chief Would ever give an acceptance with

"try toms-credit for being a chief in a,

lyiwarned hands off.”

gambler, forcing a smile in which there r

ssible trouble‘

the time being; forgetting the missing you know?”

, residence, it was clear to be seen that, ' ,
.Saul Ede’ri~will‘_ever holdi, himielf in

8 new light  v

 

be quite enough to fetch matters to a l

fully competent to manage his own af-
fairs without making any suoh appeal.

Coolly, deliberately he looked over his
eager antagonist, then smiled insolently
as his dark orbs came to a rest in line
with the blue eyes belonging to the Hard
Luck representative. '

“Of course, you never boast, or blow
your own bazoo?”

“Never louder. than the law allows,
nor ever say more than I am fully
prepared to back up with deeds," as
coolly answered the Hotspur, paying no
attention/to the spectators. “ And you
are—”

“ Engaged, or you
anxious for a match.”

“ Now we‘re coming to the point,” ap-
provingly cried the Sport, nodding head
as he spoke. “That engagement is not
so dreadful pressing. If a man was a
true-bred Sport, and cared aught for his
own credit, or the credit of the town he
represents, he’d never fetch that trifle
up as a bar to genuine fun.”

“What are you trying to get at any-
way? ”

“Simply this: I'm a man, you claim
to be another. Now, as man to man I
ask you an enormous favor. Let me slip
into the shoes of Arthur Crossley, who
is physically disabled for the time be-
ing, and act his substitute in every. way,
shape or manner.”

Hotspur Hal spoke like one intensely
in earnest, and more than one faint cheer
found birth at his bold speech. But Saul
Eden shook his head' in negation, again
leisurely surveying the stranger, to grim—
ly speaks bit later: I
1 “I’ll give you the chance you ask
0r__l! ‘

“ Thanks, awfully! ” "interrupted Hot-
,spur, in huge delight.

“ After I have fixed Arthur Crossley
for the hands of the sexton! ”

l
CHAPTER XIII.
HUMMER mums urzst‘musc'rmN ACT.
" Ketched a bite the lust time 0' fish—
in’! " chuckled an appreciative partisan,
thus pointing the retort plainly enough

wouldn‘t be so

 

forth a chorhs 10f laughter. ,

_‘ Although this was too plainly at his
expense, the‘Sport from Hard Luck was
by no means disconcerted, waving a care—
less ha (1 toward the merry fellows,
then talk ng his turn at the verbal bat.

", I most-humbly beg your pardon, mister
man. I took yOu for a sort of cock of
this walk, but now—Well, no genuine

a string tied to it.”
" And none but a traveling fraud would

case Where he had been repeatedly

H‘qtspur Hal laughed a bit at this,“as
though he felt matters must surely be
coming his‘ way in, spite ofall denials;
but Saul Eden was not Yet. through,
Speaking sharply and so all might hear,
yet with a wonderful degree of calm-
ness for a man of his naturally fiery
temper. \ ‘ .

“ All, the same,‘ stranger, [you don’t
want to carry off a misapprehension,
and so~listen, please, . .

“I‘ hold my life‘ and honor isrmort-r
gaged until after a meeting on equal
terms with Arthur 'Crossleym After that
meeting—1' . ' ‘i '

“‘You, may not.be worth meeting, don't
, “ After that m ting has taken place
I’ll mere than chhermlly give you'gll the
sport you can stomach, in any -way,
shape, or manneriy‘ou-may elect, Until
then—just this; - . , ,

“Your hintsiand slurs will be treated
with silenti'cohtempt. as they ' erve.
Words, will out no ilce with mefi‘butdf
you go‘ further—under pledge 'or-fhot-

readiness ,ta [carry ,hlsé end of a: street

  

  

 

_ bow.

Ef he hadn’t—«3f I ever felt",
'pizen snort, this is jest this time

though they were]; to the manner, _, ,
and .to the full as deeply interes elf 

  

 

33d

 

 
 
 
 

    

0 A were!

 

   
  
 
 
 
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
  
   
   
    
    
    
  
    
  
  
     
  
    
   
   
   
  
     
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
    
   
  
    
   
    

“ No. It is a simple statement of fact.
If you want to crowd matters and take
your chances of coming out on top, cut
loose! ”

As though «expecting that thinly
masked invitation to produre instant
results in the way of a neat little circus,
the witnesses scattered :1 both sides,
looking back as they squatted and shuf-
fled away, ready to dodge a whisrling
pellet as best they might.

lut, eager though he appeared to be,
Hotspur had no intention of mixing in
under rough-and-tumble rules, and in
place of a more warlike retort,he laughed
aloud like one more amused than irri-
tated.

“How did you know I was such a.
stickier for rules and regulations, Mr. -_
Eden ‘3 Well, if we join in a little mix-up
of that nature, you will have to take the
initiative, my dear fellow, for i can‘t."

“Taking water, by glory!” cried one. ‘
of the Breakneckians, in a tone of iuin- ’
gled disgust and relief.

Bummer Billy Bedad gave a muflled 
howl at this, indignantly retorting‘ with I:
gestures to match: 

“Ax us to take somethin’ better‘n-.";
water, then, an’ see how durn suddent we '
won‘t take no water! Of all the dry holes
on airth I ever bucked up ag’inst. this yer
‘pears to be the most out-dryin’esti Two,
hours in comp'ny, an’ ef I’ve lied the luck
fer to even smell a man’s breath,- hops .
may never chaw a cob—stOpptr or lick a‘
leak in a jug o’ moonshine! " _ ‘

It 'Was just the light touch of folly
which was needed to turn the scales for
peace as against war, and amid the 7
laughter with which Billy’s lugubrious ,-
e‘iTort was greeted, Hotspu'r'Hal frankly .
spoke again: ,.

“ Since you look at the matter in that ‘
light. Mr. Eden, no gentleman would
crowd you further. So, until the fiddle
fairly clear, we'll call it a truce? ”'

“Just as you like, sir," with a cold
“I fancy I’ve made my position,.
sufficiently clear, so, as you say-after4- '
ward! " . f  ’ 

Like one who feels he can leave the
arena without incurring any impala?
tion of cowardice, the Sport. of Break-
neck turned away, passing from one. end.
of the footbridge to the river bank, then.
descending as though to take a mom
active part in the search for the missing
Rough House. , ‘ , 

The queerly matched pa’rds moved II]
the same direction,_ but more leiSui‘ely.g.,
and after a brief silence, Bdnnner Billy
dryly murmured as though to himself:

“Ef I was sent to. pick up a Sucker
whar the little ilshes was the most plan;-
tiest. ’course I'd go an’ fix grab-hook
right onto Saul Eden. I guess notl',” ,

Hotspur Hal laughed softly at is?
thinly veiled sarcasm, turning toward"
his disreputable—looking mate with eat-"a
tended hand as he spoke: , ' "

“ Put it there, Billy! I thou'ght‘lkn W?
my business best,but this'is my, [a to
get fooled. He’s a tougher nut  , ' ’6;
than I reckoned, and that’s a fact 

“I knoWed it, pardy, nur’ \yo
far’ly sampled his toughness yi 

 

A doleful wail,but that abrupt é‘hj'
wasps surprise to the Hard Luckiflpart,
since he, too, had noticed how closew
those, rough-clad fellows were coming.
and how greedin they appeared to he Ilse;
 .  . i I .2

Looking and (acting pretty’ muse:

 
 
 
  
      
      
       
  
 

that quest assay of, their  
panions, the two ‘pards spent "in, ‘ _
fen minutes searching for sight,
of Rough House. , ’* '  '\ \ W
T The‘gsneral opinion secured 
the ,luckless knava had met blah :
through drowning, no doubtsiu‘nnell "
part or wholly by his awkward fall ‘

 
 
 
   
      
    
     
    
       
   
 
 
 

  

the“ footbridge above.  cf, ’
, Just benéath 4: bridge, and to; a;
.»  halo  m .. ‘

  

v.“

 

 

_. L

* ., The, Sport seminars Luci: f

 

 

sweeping little blotches of foam from the
shallows above. '

There the surface was broken by nu—
merous bowlders, and a few of these
rugged points showed in the water near-
ly to the footbridge itself.

Bummer Billy had joined in the quest
with unusual spirit for one who appeared
to have been “ born lazy," and now it was
his high-pitched tones which drew all
eyes that way. .

Partial though he might be to another
\sort of liquid, the trampish individual
evidently held no deadly antipathy to
water, per se, since he was now wet to
'his crown through paddling in the river.
although just now he was perched upon
. a rock which barely broke the surface,
, , only a few feet from the right bank of the

river.

l/iilly was flourishing a huge revolver
g as he cried aloud:

“High—yigh. pards! Durn man-hunt-
in' when a critter kin hev sech fun as-«-—
whoo-oop! It‘s an otter. an“ of ‘tain‘t'an
otter it's a econ, an' ef ‘taiu‘t a coon it's
afihold yer hosses now while I—stiddy
be jerks an’—»“

Steadying himself upon his none too
secure perch, Billy Bedad rested elbows
upon his doubled knees, gripping pistol—
butt with both hands and holding it at
a level, while 'he
along the none too brightly polished

tube,.aiming at a particular point where
' water and lend met, near the upper nge
of the deep pool.

“What is it you‘ve
called out Iiotspur. -

“ Coon or otter or— right thar in a hole
-, under the bank which—~git ready thar
fer to hatch the pich critter, pards, of i
‘don’t blow ’nother eyehole into the head
70’ him! I kin shoot‘to a ha’r, an' I kin
' see them two eyes whichv~git out o' thar
you—oh, snakes! "

For, just as Billy Bedad was on the
point of pulling trigger, a muffled howl
> burst upon those surprised ears, and

 with a wild splashing the “game” broke
, from its cover: neither raccoon nor otter,
4 but--— - '

“Rough'liouse, or I'm a liar!" fairly
, screamed one of the astonished citizens

' as he caught a fair sight of the water
" fugitive.

. ” Devil or ghost!” howled Bummer
(Bitiy-a with real or admirably simulated
— aflright, rumbling backward from ms
, slippery perch, but as quickly recovering
himself, to.ish00t along a course which
effectually cut off flight in that quarter,

    
   
  
 
 
  
  
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
      
   
   
  
  
     
  
   
    
    
  
   
   
     
    
  
   
   
   
    
 
 
  
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
  

.

treed, Billy? "

, come .3

Amidst no little confusion Rough
House reached land, crawling out of the
 water and looking as though he would
 ask nothing better than to take speedy
flight; but that was not to be.

3 (Highly they had been deluded, ugly looks
’and ugly cries began to come from the
sourehers, andfearing worse treatment
still, Rough House hurried over to meet
Saul Eden, cialming‘the, gambler's pro-
'tection against all others. '
‘" , For a. brief space the Sport hung back.
frowning biackly, but then. as hints of
lynch law began 'to fly) about, he rallied.
.hand on pistol butt as he stopped in
* front of that grovellnfi wretch, left hand
liftediy warningly as e called forth in
< clear, Sterntones:
"Go easy, friends! He pleads drunk-
enness, and vents neVer to sin in like

You can't lynch him without first Climb';
’i‘ ling all over me! " ~ - , -
_, That seemed quite sufficient to check
. anyrash action, although it failed to en-
tirely placate the more indignant. mem-
, bers of the searching party. Th y seemed
 to tel-'0 it all as b. perSonal nsuit for
Which Rough House ought to pay pen-
- ty., I , -

, Itwesan awkward situation for Saul
den... after all he ha

iii, insult , 
if“

  

  

  
  

    
  

eds.

:.4-.i _,

lady

 
  

 

r


J; :3

t way of a parting shot:

squinted ferociously,

so fag as the other swimmer was con- ‘

7 ‘As they began to realize how ~thor—'

" manner again ifwstand back. please!“

said/ins relation ,

 

fairly scowling as Hotspur Hal came
smilingly that way, speaking easily:

“My dear fellow, do let me help you
discipline the knave! He looks half
scared to death already, but that isn’t
half bad enough for one who would abuse
a fair lady, and so——~let me aid you in
correcting him? "

“Stand back, will 'you?” almost
viciously cried the gambler, turning muz-
zle of pistol that way as he spoke. “ Your
wanting to jump on the poor devil would
be enough to make me espouse his cause,
so——stand back. i tell you! ”

“Oh, anything to keep peace in the
family," lightly answered the Sport from
Hard Luck, with an easy bow of acqui-
escence. “1 wouldn’t hurt a side—pard-
ner of yours for the world! “

“ You're too infernally fresh! " growl—
ineg said the gambler, then giving
Rough House a vicious shove with a
foot as notice to hurry away, himself
following closely. .

Hotspur ilal laughed merrily at this
rather disorderly retreat, calling out by

“I say, Rough—ness, old coon! I‘ll pay
you good wages to get up in public and
tell the true story of this neat little
dodge! " '

instead of reply or retort, the draggled
knave hurried away all the faster, scal-
ing the steep bank and vanishing from
view amidst hootings and h‘owlings from
the searchers.

Saul Eden followed after, looking dig-
nified enough, yet hardly in as good odor
as he had been just prior to that queer
resurrection act in which Bummer Billy
played so important a part. ‘

‘Feeling that nothing more was to be
made by lingering longer in that quar-
ter the two odd pards likewise climbed
back to the land—level and leisurely’
strolled on until they were fairly apart
from the others. ,

Not until then did either of them
speak. Hotspur Hal was first to break
the silence, dryly asking his mate:

“Well Billy, what do you think of it
all. anyWay? " I

“Think? What kin I think butthat
he's a,pesky fraud clean through from
A to ampersand! " .

, “Or worse," dryly amended the Sport i
from Hard Luck. ‘

“ Eh? Wuss‘.’ Which ismwhat? ”

.“ You were thinking of Rough Mouse,
but I meant the bigger knave."

“ An' that thinkin‘ goes how fur,
partly?” .

“‘ Well, it hasn‘t quite reached a final
stopping place, yet, but this much can
serve for now; I’ve got an idea that Mr.
Saul Eden was out for a nice little stroll
last evening! "

There was far more in tone and look
than in words, yet Bummer Billy seemed
far from satisfied, asking in lowered
tones:

“ You mean heap more than you’re say~ ‘
in', pardy; finish it. please! ”

“ Well, Billy. if Satan was to come to
me and ask me.t0 find him a. road’
agent, I'd go collathaul Eden the ver
first thing! " .

 

CHAPTER XIV.
uorsrcn iiAL’S SUSPICIONS.
Although he ought to haye been pre-
pared .for some such hint as th ,‘ Billy
Bedad gave start and ejaculati , star-
ing into the handsome face of his cont-
rade' for (the season with wide-eyed
amazement. - ' . l ‘
The Hard LuckSport nodded again,
mustache curling with grim amusement
iris though he enjoyed his little sensa-
tion; , ’ . ' . , I
“For a fact. Billy. I’d hustle around
until I found mister man. then tap him
on a shoulder and whisper in his high
ear: The devil wants you. pardner. and
he wants you mighty bad! ’ "
The-tramp,xga\'e'along. low whistle as
hit} stared, :flzmliéely at 1nothing in par-
t solar. v1 on y g, t is ~’ . suggest on
was:  new . he.

    

   
    
 
 
 

«at  ‘1

 

“As for the other and lesser knave, ’
I reckon you summed him up about right, ' '
Billy,” added the Sport as they moved
slowly in the direction of the Dikeman
residence. “A fraud of the first water.
And, ten to one, the whole afiair was a
put-up job to bunco the young lady! ”

Bummer Billy nodded assent to that
much.

“I reckoned that same way when I w
first sighted the fellow there in the hole,”
he declared, with a long breath. “ I meant. “ t
to shoot all around him until his nerve "
gave way, but—”

” Steady, lad! ” cried the Sport as . .
he gripped an arm forcibly, eyes caught‘ 5*
by a fluttering handkerchief at one of ,2!
the windows in the house not far ahead. '

“ Steady goes, but what fer, pardy? ”

“Unless I read that Sign wrongly, I’m
wanted over yonder,” with a curt nod
to further point his meaning.

Bummer Billy gave a low whistle as
he caught sight of that fluttering sig-
nal. and then asked:

” What fer me to do, pardy? "

“ Wait at ease outhere where you can
use both eyes and Wits, Billy. Keep one
eye. my way, for I may have occasion to l 7
signal you, but don’t let any party run 5;
in on us without your making noise ‘
enough for a fair warning; and least of 4 i
all Mr. Saul Eden." ' ‘ ’

“ You bet I won‘t, then, pardy,” grim-
ly vowsd the tramp, as Hotspur Hal hur-
ried away in response to that summons.

Ilotspur Hal found no difficulty in ef-
fecting an entrance, for the front door
opened wide at his approach, and he re—
ceived a hurried greeting 'from Roger
Dikeman in person.

“Here, and entirely at ‘your service,
sir,{' tersely reported the Man from Hard
Luck, right hand going up in a military
salute. .

“ We heard—~we feared—~you met with
no serious trouble, sir? ” asked the mine
owner, stammering after a fashion for-
eign to his usual clear—cut diction.

“ Never a bit of it, thank you. And
Crossléy is no worse, I trust? " ‘

“Better by far, thank heaven,” in . ;
steadier tones as he signed for the Sport ‘
to enter. “1 left him in the office. It,
you will please—-” '

“Thanks. If I can be of any service,
i'm only too happy." declared Arlington,
(toiling hat and passing with easy swing
along the hall to enter the room where
he found the . injured foreman of the »
Touchstone, looking much better than i:
when last seen. - ‘ , ' ‘w

A’ swift glance showed the Sport ., ' '
Phyllis was absent, and ungallant though ’
{hat may brand him, he felt no little re~
leved. ’

“ What as all that yelling about, over
by the I ootbridge?" asked Crossley,
barely taking time to curtly answer the
kindly queries as to his own physical
icondition‘.

\ “‘We feared you and your friend had -
gotten into, trouble of some sort with Mr.
Eden,” exclaimed the mine owner, a bit
neryously. v - ' . .
To set all doubts at rest bythe short-
est method, Hotspur Hal told. of the Queer
resurrection * through Bummer Billy’s

--~«e-~...~..... .,.. . ,. , ,r

nal.“...  . ,

“t .. V
a”,  ,

.A, J a”,

we,“ ..,

l

ireenness, then added: I

“ Of course there is. a bare chance that
I may be wrong, but. I‘flrmiy believe the
whole affair Was a put-up job between
the tim rascals.” , ‘t
3‘ Eden and—~that other? " faltered Mr: 1 ;.
Dikeman, flushihg and paling alternate— : i
ly. “ Why should they—limpossiblePV .

“ Well, I’d naturally prefer thinking
that way, of course, but when you take it
all into consideration, it looks mightily
as though the two feilovw were playing
in cahoots: eh, Crossiey?" . ,- *~ 7: ,

“ If Ithought so-——if I knew Eden was , -'  ‘ “
such an infernal scoundrel as,all that l  ‘
romcs to, I’d hunt him out and shoot I i, "
him like a dog!” fiercely, exploded the -
foreman: '
.. “ There liars: a
fellow an twenties}:

 t... m

       
     
    
   
 

agree I’m doing the; :
frankly. admitted’ths‘ ..

 

   

  

,....»».«s.4~. m — I
~ mane—«Mam»... _

4‘“ .

. :3

m- ,

{V with him, in great chunks.

 A     

     

 

 

House may have hidden in that hole in
the hank-" _ ‘ -

“How could he so hide?" asked Mr.
Dikeman, curiously.

“ Easily enough, as I took pains to
ascertain. A little eddy right there had
eaten a recess, leaving a cover of solid
dirt, where enough long grass grew to
droop down and serve as a screen.

“What more easy than for the raSCal
to sink when dropped, swim to that hole,
and then 110 under cover? "

“ But, why go to so much trouble? I
can‘t 590—"

“That's easy enough,” with a low
chuckle. “Eden naturally would want
to make a big display of red fire, and as
there were plenty of witnesses, Rough
House might fare far worse unless he
could lie low for the welding-heat to
cool off. Then—but, if you prefer, let it
go at that.

"As for Eden himself, I believe him
capable.of\still worse deeds: for instance,
what (idds'would you give that he hadn't
a busy hand in our little experience last
night? ”

If ilotspur Hal was playing for a sen—
sation, he had his will, for both master
and man gave little cries of amazement,
looking: fairly stupefled at that signifi-
cant question.

“Surely not—what on earth can you
mean, sir?” fairly exploded Mr. Dike-
man, rallying a bit more quickly than
the foreman, into whose pale face and
glowing eyes now came a gleam o; grow--
ing belief. '
t, “ Well, sir, of course I may be making
an ass of myself, as usual, but I’m open
term the odds that Saul Eden was head
and front of the road-agent gang which
gave us such a lively deal last evening."

“You. surely wouldn't say so much
without good reasons, Arlington? ”

“ Reasons may be perfectly good, yet
hardly suitable for putting into plain
words, don’t you know, pardner? Just
talc It look backward, and then teli'me
it” there is anything to contradict my be—
lief.”

“ How could he know about the money?
And-even if he should suspect my pur-
pose, ho divine that I would take to
the Old race? " ,

, “ Some person divined just that, diin‘t
they?” ‘cooliy asked the sport, as he
nodded by way of emphasis.

“Of course, but,»-—Eden! " .
“Would make an admirable chieftai
of midnight masks,” declared Hotspur.
with a faint echo of admiration for the
lireakneck Sport. “ He carries his upr‘ve

following from among the tougher class
o’fithis Section: hasn't he, now? ".

Mr. Dikeman nodded assent, looking
paler and more haggard than before, as

little by little those ugly suspicions were v

growing stronger.
“ Yes! And he is at the bottom of .all

‘ our trouble with the miners, you know,

"’D..v

‘- {~1'_,':"» . .. A. -.

at»

'. his swift addition.
for secrets, simply trying to smoke out

Arum? " \

“ And he's trying to get hold of some.

particularly choice mining property, I'll,

wager! " cried the sport, like- one who
had just found a needed clew. “Don’t
say any more than you like, pray," was
“I'm not pumping
theuvcunning rascal who knocked our
schemesall endways, last night“?

" If I thought—1f I only knew—"

“Well, pardner, it’li all come out in
the end, rest assured of so much. And
to help fetch matters to a focus—I sin-
cerely trust Miss Dikeman, is fairly well,
sir‘lr” '

Hotspur turned upon the mine owner,
smiling blandly as he put this question,

 seemingly so foreign to the purpose; but

Crossley caught his veiled meaning, and

.ggve a low cry of angry resentment.

" Car tul”   8"en 3'0“
can wit impunity couple'the name 'of
that infernal scoundrel with my—with
Miss Dikeman!" '

Instead of showing resentment at this
harsh repropf, Hotspur laughed like one
who" has, made his point,- thencpokc

a: ".r

He. has a'

., keep“ theyoung lady from suspecting this
ham, in bi -
e

 

“ Y'ou felt that another and more 9 -w-
erful motive was lacking, pardner, and

right there I gave it. Now—talk busi-

'ness!

“WhileiI feel morally certain that
this Mr. Eden has been playing dirt all
along the line, believing is not convict-
ing, and assertion lacks considerable of
being legal proof.

“Casting aside all doubtful points, one
fact remains: he has given an insult
which would‘fully justify either of you
in turning his toes up to the daisies.
Now-«listen!

“Saul Eden is a bad man. I‘ve seen
ouite enough to settle that one point. A
bad man, and he means business from
start to finish, too! "

“ I’ll show him a bit of business which
he’ll never get over!” the forema de-
clared, harshly, hands clenching tightly.

“Go easy. pardner!” cried Hotspur,
lifting a warning hand. “I was just
coming to that point, and so—which is
the wisest? To give the scoundrel a
show for his life in a regulated duel,
with all the customary frills and furbe-
lows, or to go out gunning for him, pro—
miscuously? " ' ,

RogerDikeman gave ‘start and cry at
this rather sanguinary hint, but Crossley
shook his head in stern negation.

“No, no, Arlington. It‘s too late for
anything like that.” -

“Why is it, pray? ” ~

“Because I’ve already given him my
word to meet him on the dead level, man
to man, life against life. You were a
witness. yourself.”

Unable to deny this, Hotspur Hal gave
a long breath, which was almost a sigh.
shaking his head with an air of dissat-
isfaction.

“It must be," positively added the
Touchstone foreman. \

Although their acquaintances‘nip was
of recent birth, Arlington knew that this
with an unshakable resolution, and
yielded the point as gracefully as he
found possible.

“ All right, then, pardner, and we’ll
prepare the fine fellow for a high lot on
the hillside, accordin to Gunter,” he de-
clared, picking hat from table and ris-
ing to his feet, as though theiinte‘rwew
had reached its natural limit. ‘That
being so, reckon we'd better be taking a

. . bit of a stroll about this time of day? ’l

“ You mean—f’ _
“That I’d heap sight rather hunt than
be hunted," dryly observed the Man from
Hard Luck as 'he flashed a look toward
the door. “ If only for'Miss Dilieman’s
sake, I‘d rather have the preliminaries
arra‘nged elsewhere. Understand?
asked the’mine owner. ' p n
“ Or send his representative. )'88, W38
[the quick response. ‘f Without we fore-
stall the gentleman, of churse. And,that
is Just what I\=want to do, for, as I hinted
just now, the younglady would be none
the better for having to listen to fight-
ing chatter.” .-
Crossley sprimg from his chaif at this,
face brightening up and a look of thanks
in the eyes which met those of’the Sport.
“You're all right, Arlington, and I’m
your debtor for the thoughtfulness. We'll
go at once. and get it over With, stay,
Mr. Dikeman! " wit abrupt change of
tone as the mine owner likewise rose
to his feet as .if to form‘ one of the little
expedition. x
9‘ Of course, I am going with you, Ar.
thur‘," the old gentleman said, half-pet-
tishly shaking offthe hand which caught
his arm restn‘ainingly. , :
“‘You surely will not—-"
‘ “I surely will; whynot. pray? It is
wholly because of me and mine‘that you
are «in this trouble, Arthur, and I'll see
you safely through.” ,
Crossley looked appealingly toward the
Sport. who gravely spoke:

“ If you are dead-set on that’point, sir, '

of course we can’t khep you back, even
if we wished: which we don’t. i’Buti to

you n fol t i tpn on

1‘‘ VA pl." ' w 

ou think Eden wouldrcome here? "‘

seemed actually embarrassed and ati'a. -,

.qeremony. the Touchstone foreman waved
,a hand toward his companion, curt

,ative. ,Kindly make

 

.' ran merits
 ' {Egglg' ‘

Together the two young men, left the
room.

    
    
  
    
 
   
     
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
    
 
  
  
  
   
    
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

CHAPTER XV.
B'ti’MMER mum DROPS A HINT.

That tersely put argument had its de-
sired effect, and Mr. Dikeman no longer
insisted upon hearing them company
further than his own door. I

With a few easy words which were
calculated to soothe the feminine ear
in case any such should be upon the“
alert, Hotspur Hal turned away from
that door, slipping a hand through the
young foreman’s arm and chattering air?
ily as they moved off in the direction of
Breakneck proper.

Considering what had already passed,
it was rather more than the Sport ex-
pected to win fairly clear without further
interruption, and not until they were
outside those grounds did he draw a full,
free breath.

“ That's good enough, if not better, yet,
pardner! ” he declared in a tone of strong
relief. “ A woman‘s all right in her place, ,
of course, but when there is music in
the air, that place is—~eh? ” ,.

For Crossley was withdrawing his
arm, frowning darkly as he spoke: ’

“ Drop that, please. We’ll not say any-
thing further about—on that particular '
point, Mr. Arlington.” .s

“Drop it goes, my dear. fe’llow, but in
spite of your delicate modesty the fact
remains. Still, I wouldn’t—~byathe way! ”,

Hots ur Hal was using his eyes eve
more 9 ectively than his tongue, and in
addition to Bummer Billy Bedad he took
keen note of a tall, well—dressed stran-
ger whose face Was turned toward the
Dikeman residence.

The tramp was heading to cut that
stranger off, but at sight of his comrade
hesitated, then read aright the slight
gesture which was made by the Hard
Luck Sport. ,

This gesture served a double purpose,
for it called Crossley’s‘attentlon toward
yonder advancing figure, and after a.
brief look, hesaid‘: ‘ , ,

“It’s Maurice Thompson, from Break-
neck. I know him."

“And so does Mr. Eden,.I reckon? "'f

“Yes. They are close friends, I be»
lieve.” , r , ‘ .i ' ‘

" I rather looked for somethingoof the 
sort. although this gentleman doesn’t ap- ‘ 
pear to be overstocked with gall," 'dryly-‘ 
observed the Sport, eyeing the strangag .g
critically, and noting his evident enfhare 
rassment. __  5

Arthur Crossley was just in the- humOr
toexpedite matters, and at once strode 1,
in advance, touching brim of bat in cold-r "a?
politeness as he met, the other, speaking { ‘
crisply: . g r V '

“ You were looking for me, Mr. Thomp- 
son?" I , ‘

“ Well, something like that, yes, Mr. 
Crossley. “ . '

“ All right. You have found me. What, 1 
is ’your business, please?" , /  ; ~ '

Mr. Thompson appeared to be a very
nice fellow from an everyday point on,“
,view, and Cirossley knew him as oiled)! ‘ '
the most reputable citizens of which
silver camp could boast; but he 
hardly a model representativorofsuc‘h i. 4
fire-eater as San] Eden, and just now he§

 

loss just what to say and‘hbw to-act. .
H “Well, sir, it’s an ugly bit of business,
and I rather—far rather not touch it
at all, don‘t you know?” he hurriedly”
said, face flushing and perspiration com-L
ing to view.  p . 
Crossley gave a nod and a frown, then
broke in with the query: V j
“You are from Mr. Eden, 1 take“ , ,
sir? " . , , - *
Mr. Thompson bowed as the 
way of answering, and without fu ,

 

 

adding: . , a .r 

“ This is my friend, Mr. Thompson, and i;
Mr. Arlington will serve as my represent: r?
your further 
withphim sir" i - <

 

 

  L ck

 

   
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
  
  
    
  
     
        
   
    
   

son,” declaredlthe Sport from Hard Luck
as he’stepped to the front with genial
smile'and extended hand. Shake! Noth-
ing like getting close together in these
little affairs, even though We may have
r to slit each other’s throat before the hour
runs its full course. Eh? Don‘t you think
so? ”
“It‘s a bad matter; a must unfortu—
nate affair!  declared the envoy in tones
which could scarcely be called hilarious.
“ Well, I beg of you not to say it, even
if you really think that way, my dear
fellow," cried the Sport, slipping hand
. through arm and moving away at a leis-
' urely pace while adding: “It almost
makes mewant to fight when I hear a.
fellow croaking after that melancholy
fashion. And it really wouldn’t be good
form for, the seconds to fall to clapper—
' ,clawing before their principals could
have a full settlement: now would it?”

Arthur Crossley failed to catch the re—
ply made by Mr. Thompson, but the ad-
mirable coolness of his own representa-
tive served to bring a faint smile to his
lip, ‘which had not entirely faded away
"‘.when the sound of shuffling footsteps
- caused him to turn quickly.
1 ThOSe sounds were being made by Bu‘m—
; g mer Billy, who merely waited until his
,tpartner moved away with SaulEden’s
representative, then hastened to join the
iTo'uchstone foreman. ' ' 
 “Who’s him, ary how, boss?" 'asked
Bedad,vwith nod of head and pointing
thumb. "‘“Notherone 0’ them durn ga-
;loots which—~” ,

Crossley crisply gave the desired infor-
mation, just then feeling in no humor
‘ for idle gossip, thoroughly though he
‘ . appreciated the service which this rough
diamond had rendered of late.

But Bummer Billy'was not to be so
,. easily rebuffed, and with a dingy fore-
‘gflnger. tapping his lips, winking an‘d
rblinking‘as he nodded head in significant
:"manner toward the point where the two
jmen Were then engaged in busy talk, he
.; huskin muttered:
 1 f‘ You want to keep yourdookouts wide
’open, boss, fer thar’s heap ,sight 0’ dirty
'twork a-gwine on all ’roun‘d ye, or I’m
a} ,hpwlin’. liar jest “down from head-
‘ffi'Watérs: yes!”
i; ",“ You mean—what, Billy? "
K ,‘zThat the hull blame thing is a put—
5}. up job’mr to down a good man fer keeps;
< an’ that means jest you, no less, partly! ”
earnestly yewed the tramp. with another
..'seri_ of nods and winks and blinks.
,ff'w ,ell, those who set up the job may
catch-burnt fingers before all’s done,"
, grimly 'observed'the minesuperintend-
w an . i l ‘ .
' «Bummer Billy gave a subdued bowl of
gratification at this,.for words were more
1 than ubstantiated by squared jaws and
V glinting eyes. If ever mortal man was in
" deadly earnest, Arthur Crossley was
“right then and there. , "
."_"‘Good enough, partly!” exploded the
r mp, 111‘, high, glee, as he caught‘ a
It d and gave it an enthusiastic shake,
‘mu‘mD-thandl’e' fashion. ‘I‘I was jest a
tweenty hit skeered that 'ypp’d play too
sy at the jump-off, an’ so let that Dizen
crittermev the best eend fo’ the game;
but now-9'" ‘ , .
‘ “ Not unless Saul Eden can prove. him-
selfxav better man in every way than I
a"..ng ”~ sternly cut. it. the fereman. _
Which he never cain’tii’do’on a level,
I ” ‘ .
“blemished thc‘quarrei himself, not
Sig-’5’ eclaredt- the other, naturally enough

 

     
    
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
 
    
   
     
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
    
    
    
       
      
     
      
  

 

 

 

of hlsf‘own especial tint.- “He
; "Hgnvtb'd a rawhand now—wl’ll doWn him
as. keeps, or he’ll lay me out too cold
for, skinning! ” , , . \,

Bummer Billy grinned and nodded his
tulignppreciation of the spirit ,thus dis-
,‘pl 96, adding the words: " V‘

 Good enough, an’ better yit a heap!
it.‘ comes to:\ a show-dUWn what guns
 sight shootin’ counts ferygamejw”.
tunes that ill be. the 911mm,?

9

   

   
  
 
 

   

~ without

 x that particular point through ‘

 

     

gether. “ Yonder is the man Eden sent
as his representative.”
“ Looks pritty white, too, yit he mought

ketch himself into a heap sight; better»

business,” declared Bedad, after a glance
in that direction. then coming back to
the particular point he wished to make.

“ When it comes to a show—down, boss,
jest you stick to your knittin‘ an’ never
don’t mind nothin' else. Keep both
peepers peeled wide open, an’ never
leave 'em oit' that pizen critter so long’s
a weenty kick is left into the hide 0’
him: now don’t ye. pardy! ” "

“ Eden, you mean?”

“You jest bet yer sweet life—ferever!
Jest stick to him like a blister-plaster,
boss! Don‘t you never mind arything
else. We’ll hold all the rest of ’em dead
level; yes, we will, now! "

Bummer Billy spoke with earnestness:
too much earnestness, in fact, if he
wished to escape suspicion as to his dis—
interestedness.

Arthur Crossley was a fairly easy-
going young fellow as a rule, and just
now he had far more than enough worry
and trouble to fill both brain and heart;
but this remarkable solicitude, displayed
as it was by an almost utter stranger,
turned his gloomy thoughts in a differ-
ent direction. -

He faced the.seeming tramp squarely,
one hand shooting out to grip a shoul-

der and hold Bedad steady, eyes keenly

scanning that face with its ugly mask of
stubble and dirt.

“ Who are you—what are you, any-
way?” he demanded, sternly. “Why do
you exhibit such a strong interest in me
and my affairs?”

Bummer Billy met that glowing gaze
flinching, his grin growing
broader and his eyes winking shrewdly
the While.

“Out With it, I say!” cried Crossley,
giving the fellow a bit of a shake as ad-
ditional warning. “or course you’ve
played me white so far, on the surface at
least, but-3’ .‘

“ You jest bet I hev, boss!” '

‘fI believe it myself,” admitted the
foreman, yet unshaken in his newly
formed purpose. “But that' doesn't
cover the'point. Why are you so deeply
interested in "me and my affairs, I re-
peat?” ‘

’Again Bummer Billy winked and nod-
ded, grinning equal to any proverbial
cat from Cheshire. . .

“Waal, now, partly, mahbe ’tain’t so

’mighty, much in you, as it is inmeh?
The blamedest ’

Who be I? What he I?
driest teller. in seventeen States, full 0’
dust an' drought an’ ashes an’ whirly-
gusts o’ red-hot sand fer to help parch
a pore devil’s coppers—~no less! ”‘ , p 

Another of the svl'ift changes ‘to which
the, bibulous tramp seemed partial, but
that! this one ‘vmeant something more
than a, mere evasion of art-awkward
question Arthur ,Cros‘sley quickly di-
vined. ,

He likeWise caught‘ the sound of ap—
proaching footfalls, and turned his head
far enough to gllmDSe the tall figureof
Roger pikems‘n drawing that way, while
from an opposite eye—corner he could
see that the seconds across the way had
apparently reached an understanding,
since theyptoo, were facing about. ‘

“ Tell you furder when thar’s a better
show,” hastily whispered Billy Bedad,
Just before turning to bob h‘ead and
scraps foot in hono’r'of the mining mag-
nets of Breakneckfi - ' r . 1 « i

fidger Dikeman barely recognized this
meek, tribute,,something of his real anxé
isty. revealing-itself in his slightly un-

steady tones as he addressed his sturdy
young foreman: I. "

b
" .“ Nothing gone wrong, I trust,'Cross-
ley? I saw you lingering out here, and
deemed it best to join-you in case~"

“ We. met the representative sent by
Eden... you! “see, sin]. Quickly explained
the drummers“; Maurice Them:

1“ f, .-

Ksi-

  

     
  

    

don’t ketch a weenty snort o‘ heavenly

. relieved thereby, the quartette moved on 

._ remake it a four-handled. game, with he

 

 

 ,‘Dli

’9L-i

moment before, Mr. Thompson hurrying
off in the direction of town, doubt-
less to report progress to his principal,
while Hotspur Hal came leisurely toward l.
his friends with smiling visage.

“Well?” asked Mr. Dikeman, unable
to wholly suppress his anxiety over the
outcome. -

“About as well as you could expect to
have it, anyway," declared the Sport
from Hard Luck. “Mr. Thompson ,
showed himself the perfect gentleman. "1}
Wish I might say as much for his prin- ;
cipal, but I always did despise a liar!” * i

“You agreed upon terms, then, Ar~ ,_
lington? " asked Crossley. ‘3‘

“We (lid, and if the result isn‘t a jolly " ' '
little circus, then I’ll nbver make a pre—
diction again! You‘ve got to down the ;
rascal. pardner: just naturally got to 
down him, now! ”

“I’ll do my level best, you can de~ ,
pend on that,” grimly vowed the ’l‘ouch— is
stone foreman. “When and how are
we to meet?” ‘

“Just as soon as we can get together
comfortably, with guns. Wait for the
word. 'Then fire and go as you please
for the rest of it.”

\

CHAPTER XVI. 

 

A FIGHT TO A FINISH.

The Hard Luck Sport uttered this san-
guinary speech mach as he might have 
announced a most innocent merrymak- ‘53
ing, and Roger .Dikeman shrunk away
from him with a little shiver; but not
so Arthur Crossley. '

His dark eyes glowed vividly and his *1
face filled with a fierce ardor which spoke ‘
illy for the future of the Breakneck
gambler.

“Good! You couldn’t have edited me
better, Arlington! I don’t want there to
be the ghost of a chance for a slip—up
on it. I‘ll kill Saul Eden, r go down in
death myself!” ' ‘ ;

“ Make it him, boss; an’ I’ll ’g‘ree for
to do the holleri-n" on.our side,” cheer—
fully cut in Bummer Billy. “ An' then
we'll all git stone-blind drunk! I kin
feel—oh. grief o’ mournin’ despair! Br I

 .3.;......-.;.,s~;.i. ,.
. ~Mia~mwhgckxn ..... .m.

.M..i.-.._....'::‘}

.k‘ .v—v-mw v§~k¢lw

delight an’ concentrated bliss afore long,
thar’ll be a pore, lonesome corpus onto
your han’s; yes, they jest will, now! ”
“Brace up for a little longer. Billy, ,
and after we’ve reached the crowing pitch- .,
you shall have enough bug-juice to go  53;
swimming in, if you want it that way," j ~ - 
gaily declared the Hptnpur. ’1»; t 2 (it i
“Holy smoke o" sackerfizin' Abra— , ‘, .‘ ,i
ham! ",gasped the bummer, staggering ' i
like one under a burden of dizzy deli T.
“ Don’t-—-don’t ye talk that-a—way, pai y,
onless ye really’ want for to see me go
up like a b,'loon.o"mqnumental bliss an’ ' .
——grap ’a. hill? an’ pull me down ai'o' I git 
clean out of! reach; somebody! ” rig .
Even'Roger ‘Dikeman was obliged to “
smile faintly at this ridiculous exhibirion, ., i , 
thegtramp seemed so thoroughly in ear- ‘ ' fl 5
unit; and with the awkwardness a trifle: '

.1. K; ' sad—.46.!

‘is—M’M

«mo-4p... .

in th'edirection of town. * ". ‘ Ii. 7 J"
 While on their, way Hotspur,‘Hal “en-7
tered a; little more into detail, explaining ‘
how they had reached an understand-- , .>
ing as to the duel, declaring that in all 
his past experience he’had seldom met "
up, with" aumme agreeable adversarv
than this .tMr. Thompson. ~ _

‘ “.I told him its-much: I really couldn’t
help it, you see? He pleased ime so}. i
might}! mUCh that, to prove it, I offered, ' ‘



,4. “‘6‘”. .. . “Mia-film‘s" ’“’ ‘M

. .V'JM‘JJ .V i.  .

don’t you know, he actually seemedeser
-—«well, if not exactly shocked, might)!
nigh it! ” " ‘ l‘ *
Crossley laughed at this characteristic
speech, then saying: , '  v '-
“I can imagine oor Thompson’s face
when you“ said it at. .Ariington! He's
clean white, and sandy enough as the rule A . ~
runs, but he'd just as, soon. take. a. head“ ,“* k
entrom a tall tree-top £8120 Playfpflnci‘ ' i" ' '
‘1 l v 11 likmliwit  g 
Q? 1“

and I to «hold up the other points!” ind . i. 
i

 

  
   
     
 

  

  
       
    
  
   
   
  
     
   
   
   
 
   
  
     
  
     
  
   
    
    
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
    
    
    
  
    
    
  
       
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
      

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this, brows arching in surprise as he
looked and listened. ‘

“ You don‘t say so! But—why shouLl
such a fire—eater as Saul Eden elect him as
a. second, then? 1 can‘t understand that
part of it! "

“ 'l‘o tack on a bit of decent respema—
bility, perhaps," dryly suggested the
Touchstone foreman. “ But—here we are,
and from the looks of it, we’ll have no
lack of witnesses!”

And so it surely seemed.

All Breakneek seemed astir, and from
the many curious looks cast their way,
the newcomers readily divined the truth:
that already the prospective fight to a
finish had become known, and the fac-
tions were so soon taking sides as to
the final outcome.

It did not take many minutes to decide
one fact: Saul Eden could count up the
greater numbers of adherents, although
the better dressed, more reputable seem-
ing citizens, Were as a rule, in favor of
his adversary. ‘

Although street fighting was by no
means a novelty in Breakneck, while an
occasional “stiff” was supplied by one
of the sundry free-and-easy resorts where
the sportively inclined population as a
rule passed their leisure hours away, a
regular duel, conducted fairly under the
code of honor, was something to stir
sluggish blood.

Saul Eden was distinctly visible, for he
was notable figure under almost any
circumstances, and while he himself was
coldly reserved, there was an abundance
of his money flaunting in view.

In no other section does the gambling
fever run higher or more reckless, and
now loud offers of light odds were being
cried aloud that Saul Eden would “ come
out jay-bird! ”

One enthusiastic partisan even rushed
up to Hotspur Hal with both hands full
of both coin and paper, tauntingly
“shooting off his mouth.”

“ Five to fo r in any figures that Eden
downs Cross ey without half trying!
Money talks, and I’m its mouthpiece!
FIVe to‘four, and itching for a taker!
Where's the Grossley men? You look
like one of ’em,. pard? ”

“May I ask why you think so, dear
fellow? ” ,

“ Oh, you. look so blame miserable and
down in the mouth," frankly answered
the citizen, amid a wild Chorus of yells
and laughter.

The Hard Luck Sportlwas quite as will—
ing to take as to give, and joined easily
in the laugh at- his own expense, al-
though he saw the gambler was smiling
maliciously at that discomfiture as he
surely deemed it.

Moving a little nearer where Eden was
standing, Hotspur l-lal gave a nod which
brought the odds-layer eagerly that way
with his money, crying out as he came:

“All you lacked was a bit of nerve,
pardnerfiand I reckoned I knew how to
touch that up. Here you are: five to
four that Saul Eden comes out on top
of the heap, and even money that he
kills his man without a- serious hurt
himself! Or—I’ll take two to one that
he lays Crossley out cold without a break
of his own skin! ”

__The fellow seemed almost viciously in,

earnest, 'bu-t Hotspur Ha‘l was cool as
ice where the other grew hot and hotter.

“ I never gamble on human life, stran-
ger, from principle,” he said, making
each word distinct tomore ears than
those he will * ostensibly addressing.
" But there's one thins I’m‘-ready to do,
and that is this: “ , ‘

“ if you are really-honing to gamble,

' I’ll back nerve and genuine manhood to

a finish. ,Shall I propose such a test,,Mr_.
Eden? 3' turning squarely upon the preak-
neckSport and bowing easily. -’

In spite of his nerve, the gambler gave

‘a little start at this unexpected shaft,

andichanged color perceptibly before he
could find the right ansvverlto giVe this

audacious stranger. 1 .
“One thing at a time, if you please,"
his retort. mme,,,h'arshl)'. -"V After .I have
i ‘ ' . ,(orgood,

   
 
 

,12'
= _ 3

 

gel that 

be time enough to tackle another~—of
your size and dimensions! "

“Thanks, awfully. A fellow can‘t give
greater compliment to another than to
call him after his own model,“ coolly re—
torted the lioispur, genial as a. June
morning. “ As for the rest of it, I’ll bear
your implied promise in mind. for l‘ll be
only too happy to read you a lesson at
any time, on any terms.“

“ You crow loud for a dung-hill, sir! "

“I can gaff as Well as crow. which is
where i hold the advantage over Mr.
Eden. But now——to business, gentlc~
men! ”

Saul Eden shrugged shoulders like one
who disdains to follow up a retreating
adversary. and again the Sport from
Hard Luck lifted his voice so that all
might take note and act accordingly.

” Quiet and order, gentlemen all! Mr.
Thompson will kindly make known the
terms and conditions agreed upon be—
fore we proceed further.”

Instant calm succeeded that half—riot,
and taking advantage of the opening
offered, Maurice Thompson sprung upon
an empty barrel standing handy, speak-
ing distinctly to the eager listeners.

“I don’t suppose there is any need of
my telling you just how this little dis—
agreement came about, my friends,” he
began, speaking easily. “What‘ you
most wish to know I take it, is just
how that quarrel is to be wound up; and
right here you have the terms and con-
ditions.” r ‘

“ The tools are to be revolvers, own-
er‘s choice, and two per man. The dis-
tance will be from one corner of the
street to the next one, as a starter. At
the Word the principals will be at liberty
to open fire from that range, or to ad-
vance at will, just as seems wisest to
each. And] after‘the' word has been
given, no ,man from the outside can
interfere or aid, except one of the men
goes down, and'then only his second,
until that second is willing to admit his
principal is fairly worsted."

As he proceeded, Mr. Thompson found
his tongue growing just a bit tangled
up, yet he contrived to make his mean-
ing fairly clear to the interested audi—
ence, which, after all, was . the main
point. | .» 5

As Thompson stepped down from his
perch, Hotspur Hal promptly leaped that
way, speaking clearly and terselyz.

“One further word, gbntlemen. This
is a fight to the finish, remember.\ Once
started, it must go on until one or both
of the principals go down in death or
disability. Of that disability, we, the
seconds, are to be sole‘judges. If any
other man interferes in any manner be-
fore the fight ends fairly, Mr. Thomp-

.Son ,and myself have sworn to use our

guns without mercy.”

“‘ And we will shoot to kill," forcibly
declared the gentleman named.

Hotspur Hal stepped down from the
barrel, only to have his place instantly
taken by Bummer Billy Bedad, who Was
greeted with a great howl of mingled
cheers and derision. * . ‘

Little the tramp cared for that, swing-
ing ragged hat high in air as be fairly
howfled for the the amendmenthe wished
to make. - i ‘ ’ .

" An' ef ary one-0’ the *two gents lays '
down ’thout ketchin’a blue Pm inflide'

o’ himself, he’s to be declared the loser

o’ the fight, an’ then kicked clean out o'

Breakneck, as a durned fraudé—amen!”
“Agreed on my side”. quickly cried

Hotspur Hal.

Thompson, pray?" ' r  7

~ “ Agree to anything and everything,”

impatiently cried the gambler, with'a'

t

gesture to his second. ’i‘ I‘m. in alfhurry‘

to get this thingrover, for I’ve an en-
gagement which I can’t well postpone.’_’

” With Rough House, is it? ” malicious;
ly retorted the Sport from Hard Luck,
but if Eden heardshe‘paidv‘no outward
heed." ‘
v These 9

 
  
  
  
  

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“ How is it'with you, Mr.‘

The principals were escorted at once
to their respective stations, already
marked out, the crowd ranging itself to
will, both with an eye to [safety and a.
fair view of the coming circus.

\Vhilc placing his man, Arlington took
covert occasion to feel his hand and
pulse, finding them steady and firmer
far than he had any expectation.‘

“You‘ll do, partincr," he declared, with
a brief chuckle which gave evidence of
relief in no small measure. “ Don’t
spare your first shots, but Send ’em in. - u
swift. There’s plenty to fall back on,:
and even a snap-shot, may turn his toes:
up when you wouldn’t expect it.”

“Spend your worriment on Eden, my.
friend, for it‘s lost on me." coolly as-i
sured the Touchstone foreman. “ I' mean: 7
to kill or to cripple him. The first, for; T '
choice, but either way, Saul Eden goes?
down this day!” ‘ .

“That's the way to talk it, pardnei‘!‘ '
And now—all eyes open! I give the word,
but you've got to do the rest! ” 4

With that by way of final warning the}
Hotspur fell back, lifting an armed right}; .
hand as he took position where he could,» ’;
command both ends of. that list, eyed», :
flashing back and forth to make sure a111,“ "
was in readiness ere the fatal word; '
should pass his lips. ‘

A breathless pause, then— i

“ Ready! Fire! ”

The instant that signal passed Arling-‘ty,
ton’s lips the duelists sprungo into mo-J-
tion, Saul Eden running at speed toward
his enemy, yet darting erratically from‘
side to side in order to confuse the aim
of his rival if possible, his own revolver
barking viciously at almost every bound; 

0n the contrary. Crossley made but a,
couple of long, swift strides, then came"
0 a. halt, with pistol—arm rising" straight
and stiff in front of himself, lingering a 
moment or two for surer aim before he
fired. ‘ ,_ ’ 3

Twice the Touchstone foreman, fired. .. "
without checking his rival, who'stisec ' ‘
ond revolver had already come into pia“ “a.
then, with an involuntary. cry Which ,
spoke volumes, Arthur Crds'sley dropped « -
his smoking pistol, and feillto earth
while Hotspur Hal leaped forWard, cry
ing sternly:  ‘g

“ Hold! ’on your. lives! .My 1 para i
down and the fight is ended! " . '

m-

 

 

CHAPTER XVII. , \

AN mrsncaaxon or communism} 

' Only a trifle less prompt to take 
tion was Maurice Thompsdn, that‘ge‘a
tleman. waiting barely long enough re
all to see that the Sport from Hard
was taking the initative.  
There was an outcry from -.the j ,
spectators, and an instinctive, _ .
the direction of the fallen duelist, but
thanks to the prompt action taken by '
seconds, that rush was} checked-in ~‘i ‘
incipiency. . » , -  a
“ Hold your places, everybody!” shfl
ly cried the citizen who seconded ’ 
Sport of Breakneck, shaking 
aboVe his head (by Way of sddin ,
phasis to his speech. “ Fair play,
Clemen; Give Mr. Crossley appease
decide—7" - l  i ‘ . »  . :ij ~
A deep-pitched roar from all 319% ,
double lines fairly‘i‘dro'wned those 
' intentitmed words}. for all could see:
this time that the Thuohstone fo‘, _
had not gone down without good,  _
red blood was flowing in no mean u , .
titles. even before swiftiyemoving...’
spur could reach the side of; his
lawless friend. » ‘ r 
Saul‘ Eden stopped short as“ kg.
staggered and fell, now in a‘ufiercey, ' "
crouching attitude, with gun no;
a curved arm, finger on trigger
double sight in pitilee'n‘lineyit ,

m
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ing the fallen man as he lay in his owu
blood. ,
“ You’ve Caught it—hird!” cried Ar—
Iington, in a tone of fierce chagrin, as
he won the side of his principal to see
the red blood flowing from right breast.
“Caught it through and through, worse
luck! ”
Turned sick and faint by that stinging
yet benumbing stroke of lead, Crossley
had fallen like a man who had lost his
lower limbs all in a breath; but even
so quickly he began to rally, choking back
a groan and crying out in fierce if shaken
tones:
“No, no! I’m not—I can fight form-
"Iet me up and—1’ ,
“ Steady, pardner! ” cried the Sport,
catching the wounded (luelist in his
strong yet tender grasp. “You‘re hit
'too mighty hard for any further play,
so——go easy, son! ”
But Crossley struggled with rallying
force, his husky tones growing clearer
. and his voice rising higher in his savage
.> chagrin. ‘
“No, I say! Let me up. Hands off,
 Ior I can—ready there, Saul Eden! "
“ Give the hot—headed. fool his will,
can’t you, there?” shrilly cried the
Breakneck gambler, still crouching with
gun at a level and death in his heart.
v “There's .plenty more hot stufl where
that dose came from, and I don’t know a
man ’twixt sea and sea to whom I’d
rather gite it! ” '
1 None who heard and saw could for an
instant'doubt his complete sincerity, but
» while a number of his adherents cheered
' '-~‘both speaker and sentiment, other voices
’ were raised against any such brutal
finish. . '
' And Roger Dikeman, rallying with an
.«effort from the dismay into which he had
‘ifallen at sight of his foreman’s luckiess
“plight, now broke from the rank and
‘strode in front of the gambler with up-
«. lifted hand, voice stern and even men-
‘/ acingt-‘fis'he spoke:
“ Stop! This has gone far enough—too
"fat! Crossleyis not fit to fight further, and
, old as I am, I'll .hold the man responsi-
” f‘ble who is brute enough to insist on an-
‘other shot! "
Resolved though he was to resume the
"fight withoutdelay, Crossley turned faint
and dizzy as‘ those powerful arms closed
bout his body to check his worse than
fieolish efforts; and then Hotspur Hal
xcalled loudly for profession! aid and
'i’assistance.
That was speedily proffered, and with
~v’but' little more than a glance at the
'ound, Dr. Green gave his opinion after
fashion which left no room for doubt
“or indecision. _ " k
, a“ The fight is off, gentlemen! " he cried
Bout in tones which all might hear. “ Mr.
Crossley is too seriously injured to hold
a gun. much less to use it to defend his
‘own or to take another man's life." .
,i‘Do the best“ you can for him, doc-
oi',” urged the Sport from Hard Luck,
his position as Mr. Dikeman
_ " I’ll be with you shortly, but
tier nw~”‘ " . x ' ,
’ » {That sentence was left incomplete, but
as lie- drew back. the Hotspur lifted ham-
mer of pistol far enough to clear>the
:_ cylinder, then twii'kd "the death-recaps
""tscle'over a flattened palm, thus making
” info the Weapon was in good working
orden '  ~, *
' ngvken so quickly a score or more of
, ‘mevseryers. were coking about the vic-
torious duellst, o ering their congratu-
g ations and vowing thatvSaul Eden had
’ "'irhepriy good wishes ’from the word,
‘ wwe'come enough all this was, for the
'.  mbl‘er' had his little weaknesses in
 minon with all mankind. ‘ ,
He knew. too, that he had gained very
ttle credit, in the—Rough Hausefiffa ,
i  same morning,.oiice the citizens had
 time to sum the matter up, and
hawpuld*.help even credit once more. .4
"ill, 'thqugh, plainly enjoying this ll —
ratios, the Sport of ‘Breakneck s

   
  

   

 

  

   

   

his way, gun in hand and seemingly
bent on business of greater importance
than that of congratulating the victor.

“ Don’t bar the way, gentlemen,” quick-
ly commanded the gambler, his flush fad~
ing but otherwise showing no signs of
fear or of reluctance to meet that com—
ing.

"0h, there’s no especial rush, gentle-
men," declared the Sport, either catch-
ing word or guessing the truth from that
instinctive falling aside.

“You are looking for
Mr. Arlington? ”

“And having found you, Mr. Eden,
permit me to say a word or two," came
the cool rejoinder as the Sport still ad-
vanced, but without making any warlike
movement further than that of still hear-
ing revolver drawn in hand.

“ What is it you want? "

“To complete my duty, first of all,
and that comes pretty much like this:
The doctor pronounces my principal too
seriously disabled to resume the fight
where ’twas broken off.”

“If you wish my sympathy—”

“I really wouldn’t know what to do
with it," frankly vowed the Hotspur,
with just the hint of a smile upon his
strong and comely visage.

“Then, what else are you after? ”

“ Are you satisfied With the manner in
which we have conducted our end of
this little affair, Mr. Eden?" asked the
Spbrt in a tone of almost painful polite-
ness.

“ One moment, please,” with a fair imi-
tation of that hearing. “Did I under-
stand you to say that Mr. Crossley was—
dead?"

" No, please the fates! ”

“Well, sir, then I’ll answer your ques-
tion as bluntly as ’twas put," deliber—
ately spoke the Breakneck representa-
tive. “ I am better satisfied with the con-
duct of your end than I am with my
own! " ' I

“ Indeed! All of which’ means? ”

“ That i meant to lay your man out
too cold for skinning, and feel like curs-
ing‘myself for making so bad a botch
of it all! ” declared the man of cards,
viciously.

f‘That's more the tone of a butcher
than of a gentleman. but I’m not so aw-
fully particular while among strangers,
and so—I'll be only too happy to make
believe I’m Arthur Crossley if you are
still thirsty for gore, Mr. Eden."

, Hotspur Hal spoke with bland polite-
ness on the surfaCe, but underneath it
lay a stern emphasis which none who
heard or saw could for an instant doubt.

A bit of a flush crept into the gam-
bler's naturally; pale face, but like a
man who has marked out a line of ac-
tion from which he cannot be shaken,
Saul Eden shook his head, then re—
torted: .

“ You‘i‘e too kind for any sort of use.
Mr. Arlington, but it’s against my rule
to eat more than one square meal at \a
time."

“ But not to take water? "

"Then; too, I never fight a person of
unknown pedigree,” persisted the gam-
bler, insolently. “Go gather up your
best credentials, my pretty. fellow. Sub-
mit them to any reputable citizens and
secure their, endoresement, then call
again.

“ In which particular hole would I. find
you, pray? Are you as much of a water-
rat as your side-pardoer‘, Rough House? ”

“ Who I a , What I am, is a matter 'of
record, and no loiw sneers of yours can
affect that record," retorted Eden. ‘f The
point in questionds whether or no you
are entitled to recognition at the hands
,0! an honorable gentleman. Am I right,
men of Breakneck? " ‘

A prompt chorus declared his point
was well taken, but Hotspur Hal was in
nowlse"abashed, and quickly came again
‘with a verbal shaft. , , ’.

“All ‘ lght.,Mr. Eden, and while you

I
me, of course.

.&,.sehtle hints-as. to what lam
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pies against fighting both rolled into
one. Sty—please remember that I am
ready for a fight to the,finish whenever
you are.“

Again Bummer Billy forged to the front
just when a relief was a boon to be
thankful for, giving a husky war-whoop
and wildly gesticulating with both arms
as he issued his latest manifesto.

“ An' hyar 1 be, Bummer Billy Bedad.
the ’riginal dry man from parch-throat!
The fust gent as ever won the ge-lorious
title of Bummer from Atlanta to the sea.
—and so forth! The ’ventor of seventeen
dif‘rent ways 0’ gittin' stone blind drunk
on next to nothin’ when more wasn’t to
he hed! An'—hear me, ye pizen-hysters,
all!

“Right hyar I be, Bummer Billy Be-
dad, cocked an’ primed an’ more'n ready
fer to fight ary galoot in this sweet-
scented crowd—at my own game, that
is! ” ,

“At your own game? And that is—
bluff and bluster! "

“Aughi” in a tone of utter disgust,
then swelling front to give greater effect
to the climax, he added: “Keg of good
whisky on tap in the middle, with gobs
0’ free lunch on the side! Who kin—”

A burst of laughter at this ridiculous
capsheaf to the more earnest challenges
which had been flying back and forth
so freely, helped to cover the retreat of
Saul Eden, and once more the Hotspur
from Hard Luck was cheated out of his
friendly fight!

CHAPTER XVIII.
norsrt'n HAL OFFERS Ills SERVICES.

While this well—intentiOned effort to
play even was goin on, Dr. Green was
busied with the luc less duelist, laying
bare that broad breast the better to learn
just how seriously Arthur Crossley had
been wounded.

Roger Dikeman, face plainly betraying
his deep anxiety, acted as volunteer as-
sistant, and it was in answer‘ to his im-
ploring eyes that the man ,-of medicine
spoke, after a. bit. ‘

“It’s a bad injury, but not necessarily
fatal, my dear sir. The lead has passed
clear through, which is one point in his
favor, while his natural constitution is
of the best."

“ I'm all right!” huskily muttered the
foreman, striving again to regain his\
feet. , “My gun—I can—that devil shall
never—«” . , .

Kindly hands held him powerless. No
great feat, thanks to the benumbing ef-
fects of that unfortunate shot, not» yet

vworn off.

“Much will depend upon the care and
nursing, of course," added the doctor,
and if this was meant for a hint, ’twas
swiftly acted upon;

“ Nothingshall be lacking, either, doc-1
tor," assured the mine owner. “At my
house—he can be removed, you think?”

:‘.‘ He must be, and the sooner the bet-
ter.” ‘

By this time Hotspur Hal was at liber-
ty to serve, thanks to the more or less
orderly retreat of his especial game, Saul
Eden, and with’ a hustler- of his caliber
to superintend, arrangements were quick-
ly made. .

At the same time a hint let fall on the
side gave Roger Dikemanphis cue, and
the/mine owner spoke up at once:

,“ I'll go ahead and arrange for his re-
ceptionpdoctor. Come as soon as you

can,\but-—above all else—think of tha,

poor boy first!" , .

Aided by Billy Bedad, Hotsp‘ur Hal
quickly improvised a fairly comfortable
litter upon “which the wounded duelist
was placed with care, and then the’little
procession moved away in the direction
of the Dikeman residence, there being no
lack of volunteer bearers. ,

The jitirnsw was safely made, and Ar-
thur Crossley bore the ordeal fully as

Well as the doctor could have expected, j 7
but 'twas a ,vastly. different return “from

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That was a bitter point, indeed, and the
poor fellow seemed to feel his defeat by
one so fiercely hated, even more keenly
than he did the wound itself, severe
though that apparently was.

The shock must have been a severe
one for Phyllis, but the girl showed true
 1‘ metal, bearing up bravely when the
' critical test came, and forcing a smile
, for her lover’s eyes rather than bedew—
v; 3 ing him with tears.

; The Hard Luck Sport was particularly
impressed by this show of feminine
l, nerve, and after the injured man was
 put in bed, and his wound given more

careful attention, Dr. Green declaring

v _ that his condition was even more favora-
;’ ble than he had at first dared believe,
i the Sport from Hard Luck took a turn
at cheering the despondent duelist.

“Of course it cuts deep to be bested
by a our of that breed, pardner, but one
trick isn't a whole game, and the next
one will all the more surely come your
way.

“ And then, if you look at it in the
best light. why, man dear, you are to be
congratulated and envied rather than
not! "

Crossley groaned moodily, for his hori-
zon seemed anything rather than rose-
tinted just then. .

“Laid up in elegant quarters, with
the best the land provides, and a blue—
eyed angel to play nurse. I’d take a blue
pill on the same conditions, and give a
he-old thanky-me’am into the bargain! ”

Having done what he could here, after
this fashion, Hotspur Hal would have
beaten ‘a retreat through fear of intrud-
ing'on good nature, but Roger Dikeman
in lowered tones begged the Sport to
await his coming in," the little office be-
low stairs. _,

Here Arlington spent the next half-
hour Or so, smoking a cigar and review-
ing the recent incidents Which had as-
sumed such a powerful interest for him
since that first meeting with Arthur
Crossley out In the hills to the north
of Breakneck.

And here the mine owner found him
when, after seeing Crossley drop off into
a doze, mainly through weakness from
loss of blood. "

So much‘he stated in answer to the
question put him by the Sport from
Hard Luck,“ then adding:

 “Dr. Green prefers to watch with him
cl for a while, although he declares that he
is very much pleased with the prospect,
so far.” '

“ He’ll pull through, of course?"

“No doubt about that, unless blood-
poisoning should set in. And that is
' hardly probable, thanks to Arthur’s good
‘ . blood and clean life.”

’ “‘He's white, clean white, or I never

. saw one of the breed,” heartily declared
the Hotspur.

“ Indeed hevis. sir!

i, spare him just nowi "

, These words came as though involun-

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of runeasiness which plainly wore sadly
upon the mine owner.
Although the whole stery had not yet
been told within his hearing. Arlington
’ had seen and heard sufficient to give a'
a ' »‘ tolerany accurate guess at the situation,
‘ ' and having already reached a determina-
tion, made up bones about coming to the
point. *- ,
, “Without trying Just that way, Mr-
, ‘_ Dikeman, I'Ve learned considerable about
i ' the 'way matters areshaping, and so—
; if I can be ofvanynservice to'you while
 Crossley is laid up in lavenderpcom-
’ t; mand me, please.”
jgf Roger Dikeman flushed a bit. then
‘ “I. turned pale as before. He seemed rather
~ 5 ' at a loss for words. but presently they
icame, hesitatinle: i '
“of course, I'm grateful for the.kind
. offer, sir, but-I really don't—I can't see
Just how you can be of material service."
" Well, since Ctossley is out of the ring
, ‘for a week or more, ypu surely ought
to have some one to do the rough work.
and, if I_ do: say it nu'twlfn you might

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pick up a worse fellow than my moth-
er’s son. So, once more, if I can aid you
in any manner, I'll gladly chip in.”

“I don’t ’see how you can,” still hesi—
tating. “It‘s a vile conspiracy against
me and mine from start to finish! I be—
lieve—I have good reasons for believing
it all a devilish scheme to freeze me

out of the Touchstone property; the
cream of all my holdings, too!”
“ As how?” coolly asked the Sport

from Hard Luck.

Arlington seemed to take it for granted
that no further doubt could be enter-
tained as to himself, his record, or his
honon

To give him the full credit one, he was
tensely in earnest, and would balk at
nothing by means of which he could
thoroughly discontfit Saul Eden and that
worthy's satellites.

Dikeman gave a nervous start and
shiver, but still seemed afraid to bestow
implicit trust and confidence on this off-
hand stranger.

Hotspur Hal was shrewd enough to
read all this aright, but if anything it
strengthened his desire to come in on
the ground floor.

A thoroughly fearless, steel-nerved
and cool-witted man of action himself,
he felt that Roger Dikeman, granting
him all credit due, was not the right man
to play the leading hand against an ad-
versary like Saul Eden, where the stakes
ran so desperately high.

For these reasons he showed himself
more persistent than otherwise would
have suited his taste; and now, leaning
a bit nearer the mine owner, Arlington
spoke in earnest tones: ,

“I don’t Want to crowd you against
your will, Mr. Dikeman, and I wouldn't
open my head again, only for one thing.
I like Arthur Crossley. I never saw him,
never even heard his name mentioned
before last night. But I like him down
to the ground! "

“ He‘s a good lad: good lad and true! "
muttered the mining magnate. “ He has
acted as my general foreman and repre-
sentative for so long that I feel com-
pletely lost‘ without him. He has been
my right hand, and now—I'll miss him,
dreadfully! ” r

“A good right hand, too, or I miss
my guess," cordially declared the Hard
Iluck representativem

" So good that I can hardly espect to
replace him, and so— His being so se-
-riously disabled just atrthis time leaves
me with hardly a hope to cling fast by! "
despondently muttered Mr. Dikeman,
head drooping and fingers nervously in-
terlacing the while.

Hotspur Hal saw his chance and in-
stantly caught at it, speaking in frankly
earnest tones: .

“ Of course I realize that I can't exact-
ly fill his shoes, Mr. Dikeman, but if you
will give me the chance I’ll hold the
place as best I know how until‘ Crossley
can get abroad once more."

" What?‘ You surely can't meon—"

" But I‘surely do mean just that," de-
clared the Sport with ‘a smile and a nod
as the mine owner broke oil in sheer
surprise; “ Why not? I'm out of a regn-
lal‘ 10b just now, and while I’ve'had no

a mining outfit, I've got grit to spare

and plenty of what the Mexicanscail

s‘abe. , ‘
“ Unless I’m widely mistaken in what

with‘Crossley last night, you want a man
to take the front and hold things fairly
level. I’m that man. and so—give me
the position of foreman until Crossiey
'can serve you again, Kr. Dikeman." ‘
’Not until now could the troubled old
gentleman think this dashing stranger
in good earnest, but now as eye met eye
and mind touched mind, he read a good-
ly portion of the,trulth in those frank.
honest, b Ve blue eyes, and all doubts
and further hesitation fled forever. '
; He impulsively reached. forth a hand,
nd as Hotspur Hal gripped it warmly,
his boat spoke in earnest tones:

i "

 

 

 

   

1‘ It's a bargain, no 3: tier. what your

1

practical experience in. superintending

has come my way since I first met up-

      
    
    
  
   
  
  
    
  
   
  
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
    
   
  
   
 
  
    
    
  
    
  
   
     
  
  
    
   
   
    
  
  
  
   
    
  
      
   
  
 
    
  

terms of payment may be, sir! I feel that.
I can trust you, from start to finish! "

“ Without bragging on myself, Mr. I
Dikeman, I’m safe in saying this much:' r
of my own free will I’ll never give you
cause for regretting this confidence,” de-
clared the Man from Hard Luck.

“If I can't help, be sure I'll not hin-
der. But I sincerely believe that I can
be of service to you; almost as much as
Crossley might, only for this unfortunate
injury.” '

“ If you will, sir, and matters turn out.
anything like they should in common
justice, I’ll make this the most profitable
employment you ever found.” the mine
owner assured.

“We’ll talk about payment after I’ve
rendered some service to deserve it. Now ‘
—the loss of this mOney hits you hard,
don‘t it? ”

“ So hard that it means financial ruin—-
or even worse! " ‘

 

CHAPTER XIX.
THE 'I‘OUIU‘HSTONE AFFAIR.

This was but little worse than Hot-'
spur Hal had imagined, so far as the
mere statement of fact, but he hardly
looked for so complete a breakdown on.
the part of his present host.

Roger Dikeman looked like one gifted.-
with an iron will, and rather more than; '
less the average nerve; but now he
drooped as one utterly despondent, who '
feels that his last frail hope has ruthless- . .,
ly been withdrawn. ""

Under ordinary circumstances he would
have let nature take its courSe, know-
ing that time would fetch all things
right; but with the inkling he had that -
day gained as to the undercurrent, Ar~ '
lington felt that every hour lost was
just so much to the enemy’s benefit.

“ Now, you’re jumping right in the face
of a pet motto of mine, Mr. Dikeman, and
we surely can’t afford to handicap our ,
own game. You can’t win if you don’t‘
play, and you can’t play if you throw up
the game in advance. So—take a brace
and let's have a square look at our cards.
just as an earnest.” ..j .
' At another time, and under almost. .
any other conditions, Roger Dikeman
would have resented such cool, almost. ’4'
patronizing talk; but just now he felt so ,
sorely in need of,a.id and comfort that 
the Sport's off-hand chatter served as a
tonic. ' .

“ What is it you wish me to do or to"
say, then?" he asked, liftingth and} ,
“taking a brace” by an evident effort. ..
of will-power. '

“ Post me as to just how the tangfe‘
came about. Give me a fair idea 0 the
trouble, that I may best know ho or
apply the remedy," promptly answered;
the Man from Hard-Luck.

A brief silence. during which Mr. Diked
‘man seemed ' collect his
thoughts, lor trying to determine just:
how far he ought to trust this compel-ore"
tifiedstranger; then the mine owner com-w
p e . -' ,

’He spoke of a valuable silver-bearing".
property called the Touchstone, the flee.»
velopment of which had gone far 
building up Breakneck itself, butwliiéh
thanks tO'a most unfortunate~ combing.-
tion of circumstances of late. had be-
come almost too costly a possession.

For fully six months past the'T‘ouch»,
stone record had been little more than"
one continuous string of accidents and",
mishaps, none of which were so serious;
as to ruin the mine tbtally,, but, taken”
together, for more than ate up all profits
besides draining heavily, the pocket: 
its sole owner. . '

Hotepnr Hal listened quietly to all thing“
permitting the mine owner to tannin
story after his own. fashion; but, now
as Roger Dikeman passed with anoihw
gloomy sigh, Arlington spot... duly; _,

“Accidents are mighty my to” color
trive. don’t you know!" 7  «
 “ Yes. I know now, but until quite”- :
easily I acre hold a suspicion that 
thing worse ~ an a streak of ill-luck an!
at‘work." ’ _ '- ‘ ,2
s'“m nowf'“  ‘

   
  
 
 
   
    
  

         
       
       
  

 
 
 

I .

       
 

 

    
    

  

   

 

U.

V ment.

1

7' due.

'22

The Sport from Hard Luck.

 

“I believe ’tis all a concerted scheme
to get hold of my property, and the
Touchstone in particular. I belieVe they
are trying to freeze me out, but—lid
rather die! "

“While I‘d rather turn the freezing
mixture just the contrary way," declared
the Sport from Hard Luck as an amend—
“That would be a change from
the ordinary trick of making it hot for
’em, anyway.”

Roger Dikeman smiled faintly as that
mellow laugh came, and Hotspur felt
fairly well content. Even so soon his
cheery manner was having the desired
effect, and his now-employer was begin-
ning to brace up. -

Mr. Dikeman went on to detail sev-
eral of the annoying mishaps which had
taken place of late, causing loss of time
and the expenditure of no little money.

“And that has become unpleasantly
scarce of late,” he added, tones growing
harder as they became stronger and
steadier. “ No matter what the security
offered, cash seems to be fairly unat-
tainable in this place, and as cash we had
to have, we took the only other course
open—tried to fetch it in from outside.”

This was drawing closer the particular
point in which Arlington felt an interest,
but he made no remark, though his blue
eyes caught a keen glint as of sunlight
on polished steel. ,

“I tried it twice, the first time send-
ing Crossley, as it seemed more con—
venient for him to leave town than for
myself. Of course I know he did his level
best, for—”

“It’s a little way he has, I fancy,”
commented the Sport, with a nod of ap—
proval.

“ No man living could have done bet-
ter under the same conditions," declared
Mr. Dikeman, like one who was only
giving honor where credit was fairly
“ The stage was held up, all aboard
being taken completely by surprise, and
Crossley was robbed with the other pas-
sengers.“

“ That might condemn him in the esti-
mation of a tenderfoot who never had the
exquisite pleasure of hearing ‘ hands up.‘
coming over the muzzle of mighty busi—
ness like guns,” quoth Hotspur, with a
wry grimace, “but I’ve been there my—
self!”

“And so have I,” declared the mine
owner, with a short, harsh laugh, which

.contained not even the suspicion of hi-

larity. “For the second venture along
that line was my own, and—I lost it all! ”

“ Yet they say that lightning never
strikes twice in the same place, and real—
ly expect 11s to believe it!"

“A bolt from the blue would hardly
have hurt me worse,” gloomily said the
mine owner, brows contracted as he sat
staring across the room with eyes that
took no note of what they rested upon
just then. “Each time the money was
sorely needed, and .each failure left me so
'much the worse off—well, ruin might
'better have come then than now! "

“ Oh, we’re miles away from that ugly
station, my dear sir,” cheeriiy declared
the newly elected foreman of the Touch-
stone.

“ If you knew—why not? I’ve said too
much not to make a clean breast of it

'.all,‘so here you have it, Mr. Arlington.

“ With Arthur Crossley to back me 11p
I tried every possible means of keeping
my head above water, and at the same
'time hold on , to my property. We
kept the Touchstone working in spite
of all accidents, but then, just when that
double loss pinched me closest, the men
employed there went out on strike,
swearing that they would not work, nor
permit others to take their places, until
every dollar of back wages due them was
:paid in solid cash.” V

“And that you were not able to do,
air? "

"‘ How could I? " with bitter emphasis.
"‘ Twice I had been robbed of large sums,
and money had grown so scarce with me
that I actually pinched here at home, in

I .
V

 

tiny household egpenses, that I ‘might‘

 

 

spare another dollar or two for the very
scoundrels who now threaten to lynch
me as a swindler and a fraud! "

“ When you lost the cash coming from
outside, why not make a raise right here?
Surely your property would be ample se-
curity? ”

The mine owner flushed hotly at this,
quailing before that keen gaze for a bit,
but rallying again to speak bitterly:

“I tried that, only to fail, most mis—
erably! Crazy rumors were afloat to
the effect that my title was no good;
that I had no legal rights to the Touch-
stone Mine, in particular."
“‘ Started by Saul Eden,
yune.”

“I believe as much myself, now—but
they are lies, all lies! ” passionately de-
clared the mining magnate, now fairly
himself again.

“For which their author ought to pay
fair penalty, too.”

“He shall, if ever— But let me go
on and get through with this part of it,
please. These rumors were false, of
course, yet they produced evil effects,
and no matter to whom I turned, no loan
could be placed, even though I offered
to pay any price for the temporary ac-
commodation.”

“ Which was almost in itself enough to
button up a full pocket,” drily commented
the Sport from Hard Luck. “ If you had
put on frills— But, excuse me, please.
My tongue gets away with me some-
times, you see!”

“ No matter. Mistake or not, the end
has come. And that end is—-ruin, if not
worse! ”

“Unless you can secure the necessary
cash, of course,” amended Hotspur, cool-
13’

for a pica-

“ Yes; but how can that be? My last
chance was lost when the package of
bills was stolen last night. If that had
come safely to hand— But luck is dead
against me!” -

A brief silence, then the Sport quietly
asked:

“What sort of a place is this Break-
neck, anyway, Mr. Dikeman? In a sport-
ing line, I mean. Can a man meet up
with a fair game of poker?"

“I believe so,” hesitatingly answered
the mine owner. “I have heard some
talk about heavy playing, but I never
took much notice. Why? "

“ One moment please. About how much
cash would it take to tide you over this
rift of hard luck? In round numbers, of
course, with a liberal margin for inci—
dentals? ”

Though clearly puzzled as to what all
this meant, Roger Dikeman took sober
thought for a few moments, then replied:

“Ten thousand dollars would square
all pressing debts. That would more than
satisfy the miners, and all others who
are pressing me hardly; but what's the
use in talking? It might as well be a
million! ”

“Oh, I don’t know,” easily said the
Sport, leaning back in his seat as he
added: “Play for a week’s grace, boss,
and I’ll agree to furnish you with the
ten thousand ducats.”

“ But—how? ”

“ Through plucking the tiger, of course.
I always carry my luck with me, and in a
lively town where the limit is taken off
to suit—why, man, dear! ’Twill be just
like picking up the yellow boys! ”

Arlington spoke as though he held
implicit faith in his ability, but Mr. Dike-
man gave a gloomy, despondent shake of
his head, then said:

“Doubtless you ,mean well, sir, but
that will never work. Even if luck
smiled upon you from the very start,
that chance would be shut off at once,
now you have allied yourself with my
interests.”

“Shut off? By whom, pray? ”

“Saul Eden. He is king in Breakneck
just now, and at a hint from his lips you
couldn’t place a dollar’s bet even at long.
odds.”

“Is that so? Well, then I’ll have to
plan-t the rascal for keeps! ”

“You mean—ejust what? ",

' ‘5 .. kw!“ / "K. “33.3..

{‘0 , .

      

 

“That I’m half-white and free-born.
No one man can shut off my fun or
my sport, and as for Saul Eden—well, I
wouldn’t ask any better fun than to
fit him out for a high lot on the hill—
side!”

 

CHAPTER XX.
A l‘)E(,‘Il)iCl)l.Y COOL PROPOSITION.

With all his airiness of speech and
lightness of manner, there was some—
thing about the Sport from Hard Luck
which seemed foreign to ordinary brag
and bluster.

To hear without seeing, one might set
him down as a true Gascon; but when
eyes matched ears the result was very
different.

Something of this was now realized by
Roger Dikeman, and while his native
sense of peace and goodwill to all man—
kind was shocked a bit, the cool speech
certainly stirred up a spice of “ 01d
Adam ” in the bosom of the injured mine
owner.

Until quite recently he had been wholly
at a loss to account for that chain of cost-
ly accidents and mishaps, but now—al-
most past doubting the Breakneck gam-
bler was at the bottom of the entire
trouble!

Still, it is not so easy for one who has
respected the law of peace and harmony
for so many years to give his full ap-
proval to threats against human life,
and Roger Dikeman had not yet found
the right words when an interruption
came in the shape of a sharp, peremptory
rap at the front door.

“ Shall I answer the call, boss? ” asked
Arlington, making a move to suit; but
the mine owner shook his head negative-
ly, himself leaving the home-office and
passing through the hallway to the door.

As this swung open in obedience to his
will, Mr. Dikeman gave a. low exclama—
tion of mingled surprise and indigna—
tion, for he stood face to face with—
none other than Saul Eden himself!

A smile was upon the gambler’s face,
as though he felt assured of a cordial
welcome, yet he took the precaution to
slip a foot over the threshold, so that
the door could not well be slammed in
his face.

Mr. Dikeman frowned darkly as he
quickly rallied from the surprise, and
his tones were harshly forbidding as he
spoke.

“Why are you here, Mr. Eden? You
certainly can have no business with
either me or mine.” ‘

“Beg pardon, my dear sir, but I have
business with you, and that of pressing
importance,” coolly declared the gam-
bler, at the same time pushing back the
door which was beginning to close,
stepped fairly inside the hall as he spoke.

“ What manner of business—”

“Simply this: I can produce the orig-
inal title deeds to the Touchstone Mine,
and—9’

“You lie! Or—stolen, then!” fierce-
ly cried the mine owner.

For a moment qr two it seemed as
though the old gentleman would fling
himself at the throat of the athletic gam-
bler, but Saul Eden showed no fear, smil—
ing as he stood just within the door, one
hand silently pushing the barrier to
place the while.

Possibly it was a thought for the
wounded foreman above stairs, or, it may
be, that insolent coolness produced the
change; but be that as it may, Roger
Dikeman passed abruptly from storm to
calm, speaking sharply:

“ State your business as briefly as pos-
sible, sir, then I will decide whether to
kick you out-of—doors myself, or—SO on,
Mr. Eden! ”

“All right. I hold the title deeds to
the Touchstone Mine. It depends en-
tirely upon you whether we settle amica-
bly or otherwise,” coolly announced the
Breakneck Sport.

A brief silence, during which the two
men stood eye to eye. Then Roger Dike-
man spoke, with forced politeness:

“ Will you kindly step back to my of-
flee, sir? Where so much appears to be

'9:.I-‘-"1. a .‘<'

 

 

The Sport from Hard

m Luck.

23

 

 

 

at stale, perhaps ’twould be as well to
talk tiiz- uuuter over at our ease.”

“ '. ...-.t sounds a bit more like it,” de-
clared the gambler, with a nod of ap—
proval. “\‘.'alk in? Thanks: don’t care
if I do! "

Roger Dikeman waved a hand toward
the other door, and the Sport slouched
easily in that direction, crossing the,
threshold before he saw that the room
was occupied.

Mr. Dikeman followed close upon the
heels of his unwelcome visitor, almost
pushing Eden on as the gambler stopped
short at sight of the Man from Hard
Luck, then quickly closing the door be-
hind them both,

Although he must have felt somewhat
akin to being trapped, the card-sharp
betrayed no uneasiness in look or ac-
tion, moving easily over to a chair, tak-
ing off his hat as he glanced from Sport
to mine owner, then speaking in smooth
tones:

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Dikeman,
but I expected to find you wholly at leis—
ure. I came here on strictly private busi-
ness, you understand?”

A slight inclination of his head
toward the Sport pointed his meaning
clearly, but Arlington made no move to
abandon his position, smiling lazily as
though he rather enjoyed the situation.

Possibly his employer took cue from
» that attitude, for he resumed the seat
which he left to answer that knock at
the door, quietly saying:

“Mr. Arlington is my friend and ad-
viser, sir, and I have no business secrets
from him whatever.”

“Possibly I may have, though!”

“Then that business can have nothing
whatever to do with me or my affairs.
Mr. Eden," decisively answered the mine
owner.

Although he could scarcely have an—
ticipated just such a reception as this,
the Sport of Breakneck was not one to
remain long,r disconcerted, and with hard—
ly a perceptible hesitation he dropped
into a chair, tossing hat across to the
little table, crossing legs in careless case,
then at once taking the verbal plunge.

“ All right, if that plan suits your book,
Mr. Dikeman. I can afford to meet you
on the dead level, and so—business in a
minute!

“For a number of years you have fig—
ured before all the world as sole owner
of the mining property listed as the
Touchstone."

“I am the sole owner,- sir, and no man
living is better aware of that fact than
Saul Eden himself,” coldly cut in the
mining magnate.

“ Then, of course, you can produce the
original deeds and bill of sale, all duly
recorded as such valuable documents
naturally would be?”

Maliciously the gambler spoke, seem—
ingly heedless whether or no he pre—
cipitated a quarrel by his injudicious
manner. ‘

Roger Dikeman flushed hotly,
grew pale again before replying.

“My rights are well known through-
out this section, sir. and those rights
will be defended to the last gasp against
all such infernal scoundrels as—supply
the names for yourself, Mr. Eden!”

“It’s hardly worth the trouble,” re-
torted the gambler, as much the master
of himself as he certainly appeared to be
of the situation. “I will act in place of
talking when the proper time comes.
As for my proofs—well, what’s the mat-
ter with this?”

He took a small slip of paper from an
inner pocket, cover (I with close figures
in pencil, smiling maliciously as he
glanced it OVer before passing it across
to Mr. Dikeman.

“You can sum up the total, I fancy,
sir. And that merely represents the
money I’ve paid out in a lump sum, buy-
ing up the claims of every man you owe
for labor, material. 01‘ Supplies at the
Touchstone Mine.”

Roger Dikeman glanced over those

then

figures in silence for a few moments,-

I

 

,words, dear sir.

-enough!

 

then crumpled the paper in his hand, to
toss away as in contempt.

That’s all right, sir,” declared the
gambler, with curling lip as his eyes
followed that flying ball, then came
back to the face of his antagonist. “I
merely made the memorandum for your
inspection in case you were in doubt as
to just how deeply the Touchstone had
run you in debt this last year. Pretty
Sllug total, don’t you think?”

“What business is it of yours how
much I may owe my men? ”

“ Beg pardon, dear sir, but you don’t
owe the men a single dollar,” coolly dc—
clared the gambler.

“ \Vhat do you mean by that? ” harsh—
ly demanded Dikeman.

“Which goes to prove how little at-
tention you have been paying to my
I told you once, but I
can easily repeat: I have made it a point
to buy up every individual claim against
you on account of the Touchstone. The
sum I paid in hard cash was marked
down on yonder scrap of paper.

“This makes me your sole creditor,
so far as that particular mine is con-
cerned, and now—whether or no I de-
mand immediate repayment depends en-
tirely on how my proposal—”

“ Careful, you villain! ” harshly warned
the mine owner, instinctively divining
what was next to come.

“All right, sir,” said the Sport of
Breakneck, all trace of levity vanishing
as by magic, tones growing harder and
more metallic. “I didn’t go into this
little deal with my eyes closed. I came
here fully prepared to meet any and all
consequences, whether I found you alone
or surrounded by armed guards."

“Meaning my gentle self, is it?”
drawlingly asked the Sport from Hard
Luck, gazing at the gambler from half-
closcd eyes.

“ If the cap fits, wear it!
ing to you, Mr. Dikeman.”

“ (:0 on, then, but bear my warning in
mind—careful of. your speech.”

“1 shall say what brought me here,
but in naming one who is dear to not
only yourself, sir, I will do so with all
imaginable respect. Whether you ap-
prove of it or not, you can‘t help the
fact that I passionately adore your
daughter, Miss Phyllis."

“Careful, Saul Eden!"

“Hear me to an end, then I’ll take
whatever consequences may be my due,"
sternly interposed the gambler, speaking
on in swift, earnest tones, as the mine
owner gave way to his impetuosity.

“I love your daughter, Roger Dike-
man, and my dearest hope in life is to
win and wear her-as a wife! I know you
think I’m not worthy so high an hon-
or——"’ '

“Only a fool or a knave could think
otherwise! ”

“ But I have something which may
serve as make-weight, and so I say: give
me your daughter Phyllis as a wife,
Roger Dikeman, and I will that same
hour turn over to you the original title
deeds to the Touchstone Mine. and With
them a receipt in full for all the debts 1
have paid.

“If you refuse, then I swear to you
that I’ll show you no mercy from this
time on, but crush you so utterly that you
can never rally far enough to—but
Will you accept my terms,
Roger Dikeman?”

Before the mine owner could make re—
ply, even if he had one in readiness,
there came a startling interruption, a
loud cry from the second story, almost
certainly from the chamber in which lay
Arthur Crossley.

But I‘m talk-

 

CHAPTER XXI.
PUTTING ON A BOLD FRONT.

Blending with that cry was the sound
of splintering glass,
something surely was going wrong in
that quarter, Roger Dikeman sprung
from his chair and hurried to the door,
giving an inarticulate cry as he did so.

u

\

r  '~ ~ ~’-

     
   

and feeling that

 

.r- ._.a _ H.

None the less prompt to act was Hot-
spur Hal, for his hand was the one to
open the door through which the mine
owner hurried, and his the hand which
swung back the barrier an instant later.

Saul Eden was likewise upon his feet
and heading that way. face flushing hot-
ly as his keen ears caught an additional
sound from the upper regions—the half-
smothered scream of a woman in fright
or amazement—but that athletic figure
barred the way, and the Sport from Hard
Luck curtly spoke:

“ Don‘t be in such a mighty rush, pard-
ner."

“ Didn‘t you hear—there’s mischief
afoot, confound you!”

“ So much the more reason for playing
you didn’t,” coolly retorted the newly—
elected foreman of the Touchstone, still
barring the way, and leaving the gam—
bler absolutely helpless so far as quitting

that room was concerned, unless he saw

fit to use actual force to open a passage.

“She was calling—Phyllis! ”

“So long as she wasn’t calling you,
where’s the sense in chipping? Better
take it easy, mister man, for this is a.
little matter not open to argument.”

“ You infernal—”

“Have you appointed an executor to
wind up your material affairs, Mr.
Eden? ” almost blandly inquired the man
from Hard Luck.

’l‘he card-sharp made an impatient

gesture, but angry though he assuredly ’

was, Eden kept hands well away from
his weapons.

“By what right do you attempt to
keep me from leaving this room, sir?”
he sternly demanded, only to have the
smiling retort flung back:

“What’s the matter with trying one
of the windows if you must leave the
room? That avenue is wide open, but
this—excuse me! ”

The Hotspur‘s tones were mild as those
of a cooing dove, but under that thin dis-
guise lay a positive menace which the
Breakneck Sport was not yet ready to
dare, fiercely though his hatred for this
cool stranger was growing.

He hesitated like one who longs yet
fears to invite au actual collision, listen-
ing the while for further alarm above.
None such came, and then, with an air of
one who feels the necessity for action has
passed, Saul Eden gave a little show of
teeth, at the same time drawing back
toward his former position.

“This is hardly a place suitable for a.
bar-room squabble, sir, or I might treat
you according to your merit. Later on—”

“You’ll never lack for an excuse, I
fancy,” bluntly cut in the Hard Luck
Sport, permitting prejudice to oust his
native politeness for the time being.

“You’ll know me better before long.”

“Never well enough to make proud
boast of that same acquaintance, any-
way.”

“Which means that you are dead-set
on picking a row, is it? ”

“I'll give you a big round dollar if
you’ll only tell me how that miracle can
be performed,” quickly cried the Sport
with eyes glowing. _

For a brief space it really seemed as
though his point was carried, but then

another failure was scored, thanks to the ‘

will-power of the gambler himself.
Bowing, Saul Eden backed to the chair
he had vacated when the sounds came

from above-stairs, coldly speaking as he ,

seated himself:

“One thing at a time, as I told you be-
fore, Mr. Arlington. Wait until I’ve got
my hands fairly clear of far more im-
portant business, then I’ll make you eat
dirt of croak: I swear it! ”

“ And so swearing, take oath to a lie,”
blandly declared the Hotspur as he, too,
came back to a seat, yet still playing
guardian to yonder door.

After that silence reigned in the home-
oflice, the two men facing each other, in
afi'ected coolness, but with eyes which
told a far straighter story.

Neither stirred when the sound of foot-
steps was heard on the stairs. coming

‘ a

   

, 9 "Sport

4‘ 02¢

 .

. ard‘vLuek.

 

 

 

their Way, for. they both recognized the
. author, and were quite ready to see the
 / mine owner as the door opened again.
That something out of the ordinary
had transpired neither,Sport could doubt
‘, for a moment. While striving to school
his features, Roger Dikeman could not
entirely succeed; but no word of his gave
i" hint or clew as to the real cause for
that upstairs alarm.

Saying nothing until he had crossed
the room to take his former seat, Mr.
Dikeman then cleared his throat to ad-
dress the gambler.

“ We might as well reach a definite con-
,clusion now as later on, Mr. Eden, so—
you say you have been buying up claims
against me? ”

’ “I have, yes," curtly admitted the
gambler. “ As I told you—”
“Wait, please. I prefer to proceed in

 

order. The sum total of your invest-
ments in this line amounts to—how
much?” .

' “I gave you the figures only a short
time ago. Call it ten thousand dollars in
round figures.”

“ Which no doubt could be materially
scaled down by a. fair examination, but
let those figures stand for just now,"
, coldly observed the mine owner, show-
5 ing a far different personage than he had
a  been before that hasty trip upstairs.

’ K This transformation was no less a puz~
' ‘; 210 to Hotspur Hal than it surely was to
San] Eden.
. , Then Roger Dikeman seemed broken
in spirit and irresolute of will, easy to
sway by friend or enemy, but now: his
face was flushed as with a consciousness
of power, while his eyes sparkled and
' glowed, full of nerve’and energy.

Before saying more, Mr. Dikeman left
his chairto pick up and smooth out the
bit of paper handed him by the gambler
some minutes earlier, and with this in
, - hand he spoke on:

 " “ I'll keep this memorandum and com-
pare it with my books, Mr. Eden. If
_ ' there is not too gre t a discrepancy be—

‘vtween the .two, I’ll ttle your claims in
short. order.“ ‘

\This was scarcely what the speculator

was expecting, and even now he could

; not accept that cold statement as other
than a barefaced bluff on the part of his
adversary. p ,
_ “Do you mean that you will pay off
.; ,y clai s, Mr. Dikeman? ” he asked
*with for composure, lip curling with
thinly masked scorn;

‘ " To the last red cent: yes! "

’ ;" How and when? '7
f With implant bluntness dame the de-
amend, for Saul Eden was taken fairly
“aback by this complete change of tac-
' tics. ' 

u‘ ,_ Hotsppr Hal gave an 'audible sniff of
5‘ dismal. at this lack of ceremony, but
Roger Dikeman apparently-felt that he
foould afford» to overlook such stride,
 and withoutnthe least show of recent-
‘ mom made reply: ‘ '

', ." To-morrow, at neon, and in cold mash,
dollar for’dollar. Have you any objec-
tions to offer, Mr. Eden? " , ' ‘
" “ To-morrow—iM, h? " echoed the
half-bewildered g ' er.

, “Precisely, sir. he cash shall be
waiting here fonyou if you carrto call
for: it. duly prepared to resign all real or
imaginary claims to the Touchstone or
other. mining properties which: I own and
control. I put it thus plainly so that
there may be no room left for dispute as
‘ to‘terms or conditions." ‘ . \

, 7 4892111: Eden brushed a hand quickly over
.‘his‘faeelike‘one who needs to clear vis-
ion or hits, then again demanded: ‘

\_.

9"

  

  

  
  

  

 

you in earnest, now? ”
Roger ’Dikeman inclined his
 as he made answer: a p
“"1 never indulge in jesting save with
 equals and my friends, Mr. Eden.
hallgi repeatl. The money will be how
,meet your utmost demands to-morrow

.hgtd

  

  

    

’ "‘Do yourea/lly. mean this, sir? 

. j}! you mete can for it, wpil,

 

“ If not, you will beleaked up by my-
self or my duly accredited agent, and
payment in full be publicly tendered you.
If you are a wise man, sir, you will have
your accounts straight and receipt ready
at that hour.”

Hotspur Hal lounged easily in his chair
plainly enjoying the situation which had
taken so sudden and complete a change.

This was his first view of Roger Dike-
man as his natural self, and while thor—
oughly puzzled to account for such a
radical change, it suited him far better.

None the less keen was his enjoy—
ment because Saul Eden clearly found
that change a nauseous (lose to swallow,
for with all his heart and soul Arlington
had come to hate this card-sharp of
Breakneck.

“It shall be as you prefer, Mr. Dike-
man,” yielded the gambler, after a brief
silence during which he seemed rallying
his nerve. “Although you refuse to rec-
ognize that fact right now, my real object
through all is to aid a worthy gentleman
in distress-" ‘

“ We will not argue the matter further
of you please, Mr. Eden.” \

“ You must permit me to say this much,
sir: I love your daughter Phyllis, and
if you will consent to my suit—”

Roger Dikeman rose abruptly from his
chair, shaking a hand in stern repression
as he spoke, coldly, yet fiercely:

“ Enough—more than enough, Saul
Eden! Keep your foul tongue from e
name of my daughter. Give, my cons t
to your—~pah! ” in tones of utter disgus .
“The bare idea is an insult too foul for
credence! ” '

“Hear me through, sir, or else—’3

“Enough, I tell you, Saul Eden! Men-
tion that name again, and old as I am,
feeble as I may appear to your arro~
gance, I’ll kick you out of my house like
the veriest whiffet that ever made night
hideous with its nasty yelpings! ”

Thoroughly aroused, the mine owner
really looked as though he would make
the attempt, regardless of consequences,
and Hotspur Hal, glorying in the old
gentleman’s spunk, clapped hands brisk-
ly in applause.

Unusually pale, the gambler flashed hot
glances from man to man as he stood at
bay, then harshly cried out in menacing
tones:

“ All right, Mr. Dikeman! Ifnot paid
in full by noon to-morrow, I’ll take full
possession of the Touchstone by force of
emits; and—~you can easily guess the rest
0 ‘ ll _ ‘

 

P

CHAPTER XXII.
A’ MYSTERIOUS RESTITUTION.

Like one who fears to linger longer
where sore temptation assails, Saul Eden
clapped hat on head and strode across
the room, opening the door‘with a vicious
jerk, then striding through the hall
without waiting for guidance or even es-
cort. : -

He left the buildirig with a most em-.
phatic “ wooden damn." but with the
clear, mocking laughter of the Hard Luck
Sport ringin in his‘ears. .

Hotspur i turned toward his em-

‘ployer with both hands outstretched in

congratulation, heartily crying: ,
’ " 'oodé—glorious! You took the wind
clear out of his sails, and even if it was
a bluii',1’li say the same: 'twas just red-
hot stuff! ", .

Mr. pikeman yielded hands 'to that
hearty grasp, but his face was turned

.npward, where Phyllis stood at the head

of the stairs wearing an anxious expres-
sion as she called out. softly:

“ Father—dear father!"

"It’s all right, girly! ” answered the
mine owner. his own face now fairly
wféathed with smiles. “ Tell Arthur
it's pli right, Phyllis." .

The maiden gave a joyous gesture,
ham: cleaning like-4111c in prayer or
praise as she swiftlyiumed to flee; back
to bedside pf. her wounded lovers

   
       
  

     
 

has; ego,

 

such as had long been a
f'a'K or hisheart.
- “A good effort at binding, was it, eh? ”

“As good as the best, and if anything '
a little better,” declared the Man from
Hard Luck, still performing the pump—
handle act with a will. “ You turned the
fine gentleman down like a mice, and—I
say, boss! ” ,

“Well?”

“ Don’t you worry about the rest of it,
now. We’ll make your bluff good, by
crook if not by hook. Saul Eden won’t
crowd you in too big a hurry to~morrow:s
don't you think it, now! ”

“What do you mean, Mr. Arlington? ”

“Well, I’ll tell you,” frankly an-
swered the Sport, in the most matter—of-
fact tones imaginable, releasing one
hand with which to lightly tap breast
with forefinger to mark his successive
points. \

“ With a sufficient motive to egg a fel-
low on, it’ll be no difliéult matter to pick
a quarrel with a hot-head like our mu-
tual friend, Saul Eden. I‘ll do just that,
andthen ’twili be comparatively easy
to pluck the full amount needed from
off the green cloth before Saul's heirs
or executors can fairly get around to it
again. See'? ” .

With all imaginable confidence the
Hotspur made his explanation, and one
to hear him would fancy ’twas good as
accomplished. ’ «

Mr. Dikeman heard him through, a
half-quizzical smile wrinkling the cor-
ners of his mouth as he gravely asked,
a bit later:

" And you would really do all this?
For me, until this very morning an en-
tire stranger to you, Mr. Arlington?”

“Why not? Laying apart all else,
there’d be fun enough in the doing to re—
pay all trouble, double ‘times over. And
—well, sir, since you try to corner me,f
why not? I like you. I like your daughg
ter. And I more than like Arthur Cross—l
ley. Isn’t that sufficient, 'when‘ all,
bunched?” , -' .

Roger Dikeman nodded. then led the
way back to the home—office, shutting
the door behind himself as they both
passed-through. -' ' /

Then he slipped a flat package from]
under his coat and handed it to the Sport,
speaking in slightly unsteady tones:

“Will you look eyer what this con-
tains, please, my good friend? It is ,
what do you think of that, anyway? "

His voice 'rose in triumph, turning to‘
a heartfelt chuckle as Hotspur Hal gave‘
a low cry of surprise. ‘ _

For that package consisted of: bank
notes, corners bearing large figures, th
whole totting up a more than nest sum.

With deft fingertips Arlington ruffled
the smooth ends, noting the portant *
tact that while no bill was for ess thani
one hundred dollars, the large majority",-f
of them-called for just five times that
amount. 7

“ Fifteen thousand dollars! ” he called;
out, after a bit, lifting puzzled eyes (to;
meet the now joyous face of the mine:
owner. i - _ r

“ The precise amount which Arthm‘
Crossley reverted as stolen from him last"

stranger to his

l

l night, by the way,” Ilaughinlgly‘reminded-

Dikeman. ‘~ .

“ And you meantoasah—where in thun-i
der did it some from, anyway?” fairlz"
exploded the thoroughly mystified Spor
“it was stolen, for Crossley neverdled
that badly, I can swear! " ,

Roger Dikeman grasped a hand and:
shoot it warmly, tossing the package 01
money on the little table for thewtimebo—l

" I'll tell you all ’Il‘know about it. Ar—
lington, but first I want‘,to’thank you.
not only for what you have already don.»
but for what you were willing to do as

,Voll! "

"~._Well, now, {will be—jiggend! ,”

Hotspur couldn’t take eyes from that,
mysteriously restored money as yet, and
his was an unresponsive hand in that
warm! clasp, Just then. ‘

   
   

  

‘ you really-mean all you. said-13;: C 
‘f.’ “M M! ‘ .,.

  
       
   
   
  
    
    
  
 
  
     
   
  
    
   
   
    
   
  
    
 
  
  
       
  
    
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
    
  
    
   
    

 

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ma“...

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L‘Lfl-\-X;Am ' "e
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, caught u

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fingers so tightly as to draw attention
his way in spite of the fascination ex-
ercised by that money. “ You really in—
tended to pick a quarrel with Eden and——
kill him? ” ,
“Why not?” almost innocently quer-
ied the Sport, brows arching. “A fel-

low like that isn’t fit to be let curse the

footstool. And, besides, I reckoned ’twas
either him or yourself. So—of course! ”

A little less glibly than was his went,
but the face of the old gentleman was so
full of mingled wonder and gratitude,
his grasp so ardent, that in spite of his
native coldness the man from Hard Luck
felt just a trifle abashed.

“I can say thank you, Mr. Arlington,
but that is poor pay for such extraor-
dinary friendship. Some day I may be
better", able to express just what I am
feeling now, and until then—”

“ \Ve’ll say nothing more about it,
please. And—well, I‘ll be—-jiggered!"

Again his curious gaze‘ reverted to that
package of money, and Mr. Dikeman
wasted no further time in explaining the
mystery, so far as he himself was in
the secret.

That was but partially, however, and
when he told all he himself knew, the
puzzle was even more complete than be—
fore.

“You heard the noise upstairs, of
course? Well, that was caused in part
by the coming of this package of bills.
Some person threw them in at one of the
windows breaking the glass by means
of a stone tied to the bundle. It fell
squarely upon the bed where Arthur is
“lying. frightening him into giving a.
yell.” ,

“ Through the window? From outside,
then?”

“Of course. And Phyllis, who was
watching beside Arthur, likewise cried
out, as no doubt you heard dOWn here? ”

" . cs. And—~go on, please! ”

“That's about all of it. When I ran
up there, neither of them knew just what
the package contained, nor did I step to
examine it then. I saw the brolfen win-
dow, and sprung there at once, but failed
to sight any person on the outside. And
then~—'—this!)” taking up the package and
fluttering those crisp ends with loving
touch.

Not that Roger Dikeman was such a
worshipper of money, as such, but in this
small compass he saw restored credit
and preserved honor. - b .

On his part, Hotspur Hal was frowning
blackly, thumb and forefinger nervOusly
pinching lower lip as he stared at the
banknotes. ,

“ What solution can you offer, Arling-
ten? " asked Mr. Dikeman, next. ’

“It gets me—gets me had!” frankly
admitted the Sport, shaking head and
drawing along breath. “ Until right
now I could almost have taken my Bible
oath that Saul Eden was head and front
of that road-agent outfit. and that to his
cunning trickery you owed all your mon-
etary losses." ‘

“And now? ”

“I’m wholly at sea,” was the frank

dmission. “ The only thing I can think
2? is this: has an ally of his played him
For if he was one fit
to‘enlist in such a deal he'd never throw
away a neat little fortune like this!”

“Then, whom could ,it possibly be?”
asked the mine owner, growing serious
if not actually‘troqbled by that mysteri-
ous affair. . ' ,

“You tell, for I don't know how! ”

Just then a swift, light footfall was
heard and a soft tapping came at the
door, which opened a moment later to re—
vail the fair face of Phyllis, who spoke
to her father: .

" Excuse me, please, but Arthur wishes
very much to see YOU. DaDau” ,

Swift to take a hint, , HQtBDur Hal
his hat and said:

“ Don' let me detain you, sir.
to take a bit of ~it Wfllk. anYWRY-

I want
I'll

see you in the morning. it not before.

Watil then, good-lock to all beneath this

    

Iv.

  
 

 

The Sport from Hard Luck beat a hur-
ried retreat, seemingly more afraid of
Phyllis’ smiles than of an enemy’s
frowns, but when once without the build-
ing his nerve returned, and he was him-
self again.

When scarcely clear of the grounds a
low-pitched, quavering whistle caught the
keen ear of the Sport, and, turning eyes
swiftly in that direction, Arlington be-
held the hardly reputable-looking com-
rade to whom the out-door department
had been assigned.

P For the past few minutes the very ex-

istence of Bummer Billy had passed from
the mind of the sport, but now a vivid
gleam shot into those big blue eyes as
he wondered:

“ Where was Billy when the thing hap-
pened? Could he have—“

Where both parties are in motion and
each one is e er to join the other, a
junction is read ly effected, as a rule. So
it was on this occasion, and even before
Arlington could shape a query to suit his
wonder was answered, in part at least.

“Thar’s the durndest kind 0’ funny
work g‘wine on round these yer diggin's
I ever did see or hear tell on! ” declared
Bummer Billy.

“What do you mean?
funny work, Billy? ”

“Waal, 1 seed a feller smashin’ glass
over yonder, an’——”

“ Who was it? Where is he? Out with
it, man alive! ”

“ Durned ef I know,” hesitatingly an-
swered the tramp, drawing back as the
sport betrayed such pmverful interest.
“Jest ketched a glimpse o’ the critter,
an’ then he lit out in a holy hurry. Why
ye so red-hot?”

“ Why? Oh, I just wanted to make
him pay for a new ane of glass: that‘s
all,” declared Hots r, with admirably
feigned carelessness. '

What sort of

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
A mx'r FROM KNAVH 'ro RASCAII

Saul Eden effected his retreat from
that uneven contest with only fair grace,
but many another man under similar
circumstances would have come off with
far less glory.

The fact that none of his allies, his
henchmen, his especial tools, were wit-
nesses to that retreat with none of the
honors he had so confidently expected
to capture, in a. measure lessened the bit-
terness; but there was precious little of
brotherly love glowing in heart or bosom
as the Breakneck gambler strode swiftly
on his way. ,

What had happened to work such an
amazing alteration in Roger Dikeman?
Was it but the desperation of a man who
feels that all is lost, or could it be pos-
sibl that-— .

" e’s got the cold cash, but how?
Could Cross-icy have run it in this
morning, when- 0h, Satan scorch the
whole infernal crowd, but—all save Phyl-
lis, my beauty! " . V

By this time those swift strides had
carried the gambler to the footbridge
from the further end of which he had so
deftly “ dumped " ,the beast in defense
of beauty. and‘ as though this carried his
thoughts back to Rough House, he at
once made for the refuge which that
disreputable trickster had found after his
escape from river and from hooti'ng host.

That Snug cover belonged to the. gam-
bler in Der—son, and consisted of a build-
ing in town which had come Eden’s
way across the poker table. As the best
“59 t0 be made of it for the time being,
Saul fitted it up as bachelor’s quarters,
to which none save his most‘ intimate
aiiittlt tdi'ustworthy friends were ever ad-
m e .

Unless this was an exception to the

rule, for ’twas the ugly bloated face of.

Rough House which turned that way as
the key turned and door opened, an ex-
pression close akin to that a sorely

hunted wild beast might wear ii din
birth the while. = n; g

“ Oh, you is it?
the luck, anyway"

 
  
  

 

. the cash, and if he really offers to m

 

..I..lh993ht"§§m  ' in prince

 
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
  
  
 
  
  
    
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
   
    
      
       
     
   
  
 
   
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
    
 
    
    
     
    
 

Saul Eden muttered something which
could scarcely have been a blessing as
he closed and secured the door behind ‘
himself. Rough House shrunk away, al-
most cowering as those glittering eyes
fixed upon his pimply face.

The gambler did not speak in haste,
and after a bit just the hint of a smile 
crept into his really handsome face. He 
took a chair near the little round table 
which stood in the center of the room, ' ’
bearing upon its surface cigars, glasses, 
and a partly filled decanter of whisky. 

Lighting a weed and taking a fair drink
of the liquid damnation, Eden planted
both elbows on the table, chin on hands
and fingers half-spanning his head as he 
sat staring steadin at his guest. 

For several minutes Rough House bore '
this silent inquisition with forced quiet-
ude, but then he began to squirm in
his chair, finally bursting forth with the
husky words:

“ Oh, durn it all!
up on that, Eden? ”
“ I was just thinking—only just think-
ing."

“ Thinking of what? ”

“Wondering how much manhood bad
whisky had left in your carcass, Rough.
Thinking what a pity you couldn’t—are \ _
you a dead duck, old man? ” ‘7

House made a wry grimaee as one
might who rather more than suspects a.
nauseous pill in store, and then gruifly
broke forth with:

“ Dead duck or live chicken, thar’s jest
this much about it. Saul Eden: you hain’t
gwine ter to ketch me into no more durn
fool tricks like that one: no ye don’t,
now! ” 4

The gambler made a swift gesture.
scowling blackly like one who feels an
insult in that mere mention, then spoke
more to the point. '

“ I’ve b n out to see old Dikeman,
and tried t put on the screws as I told ‘
you I would.” ‘

“And he begged off, of course? Curses
covgr him from top to toe! ”

“ only wish he had tried it that way! " 
one clenched hand coming down to smite
that table-top with vicious emphasis.
“But he didn’t. Instead—what do you
reckon, Rough?”

“ Spit it out, can't you? ”

“I’d rather spit out a snake, but it’s
truth. He said that I might call to-
morrow noon for the money, and—"

“What? ” ‘ . n ,V

” That’s it, all the same. He swore I‘ 
should have dollar for dollar to the very .
last claim, and-r-he meant just what he
said. too!” , , ,

Rough HouSe Sat staring into the pale
face of 'his gambler pard as one might I
who found it wholly impossible to be- ’
lieve what his ears drank in. At any “
other time that picture of stupid amaze~ 3’
ment might have tickled the gambler-’3
sense of the ridiculous, but‘not now. °°

Saul Eden was too intense.y worked
up for any such idle thoughts. .

“ I‘ve been trying ever since to make 
out just how and where he'made‘tte":
raise, but I can't! I know Cross‘ley didth
have it in his clothes last night,- 
so~—" ' ‘2‘ ’ ‘

“ It’s a bluff: a cold blufl‘!” declared
Rough House, \em’yiasizing his f‘b’eliet. ,,
wiItBh a. sulphprous‘ionth’.”   _

ut again the gambler Ih' ' T ‘ "*h  I
in negation; scowling afresh , knows
Wrinkled overthat annoying‘pr .

“No. I was ready for"that.r~' -,-~-
though the old devil ‘surely is. he " uld
never/ have foolished me alons '

line." , I. 
“ Then you really reckon? "-hesltated
the rufllan. '  ' 
f‘ He’s got the money, safe en'  “
positively yet reluctantlyideelared' E ,
“ I can’t read it any other way, and 

tried it‘from every side and straw
through the middle. He‘s got holdiat

 

Won't you ever let

 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
    
  
   

  
 
  

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

when noon comes to-morrow———do you
know just what that means, Rough? "' 
“ I’ll b’lieve‘when I see,'sn’ not store! ”
“Itmeans that we’re in a 

. of playing on pure, y yet; my};

 
 
     
   
    
     

  
    

   
 
 

 
 

 
   

.' 8
~ 0.

 
 

 

26

The Sport from Hard Luck.

 

 

winning out isn’t going to come nigh as
easy as you look for, old man!”

Rough House reached forth a far from
steady hand to grasp the neck of decan-
ter, pouring forth a full glass, then down-
ing the dose at a single gulp.

It was the action of one who feels his
nerves trembling, and again the Sport of
Breakneck gave an ominous scowl.

This was hardly the manner of tool he
desired to pick up, but what better could
he do on such short notice?

“ You swore ’twas dead easy! You said
We could win out slick as tumblin’ off a
barked log with head in a whirl! "

.“ And I meant just what I said, too.
I’d have bet any odds that the old curse
couldn’t lay paWs on one tenth of the
cash necessary to pay off such heavy

scores. And without that cash—even now

'twill be dead easy if he fails to come
to, time with the full amount.”

“ Waal, I still cain‘t make it cbme
true, an’ I’m bettin’ it’s all a measley
bluff,” doggedly muttered Rofigh House.

“ I wish it might prove one, but I
can’t help thinking differently. Some-
how that infernal Hotspur is at the bot-
tom of it all—”

“ Why don’t you lay him out too cold
fer botherin’, then?”

“ So I will, but not just now. I’ve other
work on hand. As for you—look here,
Rough? ”

“ Play, I’m lookin’. What is it? ’2’

“ I’ll give you a little hint which you’ll
find mighty well worth acting upon, and
that is just this: Yonder lies a snug little
fortune for the bare picking up. And—
you can hold fast to all you get, too! ”

Saul Eden leaned further across the
round table while speaking in lowered
tones, and one must have been far more
stupid than Rough House to mistake
his full meaning. Yet the lesser knave
stared blankly, his jaws slewly parting
to say:

“ How? ”

“ That’s for you to say, pardner. g’Tis
an easy crib to crack, as you surely
know for yourself.”

“ But—whar d’you reckon he’d hide the
stuff?” '

“ That’s for you to find out, Rough. If
you can’t stumble on it in a hurry, what’s
the matter with pinching the old codger
until he squeals to save himself from
even worse? ”

Rough House sat staring at vacancy for
a minute or two, Eden making no effort
toward hurrying the conclusion, feeling
reasonably sure that his hint had fallen
on fruitful ground.

Presently the rougher rascal gave a
start and a long breath, meeting those
dark eyes for a keen stare, then bluntly
speaking:

“ You’ll lend a helpin’ hand, of course,
Eden? ”

But the gambler 'drew back a bit, shak—
ing his head negatively. _ -

“ No, but simply because I can’t afford
to take the risk."

"Yit you ax an’ expect for me to do
it, don't ye? ” a '

“ That is widely different, old man.

. If Roger Dikeman should happen to be

robbed this night, after what has passed
between us, he’d think first of me, and
would raise a holy old'howl to that effect.
So, you" see, I’ve got to have a dead-sure
alibi to present in case of any such

' accident as——you understand?"

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“ Waal, that’d be easy enough, wouldn't
it? The boys ’d sw’ar to arything, an’
make out black was white ef you was
jest to give ’em a hint that way,” per-

sisted the duller-witted knave.

“ Of course they would, but that very
readiness works against any such idea,"
coolly declared the Breakneck Sport. “ If
this little trick is to be turned,. I’ve got

, to have wholly reputable witnesses to

back up my declaration of innocence.”

“Durn p’tic’lar, ’pears to me!" mum-
bled Rough House.

“ It stands me in hand to be mighty
particular. inst now. And so I say this
much: I’ll sit in a game with witnesses
vwhose credit “Even Roger Dikeman can't

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impugn, and that game shall last unto
broad daylight to-morrow.

“ If anything should happen during the
night, nobody can safely say that black
is the white of my eye, while you—well, if
fifteen thousand dollars in clean cash
isn't enough to cover the wear and tear
of one night’s work, I’ll shut up shop! ”

“ Fifteen thousand dollars! ” echoed
Rough House, while Eden added;

“I’ve let fall the hint, now do as you
deem-best. If the cash is offered to—mor—
row, I’ll have to take it. If n0t——the.
Touchstone is ours, and the rest are
frozen out entirely!"

 

CHAPTER XXIV.

WHAT (‘AME 01“ Till?) HINT LET DROP.

Although that mysterious restitution
of the stolen package of money could not.
fail to highly work up one and all of
those beneath the Dikeman rooftree, the
intense relief felt by all when the future
seemed so surely provided for, more than
made amends for the rest.

In vain father, daughter, and lover
tried to solve the puzzle, each one offer—
ing a solution which he or she was the
first to declare untenable on second
thought.

Up to that hour Arthur Crossley had
believed Saul Eden the prime mover in
all those audacious robberies. He felt
fairly certain that the gambler had tried
to rob and to slay him, that night last
spent, failing at first, only to dog and
finally succeed..in getting the package
of money when dealing that foul stroke
at the stable where his good horse had
been put up for the remainder of that
night.

But now—what?

Surely Saul Ed would never make
restitution after is fashion? Surely
he would never furnish so effective a
weapon for use against his audacious
scheme of half-legalized plunder?

Naturally one would expect all this ex-
citement would work fresh injury to the
wounded foreman, but the exact: con—
trary proved to be the case, and Dr. Green
expressed his glad surprise when he
called again to see how his patient was
rallying from the shock which follows a
severe gunshot wound.

” Why, man, you‘re a fraud!” he de-
clared, quite jovially. “I counted on
running up a fine, large bill of costs,
while here you are—keep on as you’ve
begun, dear sir, and we’ll have you out
for an airing in less than a week! ”

And so it came to pass that, as the
evening wore on, Arthur Crossley de-
clared himself sleepy, and then “ kicked ”
emphatically against the idea of having
a night-watch near his bedside.

“I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink,”
he affirmed, earnestly, when Roger Dike—
man attempted to reason with the pa-
tient. “You’re going to bed just as
usual, or else—refuse, sir, and by all
that‘s good I‘ll pick up my bed and
walk—all the way over to the hotel! ”

Of course this was a bit of exaggera-
tion, yet Crossley spoke in fair earnest,
so far as protesting against father or
daughter losing their natural sleep on
his account. And, after having a large
bell placed close to his elbow, with-water
and other comfortables at hand so he
could assist himself or summon aid in
case of need, the wounded foreman was
left alone for the remainder of that night.

Although he retired as usual, Roger
Dikeman was at first too powerfully
wrought up for easy sleeping.

Such complete ruin had been staring
him in the face, rendered doubly sure by
that. latest loss of hardly gained cash,
that this sense of wondrous relief ban—

.ished slumber from his eyes for an hour

or more after his accustomed time.

As for fair Phyllis, who shall say?
Suffice it that, after bidding father and
lover an affectionate good night, the
maiden retired to her chamber, and out-
ward peace reigned there as well.

Worn nut bv the loss of blood. in addi-

tion to the lack of sleep 0! late, mainly '

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through deep anxiety on behalf of his
employer, the foreman of the Touchstone
Mine. dropped off at an early hour, sleep~
ing peacefully and soundly as a healthy
babe.

Just how long that sleep lasted, Arthur
Crossley never fairly realized, but the
next thing of which he was conscious
was starting up in bed, heart throbbing
violently and veins all a-tingle, breath
suspended while he listened “with all
his cars.”

What had so abruptly startled him
from slumber? Why was he so positive
that imminent peril menacednwhom?

Scarcely aware of what he was doing
just then, Crossley flung back the cover—
let and slipped out of bed, steadying
himself for an instant as a sudden faint-
ness swept across him, head and body.

Only for a moment, as it seemed. Then
he rallied, grasping the loaded revolver
which lay on the stand near the head of
his bed, crossing the room to the door,
opening this and stepping outside.

Here he paused to listen for a brief
space, and~—surely that was a sound
which—ha!

Crossley looked from one chamber to
the other, giving a quick gasD as he de-
tected a faint light coming through key-
hole and under the door of the room
occupied at night by Roger Dikeman.

Like a revelation came the remem-
brance of that precious package, and lent
fresh strength for the occasion, the young
man hurried to that door, trying the
knob, only to find the barrier fast.

Drawing back a bit, he turned his
sound shoulder that way, rushing for—
ward with a force which fairly burst
the door open and brought himself up-
standing at the threshold.

He saw Roger Dikeman helplessly in
the grip of masked men, one of whom
whirled his way with a savage oath,
firing as he turned, and just as Crossley
himself began to pick trigger.

All this happened within the space
which a single breath might cover, and
then the oil—lamp was dashed to the
floor and shattered, fortunately without
explosion or taking fire; fierce curses
rung out and one harsh yell was audible
as a mad rush was made by the masked
ruffians.

Crossley was shooting as rapidly as he
knew how, but already natural faintness
was overpowering him, and he went
down as a child before that rush, al-
though a well man might haVe tumbled
before that ugly stroke from clubbed re-’
volver as the masks plunged past.

The foreman (lid not recover his senses
until at least an hour had rolled by, but
then he found himself back in his own
bed, watched over and cared for by father
and daughter, neither of whom seemed
so very much the worse for the past
excitement.

For a minute or two Crossley seemed
fairly dazed, but then he recognized his
employer, and with that recognition came
all the rest.

“ The money—they didn't—”

With gentle force Roger Dikeman laid
palm over those feverish lips, at the
same time partially slipping that all-im-
portant package from his bosom to re-
lieve that strong anxiety.

This action was far better than more
words, and Crossley gave a glad sigh as
he recognized so much of the truth. Then
his eyes asked a further question, which
was as quickly answered.

“I’m not injured in the least, thanks
to your brave action, dear boy,” do-
clared the mine owner, while Phyllis—

Her lips likewise gave thanks, but
’twas in lovers’ coin, and never called
for a spoken syllable.

Then, when Crossley was beginning to
feel the effects of his recent wonderful
experience in growing lassitude and
physical weakness, his unstrung nerves
received another bracer by the coming of
Hotspur Hal and his trampish comrade,
Billy Bedad.

Evidently they had seen the mine own-
or before, for Roger Dikeman betrayed

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The Sport from Hard Luck.

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no surprise at their coming, and eagerly
questioned them:

“Did you—what have you learned?
Was any one hurt so badly that—rail of
it, please! ”

The Sport from Hard Luck was bend-
ing 0Ver the injured foreman, his face
lit up with a smile, but his big blue eyes
full of an axious light as they scanned
that haggard face.

What he saw was clearly beyond his
expectations, and there was a glad echo
in his voice as he briefly congratulated
his friend over the outcome of that
night‘s adventure.

“You marked at least one of the ras-
cals, pardner, and when daylight comes
to help well, now, we won’t do a. thing
to mister burglar!”

“Then you have—who was it, do you
think?” asked Dikeman.

Hotspur Hal shook his head, curtly.

“I can’t say, as yet, but whoever ’twas
was losing red paint in big leaks. We’ll
find it all out in the morning, but for
now—just how did it all come about, any-
way? ”

Crossley likewise showed no little cu-
riosity, and spoke in low tones as the
mine owner glanced his way:

" Yes, please. You saw them?
Were they, sir?”

But now it was Mr. Dikeman's turn to
shake his head, relucktantly.

“I must. have been sleeping very
soundly, for I can’t recall a thing up to
the moment I felt a strong hand at my
throat and my eyes opened to see a man
in mask bending over me as I lay in bed.
He held a bared blade at my thoat,an;‘,
hoarsely threatened me with instant
death#”

Phyllis gave an involuntary cry at
this,“ bowing her head and hiding her
face in the coverlet, while Arthur‘s sound
arm stole gently about her shivering
shoulders.

Thus warned against being too real-
istic, Mr. Dikeman cut his narrative
short, briefly laying bare the simple
facts: that he had been ordered to yield
up the package of money under grim pen-
alty, when just at the critical moment
Arthur Crossley came to the rescue.

No, he hadn’t recognized either of the
ruflians, and all he knew was that they
had been two in number. If more had
engaged in the affair, he failed to sight
them.

Having thus put his part of the night’s
adventure into the briefest' possible
speech, Roger Dikeman leaned forward
to clasp Arthur‘s hand, again thanking
him warmly for his brave conduct.

“ You saved my life, for that is the
facts of it all. I would never give up
that money, and they would—my brave
lad!” '

“And we’ll save the rascal for you, to
pull hemp, too,” declared Hotspur Hal,
deeming it wisest to make a diversion
just then. “That red trail ought to be
easily followed up by daylight, and then
-——well, I reckon Breakneck won’t kick
against fair payment when fully due!”

Crossley gave a sigh and an impatient
movement, as he seemed to feel his weak-
ness afresh. Then he 9.00“, hUSRHY?

"I wish I was only able to help! If
I could still fill my office as foreman. per-
haps we wouldn’t—but I’m worthless,
now! ”

The Hard Luck Sport quickly spoke
up at this, as he offered a hand:

“Let me step into your shoes until
you can come back to fill them. pardner.
Will you accept my services, Mr. Dike-
man?” 9

“ Do you really mean just that, sir.
Then—your hand on the bargain! ” cried
the mine owner, and the two men clasped

hands, warmIY-

 

Who

v- PM“? --._-v-
_A‘A‘ L, i. ---;Vp

UEER ranns AT THE TOUCHSTONE.
fl'll‘l‘haqt bold attempt at burglary did not
create much stir in Breakneck, for the
simple reason that very few of the em-
zens were aware of the fact.

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As the money was still safe, and they
had lost nothing more than a few hours“
sleep, the Dikemans saw no reason to
publish their alarm; and as for the bur-
glars themselves , they certainly had
still less reasons for advertising their
failure.

That all of Arthur Crossley‘s lead had
not gone astray was clearly evidenced
by the red trail left behind when that
hurried flight was made; a trail easily to
be read inside the house, although more
difficult'after the Dikeman premises were
left.

True to his pledge, Hotspur Hal was
on the keen alert with the earliest ray
of coming dawn, and between them the
queer pards lifted that gory spoor for
some considerable distance.

Instead of leading directly for town, as
might have been expected, this turned
away without crossing the river by either
foot, or road bridge, as though the in-
jured knave belonged elsewhere than at
Breakneck.

The morning sun was hardly in plain
evidence when the pards came to what
promised to be the end of their trail, so
far as those red signs went: a spot among
the fothills where that wound had been
dressed, as bits of bloody rags bore ample
evidence.

There was little to be gained through
studying that place. The soil was too
hard and dry for retaining footprints,
and after satisfying themselves on this
point, and failing to again hit off the
crimson trail, the two comrades aban-
doned that hunt for the time being.

“ It’s still too early to report at Dike—
man’s,” decided the Sport from H-ard
Luck, with glance from sun back to
Bedad. “ And I’d like a bit better news
to carry when I go, too. So—let’s ramble
over toward the Touchstone, Billy.”

“I hain’t a—keerin', pardy. Whichever
hits you is good a-plenty for a critter o’
my size an’ copperossity.”

Although they had not attempted any-
thing like a systematic exploration or
examination, the pards had ere this
taken a look in passing in the mining
property in dispute, their curiosity whet-
ted by the facts which had been let fall
within their hearing since that first sen-
sational meeting with Arthur Crossley.

This being the case, they had no diffi-
culty in finding the mine that morning,
slackening pace a. bit as they drew near
the rude buildings which marked the
adit.

The fact of the hands all having struck
work Would account for the silence and
utter lack of bustle in that vicinity, but
after what Saul Eden had said concern-
ing the matter in dispute, Hotspur Hal
would not have been greatly surprised to
find the property under an armed guard,
too powerful for their backing down.

,Instead of the stern warning at gun-
muzzle which he fairly anticipated, the
sport was permitted to draw within easy
reach of that adit before seeing shape of
human or hearing word of challenge;
but then a tall, burly fellow came into
sight, hand on butt of revolver, as he
harshly called out:

“ You want to pull out o’ hyal‘. Stran-
gers, an’ that in ‘a holy hurry! They
hain’t no ’mittance for the likes 0’ you-
all, an’ so—git!”

A swift glance failed to reveal any
armed backing to this walking obstacle,
and fairly confident that the big fellow
was arrogating to himself far greater
authority than really belonged to his
duty, Hotspur Hal made easy retort:

 

I

Having fairly sprung his trap, Hotspur
Hal cast suavity to the wind, right hand
on butt of revolver as he moved toward
the big fellow, looking decidedly warlike
as he spoke.

The miner shrunk visibly, eyes flash-
ing from one face to the other, loth to
beat a retreat, yet hardly daring to fur-
ther invite hostilities.

“And who may you be, anyway? ” per— ,

sisted the Hotspur, as be advanced.
“ You are not Roger Dikeman. You just
as surely are not Arthur Crossley, the
former superintendent; and I‘m ready to
make oath you’re not the new foreman,
unless I was changed at nurse for a
human——can you grunt, my overgrown
speCimen of the bristly race?”

“I kin—who’n ’ell ’re you, aryway?”
fiercely exploded the burly miner, divide
ed“betW'een rage and prudence just then.
. Who am I? Well, for lack of a better

title,,Just set me down as Hotspur Hal,
from Hard Luck. As for my business,
Im here to look over the Touchstone as
its recently nominated foreman and out-
door boss in general. Have you any ob-
Jections to offer, my pretty fellow? ”
. ‘You hain’t no right—you cain’t go
in while—thar’s a. lock-out, which it’ll
be "your ’-tarnal death of ye buck ag‘inst.
l .

“I want to know?” mildly cooed the
sport, face as full of sunshine as the
brightest day of summer. “And pray
who may have issued the edict to that:l
effect? ”

“The boys who sot me to keep watch,

an’ ef you don’t—” ,
. “That will do, Mr. Guardian,” curtly
interrupted the sport, having gleaned all
the information he cared for from this
particular quarter. “Now, suppose you
take .a walk. I am in charge of these
premises, and I seriously object to your
trespassing. I’m in no rush to set up
a bone—yard of my own, but if you hang
on too long—scat, Tommy! ”

\V‘nere oath and bluster might haveL

failed, this cool assurance proVed thor-
oughly effective, and after a brief hesita-
tion the burly fellow retreated, mum-
bling something which might have been,
and probably was, a threat to play even
ere long.

As soon as he had withdrawn fairly
outside the limit of those too keen eyes,
the miner turned and hurried off almost
at a run, like one who has very pressing
business in view.

“G’wine fer to fetch a gang, fer rocks! ”
commented Bummer Billy, who had quiet—
ly looked on through all this. “ Mought
’a.’ saved a heap o’ bother ef ‘ye’d jest
salivated him fust jump, pardy.”

“ And pulled hemp for so doing? No,
I thank you, Billy!” ,

The tramp shrugged his shoulders at
this, turning away toward the main en—
trance to the Touchstone Mine. but giv-
ing a bit of a cry as he stopped short
when barely inside the mouth of the
drift.

“ What’s biting you now, Billy? " asked‘
Hotspur, coming his way.

“ Who? Which? Me? ” spluttered the
bummer, giving a hasty pawing with
first one foot and then its mate among
the loose shale.
talkin’, but I reckon—" ’

“Redpaint, is it, Billy? ” drily asked
the sport, as he came up, to at once note
sundry suspicious signs there upon the
dry stones.

“Critter was hevin’ the bloody nose
when we come up, ’pears like,” grumbled
the tramp, moving on and getting well

“ Now, who's trying to trample all over ~ inside the drift before stopping to light

your cornfield?
Dikeman, or—”

“ Who you callin’ Roger Dikeman? ”

“ Why, that’s your legal name, isn’t it,
dear fellow? " asked thesport, with well-
simulated surprise in face and in tones.

“ No it haln’t, durn ye fer—"

“ Bite it off, there! Not Roger Dike—
man, eh? Then why in blazes are you
trying to bluff gentlemen off property
which certainly belongs to Roger Dike-
man?" ‘ ‘ ,

Go a little easy, Roger

4 L

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the candle with which he had provided

. himself.

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Hotspur apparently accepted this ex-r
planation, and the two pards for some
little time inspected those workings,
finding an abundance to interest them,
if only through guessing at the true value
of the property.

But Hotspur Hal seemed lrss nower-
fully interested in this partimv‘p" euarter

than was his odd pard, and presently,.
losing sight and sound ‘of Bummer Billy,

.,“. j. g  Jr J .

“ Oh, jest nothin’ wuth._

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 934

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The   

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Arlington turned to retrace his steps,
pausing only when fairly at the mouth
of that main drift.

Ever since entering the mine his
thoughts had been turned toward that
big fellow and his reasons for beating
such a hurried retreat. And his suspi—
cions as to a more than probable assault
from the enemy seemed in a fair way to
be confirmed as Hotspur reached the
mouth of that tunnel once more.

He heard harsh voiccs even before he
sighted their owners, and with a hasty
glance at his weapons, the new foreman
of the 'l‘ouchstone, looking every inch :1.
workman in the rough-and—ready garb
which he had donned for the occasion,
stepped into full view of that oncoming
crowd, keenly scanning both number and
faces.

Chief among them he took note of Saul
Eden, and not far from his elbow the big
fellow whom he had bluffed off so easily
only a short time before.

As he saw that his coming was, dis-
covered, liotspur Hal moved a bit for-
ward, haud on pistol-butt, as he flung up
his left by way of challenge.

“ Go ca‘y, gentlemen all! Possibly you

may not be aware of the fact, but this is
private ll'Olti-l'ly, and you are trespass~
ing, contrary to law."
a“ Who the devil set you up as law and
gospel?" harshly cried the lireakneck
“Sport, forging boldly to the front, evi—
dently in 11.5 angelic humor.

“Satan had nothing whatever to do
with it, so that lets you out, ‘Vlr. Saul
Eden. If you have any particular busi-
ness with the owner, Roger Dikeman—"

“I have just that, then! "-

“ Call on the gentleman at his place of
residence, then," coolly said the sport,
betraying no fear or uneasiness, although
the gambler was still advancing.

Then the ugly grumblings which had
been all along coming from the armed
crowd at Eden's heels broke forth into

_ audible words, some cursing the mine

owner, bpt by far the majority howling
for the wages out of which they had been
cheated so long.

Hotspur Hal caught quickly at these
calls, and made swift reply.

“0h, what‘s biting you fellows? You

. have been paid in full for each and every

dollar’s worth of work you've put out
upon the Touchstone."

“ It’s a lie! " fairly howled at least a
dozen of the miners.

“ Then Saul Eden is the liar, for he

‘ swore he’d paid you all.oi‘f and—no ye

don’t. now! "

‘With a savage curse the gambler leaped
forward to assault the Hotspur. hoping
to'catch Arlington wholly off his guard.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.

BUMMl-IR BILLY'S none BLUFF.
I With all‘his seeming carelessness, Hot-
spur Hal was never in his_life more

V 'wholly upon the alert than right ‘now,

and while seemingly with eyes and
’thoughts only for the miners, each move-
ment made the gambler of Breakneck was

' noted by those keen eyes.

‘ And so, when Saul Eden leaped vicious-
ly forward, the Sport from Hard Luck

 Was more than ready for the test.

Stepping swiftly to one side; Arlington
thrust forth a foot, at the same‘ instant

shooting out his left arm. that tightly-
. ,clenched fist going true as a die to its
‘ mark; catching the gambler between ear

and chin as he tripped over that deft ob—
stacle. ‘

 I Like a man of straw Saul Eden was

kfiocked endlong, hitting earth heavily

"y, and rolling down the slope, to fetch up

Whilst a clump of prickly bushes a dozen

I gyards dismnt, completely knocked out of
the ring for the time being.

,Few men knew better how to Judge a

" blew of this sort, hence the‘Hard Luck

representative never gave his especial

,Onemy another glance, but at once faced

the excited miners; who were almost

‘ t

‘A firm. follow the lead of the gamble?

in penultwmch could have had «be
,_ we use: '1!  «a g,

y _-

    

 

“ Steady, all! " cried the sport, in clear,
stern tones, as his hands tilled each with
a revolver, the muzzles of which swept
to and fro along that irregular line, as
the further warning followed:

“ I don't want to hurt any one of you,
gentlemen, and I‘ll not hurt you without
it's fairly forced upon me by—steady, I
say! Keep back, or by the blue heavens
above our heads right now, l'll shoot"
and shoot to kill!"

There was an involuntary recoil on
their part, but liotspur lial was keen
enough to realize that this was purely.
involuntary: just so. almost any force
would have shrunk back on being so
menaced; but the danger' to himself was
only checked, not removed.

He saw that big fellow slink away
toward the toolshouse, but could not
waste further thoughts upon him. The
miners still holding their ground were
far more dangerous, and he knew that a
single wrong word might fetch the crowd
roaring upon him, thirsting for his life-
blood.

“You were asking for your just dues,
friends," he said, speaking in amicable
tones, yet hoiding both himself and his
guns in readiness for swift action in
case of need. “ And I told you the naked
truth: Saul Eden swore he had bought
up all your claims, prying you dollar for
dollar, and then presenting a bill for the
full amount to Roger Dikeman, who 15—”

Just then the big fellow came back to
View, yelling hoarser and flourishing
above his head a coil of rope, which he
had found in. the tool-house.

“llyar‘s the medicine for to cure a
slip—sloppy tongue, pards! ” he yelled, as
he hurried back toward his comrades.
“ Durn all chin—music, but hang the cuss
which wants to———hang him, boys! ”

“ Whooray fer Dick Simpson! ”

- “Big Dick’s right: hang the infernal
fraud who backs up a worse one! Hang
him, then serve old Dikeman the same
way!”

HotSpur Hal stood his ground bravely
enough, but he knew that ugly work
was Coming, and felt how precious scant
were his chances: one man against a
round score of rough alleys like these!

“ Steady, all! ” rung forth his com-
manding tones, as his weapons once
more came up in grim menace. “ I’d hate
to harm any one of you, but I’m here by
full authority, and it’s my sworn duty
to hold and protect—”

The Sport from Hard Luck meant pre-
cisely what he said, but even a man of
his undoubted abilities cannot guard four
quarters at one and the same time, and
so his speech came to an abrupt ending.

A wiry little knave had crept around
to the rear under cover, and now rose up
with a. bit of heavy quartz in right hand.
A pause to steady himself and make sure
his aim, then the missile was flung with
savage force and unerring skill.

Struck fairly upon the head, his skull
saved from cracking only by the thick
felt he were, Hotspur Hal dropped his
guns from unnerved fingers and sunk
helplessly to the tearth. the weapons
both exploding as they struck beside him.

There was an instinctive scattering of
the mob as one of their number gave a
wild howl on catchinga stray bullet; but
then Dick Simpson surged forward with
flourished rope, fairly roaring as he
did so:

“ Now We hev got ’im, boys! Hyar’s
the rope, an‘ thar’s the durned galoot
which—~lynch him! "

That ‘mad howl was instantly caught
up by his fellows. and it really seemed
as though the Sport from Hard Luck had
run his earthly race to an ill ending; but.
then, with a wild howl and a mad
screech, a ragged, disreputable-looking
figure came rushing upon the scene, and
dropping to his knees by the side of his
senseless pard, Bummer Billy Bedad lev—
eled a brace of revolvers. one of‘which
covered the man with the rope“

"Drap that rope,‘ ye houn'i'dog! R’ar

o ’ ‘ 

J, ’

    

low. a:

  

* er Billy,-
. , ’ld 

 

my last doin‘ on this yer globe! Git, ye
pizen critters, an’ it‘s Bummer Billy Be—
dad that's axin' of ye to—git, I say!”

Boldly came that bluff, and the tramp
seemed only too ready to make good his
words by actions; but after all it was one
man bucking against more than a score,
all of them hard nuts to crack on an 00-
casion like this.

Dick Simpson recoiled a bit, for one of
those pistols was staring him full in the
face, and reckless though the ruflian
was, he had no burning desire to cross
the divide by bullet express.

That recoil lasted but a few seconds,
and as Simpson saw Bummer Billy covert—
ly nudging Hotspur Hal with a knee as
he held guard, his savage rage again
flamed up, and as he edged a bit nearer
with his noosed rope, he cried out to his
fellows:

“Jump him, lads! He’s only one, an’
plum’ skered to shoot whar he knows
that‘d mean shore hangin’ when—now! ”

Fancyiug he saw his chance, Simpson
ducked head and squatted, then made a
sidelong leap which he trusted woul‘d
effectually foil those leveled weapons,
after which 'twould be a comparatively
easy matter to fall upon and fairly
crush all opposition out of this tramp.

But a scheme which might have worked
to a charm in the case of an ordinar

' tramp signally failed with Bummer Bil

Bedad. ~

Swift as light that aim shifted to
match, and as the pistol exploded a mad
bowl of mingled rage and pain broke
from the burly ruflian.

His right hand dropped the rope, for
the bones were terribly shattered by that
heavy bullet, and Dick Simpson stag—
lg'téred back a cripple for the rest of his
I e. '

The miners were coming with a rush
which surely must have crushed out all
opposition, but, that shot and accom-

.panying scream of pain partly cowed the

majority, while casting them all into cone
fusion.

Then, as Simpson reeled back, shaking
his bloody hand over his head in excess
of pain, cursing and howling, more like
a drunken lunatic than aught in sober
senses. the miners fell back in disorder.

Even as they did so, Bummer Billy felt
his pard give a sigh and stir, and know-
ing that recovery would be rapid now it
had commenced, he pushed his bold bluff
still further.

“ The fust shot is to cripple, but all the
rest means sure death, ye want to know,
gents! Keep back, or I’ll hev a he-ole
boneyard started right hyar an’ right——
keep back, or pay penalty! ”

Hotspur Hal struggled to rise Just then,
and Bummer Billy, gave a hasty mutter
of warning: he had time for nothing fur-
ther, for a hoarse cry came from the rear,
and he knew Saul Eden must be rallying
from that pretty knock-down.

Casting a glance that way, Bedad saw
the gambler rise and stagger his way
like one drunken, and knowing now that
the crisis had surely come, he took swift
action. I

With a cat-like leap he reached the
Breakneck Sport and tripped him flat,
holding him under a heavy foot as he
again covered the startled crowd with
his guns, crying forth in stem tones:

“Keep back, I tell ye, now! Try to

crowd in an’ I’ll give ye what one gun

holds, then blow this galOot’s brains
clean to never—come-back-ag'in ‘with
t’other!” '

Forlone so heavily handicapped by.

odds, Bummer Billy \was really making
a magnificent bluff, and so Hotspur Hal
began to realize as his brain cleared and
his wits came back once more.

He secured the reVOlvers which had

dropped from his unnerved fingers on,

receipt of that foul blow from behind,
and not until he was actually rising to
his feet did the enemy fully realize who

was doing. I  8
out sail,
' m .4  v

, hardy! " called
‘exultantiy.
on! f

,“ Right hyar,

     

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to thunder! Right hyar, an’—~hold fast
to this yer cuss an’ we‘ve got ’em Whar
the wool's short!" he added in a tone
which was meant for Arlington alone.

But Saul Eden caught the words, and
readily divined their meaning, and as
strong hands fairly jerked him to his feet
again, he called out in a voice which was
almost unrecognizable because of mad
rage and chagrin:

“Jump ‘cm, boys!
but kill like—~”

A powerful grip closed upon his throat
and cut shortihis mad words. The muz-
zle of a revolver touched his temple, and
Bummer Billy cried out in stern warning
to the irresolute crowd in front:

“Stiddy, thar! Off comes his ruff ef
you even try to kick! Keep yer shirts
on, an’ we won’t bite ye, but ef not—say
your‘prayers, Eden!”

With the queer pards on either side,
holding him powerless as to limbs, Saul
Eden was forced backward in the direc—
tion of the drift out of which Bummer
Billy Bedad had come so opportunely,
and in their leaderless condition the
miners would scarcely have taken action
ere that refuge was won, only for the
gambler himself.

Divining the truth, Saul Eden began
to struggle, at the same time shouting
at the top of his voice: ‘ ,

“Rush 'em, men! Down ’em at all
hazards! Never mind me, for—”

It was a rush, but the gambler was
himself the subject, and as the mouth of
the drift was gained, Bummer Billy cried
out to his comrade: a

“ Look to him, pardy, an’ I’ll hold the
fort—just so!”

Never mind me,

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
THE pesos or A MADMAN.

Hobbling along with the aid of his
stout canes, each rod of progress seem-
ing a miracle when his grotesquely crip-
pled state is taken into consideration,
Crooked Esau drew nearer the Dikeman
residence that bright morning.

Another marvel was that he should be
here at such an early hour, so many miles
away from his mountain shack”

Limping, babbling, weaving unsteadin
from side to side, the elder France per-
sisted in his purpose, Which was not only
to reach that building, but to win 91
interview with Roger Dikeman;

Esau came from the hills'raiher than

from the town itself, but from the num-
ber of glances cast in that direction,
’twould appear that he rathpr anticipated
interruption from that quarter.

None such came, however, and at
length the deplorable specimen of hu-
manity reached the front of the‘house,
steadying himself with one cane, while

i using its mate to rap upon the closed

portal. « vl , y

The boards beneath his feet were
marked with blood, but Crooked Esau
gave 'that no heed; his: shaggy-browed
eyes were fixed impatiently upon the
door, from beyond which he could now
hear light footfalls. ' .

Roger Dikeman answered that sum-
mons, giving a little start and exclama-
tion of surprise as he first glimpsed that
earl caller. . ,

Mflmming something which..no doubt,
was intended for a salumtion, Esau
Franco hobbled forward without waiting

'for further invitation, in spite of his con-

dition, crossing the threshold before ob-
jectiou Could b made, even had the pro-
prietor felt so disposed.

“You wish to see me, sir‘.’ ” asked
the mine owner, recognizing this luckiest:
being at: one toward whom his attenuou
had been called on useveralomasions in
Breakneck, although they had never met
face to face until right n0W- fl

"Yes; yes, I want to see—I wt to
know—that money, the poor gentleman

‘ lost 'whené-he is not badly off. sir? i not

i o ?” , _
“griffin: 1tlieprf'ous fashion came them
mixed-up queries and gsmrtllgzsé wig;
‘ ' ‘ ~  supp? 3941.1 r 
m 3M .  “A.

  

 

. W

vi

 

Few could see this unfortunate creat-
ure without at the same time feeling
strong compassion for his physical de—
fects, and more than once of‘late Roger
Dikeman had put an extra dollar or two
in the way of the cripple's son, under
pretense of purchasing of his mountain
wares; but now that they were brought
into actual contact, the mine owner could
feel only intense repulsion.

If this being had been a human toad,
the result could hardly have been differ-
ent. .

Attributing this mainly to his recent
excitement. which had left his nerves un-
naturally attuned, Dikeman choked back
the feeling as much as possible, an-
swering the cripple as best he could when
Crooked Esau mourned the robbery and
cruel assault.

“ ‘Twas beneath my own roof—tree, one
might say: my own roof-tree! I would
have fought for the poor young gentle—
man—gentleman whom I never liked bet-
ter than when he seemed the, most un-
fortunate! Most unfortunate, peor, dear,
luckiess gentleman!" _

Roger Dikeman gave back thanks for
this sympathy on Crossley’s behalf, say-
ing that he would take pleasure in con-
veying the messages when C ssley was
a little better able toreceive t em.

“ Then he hasn’t—it was all true, the
amount of money which he lost? There
were — how many thousands? Many
thousands which the poor gentleman
lost? Lost beneath my own—ah, how
my heart bled for him, then! How my
aching soul—~eh? eh?”

More nervous the cripple appeared to
grow, his canes fairly beating an irregular
tattoo on the floor, his eyes glittering
and glowing as if filled with living fire.

He seemed so sorely put about that the
robbery should have taken place upon
his own premises, that Mr. Dikeman
offered relief in part.

“It would have been a heavy loss in—
deed, my dear sir, and one which we
could but illy have‘afforded if the whole
truth must be told.”

“If? If? But, surely, you don’t mean
to say—was it all a lie, then?” almost
fiercely crooked the cripple, as he swayed
drunkenly on his feet the While.

“ What do you mean by-—all a lie, sir? "

Just a bit sternly- demanded the mine
owner. g _
“All a lie that~the money was not
stolen, then? He told us—he wasplaY-
ing upon our sympathies when he swore
4-robbed?" ‘ I '

“Mr. Crossiey is above playing any.

such part as you foolishly hint, MY-
France. The money was stolen, but 'twas
restoredwthat is—” '

Roger Dikeman broke off with a stam-

mer, feeling that perhaps he had permit-
ted indignation to get the upper hand of
his prudence: But Crooked Esau caught
quickly at theadmlssion, speaking With
husky swiftness:
I “ ’Twas restored? ’Twas given back
afterr-by whom? How and when and
where—trestored? The money was—tell
me, sir; tell me by whom all thooe thous-
ands were restored after—tell mo—tell
me. ’,’ , ', » r ,

The/mine owner shrunk back a bit at

this’almOst frantic outburst, ,and, as
though he recognized his own folly in

betraying so much excitement, Esau
France calmed down, speaking for the
first time with. even coherence. ,

“ I’ humbly beg your pardon, Mr. 'Dike-
man. I have been worrying over this
ugly happening so constantly ever‘ since
that it has shaken my poor nerves until—-
but .now I am calm and composed. You
can see for yourself, sirzam I not perfect-
ly sane? ” ‘ . ,.

The mine owner m forced to admit as
much, and Crooked Esau added: . ,

“ I am calm; calm and composed once
more, My poor, brain ’is so wondrously
relieved that I'dould—vl; I may he permit-

I)
(

          

‘te‘d tosee Mr, Crossley for a few; seconds,

i .;1

   

 

 

stock: full barge

  
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
 
 
  
   
   
   
  
    
  
   
  
 
  
    
    
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
  
  

the stairs, and was actually ascending
them before Mr. Dikeman fairly realized
what was coming to pass.

Seeing that to refuse permission now
would but add fresh trouble, and knowing
how much stronger and in every way bet-
ter Arthur was this morning, the mine
owner contented himself with warning
his queer guest against any undue ex-
citement, following closely after the crips
ple in readiness to save Esau from falling
in case of slip or trip.

But neither took place. France tucked
canes in armpits, using his arms even
more than his legs, mounting the stairs '
with remarkable ease and celerity for
one in his lamentable condition.

As though posted in regard to condi-
tions, Esau at once made for the cham—
ber where Crosslcy had a bed, and as he
entered that room, he gave a husky,
barely articulate cry of recognition.

\And then, before Mr. Dikeman could
interfere, the cripple was fairly beside
the bed, fiercely demanding full informa,—
tion as to that mysterious restitution of
the stolen money.

“Who brought it, ye devil? How was
it found when—tell me who played such
an infernally foolish trick or I‘ll—hands
off, I say!”

“ Quiet, you crazy fool!” sternly'cried
Mr. Dikeman, as he grasped Crooked
Esau and jerked him back from the bed-
side. “Quiet, or I‘ll throw you out as if
you were—”

With a vicious bowl the man of the
mountains dropped his canes and twisted
about to break from those strong hands,
fairly gnashing his teeth as he recog-
filled the man with whom he now had to

o.

'Twas as though a mask had been torn’
from his face and his person as well.
One moment a distorted. awkward crip-
ple, the next ins’ant a wild beast in full
possession of every muscle, sinew and
cord; a maniacal adversary who seemed
far more dsvlish than human.

Shaking ~be those hands as a man‘
might cast off a child, Esau France
clutched with claw-like fingers at the 38°
tonished mine owner's throat, his free
hand jerking forth a. hidden revolver as
be fairly shriekcd: ‘

“Ha, ye purblind fool! You black-
hearted bound of Tophet! Do ye know
me? Do you know me at last, Roger Dike-
man?” ‘ -

“ God above!” gasped the mine owner 
as the bewildering truth seemed to flash '
over his brain. “ You are—" . ’

“ I am David GUson, and you are—die,
you hound! ” _

But just as the maniacal caller seemed
on the point of murdering his bewildered '
adversary, the chamber door was burst
open and a lithe figure leaped upon the
two men, flinging Dikeman aside and
grappling with Crooked Esau, at the same
time pantingly‘crying aloud:

“ Father, you must not-«oh, father! "

A mumed report, then the two men fell
to the floor together. I

\

 

CHAPTER XXVIII. [3,:
.numn-m BILLY‘S BLUFF mum GOOD. 4;
Just as that mad struggle betWeen mine;
owner and supposed cripple began; 
James Green was making all haste tic-«Q
ward the Dikeman residence, 
startling tidings. , 3, - v' -
He caught a fleeting glimpse of Nathan ’
France as the boyish-lookingehunter and
trapper, rushe hastily into the house, and»
naturally supposed he was hearing much.
the same tidings. __  '
But just as he gained the front en-
trance, teen caught the confused sounds;
of a ‘f rious'strugg‘lo within. magma,
instantly by sgunshot, then a. heavy? '
which seemed to fairly shake theenti‘fi
building. . ‘ ‘ ‘57" .
' He 1113th with all hasto‘to the scene,»
finding Roger Dikeman just separating ”
father and son, both of-whom appeared
to be dead or dying! ' ' "
As a professional man. Green at once
of affairs. and in; ‘
_ , $1 2: '

   
     
       
  

     
 
         
 
      
   
  
 

 
 
  
 

      

   

are?

 

vii

 

  

5 youngster,

30

The Sport from Hard Luck-

 

 

ready to express an off-hand opinion as
to his patients.

For there were two more: father and
son, Crooked Esau and Nathan France.

In that brief but desperate struggle the
false cripple had been shot by his own
weapon, held by his own hands, and
after so falling in close grapple with the
had whipped forth a long
knife and cruelly cut the one whom he
called son.

“ They are both alive, and possibly
may recover in the end, although I fear
the old man is fated,” tersely reported
Dr. Green after that preliminary examin-
ation.

Crooked Esau was insensible, now, and
past giving further trouble of the same
sort; and now Roger Dikeman found time
and opportunity for a close examination,
scmning that face with strangely con-
flicting emotions.

And then, after doing a little more for
his new patients, Dr. Green bethought
himself of the tidings which he had set
out to convey; that there was hot trouble
at the Touchstone Mine, and brisk shoot-
ing going on between the strikers and
the newly emplOyed foreman.

“Of course it makes more work for
men of my profession, but I’m sorry to
'hear it; sorry to have the good repute of
our town so bitterly blighted, sir!" for-
cibly declared the man of healing,‘turn-
ing again to Nathan France.

This case offered him more hope by far.
Though severely wounded, Dr. Green de-
clared that Nathan would recover with
half-luck, backed up by good nursing
and skillful attendance. '

“ I’ll answer for the last, while you see
to the rest,” he declared, with smiling
earnestness, while looking up to Dike-
man.

“ Do all you can for them both, doctor,”
gravely said the mine owner, as he
glanced again toward the elder patient.
“I must hear that—he must speak, sen-
sibly, before death claims his if your art
can possibly bring about such a seeming
miracle. You can? He will be able to
talk with coherence, doctor? ”

“I’ll do my level best, as a matter of
course. And now—where?” .

But Roger Dikeman was already in
swift motion, giving way to his perfectly
natural anxiety concerning the safety of
his mining property, to say nothing of
his new foreman and the Hotspur’s queer
pard.

Dr. Green turned back to Nathan, who
still pleaded for his father, begging that
aid might be turned his way first, huskily
declaring that the poor old man was
wholly unaccountable for his deeds, since
he had long been crazy; a veritable
lunatic!

Meanwhile the word was spreading with
rapidity. and by the time Roger Dikeman
GOuld reach town, all Breakneck was in
an uproar over the Touchstone affair,
some cheering for the lawless strikers.
but more holding out against any such
anarchistic actions.

This being the case, Roger Dikeman
found it no difficult matter to collect a
fOrmidable bodyguard, with whom he
hastened as directly as possible to the
scene of trauble, finding the Saul Eden
mob at bay, thanks to Bummer Billy’s
bold bluff, backed up by his revolvers.

Considerable powder had been burned,
and more wounds than one given, al-
though no lives had been lost so far.

With such a strong force to back him
up, Roger Dikeman was but a few min-
utes winning a truce, and then he hur-
ried over to the drift, at the mouth of
which he found the queer pards, neither
of whom had been materially/injured,
although Hotspur Hal bore a ‘swelled
head ” in consequence of that foul stroke
from behind his back.

Saul Eden was bound hand and foot,
male with rage, and fairly frothing at the
mouth as he demanded his liberty; but
Bummer Billy quickly vetoed that.

" Not while I can pick trigger or play
steel, gentlemen, all! This man is my
game, legally put under arrest, and I L
am-n V. ‘

 

 

 

"dunk- . "A

“Who are you, then?”

“‘ Bummer Billy Bedad, from Tougher
Luck! ” declared the tramp detective,
with a half malicious grin at those curi-
ous witnesses.

Saul Eden burst into a torrent of oaths
and savage revilings at this, vainly striv-
ing to burst his bonds, and at the same
time calling on his friends to rescue him
from those hounds.

Dark looks were showing, and ugly
mutterings were becoming audible before
Bummer Billy saw fit to take the hint;
but then he spoke out in tones and words
which none who heard could possibly
mistake.

“Touch lightly, gentlemen, if you
please,” he cried, stepping a bit to the
front, with revolver in each hand, drop-
ping all dialect for the time being.

“ I am a detective, duly authorized to
act as such in every State of this Union.
I have arrested this man, whom you have
known only as Saul Eden, for bank-rob~
bery and safe-blowing, back East.

The piisoner yelled forth a mad denial,
but Bummer Billy persisted.

“There are more counts than one on
the docket against him, but the heaviest
and blackest is what I just said; for, in
turning that trick, this Saul Eden—to
give him the name by which you know
him best—added murder to his foul rec-
0rd.”

Again the accused broke in, using Ian-
guage so awfully foul that in self-defense
Hotspur Hal forced a gag between his
foam-marked jaws.

By this time the crowd, now amounting
to a small army so far as numbers went,
had pretty well simmered down.

For one thing, those who were most
inclined to make serious trouble were
now entirely leaderless.

Saul Eden was a captive in bonds. Dick
Simpson had skulked away with crippled
hand, all the fight knocked out of his
huge carcass by that stinging wound.

Still, there was peril of no mean dimen-
sions in case one of their number should
spring to the front with a rallying cry,
and fully realizing as much, the Sport
from Hard Luck stepped forward, lifting
hand by way of commanding attention. -

“Gentlemen, there may still be some
of you who fancy this man, Saul Eden,
as he has figured here in your midst, has
received rather more than his fitting re-
ward. Now—let me ask one favor.

“All those to whom the Touchstone
workings owes money for labor or sup-
plies please step aside from the rest."

A brief hesitation, then obedience. And
Roger Dikeman stared in mute amaze as
he recognized nearly every workman
employed by him. /

Then Hotspur Hal resumed in clear,
cool tones:

“ Now, gentlemen, I have faith in each
and every one of you. Rough a few of
you may be, but tough—never! Iknow
that not a man among you would put in
a false claim, just because you fancied
it might possibly pass scrutiny. I feel
that each and every one of you honestly
believe you are lawful creditors—~”

“ We kin prove it, too! Thar’s ole
Dikeman, which is too bloody hard-liv-
ered fer ary [sort 0’ use! Ax him ef he
don’t owe us, then! "’

“ Wait a bit, please If money is owing
to you, that money shall be paid in solid
cash this very day. Only—Saul Eden
swore up and down that he had bought
up your claims against the Touchstone
property, paying you a dollar for every
dollar’s worth, and that you were—”.

Hotspur Hal left that sentence unfin-
ished, for ’twas worse than useless to at-
tempt speech against such a howl of
savage rage and denial as now burst from
those miners.

They swore that not a dollar had been
paid them, and believing that the gambler
had fairly defrauded them, the cry for
his lynching was lifted in savage earnest,
and a rush began; only to‘recoll as Bum-
mer Billy Bedad jumped to the front once
more, revolvers at a level and voice cry-
ing in wonderfully, businesslike ton :‘

c . ' r
I .3”; -t5\ r-i.  ,3. My '
e is ' ' N " 'mtfiju" 2W ‘9'"!

 

 

"Back, all! I’ll kill him with my last
pill, and give you the other eleven! ”

 

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE TRAMI’ Dld’l‘liC’l‘lVE'S REVELATION.

Clearly the tramp detective meant all
he said, but before even the hottest—
headed among them all could put him to
the test, Hotspur and a number of others
took much the same stand, resolved to
uphold the law as represented by Bumn
mer Billy Bedad.

There is a bare chance that, even if
Saul Eden had been able to make another
of his fierce appeals, some of his ad-
herents might have risked all in one des-
perate rush; but, lacking any such in-
citement. the men drew back and the
trouble was quelled.

Still, Bedad could not feel entirely at
ease with his important capture so long
as they were out in the open, and acting
on his whispered suggestion, Mr. Dike-
man quickly arranged with his particular
guards to act as escort for the little party
back to his residence.‘

In order to make that trip with as
little bother as might be, Saul Eden was
placed upon his feet, from which bonds
had been removed, Bummer Billy grip-
ping one of those securely fettered arms
and whispering in lowered tones to his
human quarry: -

“It’s just like this, my pretty fellow.
My warrant reads dead or alive. I’ll make
it the last if you’re agreeable, but it’ll
surely be the other if you give too much
trouble. I’ll kill you without mercy if I
see the least chance of your breaking

away, or of being rescued by any of your

pals; that is sworn to, by all that’s good
and evil! ”

Saul Eden was staring directly into
those eyes the while, and he could not
mistake the truth: Bummer Billy meant
“ business ” now. '

Fortunately for all concerned, there-
fore, no serious trouble arose while Saul
Eden was being conducted to the Dike—
man residence; and when once within—
doors, the tramp detective threw off his
grim restraint, once more the careless,
reckless, trampish individual for the mo—
ment.

Dr. Green was still in charge, and from
him the state of home affairs was quickly
warned.

Crooked Esau, or David Gilson, to give
him the name which belonged by rights
to the imposter, was in a very bad way,
his injury clearly mortal, although he
might linger for hours ere death should
close accounts.

On the other hand, Nathan France was
rallying remarkably, and there was little
to be feared on his account, while Arthur
Crossley was even more than doing his
doctor proud!

Having secured his man' beyond all
chance of escape unaided, the detective.
who had so far figured as Bummer Billy
Bedad, let drop a hint to the Hotspur
which resulted in gathering a select au-
dience before whom he proposed to make
a more or less interesting revelation.

At first that seance was intended to
take place in the little home office on the
ground floor, but Arlington proposed an
amendment.

" Cressley is about as deeply interest-
ed in the matter as the next fellow, Billy,
and he'd rather have it from your lips
than sec0nd-hand.” ‘

“If you reckon it wouldn’t stir him up
too much, Hal? "

The Sport from Hard Luck promptly
negatived that idea, and so it came to
pass that the tramp detective made his
revelation there in the sick chamber,
the floor of which was still damp with
the blood of two other human beings.

As one of the prominent characters,
Saul Eden was present, seated in a chair,
his wrists encircled by steel cuffs, his
arms behind his back with a stout cord
connecting his elbows.

Standing behind this occupied chair,
one hand resting lightly ‘on one shoulder
of his sullen prisoner, Bummer Billy

, Bedhd began speaking.

/x‘r'.. , I

v“, ."

 

 

 
 

.7

 

l

\

 

 pnriso

   

The Sport from Hard Luck.

31

 

“ I'm not goillg to bother you with an—
cient history, my good friends, nor yet
give in detail all the crimes which are
recorded against this remarkably fine
specimen of—inhumanity!

“Enough on that point if I say, what
is gospel truth, that the fellow you have
known thus far as Saul Eden is surely
booked for conviction, and that convic-
tion can only end in a. trip to the gal—
lows! " .

The prisoner gave a surly curse at this
blunt prediction, but that light hand
closed firmly and a muttered warning
quieted the criminal for the time being.

“ Let so much suffice for the past and
for other climes. Now, just listen a bit
and I’ll tell you how mighty busy this
enterprising gentleman has been right
here in your own midst.

“Ever since striking Breakneck, Saul
has lived crooked, because that is his
nature; if given equal reward, he’d far
rather elect the evil than the good.

“ Still, so far as the facts haVe come to
light, it was not until something like a
year ago that Eden fairly set up in life
as a road—agent and footpad, and since
then he has made a record more interest-
ing than reputable."

“ You lie—lie like a dog! " fiercely
snarled. the prisoner, turning head and
viciously trying to sink teeth into that
strong hand as it rested upon his shoul-
der. -

Even more swiftly that hand turned to
.a fist. hard as stone and so heavy that
the villain's head went back, teeth
loosened, lip cut and mouth bleeding
freely.

The tramp detective said nothing while
doing this, and just as though everything
was progressing smooth as velvet, he
spoke on:

“He seemed to hold a special spite
'against you, Mr. Dikeman, for he it was
who, backed by a picked gang from town,
robbed you of large sums on two dif-
ferent occasions. And if that couple was
not made a trio, you surely can't blame
Mr. Saul Eden!

“ You were in the right, Crossley, when
you declared your belief that Eden was
at the bottom of your trouble in the hills,
yonder, while trying to run the gantlet
with a supply of cash; for Saul set the
trap you so nearly fell a victim to, and
Dick Simpson, one of the Touchstone
miners, posted his as to the money you
were fetching this way.”

“A lie—all an infernal lie!” sullenly
vowed the prisoner, only to have the
tramp detective grip his neck until speech
was fairly impossible.

“A true indictment, as I stand pre-
pared to prove from start to finish,”
coolly assured Bummer Billy. “There
was another finger in the pudding that
night: Crooked Esau played his part, as
will be made clear later on; but the one
who kicked up the biggest racket was
Saul Eden.

" When Saul missed his one in that di-
rection, finally learning right here that
the money had come safely to hand after
some as yet unexplained fashion, he took
another and scarcely less desperate
course.

“ You all know what trouble Mr. Dike-
man has had on account of his Touch-
stone mine. The county records were
destroyed, by accidental fire as the com-
mon belief goes, but I have fair proof
that fire was incendiary, and almost cer-
tainly caused by or through Saul Eden.

1. “Knowing that the original title deeds

l were lost or stolen, the rest seemed easy
to such an ingenious knave, particularly
since the turning up of the discoverer,
Rough House, who sold his claim to Mr.
Dikeman.

“ It was easy enough to bribe and buy
House, soul and body, and Saul has since
Put him to various uses, among them
the insulting Miss Dikeman so he could
play hero, and, only last night, to play
burglar and—”

Again Saul Eden interrupted the pro-
ceedings by a savage outburst, this time

‘ “Wins the tramp detective more trouble
ere he could fairly subdue his refractory
er.

I “3’ I"; ,

1,. .3 - ,

  

the curious citizens who had flocked to

 

  

When this was effected, Bummer Billy
cut the rest short, saying:

“ What I’ve said I can prove by Rough
House himself. He was the man who
caught one of Crossley's bullets, last
night, and Dick Simpson was his running
mate. Big Dick helped Rough to the
Touchstone, leaving him in yonder as
about the safest place until other ar-
rangements might be made. And right
there I stumbled upon the pretty lad, so
badly hurt as to be pliable as wax in my
hands!” '

Again Saul Eden denounced it all as an
infamous concoction of malicious lies,
and again the detective silenced him, to
add:

“ I’ll give you a. perfectly square deal,
my man. I’ll fetch you two rascals face
to face, and then let the best man win
out. After all it can make mighty little
difference to you or to your fate, old fel-
low: that is settled beforehand, I’m de-
lighted to assure you! ”

Having performed all that he promised
for the moment, Bummer Billy removed
his prisoner to the ground floor, there
looking closely to his fastenings like
one determined to take no chances
which prudence might avert, after which
he elected a sufficient escort from among

that center of interest, eager to learn all
that might be upon the tapis.

Then he hurried away to bring back
his crippled game, Rough House.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
THE CROOKED cnoox CONFESSES.

'Almost from the start Dr. Green was
convinced that not an earthly ray of
hope remained for Esau France to recov-
er from that gunshot wound, but not
until he found himself sinking rapidly
would the injured man believe as much.

When conviction came at last, his iron
nerve seemed to break down all at once,
and among the broken ravings which
crossed his lips the man of medicine
caught something which induced him to
seek out the mine owner, speaking ear-
nestly:

“ There is something hurdening my pa-
tient‘s mind, Mr. Dikeman, which I be—
lieve you ought to know. If you could——
eh? ”

The old gentleman gave a low excla-
mation, shrinking back with a shiver of
mingled hatred and repulsion. .

Dr. Green saw this, and could. not well
mistake its meaning.

“ Of course I have no intention to dic-
tate, my dear sir,” he hastened to assure.
“I merely thought that, possibly, you
might set the poor devil a little more at
ease. And—he is sinking rapidly! I do
not believe he can possibly live the day
out.”

A brief hesitation, then Roger Dikeman
rallied, bowing head as he motioned the
doctor to lead the way back to the apart-
ment which had been allotted to the
wounded cripple.

This was done in silence, and when he
saw the mine owner standing beside the
bed whereon rested the man from the
mountains, face grave and troubled,
hands clasped tightly behind his back
as though fearful of trustng himself too
far, the physician began to realize some-
thing of the truth; that these men had
knOWn each other in the long ago.

An uneasy stir on his part called the
patient’s notice that way, and with a
feeble gesture Esau France brought the
doctor to his side.

“Am I—the whole truth, doctor! ”
huskily spoke he who had for so long a
time maintained such a wondrous im-
posture.

“ You are seriously injured, my dear
sir, but while there is life there is hope,"
answered Dr. Green, gravely.

“ No, no! the truth—Whole truth! ”
with an angry shake of his head. “Will
I—can I live—through this?"

A brief hesitation, then the doctor
shook his head, silently.

“How long—can I live until~—a week?”

 

“ No. I must tell you-since you ask it, .,

1}} ' . -
., out. .

'.;

 

I

sir, I must say that you will not live be-
yond the day, if even that long,” reluct-
antly yet positively answered the man of
medicine.

Those eager eyes closed. That figure
shivered. Something like a moan came
through those parted lips. But the wound—
ed man rallied anew, speaking distinctly:

“ Go, then, please. I must—I have much
to say which——leave me alone with—Rog-
er Dikeman.”

Dr. Green waited to make sure he had
not mistaken the meaning of his patient,
then yielded to his desire for privacy,
Whispering a few directions to the mine
owner as he passed from the death
chamber, for such he knew it to be now.

It was not until long after that the
whole story came out, and even then
there may have been a few points which
Roger Dikeman kept fast-locked within
{ilfs own breast for the remainder of his
1 e.

There was much said on either side
which would hardly interest the general
reader, and so the main facts alone need
be given in this connection.

In the days long gone Roger Dikeman
and. David Gilson had been rivals in love
as in many other respects. Fortune fa-
vored the first—named, and shortly after-
ward his defeated rival disappeared from
that neighborhood, as most people sup-
posed forever.

Instead, David Gilson was meditating
vengeance because of, as he both declared
and believed, the foul dealing to which
he had fallen victim.

Time and again he swore that Dikeman
had won a wife through devilish lies;
times past counting he vowed to play
even if it sent himto a shameful death
upon the gallows.

.From under cover Gilson strove to sow
dissension between the pair, but all his
arts failed. Then, grown madly desper-
ate, he watched his chance when Dike—
man was absent from home on important
business, and finding Mrs. Dikeman alone
with one of her children, lured her from‘
that comparatively safe refuge by cun-
ning lies, then threw off the mask and
tried to force her to run away with him.

The wife resisted, desperately, and in
the struggle which followed, was acci—
dentally killed—now, lying upon his
death-bed, the criminal vowed that this
was truth. s

“I would far sooner have yielded up
my own life!" he declared, lent strength
by pure excitement. “I loved her better
far than—”

“ Silence!” cried Roger Dikeman,
hoarsely, one hand slipping over the lips
whicrl seemed to profane that memory.

But, in the end, Gilson had his way,
little by little tearing the mask from over
the sad past, listened to by his one—time
rival in love like one in a dizzy dream.

Up to this day Roger Dikeman had be-
lieved his beloved wife false to her vows,
false to herself, to him, to her twin chil-
dren. But now— \

“ I killed and buried her, then fled with
the child—her child~and he is—he re-
stored the money I stole from Crossley!
Pie“ my boy Nathan—your son—her
c .. ”

 

So the clouds all cleared away long be-
fore the 'sun went down that evening,
when David Gilson quietly drOpped off
into his last, long sleep, no longer the
fugitive, the cripple, the heavily bearded
“ Joram Wheatcroft," who first failed to
rob Arthur Crossley, then came to his
aid in time to foil the second assault of
Saul Eden and his paid tools, and ended
all by guiding the trio toward the moun-
tain shack, himself crossing the gulch
afoot in time to resume his identity as
Crooked Esau!

All this was made known, tbgether with
the confession of the badly, yet not fatal-
ly injured Rough House. That confession
cleared away all remaining doubts, for
that rascal made a clean breast of it.

Saul Eden hired him to do his “dirty
work,” and this was his final reward!

Having confessed to the burglary, the
assault upon Phyllis through directions

. V .0 ‘
a~  .i r r).  '-

y’rn b 1' at: ‘

‘ ' .x-a 'x . ,..., _
_ .‘,. H , .  ‘04}; .. .

    

 R 3156“;   Luck.

 

 

from Saul Eden, who wished to play the
gallant knight in defense of fair lady,
Rough House signed a positive statement
that he had been fully paid for all his
rights to the Touchstone property, then
was sent over to Breakneck, to be cared
for until able to leave that part of the
country,

Long before this the tramp detective
had taken his valuable priSOner away to
meet his just deserts in the far east, but
before leaving making‘fair apologffor
playing such a role. Even Hotspur Hal
had only suspected the truth. They had
met by chance, and traveled together for
lack of better company.

The Sport from Hard Luck was just
what he claimed to lie—a. "Sport," pure
and simple. And when this little episode
in an eventful life drew to a natural
close, Hotspur passed on to fresh past-
ures whither-Well, it is barely possible

‘ that we may yet follow him thither!

Before dying, David Gilson made Nath-
an understand the facts of his birth and
relationship, and long ere the youngman
recovered fully from his hurt, he learned
to lotie bothlfather and twin sister.

Only onCe did he revert to that sad
time; then he told how be restored: the
package of money stolen by his supposed
father, of whose immature he was aware,
but whom he felt fully assured was whol-
ly unaccountable for his actions, through
insanity. ,

And Arthur Cressley?

Met with his befitting reward! Recov-
ered from his, hurts, he married fair
Phyllis Dikemam then resumed the posi-
tion of foreman to the Touchstone, which
[he so developed that .t was, eventually,
sold to a mining syndicate for an im-
mense sum. 1

And with this sum to back them, the
party left Breakneck, turning their faces
toward the rising sun in quest of a new
and more congenial home.

' ~ THE END.

 

7
/

‘_ 'Nnx'r DIME-LIBRARY, NUMBER 946! V
“ Dashing Charlie’s Dead-Shots;
I " OR.

Fana'cx Hons}: men’s vow. ,
7; far COLEPRENTISS INGRAHAM.

 

I Readies Dime, library. 1

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER. JR.

98'! German Gus, the Go-Lizhtiy Detective.

984 Sagebrush Sand . the Sport at Large.

928 Old Soberside t e Detective of St. Louis.

995, tel-Horne eeler, the Revenue Detective.
918 The Double-Edged Detective.

907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere.
r 898 Silky Steele, the Stay~in Sport.

$4 Theswtter-S ort'e Neck-Tie Par? .
.g , ate:- k; or, Silver-Tip d.
803 RiatnRob. the Ben e Chem ion.
 ' e C 'wbov Chiefs Sure-S at.

me. eRivul Red- at Sports.

857 curl . eyenno Sport.

391 The . 1: Hand Detective.

‘815 The Soft Hand‘s Clutch. * 3

W9 Den Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport.

, The Frisco Detective‘s Thug~Tsnsle
no Tb Dem 'S'hertmvgtis i'rt’
 v e po ’3 .n 4-.

 Prince John. Detective S eclal.
 Dandy Don, the Denver elective.

v 54 'lhe Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the

 Dector Detective.
7é/Swee kcs Sam, the Silver sport.
' ‘ 'ret Sir or. Old Halcyon.
Man 0! Sii .
Bantam Bob. the Beau from Butte.
- 098 grit Kneson. the PM": er Sport. >
 'brrBrecze. the Ecuador Detective. ‘ p
% Steel Sorry, the Sport from Sunrise.
“1 Shlexenggskul’s  Streak '
The. I ere . l ,

{al‘fiilvertip Steve. thergsky Scraper from Sislriyou.
, “is her Gabe, the Unsee Detective.

 Dandy Darling, Detective

one, the Mountaineer.
617 ie

038, M ‘
e Gri Sac glmrp's Even u \ -.
59? 1"
{5 Sandy Sends. the Sharp from Sun

lg Ban y. the gndier of mstone Butte.
g) City.
var-Ton , ed Sid: or.’Grip Sack harp‘s Sweep.
Grip 1: Sher : or. The Sol-spins ofSodom.
,_ a , Sid. the . mple Sport. ' ’
 The Buried Detective: or. Soul’s Six Sensations.
  Magnet. the Men of Nerve , '
“Dutch the Decorator fro Dendétht
who D no  . ‘
who 6
if m

ci’rom Ginseng.
“ 4’

“853 Tue Quaker PM L

 

BUFFALO BILL NOVEBS.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

36 Buffalo Bill's Black Para.
927' Buffalo Bill‘s Bluff; or, Du=kv llick the Snort.
92 Buffalo Bill's Quandary: or. Velvet Bill’s Vow.
915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon-Scout.
909 Buffalo Bill’s League: or. Red Butterfly.
901 Buffalo Bill‘s Tangled Trail.
900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Rilei‘s.
895 Buffalo Bill‘s Secret Ally.
890 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake.
882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill Wild Billand Band-
box Bill; or. The Bravo in Broadcloth.
" Buffalo Hill’s Buckskin BraVes.
869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up.
863 Bufl’alo Bill‘s Dea' ll Charm.
857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush.
8:51 BuiTalo Bill‘s l‘ouble Dilemma.
Buffalo Bill‘s Redskin Ruse.
Buffalo Bill's Boxs in Blue.
' Buffalo Bill’s Shin lShilOlel‘B.
Bull’an Bill‘s Best. ower.
Buffalo Bi'l‘s Red Trail.
Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knoll.
Bufi'alo Bill’s Winning Hand.
Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot.
Buffalo Bill‘s Brand.
777 Buffalo Bill‘s Spy Shadower.
Buffalo Bill‘s Sweepstake.
' B .f’f'aio Bill‘s Dozen: or, Silk Ribbon Sam.
Buffalo Bill‘s Mascot.
‘ Buffalo Bill‘s Double.
750 Buffalo Bill‘s HIE Founor. Custer’s Shadow.
748 Buith Bill‘s Flush Hand.
739 BuiTalo Bill‘s Mind: or, The Masked Drive;
735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men.
Buflalo Bill's Beagles: or, Silk LassoSam.
727 Buffalo Bill's Body Guard.
722 Buffalo Bill on the “'ar- th.
716 But!an Bill's Scout She owers.
710 Buflalo Bill Baffled: or; The lieserter Desperado.
897 Buflalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood.
691 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail;or, Mustang Mad 9.
667 Buffalo Bill‘s Sweep; or. The Kingof the M nos.
658 The Cowbov Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas.
653 Lasso King’s Le uezor. Buck Taylor in Texas,
649 Buffalo Bill’s Chie of Cowboys; or. Buck Taylor
644 Buffalo Bill's Bonanza;or. Si ver (‘ircle Knights.
362 Buffalo Bill‘s Gri l: or. (ratn Bound to Custer.
329 Bulralo Bill’s Ple ge: or. The League of Three.
189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen.
175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card: or, The Indian Heiress.
168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot. v

By Bu fl‘alo Bill.

839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot.

820 White Beaver's Still Hunt.

K77 Wild Bill,the Wild West Duelist.

800 Wild BilL the Dead-Center Shot.

639 Buffalo Bill's Gold King.

599 The Dead Shot Mne: or, My Pards of the Plains.

414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective.

401 One-Armed Pam; or. Borderland Retribution.

897 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beavers Trail.

394 White Beaver. th Exile of the Platte.

319 Wild Bill, the W riwind of the West.

804 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier‘s Sweetheart.
83 Gold Bullet Snort: or, Knights of the Overland.
52 Death-Trailer. the Chief of Scouts.

By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntllne, etc.

778 Buffalo B‘ll’s Ban; or. Cody to the Rescue.

682 Buffalo" Bill’s Secret Service Trail.

am Buffalo Bill’s Darin Role; or. Daredeath Dick.

517 But!an Bill's First rail; or. The Express Rider.
159 Buffalo Bill, our»: of Scouts.

117 Buffalo Bill 8 Strange Ford; or, Dashing Dandy.
98 BuflalmBill. the Buckskin King. .

BY nelson: puma.

883 The Man from Mexico in New York.
872 The King-Pin Shark: or. Thad Barr's Ten Strike.
861 The Tenderloin B Four .

k. ,
844 Tracked to Chicago. ‘
896mm Policy Broker 8 Blind.
829 The Frisco Sher-net‘s 0001 Hand. ‘
891 The Tramp Shadoyer’s Backer.
813' The Sham S tier 8 shrewd Scheme.
806 The Grand meet Gold-Dust Sharpe's.
7w Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness
792 The Wall Street Sharper’s snap.
784 Thad Burt‘s Death Drop.
742 Detective Burr-Among the New York Thugs.
734 Detective Burr‘s Foil' or. A ‘\ oman‘s Strategy.
728 Detective Burrrthe lleadquartere Special.
713 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. V 0
706 Detective Burr-’3 Seven Glued,
698 Thad Bum the invincible; or, The “ L " Clue,
690 The Matchless Detective.

‘ _ 080 II. the Fatal Claw: or. Burr’s luster Geno.

BY LIBU‘I‘. h K. SIMS.

914 Snowflake Sam's Double.
89? The Six-Shot Spotter. .
897 The Stringer Sport from Spokane.
873 The S rt Detective’s Cami-ado Clew.
860 The sgngled Sport Shadowy. »
843 The Crescvnt City Sport. I
882 Old Gale‘s Block Genie. ' 
The Pin of the Lesdville Lions. ,
Ch cage Charlie’s Diamond Haul.
1'76 0 Charlie, the Columwa Detective.
758 The iznr l Kin Detective.
72$ Teamator Tom, he Boomer Detective.
709 Lodestone Lem, the Chem ion of Chestnut Burr.
695 Singer Sam, the Pi rlm tective.
688 River Bustiers; or t ,
673 Stuttering Sam the. Whitest [Alpert of Sante’Fc.
666 Old Adamant. t e Men of Roe . 
818 Kansas Karl, the Detective Kink- . .'
5663 Prince Primrose, the Flower of the Finch
use Huckleberry. the Foot-Hills Detective.

, . in! J w, canon.
mantel-t ids rth Dwayne.
905 Sim ‘ gm“ iwu emu. 

1‘

Dick Talbot M-ric-n.

741 Dick Talbot's CIOSe Call.

732‘ Die; Talbot in Apache I and.

733 Dick Talbot. the- Runch King.

7%) Dick Talbot‘s Clean-Out.

725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Cum]:

354 Dick T .lliot: 01, The Brand oi i'nn'son Cross:
36 Dick Talbot: or. The Death-Shot oi‘ Shasta.

Alken’s Fresh oi Frisco Series.

.5 Fresh, the Race-Truck Sport.
660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake‘s li‘ull Hand.
652 The Fresh's Rustie at Painted City.
047 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, T1!" Slrnnm“ Sharp.
556 Fresh. the Sport: or. The Big Racket m. S ide Out.
537 Fresh Against the Fic'd: or, Blake. tho Lion.
497 The Fresh in Texas: or The Ewolu do Millions.
461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio (irando.
97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or Bronze Jack
Alkell’u Joe Phenix Series.
865 The Female Barber llctccliv ; or, Joe Phenix in
Silver City.
799 Joe Phenix's. Great Blue Dinm' nd Case; or, The
New York Sporl at Long: Bl‘all"h.
793 Joe Plieuix’s Ileclgv: or, The Man: of Three.
700 Joe Phcuix's Lone Band.
749 Joe thix's Big Bulge.
745 Joe l’lienix’s Mad Cues.
708 Joe Plicnix‘s Siren: or, The “'omnn Hawksliaw.
700 Joe Phcnix’s Unknown; or. Cl ushim: the Crooks
081 Joe Phenix's S iccials; or. The Actress Detective
637 Joe Phenix in 'razy Camp.
032 Joe Phenix’s Master Search.
028 Joe Phepix‘s (‘ombin ; r,tlie Dandy Conspirator
020 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six.
601 Joe Phenix’s Shadowgorfl e Detective’s Monitor
419 Joe Phenix., lhe Kine rf Detectives
101 Joe Phenix's Great Man Hunt. ‘
112 Joe Phenix, Private Dem-Live; or, The League.
79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy.

Aiken"- Mlsccllancous Novels.
940 Captain Jack. the Scalper
935 The hawks and Wolves of New York
932 Detective Gordon‘s Grip.
. 926 Old Sunflower. the Silent Smiter.
3 92% Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Delective,
901 The Hotel Swell-Shaw; r, The Siren Shadower.
892 The Countryman De=ective
l 876 Gold Button Spon: or, The Miner Sharps.
l 842 Teton Tom the Half-l 1- 0d.
1 835 The KingrPin D. leclive,
‘ 814 The New York! r An our Texas Sports.
l 775 King Dandy. tlw Silver Spur .
i 753 Gideon’s Gri ) at Babylon I ar.
1 71? Captain Pat cGowei H e (ln'encoat Detective.
I €74 Uncle Sun Up. the l’ vrn Detective.
l

 ALBERT w. AIKIZN‘S Novnns.
I
i
l
l

 

. Lightweight Detective.

665 The Frisco lleiectivl ; or, The Golden Gate Find.

013 Keen Billy, the Sport.

607 Olrl Benzine the "Hard Case " Detective.

594 Fire Face, t 9 Silver King‘s Foe.
I 583 The Silver Sharp Detective.
i 577 Tom. of Calif« rule; or. in lectlve‘a Shadow Act.
1 570 The Actress Detective: or. The invisible Hand.
f 562 Lone Hand. the Shadow .

520 The Lone Hand on the Ccddo.

490 The Lone Hand in Texas.
I 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective
l 485 The Actor Detective. «
I 440 The High Hor e of the Pacific.
1 421 The Lone Hand; or. The lie-d River Recreants. ‘
| 408 Do? Grip, the Vendetta (if ll: nth.
. 381 The (iypsy Uen tlcmnn: « r. i-icl' F: x. Detective
! 37¢; Black Boards: 01. The Rh (at-{dc llieh Horse
370 The Duskv Detective: or formed to the End.
3 363 Crowningshield. 1h;- Defoe-live

320 The Gentvcl Spotter: or Tl-c N. Y. Night Hawk.
25‘! The Van Street 1 100d: (r. The Teleerarh Girl.
203 The Double Detective: l r.’l be Mr: night Mystery.",.
196 La Marrnoset, the l. (’t((‘11\'€ Queen. .
101 The Man from New York. ‘

91 The Winning Oar: or. The lnnkeener's Daughter.

84 Hunted'Down: or. The heiueof Three. . ‘

81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.

75 Gentlemen George: or. Parlor Prison and Street.

7-: The phantom Ham; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress.
. 56 The Indian Maurine: or. madnwn of the Plains.

49 Th.» WolfDemon: or. The Kanawha Queen.

42 The California Detective: or, 'l'l‘e Witches of N.Y.

31 The New York Sharp: 0r. Tim Flash of Lightning.

2': The Spotter Den-olive: or. Girls or New Yorlr.

‘ in Laos LEWIS.

_ 797 Pistol Tommy. tho Miner She rvi. ..

r 786 The Dev-n East Detective in N rad... '
'778 Buffalo Bills Ban or, Cody to the Rescue. 
999 The Cowa ' Couriers. 1 '_ ‘

096 The On-the- lug Detectives. / ,. .

094 The Submarine Detective: or, The Water Ghouls.
484 Captain Ready. the Bed will". . ,

431 The Silent Detective: or. _ 1108118 Nephew.
“6 The Demon Steer. . i .
«I The Flying Gum: or. The island, Lure.

lmw Issues. .
96 me from Hard Luck; or, Bummer Bill ‘I
Bind;ng 3- Badger. -y

946 Dashina Charlie‘s Dead—Shots: or, Black Home
Bill’s Vow. By Col. P. Ingraham.

947 Cool Chris. the Crystal Sport. By J. E. 301330:

JUST ISSUED.

The Shadow Sport trom Frisco; or. Captain
Flash, the Man of Two Names. By 3. 30113111

o

 

941

Detective from’WayBack 942 The Night Hawks of 8'. Louis; or. Dare Devil

Dan's Revenge. By A. P. Mm

. 943 Buffalo nor. Block (amez‘ or. Rounding u the
l , Mounted Miners of the Overland. By lngm am.

, 944 Joe Phenix’s Righ' Bower; or. The Fifth Avenue
1 Police Spy. By Albert w. Aiken. K
‘ ' A now (am my Walrmday. 
. ne-dlo’o Dime Library is for sale by  ‘
l Nowell
;Wfltwdveocm awn. _ nun

 

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