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9‘2 WILLIAM STRI‘IET. NEW YORK.

Published Every
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THE

'Secret Service Special

rn‘om new YORK;
0a,

LIGHTNING LEW’S BLIND.

The Story of the Great Detectlve’s
“Cool Combine ”

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
   
   
  
    
  
    
    
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
   

 

BY El). (lAINES BURNI‘IS,

(Of New York Pvt/ire Dutw'tt'r‘e (Dr/Is.)
CHAPTER I.

Tim Dvrxo MAN'S irchtzrcs'r.

THERE died in one of the principal hotels
of’the City of New York, a man well known
in the State of Virginia, and for many years
highly respected there.

The hotel register gave this man's name as
JohuJoncs. but it w;.s a name aSsutned for
the occasion—all Kauawlrrt County, West
er inia knew him as Green Saekville.

A‘Imost immediately after beingr assigned
,'toaroom, Mr. Sackville telegraphed to his
home in Charlestoer that he was ill, and re-
uestcd his son John to corue at once to
ew York.

While awaiting the arriVaI of his son, Mr.
Sackville grew worse, rapidly, and continued
to ,do so notwithstanding the efforts of
the physicians called in by the proprietor of
' the hotel, who knew the sick menintimately,
, and his ob ect in comin to New York.
"He wi l live just u out long enough to
Ipeakto his son, if there is no delay in an-
swerinfith‘e telegram,” declared one of the
.ygnysic us, in response to an inquiry from
g 1 hotel keeper regarding the condition of
 the lent. ‘
' "And, by Jovel there has been no delay l"
-  exclaimed the latter, standin in the hall,
 Mn . the entrance. “if m' not much
' at, , en, there is one of the Sackvilles
 to the clerk."
'  'Ae‘ithe'hndlord spoke, the person referred
’ to harm desk, and walked toward the
" elevator. He was a young man—twenty-six.
or thereabouts-z—rather handshme than other-
« rise. and the picture of health and strength.
‘f Just the kind of 'a fellow to tie to in trou-
’.‘hie,” Kanawha county folks were in the
,j’habitof saying-and "trouble " meant knives

" pistols in that particular case, as it often
 in I{he mountains of West Virginia and
 ac .

  Stickies .Edge. Sackvillc. Unith States

' "Wing the district he lived in and Son
of the man. dying in a room overhead.

, ' "flit. Sackvillc‘l',’ said the landlord, as the

"young-man drew near. ‘ ‘ "

.r The, latter, bowed, and, having introduced

himself, the other continued:

 “This gentleman is I)()('i.(l1‘ Maynard, one

the physicians attenrlirir.r your lather, who,

ION" to say, is very ill—very ill."

_ _  a ready grave countenance of the

*young man grew still more gloomy as,

scarcely acknowledging the introduction, he

‘is there any hope of recovery?”

“'77” None, air.’ '

 e Sitckville did not flinch. Althou h
as buntly a hen words cut him to t e
quick; he mad): no sign, other than:

,.- -"“ Thank you—for the truth, sir."
"Turning awe as he spoke, young Sack-
" villefientered t e elevator, and a few mo.
’ . iiater was standing by his father’s

is John? Why didn't John

" .  08 man umt'ed the questien anx-
ious! ,dmpatientl .t Johnyras his favorite
ion-+9! the two is t him‘aft'erLthe war—and
7 the past two cars had become more so
. thahever; but
. < ' Quietly he replied tothe im-
uttored demand: ,I, i

in Wheeling when your tele~
‘ arrived, father. and after repeating it
came on, fearing it mi ht he'too

the father. in aunt!"
ch "2 w
 .  .

d showed (and, in fact, felt),

ed longer. or‘wal‘ted or him. ’ it
mattered

 

 

“I am, sir.” ,

Still quietly, but not so steadily, Ed 0
Sackville confirmed his fathers words. fit
was not in the man‘s nature to lie: he simply
could not do that, and the man lvinr,r on the
bed knew it, although he qucrulously com
merited:

“So I thought—I knew it!
promised to give her up?"

" I did, sir—an'l have done so," began Ed,
and then, as his temper momentarily got the
upper hand.

"Little fear of my doing otherwise. That
lawsuit was sullicient to compel the to ‘ give
her up,’ as you put it, but I never promised,
nor can anything compel inc to lme interest
in Lydia i’arkson‘“

Beginning hilterly, the speaker curled sad
ly, and touched, apparently, by his tone,
Mr. Sackville replied.

“ I did not ask what Idid, two years ago,
without cause—and good causrr, too! ’ and he
pa rsed a moment as if to suppress the rising
anger.

“That man, Colonel Parkson, ruined my
life—disgraced me," he resumed.

Yet you

lie blasted my reputation, and to-nrglrt I am
in New York, dying, because of his vile
wm k."

“ Is this true, father?"

Earnestly, anxrously, tenderly the young
tnart asked the questiOn. and, at last, under-
Slanding his quiet, undemoostrative son, the
dying man answered: r

“ ' rue? Ed, my boy. it is only too true.
That man, Parkson, is an unscrupulous
scoundrell I never had any conversation
with the United States Comm ssioner, or any
one else, regarding the sale of the land once
owned by Parkson, such as be manufactured;
I never arranged to have it knocked down to
me at an figure, and came here intendingto

on age etective talent to prove it. if p05»
sib e. That was the purpose of this jour-
ney.

"True? M boy, it is as true as that I
shall be de before midnight—and it is;
striking eleven now i” ‘ '

“Truel” reiterated the dying man. un-
conscious] pla ing upon the Word, ‘Trne!’
Great G l ven my own son doubts me!
What wonder, then, that strangers should do

“Father, father, you are unjust!" remon.
strated the son.

“ Eight men swore to having heard you
arrange with the commissioner to have the
Parkson property sold you-‘ knocked down ’
to you—at a given figure, and immediately
after it became known, thc'ccmmissioncr
committed suicide. Remorse, and fearcf
the consequencr s of his conspiracy with you,
was the cause, the World said, and can you
wonder that, when your nearest friends de-
serted on, eVen wc—John and mySt-lf—
feltdon trial at times as to your innocence of
a conspiracy l"

The pronmturely-aged,hrolten-spir‘ited man
on the lied, shook his head in sad assent,
while the S‘lil colllinllCti:

“ lint, you are my father, aged beyond
your years, and disgrace ptit upon you, and
n it weighed down with guilt, or tortured by
remorse, as those belir ve who have watched
you fading away for the past two years!’

Dying as ho was, Green Sackvtlle gazed
l'n'Iwonder at the depth of feelin exhibited
by his son-a man whom he (the many
others) deemed incapable of being touched
by misfortune of any kind. .

“I have misjudged you, Edge-—” he began,
but was interru ted by:

" N eVer min that, ether; do not speak or
think of me.

“ You are dying, and your dying word is
better than all the oaths of all the men in
Christendom! You came here to employ
help to clear your character, but have been
com lied to give it up. I will take up the
wor , which you will not be able to see ac-
complished, and will never rest easy until

ustice-is done, and our name fully cleared
in the 1nd most of a l honest men. _

Grat tier; Myond expression,the dying man
thrust forth athin', wasted , ., .'  ' - ~

"No-ml» Interim] ly‘actuatedby a‘sense

f .‘d t 4 v oncr. father/Who son-
 i! ii ‘ “ .ltihehardest,

“ By the ,
most villainous lying—downriglt perjury—— ‘

 

 

 

clearing of your name necessarily implies
‘ the ruin of those who blackened iti'" '
" But you will do, it ‘2“ eagerly questicne l
the dying man. “ You will do it—cven if it
ruins that girl's fathcr?"
“ I wi‘.ll I swear it!"
Edge Sackrillc‘s deep, firm. assuring rc-
spouse was barely uttered, when his father '
gave a low, treruulous sigh and the pallor‘of 3
the death-agony settled upon his face. -
lending low over the couch and grasp-
ing the listless hand, the son waited for the
end.
The white lips moved, and in a whisper
came the words:
“Thank Godl
was all.

I die happy," and that

 

CHAPTER II.
A Hormncss CASE.

“ Is Mr. Scott or Mr. Little-field in?"

“ Colonel Scott is, sir."

“ I would like to see him——c0nsult with
ltim. Kindly give him this letter."

" Yes, sir, take a seat, please,” and the
youth in attendance in the outerotlicc entered a
another room, the door of which bore the sign
“private.” '

The seene was the general office of a famous
firm of detectives, situated on Broadway, ~
near Trinity Church, New York.

The first speaker was a young man, grave-
lccklng beyond his ears, (for twenty-six is
seldom a serious ageg and evidently from his
attire, in mourning for some near relative.
Further description is needless; the caller was
Edge Sackville.

“ Walk in, sir!” invited the youth, return-
ing from the inner room, and holding open
the door for the visitor.

“ Colonel Scott ‘3" interro ated the latter on
entering, addressing aflne- coking 'mrn,scat-
ed at a desk in the center of the room.

" Yes, sir. You are Mr. Sackville, I pre- , .

same?” , f’
" I air—Ed ‘ Esckville,” and satin —
himsefin the bag: to which Coiciiel‘flmfg

invited him by a wave of the hand, the caller
continued:

“As that letter of introduction, which I
received frdm your superintendent of police
informs you, come from Charleston, Wes
Virginia, and am desirous of engaging you:
services. in clearing up a matter which.- war
the rime cause of my father's death." ,

“ lease state the ease. .The main facts
will be sufficient, for the preheat." V

“ Two years ago certain real estate (which
was‘contisc‘ated by the Government after the
war) was sold by the U. S. Commieioner. and
bought in by my father, as president of the
Charlestown Land and Improvement Com~
puny.

“ Immediately after the sale—that is with-
in a few days—Colonel Parkson, the former
owner of the proprrt , brought suit to
have it St't aside, alleging; that there h‘a‘d been >
a conspiracy between the Wigwam ..
my fathergto have ' the " property knocked
down to the latter at a Iow figure.

, “Eight men made oath to hearing the ar
rangement, alle ed to have been made he-
twr-en the comm srioner and my father, and
shortl afterward the commissioner com-
mittet suicide—through fear of the punish,-
mcnt awaiting him on the termination of the
trial, and the deep disgrace he had brought
upon himself, it was then generally rc-
lieved.

“A few days ago my father died here, in‘ ‘
this city—broken-hearted over the 
made against him-and, dying.“ , _  .. . .' ,.
ly protested his innocence.    ' 

“He had come rosemary sage _dc-
tectives to clear his~.M»me, bUt being
taken sick on . '  “name to d0 50-
1 reached New York“ a time to hear his dy
ing declaration ofvinnocencei and~ to assure
him this everythins possible would be done ,
to rove thud thus “Stow 111! good name 
and the fa’mfly how)"- ‘ ;

N Andznow for the reverse of the picture—'—,
our side of the matter?’ suggested Colonel
Scott. when hisvlsitcr ceased, as if his state- ' 
:ment, was finished. ’ ' ' -

 

I "They-e IS noneor-nothin but, my father’s “ I:
dying declaration ainstte oath; of st .  . , I
 '  quietly sadlyr"aniwered  ‘ ., 
up. I'll.  ‘ ‘6‘
 «g i ii;

 

 

up ~. 

l

 

The Secret Service Special from New York.

. to

 

clue—some suspicion— for us to work it pun ?"
ur ed the astonished detective.
ackville shook his head in the ne ative.
" We have no evidence of any kin to offer
in opposition to those affidavits, nor can I
ive you any hint to work upon. Colonel
arkson is the only person likely to be bene
fited, but he does not pretend to know any-
thing, personally, regarding the conversation
between the commissioner and my father."

“But, sir, there must be something.” per-
sistetl the colonel. “Upon “hat grounds is
the sttit to set aside the sale Opposed?’

“ They—that is, Colonel l’arkson, must
prom the conspiracy- the bttrden of proof
rests on him; therefore the land eompany of
which my father was president, is endeavor—
ing to throw diseredtt upon the tCS'ImOVLy of
his witttt-SSt-s, and has succeeded in proving
that one of them is not to be believed under
oath. ()n the other hand. the company offers
the well-known honorable character of the
accused, and claims the whole affair is a
scheme to enable Parkson to get back the
property.”

“But. you es the commissioner commit-

‘ted suicide, asi fearing the disgrace and
punishment, which must inevitably attend
the trial of the case ?”

“ Such was the general opinion, as I have
stated,” replied Sackville, and, after a mo-
mentary hesitation, adding

“ It was my own opinion, also, until a few
days a 0, but it yet is, I am quite certain,
the be ief 0f the very men who are fighting
Parkson—the stockholders of the land com-

an "

Colonel Scott looked puzzled—was, in fact,
rather bewildered by his visitor‘s statement,
and asked:

" If that be the case, why are they wasting
time and mone in fighting this Parkson‘i—
and "—curious y—“ what as caused you to
change your view of the suicide ‘2”

Slowly, and as if weighing the value of
ever word, Sackville explaine

" olonel Parkson is a bold man, if not a
desperate one, and not likely to hesitate at
anything ncCessary to the accomplishment of
his purpose. He was connected with the
Richmond Whisky Ring, and many other
shady affairs, but always managed to keep
out of the clutches of the law, although his
confederates suffered. ,

"If an other man—a man of ordinary
reputation—were opposed to it, I believe the
company would throw up the case; Parkson
has the reputation of being a man of des-
perate expedients, and in the hope of some-
thing turning up before, or at, the trial, the
case is being fought by the company."

“ And the suicide?"

" That is something I am half inclined to
doubt—that it was suicide. It is a serious
matter, however, and must- be dealt with
carefully—cautiously, to get at the truth.

“ The commissioner was found jll>t out~
side the town, with a bttllet in his brain, and
a pistol in his hand. He may have fired the
shot, and it looked as if he had, for there
were no signs of a struggle of any kind; httt,
since hearing my honored father's Solemn as-
surance that he was innocent, I have been
inclined to doubt the “ theory of sttieidc.’ ”

“Have you any reason other than your
father's statement for doing so? ’

“ You will hardly think it a 7'(’/18()71,”r0-
plied Sackville, thoughtfully, “but to me
the fact that there were threats, (rather
mysteriously circulated, and not at all defi-
nite.) that'it would be unsafe to buy at the
Parkson sale, seems to suggest the possibility
of foul play.”

“Just so. Was anything done toward
determining whether the man had killed
himself or had been killed by an assassin t"

" Nothing. The revolver in his hand, and
the‘ recent exposure, were considered suffi-
cient to warrant the verdictof sutcrde which
Ems unhesitatingl y rendered by the coroner's

ury.”

“ Well, Mr. Sackville, you have given us
a most; difficult case. to handlc——hopelcss, I
fear. We have nothing to work on, and un-
less these men choose to admit that they have
perjured themSelves, I do not see how_ we
can prove anything against them, or relieve
your father’s name of its odium.”

“Make the trial, at all events, Colonel
Scott, make the trial! Perhaps you may be
able to get one, or more of them, to admit
that the testimony was famwu paid for.

' W' .- "A:  -.~ .. 3' W" H'-

 

Rememher. we have alreadv proved one
witness unworthy of belle , even under
oath.” -

“I am not forgetting that fact, but as he
is supported by seven others, that amounts
to little. However, every little counts, and
nothing is too small for notice in this busi
ness. Very small things sometimes turn
out to be true clues.

" What is the name of that witness?”

“Doctor Hammil.”

"And the others?”

“There are five brothers of the name of
Owens, one of whom is a magistrate, another
superintendent of the Poor Farm, and the
others farmers. The other men are al~o
farmers in the vicinity—John Stevens and
William Gray.”

“ Worse and worse!
magistrate and a county official
tlte Colonel, adding:

“ “'e’ll take it up, if you wish, )Ir. Sack
ville; but, really, it looks like a useless ex~
pendtture of money, as well as of time and
trouble."

“Never mind the money! I’ll pay you
ten thousand dollars, outside your regular
fees the day you place the proof of my noble
father‘s innocence in my hands.

" As for time, if ou accomplish the work
within two years shall be perfectly satis-
tied."

‘Very well, sir. We will take up the
matter. I will write you when I have de-
cided upon what plan to follow, but must
warn you that the case now looks hopeless.

” And I fear is hopeless,” added the colo-
nel, when his visitor had departed.

“ However,'l‘!l put it before Lew Pryce.
It would be just his luck to unravel this tan-
gle. ‘Luck, with wit, makes many a hit,’
and it may serve us now.”

CHAPTER Ill.

“Licnrnmo LEW ” TAKES was: TRAIL.

Tun: St. Albans Hotel, Charleston. West
Virginia—a month after the conversation be-
tween Edge Sackville and the head of the
New York detective agency.

Standing at the door of the hotel is John
Woods, the landlord, waiting to see what the
’bus will bring from the railroad depot on the
other side of the Kanawha River.

“ Isn‘t it pretty near time for the Washing-
ton Express, Doc?" asks one of the hal
dozen men lounging around the doorway.

The man addressed as “ Doc " consults an
old-fashioned silver watch, before answer-
tng:

“ Yes, just about due—and there she is!"

A long whistle indicates the correctness of
“ Doc's” time-piece—or his shrewdness in
guessing—for, a few minutes later, the ’bus
Comes rattling across the bridge, heading for
the hotel.

Five.

l)!

farmers, a
commented

 

There is only one passenger, but his bag -

gage is suflicient to cause the spectators to
rate him as an individual of some import-
ance, and his elegant clothing and command-
ing appearance might well drive those of
them with any pretensiou to “style” wild
with envy.

“ S'ep in sir,” said the landlord, politely,
ushering in his guest to the office while he
himself took his usual scat in his easy chair
near the reading-room door.

“ This way, sir, if you please!" anti the
clerk from behind the counter in the fine,
office shoved the register toward the ad-
vancing new comer, who at once registered,

“Lawrs PRYCE, New Yonx.”

That conveys no particular information to
those who inspect 1t——as several do as soon
as the stran or has disappeared; but to any
man “ on t e force "' in New York, Wash-
ington, and many other cities, it Would mean
that “ Lightning Lew,” as he was generally

called in the detective service, was playing a l

ver bold game in thus openly signinghisl
rea name.

Having registered, the detective—he was 7
superintendent of the New York agency,
and Colonel Scott‘s right hand man—turned
not to the clerk but landlord. nozv seated in
his chair of observation by the reading-room
door:

“You arethe landlord of this hostelry I
assume

“Yes, sir; I am the proprietor of the St.
Albans,” Was the answer.

“ Yes? Well, landlord, give me the best-

- r.
.-. v-

 

room in the house. and have. n y luggage
placed the!!!" the natty strangcrotdered.

(" English!" commented those within ear»
shot referring to the stranger's usc of the
word “ luggage")

“Also, be good enough to have breakfast
ready when I return—the best the house af-
fords!"

(“ And a regular swell!" wasthe next com-
ment )

Fifteen minutes later, the now obsequious
host conducted his guest to the dining-room,
and, having breakfaste'l. the latter started
out for a stroll through the town.

Walking along the main street the elegant-
ly attired stranger attracted no little atten-
tion, which wasjust what he desired, for,
contrary to the rigid rttle cmnmon to all of
his calling. Lightning Lew, (in this instance)
was anxious to know, and be known by
everybody—in his assumed character of
C()lll'S(’.

\Vhile in the but of the hotel, the keen dc-
tective‘s observant eye happened to rest
upon a pieee of coal lying on the back bar.
()n the coal was a slip of paper—like a label
on a Specimen of ore, and this suggested to
the active mind of the man gazing at it the
character he should assume.

“ You have plenty of coal in this district I
believe,” he rcm..rked to the landlord.

“Enough, sir, to supply the world for
ages,” assured the latter.

“ But not easy to handle, eh?"

“Well, not so Very easy," admitted the
landlord, and his curiosity being excited,
added:

“ You seem to be well-informed. sir?"

” Oh, no; nothin more than what is com-
mon among people nterested in coal lands.

“ People on the other side of the herring
pond, you know.” addtd Pryce, as they re-
turned to the diningroom.

He had spoken in a careless tone. appar-
ently, it was (indent, to deceive the land
lord; 'certait ly, that was the conclusion of
the latter, who could hardly beexpected to
suspect that the assumption of carelessness
was made so plain for his ex ress benefitl

The result of the suppo attempted con-
cealment of his oh'ect m visitin Charleston,
was that Pryce ha barely left t e St. Albans
when the landlord’s tongue begun to wag,
and before the detective returned from ms
stroll it was understood that he was a cool
speculator—probably representing an Eng-
lish company.

So, through the use of a few judicious
words, and the landlord’s lively imagination,
Pryce had managed to have a business as-
signed to him—an absolute necessity if one
intends to remain any length of time in a
small town, and wishes to be above suspicion

CHAPTER IV.
DANGEROUS QUARTERS.

WHEN having the hotel, Pryce had no
particular object in view, He had not the
faintest idea. ,of where to find his man—this
Doctor IIammil, who was the “ suspect "
that Colonel Scott and his delegate had
decided mustbe theiirst man “ Worked "—and
to find his man—did not expect to locate
him until better acquainted with the place
and tha- p. o; lo. ,

“ ILtptiry would be dangerous," mudcd the
detective “ Sackville says he frcqut tits—0r
did frequent—the St. Albans. I‘ll run across
him without much trouble, I presume. and
when we meet 1 must take care that we part
as friends, for he is my mutton. no" ."

They did meet—and not only in a totally
uneXpected manner, but much sooner than
expected.

Musing over the work before him, Light-
ning Lew had traversed nearly a wile of the
main street, when it occurred to him that he
was both tired and thirsty.

The day was warm—hot—and the mere ap-
pearance of the peopleloungingin the shadud
doorways, was sufficient to cause laziness
and excite thirst; so, entering a saloon the
detective asked-

“Can you make me something cool and re-
freshing?" adding:

“ This beastly weather iS simply unbear-
able!”

“ You’re a stranger, I reckon, or you
Wouldn't mind it." remarked the man be-
hind the counter, as he sct'about preparing a
drink

“ We don‘t mind it—it’s the usual thing at

 

    t.:..-,,.

  

a, “ w».

4 The 339??? $9377??? $1953??? from —N?W:~¥9~1¥2—

 

this time of the year,” continued the speaker
—“ Bill ” Kyle, the proprietor of the place
as he stood smilingly behind his counter, but
covertly “sizing up” the stranger.

Kyle, himself, wits suspected of being in
league with the counterfeiters whose head-
quarters were in the (} uiley Mountains, while
his saloon was looked upon as a meeting-
place for the latter, and their eonfederates.

It was for this {(83011 that Ker was sus»
picious of strangers. It be'iooved him to
know to whom he was talking.

Totally unaware of the character of the
place he had stumbled upon, l’ryee replied to
Kyle’s remark by sayit‘tg;

“ Well, if this is the usual weather, I’m
not anxious to stay long.

“But come, what about my drink ?"

As Pryce uttered this in a half-jesting,
half-irritated way, a man—about forty, rather
fine looking, and wearing a long, black beard
——entered the saloon.

“Hellol Here's a fellow who fits the de
scription of Doc Iiammil!" mentally cont-
mented the detective, and addressing the new—
comer, asked:

“I say, sirl lVon’t you join me? Don‘t
like to drink alone, ye know, and make it a
point never to treat the man on the other side
of the counter.”

Notwithstanding his quiet, gentlemanly
appearance, Kyle had the reputation of being
a “ bad ” man, and this caused the new-
comer to hesitate, for Pryce’s tone was any-
thing but respectful.

“Come along, Doe! Nominate your
p‘izen!" laughingly invited'the saloon-keeper,
seeing what Was wrong.

“ ‘Doc’l By Jove, that sounds like my
mutton!” thought the detective, while the
man addressed respoaded by ordering:

“ Same old stuff, Bill—good whisk l”

The talk thus far had been rather noisy,
and had evidently aroused the attention of a
couple of tough-looking men, who now made
their appearance from the rear of the saloon.

“Hello, Doc! Got a bone t' pick with

out" growled one, as they came toward the
ar.

“Better choose another time for it,”
ouietl replied “Doc,” turning his back to
t x: ot ier.

l‘his seemed to enrage the fellow (who had
procany hoped to receive an invitation to
C‘I‘tUK), and slapping the speaker on the
shoulder, he angrily demanded:

“What d’ye mean, Doc Hammil? For
two straws, I’d tear ye inter ribbons!”

He was a big, burly ruflian, (fully as tall
as Pr ce, who stood over six feet), and
looke not only capable, but eager to carry
out his threat.

“Doc Hammil, eh, for a fact! Then I‘ll
have to take a hand in this, and so make a
friend of the doctor,"decided Lightning Lew
with that promptness which gained him his
si nificant sobriquet. So. addressing the big
fe low, he warned:

“ My friend, the wisest thing for you to do
is to let this gentleman alone—in fact, to
clear out entirely!”

“Why? What ’n thunder d‘ye mean?”
fierCely demanded the tough.

“ I mean exactly what isay. This gentle-
man is about to drink with me, and doesn’t
want to talk to you. He may not be able to
throw you through that doorway, but let me
assure you that 1am, and will do so for a
certainty if you disturb us again.”

There was a dangerous~a deadly quiet~
ness in the tone and manner of this speech
that caused the rufiian to glare, and the
others to stare, at the elegantly attired

 

' stranger.

“ Don’t bite off more than ye can chew,
H0 uel” sarcastically advised Kyle, but who
made no further attempt to quell the threat-
ened trouble.

The words acted like a spur on a restivo
horse.

With a vengeful growl I-Iogue advanced
with clinched fists toward Pryce, yelling:

“ I'll fix yerl"

He didn’t fix the stranger, however, but
for the next couple of minutes did perform
some wonderful ground and lofty tumbling,
as he was fired through the screen doors,
across the sidewalk, and into the gutter!

Pryce had fulfilltd his threat, but it was
done so quickly that the spectators could not
understand how it was done—how he had
caught Hogue’s right wrist, and with a twist

that almost broke it, caused the man to yell
with agony, then, exerting all his wonderful
strength, he gave the rullian a back fall—~lit-
crally throwing him clear over his head!

Most men would have been satisfied with
the dose already received, but Hogue's name.
contained tWo letters too many——that is, he
didn’t know when he had enough, and on re—
gaining his feet be rushed back to the saloon,
vengeance in his eye and a revolver now in
his hand.

Pryce, meantime, had ordered Hogue’s
companion to “clear out!” The fellow shot
an inquiring glance at Kyle, but the latter
avoided the look, which appeared to be all
the response needed, for the former prompt—
ly retorted:

“ I’ve darn good mind t’ send you out—-
feet first! Au’ 1 will, too, if liogue don’t do
for ye.”

With the first word, the speaker had
thrown up a revolver which he had drawn
at the outset of the trouble, and now held
the detective covered.

Although apparently at the ruflian‘s mercy,
Pryce coolly ordered:

“ Drop that pistol /”

An irenical laugh was the response, and
the detective quietly continued:

“ You had better drop it—-it might go off,
ye know. 1’“ give ye just three calls to put
it out of sight!

“ ()ncl”

“ Stop yer, bluilin’, or I’ll stop yer wind!”

“ Two!" calmly continued Pryce, ignoring
the threat.

“ Three!"

Ban r! With the last word came the
muffled report of a pistol, followed by ayellof
pain from the ruliian, and the threatening re-
volver fell to the deer, where it harmlessly
exploded. -

Pryce's cutaway coat was cut English
fashion—that is, with ilap-poekets,—and
when through with Ilogue, he had thrust
his right hand carelessly into one of his coat
pockets—fully expecting trouble from the
second ruiiian. _

Firing through a pocket is not an American
trick—Pryce had learnt it in Australia, but
it made the detective the real, (though un-
suspected,) master of the situation.

With the second report, came a half-dozen
of Hogue's confederates rushing from the
back room——every man showing at least one
weapon, and apparently eager to use it——and
at the same moment liogue rushed in from
the street, the blood streaming from a wound
in his forehead helping to give him more of
the appearance of an infuriated wild beast
than that of a man.

Pryce was in decidedly dangerous quar-
tors.

 

CHAPTER V.
DOUBT AND SUSI’ICION.

Tun rush of a half-dozen heavily-shod
men on a board flooring was not, of course,
made without considerable noise, and Pryce,
being somewhat prepared for their appear-
ance, greeted them with a brace of revol-
vers.

But, pistols were too common, and human
life too cheap to deter such men. It was the
voice and appearance of the man facing them
that brought the rufllans to a halt.

“ Back, you fools! Back!” thundered the
detective, now the real Lightning Lew——
fierce, fearless and determined—a man pre.
pared to sell his life at a desperate price. .

As he spoke,'Hogue rushed in, revolver in
hand, but only the next instant to pitch for-
ward on the floor. Accidentally, or other-
wise, the doctor had thrust out his foot in
time to trip and throw the ruffian.

And now Kyle took a hand in.

l “ That will do, boys,” he said. “IIogue
! isn’t hurt, and shouldn't have interfered with
2 this gentleman, anyhow."
I “But I'm hurt! An' I’m goin’ t' git even,
' tool” roared the wounded man.
“ Served you right! You shouldn‘t be so
quick to pull yer gun—andyou're going to
git back into that room and have Doc dress
‘ your wound. Understand?

 

“ Git now l"

Sullcnly, carelessly, but willingly, the com-
mand was obeyed according to the feelings
entertained by the different members of the
gang toward Home and Pate—the wounded
'nan. .

 

“That was a neat shot,” remarked Kyle,
as the doctor, following the last of the gang,
disappeared from View.

“ 0h. nothing extra!
Australia—but, Isay, sir!
drinks ?"

There was a startling difference between
the easy familiarity of the tone in which
l’ryee began, and the Stiff demand for the
drinks Will(‘ll puzzled the saloon-keeper.

The latter had refrained from interfering
in the fight until the last moment, in order to
ascertain as much as possible of the charac‘
ter of the stranger, and had finally decided
that the latter u as a Secret Service officer!

NOW, however, he was again in doubt, for
Pryce's tone was thoroughly un.\meric:m,
and his manner that of an Englishman of
rank or wealth, addressing an inferior—suave
or supercilious according to the caprice of
the assumed superior.

This impression was confirmed when, as
Pryce ceased speaking, the doctor re-entered,
and in response to Kyle‘sinquiring look ex—
plaiucd:

“ The fools refit-1c my services!"

“ Why?" asked Kyle, somewhat angrily.

“Why bother about such brutes?" intern
jected l ryce, seornfully.

“ Come, doctor, here‘s your refresher!" he
added, and having disposed of the long-de-
ferred drink, left the saloon almost immedi-
ately.

“ Know him?” asked the latter, as the sup-
poset “ Englisher” departed.

“Yes—and no. He‘s just arrived at the
St. Albans, and is supposed to be an English
Speculator after coal-lands.”

“After coal-lands, eh? Why do you as-
sume that?"

“Well, because it's quite evident from his
language and appearance that he’s English,
and he spoke of coal-lands, and the knowl-
edge people on the other side have of this
section, while talking to Woods in the bar.
room.”

“Humph! Well, it may be all right, but
don’t ou think he was rather foolish to let
out h 5 business before securing the land?

The trick’s stale in
\Vhat about those

Real business men don’t show their hand in ”

that style.”

“ Oh, it came out accidentally; and, be—
sides, he didn't exactly say he was after
lands. That’s only the supposition that all
seem to entertain.” I

“I seel” dryly interrupted Kyle. “ He
said just enough to leave that impression -
to gull the inquisitive members of the bar "

Hammil flushed angrilly and exclaimed;

“ That's kind of you, must say!”

“ No. but it's true," retorted the suspicious
saloon-keeper.

“ Thank you! I’ll see on don't have—-"

“ Hold on, Dec,” 1nterrupted Kyle.
“There's no u=e getting r’ilcd -— especially
as your profession is one which develops
secretiveness not inquisitiveness, so that my
words could not apply to you.”

Tuis mollitied the man of medicine, and in
a few minutes the two were chatting and
fraternizing as if nothing .had occurred to
disturb their ap aren‘tly intimate relatlons.

After awhile {yle asked:

“ What was the trouble with those two in—
side?”

“ Hogue and Pate? Oh. they swore I was
a friend of this Pryce’s, and that he was some
spy—the idiots!"

“ Well, I reckon they can do without you
this time, Doc,” said Kyle, seriously, and.
then adding:

“But, you’re sure to he wanted every now
and then, as usual. I wouldn‘t get too
friendly with this stranger. He may be all
right, but it‘s best to act asif he wasn’t. “re
can’t afford to make any mistakes you know,
as to strangers.” , ,

During the afternoon Hammil Vistted the
St. Albans—his “stamping-around” in for~
mer and more prospemus day?- There he
again met Pryce, wlRO saluted lumwith:

“ Well. doctor,'how are the patwnts ?"

Hammil laughed. He‘had just received
an overdue fee, and being _00mp&rativel
“ flush "—a rather unusual thing for him, he
good-naturedly responded:

“ Oh, that‘s all right! They’re not the
kind that kill easy, or lay up long. Won’t
you come inside?"

“ Just going to suggest that, myself,” de.
clared Pryce, and, taking the other familiar-
1v ‘iv the arm ‘w ‘m‘ the new ‘A the bar,

I «, .,_ t"    i
‘ , r, 3 ' .y s .,-p .‘1  —. , _ _,
“if .+::~"— i‘w'“ "bz‘v 3“" 3a.. -

‘.; t.

The Secret Service special from New York. 5

 

 

which, of course, was the “inside” referred

This action caused much surprise among
the numerous loungers, and one remarked as
if enviousl :

“ The ‘ c‘s ’ in luck!”

“ Yes,” assented another, thoughtfully,
“but it looks queer—that they should be
acquainted at all, I mean,”and, as if that

, had suggested something else the speaker

arose and went to the clerk.

“ Any word from Colonel Parkson, t0-
dav‘?" he asked

1‘ Yes, he’s coming back next week, Mr.
Owens,” was the information vouchsafed.

“Next week won't do!" muttered the in-
quirer; and leaving the hotel he went to the
telegraph ofiice, from whence he sent the
foflowing message:

“WHEELING, W. VA.

“ (.‘omxrcr. PAnksoxz—
“ Return soon as possible.
matters needing your attention.
“JOHN OWENS.”

"' There!" he muttered, glancing over the
message. “ If that fellow's pumping the
‘ Doc’ it will be stopped pretty lively. I’ve
got my eye on him, and that means that I‘ll
make sure of who and what,he is.”

Returning at once to the St. Albans and find—
ing that the doctor and his new-found friend
Were still in the bar-room, and apparently go-
ing to remain there for some time, Owens
entered—his purpose now being to secure an
introduction.‘

Notlding to Ilammil, Owens asked:

“ Have something, ‘Doc’t”

But, “Doc” failed to take the hint, though
fully understanding what was wanted, and
shaking his head in the negative, continued
to converse with his companion.

“ Confound him! What does he mean by
looking the other way?" muttered Owens,
when after waiting a few minutes, he was
com elled to leave without having secured
the esired introduction.

“ I’ll have to talk to that fellow,” he con-
tinued; and, full of wrath, he left a message

,with the clerk that: “ ‘Doc‘ llammil is to
' come out to the Farm the minute he leaves
that bar!"

Then, jumping into his buggy, Owens
drove home, evidently in a perturbed state
of mind.

Important

 

CHAPTER VI.
THE Docrort Gnows GARRULOUS.

LIGHTNING LEW had a wonderfully hard
and strong constitution, which enabled him
to withstand the effects of “drinks” enough
to intoxicate three ordinary men—~when it
was necessary to drink as a matter of busi-
ness—and this was the reason of Owens‘s
wrath against the doctor, for the latter was
already becoming boozy and talkative, while
his companion was perfectly calm and
sober.

“That’s a friend of mine—John Owens,
keeper of the (‘ounty Farm,” remarked the
doctor when the person referred to left the
room.

He had not thought it safe to venture up-
on the introduction, for, though Pryce treat-
ed him familiarly, it was in a condescending
wav.

But the doctor could talk of Owens; and,
as his companion made no response, he con-
tinued:

“- Yes, and he’s a fine fellow—great friend
of Colonel Parkson’s, too,” he declared.

This failed to impress the stranger as in-
tended, for. ca‘lling for a couple cigars,
Pryce remarked:

“Well, if the saying, ‘bir‘ds of a feather,’
etc., holds good in this case. you’ve got two
prett tough-looking characters in town.”

“ ushl Don’t talklikc that,for Heaven’s
sake," gasped the other, adding:

“ The colonel‘s a dangerous man to bother,
Mr. Pryce, and everybody here 18 his friend,
or willing to be; but he’s away above most
of the folks in this vicinity, so please be
careful how you refer to him." _

Long and loud laughed Lightning Lew.

The doctor’s cautious,warning tone seemed
very amusing, while his mirth alarmed llam-
mil still more, and again he entreated:

“Don’t! It’s really dangerous, I assure

on."

y “Oh, hang it, man! What do ou sup~
pose Icare about these people? ang the

A _ e - ”', I, ,_

 

lcolonel—and the keeper, too, for all I

care!

“Come, take a cigar, and we’ll go for a
walk.”

The invitation was gladly accepted, but,
in passing out, the doctor received Owens's
message, or rather order.

“Blast it!” he muttered, and, turning to
Pryce, who had caught the words, ex
plained:

“I can't go with you—got to go to the
County Farm—just got the call.”

“ All right; don’t delay on my account,”
was the response, and turning away the de-
tective slowly walked out of the town, rather
pleased to have an opportunity of doing
some thinking.

“ This Ilamn.il evidently fears these men
—cspccially the colonel, and it will be a nice
'0b to make him talk while here under their
influence.

“ Owens is suspicious of me. that I plainly
see, and has sent for the 'l)oc’ to find out
what we were talking about, how it is that
he comes to know me, and who and what I
am. Well, I guess heill learn that, my ap-
parent interest in himself or his friends, does
not amount to much,” smiling at the
thought.

Thus musing, Lew Pryce continued on,
crossing the bridge over the Kanawha until
near the center, where he sat down to finish
his cigar.

He had hardly left the hotel when the
doctor passed him, driving very fast, “as if
realizing the necessity of prompt obedience
to his master's order,” thought the observant
rogue-hunter.

After ponderin the question for some
time, Lightning Itew decided it would be
necessary, in order to use him to the best ad-
vantage, to remove Doctor Hammil from the
influence of Colonel Parkson and his con-
federates—as he now deemed Owens and
others to be.

“ I must consult the Sackvilles.” he con-
cluded, “ for it will be expensive work to
get and keep him away from here, yet it
must be begun at once,” and flinging away
his cigar the detective started back for town,
unaware of the fact that he had been watched
for the previous half-hour by a rough-looking
fellow, who now fell in behind him.

The man who had been shadowin Pryce
was dressed, and looked very much ike, the
desperate characters who it was generally
understood by the citizens carried on coun-
terfeiting in the Gauley Mountains.

It was early evening; there was still good
light; and, just as the detective reached the
end of the bridge, he met one of the very
 he was going to call on—Edge Sack-
v cl .

As soon as the young United States Mar-
shal appeared on the bridge, the man who
had been dogging the detective, turned, and
walked rapidly in the opposite direction!

With the marshal was a lady—young and
beautiful; and, though Pryce would not have
dreamt of recognizin ' his employer in pub-
lic, Sackville seeme embarrassed and an-
noyed at the meeting. ‘ r

“Odd!” commented Pryce. “ Can it be
possible that he’s ashamed of being seen with
such a beautiful girl?”

“ IIello! What‘s all this? The doctor, by
all that‘s good l”

And it was that worthy, whose furious
driving had attracted the quick ear of the
alwa s-on-the-alert rogue-hunter.

“ ust the thing Iwas hoping for!” de-
clared Hammil, as he pulled up.

“Jump in!”he continued. “I saw you
going and hoped to catch you coming back.”

‘,‘ Indeed? And why this anxiety, my
friend?" mentally queried the detective, as
he accepted the invitation, and aloud:

“ Your call was a short one.
dead?"

“It wasn’t a professional call," explained
the other, adding; " it was a little matter of
business between John—Owens, you know—
and myself, about a case we are witnesses
in."

“Ohol AsI thought! You’ve been get-
ting pumped—and warned, too, I'll wager,”
was the listener's mental comment.

“By the way,” continued IIammil, who
had evidently been treated with somethin
stronger than milk while at the Farm, “ did
you notice the couple who passed just before

overtook you 1”

Patient

 

“ Yes."

Lightning Lcw‘s monosyllabic reply was
provokingly indifferent to the doctor, who
was cndeavoring to interest his companion,
and this caused him to say more than he
Would otherwise have ventured upon, in
view of the caution still ringing in his ears.

“Well, that is Lydia Parkson—daughter
of Colonel Parkson—and the gentleman is
one of the colonel's principal opponents in
the lawsuit that I was just up to see John
about.

“I tell you those two would give some
thing to know what I know,“ recklessly con-
tinued the doctor, “and there Would be
some fun if the colonel should hear of their
being seen together—a regular cireu =, sum!"

So S'trprised was Lightning Lew that he
remained silent—indifferently so, the doctor
thought; and with a half-angry laugh, the
man of medicine demanded:

“Were you ever surprised at anything,
Mr. Pryce?"

“Not that I can remember," was the un-
blushing response.

"Very well; wait until you see the house
and lots I‘ll get when the colonel wins the
lawsuit I‘ve told you about. and you hear
how I came to get it. Then I‘ll make you
own up to a surprise." 

“ Oh, will you? Then go ahead, my good
friend, and cook up the surprise. I'll enjoy
it immensely, I can pledge you." . ’

 

CHAPTER VII.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS.

“ THIS fellow is losing all caution—going
mad, by Jupiter! ' mentally declared Light-
ning Lew. astounded at the reckless way
in which his companion was giving away his
secret. .

He made no further response to the doc-
tor's chatter. however. and when they pulled
up at the hotel, a few minutes later, the de-
tective, without ceremony, walked away
from the astonished doctor,

Half an hour later, Lightning Lew was in
consultation with John Sackville, and re-
ceived the latter’s permission to go to any
expense in getting, and keeping, Hammil out
of the reach of Colonel Parkson.

“ I fully agree with you,” declared Sack-
ville, on hearing Lightning Lew's plan.
“ He will not talk while here—enough to in-,
culpate them; and, besides, we must get:
somebody else to confirm whatever he says.
By keeping him away, we may frighten
some of them enough to make them talk, or
lead them to open new clues for us."

“Very good, sir. I‘ll begin on him to-
morrow, and send to New York for a good
man to work on the Owens party.”

Next morning, Lightning Lew made a
point of meeting Hammil, and, at once tak-
ing him aside, he asked:

“Doctor, you are pretty well acquainted
with this part of the country, are not you?"

“Know every foot of it for fifty miles
round,” was'the prompt—even eager reply.

“Are you particularly busy “I”

“Notat alll Can I be of any service to
you, Mr. Pryce?"

“ When can we have a quiet, private
talk?” counter-queStioned Lew, adding:

“I don’t want to attract the attention of
these over-inquisitive people that seem to
hang around here, so—will go to some other
place. How about your friend Kyle's?"

“The very place! He has a private room
back of the store.”

The doctor, apparently, did not see‘ that
this was exactly what would attract atten-
tion, which really was Lightning Lew’s par-
ticular object, and so, to make the afiair
more mysterious, the detective asked:

“ Have you a small hand bag Y" -

"No—yes; I can borrcw one here."

I “  l” ejaculated Lew. delighted at thus
insuring attention from the outset. “Good!
Get the bag and we will be off, for there will
be much to do. I imagine."

The bag was procured, and together they
passed out of the hotel, followed by the in-
quiring eyes of the usual half-dozen loungers
who, of course, saw the ba g. noted the busi-
ness-like air of the two men, and were amazed
to see them enter Kyle's, which place was, as
already remarked, suspected of being the
counterfeiters' headquarters

Reaching Kyle’s—the habitats of which
saloon were also astonished at the request for

'  .-.-“I‘-. ~  ‘ . v-  .g .‘ q . Lea. ref“:- , .'

 

 

 

   

the exclusive use of the rear room—Pryce The commissioner—a grave-looking, digni-
began: fled man of fifty-five, or thereabouts—is ad-
.“Doctor, if your practice will stand it, I l dressing his companion, who is about the
would like to engage your services, as an l same age, short, stout and jolly-looking.
~escort round the country, two or three days "Mr. Sackvillc,” he says, "your company
each week—” should certainly purchase some of that I’m-k-
“ Oh, certainly!" interrupted IIammil, dc- son property. It will go cheap, I fear, be-
lighted at the idea. cause for some reason eople seem to think
“Very good. Now, before going further, they should not bid for ' ,
I must have your word not to reveal my ‘ “Why, what's wrong with it, Mr. Carter?
business—or, I might say, our business, for g The title is all clear—that I am sure of, for I
if this s go right, 1. maybe able to do some- ; looked into it when Parkson lost it.”
thin r or you~—something which will make 5 “Oh, yes; the title is all right!" assured
youfindepcndent of your practice.” { the Commissioner, and, after a momentary
 ~-Hammil looked puzzled, and then as if j hesitation:
fearing to offend the other, hesitatinglyl "The fact is, Mr. SIleviiiP, that people
. asked: generally seem to think it will be unsafe to
“it‘s nothing-excuse me, but-«that is, ‘ buy—or even to bid—at the sale.
it is nothing out of the way, I hope?" i “Colom-l Parkson has the reputation of be-

“What d'ye mean, sir?" sharply demand~ ' ing a datigcroiiinmn totliwatt or oppme. and
ed the clue-worker. I’ve been confidentially informed that he has

“ Well, I hardly know myself—hut, if it  sworn to make it. ullt'UlllfUrtailbie for all who
is to be a secret, I give you my word not purchase any of the property." '

 to speak of it, even if i can't go into it.” 1 “ l’hew! 'l‘hnt‘s it, is it?’

“Good for you! You are not all bad, . “Yes, that‘s uhy I've advised—requested
that's evident,” thought the detective, and i you. to have a representative at the sale—
apparently debating the question a moment one who represents a company, not an iiidi-
he spoke further: “I don’t understand you, ‘ vidual.

   
  
   
 
 
  
   
  
    
    
    
   
    
  
  
    
    
 
   
  
    
   
  
 
  
    
  
   
  
 
  
    
   
  
  
  
 
 
     
   
   
   
 
   
  
    
     
  

but as my business is simply confidential, "The property is very valuable, but will
and as yet amounts to nothing, I'll take . go for nothing—indeed, I may not receive a
your word to refrain from mentioning it.” t bid unless your company will make one, and,
' “ Gladly, sir, gladly! I hope you will—” i being a corporation. you can do so with safe-
"Enough, sirl' and with a wave of the 9 ty, for the colonel Will hardly undertake
hand Lew commanlcd silence. la quarrel with your whole list of stock-
' “My object in visiting this region is to l holders.”
_, ascertain something of the coal lands, and to g “ Safety, safety!" repeated Sackvillc, a
“dose I must visit the coal-beds, examine the little solidly. “Why, confound it! . that
, veins, etc.; but I don't wish my object to ' sOunds li e ulldozing!
' Meme known at preSent." - “ Yes, you can rely upon it that we’ll bid,
’ : "Of course not, sir! for I’ll be right there to do it myself! Bull-
> .Myourpbject—if it's buying. dozing is a thinsr of the past. in this region——
A , “Very well, Now you understand the with me. at any are. :ml filly Colonels
accessity of keeping quiet, and we will goas couldn‘t keep the front making a big], now!"
 you are ready.” The jolly old fellow spoke sturdily; cvi-
 fny now,sir.” dently he meant every Word he said, and
 f-‘A‘few minutes later, the detective and the would carry out liis-i.:tentions, and be on
 doctor left Kyle 3 place and started at once hand, in person, at the sale.
“toward the mountains, coming out about 1 The men in” the adjoining office ex-
}, half a minute too soon to run upon Edge f changed significant glances. but -not a word
,, fSackville, who was walking in the same 1 was sold until the men lathe, commissioner’s
' ’ alienation. room had departed. Then one declared:
‘ ‘13 United States Marshal, Sackvillc, of “The colonel must know this right off,
,  knew all about Kyle and his saloon, boys! Stay here until I return.”
 of the suspicion that the proprietor ‘ " You‘mrieht, John! We’ll wait,” assured
.m-tu league with the counterfeiters, and he another. while a third asked:
“was ‘uot a little surprised at seeing Pryce " Will yo belong away, Mr. Owens?"
“and Hammil leaving the placeethe lattert “No, not At hast 1 don't expect to be,
c j  ing the hand-bag. . .  but .Wnit, anyhow, until I return to re-
f ct'wishing to be seen near Pryce, at any * port.”
time: place, the marshal stopped to allow - With these words. the first speaker left the
anthers to get well in advance, and by so office, and the others began discussing the
? encountered another surprise. _ c0nversatlon they had overheard. ‘
thin a minute after the departure of After a half-hour had elapsed, the man
_' ‘idetective and ‘his companion the man who inquired how long Mr. 'Owens would
 been dogging the New Yorker the be away glow uneasy, and finally declared
e339 night started after the two who had that he must leave. .
,r " ed him. . ,“I haVe a patient to call on at nine,” he
"file us. by Jovel" ejaculated Sackvllle; explained. “and will be late, as it is. .
fund, qu ckly observing that that individual ‘ “Tell John,” he continued, addressing an~
regulating his pace to keep within view other who bore a strikin resemblance to
of the two ahead. the marshal muttered: the absent man, “that I wi i return as soon
i That looks queer! He's a dangerous aspossibletohear his report and consult fur-
, Mimi, and this ma be a game Where he that." , x ‘
yjthe sportsman, ryce the game; and “Be sure, now, Doc-—don’t delay any-
ja'cil the decoy! where!" urged the other, a; the doctor de-
li! have to chip into this in self. for, ‘ parted.
“ gthc mountain gang, al this do-

_ ill and bravery would not gain individual,
, live. minutes’ grace! They’d murder Park-
, ,. without much waiting. ' , ‘ son referred to by thqcommissioner and his.
with is s game's-and it looks like it—-Mr. l visitor. _
“agile hastorgotten to count me in!" ‘ Both Owens and his companion became
’ ‘ / exceedingly angr on learnln that the (309'
" CHAPTER VIII. ’, tor had one, and, held ap fate vconvefsn-
’rrrn-a moor, 'rnonon sumo TIME. , tion, wh ch was ended by the 00101381 3&5"
Mia the reader to understand the ' ing: V   v .
.  of the intricate case which i “ Ver well; govto Kyle, and at}? if he can
 wPi-yce had set out to unravel, we do anyt ing or suggest. anything. .

‘ ‘ the mountain-bound party for the John Owens dc ' and returned With-
nd go back ten period two years in ten‘ minutes w th the doctor—somewhat
_ s to the Opening‘otl our story. ‘ j the worse for liquor—and one other man.

r tame building in Charles, i ‘ “Sit down!" directed Owens, addressing
West Virginia, are two mucosa—one ? the last arrival, and, reducing a key, he

‘ thcslgn “United States Commission 6 opened the door le ing into the corn-
snd the other "Justice of the Peace.” I misdianet“soflce, through which he and the
r , about 81'. M.-Election eve. \ Seated colonel passed. closing and locking it after

cancel the justice are seven men. and them.
or the commissioner, two, ,The let» i
hiking, and cyst-é word uttered is
' flamingo ce, which issefiil
in board and i
is so '  *

It would be ruinous

"-

 

 

   

accompanied by 'et another
whom he addresse as “ colonel "-«the

 

 

    

    
 
 

     

up Tet  Owefis, in aloud vote: 156%

" e- on it, ' ,  ' .
watbokngéx‘ in W
3 ‘_ .

H
.7.
£8:

 

Half an‘hour after, John Owens returned. ‘

"Drawing down the shades. and turning:

      
 

 

lv‘tzellnaiford to give me five hundred dol-
rs.

“ Well. perhaps we can. but I must have
some assurance that we will get the property
for twenty thousand dollars. before paying
you an ytliin‘g. Mr. Commissioner."

"That’s easy enough. Send me a check
in the morning, but instruct the bank not to
pay it until after one o'clock, if you like.
The sale will be over before twelve, and you
can attend to see that, the moment your bid
is made, the property will be knocked down
to on.”

’arkson paused (as if reflecting) for a few
moments before replying;

“No, I Won‘t do that. Checks sometimes
tell tales, commissioner, and I prefer to trust
to your honor. You shall him: the iiionev,
in hills, to niorrow morning, and I will at-
lend the Sale myself to make the bid.”

“ Thank you, Mr. Sackville, thank you!"

“ Well, that is all there is to be said or
done tonight; so let us go.”

Turning down the gas, Owens unlocked
the street. door and both passed out, care-
fully locking the door and examining the
other fastenings beloie goingr a ray.

Ten minutes after this acne in the corn-
missionrr‘s office liadrloscd, John ()wens re-
turned to the lllnL'i-slrillic'fil office, and invited
the seven men awaiting him to “ come down
to Kyle’s,” adding, significantly: '

“ I hope you have good memories, boys!”

 

The Parkson property has been sold, and
the Charleston Land & Improvement Com-
pany, through its president, Mr. Green Sack—
ville, has become the owner—having made
the only bid offered at the sale.

As usual in such eases, the company’s
check for ten per cent. was immediately de-
livered to the Commissioner, w: o had himself
acted as auctioneer, the balance of the pur-
chase-money to be paid within thirty days,
or on deliver of the deeds, it' immediate pos-
session was esired.

‘ The company whswealthyhnd notified the
commissioner at the sale that the deeds were

desired as-soon as convenient“

" Within five dai’s." declared the commie: ’

sioner, adding:
make out the necessary documents
An hour later Colonel Parkson was closeted
with John Owens, and the leading lawyer in
Charleston. ,
That night the Colonel and the lawyer took
the train for Wheeling, having spent the en-

“It will take that tong to

H

tire day in consultation, and in taking the 

affidavits of several of the men. resentidur-
ing the previous evening, when; ‘ than and
Gwens went, through the mock scene in the
U. 8. Commissioner's office, as we have de—
scribed.

Two days later the commissioner was
served with an injunction restraining him
from consummating the sale of the l’arkson
property, based on paper; charging him with
having ennspired with Green Sackville to
“ knock down " the property to the company,
of which the latter waspresidemut at given,
and ridiculously low, figurej.’f'j-  ’ ' I ‘

One week later.

“196,1 cannot believe it! Surely, you are 

jesting?"
, The speaker was a tall, elegantlyformed
girl of seventeen 0r thereabouts—beantiful,

and queenly-lookggg. A splendidjpecimen'

of early w'omsnh
The person she addresm’d was an equally
fine specimen, in his way, of manhood, being

also tall and powerfully hiiilt, and, for a,

man, handsome. _
The scene was Colonel Parkqon's. apart"-
ments, in the St. Albans Hatch, 
the ladv was L dia Parkson,‘ ( ,  gentle-
man, Edge Sac ville.   ’
In response to the 

 

.

’s'ii‘vords, the gen.
sadly and an-

tlcman shook his 5,

swered:  f
"It is but ' oo'true. Lydia, E; In men
have sworn imih Of these nation
mt myi‘ather and the United‘fitateg

mmissioner, and I cannot complain ofy‘mn;

fathers nest that all intimacy between us
cease  truth or falsity of the charge
has been estafilished.”

"Bu'tflf it IS established, Ed???

 

A -. W9"? .

a .

,wair ttemuloumxiety the girl asked the  ‘-
qiiéatibn,» revealing the  w ‘ ‘

    
      
  
   
   
  
   
 
   
   
 

.g.- 4 ‘
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M. . .-..,_,.......-.¢‘..,.. «gs—“.mm...“ .,

 

 
     
    
   
      
    
   
  

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\ ‘1'»)...452“:

 

Men—- m ..~.

;* 3, ,
ifs,

 

 

. .W
4 r

 '1 Eon, minutes had hardly

" down, Sackville doing hkewlse.

darken Sackville’s countenance as he gloomi-
ly answered; 1

“Should it be proved. then we part alto-
gether. I have promised your father that I
shall not attempt to meet you until t'.e case

Oes one way or the other, and if against my
,_ ather, then to see you but once—thereafter
’to be as st« angers." ,

“ 011, Ed! How could you do that? What
diifcrence can it make to us—what have you
to do with it?"

“ Mueh——too much! I cannot blame your
father—l could not aSk—aCCt pt, such a sac»
rifice as would be inVolved in—"

He stopped, looking a little ('onfuse'l,while
the girl blushed, but; after a moment braVcly
went on; _

“ ——ln uniting yourself to one with a dis-
gract'td name " \

As Sacltwllc finished, (‘olonel Parkson en
tcred, looked sharply from the satllaCed
young mun to the tearful girl, and stood
wailing, apparently, for the former to leave.
So Sackviflc understood it, and, bowing to
the Colonel, said:

“ it may be the last time, sir—leave me for
five minutes."

Without a word the colonel left the room,
and the lovers were alone

But little more was said. The distressed
girl sunk down upon the sofa, quite over-
come with the shock the young man‘s an-
nounccment and decision to leave her had
caused.

Young Sackville stood irresolute for a
moment, hat in hand, Struggling with his
love and pride, and then. without so much as
a kiss, he left. the room, leaving his betrothed
his betrothed no more, until that stain on
his father’s name could be obliterated, and
the Sackville honor again restored.

 

CHAPTER IX.-
susrrcrous crncuus'raucns.

Asthe young marshal, Sackville, followed
the party tOWard the bridge, it occurred to
him that possibly Lew‘ Pryce was endeavor
ing to entrap the doctor into doing some
thing illegal, to thus get a grip on him.

“But it's a mighty dangerous game to
play," mused the marshal, “ for by playing
the d .ctor as a d:‘CJ ,‘ the counterfeiters
Would be apt to rake n, the stakes How-
ever, there shouldn'tbe any need of warn
ing such an old Secret Service manof the
danger of fooling with cpunterfeitcrs—if
that's the game Pryce really is playing. ’_._

'l‘hus mining, and keeping just in sight of
his party, the marshal had reached the center
of the bridge when lloguc turn d and looked
be it

c
t ' That ended the chase for that day, for, far
away as Slekville was, the counterfeiter
knew him; so, turning into the rallmad res-
taurant-near at, hand, Rogue onlenadgome
load, at tun-excuse his,pr tin-re. ‘ C
The riflian had only recenJy been re-
leased from prison, after serving a term for
counterfeiting, but as there was notning posi—
tive again~t him now, he felt quite at ease as
far as arrest Was concerned. thouin inwardly
mgiu at then being preVented flour follm .
Sing l~ryce and Hammil, as he dc-‘illcd it so
necessar forhim’ to do.
Sackv He followed. and satisfied that Hogue
was really in the restaurant. he took up
a position outside, which would prevent the
cit-convict from again shadowing the others
,without being seen . 1 ~
ela set . when
  "Iliad of waiting. p»Wa\lclIing
$0 Iii a r a Viudm he saw that
e h c . am“
he Started buck for   coming 0m
Sackville once more followed, cities at his
‘ ,heele. 0n the bridge, the counterfeiter but.
saving". I.”
see, Mia-

 "‘ Well. on are around again,l
tor Ho el‘ '
“ I a n't doing nothingl"—surhly.
“NO. nothing good, 1 will guarantee."
QUietly corrected the marshal. causing the
other to ,emit‘ avengeful grown. and to look

. .whathe dared not say, or attempt openly

Yonn as he was—twenty five—Edge
Sackfll “r had established a terror striking
,er'putation among law-breakers of every de-
 but especially among the illicrt
whisky men and oounterfeiters, of that Wild

 on unkind-3,308,” “'fi“ ‘-

 

Mite!!!

 
 

 
  
  

bag

 

  
 

 tic;  wit tit

‘44 ,
I

T

Would not dream of attacking the resolute
young man beside him, He sat in sullen
silence, for a fc v minutes; and, thou, find-

ing the marshal did not intend to leave with- ,

out him. Walked back to Kyle's—Saekville
attending him to the door of the saloon;

“ Them tellers are up to no good !" angrily
exclaimt-d Hogue, on entering and finding
the proprietor alone.

“ilow d'ye know?” demanded Kyle, a
wicked gleam shooting from his cold blue
e es.

“ Well, they started for the mountains, and
I followed till I caught that cursed marshal
follcrin’me. I tried t’ shake him off, but
'twa’n’t no use, 'n‘ he keui right back t’ the
door wu'd me "

"You shouldn’t have come here atoll!"
sharply reprimanded Ky le.

“ Couldn't help it; no place t‘ go t’ except
the cave, ’n‘ I couldn't bring him there."

“True,” muttered Kyle, savagely, and to
Hogue.

“ Nick, you‘ll have to look Out for these
people—thouuh I confess l can't understani
the "Doc’s' part in this little game, if game
it is.’

" N’ more kin I. What’ll we do ’bout it,
anyhow 2’" demanded the crook.

“ I don‘t care much, but it must be stopped
Somehow!" declared the saloon - keeper,
viciously .

“ If the doctor is playing double, it won’t
do to question him much, but I'll try to find
out what they're up to. lf he refuses to
talk—then he must take his chance with
the Others.”

“ An', what 'bout them?” -

“You must arrange for that after I've seen
the ‘ Doc’to-night. Stay around until I've
seen him; after that we‘ll know whether it 5
two, or three we‘re to deal,with, and you
must be on hand to get your points."

Nothing more was Said between the con-
federates—the entrance of several customers
preventing further conversation.

Saekville, meantime, had gone back to the
St. Albans Hotel, to await the return of
Pryce and the doctor, which took plaCc,
about four in the afternoon—the detective-
purposcly liming their arrival, so that it
would be not ieml by the greatest number of
people in and about the hotel. \ ’

’ Both men looked dusty? and tirednes-
peclnll ‘ the dtlt'tnr, who carried the hand
hey proceeded immediately to PryCc‘s
room, remaining there own a half-hour be-
fore descending to the dining room.

All who witnessed the arrival of the tWo
men had remarked that, not wrthstnnding the.
sachcl's small aim, the doctor seemed to find
it no llgl.t burden, and many significant
glances Wt'l'e exchanged—all rating than
the bag to .the. apparently, "uuconcernmt
United: States :7 marshal, w o seldom ire.

uen’ted the hotel, but. who now mentally
ecidrd

“ By Jove, he's trnnped!"

_ CHAPTER x.
THE COAL BUSINESS BOOKING.

AMONG others who were present when
ng‘lltlllllg l» w and the doctor returned from
this mysterious 1ourney to the mountains,
were Colonel Parksou and John Owens:—the
former having just arrived from Wheeling.

The Confederates~as they appeared, and
were believed to he -wcre standing in the re-
ception room, and were not, therefore, noticed
by the doctor. '

" That's a queer caper, colonel?” suggested
Owens . '

” Yes." slowly assented Parkson‘; "and
out. what he is doing, as soon as he comes
down ” ,

,Tho.»col0nel was a shrewd, determined-
W‘é‘mu“ “that” commndi appearance.
e ,_ ,t g  7 a , Y
He spoke'as-tfaraiher  Owen's
hastenedtosay . ‘  ' "‘

"There w
night, Colonel, I assure you."

" Well, i have no time to bother about it.
Call him aside when he comes down, and,
then, come to my room ”

“I have done better than asking him—-
thouuh he would not dare play us false—I.

 

have arranged to find out u hatasm that 1sequined,path I harness; ‘A ‘ “
i i ' » 'fl. 1 .‘ .K‘1egfiu
1 V “5,. g ' L i "‘ ' I

hire, while they, are diiwn. to dinner 00 if he

'2"
s

    

 

rently abOut fortyafl've,

, ' not a whrd"‘about thislast1

invthe-back." and, thou/aha bigger person,  " I should say not!" slowly, and with 

l
l

the

 

   

   

emphasis, agreed the colonel; "he would
fast possibly twenty-four hours—certainly not
on er.” ‘

(find and cruel. thoroughly unscrupulous, ,
there, was no lliistllliln‘: the meaning of the
colonel’s words or demeanor. ‘

Lightning Lew was certainly attracting
much attention. Already the c'ounterfeitcrs,
the United States Marshal, the Owens party
and Colonel Park-ton—not to mention the ‘
various idly curious people in and about the
hotel—all showed that they Were interested '
in his movements, and in his connection with
Doctor IIammil.

John OWens was the first to discover, as he
thought, I’ryCc‘s real character, and his busi-
ness with the doctor, and, then, through him
cverybody‘s curiosity was satist‘u d. '

As sot in as Pryce and Ilammil entered the
dining room. 0r ens entered the formers
room—by the connivancc of the chamber
maid «and there, nicely arranged in the top
burr-nu draWer, found a number of specimens
of Coal-all labeled, showing where from,
depth and extent of the win, quality and
price! » ..

()n the chair was the hand-bag—cmptycx- _
cept fora few splinters of coal . ‘

With a half-angry laugh, Owens rushed
out of the room to Colonel Parkson's apart- --
merits. ,

“ Would you believe it? He‘z’s a coal
speculator, colonel! l have seen the sample , 5
bag and all !"

“Marc's nest, ch?" dryly inquired Park-
son.

” Well, yes," sheepichly admitted Ochs.
“But, colonel—it did look mighty queer!” he
avert-ed. "

“ Yes, I suppose so. However, have Ham- .-
mil tell you whatever he knows about this *-
man; it may be useful to know theifcllow,‘ 
ain't-81L” " ' .g 1

“I will look out for that, sir," assured,
Owens. and descending to the dining-room, 
looked in to make certain that the doctme
still there. I ,

“ lIavintr a good time, tool” muttered ‘
Owens, a little enviously, as he noted-the:
bottles and dishes piled on the table between ,
Pryce and Human}, both of whom appeared
to be enjo in themselves immensely. j _

One no id our Owens had to wait before ‘v
the “coal men” left the table; then as  '

were passing out, he called: . v » -.
Want to talk}.th ,

“One moment, doctor!
you on farm business."  g 
“Go ahead!" urged Lew, seeing what 
up, and guessing what had hapmnedflny-
mg purposely left the bureau drawer- open;
and the bag exposed on the chair. ‘ g  
Wt

“ Come down to Kyle’s,” he an
“you will find me wait ng there. _ - ,_ 
Sockville, who had also Waited, headthk
order, and preceded the detective 'in unfit:
rection mentioned, walking slowly 
the latter sllnlllt‘l pass him—which s " ,
peued, when he said, in a low voice: ,_ ,
“Meet me tonight! Look out for-.5 "
iii! in Kyle's! They are onto warm
in ." - ‘ =

        
      
   
   
   
  
  
  
    
  
   
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
      
    
 
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
     
    
  
    

 

  
 
    
   
    
     
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
  
  
  
  
     
 
  
   
  
   

Li htning Lew, of course, made 
but id ‘wonder what the dance ll: mean
so, on entering the place referred to, Eliot .
inquiring glance at the proprietor and W

nests. ~ i

Kyle looked, as usual, calm and am
and hefom‘the detective could speak '
toward the door, saying; 

“ I see you have got your abide 
you." ‘

“ Yes, to friend the docth
meet here, quietly returned '“
without turning his head. ‘. __ .

" Now that you In ‘ " _
nod, :let'a haves and a few in.

were produced, and ,
‘ rear room, where '
Lew opened the conversati with

“Now, doctor, I don’t re a. 5%
your business with Mr. Owens; Kit; '
or anybody else, but I do oh “
bodyt—no matter whee-knevitl
n "

“It maybe thfilcindq -* w
you Tperhaps a great  ,.
“DOILyQIII'eQ‘lI A closed"

 
 
    
  

  
    
  

  
   
 
 
  
  

 
 
 

    
      
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  
 
 
 

Six"

   

.5 ' I 'I‘ii‘éiflgeicret' Sériv'ice‘tSpeciaI from New York.w U

 

 

 

“ But, have you remembered ‘2"
IIammil looked confused, and after a few
moments’ hesitation, explained:

"\Vell—the fact is—sonn-body saw us to- ,

I . . . .
i the far-seeing detective’s object to leave his

man to the tender mercies of inquisitive bar
1 roon‘ loungers.
At ten o'clock, Lightning Lew descended

day and when John mes asked what I _ to find himself the target of all eyes; but

was. doing, and I said it was private, he
laughed at me, say ing it was coal."
“Confound the prying!‘ adjured Light-
ning Lew, in assumed chagrin.
“ I suppose you admitted it?"

“ I had to, but———” i within three days.
' l

“ NeVer mind; let that go! Now it’s
known what we are doing, but nothing more.
I hope."

There could not have been, through IIain-
mil, at all events, since he knew no more, so
his reply was as truthful as strong in the
negative.

"Very well, then; let it be so; the harm is
done as far as it not go. Meet me at the
hotel to-morrow, at ten, and We. will continue
the work, but 1 shall have something to say
before. we start.

“ Now, I must call on one of these land.
owners, so I‘ll say good night. If the price
is low, Imay stay some time to get all the
information I can about the land. I want
all the knowledge I can get."

Little his dupe suspected “hat kind of
kno.\ledgc the wily New York 1- was plan-
ning to worm out of him!

CHAPTER XI.
KEEPING I't' 'rnr; ix'rrznas'r.

LIGIITNixo Lizw had not left his man more
than five minutes when Kyle approaehtd,
and asked:

“Well, Doc, going into business with our
friend?"

“Wish I had a chance to!"

“What were you winking about so, this
morning?"

“ Oh, it’s no secret, now. so I don‘t mind
telling you we were picking specimens of
coal."

“Coal, eh?
wasn't. it?"

“Why, of course!—-and it’s a fact!" in-
dignantly asserted the doctor; and we will
be at it again, to-morrow."

“Where?”

“All ardund this section.

 

That was the first story,

“'herever he

, choose; to go."

ah...

“1nd "ed? Say, Doc, don‘t you know it's
rather dangerous to tramp around the moun-
tains poking your nose into Other people’s
affairs? '

The menace contained in Kyle‘squietly-
spoken words, caused the other to ask:

“What the deuce are you driving at,
Bill?"

“Come, come, Docf No use trying to
blind me; what is he trite)?"

The salo'm keeper’s tone and manner were
decidcdlv threatening, and, rather alarmed,
the doctor replied by swearing that he had
stattd the exact truth.

“Somebody saw us today at work, or I
could not now have confessed that much," he
declared.

“Who saw you?"

“That I don‘t know, Int, when we got
back everybody at the hotel knew it~at
least John Owens could tell me so."

This seemed to stagger Kyle; but IIogue,
who‘had heard what passed, remarked:

“Funny kind 0‘ owl you must be after,
when ,\e take the marshal 'long wid ye.”

“Marshal? Hanged if you are not all go-
ing crazy! What do you mean?"

“You shut your trap, IIogue!" ordered
Kyle, who began to believe there had been
some mistake, and did not wish to say too
much

“Never mind, Doc," he continued, “I
will explain some other time.”

Kyle quietly uestioned the doctor until
satisfied that if ryce was adeteetive, the
doctor did-not suspect it.

“ Detective!" repeated the muddled man,
when the idea was suggested.
Yo’r’ all drunk ’r crazy! Fine .‘ell‘r—spl’nd’
gen’lm'!"

The doctor was taken home by Hogue, and
turned up in good shape, early next morn
ing, at the Hotel St. Albans, which had now

' become his headquarters.

 

As Pr '03 had foreseen, the physician could
not await the appointed hour of ten, but was

in the hotel at eight, hoping to meet the coal ' Parkson

prospector.

, paying no attention to any one, he inquired

l for his mail.

‘ There was one, letter, and a telegram. The

, latter informed him that his comrade, “ Bob "
Forrest, Would meet him at Kanawha Falls,

This was in reply to a telegram sent by
Le ~v asking for a man to work on the fears 1
of the I’arks'm party, after Doctor lIammiI
was once lured out of Cililt'lCStOWII.

’mth telegrams were, of course, in cipher,
while the letter a/Ipui-rnily/ came from ling
land to New York, and was there re‘stamped
and redirected to (‘harlesttmiL

As this was known long before Mr. Pryce ,
made his appearance, it accounted for the in- 

|

creased interest exhibited in himself and his
affairs, for, to do the dot-tor justice, he had
given very little information to the inquisi»
tive public.

“ 'l‘hings are now getting into shape for
another move, and I must get lIammil down
to business," Lew decided, and turning to
the ('Iclk, he said:

“ I am going to my room. In five, minutes
you \\ ill send-what's his name—oh, yes!
Dot-tor Ilamtnil, to the, il'yrm [Mei/xv,”

‘ (‘ertaii-ly, sir, certainly!" exclaimed the
obseqnious clerk. ’

Three of the five minutes had elapsed,
when a waiter knocked at the detective‘s
door, to say that Colonel Parkson would be
pleased to have a few minutes‘ conversation
with Mr. Pryce.

“I have a prior appointment, but if Mr.
Parkson it in a hurry you may show him up
at once," direc‘ed Mr. Pryce.

“And in that event, you will please tell
Doctor Ilammil that. there must be no more
drinking this morning!"

"Yes, sir; bpt the colonel is waiting be-
low for you," ventured the waiter.

“The colonel—I presume you mean Mr.
Parkson—isn‘t ill, is he?" smoothly inquired
Mr. Pryce.

“ Oh, no. 81:! ’

“Then, if he is anxious to talk to me, he
em? come here! If not, send up liammil!”

“ ()ne’s bad—t’other’s worsel" muttered the
unfortunate vaiter, who feared to face the
fiery colonel with such a message.

“ I wonder what's in the wind, now "I"
soliloquized Lightning Lew.

“ Is the doughty colonel on the war-path,
or getting nerVous? Going to force a fight
on me? That would be an easy method
of getting rid of an annoying neighbor. Or
is .he about to make friendly overtures? It
is some little game, I'll bet.

“ Well, it doesn't matter. I'll soon know,
and whichever Way he’s inclined, I'm ready
to meet him half-way!"

 

CHAPTER XII.
TWO PROMPT MEN.

THE previous night, at an arranged inter-
view with young Sackville, Lightning Lew
had been warned that he was suspected by
the counterfeiters of being adetective. and
by the respectable residents of the town it
was thenght that he was dealing with the
Gauley Mountains lawbreakers—information
which gave the detective no concern, for he
remarked.

“ It will be all right in the morning,” and
then, after a momentary hesitation, con-
tinned:

“May I ask, Mr. Sackville, what connec-
tion there is between Miss Lydia Parkson
and yourself?"

Saekville started like a man struck a sud-
den blow.

 

 

"l)eteetivel ,

l

He Was} disappointed, however, for it was what I shall do in that event.”

“What do you mean by that, sir?" he;
sharply demanded, and before Lew could re~ ,
ply. continued: ’

“With Miss Parkson you have nothing
whatever to do. Your business is to prove
my father innocent of the charge made i
against him! ’

“ Which work I am beginning to believe

ossible,”cahnly returned the detective;“ but,
u doing that, I shall probably prove Colonel
uilt 0t subornation of perjury,
and shou (1 1i e to know your wishes as to

, “ I am to do my «’uIa-[nmuW
' “in my own way, or not at all."

Saekvillc winced perceptiny before an-
sweiing:

"Show me your proofs; then I will do
Cide ” .

" Very good, sir. I thank you for your
warning regarding the counterfeiting sus—
pieion, and if you will be in the neighbor—
hood of the St. Albans between ten and ten-
thirty tomorrow morning, I will walk across
the bridge, and there make you a report,

. giving the reason for my asking you regard.

ing Miss I’arkson.

“Your following me will, if noticed at all,
cause people to think that. you alone are ig-
norant of whathlle well known to-morrow
morning.”

“ Why not report tonight?"

“Because 1 ha vc had a long, hard day of
it, and have been compelled t.» eat and drink
too much to put ‘my man’ in proper condi-
tion for my purpose.

“ Moreover,” supplemented the detective,
’—gi eat emphasis—

lle was just a little bit “r'iled,” and see-
ing it, Saekville smilineg assented:

“ Of course, Mr. Pryce. I shall be on the
lookout for you."

Lightning Lew bade his employer a rleas-
ant “ Good-night,” and immediately retired.

All this is necessary to explain what hap-
pened when Mr. Pryce bade the waiter
“show tip” Colonel I’arkson, or “Send”
Doc'or llammil to his t.\lr. l’ yee‘s) room.
It must also he explained that Colonel Park-
son, since the death of his wife—years be-
fore-had, with his daughter and her maid,
resided at the St. Albans Hotel.

On receiving the message from Mr. Pryce,
(,‘olonel Parkson became very indignant.
II(: was a big fish in the little Charlestown
pond, and not accustomed to "playing sec-
oni fiddle " to anybody.

“ Very well,” he said, in a tone that gave
the words an exactly opposite meaning, and
without another word marched toward the
hotel entrance.

As the colonel reached the doorway, two
unfortunate things happened: Edge Sack-
viilc sauntered up. and, unaware of the col-
onel's presence, stood for a moment speaking
to an acquaintance, just as Lydia I’arkson
came through the hall, dressed for the
street.

In view of the fact that, since the begin-
ning of the suit between the Land Company

and Colonel Parkson, Edge Sackville had.

never tarried at the hotel, until the previous
day, and that, although the doctor had kept
his mouth closed. there was a rumor that
Miss Parkson and Sackville had been seen
together recently, this was decidedly unfor-
tunate—not to say dangerous.

Already irritated, the colonel, in the sharp-
est lone he had ever used to his daughter,
said:

“ W'ait in the reception-room!”

The girl colored slightly, but sutficitntly
to confirm the colonel's suspicions, and as
she turned back he advanced to Sackville,
whom be tapped on the shoulder, demand-
ing: . ‘

“ Why are you here, Sir? ’

“ What do you mean, Sir?"

Sackville‘s tone was even sharper, more
angry, than Parkson’s, as he swung round
and stood looking defiantly at the latter.

In an instant both cooled—the colonel be-
cause it was of his daughter he must speak,
and,the marshal for the same reason.

“ I understood you were not to come here,”
said I’arkson, tentatively.

“I am here 311 business, sir,” explained
Sackvrlle.
“Ohl Pardon me for questioning you,”

and the colonel turned back into the hotel,
but stopped at the doorwa to ask:

“ By the way, I shou d hire to have a
word or two with you some time_to-day ?”

“At noon I am at your servrce,” calmly
answered Sackville.

The colonel bowed, and, three minutes
after he disappeared within, Lydia Parkson
came out and attempted to cross the street.

We say “attempted,” because just as she
reached the middle of the highway, a reek.
lessly - drivon carriage, coming noiselessly
through the unpaved slrec‘ eras almost upon
her, when Edge Sackville. with one tiger-like
spring, threw her back with one hand, while
with the other he checktd the horses.

A cheer—in which even the colonel joined,

_ ‘1‘“

i

T

.k.

L r...
x": 

 

 

as he rushed to the assistance of his (laugh-
ter—which changed almost instantly to one of
horror, greeted Saekville's action.

The furiously driVen horses had thrown
and were dragging the marshal. still hanging
to the rein, to certain injury, if not deal h!

A half~dozen nren rushed to Saekville’s
rescue, but, even as they szarted, a pistol-
shot rung out, and the horse grasped by
Saekville dropped dead!

CHAPTER Xlll.
THE RESULT or» 'run ItEsct'E.

\VuiaN Colonel Parkle received Pryce’s
message and started toward the hotel en
trance, the waiter “sent up" Doctor llam-
mil.

Lightning Lew's apartments faced the
street just over the entrance to the hotel, and
he was standing at a window when Edge.
Sack ville rushed to the rescue of Lydia
Parkson.

“ I warned you that I had something of
importance to tell, this morning,” Mr. Pryce
was saying, in a very severe tone, “ and yet

on are already underthe effects of drink.
leally, I am afraid to trust you, but—"

At that moment Edge Sackville jumped to
stop the horses, the next. he was down, and
being dragged, and, seemingly brrt a second
later, was lying half covered by the body of

 

r ,the horse he had grasped!

An old soldier—or rather one who had
gone through more scenes of danger during

' the war, than (toy/mm soldier—Lew Pryce

had seen that the effort to throw back the
girl, and at the same time check the horses,
would certainly result in Sackville's losing
his balance.

Whipping out his revolver, he fired, and
with such deadly accuracy of aitn that the
horse fell, shot through the brain.

In a moment the other horse, checked by
the weight of its mate, was easily brought to
a stop, and Saekville was carried into the
hotel—unconscious.

" Hurry down!” cried the detective. seeing
the horse fall on the man; and llanrnril
obeyed, meeting those who were carrying
Saekville into the hotel.

By the clerk‘s orders the insensible man
was borne to one of the first-floor family
rooms and placed on a bed.

Hammil followed, and as he passed in,
some thoughtful lady guest placed in his
hand a spoon and her bottle of camphorated
spiritsoknowing their efficacy in such cases.

As he advanced to the couch, Colonel
Parkson arrested his attention.

“ No drugs now, Hammil!" said the colo-
nel, warningly, as if either suspicious of the
physician’s condition to administer medicine
or rcstoratives, or as if he really did not wish
the unconscious marshal to be revived.

Hammil turned upon the ma nate.

“As a physician, Colonel arkson, my
duty is plain. I shall do the best for this
case I can, and will brook no orders from
any one!”

Ie spoke calmly but decisively. Ilia pro-

m fessional honor \\ as dearer to him than any

sense of obligation to the man who, for some
unexplained reason, Seemed to have supreme
influence or authority over the doctor.

The two gazed at each other a moment
questioningly, then the colonel stepped away
and the doctor proceeded to his work.

The spirits were not then administered. but
a careful examination of the body was made.

” A broken arm and two broken ribs!"
was the announced information to the few
persons in the room, ten minutes later.

“Clear out. all of on!" he continued, in
the authoritative pro essional tone, and all
obeyerl—eXCept Colonel Parkson.

“Will he bear removal without injury?"
asked the colonel.

“Oh, yes! lie is all right, as far as that
g0cs.”

As the doctor finished—and he was an ex-
cellent surgeon when sober—Sackville opened
his eyes, and asked:

“ ls .vlw safe?”

Standing in the background (hearing but
not seeing), Parkson noted the anxious tone
of the question, and for a moment looked a
little troubled; then turning, he left the
room.

" All safe, Mr. Sackville,” assured the
doctor.

“ Thank God!”

As Sackville uttered the words, in a tone

‘ ..!;'_ .111,‘ ‘ ,

The Secret Servie S

 

of intense relief, his eyes (rinsed and he once
more became unconscious.

“Hello! Can there be anything more?"
cried IIammil, and at once making a yet
more careful examination of his patient,
found that there was not.

“Must be the excitement,” decided the
doctor, and, having set the arm, and attend-
ed to the ribs—during which Sackville re-
turnr d to consciousness, asked:

“ Shall I have you taken home, sir?"

“No, you shall not!" eounterminrh-d a
voice from the doorway, and Lydia l’ar’k:orr
entered.

Following his daughter, came (‘olonel
Prirkson, and before the others reeoVeied
front their surprise, he said:

“Mr. Saekvrlle, my daughter thinks you
can be bett< r cared for in re. for a few days,
than at your own home, so. if you so fit,
you are welcome to all we can do fer you.”

iii-r voiee \VilS calm, and the invitation
seemingly given with unconcerrr.

Not so Lydia‘s, as she supplemented:

“ There is no one to care for you at lron'v
except servants—n 0 can certainly do :
much. and 1mer do more than they Will or
can."

“ I would prefer to go home." quietly re-
turned Saekville. and to the doctor:

“ A carriage, if you please, and at once!”

The doctor ttrrncd inquiringly to the col-
onel; the latter nodded assentingly, and, as
Lydia. did not again protest, he obeyed, leav-
ing the room to order the carriage, as di-
rected.

“ \Ve are, of course, deeply indebted—” be-
gan the colonel, as iiamnril left the room.

“ Not at ail, sirl Any man, near enough,
could and would have done the same,”in-
terrupted Sackville.

The colonel flushed angrily, bowed, and
anotioning his daughter to precede him, with-

rew.

Lightning Lew, meantime. had gathered
from the conversation of the guests and fre-
quenters of the hotel, that Sackville was not
Seriously injured, and he was probably the
most unconcerned man in the house when
the latter was helped into the carriage.

The surgeon would have accompanied his
patient, but the latter irad no liking for the
man, and after getting into the carriage,
declined any further attendancc.

“ Send me your bill as soon as con-
venient." he said, “as I shall call for my
own physician on my way home."

Rather crestfallen, and now thoroughly
sobered, the doctor re-entercd the hotel. -

“ llellm Not going with him, Doc?"
came the jecring question from a half dozen
spectators of Hammil‘s discomtiture, but the
irate man of medicine vmlcbsufed no reply.

Pushing his way savagely through the
entrance, the doctor met Colonel Parkson,
who asked .

“ Don't know who fired that shot, do you,
doctor? '

Almost simultaneously came the invita-
tion:

“Wish you would remember to lunch with
me, Doctor Hammil !" ‘

The invitation, coming from Mr. Prvce,
relieved the physician's cmbarrassmentfand
made him feel rather proud.

“I will not forget, Mr. Pryce," he re.
plied. and turning to Colonel Parkson.
continued:

"There is the gentleman who fired the
shot—Mr. Pryee!"

Then, there was more excitement, and a
general buzz of conversation followed.

Until the doctor announced. the fact, no
one had the faintest idea that Mr. Pryce
was the remarkable istol-shot, and he now
became, even more t an before, the subject
of remark.

The “coal operator” it was now evident
to even the roughest denizens in that town,
was a good man not to “ go for.”

CHAPTER XIV.
PLAYING wr'rrr FIRE.

“ A LUCKY shot, sir!” declared the colonel,
turning to Lightning Lew,

“Fortunate for the other man, but, prob.
ably, not in the sense you mean; I never
miss!

“ By the by, lbclieve you wished to talk
to me this morning?" continued Lightning
Lew, before the astonished look had faded
from the coloncl’s face.

 

pecial from Nev.“ Yor'K{

 

9

“ Well, yes—I did. Suppose we adjourn
to the reception-room," slowly replir d the
other, hardly knowing how to treat this man,
who scemei inclined to treat him, Colonel
l’arksorr, as an inferior.

Lightning Lew n. dded assent to the pro-
position, and together they entered the room
recently vacated by Szickville.

“ Mr. Pryce,"began the colonel, " I under
stand you are interested in the coal lands
hereabouts, and, if you are not already hound

,' by contract, would advise you not to pur-

 

chase—at least not for sotne time.”

"May 1 ask why?"

“There is no means of transportation—the
river’s n t navigable for more than five orsix
\VL‘t'kSill the ytar.”

“ Ah! Isce— thank you. I am not bound,

r and so can Wait; but—why buy at all if that

is the obstacle Y"

" Well, there will be money appropriated
—it is, in fact, (ill/rust already appropriated,
to make the stream navigable for heavily
loaded barges. Then, when the Work is
certain of successful accomplishment—then,
make your contracts—~buy your lands!” -

“Thank you for your kindness in warning

and adviing me,” returned Lightning Lew, I

adding:

“1 shall be looking alnut ire for some
time to come, and will certair lv not clo~e
with anybody until I have lcarrud that the
river will certainly be made naxigable for
get ing a i ay the coal.”

The listener looked so gratifiid on hearing
this that the keen-eyed dttietiw, who was
of course watchingr every expression of his
face. decided:

“This fellow has coal lands of his own
for sale. Is it some of the property now in
dispute? I'll bet my badge it is.”

As this was rushing through the brain of
Lightning Lew, Colonel'Parkson was saying:

“Will you not join me at dinner—or
luncheon, Mr. Pryce?"

“ No, thank you; I fear it is impossible,
for Doctor Ilamnril and I are to lunch to-
gether, 21de my movements are too uncer-
tain to make any premises after that."

It was not Lightning Lcw's policytobe-
come too intimate with the colonel. and that
was his sole reason for refusing the invitation
at tlwt time.

Ilalh'er inclined to he (fl'cnded atthe othcr's
carcle<s refusal, (‘olcncl I’arkson answered.

‘Very well. sir; some otiu'r time—per-

haps." and, bowing stiflly, Colonel Parkson

left the room.

“Getting mad, eh?” thought the detlctive
as he followed the coloncl’s example. and
afcw minutes later, having found the doc-
tor, sat down to luncheon.

" It‘s toolate to go out today—what shall
we do with ourselvts‘?" asked Pryce. after a
good repast was disposed of, and the medi-
cine man was in especial goed-hnmor.

Anything you please," returntd the detec-
tive's accommodal ing company. '

“Well, suppose we go to Kyle’s? It’s
quieter, and we can there smoke and chat un-
disturbed.”

“Ali right!" assented Hamnil. jumping
up, and both men at once. started fr r the sus-
pect’s saloon, which the sagacrous delegate
from New York had “spotted"z.s the coun-
terfeiters’ rendezvous

The doctor had forgotten all abrut the sus.
pieions regarding l’ryce’s btisinrss but the
latter now had on his “working harness,”
and was curious to see the tfhet of the
morning‘s report. Fcaro‘ the rogues he had
none, and, indeed. had the time been pro-
pitioua, would probably have given cause for
Kyle's‘suspicions—“ just'for the fun of the
thing.’

At Kyle's the actions of the pair did much
to confirm the saloon-keeper’s suspicion, that
Pryce was a (it 2ective,.and to strengthen the
idea that the dcctor was not altogether ig
norant of the fact.

The two convct'srd quietly, and apart from
the. others-Lightning Lew, being engaged
in impressing upon the doctor the vastness
of the work he had in hand, and the chances
he (Ilammil) had of getting an important
position with the company, which would
purchase as soon as the particular price of
the coal field was fixed upon.

“ But you host not talk any more to any
One about what we have done. are doing, .71»
propose to do,” was Lightning Law‘s cog.
stunt warning.

I!

  

 

 

 

   

' “,I rimming away,” he said, finally, as he
. arose to return to the hotel. “and when I re-
turn will be able to decide which of the sev-
‘eral properties we have im-kcd at will be
" bestvadaptcd to our purpose."
“Will you be long a my, Mr. Pryce?”

“‘A week, probably—maybe lCSS.

“Our business will be completed,” contin-
ued Pryce. “immediately after I return. "

' They Were jlts'l. having the private room
when he Ulil'l'ttl the hot rcntcncc, and the

words were caught by liocuc.

" A guilty conscience nrcds no accuser."

Hogue immediately upplhd l’rycc's Words
to himself and his confedcrutcs.

‘-‘Biil,’therc‘s agom’ t’ be trouble," he
' whispered, as soon as Pryce and llammil had
made their exit.

"What do you mean?" sharply interro-
gated Kyle.
, “That chap’s goin’ away, ’n‘ when he
, comes back our hash ’ll be scttled-—So he
- said ’to Doc! lie must be goin’ after pa-
. . rs. '

'. "See here, Iloguc, do you know what
you’re talking: about?" almost fiercely de-
manded the saloon-keeper.

" “Sure-~tlrat’s just w‘ot he said!" stoutly
.8886!“th I‘Iogue.

‘  “Then you must see to it that he never
leave: here! Understand, IIoguc-—no miss
.fl'rcs now! if that man is on our ll‘uil them
is notime to waste. 80 go right after him
gnow, and watch your chance to give it to
9133111. That is my order. " Understand?"

. "Yesfl knows my biz. I‘ll fix him!" re-
turncljth‘e murderous wretch, as he. hurried
 of the saloon, to execute what was chief’s
command. . .

:Lightning Lew was in terrible danger
DOW; ' x .
trailer was trailed!

 

CHAPTER XIV.
 , MURDER ox 'rnn MENU.
.f'l‘iwnlahout six o‘clock, when Lightning
hereund- Doctor Hammil left the counter.
teufh’eadqunrters, for such it undoubtedly

We Will dine at the hotel, and, if you
 togaback to Kyle's. afterward, we will
#010 Vtsuggésted the detective.

_ bio-4* will be 'glad to dine with you,
nyce, but no Bill Kyle's for me to-

ibis” as on please," was Hie-careless
,‘wh lo the speaker waswonder-

hut’s up? Have they quarreltd. or
' béen hearing of the counterfeit

, "see," continued the doctor (up-
 : y;_dee'rni-n an explanation due to so
 rfuin frien ), “ I got clean knocked out
titer last at . t—ha'd to be brought home, in
- ind l on't care about committing mur-

.  Why, man, what are you talk-
lit?
Wcii’é, Yes, I will tell you.
‘Pryce, I married a widow. v

as, she is all right, but there is a she-
'd step-don hter, and—well, life is a
hell- there, or me. and, if I should go
fl’to-night, there Would Certainly
~itr0uble‘whether I took my abuse
resented it."
. ,  ‘ More luck! Another string to
f “Len?” ' '
‘ thing, Lew did not utter those exultant
‘ but he could scarcely conceal his
ran ‘over thus discoverin another
he doctor’s leaving Char estown.
ntly . considering whether be
it: .in so much, Pr co, after a
. thief. , tstion, rcsumera

doctor, keep-your courage up for
V M its. '1 donut care to say too much
t, but, you may; WM. have an op-
,yto get out of such an unpleasant.
' as you appear. be inf" ’
.kplpear « to be int' ‘ echoed Barnum.
ens, man! you do not know whatvou

f about. Show me the chancel"

 
 
   
    
   
  
  
 

 not; have to wait very long.

 

  

i.

«he: dim at

= sdmethin‘ it!)

was all the reply Lew made, but;
{chuckled with satisfaction that ,

on the suhjecttoflf the V, H

 

On arriving at the St. Albuns, Lightning.r
Lew had received a number of cards and
memorandums, left by people who had called
during his absénce, relative to coal lands.
asking him to Call, or make an appointment
for an interview. '

Glancingr carelessly at a few of these soon
to be precious mcssugcs, the veteran dctco
live thrust them into his pocket, remarkingr
to the ch-rk, as he followed the latter in'o the
dining-mom:

“ livery body seems to know my business.
I will have to hire a detective, or somebody
will stcal me."

He spoke. jestinuly, and the ohwquious
Clerk joined in the laugh that followed.

But, truc wmds are often spoken in jest,
agnai Lightning Lcw was soon to realize that
act.

After the doctor had gone home, the detec-
tive started out for a stroll, not caring: to rc-
maiu in the hotel where he ran the risk of re
ceiving some of the coal-lands callers, while
he was anxious to lay his phms for spiritincr
liammil away, and for trctlingr Forrcut (his
coming)r comrade), introduced to the Owens
party

Leaving the hotel, he turned toward the
Elk River Bridge. I ut, absorbed in his
thoughts. he did not notice that three men,
who had been loitei ing opposite the entrance,
immediately stnrtc‘d after him.

it “as now' quite dark; the moon had not
ytt risen. anl l-logue and his confcdt-mtcs
expressed their satisfaction when tluy saw
the direction taken by the man they were
“ laying for." -

" We’ll give him a swim, t’ wash the stains
ofl!" chuckled llogue.

"How about smashin’ him over the head
-—just to keep him quiet-an' than take him
out to the Run?" suggested one of the others,
adding-

“Might scare somethin’ out 0’ him there,
an’ then put him through, all the same."

While this idea seemed to strike Hague
favorably, he hesitated about adopting it.
He was leader-only of that partyd'onatlmt
particular occasion; and  
others: ’ ' ‘

“ Look-a here, boys! The boss said J.’ see
that he didn’t leave here, an’ to take our
chant-c an’ give it to him ”

“ Can’t we do that easy ’nufl" in the Run.
after we’ve not all we can out of him?"
airgued the rufiian who had made the sugges-
t on. ‘

“‘That's so, Hague; an’.we might get
rtsnt out of him, too.” urged
the other MK hitherto silent member of the

murderous gang; '  - , v

” Well, let “or go at then": agreed the
leader, adding: ’ '

“You'd better get ahead of him. Jim.
l'll stay it leads behind, an’ Pate kin creep
up an' smash him. If he misses -—why, then,
we'll be front an’ back to cut him off or bear
a hand. We’ve got him cornered now, so
must do him up for keeps!” ,

“That we will!” assured Pate, who was to

in

do the “ smashin.

CHAPTER xv. , ,
on Tim BRIDGE—A 'rmmnarm mar.
. ALL unconscious of danger. and ponder-

. lug over the work befo‘rshim, Lightning Lew

wasnow on the brid epwalking to the cen-
ter. where he intende to st op.

1‘1 will start for Kanawha Falls tomorrow
night, or the‘next morning," he had just de.
glided, when a man y walked _ rapidly past

m. . ,
Deeply engaged in thought as he was, the
experience of many years of dangerous work
had rendered Law a senses Wonderfully acute,
and when the man who had passed slackened
his speed after gaining a position fifty yards
ahead, the detective was almost instantly
aware of it. ‘

“What the dickens is that fellow loitering
for, new ?” he‘askt-d himself.

At the same moment impelled b a va‘ a .

feeling of danger, he' turned to loo bell nd.
Toolnteh  :_ , I
-'l‘ho'., radian depubdtn strike the blow

 

  
  

    
 
   
   
 
 
 
 

 

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"the ‘

haviugiernovedhiahsavy  had stolen. ;
{a statuseva '

 

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scmcless and bleeding upon the floor of the
bridge.

“ Quick, now!" ordered llngue, and ac.—
cording to their previously arranged plan,
the New Yorker was bounl and mixer-d,
tlll‘l then, between the three, picked up and
carried across the bridge.

It was pitch dark; there was nobozlv to
qmstion the movements of the rufllausfund
cvcn had there been one with the authority
~und powm' to hack it~~to do so, the un-
chl', “Drunk,” would, in that darkness,
have passed them.

But there was one thing- they had not
counted on: the dcad weight of a man,
standing over six feet, big - boncti and
brawny.

“Curse me for speaking of luiugin' him
here!” pantcd one—the rufllan who suggest-
ed the idea. “If I had him back on the
bridge, l‘d have him infiquick! Thet
would he thc end of the job.”

“Drop him for a minit l"

llogue's order was gladly obeyed, and the
unfortunate detective was dropped in the
roadway.

“ Ile’s as heavy as lead,” remarked Pate.

" An’ as limp as a ‘ stifl,’ ” added Jim.

“Well, we’ve only got a little way more
to go, so we might as well finish it aswe be-
gun it,” consoled llog‘uc.

“ Ve mth Can’t make no commissioner
joh——no suicide out 0’ this!” declared Pate,
with a laugh 'that caused a shiver to run
through the man on the ground.

B fore hit captors had actually crossed the
bridge, Lew- Pryce had regained conscious-
ness, and had they neglected the apparently
needless precaution of binding a man so
bad] hurt. there would have been some
quic revolver work when he was first
deposited on the roadway. Now, however,
he would not have stirred if both hands and
feet were free.

“ The Commissioner job!”

That would have been a magnet to cause
him to remain apparently unconscious in
order wheat-indie.-      

In response to the last remark; 

growled:
“ Shut up, Patel No more 0’ that. That’s
past ’n’ gone, easy enough, so don’t go for

to rake it up—it’s onluckyl"

“ So! The commissioner did not commit
suicide after all, eh?" thought Lightning
Low, and the detective’s instinct overcoming

everything else, took a sly peep at,,_._tho""

speakers. , .a  ,, 

“It's toodark to make you gummy friend,
but you will certainly‘tln it most ‘onlucky,’
it I’m notdon‘e array with in a hurry."

“Who can they be? Parkson‘s gun ‘2"

As the ‘captive thus questioned hmself,
the marshal’s warning regarding Kyle's
saloon, and the counterfeitcrs, flashed across
him.

“All right, my State Prison beauties; you
have got me, now, butlook out»! if I slip
through your fingers—title, your discs; or ‘
mine!” * ’ .  ,.   .'

“ t‘s get alohglv'tsuggested Hague, as
these eilnnt' thoughts were passmg through
thedann'tiess' detectives mind, and evcn as
the order was obeyed, the busy brain Was
glanlrliing to escape what looked like certain

eat . ‘

,ln a short time. the trio. with theii‘  ' I ‘

limp, and seemingly. litclesa bur.len,‘~left the
main road. and alter a few niinutcs' walk
along a narrow path, stepped before a small
and exceedingly rude lo},r cabin.

" Hello, Bradley! ‘ shouted Hague.

There Was no response for a, flaw minu as" .I  ': ;
a delay which caused the soul QIMVBME.  '

his eyes, and especially hi-segggtque
si gncd to his satanic majesty‘sedOmi‘nlons.’
At length, becomingtsp whenmvely im-
patient, Ho ue sag “ \ Topping the tie
tective and iicklng n the (3001'. I
“Don't trouble yourself. H0 at ’ came,
a hoarse voice item within, and t a door was
uickl 0 net . - 
q f‘OnBiy gamed» to make sure 'twas you,"

continued the speaker, and as the party, '

passed in;

“ Hullol': rWhat'Ve ya got there?"
, “finned yer business!" savagely retorted
Hague. and : havin placed the detective on"
the earthen floor 0, the cabin, demanded; ' 

    

 

 

 
   
 

 

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“But look here IIog—”

“Shut up!” harshly interrupted the other;
“ shut up n’ keep names out o’ yer mouth,
anyhowl’

“ Hold alight!" he continued, and a small
lamp being produced, looked closely at
Lightning Lew's face.

“ Looks like a stitf'." ejaculated Pate.

“ Looks like shammin’. ye mean!” retorted
the leader. and dealing the helpless prisoner
a brutal kick, growled:

“No shammin'l wake up ’r I’l. slit yer
nose!" .

Lightning Lew groaned. There was little
doubt that the rutlian would carry out his
threat, so there was no use attempting to
play unconscious much longer, even if he
was willing to risk life itself in order to se-
cure more evidence.

A harsh laugh greeted the victim’s groan.

“Told ye so !" triumphantly exclaimed
Hogue. ' ‘

But Lew was too sharp to come to so
quickly, and calmly awaited the second
kick, which the impatient brute soon dealt
him, before again groaning anti opening his
eyes.

“Now, Bradley, you gitl"ordered llogue.

“But thcr' ain't no room in the cave!"
protested the owner of the cabin.

“ Then git outl D‘ye hear me ?—gg‘f /"

Grumbling and muttering curses at being
turned out, Bradley obeyed—Pate closing
and barring the door after him.

“Now, mister man, w'ot's yer little
game?” demanded Hoguc, turning to the
prisoner. -

Lightning Lew's gaze was roaming vacant—
ly around the dimly-lighted room. Appar-
entl he did not hear the questiond-certamly
he id not heed it. .

"Say, you." I’m a-tslkin’ t’ yet W'ot’s
yer little game?" was again demanded.

The question was emphasized by another
kick, but the only result was a groan; the
same vacant stare remained.

“He's looneyl By the holy smoker, the
smash on the head knocked the daylight out
0’ him"

Thus spoke J im; but the suspicious Hogue

 was incredulous.

u 
elated.

“ Set him on that cheer," he continued;
“ I’ll soon show ye how loamy he is!"

The helpless’Lew was placed in a big arm~
chair—the only chair the hovel boasted;
then the leader ordered the others to pile
some of the loose wood lying near the open

out! can’t fool me that way!" he de-

‘ chimney around the prisoner s feet.

:"Now, you’ve got t' talk inside of a minit,
or 1'" set that ’ere wood ablaze, 'n’ if e’r’ a
snlly-mander, an‘ kin stand that, w'y l' i: just

cut yer bloody heart outl". ., , 

‘Still, the some meaningless 'stare was the.
only response to this horrible threat. and
with an imprecation Hogue stoo and
applied a match to the welldrie wood,
which instantly blazed up.

Lightning Lew had had some rough ex-
periences as a Secret Service man, but, cer-

~tainly, he was never in “warmer quarters”

than at that moment.

 

CHAPTER XVI.

FRIENDS IN NEED.

 {fire started to blaze merrily, and, al-
though fiasco! iron nerve, Lightning 'Lew

knew that the more would soon be so on
bearable that silence would; at: out of question,
and further deception dohb'tfiil.

Some—j ust a little—of the wand who green

, - 7 causing considerable smoke to fill the wretchi

ed room. Fortunately. some of this smoke
penetrated the cave, and, just as the helpless
victim was beginning to feel uncomfortably
hot, three females rushed into the room!

An instant later. Lightning Lew was res-

 cued—from burning—at all events, for each

woman soiled a man, (flin ing him aside like
a child) and then, regard egg of the danger
that the thin garments in which they were
clad might take fire—Quickly scattered and
relinquished the burning wood.
 turning on Hague, the eldest of the
womenme ed.-

"You: htifvstsrred shores, what sir yew
- .ln’ mildew}:  Donner 

 

'. I
looking, and these men knew and feared'

her. r

“ We've got a s y there, ’n’ we wuz just
tryin’ t’ git some nformation out'n him—-
that's all,” explained Hogue, very humbly,
adding;

” Ile wuz a-playin’ off ‘looney ’—tryin’ t’
fool us."

The “gals,” meantime, had been looking
over Lightning Low, by the dim light of the
small lamp which one of them, “Marthy,”
had in her hand.

Iioguc had hardly finished his explana—
tion, when the other “ gal ” cried:

“Looncyt Golld Lawd, ma, look! Pore
fellerl I shed think sol Look at l;is head—
a.hleedin' like a stuck shote!”

Mrs. Bradley looked at the head, and then
into the eyes of the “ pore teller.“ and taking
the lamp from Marthy, whispered: ‘

“ Yew go git my gun!”

Then, handing the lamp to the other
daughter, she picked up a heavy stick and
placed herself behind Lightning Lt w.

,“Now, yew just git "’ she ordered, as
Marthy reappeared. carrying a donblc~har-
reled sliognn, pointed toward the three
batllod rntiians.

But he's a spy! One 0’ these fellers
from Washin'ton—after your old man, as
well as us.”

This last touched a tender spot. Old Man
Bradley, as he was called, had had more
than one narrow escape from the revenue
and other officers, and for a moment or two
the Amazon was staggered and undecided.

But she knew Hogue thoroughly, and
after another glance at the blood-stained head
and starin eyes 0! the accused, asked:

“ How .w yew know he's a spy?"

“Heal-d him say he wuz goin’ after the
papers an' men. ’n' w'en he kem back next
week he’d clean us out, root ’n’ branch-—
you-'uns. tool” boldly lied the ruflian.

"Bill Hog, I b'lieve you liel’declared
Mrs. Bradley, looking him square in the eye,
“ An‘, ennyhow, this a-here pore feller's
plumb looney, so he won’t do no harm t'
ennyhody."

“ Sho't I tell ye, he’s just a-pla in‘ off!"

“ All right, Hog.l
before; now, yew’d better data, it!” ‘

"Hold on a. minitl What's the matter
with gioin’ through him fur probf?” inter.

med im. ‘

There could he no objectinn to this, for if
it were proved that their victim really was
n sp , the mountain women would have lent
willing assistance in hanging him. .

The search was made by Jim, under the
supervision of the women, who made him
hand over everything taken fromth‘sr pockets
of the prisonergsa‘nd when finished there was
quite aeoliection' of letters and papers of
various kinds, as well as a small amount. of
American money, and a large sum in English
sovereigns! .

The finding of the English gold—which
Lightning Lew had made a polar of chang-
ing at every opportunity—created something
of a sensation, and the men eyed it. hungrily.

" Looks as if yew' wa‘n't. lookin’ s‘mnch
for the man as the money,” observed Mrs.

lratlley, and noting the way the gold was
being glared at, continued: .

“That air gun‘s chuck-full o’ buckshot.
Marthy, keep ’em covered!”

“, Oh, come! We’re t’ git our whack,
hain’t we?" protested Hogue

" Ther‘ ham t a- oin’ t‘ be enny whackin',
Bill Iiogue, ontil ip Anderson’s seen them
papers. Jist writ that doxl '

“I b’lieve yew were er the gold, ’n'
don‘t b'lieve he’s enny more spy ’n I am, but
it Nip says them'i’ere papers says so, then
you-‘unsi kin hey all of it."

"What’s the matter wud met. I kind

read!" proudly proclaimed Jinn,

~ So I’ve- bend, Jim—~bnt in wt. ’n’s‘oV

we’ll wait for Nip,”flrmly decided the Ams
zon, adding; I ' ‘ v '

“I’ve knowed yew ion ’nufi, Jim, tew
know ycw’r’ no angill. ip‘ll be 'long ina
day ’r two, 'n’ then we’ll know just how
much yew hev been a-lyin’ on playin’ the
highwayman.

“Git along, now! Quick, 'r I'll raise the
hull Run l” '- " v

thebnflled amounted

I tole yew t git onc’t.

- whosll‘t is tiriie‘

should be released to allow him to help hint:

 

Sullenly and with'manymmmd .68 - . M

without, could quielzlv l‘i‘ltl“: assistance to
his wife) to abandon both money and ven-
geance. ‘

’Lize, the second “gal,” barred the door
as the last of the trio passed out, and their
all three women set to work dressing the
prisoner’s head, after which Mrs. Bradley
directed Marthy to secrete the money and
papers. ’

“For; you know what dad is,” she ex- '
plained, “an’ we mus’ hcv it all jest as we
got it.” ‘

“ Air yew a.goin’ tew keep him tied up?"
asked Marthfy.

“ Shore— or we can’t tell ontil Nip comes
but he is a spy. So git‘baek t’ bed, now.
110’” be all right in the morning, I guesses.”

A minute later, Lightning Lew’s property
being gathered up. the women retired from
the room, and the prisoner was left in dark-
ness, alone.

   
    
  
 
 
 
  
    
   
  
 
  
  
    
  
    
  
   
    
   
 
    
  
   
 
   
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
 
    
 
  
  
 
  

CHAPTER XVII.

, ))

MR. “NIPS DECISION.

IT was nearly daylight before Lightning
Lew fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. That
the night was passed in thinking what he
should do next morning, the reader can well
surmise. ,

At first, he was inclined to recover his »
senses,announce himself as Mr LewisPryce, '
coal-lands speculator, and point to the let~
ters and cards from the well known people,
who had called on him to prove it.

Of course, these people could not read. but
Mr. Nip Anderson would be along in aday .
or two and then everything would be cleared  '

up.
But suppose there should be somethfirg-ev .
some letter, some memorandum of instruc- ‘
dons—anything. in fact, that would 'give'
rise to even the faintest suspicion that.” e
was a detective, among the papers “taken
from him? a ‘ ‘ . .
Well he realized what would follclw. No .
matter what his business was, the fact'thet he 
we a detective, and in that locality, coupled "
wit ilogue‘s lying statement, Would besufl-
cicnt to hang himt , 7» *'
This consideration caused him. finnily,.to .?_
decide that he would await Mr. Nip Ander- ~
son’s declaration of his innocence  j '
recovering his senses.   .
Accordingly, morning found L' htning.“
Lew still “ out of his head,” as Mart y’pu
it, and when breakfast was ready 
lad {2d him—bacon and hominy a any
mil ing the hill of {area . ' -' ‘
She had made the suggestion that his hands
self but her mother immediately negativcd
the idea, saying as she had not trustedonh
she Would not the other. a
So it was at noon, and again at .nigW
although at. supper “the old man" 
presentmt‘or the first time since the;er
was brought into the house. I . ‘ . .
Bradley was short, stout and iolly~unfii
he looked at the “ spy,” then hiscountenanoe
became savage. - t'  f 1
Evidently he believed the story which
Hogue and his confederates had toldfhnt ‘
Mrs. Bradley was very decidedly the "bet,
ter half," so Mr. Bradley ate his imminme
'!

 

hominy, without expressing his opinion
the matter. I ’
A second morning came round ago
found Lightning Lew still storing a
ing. and Bradley (who had remained;
the ‘previous night) became i ,y f; " “‘ "jig,
wel as impressed by, theorisoner’s stirs go
condition. ' > "  ' ,
“ By gum, sis, you're ’bout right l" he
claimed. on the morning of the second.
“That fellow is plumb looneyl 
“I've heern ’bont fellers hein‘ smash
some bones was knocked in, ’n’ it  : ,
cm’zg‘. but. by gumt this is thetn's: We:
see One.” , f t j,
“D‘ye gin'rslly find me w“’ngl"
Mrs. Bradley, rather tsrtly. .  ..
“No.” meekl acknowledged-her '
“lcan'tssy as dew.” ~ > ,  ~
Thstended theconve__ ‘ e
on 198V“! , met .  w‘r-
been“! ins 

   

 

12

to impress his opinion that such was the fact
upon the murderous trio

At first all three ridiculed the idea, swore
Pryce was simply shamming, and declared
their intention of having him if they had to
wait until doomsday.

But the old man’s earnestness finally be
gan to make an impresston. and when he left
them, there W218 a decided change of opinion
—even Ilogue inclining to the belief that the
blow struck him mtg/it haVe so depressed
I’ryce‘s skull—or the covering of the brain—
as to render him insane.

“ Jim ”——who could boast of being able to
read——remembercd hearing of a case where
such a blow had caused a man to lose all re-
collection of the past, and this chimed in with
Old Man Bradley‘s story.

“Well, it'll save us any more trouble-if
it’s so—but I'm a-goin’ t’ watch him for
awhile afore I believe itl" declared Ilogue.

“An’, anyhow, I’m a-goin‘ t’ have my
whack 0’ that money—no matter w‘ot he is!"
he supplemented.

Bradley shook his head, as if doubting the
wisdom of any man’s attempting to dictate
to [22's wife, and started up the mountain to
his “ work."

About noon, Mr. “Nip” Anderson pre-
sented himself at the Bradley cabin, and
proved to be a lanky youth of near eighteen,
who made a pretty fair living by peddling
all sorts of stuff among the mountaineers.

‘ Nip” was a shrewd fellow, managed to
ingratiate himself with the Women (thus in-
suring the trade of the men). and had a de-
cided liking—which he took no pains to con-
ceal—for ’Lize Bradley.

Now, as ’Lize was the youn er of the two
stalwart sisters, this was rat er slighting
Marthy, although, as she expressed it,‘ “she
wouldn’t love at sich a wishy-washy thing "
~meaning, of course, Mr. " Nip "-—and
when the young peddler arrived and retired
to the cave to show his goods. and chat with
the women folks, Lightning Lew received a
visit from the elder sister.

Good or bad. women are certain to sym-
pathize with the unfortunate, but aside from
this angelic characteristic of the sex, Marthy
had formed a strong liking for the prisoner,
because of his fine appearance and magnifi-
cent manhood.

Just what she expected to gain by it, it is
impossible to surmise, but, cautiously ap-
proaching. the prisoner, Mai-thy whispered:

“Stranger, they say on are shammin’-——
that you are from Was in‘tin. If you air,
say so, ’n’ I’ll help you t’ get away, if yew'll
premise t’ let up on paw?’

The same vacant stare was the only re-
sponse to Marthy’s earnest words, and with
a pitying look, and murmuring “pore fel-
lerl" she retired to the cave.

For a moment, Lew had thought it was a
trick to entrap him, but honesty shone from
the girl‘s eyes. and he thought:

“ If there is anything compromising among
those papers. I believe that girl will stand
my friend, if it comes to the worst.”

And, determined to trust to his “luck "—
hoping that nothing compromising would be
found—Lew continued to play “out of his
head."

The next fifteen minutes that passed was
an anxious quarter hour for the prisoner,
who with every nerve strained to the highest
tension, sat awaiting Mr. “Nip's” decisron—
his fate.

He could hear the jingling of his gold, the
rustling of his papers—and each minute
seemed an hour—and, then, suddenly, the
suspense was ended by Mrs. Bradley, who
came forth, announcing: ,

“ Stranger, the jig’s npl”

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A RAPID RECOVERY.

.. LIGHTNING LEW had, in his extraordinary
life experience, twrce listened to his death
sentence being read, and each time with the
utmost composure, denying that he had been
proven guilty.

Now, more experienced and hardened, it

' was not likely that he would give way when

Mrs. Bradley uttered the ominous words—
equivalent to a third death sentence:

“ Stranger, the jig’s up!"

When Mr. Bradley entered the cabin, the
prisoner was staring at 'the open doorway
connecting it with the cave, and with won-

,--v‘ ,,. r , , .  A, ,
‘v uh: ..._ :5.” 7,., v . ’ >’ 14-7 "

 

 

ThfleggSeoret‘Servioe_Speeia1 from  York.

derful Self possession he kept his eyes fixed
on the same spot; or rather in the same di
reetion, for, apparently, he was looking right
through the woman, and the others who fol-
lowed her.

“Fry me fer a catfish, if he‘s foolin’l"
guaranteeti Mr. “Nip,” who entered next
after Mrs. Bradley.

“ l knowed it,” returned the
adding;

“But you can‘t drive nuthin’ into some
folks’ heads!

“Marthy! ‘Lizel Cut them cords, an’
make thet poor feller easy!"

There was no “make believe" about the
amazed stare with which Lightning Lew
heard this order given, and the words which
preceded it.

“ Be careful about them letters of his’n,
Nip,” continued the woman, while her
daughters were releasing the prisoner.

“ l hain't like to forget it,” answered the
boy peddler.

“ An' be shore to hurry, Nip, for them air
fellers‘ll go ’way mad—an’ we're on’y wim-
men, here, you know.”

“ l hain‘t like to forget it," repeated Nip,
adding

‘ lieekon I‘d better git, right now.”

‘1)ew," assented Mrs. Bradley, and with
a whispered word to ’Lizc, Nip left the
cabin,

“Hope he won't have no trouble findin'
this pore feller’s friends," remarked the
mother, as she again barred the door.

“0h. Nip's all right! IIe’ll find ’em,”
assured ’Lize.

“ Don’t see how he can help it—hain’t the
names a'l writ down?” tartly observed
Marthy.

“l d n't mean jest that,” explained the,
motln r, “ i mean trouble wud them llogiie
fellers. They‘re mighty bad ’uns—all on
'em!"

“ Say, maw,” asked Marthy, “didn't Nip
say he read sunthin'——thet a sudden shock—
like a knock on the head—would just as
likelv‘s not cure him?”

“ Thet's jest it: a knock on the head," re-
turned Mrs. Bradley.

“Then, soon‘s he‘s asleep, I’m a goin’ to
give him a good swat right on top 0' the
head i" declared Marthy.

“Then I’m going right to sleep,” men-
tal] decided the conniving Lew

I e was already drowsy looking from
wakefulness the previous night, and it was
this that called forth Marthy's words.

' “ See, maw, there he goes, now!" ex.
claimed the girl, a few minutes later, seeing
the late prisoner’s head he inning to droop.

Before the mother could reply, there was
thundering knocking on the door.

“ Who‘s there?”

“ Me—Hoguct” was the reply.

“Well, you, Hog—what d’ye want‘t"

“Want to get in,"

“Well, e won’t, ’n’ef ye stand at thet
door a minit longer, I’ll poke a dose 0’ buck-
shot into ye! Git now!"

“What about that money?” demanded
Hogue.

“Marthy, gimme my gun!” directed Mrs.
Bradley, without replying to the question

“Just set it ther’—by the winder," she
continued, as her daughter hurried out of
the cave with the shot un. '

“ He's gone, now—t e skunk' But well
have to look sharp, gals. fur he’ll be back,
slim-e /" warned the mother.

“What makes yew so shore 0' that, maw it”
inquired ’Lize.

"’Cause he knows We've got that gold;
an’ that po '5 in) in the mountings, an
won’t be bac fur a day or two. Yew’ll see
-—the ’11 come to-night, shore; so be on your
guar ."

Crack!

The noise sounded like the report of a
small pistol, but it was only the “swat”
Marthy promised to bestow on Lightning
Lew’s head, as soon as she caught him sleep-

latter,

in i

{The blow was delivered with all the
strength of her powerful right arm, and, as
Lew was leaning forward at the time, he
was knocked fiat—full length—on the floor.

“Lordyi I didn’t mean to hit so hard!”
cried Marthy, but, as she rushed to assist the
prostrate man to arise, was rewarded to see
him pick himself up to a sitting posture and
look around inquiringly, as if bewildered.

t; v ,‘.'

ma.» . _....: ._-.. .;w._.;.. :.-......... ._-.. .x..._.~.._._.. . _ a. ._..A.

“a H“. .. .. .;_M ‘ A umwwv~u~~

I
' He was, too but at the strength of the
"swat- ” he had received.

“Good Lord!“ he mentally ejaculated.
“That was nearly as bad as the crack 1 got
on the bridge."

Pulling himself together, he arose to his
feet and looked about him—his head still
I ringingr from the effects of Marthy‘s«Inn-ting
I experiment, helping to give an air of hon
esty to the bewildered expression on his
face

“Ile‘s cured, mam!
the delighted girl

The detective played his part well~fecling
his head, and touching the bandage in great,
apparent, astonishment, as he asked.

“Where am I? What has happened me?"

Then all three took turns in informing
him, and Mrs. Bradley finished w ilh: ‘

“ Nip, he’s gone to look up some 0' yewr
folks in town—them big folks that writ
them papers—cause w'er‘uns had no way 0'
takin’ kecr 0’ ye; but. yewr all right now,
thank the liawd—an’ Marthyl”

“How do you mean, madame? Is it to
your daughter I owe my recovery —as well
as my life to you and your family?" asked
the late prisoner in well dissembled aston-
ishment.

“Oh, we-‘uns didn't do more’n ennybod
else ’ud (lo—’cept Marthy," and Mrs. Bra ~
ley went on to tell of her elder daughter's
reason for administering the blow.

Lightning Lew could scarcely conceal his
amusement during the recital of Marthy's
brain-work, but he was really full of grati-
tude to the family—especial yto the elder
girl—and managed -to preserve a gravs face.

“I can never thank you sufficiently in
words,” he declared, when she ended the
rather prolix story. “but shall endeavor to
express my gratitude in more substantial
shape as soon as I get back to town.”

“ Air yew a talkin’ of money, stranger?"
sharply, almost angrily, demanded Mrs.
Bradley.

At that moment Lightning Lew caught
the faint sound of a cautious footstep out—
side, accidentally betrayed by the snapping

 

lle‘s cured!" cried

 

of a dry branch, and held up his hands warn—
ingly.

There was no need of the warning sign,
for quick as he was, Lightning Lew was not
one whit ahead of the daughter of the menu.
tains.

Moving noiselessly to what appeared to be
a knot hole, though really a loop hole, Mrs.
Bradley peeped out, and then whipping up
the gun lying against the door beside her,
pushed it. through and fired at once.

“ That’ll keep em quiet till dark,” she de-
clared, after listening for, but hearing no
answering cry to the shot. .

Then turning to Lightning Lew she con-
tinned:

“Stranger, yew hev got a quick ear.”

“ I should have, after doing something like
guerrilla work all through the War,” he smil-
ingly explained, noting the tinge of suspicion
in her tone.

Mr. “Nip” having declared that according
to the papers and money, Mr. Pryce was an
Englishman, the natural supposition was that
he had -fought on the Southern Side—espe-
cially as he mentioned guerrilla warfare, and
this made him doubly welcome.

" Well, well ! Now, I‘m shore yew'r'
right!” and Mrs. Bradley took both of Lew's
hands in hers. .

“ But, what does this mean?” the New
Yorker asked, in a surprised tone. “ Why
are those people prowling around here? What
are they after?”

‘ Stranger, they’re after yewr money. Hev
yew enny weepins?”

Lightning Lew had—an elegant self-cock—
ing six shooter, stuck down in the leg of the
long, fine boot, he habitually wore, and this
had escaped the search.

Pulling up his trowsers and producing the
revolver, be exhibited the weapon to an ad-

 

miring and appreciative audience. <-

i “ Good for yew!" exclaimed Mrs. Bradley.
“ Yew fooled us all, an’ lucky, too, fer their.

! skunks air shore to be back after dark. So

I git ready fer biziness, fer we may all 'hev to

I take a hand—me an' the gals.”

“Oh,I hope not t" protested their guest;
“I wouldn't like to have you ladies get into
trouble on my account.”

“Trouble? Not muchl Ye see, stranger;

. ,j..: .*  an" -
w '. ). ','; I 0‘." 1","1. 7,. .m. 4-".

,

 

e)

 

       

   

 

 
    
  
 
 
    
  
   
 
    
 
   
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
   
  

 

 

  
   
  

 

  
 
 

‘.'t.

,  as. 

  

amazed and alarmedatithe nepo , . I ,
while. anthoway to'mce't Pryce attire-hotel. '

' truth there is in‘ihis rcpo

rest easy on that score "
‘You all are heroines!” exclaimed the de-
tective, enthusiastically.
And the “ heroines ” all gathered around
the flatterer admiringly.
Ladies i-heroines!
That won him three deyoted defenders! *
And, “artful dodger” that he was, his
quick mind already had planned the further
use that friendship was to be in the daring
ame he was now fully committed to play
rom that timoon until the final reckoning.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
Enos PU'rs A SPOKE 1x 'rur; WHEEL.

EARLY in the morning,r of the day follow.
ing the attack on the bridge, one of Pryce’s
callers duringr the previous day found that
gentleman’s hat on the hrid go.

(‘rushed in and blood-stained, as it was,
and having a card bearing his name stuck in
the sweafiiand, this furnished a clue, or
rather a reason, for his absence from the
hotel the previous night. v

Great excitement was created by this dis-
covenv, and soon the report spreat through-
out the town that Mr. Pryce, the English
coal~lands speculator, had been murdered,
and his body thrown into the river

Bill Kyle, first to hear the news, received
it with a skeptical smile, saying-

“Nonsense! He’s just skipped away after
playing some of the coal people.”

But, inwardly, he was chuckling over
what appeared to be the successful carrying
out of his orders.

Doctor liammil was late at the St. Albans
that morninghaving received every unex-
pected Call or his services, and was, both”

He was sorry, too, and sincerely so, for he
had taken a great liking to Pryce, aside from
the pecuniary advantages which the latter’s
friendship seemed to promise.

As the day passed. excitement increased—
especially as several parties, who had gone
out endeavoring to find some trace of the
missin man, returned unsuccessful.

Rob ed, murdered, and thrOWn into the

' ,jgiyerl :
",3 was. the general verdict at nightfall.

extrmorn'in the news“ reached Ed
Sackvillethronfi’ ' ' ge

equally mysteriously delivered note:
“DEAR Srnz— ‘ *7

“ Your friend, Mr. Lewis Pryce. has dis-
appeared, and is reported to have been mur-
dered. llis hat—hood-stained, and crushed

"  *fllilif by some terrible blow—~was found on

the bridge yesterday morning." , ‘
There washes! nature. andthe  _

' .. unearths...
arr-r

  

As “John'gisii‘in Wheeling 'on‘biisiness, the
note was delivered to Edge. Who read and re-
read it. hoping to find some clue to the
writer, but in vain.

‘.‘It doesn't sound like a threat, or I’d
think it was a ‘warning’ from the Parkson
 £th soliioquized.

\ i must get‘cut, somehow, and see what
n.ll

Then came. the recollectiOn of what he had
witnessed the morning Pryce and the doctor
started coal-hunting. '

.‘QBy (Jove! He‘s neglected my warning,
  n-done away with by the coun-

  
   
  
 
    

    
 

lie stopped, . .4

to his nose, and“  ,g. g 

satisfaction lighted up it ‘  V
.,,"1 might have known,"

.

{girdgyjs’aervant entering at the moment‘- 

entree, dered;  1‘
send! for Doctor Withers—quich
Then comeback and help me to get into my!

  

' ‘ clothes.”

,"Sam’Z-a Suckville servant of ants.
bellum day‘s-showed and retired.
,Hls master‘s will was Sam's pleasure, but

fighe could. notJorbchi-commenting on the

I? " ,  j , -
cod andt vAxn he swine fort’ try t’
at! . r, ' a r“ .,~ , ,

  
 

.ionflws‘s‘  answered. for,

h

r

we’re used to this sert 0’ thing. So you jest 

italic heard. "

a mysteriously written and .

careless res

      
   

 
 

“r

 

 

-—entered a carria
St. Albans.

His libs, notwithstanding Doctor Hammil,
were simply bruised, and except that his
arm was in a sling, the marshal looked much
as usual.

His appearance in public so soon after the
injuries he had received, created much sur-
prise, and when the carriage stopped there
was a general rush to greet and Congratulate
the hero of the runaway on his wonderfully
speedy recovery.

lie was a pretty cool customer, was Edge
Saekville, and with a “Thank you, gentle-
men!" acknowledged the compliments paid
him—or unsaidwand cut oiI all inquiries by
calling:

“Mr. Woods, will you oblige me by riding
across the bridge?"

Mr. Woods—tile proprietor of the hotel—-
was only too happy—especially as the mar-
shal's visits were few and far between—and
inside of five minutes Saekvillc had a fair
necouut of all that was known re :arding
Pryco’s disappearance, and his movements
during the evening he was last seen.

“Thank you, Mr. Woods,” acknowledged
Sackville when the other finished. addirg;

“And, now, may I ask if you are very
busy 7”

“ Oh, no!”

“Could you leave town for—say
four hours?"

“ A week—to oblige you, Mr. Sackvillel”

“ One day will do,” returned the marshal,
smiling at the other’s eflusiveness, and
adding:

“Could you go, now—right on to the sta-
tion? I can have the carriage stop to say we
are going ofi on an excursion, and will not
were  .

v-  .e - es~ suppose so, ‘simin
assented Wyoo'ds, (“but you see—” g y

“ Thank you!" interrupted Sackville, and
to the driver:

“Hurry along. John! We'll just about
catch that 9630 train.”-

Then turning to the bewildered ~hotel
keeper, he explained.

“ You see 1 can't go very far, alone, and
don’t care for the company of most people,
so I’ve been compelled to impose on your
good nature, for I’ve a little business trip to
make as far as Kanawhn Falls."

 

go and was, drivenjto the

twenty~

“-Oh i" exclaimed Woods. in an amusingel‘g‘

mama tonefand when they were 'whir

' rinpfidthe depot tvto minutes‘iater, he ap-

peared qaite contented.

As they» Were about to board the train, the
marshal remarked

“We’ll make this as much of an excursion
as a business trip can possibly be."
Then the hotel-keeper became nit-smiles:—
and forgot. to,  yams-
clgrk. w a“, .v - . p  

  
 

CHAPTER xx.
V JOKE MYSTERY.

‘Lronrnrno LEW had informed Edge Sack-
vrils of hisintention to- o to Kanawha Falls
to. meet» Forrest, and, a so, of his intention
With regard to plaCin, the latter at‘work'on
the Owen's—especial y John, the keeper oi‘
the County Farm.  3 y ‘ , ' .r

“ He must get himself-into Dector Harm
mill‘s good graces, and through himsecure
an introduction to John Owens," declared
Lightning Lew, while speaking of his
plans. -

' “- at what will be his presumed business,
oillohjeet in ceming here?" asked Sack-
v e. ‘ , "

“ On, anything criminal will do.” was the

use. _ '
. I but d’yo mean?" A ' : '
whiten—1 it he pretends ,to be flying from"

.. satin; oin- behis best'card'toplay-tpt

‘ . announcement) m

, r

 
 

     
       

, _ , ,  _gJov,l‘i.:'ndaiiringlys_x?
, , _. ,   _ , 3.; $3.»? o: rt}; «Lynn?
“ And thatwill beinpt‘vdlmhke  nit-the
more unreserved in dealifigwith him.” i
Lew nodded assent. . ‘ - V
“You've hit it," he said, “and I’m goin '
to Kanawha Falls just to post Bob (Forresg
as to his men, and how to manage thedoctor
"terrainlnfrodnetion.”t M 3  “  ' -
‘ . as ,t happenet ' i ‘i 
‘ wi'ciiscp   .'-§ech¥iilejhpswc ‘
W “'3 his ' ’

   

  
 
  

, .
‘ stead, Which he did in the manner alread ', «
ldescribcd, virtually kidnapping the hote 
lkecper in order that he could not go back. 5
and inform the curious spectators who had
witnessed their departure of the subject of
their conversation. ‘
WOods was talkative—the spectators in-
quisitive, and the result would be the warn-
in;r of the counterfeitcrs, that the marshal
was interested in the case. ' .
By taking Wooos oil to Kanawha Falls ,,
with him, Huckville avoided all danger of his,
conversation being repeated—at all events 4
until they returned, and possibly even then,
for the hotel-keeper would probably look up— ;
on the inquiries regarding Pryce as merely, .
an excuse to get him (Woods) to the railroad -—
station. I ,,,
"In any event, Forrest can start on the 
train ahead of us, and we’ll have that advan "
tage before they can get any hint of a real
search for Pryce. " i _
So reasoned Saekville, and on reaching _
Kanawha Falls found no difficulty in carry~
ing out his programme. ‘ * ~
Leaving Woods with the proprietor of the ‘
Kanawha House. ii) the bar of the hoteI,f
the marshal sought Forrest, whom he, found
expecting Lightning Low by the train on
which he and Woods had arrived. .
“ Lew murdered!" exclaimed the detective
in amazement, which quickly gave place to
incredulity.’ “ Nonsense!" he cried. “You ,
couldn’t kill that man with a club! He'll
never die with his boots on i" ’3
Sackville smiled but retorted: - ' ' ,
b “How about that broken, blood-st
at ‘2" . ' ’
. " That is curious,” admitted Forrest, add
mg: . _ -. a .
“Still that‘s no reason to believe‘he's
murdered. l'il never believethatmitil:
‘the dead bod .". .» ' ‘ V. ,
“Fighting ’ b they dubbed him in ihé,
Oflice in New York—not because he Wasps.
ticulurl y pugnacious, but because! outcome
took a stand on any question, heseldom,’ if»
ever, relinquished it. =  a, "
“ Well, you‘ll go ahead of us on the thrice?
thirty?" questioned Sackville. ' r 
“Yes—in fact, 1 think I’ll, gammy-
you've nothing more to so to may” ‘ 
“Ngl’ve told yoni'sli knew of Pry

“ All right, 1’" see what. there is» in? ,
and then come in' my own shape and W'
the doctor." , ' V  ‘3‘

“Good-by, then," said Sackviile. 1“
me hear from you soon as p'ossiblefi’, ;*

“ I will do so~soon as I feel certain, an“?
swered Forrest, and started oi!  hi ‘ "
to make such preparations as “he

        
 

 
      

   
  
 
    
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
 
   
   
   
  
 
     
  
   
  
   
  
  
    
   
    

.1

‘35

 

 

«x.

' O

     
    
     
    

 

  
  
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
    
  
   
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

> About five: P. it. having complet
supposed business, Sackville announced
readiness to return to Charlestown‘,‘ ‘i
seven, both stopped at. the St. Albans.
where Woods alighted from the W
carriage—much delighted “i.li,.:i;is 
sion, anden’tireiy forgetful of his, canvas;
tion of the morning with the 
The latter, returned home; and 
another mysterious note, and eertsi‘ 
another party. , ,. ' , '
“Hat .Threatening. eh?" muttered  ,
.v’iile. as he glanced at the scrawl,,w‘v  ' "
"as follows. _  ,

“Wun‘s gone'and yew 0t
fur yerself, if yew don’t mind
ness."

,, Like the other, this note had  
but. unlike the other. was p , ‘; r
«and in much better ' ' .  -_ _
“Marshal Ed Sackviliefl ., m, . 1 j

lfixzmmoning  dire 
 IO    Is a emailed
 "   come here?’
 ,    It wuz foun’in
"'3 under the door?" '. ‘ ,‘
‘ “Ho,sah-’way in demiddlo
_ , "When?" 4 '  ,‘g

; ‘fJust after you went  
time do bouquet consefliah mi

. “ What are youinlkin » '

“‘Ohhl clean  .  ,
confers). you-jesth ' ” ' ”
 (H L  U

2 >1.

 

  

   

tow  l ’
ye? i

 
  
       
    
 
 
 

it’s, in

  
  
  
 
  

 

 

 

if C  WWW 'Thmfifl’bei’V1OB' ~Sfiécliadf‘I'I'JOIn 1V 6W YOrK,"

 

 

wouldn’t say who sent it, so, as I knowed
you’d like to know, I followed him."

" Well?” impatiently.

“Well, sah," with a sly look—“de boy
went into de St. Albans, an‘folks say he runs
errands for Colonel Parkson—an‘ Miss
Lydia.”

“ What the mischief are you grinning at ‘2"
angrily demanded Sackville.

He felt rather embarrassed himself over
Sam‘s discovery, and catching the latter
smiling significantly was glad of an excuse
to get rid of the feeling of awkwardness he
was experiencing.

Frightened by his master's angry tone, ‘
‘Sam eXplained that he was smiling because ,

of the boy’s trickery in saying there Was

neither written nor verbal message accotnprt- 3

nyingthe bouquet, and thiscaused hint (Sam)
an unnecessary journey to discover who was
the sender of the flowers.
“Why do you say ‘unnecessary.’ Sam?”
asked the marshal, struck by the Word. ’
“ \Vhy, because it' do little rascal [ole do

trufe and give me do letter ’stid 0’ droppin’ ‘

it on do floah, l—”

“ Do you mean to say that the boy who I

brought the bouquet left this letter?" sharply
interrupted Saekville.

“Ile wuz de on‘y stranger—«dc on'y pus-
son outside de folks, in de house to day.”

“How do you know that, since you were
out a half-hour or more?"

“'Causc when I got back ’n’ found dc let-

ter, I went ’n’ axed everybody in dc house: ‘

‘Who left dat letter?’ but nary one of ’em
knowed anythin’ about it~never sce’d it be-
fore.”

Sackville paced the floor of the hall where i

the note was found in troubled silence.

Sam wasa confidential servant of the old
time,and if Sackville had any secrets from
him, he was not himself aware of it; so he
did not scruplc to ask: '

“How sure are you that the boy who
brought the flowers is employed by Colonel
Parkson ‘2”

“ Mr. Woods tolc me so hisself, sah."

“Thank you!" and looking much more
troubled than he had for many a day, Edge
Sackville went to his room and stamped on
the beautiful bouquet sent him by Lydia
Parkson.

_____.

CHAPTER XXI.
FORREST AFTER. ms FRIEND.

WE left Forrest at Kanawha Falls, about
to start for Charlestown. Two hours later,
a rough-looking—almost seedy—individual
rot off the train at the last-named town.

’ Notwithstanding his rough appearance,
the new arrival had money, plenty of it, and
knew how to spend it too.

The new arrival (of course it was Forrest)
began business immediately, going straight
from the station to the saloon on the other
side of the road.

“All hands liquor up!" invited the stran-
ger, and the loungers lined up against the bar
with a promptntss that indicated more than
a SUSpicion of thirst.

Whisky makes the tongue wag—especially
the tongue of the bar room bummer.

“ Heard about the murder, stranger?"
queried one of the loungers.

“ Naw 1’ snarled the stranger.

And turning to the fellow who had ad- ;

dressed him. Forrest asked:

“What might ye call a murder in these
diggin’s, anyhow?”

“ Why, killin’ another fellcr, of course."

“ Thought so! Now, in Texas, we some-
times call it charity—sometimes duty, but
data seldom murder. Fanght

“ Give us another!"

“Hain‘t drunk the last 'un yet,” observed
Forrest’s friend.

He was a genuine ne’er-do-well, whose sole
ambition was to get drunk at least once a
day. To accomplish this lofty—or rather
ground and lofty—pur ose, Craig was com-
pelled to visit every sa oon in and around
Charlestown at least two or three times a
week, and as he carried the news of one

lace to another, and made a point of know-
lh all that was going on, he~was called
‘ fieporter.”

Although they had never met before, the
detective sized up Craig correctly front the
start. More than that. he surmised what

‘

Was scarcely suspected by- those who had

i

known the fellow from childhood, namely,
that a better name than “Reporter” would
be “Judas.”

I Forrest was a physiognomist. He read
I “Judas” in Craig's countenance, anti 111en~

 

tally declared:

l “ If this fellow knows anything, it's only a

‘ question of price.

Acetirdingly, pretending to be struck by
t the bummer‘s care for his interest(in point~
i ing out that the second drink was yet to be
disposed of!, I‘orrest exclaimed:

“ You're a domed good fellow to do that!
I'll have to get ye to pilot tne around, while
I‘m here.”

“Certainly Y" gladly agreed Craig.
to stay long?’

“ Don‘t know, yet—I'm lookin' for a friend
' —but, I'll tell ye about that later.

“ (‘ome, let's have ano‘her, and more along

‘ —I want to see if I can run across my
man." ,

i There was 11') objection offered to this,
and after the crowd had once more partaken
of the stranger's hospitality, Forrest and his

3 guide started for the town.

As already noted, (‘raig was inquisitive,
and they had scarcely started before he
.1 asked:

“ What‘s your friend’s name?
can put yott on his track.”

“Jimmy Johnson," repeated Craig, and
for a moment Forrest feared he Imam be
placed on the track of somebody bearing that,
natnc, but to his relief, the response was end-
ed in the negative.

“ No, I didn't s‘pose you would know him,”
i truthfully declared Forrest, adding:

“.IIe's only here two days ahead 0’ me—

see about some property he’s

“ Goin’

Perhaps, I

,(‘ame t’
t r V l!
, got.

i “ Ye see,“ he continued.
? left sotne property with coal on it.

l‘ Jimmy was
Now,

 he‘s a miner, but for gold, or silver—no

3 blasted black diamonds for him, so it‘s been
‘ a dead loss to him."

“ Well, what‘s that got to do with it? Is
the land in this section?” eagerly inquired
Craig.

l Ile had a sweet morsel rolling under his
tongue, if it was.
i “ It’s just where it is, and somebody sent
, Jimmy word that there was a stranger lookin’
l for that kind of land. so he started tight off.
land I followed as soon as I closed up our
affairs.”
l “Was the stranger’s name Pryce?" asked
' Craig, who had waited impatiently for
l Forrest to cease.

“Why, yes! Do you know him?” asked
‘ the latter, as it much surprised.

“I did know him," lied the bummer,
i “but that‘s the affair—the murder, I was
; goin‘ to tell you down at the station.”
, “ What on you drivin‘ at ‘1”
t “Ju t this: a couple mornings ago. just
about wlurc “e are, now (on the bridge), a
hat, all covered with blood and knocked out
0’ shape, was, picked up by a man who was
goin’ to see this Mr. Pryce about coal
lands. ,

“It looked as if there had been some
trouble, and the man brottght it into town,
to turn over to the authorities.

“On the way in, the man happened to
look into the hat, and there, stuck in the
sweatband, was a card bearing the name of
the man he was goin ' to see—Lewis Pryce!"

Crai finished ( ramatically, but the
story ( id not seem to affect Forrest, who re-
marked:

“VVell, what of that? Any man might
have another fellow’s card.”

“Yes, but this man, this Pryce, hasn’t
been seen since the night before his hat was
found on the bridge; so, you see "—malicions-
ly——“ your friend will have to keep his
land.”

“ lIoly Jumpin’ Jerusalem!” ejaculated
Forrest, staggering back and striking his
forehead with his hand, in a style which
would not have caused his famous namesake
to blush for the acting.

For a few seconds he acted like a lunatic;
then he suddenly collapsed and clung to his
companion for support.

CHAPTER XXII.
“JUDAS” sums ms s'ronr.
“IVrrA'r‘s the matter? You're not the one
who had the land to sell, are you?” asked
Craig, suspiciously. . -

 

 

 

“ J net as bad!” groaned Forrest.

“ I loaned ten thousand dollars—think of
it, stranger! Ten thousand cold dollars, on
the deeds of the property to that—" here
followed a torrent of abuse directed against
the apocryphal Mr. Johnson.

" Well. you can get it back from him,
can't you?"

“ Get it back! Man, you’re crazy! I see
how it was: 110 got here the morning the
hat was found, and seeing there was no hope
of sellitig—skimietl!

“But say, stranger!” continued Forrest,
earnestly, “ there ain’t nothing certain about
this thing, is thert ‘t" .

“The general opinion is that Pryce. was
robbed, murdered, and his body thrown into
the rivvr,” was the evasive answer.

Forrest noted the emphasis, and asked:

“ int, what do you think? Is there any
sort of use hunting for this man, or waiting
for him to turn up?"

Without waiting
tinned:

“ (lood Iiord! To think of handing over
that money less than a Week ago!

“I’d give a hundred~ yes, five hundred
dollars to set! that man alive!"

Craigr shot a sly glance at his (zit-it‘d! eom~
panion, before asking:

“Why, what good would that do you?
He might not buy, own if you did see him;
so how could you givo five hundred dollars——
or own one hundred?"

“lle's nibbling he’ll bite in a tninnte
was the dctcctive's hopeful mental com-
ment.

“ What good would it do? Heaps! The
land‘s worth five times the money to them
that wants it—bnt I don’t! I’d starve—g0
mad—waiting for a buyer!

“ int I ain’t (It'mlhroke. He left me five
hundred, and I'd put up one of 'em right
off to the man who‘d give me a hint—-some-
thing to liVe for—that that Pryce wasn‘t
chucked into the river!

“ What goods a hundred—or five hundred,
when ye drop ten thousand ?"

Craig did not; speak again for fttlly a.

for a reply, be con

‘1’

 

minute, and Forrest‘s heart danced with-

glee.

“Now he 1's going to bite!" he thought,
and rightly, for, after a minute’s hesitation,
Craig asked:

“Stranger, have you that hundred with
You? ’

“Right here!” replied Forrest, slapping
his trowscr’s pocket, adding:

“ And four hundred to follow, if I sell—as
I surely will!" '

“\Vill you put that in black and white.
and put up the hundred now—to-night?”

“ You bet!”

“ All right! Come. in here!”

They had just reached the (‘harlestown end
of the long bridge, and the spot indicated by
Craig was a small, rather poorly patronized
sateen, which they entered.

“Now, fork over that hundred, and I’ll
tell you what I know,” said Craig, after they
had seated tilt mselves.

“ Not much! What kind of an insane
asylum d’ 0 think I’ve escaped from ?” scorn-
fully replied Forrest. I

“ What d'ye mean?’

“That I’m not buyin’ a pig in a hog!

“I’ll puta hundred in an envelope, with
an agreement that it's yours if your infor-
mation's any good—that is, if it shows that
this Pryce wasn’t chucked into the river.

“ You can give the envelope to the owner
of this place, and let him decide, if we dis-
agree—he's probably a friend of yours, but
that makes no difference.”

Craig hesitated, fearing that, if they did
disagree, what he was about to say would
become known, but avarice overcame his
fear, and he finally agreed to Forrest’s propo-
sition.

The memorandum was written, and one
hundred dollars inclosed with it in an en-
velope, which was handed to the saleon-
keeper, with the request that he would hold
it for a few minutes.

“ Now, fire away!” exclaimed Forrest.

“ All right. Suppose you had killed and
robbed a man near the center of the bridge—
would you throw him into the river, or carry
him to the shore to bury him?"

“If I had todo one or t‘other, l’d heave
him into the river—but. the chances are, I’d

' leave him where he dropped.”

   
 

 
 

side remark, and speaking slowly, as if
wei hing ever word, continued:

‘Rfer g ~ylou agree to that!

“ Wei , the nig t Pryce disappeared, I was“
lying on the north side of the station~drunk
in my legs, but clear~headed as I am now. '

“It was about nine o’clOCk and, thou h!
, the party passed close to me, i couldn't ma e I
‘ ‘ ’em out, for there was no moon.” I

(“You lie!" mentally declared Forrest, re- :
ferring to the disclaimer a; to recognizing
the bearers of Pi yce‘s body.) I ‘

“ I supposed it was a drunk, anyhow," 0011- f
tinned Craig, “so i paid no attention to the 1
thing until hearing of this I’ryce's disappear-
ance next day.”

With the exception above noted, Forrest !
 beliew-d every word of Craig's statement to '
 be lhe truth.

“So, you think it was this Pryce?” the 3
ferret asked. l

“ Don’t you?” Craig counter-questioned,
« - irritahly, and adding:

" Can’t you see it plain enough? They
Went for him on the bridge, knocked him
‘ senseless, and then carried him over to the
Jinn.” ' ‘

"What for? What Run?"

Afraid the other was endeavoring to avoid
.payment of the promist reward, Craig went
furth;-r than he had originally intended.

“I don’t know what they done it for—
maybe- to get more money out of him; he's ,
reported .0 be rich. Or, maybe he was ‘
interferin’ with their business."

“ And the Run?"

“That’s a place about three miles from'
here—Magazine Run, they call it,” explained £
Craig, adding:

“And now I reckon that money is mine."

 

 

.vm . . Lg.

 

axleim‘1316iitfiwnemr «.v

fooli‘me‘lf’:  , wt :r- “

“ by, w —” began Craig, {an of indig-
nant rage. "

” Bah, never mind that!" interrupted For-
rest. “if you can‘answer one more ques-
tioh, [’11 take the chances and fork over.

"Just where amI to look for this con.
founded man—this Pryce?

“Landlord! Give us that envelope! I've
, lost, I reckon,” added Forrest, but extended
' , his hand, 1nd receiving the envelope, ex-
1 . .tracted the money which he laid on the table
heme Craig. .

The temptation was too great, and the“
simple way the uestion was put, barred all

 

the surface.
“Give me your word,” said Craig, “swear -
you won't tell who told you?" .
“0h, tire away! What’s the use of mnk- I

Forrest: “Don’t I know it’s Magazine Run, i

' “it"‘m‘g‘fi mirage" ’  to m ' a.
1:. . ;'~. . user you : ,r: I ,_ ‘ mono,
' lyin before him,'0_rsig’gave the much dz
sire information, whereupon Forrest shOVed
over the money, and, as he started off, said;
“Be around here for a few nights. If I
make my deal, I'll make you a present.”
That was to keep “ Judas" quiet.

.‘r

 

 

GHAPTER XXIII.
BOB A8 A BUGABOO.

0N leaving Craig, Forrest walked rapidly
toward Magazine Run. ,
It was nearly dark, and this favored his
H g “which was to go right up to Brad-
.  r : ltrgfigxor lodging for the night, on
  sythoogtired to go on to

   

 
 

(/har estown‘i‘  .  m, ,
“I‘ll skirt aroundih‘e‘fhomgud. come
from the opposite direction,"yo, up 1

 
 

{It ht. .

i 5" ’9 at fellow knows just who the men
were. butts afraid to speak, but I’ll find a
way tqlcoaz it out of him, if I don t find Lew
to-nir t.

” Sgtrange that Lew, the most careful man
in the businesn, should have so given him-
self away. ~
“Gad! It'll be sore work for those fellows,
f anything has happened himl Wed have

whole lessed stall down here as soon as
 should be called 03 their work in hand.

 . too, [that a man of this Park-
 in)

mi?

   

 
 

  
 
 

 

       

i detour necessary
e

5—!

I .7. i , _ Not quite. How doI know you’re not ,

suspicion of anyt ing more than appeared on '

. , am
y seen approaching my story -w ii lookgalt ,_ g
" ' g‘he Edge of .thenarmw path, Forrest quicka
ly came within sight or the cabin, am. 

such a foolish risk.

Craig shook his head impatiently at the i ' Thus musing, the~ detective was soon'in !

the vicinity ofBradley‘s cabin, and as it was
not yet quite dark, he determined to rest
a while in the woods before making the
to pass the house unob-
served, so that could regain the road and
approach as if heading for Charlestown.
Being in no hurry, he lay musin r over the
various features of the case for ful y half an
hour after it was necessary to do so. ‘
“Well, I might as Well start,” he mut-
tered, and was slowly rising from the .

1 ground when the report of a gun, near at

hand, brought him to his feet in an in-
stant.

Following close on the report of the gun,
came two pistol shots—all near at hand and
in the direction of Bradley's cabin.

“What the deuce is going on ?“ muttered
Forrest. “Perhaps they’re settling one of
those time-honored \Vest Virginia feuds. If
so, and Lew‘s with the house party, he'll be
put at work.

"I- must have a. peep at the eireus."

Moving with the caution of a Comanche
stealing on an enemy, the ferret regained
the edge of the road, and. having folloxred
the direction of the shots, found himself di-
rectly facing the narrow path which had
been described as leading to Bradley‘s
cabin.

“Nearer than I imagined; but what’s

Bang! came the report of a gun, and a
bullet whistling unpleasantly close to his car
cut short Forrest‘s reflections, and caused
him to Withdraw still further into the
woods, although certain that he could not
have been seen from the other side of the
woorIl)s.

"‘ rett

it

close shave, but that millet didn't
have my '

Mel: on it. The fun’s only begin- ‘

ning, instead/of being ended, and I musti
look out for stray shots.” 

Again his reflections were interrupted—
this time by a fusilade of shots at and from
the house, and then all was quiet.

For fully a half hour
silent—~silent as if there was not a human I
beirg within miles of the spot, yet Forrest
realized that one or more persons were in the

vicinity. and several times caught sight of,

dark forms flitting among the trees border-
ing the other sale of the road.

At len th curiosity, mingled with anxiety 1

for his fr end-who might be in the house—— ‘
caused the watcher to decide: i

“ I must get to the other side of the road. ‘

These fellows are ,in to extra ugly work, or

they Wouldn’t remain quiet so long. i

“But, how the deuce am'I to get over?

 ingsueh a time over nothing?" expostulated . If there's any one of the attacking part on direction.

this side. I‘ll be plugged qfiicker‘n light-l

somewhere? You'rcon-lysaving‘me the time I ning, while the house party ’11 do me the ' astonished detective.

samekindness, if they can command :1 view
of the road.”

'Like Lightning Lew, Forre~t had been ;
through theWar, but as a scout—which was 3

, all the better for him just then. and. after a 

few min.utes"i'efieetion, he crept to the edge
of the roadway, then laid himself fill! length l
on the grpund, and making about one turn
to the minute, rolled over and over'untiii
stopped by the trees on the op, site tide. i
After waiting and listening ‘o’rt’r’vn ori
three minutes, he drew himself” in amo g t
the trees; then he got on his feet, whoiiy ?
unconscious of the fact that his appearance
was decidedly ghost-like. l
The dry, grayish dust, lying nearly a foot i
thick in the roadway, had covered the New

York ferret from head to foot.» Even hisi
hair looked ghostly, for he had thrust his '

hat into his pocket before starting across
the road, and forgot to replace it.
Moving cautiously from tree to tree along

view nffflwhiéhhe ke

t'himself shielded. 

house party wouidi'takd‘iflih‘f for one of the '

besiegers, while,'if the lattef‘eanght untran-
ger among them, there would .be' every
prospect of a tight for life.

'oiher, also carrying a bundle, which also

‘ character) and prudence was not one of, his '1

happened? The fun‘s all over, apparent;
" ' ' can’t stand this.

' roof of the cabin. where he paused Md-WnVed-f

everything was; At the same moment, in responseio the

      
 

 

...«3 
V, (—v

 
  
 

Just as he had arrived at this conclusion.
a dark form appeared on the rock back of -‘
the house, and havingtcarefully placed a
bundle of something—just what Forrest
could not make out—disappeared,‘butim-
mediater returned, or was succeeded by an-

 
     
  
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
  
  
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
     
    
     
    
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
     
  
 
  
 
     

was laid on the roof.

Then, the truth burst upon the watcher.
“The fiendsl They're going to burn them
out! ‘ ‘ ‘
“If I were only sure Lew was in there, I'd
have something to say about lighting that;

brush Wood!

“ Yes, and I will, anyhow!"

Having decided to assist the besieged, For- 7
rest only awaited the appearance of the one
who should attempt to fire the brushwood 
—standing revolver in hand, dangerously-\'
close to the open space on three sidcsrof the
cabin. ‘ v

Fighting Bob knew perfectly Well, that .
what he was about to do was likely to result ‘
in his own death, for it was more than proba‘
ble that there were sederal men lying around
where he was himself standing. ready to shoot- 
down the inmates of the cabin when driven
out by the flames. .

Prudence, therefore. bade him remain .
quiet; but, Bob was an Irishman“ (he is a real- ’

stronglyimarked tr: its. _

"No," he argued with prudence, “no, 11;
if it was fair and open. in
the daylight, l'd stay out, but I can’t stand?
this red Indian business— ,
fi “ Ha! Here comes the skunk with "the. 

re!" _ ‘

At that moment a man carrying a blazing»:
torch appeared on top of the rock toward the,

the llamino' si
round his e . . V . _
“Now, for it!” muttered Forrest, and rais ‘
ing‘his revolver, he fired. . , ., ‘ 
_ he distance was short . and Bob‘s aim good, '.
golrl, with a yell cf pain, the torch-bearer!

gual of destruction three times

 

waving of the torch, (whichzwasa 
several men rushtd toward the spot vii”
Bob was standing. .. ,  
“Well, I reckon some 0’ ye’ll k, 
company across the Styx!" gritted the? 
tive, as, with his back planked against attire
he awaited the onset. 55‘
But, it never came—at least, not dim
ously close, for the moment the attacks
party caught sight of thawlzitish, 
standing like a statue against thfi ’,
there was a unanimous crys f it:er
the superstitious seoundie ~fled 3

“Well, now, that is funny!” 011er I _,
“ I know beauty 
nay strong point, but I’ll be 
thought myself as ugly as all that!’  _
Still keeping under cover. Forrest 
“ Hello, the house! Is Pryce these
“What d‘ye want to know i’or‘I.w N ,
sharp voice of Mrs. Bremen ’ '
“ Coal lands."‘answered Belt, with . fl , ‘_
grin. » 
“ Who air yew?”
) "‘Forrest’sm maiden namei". r,
There wasa ew moments’ silence, ,
which Bob came tothe conclusion t ' V -,
ning Lew was not in, the cabin, or i do
a free agent, for he I’would have re” «4
the name. '_ \
“Though it may be, that he dost
to give away knowing me.” .. ‘ .. .
Just as he made this annou_
vein: of lirsilBriadley in n ,3“
“ ‘ome rig t’ongl'lx  , ,
"Suflering slums-j] his, *- ft
t that’s .  job!“ ejaculated
  “ : tion, hedash

, l " T tsdoor, short , - i
to run- " 

i ‘7’." k sharp there! I’m-a-
As he spoke, the heayy door
open, and, as Bob dashed in, the.»
Hun to and barred. « , 1
'1‘ ere was no light... - ' ‘

4

    
     
  

  
   
  
 

   
  
 
 

 
  

   
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  

   
  
 
  
  
    

  
 
   
   
   

  
 
   

    

        
    
 

       

 

Bradle ’s cabin was built right against a -
solid roe . in, or under which was the cave
spoken of so often, and to gct_eiosc to the
house it was necessary to come withlnrfull
view of those Within. ‘ j

 

mg: ' _ a
’ “wax-an; ght,,Mrs.§m‘i—ié ,

    

I’ryce fell pleasantly upon?)

 
    
 

has

 
  
  
 
 

 

    
  

mbtqu an an a:

 

_ ’f’i‘hey’rp:onfewhiiejomie ' nd
" is fast”  ‘

 
 

.-...._.n as.” . .,__. ._ _.-..—_.__

 

 

“Then, stranger, yew’r’ more welcome

The  Special fromlSIew York.

' lar for inspecting the latter's scalp, while at- I

than ever, for fire wuz the on‘y thing that tending him at, breakfast.

I)

could lick us,

assured Mrs. Bradley, con-
fidentiy.

, may be as well to state that that waiter was

But, for the information of the reader, it

 

 

CHAPTER XXV.
GETTING READY TO RUN.

l Srccrtmxo for his secret aide the “right "

The Amazon was, evidently, the woman , totallyignorant of the possibilities of skillful , kind Of all imFOdUCtiOH t0 J01”! Owens. was

for the emergency.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE sncoxn unsrrrtuecrrox.

ON the morning of the second day after
parting with Detective Forrest at Kanawha
Falls, Edge t'iackville, lying abed feverish

[ wig making.

I

l

. from disregarding his doctor‘s advice, re-‘

.1

.‘J

 

 

   
 
 
 

ccived note

mails:

the following through the

V v o t I
“ 'I here will be a second resurrection m a

few days. I told you he could not he
killed. waana l<‘.\r.r.s."

“ ly Jove! That fellow‘s a miracle!
What, a surprise it, will be!" exclaimed the
astonished marshal.

Five days after his (supposed) death, Mr.
Lewis Pryce, coal-lands speculator, fairly
aStounded the good people of CharTeston in
general, and the gl-Cr~l..‘l and frctprcnters of
the St. Albans Hotel in particular, by alight.-
ing from a carriage which had carried hiru
from the station. ,

Doctor IIammil, who was among the usual
cr0rd hanging around the hotel entrance,

was the first to realizo that. it was the real“

Simoa-purc Mr. Pryce, and not his ghost or
Dr'ornio,

“Great God, Mr. Pryce!" he cried (and
there was sincere joy in his voice and man-
nor).
for the past four or five days.”

“So i learned at the station,’
turned Pryce, adding-

“But, doctor, you knew I was going on
businesJ?"

“ 1 did,” admitted IIammil—rathcr proud-
ly, too—-“I did know you intended going
away. Mr. Pryce, but—"

And then he Went into all the details of
the findin of the blood-stained hat.

“Well, ’m sorry for the poor fellow—es-
pecially if he was mistaken for me!"

“Why, what’s his loss is our gain!" re-
marked one of the deeply-interested circle,
which now had firmed round Pryce and the
doctor.

“Not at all!

?

quietly re-

I’d have— V 'ait!”and look-

 

“We've been mourning you as dead r down.

ing round him, Lightning Lew espied al

Then the doubting Thomases adjourned to I
the bar to discuss the matter all over again»—
for the twentieth time. 

The news of Mr. Pryce's return spread *
like wildfire, and before noon visitors began
to pour in on the coal-land speculator. I

l’ryce stood the business calls until two
o‘clock, received ever caller politely. and
promised to inspect the land offered, but at
that hour declared himself through for the
day.

“ No more coal call<!" was the order to the
clerk, as he came. down to dinner; having
finished which, and smoked a cigar with the
hotel proprietor, he started out for a walk.

He had noticed that 1)tt('lt)r Ilammil wasi
not around the hotel, waiting for him, as,
usual, and wondering what the attraction
could be, Went out to look him up.

“ Kyle’s. if any place!” he decided, and ,
entering that saloon, found his man engaged i
in conversation with Bob Forrest! 7

“Well, that isn’t badl Two days in
town, and already acquainted with the man
through whom he must get the introduction
to Owens!"

That was Lightning Lew's mental com-
mcnt, as, ear'cleSsly nodoing to Kyle, and
with an equally careless salute to the doctor,
he passed to the rear of the saloon.

“ Kyle looked as if he had seen a ghost,”
the New York Special muttered, as he sat

“ Wonder if he is the head and front of
the counterfeiting gang? Looks like it.
But it don't matter; I have no time to lose
about them, now, Only they had better ‘
light out before the Sackville—l’arkson mat-
ter is cleared up—that's my opinion.

“Things are running nicely. Luck could
not be better, my \\ ay l”

The approach of the doctor interrupted
the musing detective, and he looked up in-
quiringly, rather upsetting liammil, who
confidently expected he would be heartily
welcomed.

“Well, I hope we are to oontinue the
coal inspecting?“ he said, showing he felt a
little embarrassed by Pryce’s cool recep-
tron.

“Idon't know, doctor. I should like to

. outside the tow u.'

white spot on the trunk of a tree, about ‘ go on, and have your assistance, but I don‘t
twenty-five yards from where he was stand- , care to have you mixing in with every Tom.

I what Lightning Lew had busied his brain

about most for the preceding forty-eight
hours, and now he learned that the thing was
accomplished.

“ Well; Bob, you are a good one!" he
thought on learning this, and to the doctor
suggested :

"Don‘t you think it's pretty risky—intro-
ducing such a character to your friends?"

“()h, he’s all right!" assured the other.
“They’re no angels, you can bet! He‘s got
plenty of money tto make things pleasant;
and, anyhow, he‘s in trouble.”

“ Which, as I declared. would be the surest
road to the favor of Mr. Owens," thought the

l listener.

“Yes,” continued lIamrnil, “I am sure
they'll take care of him between them all.

‘ John's brothers, you know, have farms just

3

“Well, Wt-ll——it's none of mv business!”
impatiently declared l’rycefiadding:

“ If you can arrange to inert rue to-
morrow morning at eight, we will look at
some property I ve been offered.

“ If I remain later than eight, visitors will
keep me bothered all day—and really time
presses, now, doctor.

“Matters will soon come to a head.”

“ Of course, of course—I’ll be on hand, at
any hour you name at any time,”‘promptly
assured the doctor, much impressed by the
information just confided to him. ,

“Very well—eight to-morrow will do, but
do be t'fll'tfiftll .’

“ These people are scarcely the proper
thing, you know. If you are their friends,
Ican hardly afford to be yours—that is, if
you permit too much intimacy!”

Much alarmed, the doctorf declared he
would act just as Mr..Pryce desired, but
could not avUid protesting:

“But he‘s a real good fellow, and quite a
gentleman, I assure you—and he’s got lots of
money!"

" Be on hand at eight!" directed Pryce, as
if he had not heard the other; and then, re-
laxing his severe tone:

“Very well, come along with me—we’ll
take a walk across the bridge, and dine at
the hotel coming back.”

l-lammil jumped at the offer. Five min-
utes before, he was afraid that all hopes of
the half-promiscd position in the Coal Syn-

mg. 1
“Gentlemen,” he said. “do you see the  did hope to secure for you.”

white Spot on that tree?’

All turned and looked, and then came a , mil.

chorus of assenting replies.
“Very good! Now, stand aside!"

The crowd parted, and with a lightning- j
like movement Pryce whipped out his revol- !

ver.

Crack 1 Crack !

Six times, in half that many seconds, he ,

fired; then, as he carefully wiped the smok- E

Dick and Harry—in view of the position I

“Why, what is wrong?’ fluttered IIam-
"Do you mean that gentleman I was
talking to when you came in ‘2”

“ Gentlemen?" echoed Lightning Lew with I

scornful emphasis.

“Well, he‘s a titre fellow, anyhow," hum-
bly protested the doctor, adding:

“And he has got lots of money."

‘ ‘ Humph l" disdaiufully ejaculated the coal
speculator, and after a few minutes' silence,

ing revolver with a silk handkerchief, he ‘ remarked:

coolly challenged: |

“Well, I have no ob'ection to your sharing

“Gentlemen, I'll wager a wine—supper for : his money, but please eep my pursuit out of
all, with any one of you, that those six bul- ; your comersation.

lets are all in that white spot, and all in the ’
same hole!"
No men—not even the men of the Wild

West—admire good marksmanship more

than Southerners, and when Pryce produced i

u jackkrrife and asked, “Doctor, will you
kindly see if I am not correct?" there was a
general movement toward the tree.

Quite a crowd had been attracted bythe
shooting, and a general cheer went up when
the doctor announced:

“ Six bullets—all in the same hole!”

“Well, gentlemen, that‘s about what the
murderers would have run against had they
met rne,"and leavin the admiring and mys-
tified crowd, Lightn ng Lew entered the ho-
tel. ‘
“Breakfast—anything, provided there is
plenty of it—in a hnrr l" he said to the
clerk, as he passed on to is room.

“Order some cigars and drinks!"

The doctor promptly obeyed—showin g the
mastery Lightning Lew had already attained
over him—and when he returned from the
bar, the latter apparently unbent a little,

askip’g:
“ hat’s his business?"

“Well,” hesitated IIammil, “ it’s a little
confidential—”

"Then keep it to yourself!” sharply inter-
rupted Lightning Lew. '

 Oh, no! not that way. It's just this: he
don‘t want everybody here to know !

“He’s keeping shady on account of a little
scrape he got into in Washington.
sell out his fine saloon and skip by the light
of the moon, so to speak.”

“Must have been a very little scrape,” was
the ironical comment.

Ilad to i

dicate were dead. Now the sky looked clear
again, and he regretted having formed the
stranger's acquaintance.

Leaving the rear room and passin
through the s.rloon, Lightning Lew looke
sharply at Kyle, and. noticed how the won-
dering l- ok on the lat:er’s face changed to
confusion as their eyes met.

“ Ah, my boy, yotr anti I will have a bone
to pick one of these days,” he thought, and,
for Kyle's express benefit, removed his hat—
to smooth his hair.

Then again the wondering look returned
to Kyle’s countenance and satisfied with the
effect he had produced, Lightning Lew nod-
ded to the saloon-keeper, and, accompanied
by the doctor, started for the walk.

During the walk, Pryce continued to im-
press upon the doctor the necessity of keep-
ing all matters relating to their business ab-
solutely secret.

Returning to the hotel after a long walk,
here and there through the city, as well as
over the bridge, the “coal men " dined
sumptuorrsly. _

All this was for effect upon the Parkson-
Owens party, who would certainly hear of it,
if they (lid not observe, the intimacy between
Pryce and tlrcirconfederale—as well as upon
the doctor himself. .

, After dinner Pryce invited the doctor to
1 his mom, where they remarned smoking and
l talking until a late hour, the host entertain-
‘ ing his guest with stories of the projects of

j the syndicate, and hinting at the probabilit

 

Rather confused, the doctor blurted out of early necessity for a run out of town—a1

Five minutes later, he came down-stairs , Forrest’s story.

bareheaded, as if invitin .
certainly received plenty o it.

“No, sir; there ain’t even a scratch on
his skull! It’s as clean and white as snow."
80 affirmed the waiter who served Lights

.. 7.54.”  we: -r"~. “oddity,-

inspection, and '

 

light:  .fm. : - .

" Well, he stabbed a fellow during a row

in his saloon, and is waiting here until the

fuss blows over. He’s got to keep pretty
shady, and I’ve {lust given him a letter of in-
troduction to Jo n Owens, who ought to be

hing Lew, and who 'had received half a dol- a good man for him to know.”

of which was swallowed with avidity.
‘ “ There will be no. trouble about your
, leaving own for awhile, I suppose?” asked
Pryce, as his guest was about leaving.
| “No, I don‘t care how they like it, I'll go
whenever you say." "
l “But, for Heaven's sake, man—you’re

 

 

 

 

 

*—

not eing to consult them about it, are you?’ was coal business (and I saw the samples my-

“ fell—no, notif you say so." self), Ididn't feel like depriving him of the

“Well, I do say so! If you are going to five dollars a day.”
mention it to any living soul, I’d rather-in i “Yes, yes, that’s well enough! But, if
fact, the matter must be dropped, right ‘ this man is after coal why not hire an ex-
here!“ I Perl?

Thoroughly alarmed at the angry tone as- “If h} is not after coal, there can be but
sumcd by Pryce, the doctor swm‘e he would one object in his becoming so intimate with
not breathe a word of his intention to leave Ilammil?”
the town to any one. Owens nodded, and the colonel continued:

Then Pryce, seemingly cooled down (‘?), “Therefore, this man must be watched,
and directed: 3 the doctor pumped regularly, and the mo-

“ Well, I'm satisfied you mean to keep ‘ ment his reports disagree, notify me.
your word—so, stand ready to leave. at any “There is too rnueh at stake to trust to
m0”)an ‘ chance in anything, but I don't, as you say,

“ I‘lihave clothing and all other necessaries like to take away the five dollars a day."
read packed in my valise." l “I’ll look out that he's pumped dry, col-

“ ’ll be ready whenever you say,” as- } onel,” answered Owens, assuringly.
sured the doctor, as he departed for home. 1 “ See that you do it carefully. _

It was then about midnight, but one and “ And now, John, there’s another intimacy
twostruek before Lightning Lew retired to ‘ to talk about—one which your failure to
rest, i look after was the cause of my sending for

“Well, the doctor‘s safe—if I can keep his i you,”
mouth shut for a few days; Bob’s sure. to get John Owens was a rough fellow, full of
on intimate terms with Owens, and that brutal courage, the very opposite of Doctor
leaves nothing but the murder of the com- t liammil, bttt he. too, had a wholesome dread
missioner to unravel. l of the eolonel, and he looked at the latter in

“Yes, Mr. Hogue, you were right—that i alarmed surprise.

mm an unlucky remark your friend made, i " Yes," quietly, smoothly, but all the time
and it will cause you to pay dearly for this } hiddenly menacing. “ Yes, you failed to in-
little token of your regard!" ; form me that my daughter and Sackville had

As he finished—he was uttering his : renewed their intimacy, which I believed was
thoughts aloud—Lew removed the wig he .' ended forever ”
had worn all day, revealing a shaven head, I “I can‘t believe—that is, I don’t under-
and an ugly wound—crossed and rc-crossed 3 stand how it can be, sir,” stammered Owens,
with strips of court plaster. ' adding: *

"Tomorrow night we‘ll look up Mr. i “The boyI recommended to you reports
Hoguc,” muttered the vengeful detective, as to me regularlg everywhere he is sent by Miss
he turned out the light. Parkson, and ulie, the maid, watches all let-
ters sent and received, and follows whenever
her mistress oes out—except she knows it's

CHAPTER XXVI. merely to ma e a call on someéady friend.”
. “ everthless, the w‘a 0 across the
THE COLONEL BECOMES SUSP'CIOUB' bridge a little after stI’nset, one evening last

ON the morning after his unexpected re- week,” coldly returned the colonel.
turn to Charleston, Lightning Lew and the “ It must have been an accidental meeting,
doctor met as agreed, and after a hasty break- sir. I'd have heard of it sure if it wasn’t.”

‘ fast started off with the black bag. “Perhaps. However, the thing’s past,
- As usual, there were more or less remarks , and accidental, or otherwise, you failed to
regarding the intimacy between the two men, : hear of it. Be more careful, or rather, make
and standing one side Colonel Parkson was 5 your people be so.

an attentive listener to all that was being "If I could appear in the matter, I would
said. teach them not to make another such blun-

There was nothing particularly strange der.”
about these remarks, for the doctor was not Feeling that this applied as much to him-
regarded as a Very respectable character, and self as to his tools—and that itwas intended to
that a man like Mr. Pryce should make a —Owens remained silent, while the colonel
friend of him—an intimate one, apparently continued:

-——was cause enough for remark. “ That is all, I believe, John— Stay!

John Owens, too, was an attentive listener “ Are you sure you can trust that boy 7"
to the jesting remarks of the guests, and “ l'd bet my life on him!"
hotel loungers. “And lose it. Don’t risk such an import

“ Some fine morning, we'll wake up to find tant affair as that on so slender a chance—cer-
‘ Doc' a capitalist,” laughed one. tainly none of mine.”

"Well, you may laugh at him now, but, “Well, l‘ve tested him several times since
by Jove, that Pryce isn‘t car.in him around, he's been here, and man times before, and
and wining and dining him or fun," seri- never found him at fau t,” stoutly asserted
ously remarked another. the confidential tool. '

“No, it's for coal, I understand,” dryly “Well, it may be all right, it maybe—but
put in a third. I scent trouble-danger!

And so the remarks were bandied about, “ Who can it be? Is it this Pryce, or the
until one man quietly observed: doctor, or the boy—or all three?"

" Well, gentlemen, I suppose it’s all right, Whetherintentionally or not, Colonel Park-
but it strikes me as darn queer that in- son appearedtobe thinking aloud, and Owens
stead of rushing round with Doctor Hammil, did not deetn it safe to interrupt him by re-
(who don‘t know as much about coal as the plying.
pig does about preaching.) this Mr. Pryce i Slowly pacing the floor of his elegantly
don't hire a mining expert—that is, if it 1's furnished room, the colonel continued:
coal he's after!” “ Everybody must be watched—especially

This was a very pertinent remark, and those three. I'll have my own man look to
each wondered that it had not occurred to that—and first to that boy.”
him before. 3 Then, as if suddenl becoming conscious

Parkson and Owens exchanged significant that he was not alone, arkson exclaimed:
gltlm‘CS, and the former said: “ Really, I‘ve been forgetting you, John!

“ Well, John? Got something to say to “ And, myself, too, 1 fear,” he added,
me ?” smilingly, but looking scarchingly at his

“Yes, sir." , tool.

“ Very well—come up-starrs.” Hardly knowing what response to make,

As soon as they were in the colonel’s room, Owens contented himself with smiling depre-
Parkson asked; . V catin ly, and his master continued:

“What do you think of this Pryce, “ 'ell, let me hear from you the moment
John?’ you have anything to report, no matter how
“ Can't make him out at all, sir. Doctor unimportant it may appear to bc—to you."
swears it's coal, and nothin but coal.” 1 Taking this as a signal to leave, Owens de-

"What do you think, t en, of that last parted, assuring the colonel that he would
remark?" , obey his orders to the letter.

“It was a pretty shrewd one, sir—struck , During almost the entire conversation of
right home, seems to me." I Parkson and Owens, a mulatto boy knelt at

“Just so. 'i‘hisintimacy should have been the door of the room, with his ear lued to
nipped in the bud." l the keyhole, drinkin in every wor .

“Well, colonel, you know how [acted in i He was a bright-loo ing youth of sixteen,
the beginning; but when doctor swore it (and was really very intelligent,) and when

 

 

' ,
i ' new. . 1y .

m : . ,~..~.z.‘, “.1 ~qu v,   H ., _, ‘

~ '1" --p‘v‘* ""h’“ '". 4'1... - " " ‘ r '5' ~<~'q’ ; «v. ‘

 

The Secret Service spent from New York. - a if i 

 

Owens departed through one door, he arose
from the other, muttering:

“ All right, colonel! Evil be to him who
evil thinks.

“ So, you‘re going to watch that boy, are
you? Now, suppose that. boy does a little
watching on his own account, and finds a
market for what he knows?

“Let me see,” going into the adjoining
room. the youth sat down and soon became
buried in thought, from which he was aroused
by the entrance of Miss Parkson.

“ Why, Pete, what is the matter?” she
asked, surprised at the thoughtful attitude
and expression of the youth‘s countenance.

" Nothing, miss! I was only thinking," re-
plied the youth.

“Papa has not been scolding you, 1 hope?”

“No, miss "—and, then, as if coming to a
sudden resolution, Pete continued:

“Miss Parkson, there is something I’d like
to tell you, but don’t dare do it, now. '

“If you‘ll send Julie out, and call for me
—when the colonel goes out I will do it.”

The youth had spoken in a very low tone
---almost a whisper—-and after gazing at him
in questioning surprise for a few moments,
Miss Parkson nodded assentingly as she glid-
ed silently back to her own room.

“Yes, I’ll do it! Then, Mister Colonel,
we’ll see who comes off second best!

“Edge Sackville ’11 pay well for what I
can tell him—if Miss Lydia will allow me-
and, anyhow, I’m sick of playing the sneak
—spying on such a fine man, and good, beau-
tiful woman!"

Thus mused “Pete " when his young mis-
tress had left the room, and patiently awaited
the expected summons.

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
FORREST runnrsnas ms OWN INTRODUCTION.

LIGHTNING LEW and his guide returned
from their second day's coal-lands inspection
in better condition than the first had left
them.

They had visited several of those who had
called on Mr. Pryce toofier him their proper-
ty, but had used horses wherever possible,
and accordingly, after washing and eating,
felt in condition to visit Kyle’s. Lightning
Lew’s excuse was to avoid callers; Doctor
Hammil needed no excuse, he was Mr. Pryce’s
“friend!"—to quote his proud way of assert-
ing what was now a generally-accepted
fact.

Lew’s real reasons were, first, to worry
Kyle, and second, to meet Forrest, who he
expected would make that saloon his head-
quarters.

Incidentall , Lew meant to keep an eye
out for Mr. 0 e and his confederates.

On entering yle’s, Pryce was fairly as-
tonished to find Forrest, and the whole Owens
family, with the proprietor, and two others,
all talking together in the most friendly
fashion.

John Owens, eyed the new-comers suspi—
ciously, but one of the others—the magistrate
——exclaimed:

“ Hello!
resti

"Come, Doc, old boy!"

For the first time in many years, Hammil
hung fire on an invitation to drink.

Mistaking the reason, the magistrate con-
tinued:

“ That's all right, Docl Your friend’s in-
cluded, of course—introduce him.”

The speaker had just returned to Charles-
ton that morning, and had not even heard of
Mr. Lewis Pryce, the representative of the
English Coal Syndicate.

W'ith an appealing look at Lightning Lew,
Hammil complied with the request to intro-
duce “ his friend,” and to all but “ Mr,
Crowley "—Forrest’s new name—Mr. Pryce
acted very politely.

“ He’s really the best of the crowd; please
don’t treat him badly,” whispered the doctor
at the first opportunity—referringto Forrest,
and Lew's coolness toward the “man from
Washington.”

But Mr. Pryce refused to be gracious to
Crowley, and the latter complained of the
haughty manner in which the Englishman
treated him.

“ Oh, don’t m’nd him! You’re just as
good and a little better, perhaps, than he is,”
consoled Magistrate Owens. ‘

Talk of the—you know the

" v2.1-4,.

 

 

 

~ - ’ e 601‘6

erv1ce pecra rom ‘ ew ' or.

 

 

“ And we’ll see you through on that other

little matter, ” added John Owens.

Although apparently deeply engaged with
Doctor Hammil, Lightning Lew heard ever
word of this, and although much amuse
was also much surprised at Forrests ease
and quickness in making friends of the en‘
tire Owens family

“By Jove, I’m the manufactured article—
Bob's a born detective! ' he said to himself.

“ But trust an Irishman for scraping
acquaintance where it's necessary or profit-
able."

Soon the party broke up. all going out ex-
cept. John.

“I'm going to call on Colonel Parkson,"
explained the latter to Forrest. " If you
like, you can ride out to the Farm with
me.

“I think you'll like it.“ he added, ‘but
at any rate. it will be no harm to try us.

“ We‘ll do our best, and you’re welcome
to all we’ve got.”

Forrest—or Crowley—was profuse in his!

expressions of thanks, and gladly agreed to
try the Farm.

“ All ri ht,” said Owens, “ I’ll call for
you in an our or two."

Then he, too, left the saloon, and Light-
ning Lew, sitting with the doctor in the H ar,
saw Kyle and Crowley engaged in earnest
conversation. '

At the expiration of an hour, John Owens
returned, and a few minutes after he and
Mr. Crowley drove away to the County
Farm.

“ Well, I fancy it’s time for us to make a
move, also,” remarked Lightning Lew, when
the last of the Owens party having left him,
the saloon-keeper came toward the rear to
see what was going on there.

“ What! Going already?" asked Kyle.
Wait a few minutes and let me bring you a
cigar

But Mr Pryce was obdurate.

“ Another time, ’ he said, “ we’ve got some
business to do before dinner, and "—pulling
out a magnificent watch—“it's now nearly
six. So, we have no time to 10:0 ”

“ Hang you and your business!" nruttered
the counterfeit saloon-keeper.

“I wish I felt certain of what you really
are!”

“It can’t be possible there Was any mis-
take—made the other night—and yet he’s
back safe anti sound!

“ Confound him! Who and what is he?

“I don't like this quietness about .the
bridge business—the fools should have
pitched him into the river!

“ Well. the only thing to do now, is watch
the pair of them, for hang me, if the doctor
don’t seem bewitehed!

“That fellow, the Reporter, would be just
the one to keep an eye on them.

“I must St 0 him to-morrow.”

Thus thought and planned Kyle, as he
mused over the events of the last few days.

Lightning Lew and the doctor, meantime,
had gone straight to the St. Albans, the for-
mer having decided, immediately after leav-
ing Kyle's, that the “business” could wait
until next morning.

The “business” plea was, of course. a mere
pretense, Very transparent, and meant to be
so—it would worry Kyle.

Again, Pryce ordered that everything
should be served that good~taste, and epi—
curean experience could suggest—astonish-
ing guests. waiters, cook, and proprietor, by
the magnificent disregard of expense which
he displayed

The meal occupied fully two hours, and
even then Pryce seemed disposed to linger
over the wine anti cigars, but as it suddenly
changing his mind. exclaimed:

“No—I’ll go take a tramp about for an
hour or two. What say you, doctor?

“We can smoke, walk and talk at the
same time.”

The doctor Was of course agreeable;
Prycc’s will had beconre his pleasure, and a
few minutes after they were leisurely stroll-
in toward the bridge.

§Tothing has been said of what passed
when Lightning Lew and Fighting Bob met
at the Bradley log cabin, nor is it necessary
to say more, at present, than that the latter
played out his part, but at the first oppor-
tunity informed his superior of what he had
wormed out of Craig—where and how, and
the iatter‘s character. '

' On his side, Lew astonished Forrest by re-
] vealing what he had heard while supposed
to be unconscious.
‘Then by the piper that played before
[ Moses, we 1! bag the Whole lot of ’em!" dc-
, clared Bob. adding: '

“ D'ye suppose there's any connection be-
tween the two parties—tire Parkson-Owens
: combination and the counterfeiters?"

l “ No, I don‘t think there is. Parkson's
l

l
l
I

hardly the kind of a. man for that, though

of course he might have used them through

Others.

" In any event," continued Lew, ‘ there‘s
only the murder now to plan for and ll'dll
manage that, if you'll look after the Ow us
crowd."

aSsured Forrest.

it was in this way Lightning Lew

him

The walk with the doctor 'as merely a
blind—to prevent “ .ludas " from suspecting
anything when they entered the little saloon
near the In Edge.

Lew (lid not intend to attempt any “ busi-
ness " irt his assumed character of coal-lands
speeulator. IIe merely wished to “size up ”
his man.

After crossing the bridge, they stepped
into a saloon just at the other end.

This saloon, too, had a rear room, and im-
mediately after entering the place the detec-
tive heard voices there—one of which sound—
ed familiar.

“ \Vait a moment,” he said to IIammil, “I
think there’s somebody back here, whom I
know."

The room fortned a kind of an L, and a
person approaching could not be seen until
he was actually entering the door.

\Valking softly. Lightning Lew approached
unnoticed, as was evidenced by what he

 

heard when near the door.

I “ Now, look a-hcre. (‘raig—you bc keerfnl!

You’re liable to go till" any tninit, for I don’t
trust ye and l !1 see that others don‘t!"

There was no response to these threatening
words, and the Spetlkcr Continued:

“ Yourcr’.’l keep a-tnlkin', an‘ you’ll not
stop until you‘re choktd (if for good. I ve
warned onc't afore—this is the last time, an’
I won’t swear you‘re safe. now !”

CIIAP'l‘i‘le XXYIII.
ANOTHER stony FOR SALE.

THERE was a moving (f chairs after the
last threatening words, and returning to the
bar, Lightning Lew'pttid for what had been
ordered, leaving the place just as several
men came from the rear

He had recognized the voice of the man
threatening Craig, as, IIogne's, and on getting
a short distance from the saloon stopped and
asked

Craig? I'Ie’s better known as lit porter, I
understand because he knows everybody
and all about what’s going on.”

“ Oh, yes; everybndy knows Craig.”

“ Wel ,doctor. I‘d like to meet that fellow,
because there are certain inquiries I wish to
make. Would you object to making a hunt
for him?"

“Certainly not, sir!
happy to do anything you wish."

“ Thank you!

and begin your searcn right where We have
just left.
when yotr do—”

All this was merely to gain time—~to keep

ped short, having seen llogue come out and
go toward the bridge.

“Well, what shall I do when Trncet him?”
asked Ilammil.

“ It‘s not fair to ask you to do such work,
and you can do something more fitting.

You em receive them, and explain that I will
not be home until late.”

This was tickling the doctor‘s -“My
friend, Mr. Pryce!" to an extraordinary ex-
tent, and Hammil could hardly restrain his
impatience when Lightning Lew added:

 

“Of course. you will receive them in my

' 7’
an"“

Mali.“ .‘ .;-‘-“".

“’I‘hat‘ll be merely a question of time,” _
. detective asked:

learned of Craig, and where to look for.

Craig to smile.

“Doctor do you know a fellow named.

 

I shall be only t00'

“Now, suppose you take this five dollars :

Continue until you find him, and -

within sight of the saloon until lIogue left, ,
and just at this point Lightning Lew Stop- ~

“ l’:n expecting some people at the hotel. !

mom. You will kindly'act as my represent-

A half minute later, the doctor was naster
ing at top-speed toward the St. Albans. Whil
Lightning Lew, in a more leisurely fashion
returned to the saloon.

One glance revealed that Craig must have
remained in the rear room, when the detec-
tch lighted a cigar and sauntered L‘tlt‘ti.

As expected, Craig was in the rear, and
w hen Lew entered started up, as it about to
leave.

“Hold on, stranger!”
tective.

“ Don't let me disturb you ~take a cigar.”

This was attacking “Judas” in his weak-
est spot, and with a muttered. “Thank yet”
he declared in favor of \\'lli>l\'_\'.

After making a few remarkstduring which
he alluded to his beingastranger in town),the

called the de-

“ Are you pretty well aetluainted 1n unis
vicinity ‘2"

At another time this would have caused
Now, however, he was a.
threatened man—and threatened too, by
men who did not usually delay long in doing
what they threatened—and his answer was it
rather preoccupied one-

“ Yes—pretty Will."

“Glad to hear it—especially here, for I
was going to ask the proprietor; but didn't
like to talk of other people’s business—
thouglr this is the place I wrs to find him.”

'ihis mixed-up, mysterious anti incompre
hensihle statement caused (‘raig to stare at
the speaker and ask:

“ Find who?"

“ A gentleman of the name of Craig.”

“What d‘ye want of him?"

Half Clll'IOIlS, half fearful. “Judas” asked
the question with as nntclr carelessness as he.
could assume, but there was no pretense
about the amazed joy with which he received
the answer, ‘

“Well, the fact is, stranger, he (lid a.
business friend ( f tnine a favor, and it) doing
it did in", a much greater fa Vol‘.

“My friend intrusted me with some/11in”
for this (Traig, and I myself should and will
add a little to it ”

“ Who are you?" bluntly demanded Craig.

“ My name is Pryce. and— Exeuse me,
but are you a friend of Mr. Craig's?"

“ I am.”

“ All right, then, I can tell you.

“I not only have Something to give Mr.
Craig, but, what is more important, some—
thing to till him~sometlzing very important.
That’s why I‘m anxious to find him—Me
Ina/My (,‘t/lllrl trail.”

“Eh? Say, Mr. Pryce, I'm Mr. Craig.
Are you the English coal spec f”

“ I am the English coal speculator, as you
term me, but I—

"Really, you 11 have to pardon nay doubt—
ing you, but I musthave Some proof of your
being Mr. Craig before going any further.”

Mr. Pryce. apparently, was much embar~
rassed, as well as excited, and “Judas”
smiled, notwithstanding the threatening lau~
gnage still ringing in his cars.

“That's easy enough " he smilingly re-
plied. “Just call the landlord, and ask him.
my name."

He was beginning to think that. the send-
ing of the stranger, with the cualrlands to
sell, to Bradley‘s, was not such a poor
speculation, after all——evrn if he was placed
in a dangerous position by so doing.

“If I get another hundred,” thought he,
“I can light out—go Nortu or Westwany‘
where I please.”

Lightning Lew called the landlord, as sng.
gestcd, and that worthy prompth certified
to the fact that Mr. Craig was not lying in
claiming that name.

“Thank you, " returned Lew, and to “ Ju-
das":

“ It was absolutely necessary that I should
be sure of my man, because. first, I'Ve a few
dollars itr trust for you, and second, I’ve

, something of importance to tell yon—vital

importance” '
“I attr indebted to your telling Mr. For
rest for, perhaps, my life—certainly, for a

‘ considerable surnof money.

“Now, Mr. Forrest informs me that he is
to give you four hundred dollars on the con-
summation of a purpose, which I will cer-
tainly make from him within a few weeks,
and if you desire it. you can have some onacr
count, say twenty-five dollars?"

“I do desire it!”eagerly exclaimed Craig,

 

 

     

 

  
 

 
   

 

and "then. remembering the promised infer:

mat-ion, asked for it. '

 Well. it’s just this,”‘began LightningI
Lew. and then paused to count'out the,
twenty-five dollars. I

“ Therel That’s about what you want "

“But, what was it you were going to tell
me?"

After studying the countenance of his'
companion. as if to ascertain If he was wor-
thy of trust, but really to determine how
much he was already scared.,Lizhtning Lew,
in a very deliberate way, asked:

“ Mr. Craig, if I tell you something which
concerns, you very much. will you keep it a
Secret?”

“ Yes. yes!"

“ Well. 88 5'0“ kHOW, I Was attacked and
knocked senseless on the bridge.

‘ I came to while i was being carried to
Magazine inn. and overheard some conver-
sation. when they got tired and laid me down
to rest.

“That conversation concerns you wry
much. but before I repeat it, I must ask you
some questions."

(,‘raig. full of anxious uncertainty, could
not endure the suspense, and when Lew
paused to call- 1

“ Landlord! another drink, if you please!”
urged'

“ Go on! Don't mind the drinks!"

“Good! you're just about in right con-
dition," thought the torturing detective.

He had no pity for Craig, no scruples
about his fears, or torturing him in any
way by which he could attain his object—
no more than he had of dr-ceivin;r any other
criminal, in order to COEHHIll him—for he
looked upon Craig as a Criminal.

Pausing as if to frame the question—and.
thus deliberately torturing “Judas”——he
asked:

‘4‘

 

 

l

 

, you know a map of the name of

Hogue?" 7 , ‘
“ Yes "’——with a shudder.

“ Do—you—also, know a man of the name
of Pate?"

“ Yes, yes: For God’s sake, man, what
are you driving at?“ criul Craig.

“ Well, i don’t know exactly—perhaps you
will better understand what I overheard than
I can—4m- ] can onlymake out that you are
to be accused of the murder of a United
‘Btatea Commissioner.” ‘

“ Mer‘cried Craig. ,

“ Yes—so I gathered
tion.” A .

“ But how can that be? It's impossible!"

“ Perhaps so. At all events, in return for
the kindness done me. I thought it my duty
to warn you of their plot.”

b“ You must be mistaken!

'»-’3‘»*‘3’9“fl‘hey would not be so crazy as to re-
vive that case!" declared Craig. but bsads of ,
perspiration Were standi on his brow—and
not because of ‘thchenteit r. , . V

x ’  veil k”owhet'ter_than-I,”caim-
ly“ admitted" Lightning Lew, adding: _ '
“But it seems they think you have in-
jured them in some way. and intend to have
you hanged for the murder of the Commis~
8101161‘ by wa of punishment!’ .
Craig laug ed on hearing this—~hysterical-
‘4 .

6

T .

i

from their conversa-

.r

1 . , - -
‘3‘" Why, I could have hanged the whole lot
- of ’em long ago!" he declared.

“ Only there was nothing to gain. and you
were afraid of the vengeance of their friends,"
supplemented Lew—hut not aloud.

Aloud he advised \
 be so, you are safe, for you can
omii~fit§m,..byteiling your story

"Who Wynne!” crucial to consult '
in kthe matter-4n  your own
nec ‘_’ ' y ' "* 1,  
" Edge Sackfille~the .Unlted ,Stntén" mar.
 she], is the man "A ’8‘ Interested.” replied.
 a gone which told that he Was not

  

 

   

 

myir‘ig. j g _
~ _ ” ell. why not go. and see this man?"
. . gysuggxested Lightning Lew. '

“ 'Ou take a rent deal of interest in me—
or this matter.’ remarked Craig, looking
Bhar ly at the detective, v
. “ ’m afraid I don’t quite understand you
+we—English—are rather dull. you know,”
 returned Mr. ee, adding: ,

 "  f you’refer to my taking the trouble to
1tde you twenty-five dollars and then
3.. Castro“: neck iii. ' fd in”. loan.

 

  

 

 
  

    
  

  

 

‘ fl bf the importance of what he was ‘1 pie

puny himwherevei he wanted '10 3

only
are ults. .

-“ neVer forgetn good turn. and you saved
my life—or pretty near it—a few days
3 ." -

This speech, delivered in Lew's most im-
pressive tone—and he could be new impres.
sivc when necessary—had a wonderful effect
on “Judas.”

“I will—yes. I'll do it !" he muttered, and
turningr to his adviser. declared:

“ I‘m going to do as you suggest-see Edge
Sackville. Outside of the people who did
the trick. 1 alone can tell who killed the
Commissioner!" _

“I should not lose any time about it,”
warned Pryce.

“I won’t—l ll tell. him all about it to—
morrow,” returned Craig.

“ No you won‘t! You’ll be dead—ro-
mm'm/rf" muttered the saloon keeper, who
had listened to the latter part of the conver-
sation. and who quietly moved away when
he heard Lightning Lew say:

“Well, I’ve done what I could—now, I
must be 01!.”

CHAPTER XXlX.
"Jonas" DOES mm (:othr SUICIDE.

LEAVING Craig aprarently fully resolved
tomake a clean breast of it, Lightning Lew
returned to the otelywhere he found the
doctor awaiting im.

“ We have had no callers,” reported Ham-
mil, in a rather disappointed tone, “ but here
are some letters for you."

Running carelessly through the half-dozen
missives, Lightning Lew was somewhat
astonished to find the following from Edge
Sackville:

"Becareful of ourself. I’ve received a
warningtwhich have ascertained came
through the Pmkson’part )i‘rom the people
who attacked you on the ridge.” r \

If Lightning Lew was astonished at this,
the feeling was not lessened by the follow,
ing, in female chirography:

“Please be careful of yourself, as it is

l thought that you are not what you seem to

be, and some people fear you will interfere
in some way, which I do not quite under-
stand, with their plans.

“Also, kindly warn Mr. Ed 9 Sackville
not to come near the hotel, an to be wry

painful of himself.

“‘1 cannot sign my‘name. but believe me I

am v . , _ YOUR ERIEND."

“,Well, I'll be switched!" exclaimed Lew,
after readln the second warning. 1 ,

“Eh? \ hats wrong?” asked theatten.
tive doctor, not perceiving that his corn.
panion was. in that instancv, committing
what he would himself cimsider an unpar‘
donablcnin-thinking aloud. ‘

The doctor’s words recalled the detective,
and he smilingly answered:

“ I’ve read a queer. letter. but, ‘being
{parked ‘confidential,’ we’ll not talk about
i . '  ‘. ~ '
“ I’ve alsoyeeeiveda hint that my pres.
ence in New‘York, and that of somebody
who knows this part of? the country. may. be

desirable at any moment. ' ,

“Look here, Doe! I don't care to éee
you too much in the dark. but neithef'cmq
sav a great deal. However, I’ll just ask you
this:

“ How would you like to be secreta
big‘company, at a fat salary?”

he doctor gasped his astonishment.

“ Me accretary of your company ‘2” he
asked. - ‘

“There is no company yet," answered
Pryce: "l’ve merely asked you because

ryofa

somebody who kpows this place, and the
t be secretary, if n companyis 

armed. r x . ,. . v  .

“ Moreover...§[ must tell you that nine 
pan! Islam 160 he. .mva at any..- timbr‘ifid.
you must not-only ixold;__your‘tonguefiint-be'
prepared—that is, w? ling-Vin accoinpany me
to New York, at ver ‘ short notice".

“Any time, any time!” answered Hammil,
hardly ableto control his delight at the pros-
pect of being “ secretary of abtg company, at
a fat salary." . ,

Detective Pryce now felt sure of the end of
his case. . Hammil would certainly 

   

sayjthat having‘donelthat, I consider we '

" of coal!"

  

  
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
    
  
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
     
    
   
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
 
     
  
   
  
 
  
   
  
   
   
  
 
   
  
    
   
    
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
    

,This would alarm the Parkmn party, such 7
give Forrest—or, as they knew him, Mr. '
growley—an opportunity to work on their_ 
ears. .

Craig. to save himself, would go to Edg
Saekvillc and reveal what he knew of the
murder of the Unittd States Commis-
sioner. ~ -

“The fellow will himself be glad to get,
away—once he has made a confession.”
thought Lew, “and therefore Sackville will i
have no difficulty in transferring him to
some safe place—Washington, for instance.

"But—by Jove! I had not thouvht of
that! The marshal is confined to theghouse,
and will probably rec nobod ' on business:

" I must look after that ellow first thin ,
in the morning—~though I suspect that he’ i
force his way to Sackville, if necessary, for
he is thoroughly frightened." ’

Having arrived at this conclusion, Lew rc‘
tired and soon was sound asleep—not even
(grooming of the disappointment in store for

nu.

When he came down to breakfast next
moi hing,r Mr; Pryce found everybody talking
excitedly, and some half-fearfullv. about a
mysterious murder which had een com- ' "
mitth during,r the previous night. . l, .

“ 1 saw him myself, lying right in front of 
the marshals house—«in fact, at the foot of "~-
the stoop of the marshals house," declared
one of an excited group, talking of the :
murder. a ‘ "

The word “marshal” caught the quick: ,
detecltive ear, and drawing nearer, Lew-
hcart‘ : - ,
“ And you say there was a card on  '
Simmons?" . ‘
“ Yes, and I read it!”
“ \Vhat was on it?’-’

“ ‘Fair warning:
“ ‘This is a samp
of what
careful! \ r
“ 'Don‘t bother protecting other people~+ .
espceCilall y English speculators.’ That’s what 
it rea ." 7 “ 

' Notwithstanding the excitement, Pryceiiadi 3'
not approached unnoticed, and all eyes were 
now turned on him.  ‘ 

“ By all that '3 good. that seems to be whit '
at your humbieservantl" declared Lightning
Lew! “ But what’s all this excitement almnit
I hear you‘talking about cards, and warnings
~wbat is it?" v  ..

4 Only too happy to find'a fresh markdt
his story, Simmons answered: '“ " '

“ Why, it’s about a man whompali: 16w
people know. (though he didn't amonstgto
, reat desk) who was found killed on

ckville'srtoop this morning. and.“ :11“
you heard spoken of was.- to‘und pinnech
hisbrcnstfi‘ ‘ f _ . r 

“You saw it?"

“I did!”

“ Whowas the man?” ‘

Even before the answer came, Le
suspicion of the truth. _ , *

 There's a break in the fuck i? he
“ It was, too good to last. Craig _,
killed, as sure as shootin l”  t '

" It was a man we on led the ,,
Simmons answered in return to theih‘st hi
mgnto‘riy; "his real name was  

*“ on’t know that anybody w ll-
over Mm, but the fact of the murder
and the queer warning to the marshal iii
bothers us."

“It is, strange,” commented Mr ,
“and stran er, still, that I should. 1 -
up in it. here are no other E, linit’
lators‘here, I believe," he addelclig.

"No," returned theplain " ‘

ingly.

had su gested that,  ' a con
Prycdfihguldéut to encapert; “them;
 d  1 \none at all if ,5“
  - ,. . ' 
,ifi‘fglt coke as if’the mountainme-
you were looking for counterfeiters,

le, Mr: Marshal Shikviiis, ,
you’ll get yourself, if you‘re not”?

 

       
    
   

a
B

 

i

  
 
     

» “llang'me if I can see an ‘
that!" declared Mr. Pryce. “(got
something—to me. but what ' 
are worth is a mystery. I f” I

“ However, I’ll be on gear a
-whnt- d'ywra‘llezhim-sfih ’ 
ma theLord pity! “ ,

 
       

 
   
   
        
     
  
 
 
 

   
 
  
  

   

 

em'm‘hsm’.
‘ "he . was: fir

   
   

 

a.-.» ~WIKT.‘ »-.-- AW"...

.__.___.._._..___...._-~ my,

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.._ ._ ‘

The SecretSsin'ssspecial from Na“: Yefla

Lightning Lew spoke in a tone which as- i

tonished his audience because of its fierce
ness.

Paying no heed to the questioning, aston-
ished looks of the bystanders, Mr. Pryce
turned and entered the dining-room.

A few minutes later Dr. Ilamniil reached
the hotel, and had just heard Mr. Simmons
finish his story for the twentieth time, when
Lightning Lew, having finished breakfast,
came forth.

He was in a bad mood—bad for the coun-
terfeiters—bad forevery body to whom he was
opposed.

“Hello, doctor' You‘re just in time to
hear some news,’ he exclaimed, and there
was anger in his voice.

“ We‘re not to go prospecting any more—-
you and I! The (,ouriterfeiters have for-
hidden it!

“But, by the great Eternal!" lieadded,
I‘ll go——go as long as I like, and where I
like! Such infernal seoundrels will not deter
me from doing what I am here to do."

The audience listened in bewildered, ad-

' miring astonisliiiieut.

4

CHAPTER XXX.
PREPARING FOR iiooUE.

IMMiunlATELY after this declaration of de-
fiance, Lightning Lew returned to his apart-
ments and sent for Ilaniniil.

“Doctor!” he said, “will you kindly go
and find out if Mr. Sackville is at all capable
of leaving his room, or of giving me any pro-
tection?

“I intend, at all hazards, to prosecute my
work, the threats of these scoundrels to the
contrary notwithstanding."

Without a word, as if fearful of making
comment one Way or the other, the doctor
departed, and Lightning Lew began to pace
the floor.

“I am between a double fire. The coun-
terfeiters evidently will believe I am here on
their business; while the ParksonOwens
party are also suspicious of me.

“Just now I must go for this fellow Hogue.
I believe I can force the story of the murder
of the cenimissioner out of him. With what
1 have learned from Craig. I ought to be
able to put on the screws tight enough to
squeeze the truth out of Hogne.

“ He’s a thorough-paced scoundrel, and, I
am sure, an arrant coward. If I can on!
get him alone and have one half-hour with
gim, I think I can drag the story out' of

1m.

“If Sackvillc were well, I would ask his
assistance, but. as it is, I fear I shall have to

o it alone. I’ll wait, however, until the

he returns. He may bring some informa~
tion which will aid me, and I will then start
out for Mr. Hogue."

Having come to this decision, Lew sat
down. lie was greatly excited, and in the
defiant language he had used reviously did
not begin to express what he elt, he was so
thoroughly aroused.

“ Ah, if I had but time, I‘d give you gen-
try something to think about—something to
occupy your time, in place of writing threat-
ening letters! Blast the villains! I’ll be the
avenging angel for some of them, before I’m
throu h!”

Ila the shadowed men known their man,
they would have regretted this rousing of the
sleeping lion.

After an hour’s absence, Doctor Hammil
returned from visiting Edge Sackville.

“The marshal is unable to leave the
house,” reported the doctor, “but he sends

ou this letter, which, he says, calls upon all
aw-abiding citizens to assist you against
these people who are threatening you.”

Lightning Lew understood at once that
the'letter contained something entirely dif-
ferentto what the doctor stated, and fully
believed.

“Very good! Awful! obliged to you,
doctor!” he said, then ad ing:

"But it does seem queer that, in a civil—
ized country, a man cannot attend to his
own business without being interfered with
by a parcel of throat-cutting-stab-inthe-back
scoundrels, doesn’t it?”

“Yes,” timidly agreed Hammil.

"And still queerer that, when a man is
interfered with, he can be afforded no real
protection. ” .

“ Yes!” promptly coincided the doctor.

The language of his friend premised

 

trouble for Marshal SackVille, but when.

Lightning Lew announced that lie was going
next morning to look at some property in the
mountain district, the doctor’s courageous
wrath against Edge Sackville vanished.

" The marshal knows these people." be de-
clared, “and there’s no use of one. or two,
trying to buck against. them. If 1 were you,
I would not go; it’s too dangerous! They’ve
made a dead set at you, evidently believ-
ing—

“By Jove! Mr. Pryce, until this moment I
I forgot all about it, but, just before you i
Were supposed to have been killed, I know
you Were mistaken for a detective—- a Secret ‘
Service man."

“Gad! That would not he a very strange
error,” thought Lightning Lew; while aloud
he responded:

“ Well, I'm obliged to you, doctor, but
cannot see how I‘m rtfsptilisllilt‘ for these
people’s mistakes. Go, I will! But, mark 1
my words, doctor, every man who survives
the result. of an attack on me will have good
cause to reg/7M IIC was not killed ,”'

"‘ But. you will not attempt such a thing .
«lune? It's suicide!” (‘xpostulatedthedoetor, j
now thoroughly alarmed. ;

“I shall—and at. once!" was the firm re- 1
ply. " But, I do not ask, and cannot expect i
you to >liare my danger. If anything liap- 
pens me, you will find among my papers:

l
l
i

letters from General Littlefield. and others,
to whom you will kindly forward the intelli-
genee."

This was clinching the doctor‘s bonds
rendering him even more confident than be-
fore that Lightning Lew was his friend, and
one with power to promote his (I-Iammil’s)
interests.

"I will do as you direct,” he answered, 
" but, really, you should not inre‘te an attack 9
by starting today. Wait a few days—until ;
it becomes more widely known and firmly i
established, that. you are here simply to ascer
tain what are the best and cheapest of the .
available coal lands."

“No; I’ll go without delay,” was the re-
sponse; “ I'll go if only to show these hounds '
that I’m not to be fri htened by any raw- ,
head~and bloody-bones usiness. ‘

“If I’m sent across the Styx, some of them
will keep me company, and soon all, of them
will follow.

“Should you not hear from me say within
three days, notify the British (‘onsul in New -
Yin-k. Then, if needed, the people whom I
represent will have half of Scotland Yard
here, and clear out these scoundrels—root
and branch!"

There was a great deal more in this than
appeared on the surface. Lightning Lew
was talking for effect. He knew that, unless
restrained by some powerful incentive to
secrecy. the doctor would talk, as he wished
him to do.

 

 

l most cordial.

, _ -_ _~_. ~___—..

 

“Be careful. I have received a letter
warning me not to interfere in any way to-
wards protecting you.

“As you will probably know by the time
this reaches you, a man was killed at my
doorstep some time last night or this morn—
ing.
“ 0n the left lapel of the murdered man’s

‘ cont, was pinned a second warning—within

twenty four hours—that dealing with you or

i in any way protecting or aiding you, is dan-

gerous.

“I have reason, and very good reason to
believe, that the first warning, or threat,
came direct from Colonel I’arkson, although
I can hardly believe that he would be guilty
of inciting the crime committed last night.
llowever, be careful of him, and of all whom

 you even suspect of being connected with
liiiii—I‘t’M/ffil'x, friends, or dependents.

“ l am unable to get out, and cannot help
you in any way. at present, more than to
give you this warning.”

“ \Vell, that 2's a letter!

“ (,‘an it. be possible that Parkson is such a
fool as to connect himself with the counter»
feiters?

“ And yet many, and much shiewder and
wealthier men than he, have indulged in
that precarious mode of making a livin ,”

The carriage was now at the railroat sta-
tion, and having dismissed it, Lightning
Lew took his way on the road to Bradley’s—
tlie well-remembered Magazine Run.

Mrs Bradley, Marthy and ’Lize were
present when he entered the half-opened
door.

The welcome accorded the new-comer was
Just what he had said, or did,
to render himself such a favorite, has little
interest for the reader. Enough that he
had, or appeared to have, the implicit con-
fidence of Mrs. Bradley and her daughters.

Addressing the mother, he said:

“I have come here to make a change in
my appearance. These scoundrelsare hound-
ing me, for some reason, and I intend to
have an understanding with this fellow,
IIogue.

“ You are the only people I can trust, and
I am going to ask you to retire to the cave
for a few minutes. When you hear the
door bang, 1 shall have completed the
changes which I wish to make, and be: on the
way to meet Mr. Ilogue.”

With a nod to her daughters to follow,
Mrs. Bradley immediately retired to the den
designated as “the cave. ’

As the women retired, Lightning Lew be-
gan making the change—and certainly his
movements were liglitning‘iike.

Five minutes after, Mrs. Bradley and her
daughters were recalled to the outer reom by
the hanging of the door as their visitor de-

 

Doctor Hammil did not reply, except by a
how. He was too much astonished at the
language of this man who dared brave the
mountain crooks. who had so recently shown
what they could do, and were capable of do-
mg.

 And, now, doctor. what kind of a man is ,
to reach, and, 
he will be able ‘
to furnish me any information as to who I am ;

this Sackville? Is he eas
when reached, do you thin

to beware of—and where ‘2”

“.He's in no condition for business," an-
swered Hammil, “ but he will certainly post
you. Even as your representative. he would
not ‘deal Willi me as he would with you.”

“ Very well, doctor; I’ll start at once, and
shall have to ask you to act as my represen-
tative until I return. .

“You will please take charge .of these
rooms and my effects, answer all inquiries.
and otherwise do as you think I would if I
were here.” ,

Picking up the small black hand-bag,
Lightnin Lew went to his bureau, selected
a few art eles and left the room.

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
LEW “Lroii'rs” 0N noonE.

0N leaving the hotel. Lightning Lew en-
gaged the carriage which usually stood at the
door, and bade the driver take him across the

bridge to the railroad station. !

Short as the drive was, the occupant of the
carriage had time to read and wonder at the
contents of EdgeSackville's letter. It ran:

parted, taking his way toward the city.

The man who left the Bradley cabin was
an entirely different looking personage to
the elegantly-attired dapper detective, Mr.
Pryce.

By means of the black hand-bag, Light-
ning Lew had managed to grow a pair of
long black whiskers, and to change his hair
to a rough, unkempt growth of nearly the
same color. His clothing. too, had been a1-
tered in its appearance—and for the werse.
Instead of bein r neat and careful, the erst—
; while elegant Dir. Piyce now looked like a

rough, careless mountaineer.

A half-mile down the road, Lew turned off
. into the woods, worked his way back past
1 the Bradley cabin, and then struck into the
i road up the mountains. ‘
He had traveled about a half-mile when he
1 suddenly came almost faCe to face with the
very man whom he was seeking—Hogue.
_ The crook was approaching the town with
E down-bent head and thoughtful mien.
i, “I say, pardner!" called. Lightning Lew.
l “ Do you know any chap In these here dig-
gin’s named Rogue?”
The man addressed stopped short, and
: looked sharply at the spea er before reply-
. in :
l g‘ I’ve heer‘d of sieh a chap."
i "Kin ye tell me where I'd be likely to
strike him?"

“ What d‘ye want of him 9" ,

“ I want t’ see him—want t’ talk to him
I've got soniethin' ter tell him, that I can’t
tell t' anybody else; but, it’s money for him
in! nleln

l

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Hogue looked at the speaker suspiciously.
He did not altogether believe the statement
_ made by the stronger, but the word “ money ”

 caught him. Like Craig, gold was too glit‘
 tering a bait to be resisted, and he asked:

“ Can’t you tell me? I‘m a pertickier
friend of his'n.” 

“ Never! 'l‘her’ ain‘t enough in‘ it fur
‘three.’

Ilogue delayed very little in responding:

.‘ Stranger, I reckon I’m the coon ye’r try-
in' t tree."

“Great Scott! I’m in luck! I didn’t s'pOse
I wuz hnrkin‘ so close to the right tree!"

"Well what ’r’ ye drivin’ at?"

“Money. pardner. money/fl

“ Well, let her drive!”

“ All right!” returned the stranger, adding:
“but, I say, pardner, eain‘t ye take us some
place whur we kin git a drink while I'm a
talltin‘? ‘

“ i tell ye it'll be wu'th yer While to hear
me. It’s about the murder of this here feller,
Craig, ’n' that ’air swell chap, Pryce—'n’ a
letter thct wuz sent to Marshal Sackville.”

“ A guilty conscience needs no accuser.”

’ The counterfeiter grew ale; and, after a
moment's hesitation, in sha yton'e‘s, replied;

“ Yc-cs. I reckon I kin. Come back here
a hit, ’n' I'll find a place whar we kin talk ’n’
drink in safety."

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’ 0

CHAPTER XXXII.
,  'rnr: COLORED SPY DESERTS.

FOLLOWING the plan suggested b the
.  mulatto boy, Miss Pztrkson waited until ,her
 father had gone out and then, making‘an
excuse to the dressmaker, got rid of her,

‘  , , .
' , “Igow‘,lPetcdlf’. fibergfilledkzdnd when the
out a"'peare’ a as : , .. '
y “ Nova, what'iEygiir wlimderful secret?"
“It’s just this, miss: everybody here is
watching you! ’
“Julie, your maid, and myself are here
almost expresslyto see that you do not write,
‘ meet, or in any other way hold communica-
tion with Edge Sackville.
“ It is known that you met him last week,

.
u "'1‘ 4”)

J “it and Mr. Owens received a severe lecture for
, if. having failed to be aware of it and report it
5"}? tome-colonel." ‘i , ”
I  Miss Parkson looked amazed; she could,
*1 hardly believe what Pete said was true,
_, “Are you sure of this?” she asked, and
3 9 half to herself continued:
4.  ~ “Can it be possible that my own father is
 keeping me under surveillance—actually
4.!  doubting the sacred promise which I made,
-  , fever, intentionally. to meet the man I
'  ove?” .

  

 

" It’s true, miss; true as Gospel!

3, ““The 110191631 lg? yesterdgyere

 v  "l1: .9 ~49“? i ..MF¥'“D v .. ’ .

" 1" 'i?eto'he§itst{d o‘nromeneortwoandxpsr-

ceiving this, Miss Parkson asked:  ‘ ~
“Pete, you are withholding something—

' what is it?”

' -“ Well, I might as well tell it all.

“Julie reported your having written the
latter, the colonel received it from me, and,
though he knew from yourself that you were
writing it, and the contents, he kept it, say-
ing that I should not tell from whom the
flowers came. ’

“ On the way I met a man coming out of
 Bill Kyle's, who offered me a dollar to drop
fez; ‘( leggr  the hallway of Mr. Sackville’s

  

an“.

 
   
   
 

  

  

 
  
   

Miss  ,  fifilflaflthfi er. For et-
tlng, forthexnihmed  not sigma
she angrily excla '   v ~ ’

“This is outrageousl rinses-seen, 
“fibutshave already exceede ’
,1 transom. [shall now act weerdmg'to my
own feelings and sense of jursttee. , '
"There is something wrong—something
 ,underhand~—whem all this espionage is re-
' quired, and they will find that a woman can
“trick as well as be tricked!" .
, ' ‘  Turning suddenly to Pete, who was listed
:gln in amazement (mingled with consider-
'" globegatisfaction). the excited girl demanded:
 if ,gte. ‘do- you intend to be faithful to me
*  »-'-to';-do whatl may
a. insirtoannybody 7” - _ v
‘ ‘I’dnflhiifidqflsul §haye

   

  

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K” ,

 
 

 

    

require without reveal-

    
  

  
 
 
 

   
 

1

mm 1

 

~  ‘ 31’

,am willing to do everythin ,mmbwh 
the wands of. 

done hereafter I will gladl do, and take
care thatit does not- become' nown.”

Mists Parkson looked thoughtfully- at the
youth. apparently in doubt as to what she
shouldr'do or say. "

«H Why not write Mr. Sackville, telling him ,

just what I‘ve told you, miss?” suggested
Pete.

“ A ver ' good idea, Pete!” and the young
lady sat (Iown at a small desk, the property
Of the mulatto vouth, and did do just what
he suggested.

“Now, Pete," said she, after finishing a
lengthy epistle, “ I shall depend on you that
nobody—and especially my father—shall see
this letter, except the gentleman to whom it
is addressed: Mr. Siekviile.”

“ Not if I have to eat it, miss.”

Miss Parkson handed Pete the missive
saying: .

“As soon as Julie returns, I shall send you
to the stationer’s fora box of paper, and when

on return I shall soundly rate you for de-
ayin r, and whatever answer you may bring
from 5dr. Sackville must be concealed in the
box of stationery for which I shall send
on.”

The colored youth thrust the letter into his
breast, and two or three minutes later, when
the maid returned, was dispatched to the
stationer, with strict orders to hurry back.

A full half-hour elapsed before Pete re-
turned, and when he did the promised scold-
ing was administered with a severity that
astonished the attentiVely-listening maid.

Picking up the box of stationery, and hold-
ing it so that the maid could not see the con-
tents, Miss Parkson declared:

“ This is useless for my purpose! Julie,
you go and seeif you can get what I acquire.

,that boy iseither a fool‘,or so careless of the
position he 'hdlds‘ that he pays no attention to
orders. I directed him to get a cmmwhite
paper—this is “inkish. See if you can get
what I want!" t

“ Shall I take back the box you have?"
asked Julie.

“No, I can use this for other purposes,
but do not delay in getting the cream tint, as
I wish to use it immediately."

Julie departed. and the rroment the door
closed on, her, Miss Parkson reopened the
box of stationery and carefully examined its
contents, but there was nothing in it except
the blank envelopes and paper!

' etet’.” she called, and when the youth
appeared. ,Iskedz. , .
, “Did’you'sca- Mr. Saekvlllei” .

"No, miss"! 1 ,-  _ , ,

“ Did he send any answer?"  i r s '

“No, miss; he was asleep, and the talks
would not dare wake him." '  ’ ‘

“ Ah!”—and Miss Parkson breathed aslgh
of intense relief. .
' She had feared that Sackville had doubted
the genuineness of her purpose in writing to

rm.

* Lydia Parkaon was a_ very bri ht, intelli-
gent girl, and well understood tgat, having
receivedyith the flowerswhich she had sent
the previous days letter—Jriendlyor other-
wise—he might have cause for anger or sus-
ptcmn. * " ‘ 1 ‘

She ,
Craig at Sackville’s doomtep, undo! the
warning message pinned to the canto! the
dead man. '

“ Very well, Pete," she said. “you must
manage to call at Mr. Sackvillc’s house some
time to-morrow.” . .

“I’ll do it, miss,” assured Pete.

 

, CHAPTER XXXIII.
,_ ranmmsnan on was wand-am. .
sons‘lelttar: ownsvln an an > y
less :andnneasyfimeuuaev‘ ' '
which he nutmeg: well,“ ; _ _
feared, were hovering-over ’ ghtiiing new.
He was not asleep «the servant stated
to Pete, and on receiving the letter became
still more uneasy. '
<"IIow I have mixed up everythingl’l he
mutteredu “I‘ve written Pryce, and prob-
ably set him all astray! . .’ _ .
’ "' If he goes among the counterfeiters with
the impression that the‘cOlonel is at the, I '

   

      

 

 to

mm at. this waiting will  his it

v w

had heard in about the murder-st",

* g a; do‘with'tbeeguest "
 '  efiackville received  ’ i

 ‘ "fawning: *

He was in a weak, feverish condition.

The effort he had made two days before
had. as his physician warned, been attended
with disastrous resalts, but the letter of
Lydia I’arkson appeared to have a Wonder-
fully stimulating, revivifying effect. '
t “ Sam!" he called, “ send somebody for
lVilson immediately. And help me dress as
soon as Wilson is sent for—and be in a hurry
about it.” , ,

The old negro stared in amazement at his
master.

“ Iie’ll kill hisself this time, shore!”

As before remarked, however, Sam was ac»
customed to obey—not to question, and in a
few minutes returned to Sackville's room to
, report: ' ‘
g “Jimmy's done gone for Marse Wilson." .
1 “Very good! New help me to get into
I my clothes, so that I will be ready when he
‘ comes.”

Sam obeyed, and ir a remarkably short
space of time (considering his'condition), the
marshal was dressed and waiting when ‘Wih
son, who was his deputy, arrived. I ~

“ Wilson,” said he, “we‘ve got a highly
important job on hand. I must get out, and
must also ask you to accompany me. I Will

 

the carriage at once!”

and his deputy were crossing the big bridge
over the Kanawha River. ’

your pistols before we get into the Rum-",3

leading to Bradley's log cabin.

rooms of him. u
in which he has gone." . '

ported: '
“ Mr. Pryce has been here, but has
heading back for the town."
“How recently?” ', ‘  :j ‘
“ Within a half hour," replied the . dew
yitha puzzled expression, on his
in : ‘ -
'g‘I cannot understand how that

[‘6

road nor hear of him at the hotel."

in good faith? ’ questioned Sackvillc“ -«  , ,
“ i certainly do. They appeared
honest, and as anxious asyou yourself." 
.Sackviile flaeted a few minutssrand. ' ,~

collecting w .at Lightning Lew had told in,
of the manner in which the Bradleys  '
friendcd and defended him, decided the ,‘
withstanding he had not met Mr.  "
women’s’ststement was to be relied on.
Accordingly he ordered the car
driven home, but. on arriving the,
the'deputy to ascertain whether "El
had returned to his howls—or 
in ton‘n. .'  
A full hour elapsed before Wils‘o 
‘tnrned, and when he did, it wsfil’with 
discouraging intelligence that Mr. agree
pointer returned to his hotel nor been 
own. x . ‘ ' . .
""I'hen, I; the gods of War, we must“ '
him up! ortunatel 1 am still it ’
We most immediate y proceed may ’
movements 'from, the time of l ’ 
hotel.”m k i 

~“ ‘ on ris on onto
ville?” asked Wilsogn, it? " "
‘ “Risk!” cried ‘Saokv

.p

    
   
   
 
   

   

. . “has I . .
‘  district. Things
mu,  Ethre‘ut’ened by a set 0 » ~
 shntfld have been long.
pressedhyvme. , v’ :
:~."‘lt is now my duty to fim I
protect him, or, if he has h.
erret out and punish those ,wh 
feted with him. ., , . ‘ ,

“prder the carriage at ,
to his hotel, ascertain itaianyt ,_ ' "
heard of him, audit 11 dd?

bridge, _
. “ ftsrthat“
idle

   
 

 

V 71‘-

Driving, according to orders, at full-speed, ,
the coachman quickly pulled up at the lane 
“Jump out,Wilson !" directed the marshal; 3
“I am scarcely tit to do so; make what inn,
“ uiries you think best to ascertain if Mrs“ ":-
I’ryoe has been here, and, if so, what has be: _

“ Above all things, ascertain the directiong‘ixj

face, i -'

stalk}
possible, since we did not meet him 

"Do you believe the statement was 

explain the ease as we go along. Sam, order "  '

Fifteen minutes later Marshal Saekville ‘ L4

“We may have some lively worktbefdréxw ‘
us, and it‘s as well to be prepared; so look (,0 ,y

4 r .

 
   
 
  
   
 
 
     
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
   
   
     
  
  
        
       
       
     
   
 
  
   
  
    
  
  
      
  

Within five minutes-Wilson mmfiifl  
lefty-1":

  
  
    
       
       
  

  
 
   
      
 
 
    
  
  
    
   

 

 

 

'22“

i  The secret service ’SpeCial’QNVew York.

 

 

 

 

 
     
  
   
    
    
   
  
    
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
       
    
   
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
 
   
 
     
  
  
   
    
  
   
 
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
 
  
   
  
 
   
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
     

CHAPTER XXXIV.
. IN A 'rrou'r CORNER.
GUIDED by I‘Iogue, Lightning Lew as-
cended 'he mountainside for nearly one-
«quarter of a mile, when the counterfeiter
.stop ed and demanded;
“ ay. stranger! Are you ready to take
the chances of comin’ in here, wud me?”
“ What air the chances?"
"‘ Well, it's jest about life ’n' death l"
"M ideer wuz a drink,” laughineg re.
'turnc Lightning Lew. “ If the drink goes
with the chances, I’m willin’ t' take 'em."
"All right; but, before you’ll get into day.
. 'light again, you‘ll be after swearin that
you’ve never been in these parts, an that,
even if you were, you've lost your memory!”
Lightning Lew did not appear at all startled
by this ominous declaration.
“Let 'er go!" he exclaimed; “pervided
. ‘the drinks air thrown in, I don't kccr a con-
tinental whether I swear thet I don’t know
my own name or not!”
“All rirht!" returned the counterfeiter;
“come rig talong, ’n’ l’ll furnish the drink,
'while you tell yer story.
“ But. you can bet thet you'd better be
. prepared to tell a. pretty straight story or
you’ll never come out alive." .
“Oh, fer God’s sake get along!” cried
Lightning Lew; “you make me real tired.
. I’m not afeerd of you, or anything ye kin
I brin along!
 .. ' “' ’11: here t’ see you, an’ t’ make money—
x either out of you, ez well ez fer on, or out
0' other ople, who will pay wcl fer what
Ikin tel ’em."
liogue looked at the speaker, wonder.

8 .V-

“See here, stran er!” he exclaimed, "if.

this is ennythin’ pr vate, I’d like 1’ know it

1' amp I"

_ ” It is private,” answered Lightning Lew,

*“but I’ll hev t' wet my whistle before I

talk.” ‘ .

_ V This cool language seemed to astonish

 .Hogue, who was not accustomed to being
' treated in such an ofl~haud fashion on his
ownr-stamping-ground, where the verv sus-

? ‘ of being a counterfeiter was sufilcient

.36 creates fearful respect. ' -

h f “they were a lawless set, these mountaineer

.countorfeiters, and carried thin sin a high-

".fihandod 'ashion secure in the astnesses of

their mountainous retreats against any at.

«,tem‘pt at punishment made ‘by the exceed-
ngizuweak arm of the law, as represented

by, r local authorities.

.It was for this reason Hogue looked so

suspiciously at Lightning Lew.

.f‘tLpok here! Ye talk as if ye Wor entitled

.1" know sunthin’ more’n folks gin’rally do

Whose here diggin’s, ’n’ if e are spit it

 lt'll save time for both 0 us, ’n’ make

 it"saferfor you."

 "‘ Don't know nothin’ about the diggin’s!”

‘ifi‘eelared Lightning Lew.

" “All I know lS——-lf there's a drink t' be got,

on water, id like t' get my claws on it.

at dry as a gun barrel."

'»990&me along!“ sullenly directed the coun-
a .

'e'éuudng abruptly in among the stunted
.Jteeifand dense undergrowth, he led the way
'dqng'a narrow, tortuous path running ap-
 , across the side of the mountain.
’ e trap to mischief!" thought the detec-
. mot atall deceived by his companion’s
' submission to the terms.
 daring detective knew perfectly well
_ ; Rogue would not lead him to the home
' V 'ec'iunterfeiters in such, acareless fash-
, without first ascertaining who was the
-,.or having some guarantee as to his

_'ia- taking me there. it’s simply be-
,  ,frhjas meognized me and intends fin-
Ashihg‘the job started the other night;‘s0'I
3., an be watchful as‘a hawk!” ""

v Thong-suddenly changing his plans, Lew

guess it’s better—safer,,at all events, to
H him right here."

£39 Mr. Hogue!" he called out, "just
.. pafur a few minutes. will yet”: . ,
3w unterfeiter‘ paused, and turning,’

.4 4, . . v‘

what-'11 thund'er's the matter wad ’

 

Hogue was fierce now, and was drawing
nearer, but was brought to a dead standstill

y.
“Mister Hogue, if ,you come one step fur-
ther, I‘ll put a bullet through your brain—if
you have such a thing."

“Well, what's all this about, anyway?”3

demanded Ilogue, his ugly face betraying his
evil impulse.

He could see no weapon, but there was a
certain something about the way the other
spoke which assured the rufllan that there

would be no delay about producing one when a

required.
“Just sit down here. and we’ll talk about

it.” suggested Lew. “ I’m not gcin’to tell you 

anything pleasant, but it 2's durned important
——to you! How much good money have ye
got with ye?"

“ What d’yc mean ‘2"

‘ Just exactly what I say: How much
good money have ye with ye, for I’ve got

something you’ll want to buy, but I’m not '

taking counterfeits for i! l" -

Ilogue uttered ‘an exccration on hearing f

this, and would have sprung on the man who >

thus bearded him. but, even as he gathered
himself the muzzle of a revolver was staring
him in the face.

“ Don‘t ye try it on. Ilogue!
death of ye, if e do!" warned Lightning
Lew, calmly, andysmiling at his disconcerted
comp mion.

“You'd better set right down,” he con-
tinued, at the same time seating himself on a

large stone :——“sit right down, my son, and i covered by the pistols of your friends, but

we'll talk business. ”
Already Rogue was beginning to experi-

ence the same feeling of being in the pres 3 and fifty dollars won't begin to touch the fig-

ence of his master that the doctor and Craig

-had felt, and obeyed the suggestion to be
‘seated, sayin : ‘

E
“ Go ahead! I’m waitin'l”
» “ All right, my son. Now, first, answer
' e‘ finestion I put a few minutes ago:
ye?

" ow much good money have ye got with '

Again the crook looked savagely at the
queationpr, but answer-ted:

“I’ve about fifty dollars.”

“ Pshawl I’ve wasted my tiine coming
here!” declared Lew.

He arose as he s eke, and with a careless
nod, and “ Good- ay to ye, Mr. Hogue!"
turned as if going to the town.

‘ “ Hold on,stranger!" cried the counterfeit-
er, earnestly; “ ye can’t go ed that way!”

" Why not i"

“ 'Cause you’ve said too much, and still not
enough. I must have more—must get at
what ye're drivin’ at." ,

What's that got t' do with my goin‘ back
to town, and sclhn’ what 1 know to some-
bod who's got enough money to buy it?”

‘4

i
!

It‘ll be the ' bit?"

l
l

l

l

 

ell—this much: .Yc don’t leave here ,

until I know what ye came to tell rue—that’s ,

all."
The rough-looking, mysterious stranger

laughed heartily, and then contemptuously you mistake ahoutitl

replied:
"An’ do you really think you could stop

me? Why, man, I’d fill ye so full 0' holes , tion, but feared to give his confederates the

inside six seconds that ye couldn’t be told
from a sieve! Water’d run through yo, just

as yer courage does when ye meet a man, in ; tures,-and _Low Pryce, notwithstanding his ‘1
‘ danger, smiled, as he noted Hogue's look of

daylight, that looks as if he knew how to
handle a gun! ’

But, even while uttering these boastful
words, the keen-eyed detective noticed a
sudden change in the counterfeiter‘s face and
manner, and when he ceased, the latter gave
utterance to a harshly triumphant laugh.

“So! You'd fill me full 0' holes, w’u'd
ye? Now, jest let me give ya a hint:

“When ye’r' ready to begin turnin’ me in-
to a sieve, don’t happen to for-git thet before
ye kin pull yer gun, two fricn's o’ mine—
one on each side 0’ ye’ll begin turnin' you
into a targitl”

Asthe rufiian ceased, Lightning Lew heard
the clicking of two revolvers being cocked.
in confirmation of Hogue’s assertion. . ,

The laugh was now all on the other side of

cfacs. . . '
LightningLew was fairly cornered.

 

 

l

l

, bluff, but could not repress

 

sort Of a bargain with you.

surprise at the trap in which he had placed
himself. 1

That he was in a dangerous position he
knew perfectly well, but he was not partic-
ularly alarmed over the sudden change in the

 

j situation.

“I'll pull through all right if they don’t i,
penetrate my disguise,” he declared to him- ‘
self, then aloud, calmly asked:

“Well, Mr. llogue, what are you going t’
do about it? You hold the trumps, I admit,
but what kin ye do with ’em?”

“I kin make '011 tut/r!” was the grim re-
sponse. “An’ will, too, unless you talk
purty quick! ’

“ You don’t say! Well, Mister llogue,
when you’re ready to make me talk I'd like
ye to let me know, for I’d like to be around
when ye do it.”

“ You kin bet you’ll be around, and durn
soon too!” savagely declared lioguc, add-
ing:

"Now, what’s that story you've got t' tell?
Out with it! Quick, or by jingo, I‘ll roast
ye alive!”

Lightning Lew smiled, as if really amused,
and asked:

“Say, Mister Hague, did ye ever hear 0’
the first rule to be followed in cooking a rab-

The counterfeiter snarled an angry, mys-
tified negative, and'the still smiling detec-
tive continued: .

" It is—to first get your rabbitl

“Now I'm here, it is true, and doubtless

what good is that to you? You can’t get
anything out 0' me unless I’m paid for it,

ure."

“ Won't talk, hey? Well. I’ve a purty
good notion that ye will sing—and loud, too
—-if e won't talk!"

“ im! you keep him covered, while Sam
’n’ me get hell. of him.”

“ Oho! , It's my three friends, all to ether
once more, eh?“ mentallyeomm e de-
tective, while aloud he warned: "

“ You’re still wrong, Rogue!"

“If you attempt to move I’ll plug you like
a rat, and if Jim stirs I'll hear him, and give
it to you just the same!”

When Lightning Low first turned back to
defy Hogue, he thrust his hands into the
pockets of his loose sackcoat. ‘

It looked as if the act was doneto give‘
force to his defiant words, but it was not, as
the counterfeitcr disenvered when'ths detec-
tiveuttered the last word above recorded. 1 ,
The ockets otfthe coat had been cut, and , a
when lightning Lew thrust his hands ,
through the openings, it was to grasp a pair
of revolvers!

“ Now, Mr. Iiogue,” he continued, point-
ing one pistol from under the bottom of the
coat—straight at the ruflian less than ten
feet away—“ now, Mr. Hogue, your friends
can fire away as soon as 0 like; but, don't,
_ _’ll get one shot at
you—41nd it'll be akiller—"

Thecounterfeiler uttered an angry cxccra-

\

nail to fire.

si
_ n a way the situation had its comical fea-

baflled rage. . V
“ Come, let your friends get out of here,”
he proposed, “and 1’“ try ’n’ patch up some 5 ii

“ It won't do you any good, even if you . 
Could shoot me down, for you wouldn’t  I  i
the informatien at all, then, ’n’ more’n ii '
it'd hang the whole kit o’ge. , '  - "

“I knew just the his -;ofa:cr0wd I was
liable t’ strike, so before leaving town I left“
a letter, (t' be opened if Im not back to-
morrow) and that letter’li hang the hull b’ilin’
lot 0’ ye—Pate, ‘Jim and yourself!

H 80, on see. Mr- Rogue. it wouldn’t be
healthy {or youpcople to even ask your am
to stay for breakfast. for my folks mi ht et _ ,,
uneasy and Open that letter, whic ‘d  V = .
dlsa reeable for you!" a , '

“ ow much bluff are on givin’ me?”
rather ske tically demand Hogue.

He Won (1 have liked to feel sure it was all

the uneasy"

footie sure to accompan threaten“ ’
{detectives 7mm? l  
. ‘ a.“ ' 'g .«

 

 
   
  

  
   
  

 
 
  

     

 
   
  

 

., Sc” fl .



1‘

 

 

  
 
  
   
 

 

 

 
 

, 'volv , he became both uneasy and non-
' fused. ' '

- self!”

spoiled that nice

growl. was;

_ .there’s a letter, with somig
 on .the..murder, to be h

 

..u

The“ Secret Service. Specie.  New York: "

 
     

 

in response to the proposition that Pate and
Jim should withdraw, Hogue replied:

“IVill ye tell me right herowhere we?
stand, what ye kem t’ say, if I send ’etn 
off?" “ I

“For cash, of courso ! That‘s what
brought me here; but you‘ll have t’ raise,
morc’n fifty dollars of some kmd o' money. I

"But send them away. and we'll maket
some sort of an arrangement, for I ain't
annwa t' go t' the marshal!”

The last startling words decided the coun- ,
terft‘iter. E

“Jim! Sam!" he called. ‘ You kin wait i
down at the foot of the road. I reckon we‘ll '
be able t’ make a deal up here, but keep yer
eyes skinned!

“Now they‘ve goue~what d'ye want7”,
continued Ilogue. when the noise made by;
his departng confederates lmd ceaSed.

“First, will ye give me a hundred, good E
money, if Ishow that you’re in danger and ,
hcw t' get out of it?" I

“ Yes, if it‘s worth anything at all, I‘ll .

ive ye that much,” lied. Hogue, Only anx- f
gens to hear the other’s story, and willing to 
promise anything. ‘

“ Good enough! Here goes!

“The chap you fellows killed t’other ,
night—” I

“ What?" ,

“ Oh. it's all right! I don’t care a snap ‘
coho killed him —but that ain’t the l
point. You‘re going to be picked up for j
that killing, for the fellow had seen the;
marshal, and told him that you, yourself, had
threatened him—before you finished him.” ,
_ “It’s a lie! He didn’t see the marshal!" ~
excitedly dec‘ared IIogue, and then, poi»I
ceivin the dangerous admission thus in—l

" I believe ye’r' some BpY. erselt‘l" he
cried, and raising his voice call to his con-
federates to return, but quickly realizing
that they were too far away to hear him,
laid one and on his pistol, saying:

“ I kin call ’em back wud this, anyhow."

“But won’t. if you're Wise,” quietly
Warned Lightning Lew.

“ Why not?“

"BeCause, first, I’ll let daylight through

a before ye kin pull it out; and, second,
ecause you’d better not let them know any-
thing about what I’m saying till'you've heard
all, for you’ll have enough t' do t’ save your-’

Again Hogue succumbed to the influence
of the detective, and withdrawing his hand,
asked:

“ Well, what is it?”

“This chap who was killed had arranged
to make a statement to the marshal on the
night he was Ratwout o’ the way, but you

Ll'ghtni‘ Lew was watching the counter-
feiter shar y, actually feeling his way, not-
ing the (Ecct of every word, and guiding-
himself by the expressions on Hogne‘s face.

” But,” he continued, seeing vengeful satis-

‘, faction in the 0 es meeting his, “ you did not
do it in time.

on should have done it when
you Were threatening him, in the rear of that
saloon at the bridge.”

llogue started violently, and in a rather
shaky voice asked;

" Who says I was threatenin’ him?”

.‘.., dot? .
 uttered a low, fierce

H ., cried.
“Oh, no; I'm tellln'ip‘gfg _. p 

l

“ You’re a’liori"’hei§clfiomoml

letter that'll be opened. it anything
s‘t’me.’ . ’
‘ ‘Ant‘whn are ye tellin' me all this for?"

 

 Hague'demanded to know.

For one hundred good dollars!" was the

fibrompt rep

I .

“ Say. if lydon'tshell out, you’ll go seethe
marshal, eh?" _

HOWE spoke with intense hate, and his
eyesbluzed With a deadly purpose, s

"01!. not 111‘ just send him word that
retty close pomts
for one hundred
dollars. ~

‘ begun pacing up and down, as if pondering

Z tated criminal.

, sioner’s

, , » ' ou '
know it," quietly contradicted'mq;  d “g; j
. “And lltlsltltés, it‘s down to black and‘wmg.’ 

plausible excuse for getting Hogue down

  

I‘ll offer another for five hundred dollars-
one that he'll jump at.” - ‘

‘ ‘ What ’3‘ that about?”

Watching IIogue closely, Lightning Lew
answered.

“It's about the murderof a United States
Commirsiunn' killed here a couple years ago.

“ l can name the “mm-timers f"

The emmterfeiter shrunk back, as if from 5
some terrible blow, now pale and trembling
beyond all selfcontrol.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
MAKING rrnnns WITH A Mtznmzmzn.
Fort fully-‘fige minutes, llogue remained
silent, having, after the first shock had passed,

 

the situation.

Lew Pryce kept his eyes fixed on the agi-
'l‘wi(:e his grasp tightened
on the butt of his revolver as Ilogue made a
similar movement.

Finally the latter stopped short, and for
the first meeting the disguised detectivo’s
gaze squarely, asked:

“ You say you kin point out the commis-
umrderers—thc men Who killed
Conunissioner Carter?"

“ Sure! ’

“How d'ye know 7"

“Because Ive seen
days.”

“How d‘ye come t’ know ’em—t’ know
anythiu’ of the affair?"

“ That‘s my businessl”, was the blunt and
certainly very confident rejoinder.

This caused Ilogue to again become savage
and vengeful. He seemed now to fully re-
alize hisdeadly peril. f v

“Don't. be too sure 0' thatl”’he warned,
grimly, as‘i‘f newly nerved to defiance

“Oh, I’m safe enough—safe enough to be
avenged at all events—funny things happen
here,” quietly asserted Lew; ‘ ‘ but I'm perfect-
ly willing to let you make it your business,
also, and—well, yes! I will tell you some-
thing about thc thing.

“I found Out about it through the fellow

you killed. He made the assertion that he
could hang the lot of ye, for the commis~
sioner’s murder made it square. That was
the starting- int, and that's all you‘ll get
out 0’! me t l we've made a bargain here and
now. ' ‘
The counterfeiter ground his teeth in his
impotent ra ,. , Could the danger have been
removed by liling- this daring-man. Hogue
would not have hesitated even th fire min-
utes already passed. but the very act that
this stranger had ventured to come to sneha
spot, and on such an errand, seemed the
strongest evidence in support of the story he
told, and assured that the assertion-«that his
death or detention would only hasten the
work of justice—was to be taken as truth.

True, the officers of the law had seldom
been. able to accomplish anything of eonsev
qpenco in the mountains’until Ed e Sack-
yrlle was appointed marshal, and too a hand
m hunting out the counterfeiters, illicit'whis-“
k y manufacturers, and all law-breakers; but,
even now, Confined as he was to his house,
llogue fully comprehended that deputies
would be disratchcd, and urged on, untiihe
and his confederates \i‘ere captured on de-
stroyed. ‘

“ He’ll never give up the hunt now, on ac-
counto'that infernal l’arkson caSe!" thought
the worried and thoroughly alarmed ruifiau,
and turning to Pryce, asked:

“What was it yo and ’bout savin’ my-
self?" w

 Well, I think you can get of! sect—free—

,m sure you can, it We can make a bargain
which. I came here to fix." _

“Well, what isit ye want? How kin I

’em within a few

tell but you’ll go right bad: come. soon? as r '

ye et yor‘mon'ey?” ,,
t e wily man virom New York-appeared ,
to be reflecting overthe‘question fortho next
few moments. in reality he wnsfendcavm-
ing to frame an answer which Would be a

into Charleston again, where hecould force
the much desired confession from him.

“ Well, ldon't know that .1 can ive you
any security for your money, while ’m here.
but I’ll tell yoirwhat I can do, so far as that
goes: ‘ , ?

   

 

halter, that was as surely around it, us fill»

a Lexus.“ read ng Rogue’s though

panics, who
‘ “New in

   
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
    
    
    
 
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
     
    
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
 
   
   
      
    
    
  
 
  
  
    
     
   
 
  
 
    
  
   

guarantte that you‘re safe—but not for the 
others. They are not in this arrangement-
just understand that.

“And look here! Don‘t fool me with the
money, or try any funny games, or it’ll be
worse for ye, Mister llogue!"

The last artfully added threat did more to
convince the listener of the honesty of this
during stranger s intentions than all that pre—
cedvd it. The man’s apparent fears of trick-
ery or treachery, and evident anxiety to get
possession of the money, proved to the
Saloon-keeper that he meant “ busineSS” and
nothing else; so, resolving to trust the strata»
ger, he asked:

"But you said I was going t' be picked
up for the Craig business? Why can't you
bring the paper here?”

‘3 lecause the thing's got to be fixed up
today,” explained the artful Lew, adding,
with a. glance at the sun:

“There's just about time to do the bum-
ness, so that when you cross the bridge at
ten to-night, you’ll be all right, but. take
my advice and don't says word to the others,
for, as I've told ye, they're not in this deal." -

“ lint, suppose they turn on me, ’n' swear
that I‘m the man? ’ urged the alarmed
Hogue

" So much the worse for them! That’li be,
as good as sayin’ they were in the aflair, too,
while the charge against you will come too
late to help them,” Lew assumed, confident. ‘ -
y. ' 1

“How?"——-brightening up. ' . » ‘

“Why, even before they’re nabbed you
will have been granted protection."_ 

“Good enough! So I will i" exclaimed tho‘ 
rascal, gloating ‘ over his own promised ' "
safety, and careless of what became of his
conscieneeless confederates.  ‘ 

Thensuddenly becoming newly suspicious, . ._
he demanded: ' , _

“ Say, how kin you do all this—what; ‘puli’
have ye got, anyhow? ‘ , ‘ I. v

"A hundred dollars isn‘t: oin’ t’ pny'ftu" 
all you promise. That's dea sure." ‘ _‘ a W

“Well I should say not!" romptly admits: 
ted the stranger; "no one undred 
dollars is going to pay for it—nor a thousand ' y
either, for that matter. _ . ‘

“ The hundred's for m ' expenses 
trouble in comin’ here to flu you——or one. of 
the others. That's all there is in that
ure.)) .. ~» I" 4". ‘,

“Then who in thunder‘s putting it _ tho
rest?” asked the astonished-Hague, f‘ I}
expect more?" 7 a _ 

“All if goodntimegbgy friendglwas
quiet re —-“ a in time.» ren‘t , 
satisflc-dpwyith getting, ydur neck out of

you are now almost certainly safe—eve;
from trial?’  " f
“ Yes,” meekly; “ but I can’t help—" 
“ Wondering who‘s taking the trouhia'ioé
pull you off the trap, eh?" interrupted-“tho
clear headed ferret. ' . - f ' ' I
“Yes"--stili more meekly. : 
“Well, it's too long to explain it all.:
now, but I will make it clear enough when:
we meet to night. To keep your mind easy
however, 1'” let you into this much: J . Q
“{TheCommlssioner was heavily insured 
at the timo‘bf his death, but the verdicti'oé'” *
suicide, you know, killed all claim on the
companies, so now, if ‘murder is proved
companies must pay up to the last 
So, you see, it‘s not you but then!”
we’re after—the big stakes—not the ‘
moncv.” , . 
A light be an to dawn uer
had remark the use offlthc: ».
and now scrutinized the 016N318" ' 8W
sppea ceof thismysterious’stranger with...
in “I {V .  , 

r .   is somewhat on
Wiggm. y an real character," :
to the 'ruflian‘s aetdnishment. _

“ But enough of that; I must hurry
Besurc not to cross the bridge “
thirty-ten would be better, or,“ .
me1 luntil then to smart: the‘docu
w: insure your own persons as

The detective was talking  
business-like wa that  our»

0%? hi!”  l. '- ' '

     
 

  

  
        
  

  

  

 
   
 
 

  

24

Here, as expected, he found Jim and Sam
Pate awaiting him.

Having heard no sounds of trouble, these
worthies made no effort to bar Lew’s passage,
but the latter had no intention of passing un-
til he had placed another string to his bow,
and rendered llogue still more certain to
keep the appointment just arranged.

With alightning glance the. detective se-
lected Jim, as the weaker of the two, and
stopping close to him, whispered:

“Where will you be at this time to-lnor-
row?” the astonished Jim stared hard for
half a minute before answering:

“ Right about here, I reckon."

“Very good! I may have something of
importance to say to you, if l‘m disappointed
by another man.”

This was strange language—very strange,
considerin whence it came, but having ac-
complishedth object, Lew avoided all ques-
tioning by immediately resuming his course
toward the town.

“Jim will be sure to repeat what I said to

, Sam, and, between the two, llogue will hear

it—even if he was not watching, and already
on his way to ask what Istopped for. He
will hear of it in some way, and it will make
him all the more anxious to keep the appoint-
ment.

- “ Matters are moving beautifully! I’m
having a wonderful run of luckl” the Goth-
amite chuckled. “I wonder how Bob’s get-
ting along with the other crowd ‘2”

Lightning Lew made his way to the town
without hindrance 0r trouble.

“Guess l’d better step into that saloon
now, to find out who's there, and take a good
look at the surroundings, for it‘s just possi‘
ble some trickery may be attempted. Strange
if it wasn’t.”

, The always-on- guard detective entered the
., saloon and, making a pretense of looking for
 some one, wandered through and around the
place.

“ It’s safe enough,” he decided, as, on
reaching the street again, he started for the
St. Albans—to make a call upon himself!

He found there that no little excitement
had been created during his absence, 1) the
, calls of Edge Sackville, and much curiosity
- was bein expressed when this stranger en-
tered an asked to see Mr. Pryce.

The mention of this name attracted the at-
tention of all in the vicinity of the clerk's
desk to the dust covered, tired-looking new-
comer: What could he want of the coal-
.. . ' speculator.

. , “Some fellow who has coal lands for sale,“
was the general conclusion, and hearing one
man giving expression to this, Lightning
‘ Lew adopted the idea.

 “Mr. Pryce is absent, but if on have any

w message to leave for him I wil see to its de-

livery,” explained and assured the doctor,
when Lew made his appearance in his own
apartment. -

 “ When’ll he be back?"

 “I really don’t know—that is, positively,
'- ‘ but he is expected to return to-night.”

“Then I’d better come back to-night, or
tomorrow morning?”

“Yes, I hope he’ll be here by that time,”
answered Hammil.

“He looks and acts a little worried and
anxious about me,” commented Lew, as he
descended the stairs, and passed out of the
hotel.

“ I’m glad to see it. It shows that his
friendship is not altogether selfish or feigned
fora urpose.

“ lNow, I’ll call on the marshal.
what could have stirred him 11
thing of moment to our affairs,

 

I wonder
so? Some-
conclude.”

 

 CHAPTER XXXVI].
" “ nonon AMONG Tiiinvns.”

 REACHING the marshal’s house bya round-
_-;'.‘ about course, Lightning Lew learned that
3“: Sackville was still absent.

 “Gone with his deputy, eh?” muttered

Pryce, as he left the house. “That, of
course, means business—and connected with

3;, me, too, else he would not have risked stop-
:,3‘ , pin at the hotel to inquire for me. '

f?’ “ at, what can he have learned that is so
3-3:. important as to cause him to leave home in
71""; the wretched conditiOn he‘s in?

 “ Well, there’s no use wasting time in use-

Hague.’

 

 

less conjectures—I must get ready for Mr. ‘

The Secret Service $2691? frem liew Y.9rk-__

Entering a small hotel near the bridge, the
detective secured a room for the night, and,
having procured pen and ink, proceeded to
draw up the counterfeitens “guarantee,” to
which he signed the name of Edge Saekville,
placing his own beneath it, as if with power
to act. for the marshal!

“ 'l‘here‘s no time to be lost. and if he don’t
like it i‘ll throw up the Whole ailairl” mut-
tered Lew, as he looked at the marshal‘s sig-
nature.

Then on another sheet of paper he drew
11p a Statement (based on Craig‘s assertion
that he could “hang the lot of them,") ae-
cusing Iloguc and histwo (-onfederatcs ofthe
murder of the Commissioner.

To this he signed his own name as wit-
ncss, placed both documents in his pocket.
and then threw himself upon the bed, where
soon he was sound asleep.

“ I'm tired, and may fall asleep," he had
said to the clerk when registering. “ if I
don't come. down before, call me at nine.”

“lt's nine o'clock!" warned a messenger
from the clerk when that hour arrived, and
the peacefully sleeping detective arose and
left the hotel, saying:

“ l’ll return between ten and eleven.”

He made the assertion pretty confidently,
feeling that Hogue would keep the appoint-
ment.

Nor was he mistaken, for a few minutes
after ten the counterfeiter entered the saloon
where Pryce was aWaiting him, and at a
sign from the latter proceeded to the rear.

“Now,” began Lew, who followed close
after Hogue, “ have you got that money, as
promised ?”

(l 1788-)! '

“ All right! This is no place to talk; we’ll
go to my hotel.”

To this proposition the eounterfeiter gladly
assented, because he feared the saloon-keeper
might notice what was going on.

()n reaching Pryce’s room, the detective
closed and locked the door.

“ To prevent intrusion,” he remarked, ob-
servin the doubt and alarm caused by this
sus icrous action.

I ogue wasn’t uite certain of what was
meant by “ intrus on,” but, as it was uttered
in a reassuring tone, he breathed a sigh of
relief.

As was expected, he had observed Lew
speaking to Jim, and on learning what had
passed between them, became more anxi. 11s
than ever to secure the guarantee before his
confederates should have an opportunity to

-make terms for themselves.

“And, now, to business!” continued Lew,
seating himself at the table directly in front
of the crime-stained, anxiety-ridden counter-
feiter. :

First placing a revolver on the table, he
produced the eagerly Sought-for guarantee."
which he read aloud, ‘and then passed over
to Ilogue, saying:

“ There, you can look for yourself.”

He was well aware of the man’s ignorance,
through what he had heard in Bradley’s; but
Hogue knew nothing of that. and pretended
to read the document, devoting a good five
minutes to studying the big red seal affixed
at the end.

“ Yes; it’s all there,” he assented.

“ Hand it over!”

Reluctantly Hogue parted with the pre-
cious piece of paper, which Lew received
with the consolatory remark:

“It’s no good, anyhow, unless you have
this with it.’

He. then read the statement accusing the
three counterfeiters of the murder of the
Commissioner, which particularly specified
that Hogue had committed the deed.

“ That looks pretty much as if somebody
should stretch a few yards of hemp, doesn’t
it?” remarked the reader, when he had fin-
ished the supposed statement.

Densely ignorant, unable to read his own ,

name, Ilogue never thought. of doubting the
accuracy of the verbal statement, or the
worth of the written one, and nodded meek
assent, while protesting:

“ But, it‘s a lie, mister!
didn’t do it!"

“ Of course you did not—you would not,”
was the sarcastic response. “But, if that
ever goes before a jury, you'll have a tongh
time trying to convince them of your inno-
cence.”

“But, you’re goin' t‘ give it me, ain't ye?"

It's a lie—I

 

 

pleaded liogue. “ Ye said ye w‘u’d, ’n’
here's the money fur it.”

As he spoke the crime-stained rutlian pro.
dueed a roll of hills which he laid on the
table before the detective.

All his nerve seemed to have deserted him.
He was trembling like a frightened child,
and could scarcely count out the hundred
dollars.

“ It's a clear case of the triumph of brains
over body, or of little education over a great
deal of ignorance,” thought the observant
detective, who pushed back the money and.
asked at the same time:

“ You’d like to keep that, wouldn’t you?"

“No, no! I want them papers!" cried
llogue, in almost fierce earnestness. “ Ye
said ye’d give ’em t’ me fur a hundred—there
it is!”

“Not much! lsaid you could have this
guarantee for the hundred, but that covers
Craig’s case only.

“ Now, how would you like to have both
papers—~and your money, too? ’

Suddenly s‘ruck with a new and bright
idea, lIogue asserted:

“Say, pardner. you’re playin’ a kind of a
double hand in this!”

“Of courseI am! You don't suppose I
care two straws what becomes of your
worthless carcass, do you?

“Why, you should have been at the
business end of a halter, long, long ago!”

That squelched llogue’s idea. and no lamb
was ever meeker, when led to slaughter, than
the man who now replied: '

“I didn’t mean nothin’ wrong, mister.”
(“ Pardner” disappeared with the new idea.)
“What kin 1 do? Ye say both papers ’n’
mono —what kin I do t’ git ’em?”

“ ow You are in the proper state!" men-
tally deci ed the detective; and aloud:

“Sit down, Ilogue! Don’t get excited.
You‘ve got both money and papers right in
your hands, if you care to take them."

“ Give ’em—”

“ Oh, no—not quite yet! You’ve got to do
somethin for them, first—something which
will justi y m'y giving them to you."

“ What is it? I’ll do it!” was the eager
response.

“ We'll see about that. Now, in order to
get possession of those papers and the money
at all, you must put the blame anywhere you
please, except on your own shoulders, so tell
me exactly .what happened the night the
Commissioner was murdered, and why the
crime was done.

“ l’ll write down what you say as a volun-
tary confession. That Will kill the effect of
this Craig statement, and anything the others
may say afterward.

“I’ll do whatever can be done to save
them, after you’re out of it for good, but can
promise nothing."

Hogue hesitated just about half of one
minute, before saying:

“Allrightl Ill tell e.”

He did not care anyt ing about what the
result of his confession might be, to his con-
federates. It would insure his own safety,
and that was all Mr. Hogue was anxious
about.

And yet we hear of
thieves!”

“ Honor among

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE COUNTERFEITER’S conrnssron.

ONeE having decided to tell the story,
Hogue lost little time in the relation of it.

Unconscioust the fact was again and
again revealed that, in claiming llogue was
the actual perpetrator of the murder, Light-
ning Lew had told the exact truth, although
the murderer fenced around that point n
speaking of it, saying that three shots were
fired, and nobody could say just who fired
the messenger of death.

The object of the murder was to prevent
the Commissioner from revealing to Sack.
ville the hiding- lace of their particular
band of counter citers, which the former
had accidentally discovered while hunting.

“ VVc’d just got a-goin’, and didn’t want t’
quit ag‘in so quick, so the boss sent us t’ tr

l t’ get him t’ swear t’ keep his trap close ,

0r—V)

There was a significant pause, and Pryce
filled the gap, saying:

“And he wouldn’t swear?”

“No; he swme just the other way,” was
the low-toned reply.

' . . ,
.- m ' m,» : . I .4
._ ,,l 5353‘”. w... 3: Jr; L‘ ..

....a¢<,. . .4 .

w.-»_, _

- others.

The Secret Service Speial from ew Yor : I

25'

 

 

“ Who was the boss—the man who ordered
this done? -

“ He is the responsible party really,” add-
ed Lew, to give the other courage and an
excuse for answering.

It was unnecessary. IIogue had a fair
prospect not only of saving his neck and his

00d money, but of making himself necessary
fand, therefore, valuable) to the people who
had interposed so powerfully to defeat jus-
tice, and would haw sacrificed his own bro-
ther to gain his point.

That was what he had in mind when an—
swering:

“I can’t safi for sure, but all our orders
kem through ill Kyle, ’n’ we allus thought
he wuz the cap'n.”

“Do you mean to say you didn’t know
who your chief was—or is?"

“I ot fur sure, because we never see’d his
face; he allus wore a black velvet mask when
with us.”

“ And .you couldn’t tell, from his general
appearance, whether or no it was Kyle?"

“No. Ye see, Kyle's ’bout the same size
'n’ looks, ez or‘inary men, but the voice was
like his, though the cap’n had a kind of a
hum on his back."

“ shrewd scoundrel! He was wise not to
leave himself open to treachery,” openly com-
mented the detective.

Takin‘r up the Craig statement, and “ guar.
antee,” w left the room, saying;

“There must be another witness present
when you sign that, but I’ll fix it so the con-
tents need not be known."

icing below he found the landlord, who
willingly a retd to witness Hogue’s signing
of the con ession—which was done by mak-
inga cross.

ryce then had the landlord mark the
document so that it could be identified at
any time.

“And now I think we’re about through,
for the present at any rate. Here are your
papers and there is your money.

"Now, landlord, we’ll go below and seal
the settlement you‘ve just witnessed.”

This was an agreeable proposition to the
Trembling with eager joyfulneSS,
Hogue seized the precious papers and follow-
ed the others to the bar, wnere, five minutes
later, Lightning Lew left him hobnobbing
with the proprietor.

“ I have to get these papers into the proper
hands without delay,” whispered the detec-

tive, and, pleased with the assumption of-

secreey, with which the communication was
made, IIogue nodded assent.

“ Now, to get my clothes back, return, and
consult Sackville,” muttered Lew, as he
headed for Magazine Run, and walking
rapidly, he had quick-‘~ y covered the greater
part of the three miles to Bradley’s, when he
came upon a man staggering blindly along
the road from the towa.

“ Drunk!” inferred the detective, and
would have passed on had not the other
called to him to stop.

The voice sounded familiar, and though
faint, was not that of a drunk," so Lightning
Lew complied with the request.

“I want to get to the station "—-began the
stranger, and then the detective recognized
him—the sight of an arm hanging in a sling
aiding in the discovery that the supposed
drunk was Ellge Sackv1|lel

The marshal was in a pitiable condition,
unconscious of where he was, or where trav-
eling to—indeed, scarcely conscious at all.

Excitement, pain and weakness had almost
overcome him, and quickl realizin the
state he was in, Lightning w took ack-'
ville’s arm, saying: ' '

“Come along a little distance, and I'll
manage to get some kind of a rig to carry
you back."

They were but a short distance from Brad»
ley’s, and Sackville, yielding blindly to the
” stranger,” (for, as may be imagined, he did
not recognize Pryce,) the latter managed to
get his employer to the log cabin.

There was no light within but a vigorous
pounding on the door quickly brought the
double barreled question:

“ Who’s there? What d’ye want?”

“It's Pryce, Mrs. Bradley! I’m after my
clothes, and have a job for you!"

“Hurry ’n' bring that light, Marthyl"
PI‘ 08 heard the mother Order.

n a moment a light shone through the
cracks in the well-ventilated side of the cabin;

 

then the doorwas unbarred and the detective,
half—carrying the marshal, entered.

“It‘s all right, Mrs. Bradley!" assured
Pryce, seeing the woman fall back on be-
holding the dreaded, hated marshal support-
ed by one whom they could not be expected
to recognize as the elegant Mr. Pryce.

The voice. however, was familiar, and this,
coupled with the marshal‘s helpless condi-
tion, reassured the woman sufficiently to
cause Mrs. Bradley to say:

“Put him in that arm-chair! and, ’Lize,
get a little whisky; he’s plumb played out!”

She was a very shrewd quick-wilted wo-
man, was Mrs. Bradley,and while Pryce was
helping Sackville to the chair, she examined
the former closely.

Having made the marshal comfortable,
with ’Lize attending to him, the detective
turned to explain matters, but was cut short
b :

y“ Well, Mr. Pryce, yew hev fooled me
right along, I reckon, but if yew take ad-
vantage o ennything yew heerd here, I‘ll
never trust to nobody or nothing ag’in l”

Pryce understood her. She was referring
to the time when he was supposed to be “ out
of his head." and answered:

“Mrs. Bradley, when I left this house
everything except your having saved my
life, your kindness’ after doing so, and the
names of the three scoundrels who brought
me here was forgotten!”

He spoke warmly, just as he felt toward
the woman and her daughters, and Mrs.
Bradley looked relieved.

“ The best proof of my opinion—my trust
in you,” continued the detective, “is my
coming here in this disguise, and in bringing
this man, whom I found staggering along
the road, to your house."

“Is he a friend 0' yewrs?” quietly asked
Mrs. Bradley.

“ He is!" boldly declared Lightning Lew.

“I thought’s much. Well, if he’s ycwr
friend, he‘s cum—though we hain‘t got no
reason to love him.

“What air we t’ do with him?
man‘ll be home by noon t’-morrer."

“Is it possible to get a wagon tonight?
I’ll pay Well for it."

“ No, but yew kin git a hoss.”

“Then that must dol I’ll ride into town
and come back with a carriage.”

The detective had removed the false beard
and wig, and ot into his own coat, with a
rapidity whic partly accounted for the
name by which he was best known, and now
stood ready to depart.

“Go right along with Marthy,” directed
Mrs. Bradley; “ she’ll show yew where the
hoss is. We‘ll take good care 0' him ontil
yew come back.”

“You’ll not lose anything b this kind-
ness, Mrs. Bradley,” returned ryce, as he
do arted. followmg the girl.

hey had but a short distance to go, for
the horse belonged to the Bradleys, or, at all
events, was in their ossession, though kept
hidden in an artful y concealed but, about
fifty yards further in the woods.

'The girl can ied a lantern, and when Light-
nlng Lew saw the magnificent horse, he felt
confirmed in the sus icion that had entered
his mind when . arthy started into the
woods, namely—that the animal was a stolen
one.

“But that's none of in business," he
thought; “I should be thankful for use of
the beast, and doubly so for the confidence
they show in me, now knowing who I
am."

Five minutes later he was dashing over the
road to Charleston, and within_an hour was
back, with Sackville’s own carriage.

Next morning, about nine, Mr. Pryce en-
tered the St. Albans, and finding the doctor
as expected, in the bar, surprised that gentle-
man and a group of inquisitive guests by ap-
pearin g before them, with a quiet:

“ Good-morning, gentlemen! At your con-
venience. doctor, I would like to talk with
you for a few minutes.” .

The “gentlemen” all stared in amaze-
ment. '

What did this sudden reappearance por-
tend?

The ole

CHAPTER XXXIX.
MORE PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING.
WITHOUT awaiting a reply to his intima-
tion to the doctor, Mr. Pryce went on to his

 

apartments, where he found several letters
lying on the table, one of which bore an En-
glish stamp and postmark. This particular
letter had been separated from the others
and placed in a prominent position—as be-
fitted an important communication, and ob-
serving this, the detective smiled as he mut~
tered:

“ I’m afraid you’ve been allowing yourself
to worry over this, doctor; but you’ll soon
be out of agony—or rather right in it!

“1 must get away, now. The moment
Forrest’s things are running right, my dear
friend, the doctor, and myself, will go pros.
pecting and—disappear!"

” You rather alarmed folks yesterday; Mr.
Pryce l” exclaimed Hammil, entering at that
moment.

“Alarmed them, did I? Then they must
be expecting something to happen, eh ?"

“ That they do!” the doctor confessed.
“Marshal Sackville called twice, after you
had left, and seemed to fear for your
safety.”

“ Oh, well, it’s all over now,” declared the
coal speculator, tearing open the English
letter, and, after glancing over it, contin-
ued:

“ By Jove! In New York at any moment,
eh? Well, it hurries us a little —that‘s all.”

He said this as if thinking aloud, and then,
addressing the doctor, explained:

“Our president is liable to be in New
York any day; so, as soon as we can arrange
things—get a few more specimens and prices
—we must get away from here."

“ Any time you say, Mr. Pryce.”

“It’s fortunate you can leave, for I fear
my knowledge of coal-lands and their value
is just about sufficient to enable me to make
a beautiful mess of it.”

This caused the doctor to laugh heartily,
as if he rather enjoyed the situation, and Mr.
Pryce joined him—seemingly.

After glancing over several of the letters,
Lew finally opened one which gave him
great satisfaction, for it was from Forrest—
short, and right to the point.

“I am the white-haired boy among the
Owens crowd. Spent yesterdaywith the magis-
trate, to-day at the farm, and go to-morrow,
for a couple days, to another brother—
William, a farmer living a few miles from
here.

"You can clear out as soon as you like.
Parkson is just about properly suspicious of
you and the doctor, and has made Owens
feel the same way.

“By the way, there’s something afoot
about Edge Sackville and Parkson’s daugh.
ter. She's rich, or will be, I‘ve learned, and
there’s a suspicion of something serious be-
tween the two.

“What is going on I’ve been unable to
learn, but there‘s mischief of some kind con-
templated. Parkson has been here several
times, and I got a hint that it was abouta
love affair. I ‘jumped the rest.’ ”

There was no signature, nor was any
needed, of course.

In good spirits, over the smooth way mat.
ters were progressing, Pryce invited the
doctor to remain and breakfast with him in
his rooms, saying: ‘

“ We can talk more freely here, and with-
out attracting attention,”—which was the
exact reverse of what it would, and did do,
when the doctor, at Pryce’s sug estion, went
down-stairs and ordered meals or two, says
in :

“Mr. Pryce and I are going to breakfast
in his apartments.”

“By Jove, the doctor’s in luck!” com-
mented the hotel-keeper, and he ex ressed
the general opinion of those present, ut not
the remarks which followed, when somebody
sug ested that there must be some strong
bon , some. queer reason, for such intimacy
on so short an acquaintance.

Searcer anything passes unnoticed in a
small town. here is so little to talk about
that everything is made a matter of remark
and gossip.

This was foreseen by Lightning Lew—in.
deed, it was the very reason he had ordered
breakfast in his apartments.

It would be sure to create more talk,which
would reach Parkson or Owens, and render
them still more suspicious.

While eating, Mr. Pryce talked continual-

...,x,.,--.._,. ,_. ._ L .,..;,. ...

‘26

m— "m"? .rfiw

M‘The Secrervice Special from New ibis"

 

 

ly of the Company and of the doctor's pros-
pects of an engagement, but. breakfast over,

6 declared that he was too tired to go coal-
hunting that day.

“We'll take a stroll and smoke a cigar.”
he suggested. and, as usual, the doctor will-
ingly assented.

“ But you'll have a number of callers,” he
suggested.

" We'll be back in an hour or two," care
lessly answered PryCe; “and, when we do
return, I intend to remain here, callers or
no callers. llavc you anything special on
hand?”

Of course the doctor had not, nor had he
had for some time.

“Glad to hear it. l'e‘ll make ourselves
as comfortable as cool rooms, good cigars,
and plenty of cooling drinks will avail,
against such infernally hot weather.

“Visitors will hardly be plentiful on such
a day, but if any do Come up, I think we
can manage them between us ”

Passing through the hall and by the bar,
on theirway out, Pryce remarked:

" \Ve‘ll have to drop this bar business; it‘s
no placr- for business men.”

Hammil winced, though the thrust was
not aimed at him, but was to account for
their not going inon their way back—another
bit of diplomacy on the Gothamitc's part.
It would cause still more comment.

Passing Kyle‘s, the doctor was astonished
to hear:

“Let’s go in.
ley is inside ‘2”

Apparently, Mr. Pryce had a very poor
memory since his recent declaration against
bar-rooms was so quickly forgotten.

Crowley was not within, but Mr. Kyle
was, and started perceptibly on seeing Pryce.
The latter did not appear to notice the saloon-
keeper’s agitation. though he enjoyed it—
having entered for the express purpose of
worrying the proprietor.

“Ill spend an hour here, just to annoy
him," decided the detective, and takin the
doctor into the rear, spent the time ta king
and smoking; but with care that the re-
freshments should not be of an intoxicant
character.

He was. at first, inclined to call on the
marshal, but decided that the latter would
probabl y be better pleased to have his love
affairs left severely alone.

After an hour’s amusement in watching
Kyle’s maneuvers to get within earshot, and
whenever he did, to say something which, to
the saloon keeper, would sound suspicious,
(while to the doctor it WnS either harmless, or
meaningless.) Lightning Lew signified his in-
tention of returning to the St. Albans.

“ Won’t; you try a little something before
on lgo, gentlemen?" invtted the uneasy sa-
00n- eeping counterfclter, as the detective
now regarded him.

“I have just received a new brand of
whisky, which I’d like you to sample,” he
urged.

“No, no!” smilingly declined Lew; “the
doctor's s worn oil", and I‘ve resolved to keep
him company."

Perhaps your friend Crow-

Hammil heard this unfounded statement in .

an astonishingly good-natured, calm way,
causing Kyle to receive it as a fact, and to
ascribe the. change to some new move 0:: the
part of the man, who he was now morally
certain was an otiicer from Washington.

He had heard of the suspicious man seen ,
gdare presume to disturb his employer, al-

in the hidden athan to the counterfeiters'
rendezvtrus. ofpthe private conversation with
Hogue, and of the mystet ious quasi-appoint-
ment w ith Jim that morning.

Pate, jealous of the others, had left the ‘

salmn just previous to the arrival of Pryce
and Hammil, after reporting what be ad
seen and heard the previous day—leavin
K la in a decidedly unpleasant frame 0
:11 nd, ready to suspect everybody.

“I'll have to keep a sharp eye on Hogue,"
muttered Kyle, “and if there's the least sign
of his playing double, down he goes!

“This fellow. Pryce. .was away all yester-
day and last night. There was a stranger
prett close to the cave yesterday afternoon,
and ogue was absent last night for several
hours.

“It looks uglyt However. Pate ’11 watch
him, and will be only too willing to put a
bullet where it will do the most good if]
give :l.e word."

 

 

CHAPTER XL.
AN ABDU'CTION.

HAD Lightning Lew reported the contents
of Forrest’s letter to Sackville, the latter
might have avoided much worr and trouble,
as well as considerable danger or both, and,
also, for Lydia Parkson. .

As reCorded in a previous chapter, how»
eVer, the marshal had once most em hatic-
ally refused to discuss his relations w th the
fair girl, with whom the veteran detective
had met hint.

It was because of this that Pryce returned
to the St. Albans without communicating
with Sackville regarding the danger which
Forrest declared threatened Miss l’urltson.

The day was spent in the manner laid out
by Mr. Pryce in the morning, and, as he had
declared, visitors did not feel inclined to stir
out, but two disturbing them during the
day.

Cigars and cooling refreshments, breezy
apartments, and a sumptuous luncheon, ren-
dered the days enjoyable, or rather, as bear-
able as the sweltering weather would permit.

lint what. was still more important, this
privacy rendered the hotel guests anti those
who frequented the house fairly frantic with
curiosity.

The luncheon was ordered apparently
without regard to expense, as were the re-
freshments and.cigars which preceded and
followed it.

All day the mysterious pair enjoyed them-
selves in a languid, drowsy fashion, talking
a little, smoking a great deal, and worrying
about nothing.

The. doctor followed Pryce's lead, and as
the latter felt more inclined to think than to
talk—t ngagcd in planning his future move-
ments—t'tmversation was not liVely

About seven o‘clock Mr. Pryce suggested
dining below.

“ It's a little cooler now,” said he, “and
we will take a walk somewhere after-
wards.”

As usual, the doctor acquiesccd, and the
mysteriously interesting pair descended to
the dining-room, where their advent created
considerable excitement—all, even the wait.
ers. being intensely interested and anxious
to know what was going on all day in Pryce’s
apartments.

The-two visitors who called on Mr. Pryce
in relation to coal-lands happened to be
strangers, and therefore no information could
be extracted from them.

Having dined, the New York delegate and
the doctor started out to take the proposed
stroll, during which the former informed his
companion that they were likely to be called
to New York on the succeeding day.

“ But, you must not forget that our de—
parture is to be a secret one,” he enjoined;
“ for if any of these people got the idea that
we thought Well of the prospect, generally,
there would be a sudden jump in prices."

Hammil promised profound secrecy. and
the pull‘ returned to the hotel and passed the
time until midnight in Pryce's rooms.

\Vith everything moving smoothly. and his
mind at case on all points, Lightning Lew
felt lazily inclined next morning and did not

i appear in the dining-room until quite late——

long after the other guests had gone to busi
nose or resumed their usual occupation of
killing time as best they could.
Notwithstanding the intimate companion-
ship of the previous day, the doctor (lid not

thong be was fairly bursting with news
when the latter appeared.

“What d'ye think? Colonel Parkson‘s
daughter was kidnapped — abducted last
ni ht!” be exclaimed on meeting his friend.

nowing very little, though suspecting a

,great deal from Edge Sackville‘s tone and

manner on the occasion previously referred
to, Lew did not feel particularly disturbed
over the intelligence.

“My business is to prove Green Sackville
innoccnt of the charge of conspiracy."
thought he, repeating the marshal’s words;
and aloud-

“Well, doctor as I’ve had nothing to do ;

with her abduction, I can't say that I feel
particulaer interested in the affair. Have
you had breakfast?”

So surprised was the doctor at this evident
lack of interest that he replied in the affirma-
tive, thus losing a good meal, through an
llllllllt ntit-nal lie.

 

 

“Then I must eat alone.” rejoined Pryce.
“ but I‘ll see you afterwards about taking a
tramp to-day, if you're not otherwise en-
gaued."

” And yet, those fools suspected that man
of being a detective!" ejaculated Ilammil, as
he watched the speculator disappear into the
dining-room.

“Confound it! I've missed a nice break—
fast through Parkson and his abducted daugh-
ter. And he's as bad as the rest, too! Looks
sour when he sees me talking to Pryce, who
isa better friend to me than any of them—
thatI know.

“Ile. too, thinks Pryce is a detective—a
man whose sole thought is coal-lands for the
company, and comfort for himself."

The doctor‘s news was by this time the
talk of the town. ,

Lydia Parkson had gone out for a drive
the previous evening, and, while still a short
distance from the bridge, the carriage was
Stopped by masked men.

The drivers appearance confirmed his storv
of having made a desperate, but lilOlIt‘Cllltl ,
resistance. before the girl was taken from him,
and carried off toward the mountains

Colonel Parkson had left town about. two
hours previous to his daughter‘s disapDear-
ance, and no one appeared to know where he
had gone.

thtice Owens, at the suggestion of his
brother Joint, issued warrants” swore in
special otlieers, and started an organized
search for the missing girl.

Lightning Lew learned these acts from the
conversation of those about him, when, hav-
ing finished breakfast, he mrt the doctor in
the corridor, and stood fora short time talk-
ing to him. '

“ We will not go out to day," he decided
and explained:

“ It is Someth cooler, and. my time be—
ing so limited, it. will be as well to see as
many of these callers as possible.

“ if you are at liberty, come to my rooms
in a half-hour, and we will dispOse of the
callers as fast as they arrive.”

The fact was, that there was no further
necessity of keeping up the farce cf examin-
ing coal-lands, and the detective was only
waiting to hear from Edge Sackville, in re—
sponse to a communication informing the
latter that Mr. Pryce and Doctor Ilammil
would leave town next night. and asking if
{life marshal had anything to say before they
(3 it.

Callers Were plentiful that day. and the
delighted doctor had all the glory of receiv—
ing the land-owners that he could possibly
wish for.

About noon, a middle-aged colored man
entered and requested a private audience

‘ with Mr. Pryce.

The doctor vainly endeavored to persuade
this caller to reveal his business—believing
his friend would not care to be bothered with
the man. .

“Mr. Pryce, or nobody!" declared the
darkv. anti the doctor reluctantly informed
his friend of the obstinate colored man‘s
presence.

“Send him along!" cheerfully directed
Lew, scenting something more than Coal

‘ business in this caller’s persisteucy.

“Marse Edge says t‘come right away!”
whispered the negro, as soon as Hammil had
retired.

Mr. Pryce elevated his eyebrows, and
looked inquiringly at the speaker, who con-
tinued

"He's a-goin’ clean crazy, sah! If you
doan’t come right smart, he ll be a-goin’ out
hisself!"

“I’ll be with‘him inside of fifteen minutes."
replied Lew. after one searching look at Sam
—for the messenger was SackVIIle'S 0' nfiden—
tial servant.

“I've received a message from Marshal
Sackville.” Pryce informed Ilamnil “He
wants to see me about a matter of importance.
so he says, but cannot leave his room, and
asks me to call. So I must go at once. I
wonder what it is?"

“Counterfeiters perhaps,” suggested the
doctor. whoSe curiosity died with the detec-
tive’s frank statement.

“Perhaps. Well. I’m off! Keep silent
as to where I’ve gone, and attend to every-
thing until I return,” were the Gotham dele-
gates commands.

.A-‘m_

 
 

    

 

' ‘ CHAPTER XLI.
LOVE ~AND DUTY.

Wrrnm a few minutes Lightning Lexv
stood before Sackville, or rather in‘his room
for the marshal was acin the floor in a
highiv excited frame 0? min .

‘ “ Mr. Pryce,’ he said, " I’m in a quandary
from which you alone can relieve me.
What shall I do about this abduction of Miss
Parksnn? Leave her recmery to the parties
now searching for her. or ask you to take
part in it ?"

“That is for on to say. Mr. SaekViilc,"
uietlyanswere the detectivo. “ [am here
or one certain purposn. and wil stick to

tiliat unless you direct me to do something
0 se."
“ No, no! That‘s the trouble—that's just

shal.

“Tell me!" he continued, “do you think
it Would endanger the success of the work
already accomplished if you were to delay
to ascertain what has become of Miss Park-
son?"

" it is impossible to answer that positive-
ly, but I do not think a couple of days
A . would make any difference."

" Then, for God's sake. see if you can find
any trace of her! These Spt‘Cltli officers are
fools—will never find her, and you admit. no
harm can come through your helping in the
search."

“ He‘s afraid he's doing wrong by calling
me off the clearingof 11H father‘s memory,
to look for the girl he loves.”

So thought Lightning Lew, divining the
situation with his accustomed acuteness, and
a little malicrously replied: ,

“I did not say that, exactly, Mr. Sack-
vi e. Harm may restdt from my

'- this search. but 1 do'not believe t will.”

“ Then go! You can accomplish more in
fiirt eight hours than all of these people
cdu d. or would. in a month."

.Yorker.

f‘I would go myself," explained Sack-
ville, “ but am restrained by very powerful
motives but \- hieh are of a naturel would
4 rather not reveal.

5 “However. if I do not hear from you in
twenty-four hours I will take a hand in the
game myself " added the marshal.

The detective bowed and retired, assuring
his excited employer that he would do his
utmost to make a favorable report within the
prescribed time.

Returning to the St. Albans, Lew again
brought the small black bag into play, ex-
.pkhting:

' “Wictor. you‘ll have to attend to things
fora while— erhaps two days. I’m going
away immed ately.«aad may not return for

~ fortmlahthomo'     _
i ' Harnmii- looked a halo curious, and Law
‘ continued: ' - " '

“It's purely business, so that really there
is no time lost. Just order luncheon for us,
while 1 pack a few things in this bag."

Luncheon was merely an excuse to get
. the doctor out of the room. in order to se-
1 lect a dis uise for the work now in hand,
, I as it wou d not do tor Mr. Pryce to ap
‘ pear so deeply interested in Miss Parkson‘s

welfare.

“They went toward the mountains.” mut-
tered Lew, as he stufled a hunting-shirt into
the bag. and with 'it placed a heavy bowie-

 ,  a red ,wimand “mutton chop ” whis.

ken 
“ Well, I  change at Bradley‘s,
as before. It’s been filmy-snot fer me.”

K‘ )- ‘2.._~..

. Lina

 

   

the doctor. entering at that moment, followed
  e by. Waiter, carrying the luncheon; . '
' 3-  ,  ‘_’.‘;£th,.1’11 be back so soon. and there is so
‘   _ little timsto are, that I’ve taken only ab-
  srolute necessiiies," carelessly explained Mr.
ryoe.

Hurrying through the eating. Lew‘man':
aged to convey thedmpressinn thfit his MD
was for the purpose of/examtnmg Property

belonging to the Sackvilles.
‘ ",So. of course, you‘ll say nothinz about it
nor of my .sit to the marshal."addcd the
detective. as. picking up the black bag. he
.  for the station, leaving the doctor in
 his a

to' realize; an , attend-to all calls

I L‘s . ,

  

     

   

}

“Thank you!” acknowledged the New-

7  “ What! packed up' alreadyr"‘excls,hned.

 
  

   

' ' An honor which

the man of mgjicine duly
appreciated. I . _

cmme XLll. ‘
I A MYSTERI'OUS MATTER.

" BACK again, Mrs. Bradley.” announced
Lightning Lew as he stood in the doorway

. of the log-cabin.

what I wish to avoid doing!" cried the mar- '

joining in .

 

rtments. with instructions :
rs--al

"has

“An’ welcome, yew may be shore?" re-
turned the sturdy mountain woman

A glance had revealed to the visitor the
pleasing fact that Bradley was absent, f0?
the latter never made use of the cave. eating
and sleeping in the outer room, but, to make
assurance doubly sure, the detective asked:

“ lradley'nsleep?"

“ No, he's just gone, ’n’ won‘t be back for
a day‘r twn, ’tain’t likely. Don't want tew
see, him, dew yew?"

There was a little alarm expressed in the
tone of the question, which Lew hastened to
relieve: -

“ Oh, 110! Just wanted to make sure, for
I'm going to make another change in my ap-
pearance. ’

“ An’ yew’ll want t’ be. alone, same as be-
fore, I reckon?" she queried.

“ Well, yes; for l’ve got to change every-
thing this time.”

“Go right ahead!

“Come, gals—give Mr. Pryce a chance
tew dew what he wants," and Mrs. Bradley
led the way into the cave. '

“All ready!" called the detective a few
minutes later, and as the mother and daugh.
ters returned, he disappeared through the
doorway, headin for Charleston.

He had no fnit in the generally accepted
theory that Lydia Parkson had been seized
by the counterfeiters. and carried to their re‘
treat to be held‘for ransom.

“ There are mth richer men in and about
Charleston than arkson. Indeed. it‘s a
question if he‘s not connected with these
pe mic, er the whisky men, or both, for no-
body seems to know just where he derives
his income from."

Thus reasoning. Lightning Lew made for
the station. Miss l’arkson had been seized
at that point, and there. therefore, was the
place to begin the St‘ul‘Cil.

Not withstanding its proximity t1 the town, “
or. perhaps because of it, the country in the
neighborhood of the station was very thinly
populated, and the detective spent the whole
afternoon without finding a witness of the
abduction. ,

Night came and found. him still without
the slightest clue. ad been in the gen-
eral store and the salons—the, "newts ex—
changes” respectively for those who did not
and those who did drink—and among the
residents of the few houses in the neighbor-
h0od. but not one person appeared to know
anythin of the affair, nor even to have
heard 0 it in most instances.

“The ignorance of these people is some-
thing sublime,” declared Lightning Lew in
a“ “first tone, as he returned toward the
country store, intending to make the best
meal he could out of its stock.

“They can be more profoundly ignorant
than any people ever i've had the misfortune
1'0 "in across} Curiosity is something no-
known, apparently, aniong‘them t"

On cntcrix the store he‘fonod the usual
crowd who re nent such places sitting on
boxes and barre s discussing Keypad every.
thing except Miss Parkson‘s strange abduc.
tion. - .

As is usually the case. conversation ceased.
when the stranger entered. but. Oblivions of
the inquisitive glances cast at him,‘Lew paid
strict attention to his crackers and cheese,
and soon the tide of talk was again flowing.

Shortly after Lightning Lew came in. an-
other man entered the store. and his Words
'csusedfihe detective to prick up his cars. so

to spas .

“ What’s all this here talk ’bout Parkson's
daughter?“ began the new-comer, but stop-
ped short, ’ ‘ 

“Somebody's warned him to shut up!"
thought the attentive listener. who was sit-
ting with his back to the crowd.

“This ignorance, as I thought. was all as-
sumed. Probably every man in the place
knows more or less of the affair. Just to
gfipygtlyem Til Ista‘ygoadiew minutes." and.

n ota‘ 1- or, _ ‘  tecti .de
agile. “a “i  

3:. l t ow

to“.

   
 
 
  

 

A

fnl stars (which would have rendered nine
men out of ten decidedly uncomfortable), but:
Lightning Lew could stare, too, and one by
one the inquisitive eyes dropped. or shifted,
as they met his keen gaze. .

But Lew was not satisfied: He was just
angry enough to be mischievous, and, care-
less of consequences. he continued to gaze
at the now confused crowd, until one fellow
blustcrcd:

“ What‘n thunder air you starin' at, stran- _‘
rer?"

b With the utmost gravity Lightning Lew
replied: ‘

“Pardncr, you’ve got me; I give it up i"

A general grin {allowed this, but there
was not the shad \w of a smile on the strait.
ger‘s face, and believing the words were not.
chosen intentionally, the other growled:

“ Well, you’d better quit it! D'ye under~
stand?"

“Oh, yes!" cheerfully. "Ye see, Iwasl
was only paying back the com limcnt. and
as you are the finest-looking ellow in the-
room I favored you."

All the others now Were laughing, while
the man addressed colored angrily. but be- .
fore he could speak, Lightning LeW contin-
ued:

“I was bound to return the compliment“,
if possible. but I’m blest if I wanted to lock
tilt some of these ugly mugs just after eat-
ng!t’

“ Haw, haw, haw!" roared the other, do»
lighted at placing the boot on the other foot, 
while some of the crowd scowlerl, endothers
gomi naturedly joined in the laugh ’ "

The man who had addressed the detective
was a big, powerful fellow—bigger ever:
than Lewhimself, and the latter wished to
make him his friend, for he was the man wit
had spoken of the abduction. .. .

That the dEiective had gained his point
was quickly evidenced by the big fellow-is,
coming forward with outstretched hand.

“Stranger. you‘reagood one! ' hedeclared. i 
grasping Lew's hand. " Let‘s go acre-s ’n‘ '-_
git some ‘red-eye’ to our better acquaint-
ance.” v -  ,
And, still laughing. the iant led the way i" * - ‘
to the saloon across the ma . v * ,_ . g ,

   
    
   
   
  
  
      
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
  
    
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
     
    
    
    
   
   
  
  
   
  

 

 

CHAPTER XLIII.  *
'rnrc NOTICE ON THE rows BALL  

“ MY name’s Brandean. What’s youmli' '

“ Lervis is my handle.” - . '  'f .

The two new-made friends were steam/tig-
before the bar of the saloon, a botlieof mp
thlieoonshine between them, and glasses 

m. . a ; _ .

With the exchan e of names the friendly
grasfi was renews .and in a few minutes.
by s illful turns, the detective managedfgtt’z',‘
bring up the Pm'kson abduction. 5

“ Everybody in to W!) tccmt-d to be talkie '
about it when I left,” remarked the disguiéeg
shadower. “ But, who the deuce is'gt ii
Parkson that such a row is made stimuli "

“ You're a stranger, hain't ye?” ‘- ' if;

“ Yes; just got here." was the reply, lintiti
fol only to the extent the "‘ here" meant
the saloon. ‘ ' a ._ 

'l‘rmhful or otherwise. the ofl-hand style cl" 5
the answer and the careless question trimmer ‘
to Parkson tlmew Brandean of! his mum;

“ Why, you’re behind the age!” e laugh;
ed. “ The colonel s a big un—‘n’ a drum“
ugly one when he goes ofll ' . r g

“ Then. [suppose he’ll make it. use.
the fellows who carted ofl the hughiét ~

Again Brandeanlsaghed; ' w

“ tween you’n'me. 
he‘ll lie awake nights over it!" ’p
. “ Ohol Wants t' git rid o"h€r,'~‘ ,

“ Not exactly that we . but if ‘ ye know
yer daughterwas in the ands o’ yer areas;
ye wouldn’t worry much, would ye?” -

A light began to dawn upon Lew but .
lending notto understand. he asked

" Why, ye don t mean to say 
the jvrh herself?" _  "

“ l H but he might!" and huh!
far Brand: an confidentially  

" if ye wzt’n’t a stranger you'd» _
the f -lks round here.  
rich. or will be new by. as? .
enmin'of age. while  . '
colonel manages t’u at along.” 
$qu1: wasvery'W if?” . 

   

   
     
     
      

  
     

     
        
   
      
  

 
   
  
    

    

         
 
 

  
  
  
        
   
 

  
     

   

  

   

"A .

ark.“

 

   
  

‘ * . “ Why,,:don't .ye‘sec, he“ may have been
‘ ,usiug her money? ’, V

“ f it ain't that, it’s Marshal Sackville.

There Was something between the marshal

’n’ the c‘olonel's gal some time ago, but. a law-

suit bu'stcd it, but now, when she comes of
.»”* age, Parkson. mebbc. is afraid they’ll come
. together ag’in.”

“ Oh, I scel He’s probably put her out of
the way of temptation," laughingly remarked
Lewis. '

, ” Just‘so;lbut, don't say any more about

it, for folks won't talk t' strangers ’bout any-

thin’o' this kind, 'n’ don‘t like others t’ do
~ it? »
The detective was perfectly willing to drop
the subject—and his companion too—for he
now had an idea of where Lydia Parkson was
, .concealed and was anxioas to get away; so,
' after some further talk he declared he must
, I return to Charleston.
" V " “I’ll try Bob. I’ll bet a horse he‘s pretty
climate where that gnl is concealed!” mut-
.,,,. Itered Lew, as he left the saloon and headed
 'y‘fbl' the County Farm.
“7 ‘ 'It" was rather late now—about nine o’clock,

'but the detective was determined to learn
 What he could before daylight.

 ' ‘.‘I’ll lay burglar, if necessary, to get in-
.Xto. that case!” he decided, as the residence
I of.0wcns loomed up before him.
, , As, he drew" nearer, Lew saw lights in a
' room in the lower story (from which issued
sounds of boisterous revelry), and cautiously
,. fipproaching .hc peepcd through the win-
. ow. . .
1 {.2-Sittin rat 3 ion table, on which was a
minutifu ' supply n bottles and glasses and
. landwiches, were John Owens, Forrest, Wil-
 lining Owens, and three others, strangers to
, L htning Lew. ,
 -- hey were evidently having a good time,
’ and occasionally were joined for a few mo
meats by a middle-aged woman.
"‘r‘ Celebrating the event!" commented the
stretcher. ‘
,3..,Erom his position at the table, Forrest was
the only one directly facing the window, and
Livntchint his opportunity, Lew held up‘his
hun‘dpa m inward, then turned it outward,
thé'n again inward.
Hit-It was on old sign between them, and For-
Mknew instantly that Lightning Lew was
. dutside and wanted to talk to him.
.,;*fie,'too,.Was anxious to talk to Lew, and
ifi“"§««glew minutes, making an excuse _f0r
.“iiamj‘in'gth’e party, he joined his superior.
‘ ‘ jg? Come aWay—outside,” he whispered;
when they were safe from observation,
“himed: .
: “Y'YOu are just the man I was Wishing,
' have all others, to see!”
' laid to hear it! You were going to tell
Dir-shad a. new boarder hero, ch?’
owthe deuce did you find that out?"
ever mind that,
,u,know of. it, for I must get back."
, obeyed, and made short work of
it, too, for in less than ten minutes Lew
., (P  was on his way back to Bradley‘s,
“ ganged with his new schemes.

1-.~ V

 

 

 

 

g

' ‘xt'm‘ornlng the following placard was
foundftaekcd 0n the door of the Town Hall:

 H NOTICE.
 SPECIAL Orrrcnns Ann Norman

,  Miss Parkson is at theresideuce of
“eminent the County Poor Farm. ’

  

 

 
 

 ’pnt'l,'1’arkson is well aware’ of her
. ,»é§once12here~had her’ sent there, in truth.
MW"Mitts.‘i’arktktu"is uninjured, but under
jointat her father‘s orders.

Why not release her'from such durance

  

  
 

 

"CHAPTER XLIV.
s new on'nns INFQRMATION.
notice on'thg Town Hall door,'o'f

 created V a tremendous sensation, and
breakfast time. eyerybody in the town

I

 
 

  
 

 

  

   

‘-
E
2-»
f
I”
no.
G

(N
p...
n

we! nine o'clock, 'Col’o‘nel Partisan-drove
the hotel. coming (rumthe railroad
' jast five minutes before Marryoc

m the Opposite direction.  . ,
tenet Went straight to his apartments

    
 
   
  
 

  
 
  

V W

  

(not thudo'figor at the-entrance and? .
 m.   ~ 4

“Yes, and saw it, too."

“What d’ye think about i'. ?"

.“Thinkt Why, there's nothing particular

to think about. Action is what‘s wanted.
The placard says, plain enough, where the
young lady is, and that she is under restraint.
That, it seems to me, is sufficient for the an
thoritics to act upon.
5 “Come, doctor; we have business to do, if
you are at leisli'e, added Pryce, and he
passed through the listening throng which
had formed about him

“Somebody ought to go and tell the col
onel about that notice," remarked one

‘I‘Oh, he'll heurot' it soon enough—4f he
hasn't already.” answered another. “That
boy of his was up that Way this morning
and~

“ Ilellol
deputy!"

“ Yes, and he looks ugly; there’s blood in
his eye!”

Just as these remarks were being ex
changed, Colonel l’arkson came from his
apartments, followed by his boy, and a few
seconds after, the latter started away toward
the bridge. , .

The colonel did not seem to notice the dc-
parturc of the boy, and stood at the entrance,
gazing up and doWn the street as if unde-e
cidr-d which way to go.

The question was decided for him by
the deputy marshal, who jumped from the
Sackville carriage, and approaching, an-
nounced: l

“The marshal wants to talk to you,
colonel. '

What passed was not heard by the curi-
ous spectators, but all could see that Park-
son was angrily excited by what the marshal
said to him. i

The marshal, on the other hand. was calm,
but it was an ugly, dangerous calmness, and
after a few minutes he closed the conversa-
tion with

“Just as yen please, sir. I called to offer 1
you the opportunith of doing it yourself..l

ince on will not, must! ml

"Jo it, drive on—-_- nick!" r . .~  ’ 2“"1‘.

The coachman toudbedz‘thethcrscswith his‘
whip, and meanings started at a lively
rate toward the bridge, leaving the colonel,
pale with anger, standing on the walk. i

“ He‘s mad, for fair!” commented the doc-
tor, who, with Pryce, had come down to a
late breakfast—in time to witness the part-
ing between the colonel and the marshal. é

, “Shouldn't wonder, if what the notice
charges is true,” returned Pryce, adding: I .,

“Has he been informed of what it says, ’
do you know?”.   4 ,» ‘ i

‘ I don‘t think he has, thought he must i
have heard of it.” ’ !

“ Strange he doesn't look into the matter! .
Why don’t you inform him. doctor? You
are intimate with him, I believe.”

But Hammil shi’uuk from the task . 

"“No, it! rather not approach him in his ‘
present humor. He’s in an ugly mood! ’ de-
clared Ilammil. g

“Well,~ you are a queer lotl Here's a
man just returned to toWn, and finds his;
daughter missin . That, of course, he
knows by this time, but, although it‘sa
hundred to one that he has not heardgof the
placard, I'll wager a small amount that no-l
one of on has spoken tohim of'it, ‘ . 1

"Co oucl-Parkwn,_”hh- continued. as that
gentleman 'slowl approached, " there is
something whici you don‘t know, but
which your friends appear afraid to tell

I)

Here comes the marshal and his

on.

The colonel looked sharply at the speaker, "
who met his gaze calmly, and explained: i

“There is a placard nailed on thefi‘own
Hall which declares that your daughter is
under restraint, in the housed! the keeper of i
the County Farm, and, worse still. that you '
are Well aware of it."“ ,

The colonel looked furious, but managed
‘to control himself sufficiently to ask:

" Wh do you undertake what my friends
fear to o?" . 7 -

“First, because I've heard you left town
previous to your daughterfsslbduction. and
.. “evenly just mgr Second “‘becauie»

   
   
 
   

  

 
  
    
 
  
 
 

           
 

Talmuput'mepn y t d "ardinggcértaih
’ usirte  en,.‘~lgfail.

t teasers at... i an [or
’i"_  ‘ Jail

vmt 

 

 I was it

 

; 1 am new

    

in g this speech, liesitated‘a moment when the
la terfinished, but ended by saying “ Thank
yout", as he entered the hotel. r

The s ectators were rather astonished by
Pryce‘s anguage, but. more so at the way the
dreaded colonel had reCeived it.

"Girl! I thought there would be a row, '
sure," remarked one, and he vowed the gen-
etnl opinion.

Paying no attention to the remarks now
being heard on a.l sides, Pryce and the doc
tor sat down to breakfast—the former seatin
himself facing the open door, thus comma -
ing a view of the hall.

“ Ah! started you. have i?” nmttercd the
detective, as he saw Parkson pass out a few
minutes afterward.

“There gets the colonel," he remarked to
Hammil.

“ if he had Waited, we could have carried
him as far as the Farm, for we’ll be going
that way after breakfast.”

“ Then, you think he‘s going there?"

" Why, of course! Do you think any sane
man could rest under the imputation con-
tained in that notice?"

“You're a Wonderful man!" declared the
doctor, admiringly “ Nobod ' here would
have dared stir him up as you id." ' ‘

“Rot! What is he that any man should

i fear him?” Was the contemptuous response.

“011,1 don’t know. Many here fear to
offend him; but, as you say, he’s no more
than any other man.”

Lightning Lew-was fast weakening Park-
son's influence over the doc-Ior. A month
before, the tatter,-would have cut out his
tongue rather than use such language regard.
ing the dreaded "Grand Mogul" of that
West Virginia town.

After breakfast a carriage was hired, and
Mr. Pryce and Doctor Ilammil started to call ‘
on a gentleman who lived a little beyond the
County Farm.

CHAPTER XLV.

A LIGHTNXIiNG LEW $IDGESLII'IAETIIA'.

. sthe car'a‘gecont nin‘ gtnn ,w
"and ‘the doctor reached thefgothgnsidegofpfbe-
bridge, both men saw Colonel Parkso‘n’s
mulatto-boy alighting from a foam covered
horse in front 0 one of the houses near the
station.

“ Looks as if that boy had been riding some
this morning," observed Lew, and as the
reached the spot, he called'out: ‘

“ Ilellol come here, my lad!" .

The outh slowly obeyed, and the detec-
tiye, as ed: '  '

“Did you
safe?"  ‘  r .

The youth looked embarrassed by the ques-
tion, and made no reply. '

find her—your" mistressL—all

” Well, I’m really glad you found herf” 35." ~

sured Lew, as if Pete had anSWered to that
effect, and, to the (-oachman:

“ Go ahead, driver!” ‘

The Order was obeyed. and leaving the
youth staring in astonishment atyt‘he
pants, the carriage to
the Farm. ' . y  -  5 l  “ f ‘ 

"Mpymgk'hWyw knew that boy had

owstnflook for Miss Parkson ‘2" asked the
., actor. after” the carriage had gone On a
short distance.

“Oh, it was plain enough,” replied Mr.
Pryce.
the embarrassment of the hey, told the”
story." 1 '  '

"Welli",  .

There was/a whole volume of admiring as-
tonishment in the menosyllable (uttered wi,
alongbreatb more like a sigh than a w ’
by the doctor), but allowin t, '
time to reflect over the ma.
tinned; ,‘  

 

     
   

  

      
  
 

“if this Simmons:  its worth _con-
sidering, this will  ugliness trip in
this victnit for, a weeks.

 

Hammila  iéfifimngly at the speaker,
who explained 1.;  ‘

    

“New York/fit be our destinationth -- < »

time-and thori‘iwll find it a more has
an: and‘prombh‘mb than any we'v’e‘insae;
musics? ~  “ x

The doctor
‘pect,j.but before he could reply, a. bend in

.the‘tfood’hrought them Within“ few yardiot  

Sackrvi'lle's carriage.
an Stnpgn

ordered'Pry'eo; and"
- r  ,,._‘~'ln:lt
»‘ 1 W (15

i up" fhig--'hartt}fi.sl

  

     

“ The appearance of the.horse.‘und ~

1C;

looked delighted at   ,

   
      
       
       
    
    
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
      
   
  
    
  
    
  
   
   
   
      
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
   
    
 
   
    
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
      
 
    
       
    
       
    
  
        
     
 
          
        
      
    
  
      
   
 

p mer calmly continued:

.the house.

, and finally drew a contract—subject to the

29

 

 

 

 

The Secret Service Special from New

“ Are we indebted to you for the return
of Miss Parkson?” called Lew, as the car
riages came to a halt, side by side.

Amazement took the place of the gloomy
anger, which a moment before darkened
Sackville’s face.

“What do you mean?" he asked.
she—Miss I’arkson—returned ?"

“I haven't seen her, but she is either
home, or now on the way there,” assured
Pryce, and in a significant tone he added'

“ We met Colonel Parkson's boy a few min.
utes ago, and, judging from the hard ridden l
appearance of the horse, he had evidently i
been ordered to hurry in ascertaining what
truth there was in that notice. The boy
started a few minutes ahead of you, but
dismounted and left his horse this side of
the bridge.”

“Ah! Now I understand!"—and a grim
smile lit up the marshal’s countenance.

“Thank you, Mr. Pryce,” he continued,
and to his coach man:

“Quick, John! To the St. Albans!”

The doctor did not understand the real
meaning of his companions words, when
speaking to Sackville, but was filled with
amazement at what appeared on the surface,
and before he was in condition to frame a
speech on the subject, Lightning Lew was
studying a time table.

A few minutes later, passing the County
Farm, the doctor saw Colonel I’arkson com-
ing through the grounds surrounding the
keeper’s handsome residence, and called his
companion‘s attention to the fact.

"He’s been to see that his orders were
obeyed!” rather enigmatically declared
Pryce, and ordering the driver to stop,
awaited the colonel. ‘

“Everything serene, I trust, colonel ?”
he called, as the latter drew near.

The latter, buried in thought, and with
his eyes on the ground, had not noticed
the carriage, and looked up in a startled
fashion on hearing the question.

An angry flush colored his face as he saw
the speaker and his companion, but the for-

“ Has

“We met the marshal a short distance
down the road, and he looked as if he’d
found sixpence and lost a shilling until I
told him your daughter was already home, or
on the wa there.”

While ightning Lew was speaking, his
keen eyes had detected Forrest among the
trees on one side of the roadway, close to
the colonel.

“What do you mean, sir?" angril de-
manded the latter. “ Upon what di you
base that statement?"

"Upon the appearance of your boy and'
his horse, from which he was dismounting
When we met, this side of the bridge.
From the indications of both, they had been
engaged in important, urgent service—and
what could be more important than the
recovery of your daughter, sir?"

“You are entireiy too quick in ‘udg-
ing by appearances!" tartly declared the
Colonel, and turning, walked back toward

 

CHAPTER XLVI.
A msrmrror's DEPARTURE.

” YOU’LL have a row with the colonel, sure,
if you talk that way to him,” declared Ham-
mil, as the carriage moved on again.

“ So much the worse for the colonel; but,
hang the Colonel! We've got something else
to think of. Do you know this Simmons?”

“Yes, very well."

“ Good! That will facilitate matters, if
his property is worth anything.”

“ It is; I know it. He has all of twenty
five thousand acres of coal land—here we
are!"

As the doctor uttered the words, the car-
riage stopped in front of =1 handsome l'CSi'

dencc, and Pryce and his companion
alighted. _ . _
The physician’s presence did facrlttate

matters. Ilc smoothed sway every difficulty,

approval of the company—for the purchase
of Mr. Simmons’s property.

" You managed it well, ilarnmil!” declared
Pryce, as they returned.

“ It's the largest prospective purchase we
have made, and I was a little anxious about

 

 

it,” he added.
“I am happy to hear you approve of my

f’ Q. .~..“.',,'¢- M95 .
a g I ‘,,,t§“f. .V‘U‘L"

ARU. \.v  w. ‘5'.

part in the affair," truthfully responded the 3 Of late the agent had answered the ques-

delighted doctor.

I
l

“ Yes, ’twas well done,” continued Pryce, ,

musingly, and as if he had not heardthe'
I'm safe in intro- .

other. “Very Well done!
ducing and recommending him.”

Eagerly drinking in every syllable of this,
the doctor failed to notice that his musing

l

t

.tion jestingly. Now, however, he spoke

quite seriously as he replied;

“No; no arrivals, but there were two
mighty queer departures—and, confound
’em! they bought no tickets!”

“Indeed?”

“Yes, that speculator, Pryce, and Doc

companion was taking a side survey of his t Hammil Went on the Washington Express,

countenance, noting its every expression.

“ Yes, doctor, thatwas an important deal,"
reasserled Pryce, suddenly arousing from
the reverie into which he seemingly had
fallen.

“ it confirms—your method of handling it,
I mean—confirms certain opinions I had
already formed, and if you are ready, we
will proceed at once to New York."

They were within one hundred yards of
the railroad station. If the doctor decided
to go, they could leave within five minutes,
and fora moment Lightning Lew held his
breath.

Notwithstanding IIammil’s declarations to
the contrary, the keen detective had read the
man thoroughly, and he knew there would
be hesitation, if not positive l'efusal,when the
proposal was made.

As expected, IIammil did hesitate, but not
as long as feared.

“ Why not wait until tonight?" he asked,
“ I should like to pack up some clothes, and
there are a few little matters—”

“NeVer mind your clothes! We can buy
all on want in Washington, interrupted
the etective, delighted at seeing that he was
to gain his prize so easily.

H But—J!

“See here, doctor—do you want to go, or
not? I’m not ressing you to accompany
me to New ork, but there are certain
things I’ve spoken of doing for- you—es-
pecially that secretaryship, which needs your
presence with me when I present your claim
to it. Now, if you do not care for the po-
sition, say so at once; I've only three minutes
to spare.”

They were now at the station; in less than
three minutes the train would come thunder-
ing along, Mr. Pryce would board it, and
then-goodby to the secretaryship 0f the big
coal company!

Such were the alarming thoughts rushing
through the doctor's mind, when Pryce
struck the finishing blow:

,“ You are willfully throwing away a
splendid chance to be independent of your
wife and step-daughter, and—”

“ I'll go!” interrupted the doctor, and,
with fierce eagerness, added:

‘ Hurry, for the train is coming! Shall I
get the tickets?”

“No, our departure must be as quiet and
secret as possible. You go to the other side
of the track, and you’ll not be noticed get-
ting on.”

As Pryce finished, the warning whistle of
the train was heard in the distance; the doc-
tor leaped (terms the tracks, and walked
back toward where the last car would
stand.

“It’s morethan half done!” breathed the
detc'im’. 118, with a si h of intense relief,
he sunk into a seat besi e the doctor.

He had watched the latter as carefully as
possible, fearing there would be more hesi-
tation at the last minute, but there was no
necessity—the reference to the wife and step-
daughter had ended all vacillation.

“What’s more than half done?” asked the
doctor, wonderingly.

“Our work,”truthfully replied Lew, men-
tally adding: “Mine is, at all events; the
rest lies with Bob Forrest.”

)1

 

Two hours after the departure of PryCe
and his prize'on the Washington ExprCSS,
Mr. Crowley saunteer up to the station-
?geln-t, whom he saluted familiarly and jok-
ng y.

“ Any 1mportant or suspicious arrivals to-
day. Fred?" he asked.

He had asked the question many times be-
fore, and it had become something of a
Joke, though in the beginninr “Frat” un-
dcrstood that Mr. Crowley hat serious rea-
son for making the inquiry—~that he feared
the arrival of an officer, for the Washington
story had leaked out on several occasions
When the hero of it was not precisely sober
or appeared not to be. ’

r'

a  r i

!

 

and they had plenty of time to buy tickets
too.”

The agent evidently felt sore over the
ticket question, and this made him exag-
gerate a trifle as he continued:

“They acted like a pair of murderers try-
ing to sneak aboard the train without being
noticed. Doc went on one side—the outside
—~and the other fellow on this side, and,
just as she was beginning to puff, they
crawled on the rear platform.”

 

CHAPTER XLVII.
mummxe DOWN 'rnn coxsrmarons.

No'rmzso has been heard of or from Pryce
or Iiamrnil, since their mysterious sudden de-
parture from Charleston, without tickets.

Among people generally the matler was
seldom mentioned; the subject was worn so
threadbare, during the first ten days, that
there was nothing left to discuss.

Yet, two men were still worrying over it,
and as the days passed their anxiety in-
creased.

We say two men—John Owens, the keeper,
and his brother William, the farmer living
near by; but there was another, Colonel Park-
son. - "

The latter, however, did not have a man
continually reminding him of the danger he
was in through the doctor’s intimacy and ab-
sence, with Pryce, as the Owens party bad.

From the day of their departure, Crowley
kept continually referring to the intimacy
between Pryce and the physician, and soon
began hinting a suspicion that the former,
really was a detective.

On the very first day he began with the
agent’s slightly exaggerated account of
Pryce’s purposely mysterious departure:

“Heard the news. John ‘2”

"What news?" asked Owens.

“ Well, I was just down to the station to
inquire, as usual, for my friends, and heard
that our friend, Doctor Hammil, and his

frien , Mr. Pryce, took the midday Washf.

ington Express,” and then Crowley went on
to detail the decidedly suspicious manner
in which the two men had boarded the
train.

“It looks queer, doesn’t it?“ asked the
keeper, uneasily. -

“It does—most internally suspicious!”
assented Crowle , and as Owens had a.great
Opinion of his fi‘iend‘s shrerness, this did
not tend to allay the keeper‘s uneasiness.

As time passed this uneasiness increased,
for each, succeeding day found Crowley
more open and strong in his declarations of.
suspicion against the missing men.

“ I’m gla they’re not against me," he said
on the tenth day, “for if they’—

“Great Caesar's ghost! you know they’ve
gone to Washington-and that doctor knows
all about me!"

Crowley, as we will now continue to call,
him, had broken off suddenly in great alarm,.
causing Owens to ask:

“ Well, what of that, Bob? It wouldn’t.
do Hammil any good to give you away.” '

“ Ma be not. but I've been thinking over
it and
trust him, if the thing was to be done over
again.

“But, that isn‘t what’s bothering me, now.

Thinking over this thing has made me reg

member another—and that is, that that man
Pryce isn’t from England at all! I’ve seen
him before, I‘ll swear to it!”

“Well, well, what of that? That needn't
worry you," soothed the keeper.

“ Needn’t worry me!" echoed Crowley,
half-angrily, “why bless it all! If he’s the
man I‘m almost sure he is, he’s an cx-Secret
Service man—now a detective!"

“ A detective!” '

Owens almost whispered the words.

“Good heavens, man! D’ye know—are ye
sure of what you're saying?" he continued,
in more excited tones.

‘Why, yes; I’m pretty sure of it, and
that‘s what makes me so anxious.

“ Ye see, being in Washington so many

   ..r _.  .r, .. ww). r. 3". M”
v.4 A. Urn“  ».  s ‘~ I  r r‘  -~~2.“-“t-“ as"

on’t like his way—in fact, wouldn't ‘

30

The Secret Service Special from New York.

 

 

years, I got to know all of them, and this
man—or the man I think he is—used to be

superintendent of the Secret Service Depart-

ment, but resigned to open a private detec-
tive oflice."

This was piling on the agony. Of the
Secret Police Owens had no fears, nor even
of the police detectives, but of the private
«detectives—

He shuddered at the very thought.

“I must 0 to town; I've some business
there,” he eclared, after a few minutes’
thoughtful, troubled silenCe, adding:

“Do the best you can to amuse yourself
for awhile. I may not be long gone.”

“I guess I’ll go over and look at those
new horses of Bill‘s,” returned Crowley.
“And stir hftn up a bit,” mentally added
the great de;ective‘s emissary and represen-
tative.

 

CHAPTER XLVIII.
CONTINUING 'run GOOD WORK.

As announced, Crowley’s object in visiting
William Owens was to " stir him up a bit,”
or, in other words, render the farmer as un-
easy as the keeper, and be accomplished it in
a masterly manner.

“ Hellol What’s wrong with ye, Bob?”
asked the farmer when they met.

The question was called forth by the very
gloomy expression of the usual jovial Bob’s
countenance.

“ Don’t know; but I’m afraid something’s
wrorg, though John thinks it‘s all right as
far as I’m concerned,” and Crowley repeated
the conversation with the keeper.

“A detectivel” exclaimed the farmer, in
terror-stricken tones, repeating the same
words his brother had used.

“ Oh, yes; the more I think of it the clearer
I remember him,” dejectedly declared
Crowley, adding:

“I suppose t 0 best thing to be done is to
light out, for that fellow's sure to be back—
though what Doctor Hammil is with him for,
I can’t imagine."

Owens could imagine, and groaned:

" I knew it. I said it’d come out in the
long run, it always doesl"

Crowley, apparently, was paying no atten-
tion to this, thou h reall debating whether
he should not p is on t e agony until the
terrified farmer made some valuable admis~
sion, but finally decided that the iron was not
hot enough to strike.

“ Well, I guess I’ll go back and get ready
to jump,” he said, and left the farmer, mut-
tering—just loud enough for the latter to
catch the words:

“ Hammil, Hammil! What the deuce has
Hammil to do with my case? Can that
detective be after somebody the doctor
knows?"

On returning to the County Farm, Bob
met John Owens.

“ Must have missed meeting the colonel i”
commented the detective on seeing the keeper
approaching, still looking much troubled.

“Did ye see Bill?" asked the latter, evi-
dently for the sake of saying something.

“ Yes.” gloomily.

“ Tell him what you’d told me?”

H Yves. H

“ What did he say ‘!”

“ Nothing.”

“ Nothing at all? That’s odd!”

“ Well, he didn’t say anything to me. He
muttered something, but I couldn't make
anything of it.”

” What was it? D'ye remember the
words?" eagerly asked the keeper.

“ Oh, something like—‘ I knew it was
bound to come soon;’ Ican‘t be sure about
it.”

Owens’s face darkened again, and he mut-
tered;

“ Yes, he was always croaking about it.
and now it looks as if he was going to come
out right and all of us wrong.“

Crowley, standing within a yard of the
speaker, caught nearly every word of this,
but when the brooding keeper looked up, he
saw his friend apparently buried in his own
thoughts, looking moodily at the daisies
which he was cutting the tops off with a
light swrtch. . '
~ The gloomy appearance of the man from
Washington served to momentarily divert
the keeper’s thoughts from his own troubles.

 

 

f “ Bob, what the dickens are you worrying
or?"

“ Haven‘t I good cause to?” retorted
Crowley. “ If there was anything sure about
that blasted doctor, I’d light right out, but
there’s no certainty about what he is; he has
nothing to gain, (as far as I know), by giving
me away to that detective—and, anyhow, the
detective's a private one, so, I don’t know
what to do.

“ I don’t want to go, but neither do I want
to be juggeot it's the infernal uncertainty
that's upsetting me.”

“ Stay, Bob, for on may rest assured that
man isn't looking or you," declared Owens,
and with a melancholy smile, added:

“Much as I like you, I'd give a good pile
of money, besides putting you out of his
reach, to be sure. that he was after you!"

“ It's no joking matter," moodin returned
Crowley, pretending not to understand the
other.

“I’m not joking—I wish to Heaven I was!
No, indeed; it is no joking matter, as you
may know wtthin a few days.

“ Don't leave us, Bob, for I may have a
queer story to tell you, and if I do, shall
want your advicc about it.”

Crowley looked at the speaker with a fine
show of astonishment, (while inwardly
hugging himself with delight), and the
keeper continued:

“I suppose you wouldn‘t mind helping me
if I got into trouble?"

“ Help you? Of course I would—any way
I can I'd swear black was white, and white
no color at all. if it would do you any good,"
was the prompt and cheerful reply.

Owens locked much pleased to hear this,
andj laying his hand on Crowley's shoulder,
sat :

“Bob. you’re the only man I know who
can be depended upon—the only real friend
I have."

This was a sample of many conversations
that followed between John Owens and
Crowley, while between the latter and
William Owens the next day saw the begin-
ning of even more anxious, and correspond-
ing confidential consultations.

“ ’m breaking them down fast!" gleefully
declared Crowley, after an extra commun -
cative conversation with the keeper.

He was not over-estimating his work, for
he had become a kind of Job‘s comforter to
these two of the five brothers—although
peither of them perceived the Job part of
t. .

 

There was, however, another influence at
work.

No man is infallible. and in stating to
Edge Sackville that Lydia Parkson was
either on the way there, or already at the
St. Alban’s liotel, Lightning Lew made a
grave mistake.

Sackville and Pryce had drawn up the
placard posted on the Town Hall, full ex-
pecting it Would cause the return 0 the
missing girl—the farmer preferring that
method of restoring her to liberty, to expos-
ing the conniving and treacherous father any
further.

“Colonel Parkson can make any statement
he pleases, to clear himself, and we must not
attempt to contradirt itl ’ declared the mar-
shal, when Lew was about taking the placard
to where they had decided it would attract
the most attention.

But, the placard did not cause the return
of Lydia Parkson, as had been counted
upon.

On leaving Lightning Lew, the marshal
hurried to the hotel, fully expecting hvmg
confirmation of the farmer‘s assertion, but
he was doomed to be disappointed.

“ No, sir," replied Landlord Woods, “Miss
Parkson has not returned, nor has anything
been heard of, or from her, except that notice
on the Town Hall.”

This was only a temporary disappoint-
ment.

“ I've arrived ahead of her, for Pryce said:
'llere, or on the way.’ I’ll wait awhile,”
thought the marshal.

He waited, patiently enough, under_ the
circumstances. for one hour, very impatient-
ly for another half hour, and, then, as twelve
o'clock struck jumped to his feet,

“Tricked. b" Heavens! They ve removed
bcrti‘a'v t-‘wi' ‘zn'mg plaeel Why was] fool

lcnough to spare him by refusing to adopt

Pryce’s plan?

“Pr ce's gone, now, and I’m alone! But,
I‘ll tin her, I’ll find her—and, by Heavens,
when I do, she’ll never be taken away from
me!

“ The man's a scoundrel—an infernal
scoundrel! He had my promise, and it was
never broken, yet he watches her like a thief,
and finally treats her like onei” .

Getting into his carriage, the marshal again
sought the County Poor Farm, where with
his deputy, he made a thorough search, not
only of the keeper’s private residence. but of
all the buildings connected with the Farm.

On the way to the Farm, the carriage came
across one of the special ofiieers Searching
for the young woman. From him Sackville
obtained a Warrant, and with this authority
the Search was made. despite the threats and
protests of the keeper's assistants—he, him-
‘self. being absent.

The thorough inspection of rooms and re—
cesses, however, resulted in nothing; Miss
lilarkson, evidently, was not on the Farm,
t en.

That. night, about nine o’clock, the marshal
received a card bearing the name of Miss
Parkson, and a request for an interview.

“It’s de boy dat brought de flowers,” ex-
plained Sam. ‘

“ Send him up!" directed Sackville.

He had been raging all the afternoon and
evening because neither his condition nor
posit ion would permit of his personally prose.
eating the search for the missing girl.

The interview with the mulatto youth last-
ed an hour, but before one word was said,
the marshal had devoured the contents of a
letter handed him by Pete.

Next day the marshal was bright, cheer-
ful—even jolly; and, notwithstanding his
broken arm, was about town attending to
business.

During the day he visited Magistrate
Owens, and demanded a warrant and search-
warrant, to arrest all persons and search
all places suspected of depriving Miss Lydia
Parkson of her personal liberty.

The magistrate rather feared the resolute
and loyal marshal, who, it was well-known,
filled the office only because of the honor-—
it having been conferred on him when he
was but twenty-one ears of age, for gal.
lant services in the nion Army during the
Rebellion.

Notwithstanding the assumed disgrace of
his father, every man, woman and child in
Charleston had a good word for Marshal
Sackville—and especially those who had
ten ht for the "lost cause," because he
ma e a point of avoiding touching tender
spots.

Because of this popularity Magistrate
Owens feared to refuse granting the desired
warrants, but hinted:

“You cannot very well set yourself, Mr.
Sackvillc, in this matter?”

" No, but 1‘“ find those who can. Your
search-parties appear to have one out for
the express purpose of not nding Miss
Park son !"

The magistrate flushed angrily, but re-
straining his temper. granted the warrants.

For the next three weeks, the residences
of John and William Owens Were searched
at all hours of the (lay and night, and
when complaint was made that these
searches were made merely for the sake of
annoyance. the marshal made affidavit that
he had good and sullicient cause for believ-
ing Miss Parkson to be Concealed by and
among the Owens family!

That was the secondary cause of John
Owens’s anxiety. ’

 

CHAPTER XLIX.
HOW THE cassn CAME.

LIGHTNING Law and his “prize” have been
now missing for three weeks.

Colonel Parkson has been absent almost as
long, having been called away by a tele-
gram on the day following his daughter’s
abduction, to Tennessee, as re rted.

u Important business!" he dgclared to his
friends. “I must go!” and with a signifi-
cant emphasis and look:

“Lydia is safe enough; I’m satisfied.
You remember Sackville was rather atten-
tive to her? Well, she’ll be of ago very soon
-—and, you know, Iobjected to any further

 

..

.W,

The Secret Service Speéial from New York.

r~ \

31

 

inflmacy between him and her after the suit

was commenced.

“I suppose, though, it's too late now to

interfere; young folks will have their own
wa .”

This speech, made to a circle of ad-'

miring and gossiping friends, Soon caused
a report to gain ground that Parkson was
a willing party to the so-called “abduction.”
of which Marshal Sackville’s unwelcome suit
\\ as the inciting cause.

Of course, the report reached Sackvillc,
bttt he only laughed at it. Indeed, of late,
he seetncd to be in an astonishingly happy
frame of mind, and, apparently, took especial
delight in raiding, or having raided, tlte resi-
dence of John Owens, the County Farm
buildings, and the residence of William
Owens.

The marshal, in fact, was making him-
self a great nuisance to the Owens family,
to put it mildly, and this helped to render
John and William more uneasy than they
might otherwise have been—Saekville‘s noc
tttrnal visits finally causin
1y to believe that the eeper Was eor-
rect in saying it was merely spite against
himself and his family that caused the an-
noyance.

At length, encouraged by the feeling that
was beginning to be exhibited in his faVor,
John Owens made a determined stand against
the persecution to which he was being Sub-
jected.

It was on the eve of the birthday of L dia
Parkson that the marshal made one 0 his
annoying calls and the keeper refused to
permit any further intrusion.

“You’re goln too far, Sackvillcl” he
angrily exclaim , and clearly betraying his
resolve to resist.

“You know just how to stop it," coolly
asserted the marshal.

" What d’ye mean ‘2" suspiciously.

“ Why, as you know perfectly well. we’re
searching for Miss Parkson; by restoring her
to liberty you can avoid any further annoy-

ance, as you are pleased to term it."

“And, as you know perfectl well, she's
not here, so what's the use of keeping up
this farce?"

“She was here, and may be again; so
we'll keep on searching for her, Mr.
Owens."

“ She wasn’t here, I tell you!” snarled the
keeper.

“Owens, that’s a lie, and you know it!”
calmly declared Sackville.

The keeper's right hand flew toward his
hip, but the muzzle of the marshals revolver
was already staring him in the face.

“ Don’t! If you move l’ll cheat the prison
cell now awaiting you, Owens, and l’d much
rather the cell should have you!”

The words a peared to affect the keeper
more than the eadly weapon pointed at him.
His hand dropped nervously to his side, and
in a trembling voice, vainly endeavoring to
be indignant, he asked:

“ What d’ye mean, sir?’

“That your race is nearly run! There is
within reach of my call at this very moment,
a reputable citizen who can and will sw'ear
that, after being abducted by the tools of
one whom you know well—and whom I
and mine have good cause to known-Miss
Parkson was brought here and kept here
until 1 caused the notice to be nailed to the
Town Hall door!”

The keeper’s wife, his brother \thliam,
and {Bob” Crowley, were present. when
Sackvtlle uttered these most significant and
threatening words, and the lathmmod as
well as the marshal himself, noticed the
terrible etl‘ett they prodt.0ed.

“ IIe‘ll break up tonight as sure as fate!”
concluded Crowley. Looking at Sackville
with assumed bravado, Farmer OWcHS re-
peated the words:

“You’re not going to search this house
any more!”

Nodding to Wilson, who accompanied him,
the marsha, with a contemptuous laugh,
proceeded to make a thorough search of the
premises.

“If you attetnpt to interfere, I’ll make you
Wish you had never been born!" significant-
ly warned Sackville.

The keeper did not attempt to interfere.
Both himself and his brother appeared to be
terror-stricken, and, when, having completed
his search, the marshal left, saying: “ You’ll

., r: “ 2.4. » ., . ,. t .
,a“ c ..  _ , N.  .. V g .
, a. , a”, .A t s A.» . . h ,_ .,, ,_ . , u

people gencral- l

not last long, Owens!” the brothers were
fairl panic-stricken.

” ave us!" the keeper ordered of his
wife, and when she had gone, the keeper
looked inquiring] y at the farmer.

“Yes, yes! You can’t do it too quick!"
replied the farmer. -
1 “Bob, you’ve got to hear a story, and I
i want your advice about itl’L explained John
Owens.

‘ By George, it's coming!

Crowley’s work was about done!

 

' CHAPTER L.
A TnAI’ron's noon.

NOTWITIISTANDING his “guarantee,” for
which he had given so much, lIogue felt un-
t‘tts '.

l lie did not care a fig about the ultimate
,‘fate of his confederates in crime, but (lid
‘ fear their vengeance—should he be discov-
. cred.

It was this uneasy feeling which caused
1 him to leave the counterfeitcrs’ cave at
about the very time Edge Sat-kville was
striking terror to the hearts of John and
William Owens.

IIogue went straight to the place where he
had met Pryce, and inquired of the saloon-
keeper if the latter had been there during
the evening, or if he (the saloon-keeper)
knew where the detective was to be found.

Both q nestions were answered in the nega-
tive, and the counterfeiter left for home
with a queer feeling of impending danger.

Half a minute after l'Iogue's departure,
Pate entered the saloon, sa ing he was to
have met a friend there, an describing his
gonesederate. asked if the latter had yet ar-

v .

" Just one," replied the saloon-keeper,
adding: “ ut you're nothing like the man
he was looking for."

“ Sure of that?” asked Pate.

“0f coursel"-and the other described
Lightning Lew, as he had appeared the night
of Hogue's confession.

“Thank ye!” returned Pate; “I'll hurry
an’ mebbe keteh him."

There was no ” mebbe ” about it, nor did
Pate intend there should be.

“I'leait till he gets into the hidden
path," muttered Pate, as he hurried across
the brid e; “then we’ll have no trouble
buryin’ h ml”

All unconscious of the danger hanging
over him, Hogue slowly returned toward the
counterfeiters’ headquarters.

But he never arrived there, for shortl
after he had tttrned into the path, a dar
form stole up behind him, and, with one
quick stroke, the crime-stained traitor was
traveling the road upon which he had
Started many good and evil men—to judg-
mentl

“There! I’ll guarantee you won't be far
away in the mornin‘l” muttered the remorse-
less ruf’dan, Pate, as he continued on the
way to the rendezvous.

 

“Marshal Sackville‘s in? ‘ asserted, rather
than questioned, " 30b" Crowley, at mid-
night. following the marshal’s inspection of
the ()w'ens l'(f>iti('ll(1(‘,.

“Yes, sir!” hesitatingly a-lmitted Sack-
ville's confidential man, lookingr sharply at
the speaker, and the two men who stood a
little behind, on each side of him.

“Yes, he‘s in bed,” continued Sam, “an’ I
ain't a-goin’ t’ disturb him, ’lcss it's sumfin’
that kean‘t wait ’til tnornin’—not much I
ain'tll”

“ Get out of the road—or show us the way
to his room, at once!” sternly ordered Bob.
“ This is business, and infernally important
business, tool Hurry up, Smoky !”

The style of the delivery of the order was
enough for Sam, and he was already on the
way to Sackville‘s rooms, when the explana-
tion was made.

“ Mr. Sackville, two of the Owens party
are below—anxious to make a confession as
I've advised them to do!”

'l‘hus spoke, “ Mr. Crowley," who had
follo wed the negro to Suckville‘s room.

’ Within five minutes, the marshal was up
and dressed—ready to receive his visitors.

I “ Show those gentlemen the way, since

3 you‘ve piloted them so far,” he smilingly di-

,5 rected the, also. smiling Bob.

 

 

CHAPTER LI.
IN saw YORK—THE MARSHAL AND THE MISS-
ING cmL.

0N arriving in New York, Pryce and
Hammil went at once to one of the best
hotels, and after dinner, retired to their
rooms, where the former sent for a file of
papers. and looked up the “Hotel Arrivals.”

“Not here yet? That‘s queer!" he com-
mented, just loud enough for his companion
to hear. “Wonder if Black Friday has any-
thing to do with it?”

The panic of '73 had just passed, and the
doctor—who was anything but a financier,
anti who was anxious to secure the partly-
promised position—not liking Mr. Pryce's
angrily—disappointed tone, replied:

“ Of course it has!” and from that day on
began to play the comforter—Mr. Pryce sud-
denly deVeloping into a very uneasy, impa-
tient man.

“ lleze I am spending my money, without
knowing if it will ever come back. These
men are liberal enough-—if the thing goes
through, but if it don’t, I'm out every cent
of what—”

“ Oh, don’t fear, Mr. Pryce! It will come
all right in a short time. Your people are
naturally a little timid about touching any-
thing American, because of the recent
panic!” '

That was the substance of Pryce’s com-
plaint, and the doctor’s consolation, when
twice each week the former received an
English-stamped and post-marked letter, an-
nouncing that the president of the company
to be, was detained by business in London.

After the first week, Hammil suggested:

“Why not go to, a cheaper hotel, Mr.
Pryce?"

The suggestion was acted upon imme
diately, and for three or four days there were
no more complaints, but the next forei :1
mail brought a renewal of them—and of e
an gestion, which was again acted upon.

Prom Pryce's tone, the doctor feared that
his friend would not await the coming of the
president. but would return to England,
sending him, the doctor, home to Charles-
ton.

“And I cannot afford to go back, now,
until I’ve got something out of this,” thought
Hammil; so he continued to play comforter,
and to suggest reducing expenses, for even
in the third-rate hotel to which the remoycu
at the beginning of the third wee , ne'was
living in comparative luxury. ~

“ 'l he doctor, moreover, had had his faith
strengthened by a visit from two of the
American stockholders—General Littlefleld
and Mr. Jones, to whom he explained all
about the coal-lands and from whose con~
versation he became satisfied that the secre-
taryship of the company—“ at a fat salary "—
was his as soon as business was begun.

At length one morning during the fourth
week of “their residence in New York, Pryce
received several letters—all in different hand-
writing, all from the same place: the office of
Scott & Littlefield; and with a pleased look,
not at all assumed, he exclaimed: -

“ At last!”

Hammil looked curious, and the other ex-
plained:

“ The president will be in town to-mofrow,
and at. ten we must call on him.”

To explain this we must return to Charles-
ton, leaving the delighted doctor and his no
longer gloomy friend enjoying in anticipa-
tion what the morrow was to brin forth.

On the same night that Marsha Sackville
paid his last visit to the County Farm, which
Visit resulted in brin in John Owens and
his brother to the con ess onal, (all throu h
the advice and assrstance of their friend, r.
Crowley), Colonel Parkson returned to
Charleston by the midnight train, arriving
at the very time Sackville was “listening to
confessions” which Mr. Crowley was putting
into writing.

Earl on the following morning, the 0010‘
nel le t the hotel, and at a leisurely gait
crossed the great Kanawha Bridge, going to-
ward the County Farm.

Passing the keeper’s residence, he paused
for a few moments, as if debating whether
or not he should call, but it was still quite
early and he walked on.

About three miles further on was the farm

, of another Owens — James—and movin
: leisurely, and thinking deepl , Colonel Parkfi

son spent an hour reaching ’ spot.

7 -" r ‘ , IMMK. ', -- '11 ’.,\(s

. r

jséi

h

,-

Outside, he‘pnused, leoking doubtfully at
the house, and muttered:

, “It’s strange. very strange, that this un-
easy feeling should still be hanging over me!
Everything is all righn—or w ill be when the.
case is decided. There is only $50,000
gone out of her estate. 1 can easily make
that good when i win, as i must, do law-
suit.

“ She has been very obedient—never ques-
tioned any popch l've ()lltll'f'ti for signature,
and will be glud to sign this $25,000 cheek—~-
Which will pretty no: 1' close her aeConnt-mio
enjo . liberty, and a Li ip to Europe.

" y the time she returns, the suit will
have been decided in my favor, and every—

. thin made right.

T' ut what a disastrous venture that 'l‘eu»

nessee business was! 'i‘Wenty thousand gone
» at one crack!

“I‘ll go into some legitimate business us
soon as possible; this ‘inoonshine‘ affair is
played out."

A; half-hour before l’urkson, another man
 arrived at the residence of James (lweiis-~

r “2 1 ‘Ed re Sackvillc.
" _' . (in entering, and meeting the head of the
house, the marshal quietly ordered:

. “ Have Miss Purkson informed that I am
here, awaiting her!”

" The farmer started buck in amazement.
He wanted to lie—his orders were to lie—-
,hht, this quiet, but terribly determined-
 luoking man scared him, and he got no fur-
:“Nter thaoz.

" “ I--I—-don’t understand.”
Y 1 “That willdol Do you want me to fear
0 this-house apart and run you info prison?"
' i .“No, not ,What’d ye do that for?”
 YT " Owons, I know exactly where [yen have
Miss Parkson confined. Here is a diagram
v-oI‘yourupper floor. That red cross indi-
 Lydiil's room.”
5: He was forgetting himself, but the former
Wags too excited to notice it.
‘A.\‘1‘Here‘,rtoo, are the confessions of" your
brothers, 'John and William, regarding the
xdeyilish plot you aided and abetttd; against

 

I

a.

m .lloble fatherl

“"‘Ir'haVe known for ovef three weeks, that

1:8. Parkson was here, and could have few

.' used her and jailed you at any stage of the

‘ but, you treated, her kindly, and that

not in, our favor. ,

rite?) live y. now, and do as I bid; and

f“: we are not disturbed for a. few min-

. _ After Miss Partisan-comes down'!” added

1 Rio Mal, as the other meekly depart cd to
(nitric new master had ordered. ,

five minutes later, Lydia Parkson entered

WOT-"(parlor where Sackville was awaiting

CHAPTER LII.
MD LAST. ’

‘ 3n ennnel’s standing at the gate!”
' g'orous pounding on the door accom.
by the, foregoing announcement,
‘  ted the lovers. _
'ggshlm right in herol”. called back

inlaid! You'll’becareful: Remember
9' gust be no quarrel!” .1 .
‘ .liéro will be no quarrel, L din. I’ll
'; Flip/state and proves; few acts, and
'.  ad, i think, that there will be no
' . objection to our marriage. '3 ,_ -' ‘
’ girl blushed really; the man looked at
nderflv: ‘ He Was calm; no vengeful
sdir-it’rrrbed hirn. , The honorable name
n Sackville would beoleared that day,,
thwas all the gallant son. cared for.

_, this, and left'th’e parlor, happysnd »

A- could foresee'the traged that was».
x xiv-the meeting between e colonel
. «H the’marshnl." .1  ‘~
A Lydia. l it” the foam through one door,
her on tcred, an ‘e other—starting back
a art-seeing San ville.“ V :
H {i ' You here i“ he exclaimed, his wince.
I gar;  “  V; ' V ‘
,ooloncl, as" you see, I, minors-:—
.to stay until 3' ur daughteriaiwcs.
. when seat-vae something tong

‘w.

 

 

the main road, but lending'down to the“
river.

“He has all the proofs,” he muttered,
“and will surely clear his father’s name.
'l‘lmt menus that l mu (ll<gl‘li(7(;tl~~—l‘l1llli'(l3

“ Notuithslundiugfir his promises- he \xill
have to expose. me. He cannot do otlur ‘
wise lint I will not await it. ill llill>il it, .

, right h: re!"

When (‘oloml l’arkson uttered the ominous ‘
words, he was ll(.‘ttl' the l'th‘l'rljllllli, and. do. 'i
lilleruti'lydrawing u. pistol, placed the muzzle ,5
to his right temple. "

Cluck!

That was no there was of it.

The oilice of Scott A; ,l.li.ll(‘ll('ltl, in New
York.

i‘illlt‘l‘ Sir. Pryce und lloetor llammil.

The doctor littS hm n " treading: on eggs"
evm‘ since leav..i;,r the hot' 1.

lie was awake at seven in the morning. ‘
uud from that time until nine kept urging.
Lightning liew to “ get'up.” '

At. nun-thirty they started do .\'n Broad.
wuy --lhe doctor walking on the metaphorical ,
eggs.

At ten they entered the office of Scott & 3
Littletit-ld, throurh at door on which was the ‘
sign "President."

“ Is (.‘olom-l Scott in?" asked l’ryee.

A line-lookingr mun, sittingr at a desk in
the (:(‘lllt‘l‘ of the room, ansWert-d in the of-
lirmative, and motioning his visitors to seats,
asked: 4

“ Well, gentlemen, what can I do for

O - I
"Tell him all about the coal business. and i
do the best you can fer me!" whisperedi
Lightning Lew, and aloud: ‘
" This is Doctor llammil, Colonel Scott.” 
With which Lightning Lew left the room. '
For a good two miles the doctor had mm 3
ried the black sachel, full of coal samples, t
and was now eager to begin expatiating
upon them.

He had uttered about a half-dozen sen-
}ences,‘ when “Colonel Scott ‘f interrupted
um: - ' ‘ . -
-.‘»‘ .Who't are yeti. talking about 1”

,‘V‘Why, coal, of coursol” ’ .

The doctor was proceedin to deliVer his
lecture upon the samples rawn from the
black bag, wherf‘ he was interrupted sharply
by Colonel Scott:

. “See here, my man! i don’t know what
you are talking about. And, another thing:
don’t you think that tlu-reis something queer
about that man Pryce?” _ '

“( ueer? Why, he (is the most popular
man in Charleston. and‘a flnorétellow, Ther "9

nothingr querr about Lint”, ,

“ Perhaps not,” rcturncholonel Scott, and
opening a bundle of papers, and selecting
one of them, asked: ’

" Did you knowinmnn named Crowle

1 “ Yes t’—wonderlngly.

"Do you recognize that handwriting as
yOurs?” '

The doctor looked at the
him, and saw his own letter 0
of Robert "Crowley" to John Owens.

“ Yes; it is mine!" he declared, in an
amazed tone. '

“ A nd you recognize this
doctor?" .  . ,

“ Yes, it isthutof John Owens." ~_ I

“Colonel Scott Warpoiiuing to the signature
to One of‘twolong doCurhmts which he held
“in his hand. ' They'werc'tbe confessions ex.
tracted from John and William Owens. ‘

For a full minute Hammil stood staring at
the speaker; then he said:

“ You’ve got me! What do you want?"..

In reply, Colonel Scott exhibited the con-
fessions which he had received the previous
night from “Forrest—or, Crowlev~~and the
doctor squarely admitted that he hud not;
heard no such conversation us had been"
attribute to the late U. 8. Commissioner and ‘3
Mr. Green Snekville. The words of his afii- l

r?

n
‘1...

aper handed

»

handwriting.

 

dttV‘lt, be declared, had been put into, mam 1'th

glue.
95’) Ba) I
951 Datectivé Fina-t, of London

month; he knew nothing of lilEfilicgfid con- g
versation- In hint, he did not believeit’ ever}
Occurrede  " ,  I. 'r“;   
to

w

"elve 

“i3”

, ill?)

: Pitt")
3 so:
, rm

» 8i”

1 8m
. 81

introduction

 m

are Lightnin

g Lew and Fighting Bob Fob

rcst—-—uud these latter were none the poorer-

for il'dVlIl

attended that wedding, although.
theiremp oyers positiver refused to accept
the enormous reward offered by Edge Sack.-
ville for the clearing of his father’s name.
THE END.

 

Beadle’s Dime Library. I

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
By Colonel Prentiss lngraham.

9.50
973 2'
9:31
W. l
90 l
lit ll l

Rim

M3 Buffalo Bill‘s Block Game.

‘ ' Buffal I Bill s Black Yard.
Buffalo Bill‘s Bluff; or, Du'kv
Buffalo Bill‘s Quandary: or, 'Velvet Bill's Vow.
Bull’ulo Bill and the Sn geouSeout.

lintl'zilo Hill‘s League; or. Red Butterfly.
lluli’ulo Bill's Tangled ’l'mil.

linti‘nlo Bill‘s Rough Riders.

lilllTJl > Polls SM‘l‘f‘t Ally.

liofl'alo I:i:l‘~< Liteh‘tuke.

l‘tn‘ Three Bill 4: Buffalo 1 ill Wild Bill and Band-

lllck the Snort.

box Bill: or. The Bravo in Broadcloth.
~1ll's-Buekskm Brows.

869
RIB
857
861
til?)

BI
l’u
It

II:
[it
lil

it

it:

HL'

8722
791
87
78
7'59
76')
76
757
7 259

73.5
73 l

Bu “'1 in
Builuio
1 Buffalo
777 Bufl'alo
Buffalo

Buffalo
Buffalo

urolo
iffalo
Itl’alo

ui'nlo
til".th
lifti l
ill“ lit)
it‘falo

Bill‘s Road-Agent Round—up.
Bill's beta if Charm.

Bill's Royal Flush.

Bill‘s l‘oub‘e Dilt mma.
Bufl’nlo Bill’s Redskin Ruse.

Bill‘s Bovsm Blue. .

lii'l‘s Sher ) Shooters.

l’ih’s llesti
Bi l‘s Red Trail.
Bill‘s DmtHKnell.
Bill‘s Winning Hand.
Bill’s Dead Shot.
Bill‘s Brand.
Bill’s Spy Shadower.
Bill’s Sweepstako.
Bif’falo Bi !l‘s D: zen: 01‘. Si
Buffalo Bill‘s Mascot.
Buffalo Bill’s Double.
Buffalo Bill‘s In»; la urzor. ('usler‘s Shadow.
~ 743 Thrifle Bill’s Flush Hand.

llutfalo Bill‘s Mind: or, The Masked Driver.
Buffalo Bill ind H’s Merry Men. ‘
Buffalo Bill‘s Bear: 95:01: Silk Lasso
, 722' Buflalo Bill‘s Ilodv Guard.

iowel‘.

lk Ribbon 5......

Sam.

722 Buffalo Bill on the Wnr; atlL
 Snuggle  Scoué ShaTowers.

0, Bank ,: or. he newtan .
697 Buffalo ' rel-ado

691 i.~uffnlo‘fh§i
. 067‘ Buffalo Bill's 82 con; 01:.

’lrfiuckskin Brother).
.‘s I lint} Trail

, .. )‘

Mus ‘ ” 
King}? 

J

’rne‘

698 The Oowbw Clan; or. The 'Ii ress‘o’f Texas.
603 Lasso King’s Leaguemanc ’ Taylor in Texas.
649 Buffalo Bid's Chief «if Cowboys; or. Buck Taylor

till Buffalo Bill‘s I oral za; or. Si vert‘lrele
3oz! Bull’an Bill‘s (.iri :
3:29 Bulfqu Bill’s Pledzze

H!) w ild Bill‘s Gold 'l‘rnil;

11‘5 Wild Bill‘s Trump

Knights.

or. Oath Bound to Custer.
: or. The League of Three.
or. The Desperate Dozen.
(lard: or,

The Indian Heirell'

168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot.
By llulljalo,nlll_.g 

839m
820Wh

Ranch A'er '»

in

Dead on " :-
lto Hoover's Still ‘8” i"

.111“. ‘ 2* . '
80? Wild Bilbtfie Wild. #fit‘Dlfl‘M "

800 Wild Bill; the, branOentor Shot. ,

(ll-39 Bufl’alo Bill‘s Gold K!
599 The Dead Shot Kine:

mg
or

: My Pards of! the Plum.

4M Red Renard. the indian Detective.

401 One-Armed Ford; or, Borderland Retribution.
397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver's Trail.
394 White Beaver. the Exile 0f the Platte.

319 Wild Bill, the \\ ,hirlwind of the West.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler.

8‘3 Gold Bu

m The Pilfirim sharp: or. The Soldier's Sweetheart... « ”
:55 Death-Traitor;  r. x .: .

new ms “

l

et Soon;

1
I

1

E3

 

51
153

some it its

But! to ill‘s Darin
7 Button:
l" gugallo  (grief « f bi’COlltS. , ( .

u no .i a range ard‘or» bashing‘mnd . x '
92 Bunnie Bill: the Buckskin ’ '  r  '- ’

imw moons.

l's First

:4
I

out lianillnmctc.

humor. Cody to the Rescue.
I'Secrr‘t Service Trail.

Role; or, Daredeath Dick.
mil; or. ’l

he Express Rider.

,1
(inc ‘

i

053 Dashing Charlie‘s White Men. By Col. hurrah mi

954 Joe Plrtl'nix m Chicago. By Albert w. Aiken.
955 The Secret Service S
Ed. Gators liurnes.

reeiztl of‘ New York.

>

w“ .9

936 B fl’alo Bill‘s VounteerVigilnntep, 
V 'w

957 The King‘Pin Sport By  .. 

940
Bl

Dnshi
'll'g g5)

948 Thom-d
Grubhrr


83A

JUST   ..

Charlie‘o.
w, By Got-1

. 947 Cool Chris. mow...“
 tectiVe‘or. Crushfo
 ~' “y” Wm. I. Manning.»

J 0e Phenit‘é Shad“!  I

j to.) out an easy. By Col. P. lauruhlm. H 

m'raxaa: or.
ff. W. A lken.

 (fohsmr‘ators. ByA P

V m. Badger. r.
‘ at new issue every Minnow.

1"”

' ‘ ’ lit-idiom man
wade Ween

 . on Virus; verify. the Ventruoqwérsmrt.

r for, Black Horse
graham. ’
sport. By J. E. Badger. ‘ ’
g the Gold

motto

By Joe. i

: or. Unmaéh
Morris. W

usury «ism: we
. (I ‘ . , 1-.

W-

a;

x

  

" V3.