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_ “thymus.ou 1884. BY 13:2:an 8: .ADAMS.  .......  . . . . . . . . . . . . ,  . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ‘ ‘ . . . . . . . . , A . . . . . . . ‘ . . . .. APRIL, 1904.
 M- :l IVEIIS a: 00. Publishers
A, p 0.. J 9 ,
Z   ummhed Every ‘(JAMES SULLIVAN. Pnommron). 10 cents 8' copy'  
1 ' . month' 379 Pearl Street. New York. sl'oo a Year' ' '

 

 

“

LIGHTNING 130“, THE CANYON TERRHR; OI’THE 153313;?“ cm 

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON,

man or “ CAC‘I'US non,” “ pox sommo," “ up? noun,” “run scoanN Baormms,” "omen nun," rm, m

 

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h, p

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LIGHTNING BOLT. WITH A WILD TELL 0F DERISION. SENT A PABTING GRENADI AMONG m TEme RED DUNS»

‘ ,4 , .  :7"... A
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v ; A. MBWCfiv‘

 

 

  

2 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon“ Terror.

Lightning Bolt, 1

THE CANYON TERROR;
03.
The Mountain Cat's Grudge.

——

BY CAPT. MARK WILTON,

nurses. or “'mxas CHICK,” “ mON-amn
ABE.” “cacrcs JACK,” “LEOPARD
nun,” “BULLET am,” “ nan-
nmca BILL,” “LONG-
mmnn xxx,”
are, are.

 

CHAPTER I.
“ THE monmgnlsl 1311:1101?if h l d
CK, thar, oung e er;gito t er e go
or 3:31 git oi! ngver to git up. Scoot I” ‘ ’

t was a wild piece of countr in the moun-
tains of western Montana, a ivision of our
country particularly rich in such scenes; and a
scene where one man’s life was certainly ex-
posed to great eril.

He who he shouted stood on an elevated
point of rocky land, where an abrupt descent
on one side was only broken by a ledge running
around it like a balcony of Nature. And on
the ledge the man she. saw a scene which
made him drive a bullet into his rifle in hot
haste.

A second man stood on the ledge, as did a
third object of an animate and animal nature——
a grizzly bear. Eph and. the man had met on
the narrow rock and both seemed surprised.
The latter had occasion to be alarmed, as well.

The hear was in a passion; something had
occurred to ruflle his never -too.amiable temper,
and when one noticed the drops of red
which driepfed from his shaggy breast and spot-
ted the 1 go, it was not hard to get at the
nature of his mental ebullition.

Waldo Temple saw and realized his danger.
Old Eph is only slain off-hand in the stories of
Nimrods of e Munchausen order, who never
had the cou go even to face one, and it is only
the sure hand, steady eye and unfailing courage
that can win at all. Temple knew this and
would gladly have retreated, but he saw better
thaphhis friend above that retreat meant sure
dea . ,

He must face the grizzly and take his chances.

The beast had used and was looking at him
with an ugly geam in his vicious eyes, and
‘Waldo reso ved to improve his chance without
‘sto ping to inquire why it was presonted.

e dropped on one knee and raised his rifle.

Eph be eld the movement with dissatisfaction
and asurl wl, and one of his feet moved
forward, f: owed by the rest of his anatomy.
His expression was ugly in the extreme and
there could be no doubt but he intended to
sweep his neighbor of! the ledge to the ragged
rocks below, or crush him in his resistless hold.

All this was clear to Temple, yet he was per-
fectly 'calm. He wondered at it afterward.
His gaze did not waver as he glanced along the
rifle—barrel, and he had confl ence in the wea-

P0“-

The man above had finished reloading, but he
leaned ove‘r’the cliff and made no motion, well
aware that he could send no fatal shot from his
position; all depended on that of the imperiled
man.

“Steady, bo ee,-§teadyl Make sure 0’ yer
aim, an’ give t ter him plump in ther eye.
Dii‘filim. ‘ h h" k d b

is er speee wasc sc e y the shar
track of the rifle, and then Temple flung himse it
flat and clutched his knife for the grizzly’s rush.
It never came. The animal started, as the lead
wit home, reeled, stepped one foot over the
led , and then went out of sight with a dimer-
sa t.

His fate was settled; the rocks a hundred feet
below would be the landing-place.

The man above the ledge uttered a whoop
and then came down by means of a detour, as
quicklyaspossible. he found Temple calmly
placing a fresh shell in his rifle.

“ You’ve did it new, by beeswax! You’ve
tookeu ther last degree in mountain-craft, fur
ther man that kin lay over a grizzly ain’t no
fobl. I say it, an’ I’m a hunter 0’ ther old stock,
Gafler Golightl , by name!”

The men shoo hands, and though the victor
bore his honors meekly, there was a pleased
flush on his face. “was a young man, from
whom mounpain ll ad not removed certain
evidences of Iastern origin, but he had a sensi-
ble, manly face, and wore his clothes for use
rather than ornament.

His companion was twice his age, but flft
years set lightly upon him and he was as ten,

a knot; a thin, wiry man, with a home y,
. nest face, andageneral air which told that
 was a veteran amid the wild scenes of the
est.
nit claim that he was “a hunter of the old

(stuck ” was corroborated b the rifle he bore. it a

was not only a muzzlerloa er, but was of such

 

ancient pattern that one instinctively wondered

if it had not descended from Daniel Boone. Yet
Grader Goligbtly was no fossil; two excellent
revolvars were visible at his belt.

After one look at the mangled heap at the
foot of the cliff, which represented all that was
left of Old Eph, the men ascended the rocks
and stood on the upper part of the ridge.

The wild scener stretched away in every di-
rection, and now ere could they see an end of
the mountains and woods except at the east,
where a valley was scooped out of the hills-—
not in the form of a plain, but rather a depres-
sion, where the bolder features of the elevated
countr became dwarfed and softened. Through
the val ey extended a thread of silver. It was
the Missouri river, but not the broad and
mighty stream which pours a small ocean of
water into its great companion, the Father of
Waters.

For the scene was in Montana, and there the
Missouri, not yet strengthened by the tributaries

it receives after turning its course eastward, is-~

but the lusty infant which, as it sweeps on,
grows to the giant of its maturer days.

“ lsee ye’re a-lookin’ down ther valley,” said
Gaffer Golightlv. “Mebbe you see the enter-
prisin’ town 0’ Quartz Rock?”

“ No,” Temple admitted.

“Eye ther stream clos’tly, then. Down at
ther foot of the pine ridge yender you kin see
whar ther Missouri spreads out like ther bowl
0’ a spoon. Thar is bluffs on both sides 0’ ther
river except whar ther bowl is—”

“I see the village now; it is just beyond the
bowl, as you call it.”

“ Right, young teller. That is Quartz Rock,
an’ of we are a-goin’ thar we may ez well be on
ther way. Shall we start nowi’

“I an; all ready.”

They went on and soon left the scene of their
late adventure behind them, but the day was
destined to bring forth yet a more startling ex-
perience, and one ranging on the domain of the
marvelous.

They were passing alon the top of a canyon
when Gaffer suddenlg7 loo ed behind him, and,
as he did so, he caug t Temple’s arm in a grasp
that threatened to leave its mark.

“ Lookl” the hunter uttered, surprise and
amazement in his voice.

The younger man obeyed and did not need
to ask to what Golightl y referred.

Across the ridge a huge buck elk was running
at full speed, his nimble legs scarcely seeming
to touch the ground, though in point of fact,
each great bound was distinctly marked; while
his head, which was held proudly erect, was
never turned sideways as he ran. A magnifi-
cent fellow he was, with his unusual size, his
handsome body and shapely limbs, while-the
sine and spread of his antlers were as far be-
yond the average as was his size.

But the half is not yet told.

The elk had a rider. Seated on his back as
though he was calm] hestriding a steed of
equine character, r e a man.
strange-looking person, seeming to be above the
usual stature of men, and a ong black beard
which swept his breast added to his impressive
ap earance. '

is attire was peculiar, so far as it could be
seen. A small, close-fitting cap, without visor
or ornament, covered his head, while from his
shoulders descended a black garment like the
gown of a monk. Drawn in at the waist by
belt or cord it hungdoosel around his bod ,
while the skirt concialed h lower limbs near y
to the ankle: It wds to be seen however. that
his feet rested in sdme sort of stirrup, and the
natural inference was that a saddle covered the
dish back.

Only a side view of either of the strange
twain could be had, but Temple fancied he
could discover a look on the rider’s face which
was grave, dignified and Illness lofty' but the
strangeness of his dress and his steed amazed
the oung man. .

“ own!” exclaimed Golightly, sharpl .
“ They’re rushin’ inter a trap; ther ken .on w l
5to!) em, an’ they’ll hev ter turn t is ,way.
T3551, lay low, or you’ll get yer head blowod
o

9

Temple scarcely heeded him; he could only
stand still and watch.

8“flight on toward the canyon rushed the elk,
ieapin over rocks and pursuing his way stead-
ily an tirelessly, never turning his head; and,
despite hiss ed,showing no alarm or 1ncon~
Venifince at swim; a rider. .

The latter wasas impassivo as the elk. Sit-
ting easily in his place, he rode on, and looked
ever‘straight ahead. '

“i tell ya ter git down!” Gafler repeated.
“ That darned critter will stove ye ter pieces—I

V0 Y8 f’nr warnin . Ye knew him so we! 02 I

0. or— Good Lord! he’s running smack inter
ther kenyon.”

Sure enough, the buck was still speeding to-
ward the mountain cleft—a place where a
small stream worked its way north, three hun-
dred feet below, and perpendicular walls arose
on both sides.

.Temple expected to see the two dashed to

mess, but as the elk reached the canyon’s edge

e arosefn the air with a magnificent bound,
and, while his rider sat unmoved in his place,

He was a.

 

went over the chasm like a bird u use
wing. EVen at their distance, the unters
heard the thud of his feet as he struck; but, re-
maining unshaken on his limbs, he gathered for
a fresh bound, and like a flash sped on; passed
a point of rock and was gone fr om view, rider
and all. ‘

“ Thank ther Lord l” uttered Gaffer Golightly,
as he slowly arose.

“Gad, what in the world do you call that
creature? Is it one—a new form of Centaur—or
are the twoi”

The ightened look on the veteran’s face gave
way to a smile.

‘ I reckon they is two,” he answered; “ but ei'
you take ’em ter be any ord’uary elk an’ man,
you’re mistook.”

“‘1” Ordinary? I should call them anything but
at. ‘

“ You don’t understand. That was Lightning
Bolt an’ his Giant Elk.”

“ I understand less than before. Sit down and
tell me just What they are.”

“ Wm, ez fur ther last, it’s Old Nick on boss.
back, but ter make all plain I must go back ter
ther time ther critters was fust heerd on. It
was two year ago—mebbe more— that a
hunter come inter some camp, an’ tale a
yarn about scein’ a man ridin’ a whoppin‘ big
buck elk over ther mount’iu’, at a rate 0’
which tits a boss, or an’ eagle, to: shame; au’
he claimed that when he tried ter stop ther
pair, ther rider flung a ball 0’ fire at him,which
narrerly missed ther mark, an’ then scooted out

o’ 3' hr.

“ficlks laughed at ther relationer, an’ called
him a liar; but he stuck ter ther story like grim
death. Pooty soon another voice was heard.
A arn floated up that ther Blackfoot Injuns
he see (71 jest Sech a critter, an’ when they tried
ter stop him he flung more bolts 0’ fire, an’ in
that case they tuk effect an’ severial warriors
was killed.

“ From that time on we frequently heerd 0’
ther strange pair, an’ he’s killed a powerful lie
0’ whites an’ reds, an’ thar kin be no doubt ut
he’s either Old Nick or one 0’ his followers. Ther
Blackfeet call him ther Evil Spirit, while
’mongst our folks hc mostly goes by ther name
0’ Lightning Bolt, ther Elk Rider.”

“ Why Lightning Bolt?—because he moves so
fast?”

“No, no! Didn’t I tell ye about ther balls
0’ fire? That’s ther way he does his slayin'. He
jest chucks a small, round ball, which is all
ableeze, an’ when it gets ter its victim it bu’sts
an’ blows him inter nothin’. Them ez know
says it’s ther same with lightning from ther
sky. I never see’d a man ki led by it, but I’ve

seed trees torn all ter nothin’. Wal, that’s

done by bolts from ther sky. su ricr-human
missyles, ye see, an’ ther Elk Ri er uses ther
same thing.”

“ Nonsense, Gaff. Lightning—the real article,
I mean—is electricity— ’ .

“Call it that, or lightnin’ bolt, or thunder-
bolt, it don’t make no difl’rence; but when it
hits it knocks ther stufllu’ outer ev‘rything.
You can’t tell me nothin’ ’bout that 1”

Temple tried no further, but he did take a
stand against the claim that the Elk Rider was,
using t esame missiles as were employed in a
thunder-shower.

Again he was unsuccessful. Mr. Goli htly,
who was pleasant, sensible and teachabe on
every other subflaect, was as stubborn as man
can be where 'Ehtning golt was concerned.
god it was plain e labore under superstitious
ear. ‘ i
‘ “I don’t know nothin’ about yer sciences.
logics, nor. metaghysics,” he said, “but you
needn t try tor to 1 me what ther Elk Rider is,
an’ what he hain’t. I say ther Injuns is right,
an’ that he’s a critter let loose by Old Nick ter
scourge an’ slay. ’Course' he is! Did ye (yer
see a man canterin’ "round on an elk that way?
Did ye ever see an elk that could get OVer ther
ground that wayi lguess not! I sa they’re
both on ‘em supernat‘ral bein's, sent rom Old
Nick. Ez fur ther missyles he uses, what be
they ct. they ain’t lightnin’ bolts?” ‘

“ some sort of hand-grenade.” ‘

“Hand grenadier!” retorted Mr. Golightly.
‘ Talk some, will ye? Wei, ef my theory is
wrong. what is that durned critter gallopin'
’roun ther Rockies fur, anyhOu-i”

“ I think he’s mad.”

“You’ll think he‘s mad ef he ever gits a
whack at vou!” retorted Gaffer. with a derisive
snort. "Oh! you jest wait till he gits arter
yew that’s all!”

“ have no desire to meet him—”

" No, i reckon you ain’t—I reckon not I”

The compressed sarcasm of his speech made

Temple laugh, and he struck him a friendly
blow on the shoulder.
- :‘Well. we won’t quarrel about that. old
friend. Let the Elk Rider be. Old Nick or n hu-
man being, it don’t matter as long as he don‘t
get his gr: on us.

“Don t Be so sure he won’t,” said Golightly‘
fully restored to good-humor. “ He comes an
goes like ther wind. A minute ago he was 11 ar;
now he may be raméJaging along ther B tter
Root, or the Muscle he I or up by Fort Ben-
ton. He kin kiver ground jest 9; he sees fit, all"

'fie

 

4..)
r.<,

 

    
  

 

 

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 3

 

that darned elk never gets out 0‘ wind, ya
know.” ‘ .

“ Did you ever try your rifle on him!"

“ On a speerit ’

“ On Lightning Bolt?”

“Sense you’re so set, I hev. Not lately; I
know better. But a year ago I took a drive at
him. All thcr Injnns had been drivin’ away at
him, and piles o’ whites had done ther same;
an’ on it war no go, all had settled down ter ther
theorum he was a speerit. NOW, I ain’t a man
ter be took in by no humbug, an’ I allowed I
would try a hack at ther critter, an’ that when I
did it he would lay down. Young teller, I tried
it. I drawred as poet abead on him ez you
ever see’d an’ ulled t or trigger. I couldn‘t
have missed ef tried, but ther Elk Rider went
a-sailin’ on his way as serenely ez though noth-
in’ oncommon had occurred. New, ther’!”

Mr. Golightly considered the question settled,
but Waldo Temple was not so sure. Having no
belief in s irits he did not accept the common
theory. ut what then was the strange rider?
His appearance was far from being that of a
madman; he was more like a grave and im-
pressive fortune-teller, who seeks to strike with
awe those who seek his presence.

Yet Temple was forced to admit there was
something wonderful and uncanny about the
way in which the strange steed and his strange
rider had gone over rocks and canyon.

 

CHAPTER II.
MISSOURI, THE FERRY-GIRL.

WHEN the two men had somewhat recovered
from the effects of their last encounter they
resumed their way toward Quartz ROck.

“ I ain’t over an’ above sure we shall be wel-’
come,”vobserved Golightly.

“Well, I suppose the country is free to all,
isn’t it?” Temple replied.

“Ef he kin elbow his way through, but he’s
got ter take his chances ag’in’ Boundin’ Bison’s

njuns, an’ ther town 0’ Quartz Rock is a leetle
select, es it were. They are makin’ .a good
thin in gold an’ don’t keer fur more citwens.”

“ ell I don’t want to settle, nor to dig
gold, so I don’t see as they can object to our
coming, but if any rin has ot control here
and expects to keep it, t 3w“ find themselves
internally up a stump. ontana has a future;
her eastern portion is suitable for sing and
these mountains for mining: and as ncle Sam
ownsall these broad acres her course is going

‘tobe‘upward and onward. If gold has been

struck at Quartz Rock, the fact will become
known and there will be a rush of diggers.
They can’t be kept away. Do these first set-
tlers resort to violence to maintain their exclu-
siveness!”

“Oh, Lord, nol They sorter frown_ on new-
comers, an’ tell ’em about ther hard winters an’
ther Blackfeet.” ’

Tern le smiled. .

“W rules the roost?”. \.

“One Isaac Leonard, ter wit. He ain’t a bad
man, an’ always uses his wal, but he impresses
on my mind that I orter advise other folks ter
keep away.”

“Do you lend yourself to his ignoble pur-
poses?" asked Temple, with a curling lip:

The hunter paused and grounded marine.

“Stranger, I reckon you don’t qmte know
me, yit. am G-afler Golightly, an’ 1 am a
hunter 0’ ther old stock. I am'a free man, an-
I go an’ come when an’ whar I will. Men, nur
rivers, nur mount’ns can’t limit my wanderin’s.
I own no master but Him who is ther Master 0’
all humans. Orer an’ above, I trust I am an
honest man, an’above lendin’ myself ter Ike
Leonard, or any other man!”

The speech was made with a sort of homely
dignity which won Waldo Temple’s heart, and
he asked the olditOCk hunter’s pardon frankly.
Peat;l was restored and their progress re-
sum .

They neared the .lvfissonri, at the point where
it washed the from of the mining town, and
Geller looked around With a twinkle in his gray
e es.

y" Be you good fur a swim?” he asked,
“ Yes, if necessary.” -
.“Wal, ’tain’t nec’sary. Ther .river hez a
ferry hyer, an’ I am about ter introduce ter
ou ther pootiest specimen 0’ ther female sex in
ontana.

“ Perfectly right,” Temple carelmsly replied.

“Thar ferry is owned by a gal who ain’t
see’d twenty year at. It consists o’ a light
bOat in which she to es over parties o’.not more
than three. and a big er craft fur big parties
an' fur horses. The set is managed by two
niggers, brothers. whose names is G. Wash
Adams and T. Jet! Adams.”

’l‘emple smiled. ‘

" By which I squpose the girl is named Joan
of Arc, or Grace arlin .”

“ No, she ain’t,” said afler, with a rust of
disapproval. “I dOn’t jestly know er real
name, but she gees under ther sober-cat, ez they
my in French, 0’ ‘Missouri.’ Them as know
her best usually clip that down to ‘ Soo.’ ”

“ A fanciful name, surely.”

“But you’ll find her practical enough, an’
Ibbter claw yer- eyes outer yer head of ye

 

. other parts of the

make an cheap talk. Be as keerful es er
natur’ wil allow. Hyar’s ther river an’ t er
ford. One thing more; it may seem a leetle
tough fur me an’ you ter set in ther boat an’ let
agal pull us across, but don’t ye dare ter ask
leave tar use the care. She won’t bear it!”

“She won’t get a chance to refuse. Ihad
just as soon she would do the work as not.”

Temple did not intend to be heartless, but he
had mentally set the ferr -girl dOwn to be an
Amazon, and Gafler’s ha] concealed admiration
did not have the effect of arousing‘enthusiasm on
his part. He could respect a girl who thus
earned her living, even thou h she was coarse,
lar e-boned and rude, but a mire her—no!

ey reached the river and, as bOth boats
were on the other side, Golightly had to signal
for the small craft. As he did so, Temple
looked curiouslv at the river.

Above them it descended so ra idly for some
distance that, being penned in tween rocky
walls of Nature’s own make, and flowin over
successive miniature falls, it was lashe to a
white foam until, being shot out of the mouth
of the canyada as from a mill-flume, it touched
the broad and placid pond on which plied the
boat. Because the pond was so much wider
than above or below, and because of the color
of the water, it was known as Brown Hand
Ferry.

Leaving the pond, the water entered another
miniature canyon where, with perpendicular
walls on both sides, it raced down to find an—
other level place where it could rest. All these
detailed pomts are of interest to the future of
our chronicle.

Temple finally aroused from his survey of the
scenery and looked out OVer the ferry. The
small boat had answered Gaifer’s signal and
was approaching them, its Sole occupant being
the mistress of the outfit. The craft advanced
steadily and Temple surveyed the terry-girl
with curiosity.

She was of smaller stature than he expected,
and he could not help noticing that her move-
ments were free and ceful. Of her face he
could see nothing as s e rowed.

They had remained standin on a small ledge,
for Gafler wished to give is companion a
chance to look well to the ferr and the village
beyond, but as the boat near the river’s hank
they turned and started down, making a detour
to avoid the-almost perpendicular descent.

This was nearly done when, as the boat touch-
ed land, two other men started out from amon
the rocks and before the astonished girl could
remonstrate. ad taken places in the craft.

“All right, Miss Missouri; pull away!” said
one.

Gaffer and Temple had stopped short, a good
deal surprised, but the ferry-girl quickly re-
covered er presence of mind.

“ It ain’t all right, and I won’t “pull?” she
retorted. “Just you get out of the boat and
take your turn, will you?"

“ Ehl Take our turn! What do you mean?”
the previous speaker asked, in real or pretended
surprise.

“ I mean that I came over after these other
gentlemen, and you’ll have to wait until they
are over.” .

“ But we were here first.” .

“ Perha so, but you didn’t signal.”

“Certs nl y, we did. I’ll leave it to Mike.”

“Av coorse we did,” added his companion.
“Be jabers, I nearly flapped me arrums off
a-wavin’ av dhem, an’ it's mesilf is thinkin’ it’s
about toime fur a new hand'at dhe ferry if y.
can’t attend to business."

“Don’t you worry about that ,j I run this
ferry, and if you don’t like my line you can
walk. You’ll find it good exercise. But, when
you say you tried so hard to signal me you
know you’re lying. I’ve watched this point for
half an hour, and there was no signal until
Gaffer and his companion came. You needn’t
lie to me; you may as well tumble out and wait
your turn 1” I

Waldo Temple looked and listened in amass-
merit.

He had seen the ferrigrl plainly, at last.
She stood upri ht in her t, reVealiug a form
of average light, but Very compactly built
without the least up roach to coarseness or
masculineness in 100 .- Her dress was a plain,
servxceable brown, with a snOWy-white collar
and red ribbon at her throat; a. neat, modest
and becoming attire. I

But her face was her chief attraction. A
round, rosy almost perfectly formed one, with
plenty of co or from good health and the moun-
tain winds and sun; with greatndnsky eyes, and
brown hair which persisted in rippling glorious-
ly, despite all efforts to confine it. ‘

And this was Tem le’s “ Amazon!”

He came he saw, 6 was conquered. At first
sight he acknowledged her a wonderfully pretty
girl, and when he heard the talk of the usurpers
of their places in the best he was filled with in-
di iation.

hey did not make ayery becoming r.
One was a man of thirty years, with lenty f
kind ifts from Nature in the shape of gem and
face, at there wasa dissipated, reckless look
on his face, and Tom is, who had seen life in
eat, marked his flashy

 

dregs and pronounced him a gambler, at Ir!
si t.

is com nion was undoubtedly an Irishman,
and be 100 ed to be of the lowest class, despite
the fact that he was somewhat smartly dressed

Gafler had quietly waited to see what '
would say to the men’s claims, but he new ad-
vanced.

“ Be careful what language you use, girl i”
cautioned the flashily-dressed man.

“Oh! the truth don’t set well, I see. Well,
don’t put in any false claims then,” she replied.
“All you’ve got to do. now is to get out and
wait your turn.”

“I shall not get out i” he declared.

A band tapped him on the shoulder and he
looked around and saw Golfer Golightly.

“Excuse me, Mr. Jack Purcell,” said the old
stock-hunter, “ but ef Miss 800 says git out,
you’re agoin’ ter git I”

The announcement was quietly made, but with
a world of quiet resolution.

“ What’ve you got to do about it?” demanded
Purcell, hotly.

“ Wal, sence you hev my place in the boat, I
am slightly interested in that we , but when I
say rights?) an’ down what I d d say, I’ll re-
mind you iss 800 is boss 0’ this ferry, an’ what
she sez is goin’ that way. You hev heard her
say ‘ Git ." an’ new I want- ter see you a-gittin’.
Never mind ther bugle, Miss 800; we don I; need
ther colored gents.”

“By Judas! you’ll need them and an army
more if you lay a hand on me!” raved Jack Pur-
cell. “I don’t allow any two-ls ged man to
encher me out of my right, and ’ll shoot the
first lump of carrion that tries itl”

“Me, too!” added his ally. “Me name is
Mike Mulloy, an’ I’m a spile-driver on wheels.
Death to dhe terrier who teches us! Who wants
his skull cracked open 5”

CHAPTER III.
’ an UNEXPEC’PED WELCOME.

Wanno Tuian was disgusted by the ways
and Words of this loud-mouthed pair, who bore
the stamp of their lawless and contemptible
natures upon them, and he was already and
anxious to help Gafier dispose Of them. He
said as much in a low tone, but the hunter did
not heed him.

“ You‘re obstructin’ ther wheels '0‘ trade,”
Gaffer said, still addressing Purcell.

“I’ll obstruct your head, if you don’t clear
out !” was the retort.

The Words had scarce] passed his lips when
Gafl'er leaped into the t. \ Purcell dmgped
his hand to his waist, where reposed a ram er,
but he was too late. The hunter’s bony, mus-
cular hands closed upon him, he was lifted
bodily, and then followed a splash as he struck
the water several feet away.

“ Keep your place, or you shall follow your
comrade!”

The words were steme spoken in Mike Mu].
loy’s ears, and he turned and saw Waldo Tem-
ple at his side. Mulloy would have resented a
charge that he was a coward, but, somehow, he
didn t feel like riding his high horse any further.
He kept silent and he remained motionless until
Gafler Golightl turned upon him.

“Git out o’ t is boat!”

The hunter’s blood was up and his unusual]
mild eyes had an ominous quiver. Mike beh ,
and he meekly arose just as his friend flound-
ered from the water. Those in the boat were
rid of both, and Missouri dipped the cars and
left shore.

“ I’ll come over after you, directly,” she
called to the passengers who had “ got left.”

But not a Word did they answer, and Tem 10
took their silence to be one more to be drea ed
than loud words.

1 “ .:u must not go near them i" be impressive-
y sai . :

Missouri looked at him with a littlesur‘n'he
and then smiled.

“ And why not!”

“ Do you not seethe mean mischief!”

“ Oh! I don’t min that. I a good
many rough characters over the ferr , but they
don’t mean half they say when t ey get to
storming, usually; and if they do they don’t
amount to anything. I’m not afraid of them l”

She made the assertion in a matter-of-fact
way, while steadily pulling the boat, and Gaf-
fer nodded approvmglg.

“ Right you are, 0. Just let her alone,
Temple; she can look out for number one.”

The young man felt a little piqued and made
no answer, but in spite of the rebut he could
not help watching the girl with admiration.
She rowed in a way not to be exoelled. . In per-
foot time and with a stroke which barelyrip—
piled the water, she drew toward the further
8 lOl‘t‘.

Such a woman was new in Tom le’s experi-
ence. and he wondered what was history.
If she was sole mistress of the ferry it looked as
though, she was alone in Quartz Rock, and it re-
quired a business faculty and a bold spirit for a
girl to ht her way in the rough West.

But ri did it and run a venture whbh
gave her a good living; small as was then“,
the My was a paying pro rty.

As. they neared .ihe nort ern shone Temfle

 

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.—.

 

 

saw the second boat rocking b
was a large, fiat-bottomed cra t of a nonde-
ucript ttern. but well-fitted for the service in
which t was engaged.

Two negroes iay prostrate inside and looked
Io unntterably indolent and lifeless that
Temple wondered what possible use they could
be to any one. Just then, however, two horse-
men rode down to the bank, and as their move-
ments became audible the negroes leaped up
like jumping-jacks. Men and horses went on
board, the negroes seized the broad ours and
pulled away with steady, powerful strokes,

aving first been instructed by their mistress to
bring over Purcell and Mulloy.

Temple would have lingered near the spot to
see if there was further trouble—and to see
Missouri—hut G .va-l‘ bade him follow and start-
ed for th» village. As they went, he did not
fail to ask for information concerning the ferry—

irl. .
8 “NOW. you’ve got me.” said the hunter.
“All [know is what you kin see for yourself.
She come nynr nigh outer two years ago, with
her blackies. an' started thul‘ ferry. ’Tis said
she give some sort 0’ a name, at first, but folks
got inter ther h .bit 0’ callin’ her ‘Missouri,’ nu’
she jest drop d ther other an’ ink ter it al me.
An’ when to ks has asked her about her past,
she ain’t given them no infermation at all."

“ Are the negroos equally reserVedl"

“They’re ekully in tiier dark. She picked
inn up in some border-town whar they was left
ny ther bu‘stin’ o’ a circus, an’ that’s all they
know ’hout her.”

“ She seems to be a well-meaning girl.”

“ Wal-meaniu‘? Wal, I reckon she are. Ef
anybody denies it, jest let me know. [cotton
ter her in. good bit nn’ stand ready t-er fight her
battles. She‘s ez squsr’ a gal ez eVer crosSed
ther Misfissip’.”

Tern is was beginning an answer when Gafler
sudden y nudged his elbow.

“ Open yer eyes! Hynr comes Ike Leonard,
ther king pin 0’ Quartz Rock. He’s got his

the bank. It '

, my iwception don’t agree with what you led me

 

a’tention on us, an’ ez he’s amblin’ this we , ,
I take it he ain’t in good yumor. Don’t rie I
ther critter while he goes slaw hissclf.”

Temple looked, and was surprised at the km -
of man he saw. lsaac Leonard was fifty w i :
old, but looked much younger, and might easily
have passed for a soldier. Standing six feet in ;
his boots, he had an admirable figure, and
would have called close attention from any one.
Hg was erect-and soldierly in his hearing. and a 1
heavy mustach and goatee somehow mldeu to
the impression. Moreover, his face was hand. ,
some, strong und impressive, and Tenn iv ‘ . w it ‘

' was by true superiority he had brooms the
recognizui " great man ” of Quartz Risk.

As they neared him he nodded to the hunter,
but kept is g,th on Temple.

“ How do 3 on do. Gaffer.
0 ,me alone this time.”

His voice was calm and even, but i‘ e yrnnrer
mun believed he could detects tries oi irrita-
tion. '

“No, Mr. Leonard,” answered C "3‘ "y, in
his serene rzuy: he was not a men lo he. ovrr-
nwed by any one. “I’ve brung a young man
I’m guidin’ around ’monast. lher mount'us fur
sport. His name is Waldo Temple.”

Mr. Leonard’s gold headtd cane fell to the
ground. He stooped and picked it up. and
carefully brushed it of dirt. Then he looked at
Ten lo, his face calm and dignified.

" from the Eat, Mr. Temple?"

“ From Illinois, sir. I am going through the
West to  a passion for hunting and ad-
vcnturc. s l stop at this village a day or
two, and then move northward.”

He made his announcement as steadily as
though Gator had not warned him he might
not be allowed there at all, but he was not dis-

to acknowledge any man’s right to com-
blm to go or come.

“Well you will find enough to interest you
during that time, I think,” r. Leonard pleas-
antly replied. “ Quartz Rock is comparatively
a young town, but it is far from being a dull
one. I have, myself, tried to introduce what
amusements I could. Gaffer will show you
around.”

“ was,” said Gaffer.

It was a long-drawn repi , for the tall hunter
was I0 surprised at nar ’s unusual urbanity \
:llilst he could hardly command his speech at

“Thank you,” Temple answered. “I shall
be glad to look over the place Quartz Rock is
so far removed from other towns that it has a
peculiar importance.”

“Yes, settlers are few in this section. 80
xrany hostile Indians are about that. it would be
extre ely risky to try to plant another town.
Bonn n Bison and his Blackfeet rule with a
red ban —cverywhere except here. We man-
age to keep secure by admitting only worthy
men to our ranks.”

“ An “callous plan." said Temple, thouch he
w ning, rather than losing, suspicion. If

Rock was so exclusive «a place us Go-
lightly claimed, than might be a sting behind
this cordiality. .

I see you have not

 

“ I suppose the friends on left behind at- your
cldhcmowculd bow new,“ theyka

1

p  '_ . . ,' s . ,'
. 4 '.‘;;£. ‘ ' ' ‘. t'L‘l‘A“ fr,

4 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

you were in Bounding Bisen‘s country,” said
Leonard, laughing.

“ There is no one there to worry."

Ii 

“No. I may say like the colored man down
South, ‘When you see Sambo. you see all dar
is ob us.’ I am a sort of lone tree, Mr. Leonard;
utterly without relations. Yet, so far as Bound<
ing Bison goes, I am just as much interested in
keeping my scalp out of his clutches as a wife
or moi, er—in-law could he.”

“Hui hal Mr. Temple, you are quite a wit.
1 shall have to see you again before on go.

 

Gaffer. I suppose you put up at The earth-
stone!"

“ I s’ so so,” Gafl‘er slowly replied.

" l‘il cull and see you, Mr. Temple.
now, I am in haste. Good-day!”

And he hurried away, while the newcomers
Walked on toward the hotel named by Leonard
-—-'l‘re Hearthstone.

“is this your grizzly bear?” Waldo slowly
asked.

" Young chap, you kin knock me over with a
struwr. I’m darned ef I know what ter make
on ’t. What do you thinkl”

“ How an) I to know? All I can see is that

Just 

to expect."

" Wal. look right hyar. Don‘t forget what I
(ole ye ter expect. I tole ye Leonard was a
touch rooster from A ter Z, an’ a man who was
neVer ter be trusted. Jest you b’ar that in
mind!”

“ Then, what object has he in view?”

“ That s somethin’ it behooves 3 e ter look out
fur, an’ I advise ye ter keep yer eyes open ter
tue'r widest width. Ef ye don‘t wanter be
ketchcd nappin’ play ther weasel.”

“ But, what in the world can Leonard want
of mel We are entire strangers.”

“ That may be. an’ at ther same time he may
hev worked e fur somethin’. hen ye see a
grizzly sing like a canary, or a rattlesnake play
with that baby, look out I”

Gafi‘er Golightly delivered the warning with
no earnestness which left no doubt of his sincer-
ify, while it was plain he was much in the dark
as was Temple.

CHAPTER IV.
THE MYSTERY DIIPINI.

ISAAC LEONARD, after leaving the new-comers,
made his way at once to his own house, going
secretly and enteri at the rear as though to
avoid observation. on in the house, he hur-
ried to a front room, where his daughter Agnes
sat listlesuly reading a. book.

“Come to the window!" he said, unceremo-
niously.

She obeyed, stirred out of her lungnor by his
own unusual energy.

“Do you see those two men about to pass?” he
coprinueg.

i

“ Look well to the one on this side, the youn-
ger man.”

Bliss Leonard ohe ed, and her father saw a
new light appear in er bold, black eyes. She
watched not i the strangers had passed, but sue
had eyes only for the younger.

Mentally, she termed him a kin nmo men.
He was handsome, gracsful an her i eal of
manliness; more than that, he was very diaer-
ent from the men of Quartz Rock.

Isaac waited patiently for her to turn around,
but his keen, critical eyes were studying her
fsce constantly. When she did turn be uttered
one brief wor :

“ We I?”

“I have seen him,” Mi- Leonsrd answered
stud yin her father’s face in turn, as she would
a chess- rd.

" What do you think of him i”

Her full, red lips parted, and revealed even,
snowy teeth behind them, and yet there was no
smile on her face.

“ He is like what a king should be," she
prompth replied.

“I am led you think so, for you must make
yourself is wth I ”

He spoke without the least trace of excita-
ment, but she knew him well enough to be
sure he was not jesting, and a stronger light
appeared in her black eyes—a light such as is
teen in those of a tigress eagerly watching for

ts prev.

" Bring him in; I am ready!” she at once an-
swered.

“Not so fut, my dear; we must lend our fish
before we bag him.”

“ Hasn’t he proposedi” she asked, a shadow
crossing her face.

"No. On the contrary, he has never seen
vou. ” He has but just arrived at Quartz

ck.
" Yet vou wish me to marry him?"
“Yes.”

“ My worthy him, what fresh scheme is work-
ing in your prolific mind

“ A scheme to give you a husband you will
admire. love, honor and obey.”

“ Obey i” she muttered. halfmbcently. “That
will be a new thing for me, for [have never

 

obeyed even you except when it was to benefit
myself. Yet, King Menard, I, who have held

1

myself above men, am willing to obey, to but.
slave of him who has just passed!”

She made a rare and wonderful picture“,
uttering this assertion with subdued passion,
she faced her father, with the red lips still part-
ed and the black eyes gleaming like a strong but
half—concealed fire.

She was tall for a woman—much above the
usual hight of her sex—but her form, which was
full though not corpulent, was so perfectly pro-
portioned as to make her stature but one of the
attributes of queenliness. A ma niilcent woman
she was, so. far as personal loo '8 Went, for her
face was in keeping with her form. It was
symmetrical, her complexion was perfection,
v ltllnlts mingling of red and white, and her full
red ups and black eyes played their part, as
u the abundanCe of shining black hair above
a .
Yet the face was bold and hard, as were the
eyes. and a strict observer would have pro-
nouneed her unscrupulous Butnot a woman
of ice. Ahl no; the eyes, the lips, the whole
face told a far different story.

such a woman is capable of Cleopatra-like in-
tensny of love and Cleopatra-like deeds of des—
peration:

Isaac Leonard was delighted. Knowing the
w1llfnlness of his dau hter’s nature, he had
feared she might rank yrebel when his hopes
Were made known, but he saw that he wasto
have a more than willing ally.

“ Good l” he said. “ We will begin our battle
at once.”

“ HOW!” she asked.

“Waldo Temple—such is his name—must be
invited here; we must become his friends, and
slewiy, steadily, cunning‘lay, you must wave a
web about his heart. in him, and all that
monsy can buy shall be yours.”

“ ery gom , my worthy sire, but I am not
to be kept in the dark. Why are you so anx-
ious to Win this stranger—or have you known
him before i”

“ I never saw him until to-day.”

“Then wh are you so anxious to have him
for a son-in- aw?"

“Because, like you, I have read the man’s
mettle, and I clearly see he is the kind of a per—
son to be my assistant now, my successor
when I, am too old to wield the scepter of

wer.

The girl looked at him keenly.

“Is this your only reason?”

“Yes,” he replied, meeting her gaze unwaver-

ingly.

Brio the stranger here—Waldo
Temple—and he s all ultimately marry me,
though all the world should stand both us."

The assertion was made in a way fit for a
queen of stage-tragedy, but at this point the
conversation was nterrupted as a servant ap-
peared and announced a caller—Kr. John Pur-
cell, was the name ven.

Leonard was will ng tosee him and our fisshily-
dressed a usintance soon entered. Be Lad ex-
changed his former suit for a dry one since
Gsfi'er fiung him in the river, but his face had
an extremely ugly look which Isaac at once
noticed. Therefore, after the first greetings, he
bluntly asked the nature of the trouble.

“ I want authority to give a man his last
earthly trouble,” Purcell said, viciously.

“ Ah! Who is the man?”

“Gaffer Goli htly.”

“ Indeed! ell, I’m so , Mr. Purcell, but I
must decline. Mr. Golight y is—”

“ Wait until you hour In story. Mike Mulloy
and I were on the further side of the ferry and
we signaled for a boat. Missouri came over,
and we had taken our place. in the craft when
that dry bone of a hunter appeared. with In-
other man, and insisted on crossing first. 800
was frightened and 1 had to do the talking. I
assured the two rnfiisns they could not have our
places. Upon lhat, Gaff leaped into the boat,
seized me and flung me into the water. Then
Mullo was driven out at a revolver’s mouth,
and issonri had to row the men over first.
Newt-1&1 object to this. I am a citiuon of
Quart: k and these men are outsiders. By
violence they usurped m place, and I was fiung
in the water. I object to tb as I said before,
and wish leave to put them w no they cannot
"get the act."

ins Le0nard had watched and listened, and
her face ex reamed both scorn and anger. Plainly,
Purcell di not have her sympathy.

Neither did he have that of Isaac. Purcell
was an ally in fair standing, but he did not in-
tend to have either Glfler or Temple molested.
Besides, he read in Jack’s face the fact that he
was lying.

“ It is singular that Missouri, who is usually
so self-reliant, was frightened,” said Leonard.

“But there were two men against her, you
know.” explained Purcell.

“ Well, didn’t she have two xnen-—yo"rsclf~

an? Mnlloy—to help her!” was the shru- 4 in-
qurliyrbon'. face fell.

“ Come, Jack, no tricks on old trauma. Tell
me the truth," added the older men, more con:-
mfldhfi lly.

o e ow was unexpectedly caught, and he
gov. up his position without an attempt

 

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JNA

abuse. 'on the contrary, he told the fa
troubh just as it ha pened, save that ho sti l
stuck to his old he an claimed he had signaled
the ‘foat before Golightly.

“You are a fine strategist!” cried Agnes,
acc'mfully. “ Only yesterday I heard you vow
b: .4“ that was fair and foul that you would
win Missouri for your wife.”

“ So I will!” declared Purcell, with a curse.

“ Is this the way you take to do it?”

“I let my hot temper run awav with me,”
said the blackle , sullenlv; “ but have a way
for conquering er, if Mr. Lecuard will help
me.’

“You are full of your wants,” Leonard ob-
served.

“I see you don’t wish Gaffer molested, so I
will swallow my chagrin on one condition. I
want help with Missouri. Sue is as pert, saucy
and contemptuous as a girl can be, and extreme
measures must be taken to subdue her. Now,
Mike Mulloy wants the ferry bad, and I pro-
pose that we give 800 a chance to marrv me
and keep the ferry, or to refuse me and lose it
to Mulloy.”

“ Nonsense! I am not going to turn her out,”
said Imnard, trying to make light of the re-

u-st.

“What interest have you in her?" Purcell
spitefully demanded; his tone bringing a flush
to Leonard's face.

“Pardon me, Mr. Purcell, but_it' I had any
‘interest’in her, as you express it, I should
not feel call upon to explain. My standpoint is
simple, however. Missouri came to Qiartz
Rock a lonely and unknown girl. With a busi-
ness eye, she s-xw what none of my men had
seen—that a ferry across the river would my.
Tue novolty of her roposal and her courage in-
terested me, and i) told hertogo ahead. She
did so, and has built up a good business. NoW,
sir, though she has never bemme practically
one of us, I so admire her pluck that I wil
stand by her. She cm kee the ferry !"

es heard the verdict ndiflarently, as she
won d have listened to that of a mountain
sheep caught in a trap; but though Purcell had
another iron in the fire, his face showed his bit-
ter dimtisfaction.

“There is one thing more,”he said. “Our
rules forbid stran ers to meddle here, but I
want to say that a lind man might have seen
that Sooand the companion of Golightly—his
name is Temple—fell dead in love with each
other at first sight. The girl will he marrying
him off-hand, and then we’ll have Temple. with
his rying Eastern eyes, saddled onus as master
of row n Hand Ferry.”

Purcell had seen no evidence to support his
theory.but he was glayin his cards for all
they were worth, an be ha chanced to play a

trump.

The possiblllt that the ferry-girl would cap-
ture Waldo emple gave bot father avid
dau hter a shock: and with a fresh light in her
blac eyes the latter made a quick gesture.

“ Would Mulloy be likely to manage the fer-
ry well!" Leonard asked, with pretended
thoughtfulness.

“He would be the right man in the right
place!" Purcell declared.

“Well, I'll look into the matter, and I think
you may rely on me to help you. Cull again
tomorrOw.” *

Purcell understood that he was dismissed and,
very fairly satisfied, took his departure.

“ Help him?” said Agnes, viciously. "0f
09"?” you will! I always hated that hold ferry-
gll'l. and since she has dared to lOok at Temp 9
3b? 5" Ilot to t out of the Brown Hand and
out of Quart; 1%;ka

“ 3.." 3m“. at the least sign that. Tem is even
 h"; rest assured of that,” onard
re .

And he was more in earnest than his daugh-
ter knew. for his specious expressed reason for
wishing Waldo Templeto become his sou-in-
law was but a falsehood; be had another and
f“ more “1'8"” reason for desiring the mar-
;iaagea wliiehiglraa resultvbed that tTemple should

I a man one w ‘
Mm or Death! , o t o brides—

CHAPTER V.
m mar non ms nu: mm

“B! mightyation! it's goiu’ tel- be 3 Dow.
wow, er‘ my name aiu’t Beriah Brown—Brown

wilt‘ltilout any ‘ 61’!” h
aspen er uyontet ofaclifr -
ed down into the small muggiu below. “£29.33,
a man of middle age and, in every way, Wm-

'ed ., typical miner, though his face was honest

and prepossessing. He was well armed. a
a: hedlay, hugged a rifle as though it was an :fii
en . '

Twenty Indians had rode into the canyon
and, while he watched. dismounted. turned
their horses loose and gathered as though for a
conference. Thev were no strangers to him. He
was a citizen of Quartz Book and he know these
men were the Blackfeet that rowd all along the
foothills and. led by Bounding Bison, a redoubte
able chief. dealt Out death to all who ventured
near, except the chosen people of Quartz Rock.

More than this, be easily recognized Bound-
ing Bison, a stout middle—aged rufilan whose

 

ightning 3011:, the Canyon Terror. 5

naturally cruel face was seamed by the white
scar of an old wound.

“You durned heathen !” muttered the miner,
looking down. “ It would just give me solid

chunks o’ mirth ter put a lump 0’ lead inter e, ‘

an’ it would be a mighty good thing fur er
foothills. But I a ’ll liev ter hold my
peace while I put up at Quartz Rock, though
sech things ain’t ter ther taste 0’ Beriah Brown
-—-Brown, without any ‘ e ’1”

For the honest miner believed that Bounding
Bison was in the pay of Isaac Leonard and
stationed in the foothills to keep. other people
out; to give the men of Quarxz “ck a chance
to reap all the golden harvest of river-bed and
quartz-rock in that vicinit .

The Blackfeet gathered in a. circle aml Bound-
ing Bison began to speak. B--riah leaned far
over the edge of the rocks—further than was
safe—and tried to hear his words. but it was in
vain. At that aistance only a faint murmur
could be distinguished. Such being the case he
was tempted to try and get nearer, but the cliff
was perpendicular at that point, a wide detour
would be necessary to descend, and when once
down there was little hope of getting near
enough to hear anything without being dis~
c ivered.

So the miner kept his place and watched.

For half an hour the consultation went on.
and with an earnestness unusual to Indians, and
then the. entire band arose, mounted and rode
away down the canyon.

Bs-riall followed at the top.

The Blackfeet went nearly half a mile and
then halted where the canyon made a curve.
Once more they dismounted, and then followed
a Slranze scene. Some of the warriors seized
the howlders which were scattered about and
bore them to a common point; others cut small
pine trees from the wooded bank a hundred
yards below and dragged them to the same
plac»: while a third section began to form these
two elements into a straight line reaching from
side to side of the canyon.

“Looks like a wall,” muttered Beriah, “but
what in mightyation is it fur!”

“ Me tell you!”

A quiet voice uttered the words near his elbow
and he wheeled like a flash; then be grasped his
knife as he saw an Indian youth standing before
him. But the newcomer put out his hand
quickly with the palm foremost.

“ We bes’ no fight; we friends,” he said,
quietly, in broken English.

“ Mebhe we be, but it’s news fer me ef I’m
ther friend 0‘ any Blackfoot. Ef you was a
Luau I’dnsail inter you like a norther, but bein’a

oveeo-

The Indian sto ped him with a gesture.

“Do I look li 'e a Blackfoot!” he asked, his
broken English giving place to an almost per—
fect utterance.

“I reckon you’ve got mixed blood, fur yer
fea tur‘s are reg’lar, but ther red seems fer free-
dominate.”

“Wali! is the white gold-digger blind? His
friend, whom the red-men call Long Rifle is not
so blind. He can tell a Pawnee from a Black-
foot.”

“ Are you a. Pawnee?”

“ l have spoken”.

“ I heerd yer toot yer horn. Wal, that ain’t
sayin’, that you ain’t one of Boundiu’ Bison’s
gangs;e
“ s the as 1e look like the vulture! I am
a Pawnee and 1 ate the Blackfeet. They know
me well, but they would kill me if they could.
Mountain Cat is no friend of theirs.”

“.B which I s’pose your name is Mouat’in
Cat, t ough s all ’round Robin Hood’s barn
ter say it. {Vafif’l’m glad of you ain’t one 0’
that murderin’ gang. Mebbe on will tell me
what they’re buildin’ ther wal fur. 591100 11
said °ou could.” , ,
“ hey h? to trap the Elk Rider.”

“ Hey! ow can a speerit he traEpedf"

“ Bounding Bison is not rare the . k Rider is
a spirit, though all his warriors think so. He
intends to test the matter.”

“ Does, eh? Wal, I s‘pose Lightnin’ Belt hez
agfized ter walk right inter ther trap, ain’t he?"

riah spoke with sarcastic em basis.

“ The Blackfoot ho to lure h m in.”

“ How did you n this out!”

“Wahl when the Blackfeet camped in the
canyon above, Red Shoulder watched them
from the top of the cliff, but Mountain Cat
crawled close and listened to their words.”

Beriah surveyed his companion critically be-
fore speaking further. In years the Pawnee
was not over twenty and he was slenderly
built, but his arms were well-rounded, his chest
prominent and his shoulders and hips well de~
veloped. Clearly. he would make no mean op-
ponent, while the expression of his face was in-
telligent and lofty, indicating a stromz nature
and natural braVery. The regularity of his
features. too, was proof that white blood nomad
in his veins.

:eyhy do ya tell this ter me!” Beriah finally
as

“ Because, like me. you hate the Blackfeet.”
“ Whv do you hate ’em?”.

The Pawnee made a depreca'ing gesture.

“ Be content to know I hate them. 1 have

 

journeyed far from my own country to meet
and harass them, and a P iwnee never forgets.
You are from the teen by the walle‘ ri'Ver, but
you know what Bounding Bison is. 5'

“Ther king-pin o’ Quartz Rod; loves ther
Bison."

“ The vulture mates with the vulture,”said
Mountain Cat. with a sweeping gesture.

“Then 1,you don’t feel friendly to’arte saao
Leonard l'

The calm face of the youth darkened and a
scowl made him 100k dark and forbidding.

“ his take him scalp (awe-bye, some day!” he
said. breaking into broken English.

“ Shol You’re on a gineral vendetta. ain‘t
ye! Do ye ’spect tcr wipe out ev’ry body in ther
foothills?”

The Pawnee laid his hand lightly on Beriah’l

 

arm.

“Look!” he said, in a deep voice. “I am
Mountain Cat, a warrior from the risin sun,
but do 1 tell you I am your enemy, Red ghoul
der? Go ask Ling Rifle, whom you call Goeelity
if he knows: the Pawnee! I am his friend. an
as I know ou to be an honest man, I am yours.
But the bite Pine and Bounding Bison are
dogs and I‘ll take their scalps."

“Mightyation. l‘m all mixed up with your
darned amphibious an’ met-before-ical lan-
guage. I’m Red Shoulder, ’cnu5el wear a red
shirt, an’ Gaffer Golightlv is Long Rifle, ’canse
he kerries that old shootin‘eiron; but I’m darned
of I know who White Pine is.”

“ You call him lsaac Leonard.”

“Why in thunder didn’t you say so, then!
Wal. it seems you hev a grudge ae’in’ Leonrd,
Boundin’ Bison an’ thcr Blackfeet ar.’ you‘re
on a hot-hunt ter- wipe ’em out. A right. my
boyce; wade in. I don‘t care a durn so long es
Beriah BrOWn—Brown without any ‘e’—holds
tergether. An’, furthermore, sence you don’t
wanter tell why you hate ther crowd, all right.
Is that satisfactory?”

“Ugh! Much good; Red Shoulder my bro-
ther!”

“ Possibly I be, but as my parients died thirty
year ago I can’t see it. Hows’ever, I ain’t ther
man ter refuse a friendly ofler. Shake onc’t,
an’ then let’s take a look at ther Bleckfeet.
Ketch ther Elk Rider? Bahl they might es
wal try for lasso a cloud!”

Both men looked over the cliff to the canyon
below. The men were busy as before, but the
wall had arisen rapidly. It was certainly strong
enough to stop any human rider. whether he
rode an elk or a horse. Berlah noticed a gap in
the center and asked the Pawnee what it meant.
The answer was that it was for the escape of
the man who was to lure Lightning Bolt into
the trap. When he had passed through a gate
would be dropped and the mountain demon
would be where the Blackfeet could fall on him
in a body. .

Then, unless he was a agirlt, he would prob-
ably fall before their attac

“ But he is a speerit,” said Beriah, stub-

homily
“ ow does my brother know?”

W“1Kiiowl Hain’afél gpptgaa fired attgiml
a , ess, an o c y amo e
an’ be dg’t never miss; Gaff don’t.” n‘ m,

“ Men are often deceived.”

“ Don’t think he’s a apeeriti”

“I the” not; me not sure. White men who
talk much say dere no spirits; lnjuns say dere
is. Me not know who to b'lieve. White man
orter know; he read much, study, think; he
ought be wise.”

“ So had his grandmother!” said Befiah with
a snort of such disdain and strength that Haun-
tain Cat uttered a caution. " I say thar be
speerits, an’ no wise men can’t fly in ther face
0 iher proof I kin produce ef-”

H  I”

in the Pawnee cautioned him, and Beriah
aaw im grasp his knife and bend one leg as
though for a. spring, his eyes suddenly gleaming
like coals.

“ ’8h 1”

Mountain Cat repeatnd the caution, and then
the miner heard a soft footfall be ond them.
He drew his own knife and prepar for action;
but’de its the fact that the Pawnee was almost
a boy, a instinctively waited for him to take
the lead.

Suddenly the youth bounded to his feet, his
movement as agile as that of a deer, and Beriah
heard a grant and a collision. He bounded up
himself. Just beyond him was a painted Black-
foot warrior; but he was in the gasp of Monn~
tam Cat. and the alarming yell he would have
sounded was kept back by the pressure of the
Pawnee’s strong hand. ‘

CHAPTER VI.
a WILD mom I: run canton.

Bmau sprung forward to lend his aid. but it
was not needed. Mountain Cat’s arm shot for-
ward. the Blackfoot gave a convulsive leap, and
then his enemy lowered him to the ground and
he lay still. The victor calmly wiped his knife-
blade.

“ Bounding Bison hes’ keep his men-squaws at
home,” said lhe Pawnee. quietly.

“ I should remark! You atri e a strong blow,

_r_ "t 1‘. v , ' q VJ,  ,U
gr: ate“- t‘.",'.";.5iu:,l..  in , .11.}? silt-L l: i. ,, r
' \ I , 'n‘ ' . l ' ,‘ j“, r I

 

 

6 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

young teller; but you never hit a better object.
know this carcass. He was Windfoot, so
called, an’ a. heathen from ther ground up. I
s’pose you’ll raise his ha’r.”

Mountain Cat made a quick gesture.

H No P,

" Why not?"

“Never do; leave that to Blackfoot; Pawnee
no bu tcher!”

“ Oh! Wal, I’m glad on’t; but I reckon thnr’s
them among yer race that ain’t so sentimental.
Hows’ever—"

“ We bes’ oig grave; get warrior out ob sight.
Mebbe bimeb , ore long, other Blackfeet look
for dis one. ey bes’ not find him.”

“ Thar’s nuggets 0' boss-sense in way ou say,
an’ we will proceed ter inter ther varmmt. It’s
;. gogd day fur ther foothills when you slew

im.

They found a recess among the rocks where a
very little work made a grave. In that the
Blackfoot was laid, covered over and left to
his last sleep. By that time Beriah and Moun-

tain Cat had become better acquainted and‘

the miner began to take a fancy to him. it
was one recommendation that he hated Bound-
ing Bison’s band, and there was something in
his manner which told Beriah he was a good
fellow, in his way, and would make a good
friend.

Really, he was the miner’s superior in intel-
lect and education. At times he broke into
“pigeon En lisb,” but as a rule he smke the
language we 1 and ornamented it wit 1 Indian-
like figures of speech. The latter fact showed
him to be of more than ordinary rank and in-
telligence, for the majority of border Indians
have forsaken the old-time figurative language
of their race for the white man’s whisky bottle
and the white man's oaths.

Mountain Cat evidently had temptation to
adopt the vices of both races, for it was clear
he had a good deal of white blood in his veins.
Yet, he was no pale—face in point; the dusky
color of his cheeks was his birthright and would
remain with him until Mother Earth received
his remains.

Beriah tried to learn more about him, but he
revealed but little. Among the Pawnees he
had been called Prairie Cat, but when he struck
the foothills he very appropriately changed his
name to Mountain Cat. He acknowledged that
he had journeyed from the 10(1ch of his own
{390 la because he hated Isaac Leonard, Bound-
ng ison and the Blackfeet, but why he hated
them he would not state.

“Me tell you dis, as friend,” he explained.
“Lon Rifle snv you good man. If so be you
.0 tel White Pine ’bout me; say to to him, too,

ountain Cat not fear him.”

“When you katch mo tellin’ tales ter Ike

.Leonard vou jest raise yer bu le an’let me

know it,” eriah answered; “ I on’t like ther
skunk!”

The watched while the Indians finished their
work 11 the canyon below. al had been
built which all agreed only a spirit could go
through or over, and the gateway left for t e
escape of their decoy was the only means of
Rearrange. At a moment's notice the gate could

dropped and the wall made solid.

By the time it was done twilight was falling.
The red-men ate their supper on the north side
of the wall. At the to of the clifl the two
spies waited and watch , eating from the dried
meat Mountain Cat had in his ouch.

Beriah had little faith in t e scheme of the
Blackfeet. Lightning Bolt seemed. to be an
{unis fatuus. No living creature Was able to
calculate on his whereabouts. Only when the
“ Giant Elk ” and his rider burst forth from a
mountain ulch into sight could any one say,
with certa nty, “ Lightning Bolt is near!”

80 the miner had little faith that the strange
being would be decayed into the trap. The
Pawnee expressed no opinion.

After dark there was a stir in the lch and
Mountain Cat thought it probable the lackfeet
were oing after their foe. All this would have
seem ab~urd to Beriah had he not suddenly
suspected that Lightning Bolt' had been dis-
covered resting near.

“ We bes’ go dowu into can on if wanter ter
see what happens.” said a young Indian,
finally. “Can‘t see from here, canyon so
dark. ’

For a moment Beriah hesitated. Once below
they would be at the mercy of the Indians if
discovered. Was it safe to believe the Moun-
tain Oat was not leading him into an ambush?

He abandoned the suspicion and they Went
down softly. To do this they were obliged to
go a hundred yards down the cliff, in order to
find a sloping place; and then they crept back
toward the barricade, keeping in the darkest
shadows.

When as near as prudent they paused in I.
niche. The Mountain Cat lay flat upon the
ground and, never stirring. watched the Black-
feet. Bei'iah was no Indian~flghter. He. had
never seen the West until he came there, six
years before, to dig gold, and since he came had
done little else. He found it impossible to as-
sume his companion’s stolidity, but he did his

At times, as he watched the savages and re-

 

 

membered their merciless character he wished
himself out of the canyon, but looking at the
Pawnee, who lay like a detached fragment of
the cliff, he was too proud to retreat.

Suddenly the young Indian moved, gasped
Beriah's arm and pressed it silently. e was
understood. The miner listened intently. From
down the canyon the sound of galloping hoofs
3s heard and there was a stir among the In-

ans.

Beriah experienced a cold chill. If Lightning
Bolt was reall coming he might meet a worse
foe than the B ackf'eet. I

Lying so close to the. ground he was able to
see quite cicarl and, in the distance, he soon
discernedan In ian pony flying toward them
at full speed. His rider was invisible, but it
was easy to comprehend that he was lying flat
upon his back, or side.

Then, behind the first, another dark 3 t ap-
peared, but one larger than the first. V as it a
ridden horse? The question was superfluous;
his own eyes answered it.

Looking keenly he distinguished the never-to-
be-forgotten forms of the Giant Eek and his
strange rider. The animal was following the
horse and seemed to keep almost perfect time,
while Lightning Bolt sat erect in his place, his
hands down, his head never turning, hut ridiv'g
straight on into the Indians’ trap as a dummy
mi ht ride.

,.eri ll) felt his flesh creep. He had no doubt
but the. Elk Rider was Old Nick let loose, and
he would gladly have faced all the Blackfeet
to escape from the canyon and from the strange
being on the elk.

Nearer and nearer they came. The decoy red.
skin hung from his horse so as to expose as lit—
tle as was possible of his valuable person, but
he was probably the worst frightened man in
Montana.

But, despite that, he was leading Lightning
Bolt into the trap; the ruse seemed working ad-
mirably.

There was no evidence that the Elk Rider
suspected anything, nor did he seem to see the
barricade. And when the decoy shot through
the narrow opening and the gate dropped down,
nothing remained to he done except to slaughter
the man or spirit, who was the terror of the
Blackfeet.

They arose from their ambush with the wild-
est of yells, and dashed toward him, each war-
rior trying to conquer his fears, and believing
him a human being, to slay him: but Lights
ning Bolt made no Start of surprise, and as
the Giant Elk, never slackening his speed
came around in a half-circle With beautiful
regularity, the dreaded pair swept toward the
In ians, who had hoped to see them flee.

“Now! now!” exclaimed Mountain Cat, ea-
gerlv. “Watch, Red Shoulder, watch 1”

” I can’t hel watchin’!" groaned Beriah. “ I
wish Icould, ur— Good Lord 1”

He broke off as the Elk Rider’s arm arose
above his head, and then shot forward, while
from his hand went a round, blazing ball—a red
missile of fire which sent out sparks, and left a
tail like that of a comet behind it.

Some of the Blackfeet had seen the sight be—
fore, and the rush was turned to a retreat;
they wheeled and ran upon each other in their
a arm.

Vain attempt! The ball of fire dropped into
their midst, and with a dull, sodden sound like
the bursting of a rocket as heard from midair,
it blew into scores of pieces, and cries of pain
arose from the savages.

“Oh, Lord! oh, Lord 1" groaned Beriah.

Even Mountain Cat was silenced and awed.
With all his efforts to think intelligently, this
scene was too much for him; he was ready to
believewith the Blackfeet that [the Evil Spirit
was among them. '

But Lightning Bolt was not yet done. While
the Giant Elk kept up his circle, which did not
extend to the fleeing Indians his rider sent two
more missiles flying among them, each with the
same result as its redeceesor: and no man in
tibia canyon aspired to molest the destroyer fur-

er.

Still in time, never faster, never slower whol-
ly unmoved, the elk kept around the circle, and
his master sat like a statue: then, when their
faces were once more toward the barricade, the
buck sped forward in a straight line, and, with
a magnificent bound, cleaving the air like a ver-
itable phantom steed, disap red over the wall
so laboriously built to stop im, while Lightning
Bolt, with a wild yell of derision, sent a parting
grenade among the terrified red-skins.

He had made a leap no beholder had ever seen
elk take before.

He was gone and there was no one to pursue.
There were dead Indians on the west side of the
canyon, and those who survived ware needed to
care for them. Besides, the would not have fol-
lowed the Elk Rider for al Montana. The had
decided upon his nature; not one of them oubt—
ed but he was the Evil Spirit come to- scourge
and destroy bin-m.

And what of Mountain Cat and Beriah
Brown?

“ Come!" said the latter, shivering. “ Let us
git outer hyar. I’ve see’d ther devil, hisself, an'
I don’t want another look i” '

 

CHAPTER VII.
TEMPLE MEETS norms LEONARD.

Gmaa 001.10an? and his friend went at
once to “The Hearthstone,” as the sole hotel of
the town was called. There was a grim -
tiousness about calling it a hotel, anyway, since
travelers only came to Quartzllock at risk of
their lives, and rarely at all; it was rather a.
resort for the people of the village, where they
could drink and play cards. But drunkenness
and lavish riskin of money were frowned upon
by Isaac Leonar , and the place was always or-
derly and cosey.

The hunter was welcomed by the host, Tobias
Wimple, who was not a hard-hearted man, and
this, together with the meeting with Leonard,
would have led Temple to think Gaffer had been
romancing about Quartz Bock had he not had
the fullest faith in him.

On his own part, Gaffer was far from being
at ease, and when they were alone he advised a
prom t departure from the town.

“ 0!” said Temple, with quiet firmness. “I
am not in the habit of being driven out of any
town, and besides, if Isaac Leonard has designs
on me, as you suspect, I want to see his purpose
develop.”

' “Ef you’d seen as many o’his purposes de-
velop as I have, you Wouldn’t banker, ’ Gaffer
retorted.

“But you say he’s on a new tack now.”

“ So he is.”

“Then perhaps he wants to adopt me."

“ Mebbe he does, in his way I”

“You won’t be convinced, I see.”

“Not that Ike Leonard has any good in
him. That‘s a dangerous speech ter make in
Quartz Rock, but I reckon thar ain’t any lis-
t’ners.”

“It may be rash, but I intend to face the
music,” said Temple, thoughtfully. “I have a
new reason for wanting to remain in Quartz
Rock.”

“ VVhat’s that?”

“ To see Missouri, the ferry~girl.”

Gaffer looked up with startling uickness.

“What d’ye want to see her for ’

“ Because I admire the girl. Sheis of a species
new to me. Pretty, charming and self-reliant,
she is a jewel l”

“ Ef you think that, you had better go away
mirrhty quick!”

‘ Why so?" _ ‘

“ Because Missouri ain’t ter be looked at
li’g‘ht’ly while Gaffer Golightly treads Montana
31 e. ,.

Temple looked bewildered, then astonished,
and, last of all, a sober look crossed his face.

“ I am sorry you think so poorly of me,
Gafler. Heaven knows I would not have the
girl feel one moment’s pain for anfihing I
might do; and I would not look at her any
mare ‘ lightly ’ than I would at the daughter of
a mg.

His manner and tone convinced his honest
friend, who put out his hand quickly.

“I ax yer pardon, my boy; I 'r’a’ly do. I
might have knowed you wasn’t that kind. That
ye that shake makes it all right. Now, I’ll
meet ya on yer own ground. 800 is a retty
gal, an’ a good an’ sensible one, too' an’ ’d ax
;. e ter with me an’ see her, on y she ain’t
used ter a handsome young chap like on, an’
she might take a real fancy ter you wh ch you
coullgn't return. Remember she is only a ferry-

r

“ That goes for nothing. I care not whether
a woman or man is rich or poor. I look at the
heart, if I can, not at the hands to see whether
thgy are fair or toil-hardened."

r. Golightly proposed that they shake hands
again, and then promised to take his friend to
see Missouri 50011.

An hour later Isaac Leonard was announced.
He came in briskly, greeted both men, and then
sat down for a soda! talk. Comamtion took a
turn Gafl'er could not follow, and he dropped
out and feigned sleep that he might listen under
more favorable circumstances. It was some
time before Leonard approached the subject
nearest his ,mind.

“ It is pleasant to meet an educated man now
and then," he said; “for up in this wild Mon-
tana land there are few people of any kind,
much less educated ones. Yet, remote u 170
are, I have managed to build a good home and
furnish it fairly. If on will go over to my
house I will show you low I live.

Golightly groaned inwardly, but Temple did
not hesitate.

“ I shall be pleased to go," he said promptly. ‘

They went, and thus it was that, half an hour
later, Temple found himself bowing politely at
the introduction .

“ Mr. Temple, my daughter, Miss Loonard!”

The young man caught his breath quickly,
for. though accustomed to all es of society,
he was not graphs-ed for such '0: beauty as
burst upon im. .

Agnes had been given time for reparation,
and she had made the most of is. She was
richly and becomineg dressed; her excellent
taste had kept her rem indulging in display
which. certainly, was not needed to set 03 her
beauty.

The visitor speedily recovered his Wits and.

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with her hand resting in his, made some appro-
priate remark. Then the three sat down to-

ther.

gean scene was enough to have made a weaker
man for at all distrust; kindl entertained,
Temple in ht almost have fanc ed he was the

eat of the highest dignitary in the land; but
g: was not one to lose his head, and when hon-
~‘eyed words were sounded in his ears. he did not
forg 3t Gaffer and his homely warning.

Father and daughter played their parts ad.
mirably. Kind, hospita le, genial, and social,
they never went too far, and there was no ex-
tOI‘Hu] evidence that they were doing more than
to entertain pleasantly a stranger cast tempo-
rarily amon them.

Both hadt e ability to please in that degree
which a lifetime of art could not supply; it
was a natural and, to others, dangerous ift.

Miss Leonard never before so exu‘ted erself
to please. Each moment increased her ambi-
tirn to win Waldo Temple: she had loved him
from the first, and each hrealh she drew seem-
ed to strengthen the passion. And, with her,
love was a river of flowing lnva which envel.
ops all in its path, and either makes what it
seeks a part of itself, or ice ves it a Scorched and
blackened ruin in its passage.

But no warning beacon was displayed to mu.
tion those she met. Looking at the gloriously
lovely face, the whole seemed told. Divinely
beautiful, she could only awaken admiration
while she smiled so graciously. If the tide
changed— “'ell, Waldo Temple would see the
result. if it divl clmngoi

In the midst of their conversation a servant
announced that a visitor desired to see Mr.
Leonard on business. The latter was very sor-
ry. but if Mr. Temple would wait for him he
wont) soon return. Of course, Mr. Temple
agreed to wait.

Then Leonard went out of the room, closed
the door, and stopping there, applied his ear to
the key-hole.

The unwelcomi business visitor was but a
myth.

“I suppose. Mr. Temple," Agnes was saying,
“ you have already deculed that our little towu
is the dreariest place you ever saw.”

“ By no means,“ the young man answered.
“I am not One to be bound up in the shams and
alluremeuts of the fashionable world, and [could
enjoy myself on the very top of the Rockies—if
it wasn’t too cold. But you, Miss Loonnrd—I
believe it is natural for ladies to desire society.”

“I can say, like you, that loan forego the
' leasures of the fashionable world, but Quartz
goat‘s great failing is a dearth of educated peo-

le. Except when some visitor happens along,
Yrarely see any one who can talk of anything
exec t mines and hunting.”

" wonder your village is even in existencc.
'tht protects it from the Blackfeet!”

"Father says they are not really brave and
dare not attack us because we are so many.”

“ But what of the Elk Rider!” Temple asked,
.smiling.

Miss Leonard shivered.

“Do not mention that fearful creature! IIe
k the nightmare of my life. I never step out-
side ths town without looking for him, in fear.
Do you belive he is a spirit?"

“Certain! nOt. Be isaman, but one with
an insane th rat for slaying. I should say."

Agate clapped'her hands lightly.

“ am glad toilnd one who thinks like me.
A" Quartz Rock, exoe t my father, solemnly
tning Bo t is a su natural crea-
ture. The l ians call h' 9 EV“ SPIN.“
white men say he is ‘Old ick,’ himself. I am
glad ou don t think so.”

“ ave you ever seen him?”

“ Mercy! no; I hope not.” -

“ I trust he is not a slayer of women?”

_ ‘“ Who can tell! One like him is capable of
“13011118. But let as change the subject. I am
00‘ 8 00"“6. I .5090. but thoughts of the Elk
Rider make me shiver. Have you seen much of
Quartz Rock?”

“ Nothingnas I me say.”

u if ofigillgucoap-{so poor atguide, I will go
[arouu w morrow- nth
one can’t depeynd on him.” ' or i. .0 busy

“ I shall be pleased to accept your on",
though we shall quarrel at the start if you call
yourself a ‘ poor ide.”’

Not being awafeuthat this remark was a delib-
erately uttered teat, Agnes’s black eyes glittered
with ill-concealed pleasure.

" I am only a woman,” she replied,

“ ‘ Only a woman ’ is an expression which
always comprehends a vast deal, and in this
case so sees the eve e, if you will allow the
remark, ’ he said. grave y. " My first expefl.
once at Quartz Rock was with a woman, we
crossed the ferry ke t by the girl known by the
strange nameo ‘ issouri.”

“ Mercy! do not mention her!" said m-
Leonard, with a shiver.

“No?”

“Only amon her chosen friends. She is not
one I care to w. But, let as change the
subject. ’ .

It was changed and, to use a military ex-

. premion, lb Leonard brought her um to bear

upon tbevworin such a strateg wg that,

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had be not been forewarned, the walls of his
castle would have been falling around him and
he unaware of the fact.

The spy outside listened in delight. He had
never seen his daughter more brilliant and
shrewd, though cOVering art with art, and he
felt sure Waldo Temple was in the trap.

“ She will win the battle!” he muttered, rub-
bing his hands together. ” She must win. My
future and hers depend on it. She must be-
come Temple’s wife!”

CHAPTER VIII.
rm: msrnnss or BROWN “AND FERRY.

Will-:3 Waldo Temple left the house hislate
entertainers met in high glee, and Isaac shook
the hand of his daughter most warmly. Unless
signs were very deceptive their fish was fairly
hooked, and it only remained to land him and
convey him to the matrimonial market.

Their interview was short, for Leonard really
had business elsewhere, then, and he went out
and left Agnes alone.

She improwd the first absence to survey her-
selfin the mirror. This was nothing new for
her, but with affairs on the new footing she,
was more than ever anxious to look well. It
Would have been a captions person who could
have found fault with her personal appearance.
Truly, she was magnificently beautiful—and
she knew it.

She was still passing before the mirror when
a servant annvunced Mr. John Purcell. Agnes
frowned. The flashy mm: was the enemy of
Temple and, as such, was not welcome to the
house. Yet, he was a useful man to her father
and had to b i received.

Iie cum i in ~iclzly, looking about the room.

“ ere is ll r. Lion-1rd?” he asked.

“ Away on business,” she coolly answered.

“That’s Lind,” he said, curtly. “If he were
here [ could furnish proof of what I said.”

“ \Vhat did you say?"

“ Why, that Temple and the ferry-girl, Mis-
souri, had struck up a low.- affair."

Miss Leonard started to her feet.

“ Do you mean to say you now have proof?”

“Certaiul , 1 do. 19 has just gone to the
ferry, and s e has taken him UVrI‘ in her boat.
At this time of night! Bah! it is too trans-
parent. Nobody has occasion to go south on
the river after dark, and it is clear they have
simply gone out for a ride. Of course they
(lont want to whisper love when the negroea
are around, but on the lonely ferry they can
gniltyl’lnd talk like two lovers in a Venetian gon-

o a.

Purcell was not talking at random. Miss
Leonard had betrayed herself, at the first, and
his eyes were keen enough tosee it: his mind
astute enough to analyze her sudden emotion.
Con uently, he made the matter strong, and
play on the chords of her jealousy, knowing
(heurrsult as well as though he played upon a
no u.

Ste caught his arm with a force of which she
seemed incapable.

“ Prove this 1” she said, sibilantly.

“ That is easily done. Come with me to the
ferry; we will await their return, and you
Shall see for yourself.”

“ Wait until I clothe myself in black.”

She glided away at the last word, and Mr.
Purcell winked exultsntly at vacanc . '

“ Good!” he said; “ there's a light n the win-
dow for thee, brother. Mike Mulloy wants the
Brown Hand Ferry: I want the ferry's mistress;
Miss Leonard wants Tem le. The t beginsto
boil. We will humor ulloy, an get him to
go for the ferry-ri ht, red-hot, and I will say to

rett Missouri, ‘ arry me or lose the Brown

an 1’ She will marry me, and we will keep
the ferry; and in the future she can still paddle
our own canoe, and earn golden coins to keep
me in pocket-money. As for Miss Leonard and
Mulloy, the former may, win Temple, if she
can; but my esteemed friend, Mulloy, is but a
cat‘s-paw, and when I win Missouri he can‘t
have the ferry, by an means. On the con-
trary. Michael must go "

Agnes returned, dressed all in black and deep-
ly veiled, and the pair left the houseand hur-
ried toward the ferry.

It was a sudden whim which took Waldo
Temple there, but all the while he was with
Agnes, and admiring her skill as a man-tn

r, be was thinking of Missouri; and when a

eft the house he suddenly resolved to go to the
Brown Hand.‘

He went, and on the way framed an excuse for
intruding on the mistress of the lace.

Missouri was still at her t, or though
ple seldom went over the r ver from the vil age
after dark. it was usual for those who mined on
the other side to return so stragglin ly that she
never left her post until about n no o'clock.
And one who lingered later than that could have
a choice between swimming or remaining on
the south side all night.

As Tem Ie advanced he saw the twin lights
which mar ed each approach to the ferry, and
for a moment he hesitated. His intended
course was open to criticism, but as he meant
well‘dhe summoned fresh courage and pushed

a e . .
Both hosts were lying at the bank and, as

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Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 7

usual, the negroes seemed sound asleep in theirs.
Missouri was wide awake eno h, ‘and she
nodded as she-saw and remained er visitor.

“ Good-evening,” he said, pleenndy. “ I.
Would like to Cross. if you are still in busirus.’

“The ferry is always running when anyof
us are here. Step in! Your stay in Quartz
Rock has not been a long one.”

She Spoke as though she supposed he was go-
ing away. alarmed by the reputation of this
peculiar Montana town. -

“ It will be longer before Ilesve for good,"
he quietly replied. “I intend to make quite a
stop at Quartz Rock; the turn and its: people.
interest are.”

. .._...-u....-,

He had entered the boat and uh: dipped her

oars and pulled away from the ban .

“ Have you told your friend, Gaffer Golight-
ly. as much?"

U Yes. 7’

“What does he say?”

“That I had better turn my back on Quart;
Beck and never be seen here again.”

“ And do you intend to remain in the face of
this warning?”

“ Yes. Montana is free to all, isn‘t it!"

The girl hesitated for a moment. He could
not see her face, but her voice was still graver
as she re )lied:

“ Ask rift-r!”

“He has given me ample warning. Pardon
me, but will you let the boat drift? 1 am in no
haste, and i n ish to compare your opinion with
that of Gaffer.”

“ If you have business errors the ferry on
“"e leave here at n ne,
and after that there is no way of crossing ex-
ce t by Swimmin .”

er advice was not a rebuff and he could not
be offended.
” My business can soon be finished, so we will
go an , afterward, I will return w ith you. I
think I must have dropped a pocket-knife on
the ledge from which Gaffer signaled you. Is
the lantern movable?”

“Oh! yes: it is there to be used asa signal.
\Vhen any one wishes to cross the swing the
lantern in a half-circle. Use i: for your
Search.”

The boat touched the bank, Temple leaped
ashore, took the lantern and went to the top of
the ledge. Once there he made a. show of
searching for the knife which, all the while,
was safe in his pocket, and then, with an un-
spoken hope that his Well-meant artifice v ould
not be recorded against him as a sin, returned
to where Missouri awaited him.

“ Quite successful 1” he said, as he entered the
boat. “ And now, Miss Missouri, let us talk of
(Quartz Rock, if you please. It Is said to bea

angerous place in which to live. Yet, you are
here. with no actual protector, and seem to be
getting along well.”

“ My position is a somewhat anomalous one.
I am secure-I k frankly, believing you
Gatfer’s friend-because the ferry has become a
necessary thing to Quartz Roc , and bean»
the men really admire what the call my cour-
age. No one ever thought of a erry-line before
I came. I saw that if ever minin was done on
the south side of the river it won] be a profitr
able business. Above and below the pool,
where the water races down through the can-
yons, no man can cmss alive. The pool is the
mly means of passe unless e makm a wide
detour, and here a water from eight to
twelve feet deep. .1 established the ferry, all
worked as I hoped, and, to-day, I have a fair
busmess. My boats are deemed indispenssbb
By the miners who cross the river, so I am left

one and well used, though notone of the inner
circle at arts Rock. Such in brief, is my
position. have spoken frankly, beams you
are Gafler’s friend, and to show you that your
future in the tOwn must not be judged by mine.
Listen to what Gafler says!”

“ And leave Quartz Rockl”

d “”Well, you know better what he says than I
o.

“I see you have a slight hesitation about
speaking plainly. You need have none. lam
not one to repeat what I hear said, and I wish
an would use frankness, as you would do with

ffer. Here is a town in the wilds of Man-
tana, far from any other. It is not a secret
town; it is talked of hundreds of miles away-
even the Eastern m rs have heard of it an
made items on It. at do they say! That it
is in a wild, desolate and dan erous place, with
Blackfoot Indians hovering about it, waiting
to kill and scalp stragglers. As a result, few
people venture here. Am I right, so far!"

“ So far as I know—yes.”

“Very well: what are the facts! It is said
by a few who ought to know that all these tcr~
rors are manufactured to kumutriders away;
that Bounding Bison and his ckfeet are here
in the pay of Leonard, to scare of: possible new
“min. i all thi httobewise

“ now u I. you 0116
enou' h to fle‘e while you can,” ri a

erhaps I had, but I am not. I trust am
not strictly reckless, but I mean to flatly defy
the bugbears of uartz Rock. Per pl I as)
take root, as ou ave done.”

“ You can ouhtless join the colony.”

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8 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

“I prefer ind udence. You are not one of
them; I do not w h to be one of them.”

“ In that case, I foresee trouble for you.”

“Perhaps I can make friends. May I count
on you as One!" he laughin i asked.

“At a distance, yes: W In you remain t

, I cannot afford to endang r

my position.”

Boo spoke kindly, but firmly.

“I did not think of that,” he answered,
quickly, crushing back his pique. “ You are
right: 1 must not subject you to danger. Until
my position is established in town I must not be
knewn us your friend. After that, I trust you
will not bar me out.”

Missouri did not answer at once, and she for-
got to give her right oar the gentle turn which
had kept the boat from drifting.

What passed in her mind Temple Vainly
wished to know. If he had taken a fancy to her
at first, the present interview had deepened the
impression. She was a new experience to him.
Beauty, grace, refinement and intelligence,
were mingled with sagacity, self-reliance, a
practical mind and a practical business pur-
suit.

Truly, she was one woman in a. thousand.

CHAPTER IX.
A name's WOMAN'S vow.

WHILE ’I'-~mpie and Missouri thus talked, they
were unaware that the had an auditor, and as
no other boat was on t e pool. there seemed to
be no good reason why they should fear one.
Yet one there was, for a man was floating in the
water with the sunset a fish, only his face above
the surface. ,

There was little fear of discovery, for the
face was of uvdarkness almost e ual to that of
the water and the night. That it was that of
an Indian, a close survey would have shown,
while those who knew him well, would have
recogniz d the Mountain Cat, from the land of
the Pawnees.

The young people in the boat were unaware
of the presence ot the spy. and Temple engeny
waited for an answer to his last question.

The ferry-girl thought well before she an-
sWered, and then in a steady voice, replied:

“ If you are in earnest, when askin to be m
friend, I would advise you not to t ink of it
further. It can be no honor to .you to know
Missouri, the keeper of the ferry. Wait! hear
me through. Neither honor or pleasure can ro-
sult to you. and while i am thus situated 1 fnust
deny myself all friends except. my honest nu-
groes. Some time I may leave Quartz Rock,

or I do not intend to be a. perpetual hermit‘
but, until then, I must keep by myself. i
thank you for your kind words, but our paths
lie in different directions.”

There was no more to be said. Their ac-
quaintance was of such briefness that it would
not do to Insist u n the point. As Gaffer's
friend, she had use him kindly, but it seemed
she had no personal interest in him, and to try
to force his compan upon her would he to lose
what favor be her gained. Still, be resolved
that they should meet again. as though by
chance, and it might be she would yet change
her mind.

80 he cu'cepted the situation with as good

as was his, and she resumed rowing
and sent the t toward the northern shore.
When she did so the lurking Pawnee disappear-
ed beneath the water. ,

Missouri landed hervpassenger and he at once

left the ferry and movod toward the hotel.

es Leonard and Jack Purcell were watch—
ing mm a secure hiding-place among the rocks,
and the astute blackleg saw that the bosom of
his oompanion hand from suppressed passion.

“ Have I proved my asserticni” he quietly

shed. - a

“ Yes,” said the jealous woman, sibilautly.
" All is as you said.”

" You have seen that it too them half an
hour to cross the river. The act l‘rOVes the
rest. Only lovers would daily in such a way,
and this roman'ic night-meeting—"

“ Say no more." Agnes interrupted. “ The
proof is ample. To-day you asked for leave to
menace tne girl by threatening totake the ferry
away from her. will Speak for my father and
agree to your propOsal. t Mike Muiloy'ap-
pear as a claimant for the place, and then push
your own suit.with the ir . If she will marry

on, she may keep the erry. If not. it goes to
alloy, and this shameless creature shall leave
rtz Rock.”

Purcell was not disposed to resent the epithet
applied to the wnman he aspired to marry.

“ Enough! I’ll take your word for it. When
does the campai n begin!"

" At once. ow it is to be done shall be
settled betweén you and father. Come to the
home early in the morning and the matter shall
be (:Jisc’ussed. Tale is enough for now. Good-
]! t! ~

be turned and hurried away in the darkness.
Purcell. left alone. laughed softly to himself.

“ Bravo 1” he muttered “ the case is far bet-
tar outlined than I dared hope. I did not expect
~och an ally, but my fine lady, who has always
morned me, is so desperately in love with Tem-
* that she will do anything to win him. I

 

   

 

thought his call at their re nest to-day had a
meaning. Hal Jack Puree l, my boy. with
such a backing, you cannot fail to succeed l”

And the plotter went to find Mike Mulloy
and tell him to prepare for the race.

In the mean while Agnes Leonard went home
and, throwing ofi her outer garments, revealed
a face convulsed with passion. She stamped an-
gril on the floor.

“ could kill her!” she exclaimed. “ How
dare she look at the man I have chosen for a
husbandi—she, a beggarly girl who rows a boat
to earn her daily bread! And Temple? He has

rOVed bow week are all men, but i will save

im from his folly. The ferry—girl shall be pre-
vented from marrying him, even though I drive
my knife to her heart to do it. I swear it!”

She looked capable of anything as she stood
there with a crimson flush in her face, her black
eyes glittering and her red lips ported and re-
vealing teeth which, somehow, seemed then like
those of a tigress about to spring on its prey.

Unconscious of the storm arising around him
Temple went to “The Hearthstone.” He foun
Gnfler there, but not alone. A strongly-built
man in a red shirt was eninestly talking with
him.

" Mr. Temple. Mr. Brown,” said the hunter.

“ Brown without any ‘ e,’ ” explained the
stout man, as he gave his hand.

, “Mine is Temple, with an ‘ e,’ but that don’t
prevent our being good friends,” said Waldo,
sniilinc; for the broad face of Beriah Brown
bore Nature’s own stamp of honesty.

“He’sj st been tellin’ me a story that will in-
terest you.” added Goiightly.

“ Ah! what was in?”

“ He’s see‘d L’ghtniug Bolt in his most can-
tankerous mood.’

“ To-day i"

“ This evenin’,” replied Berinb. “Ther crit-
ter got ’mongst their Blackfeet. an’ I’ll darned
ter migl'ltyation cf he didn’t e’ena’most wipeout
ther hull tribe.” ‘

Bei‘iah told the story of what had occurred in
the canyon, keeping back only that part which
referred to Mountain Cut. The young Indian
had asked him to say nothing about him, and
the miner was faithful to his promise.

“NOW, then,” said Gaffer. triumphantly
“what d’yc think about ther Elk Rider bein‘
Old Nicki”

“ The oint is not yet proved—"

“ Obi it‘ll be proved fast enough of he gets in
a few 0’ his fiery bolts on ter you 1”

“Thank you; I d0n’t hankcr; but I am not
yet'rendy to believe Old Nick, as you term his
unpopular majesty, is galloping around the
country on an elk. I saw the pair myself, and
if they didn’t have an earthly look, then no one
has.

“ Mebbe you’ve see’d a mic elk that could
{limp ther barranca ez he did!” snorted Go-
ightly.

"Or ther barricade,” added Beriah.

“ Both extraordinary feats, no doubt.” said
Temple. “ but you admit the elk is larger than
the avierage—”

“ But whar does he get ther fire-bolts—jest
soch on are used in a thunder-shower?” inter-
ruplfid Ber’iuh. ’ ’ r,

“ ’ e spose a man. went u an ot’ em
adrlcd’ihfler. p g

“ Au’ rid a r’als elk up inter ther clouds!”
on picmented Boriah.

emple put out his hands to stop them. He
might as well talk science to turn a norther
from its course as to reason with them. Honest
and Well-meaning men, they were imbued with
superstition, and logic fell powerless on their
ears. '

"I have only one word to say,” he added,
“and that is this, since I cannot convince you
in any other way, I am going to capture or kill
the Elk Rider.”

“ Not with my help!” declared Golightly.

“Nur with mine!" added Brown.

" Thank yon for nothing; I heVen’t asked on
yet. But we Won‘t quarrel, gentlemen. hat
will you drink!”

They nominated their favorite fluids, and
harmony reigned amund the board.

Somewhat later that night a dark figure ap-
proached the house of Isaac LeOnaid, after all
lad become dark and silent there. Even Agnes
had fallen asleep; but one clinched band and a
dreamy muttering showed that her mini still
run in the old course. But she neither heard
nor saw the intruder.

For the prowling figure speedily developed
into an intruder, first gaining the roof of an out-
house, and then creeping throu h a wind0w.
There he paused to listen, for he id not wish to
be discovered. All remained silent. Then he
went on, slowly and carefully, for be was not
acquainted with the arrangement of the house;
but his movements were marked with cat-like
noiselessness. '

When he reached a door he ogened it very
carefully, and then again paused listen. The
heavy breathing of a sleeper reached his ears.
He stole forward for several paces and then
paused, drew something from his garments, and
a bar of light shot out in that way peculiar to
a dark-lantern.

 

v3:

The hand that held it was almost as drown as
the 'apanned side of the lantern. it was the
ban of an Indian. and the Indian was Moun-
tain Cut, the Pawnee.

In the days of King Philip such a light was
not considered a necessary part of a warrior’s
accouterments; but civilization and dark-lan-
terns invariabl go together. A third object
often accom n es them—a burglar.

The light row the bull'mye fell u n a bed;
the Pawnee turned his wrist, and it ell upon a
sleeper. It was Isaac Leonard. The rest man
of Quart-z Rock lay sleeping sound y, uncon—
scious of the dark shadow which had crossed his
threshold. Had be seen him it would have
been anything but an agreeable sight.

Mountain Cat drew his knife and drew for-
ward. The movement was a decidedly omin-
ous one and Leonard’s life seemed near its end.
He has thrown the bed-clothing a little back in
his sleep and his broad chest was without any
cowring that could protect it from the stroke.
One blow and he would be done w ith plotting.

But the Pawnee did not strike.

He paused a few feet from the bed and, stand-
ing like a statue. looked earnestly at the sleep-
er’s face for a full minute. Then. with a quick.
nod, be moved forward and set his lantern on a
table. vit, he advanced to the bed and. un-
bottOr'ing Leonard’s shirt-sleeve posbed it. bar-k
until the arm was bare to the elbow. Woe ml»
to the great man if he awoke thenl

He did not awake, and Mountain Cat stood
gazing on a device in India ink representing an
eagle trying to break a chain which confined
him. it was a realistic piece or work, once seer)
nevvr to be forgotten.

Again the Pawnee nodded; then he turned
aside, took his lantern and left the room and
the bonse. Leonard slept on.

“It is he!" muttered the late intruder. “I
am now sure and I will press on and wring
heart”and brain of this man. My heel is on his
neckl

 

CHAPTER X.
AN UNFXPEC'X‘ED BLOW FOR MISSOURI.

LIKE: every other place crowded by rignlar
business people, Brown Hand Ferr had its
“ rush ” in the early forenoon. In this cue? the
rush was never startling, but for almost an,
hour both boats were kept busy conveying the
1113181“! over on their way to their place of,
a or.

On the morning following the scenes last re—
lated, this rush was just over when a messenga :-
came to Missouri with the information time
Isaac Leonard wished to see her at his house.
It was a genuine surprise. Since she started.
the ferry she had seldom had any talk with the

reat man, and had never been inside his lzouse.

Vhat he could have to say now she did not
know. i
Yet, his importance in the piece gave bimh
nominal right to be beard,i not obeyed, and.
she prepared to go, leaving the ferry in charge
of her negro assistants.

She was soon at Leonard’s house and was
promptly ushered into his presence. He was-
about to do a mean act, but it was nothin new
for him and he went about it with the glando
ness he could so well assume.

“ You received my message, I see!”

“ I did. sir," Missouri snswcl'ed, “ though I
cannot imagine wh you wish tosee me!”

“ It is about the erry.”

The girl looked surprised.

“ What about the ferry!” she somewhat.
hru ueiy asked.

“ oil, I have of late been “preached
many of our townspeople on the subject, apd t
is the general opinion t at it ought to be run by
a man.

“ What is'tbe matter with it as {tie new!"

“ Well. they allege want of accommodation
and—well, in short—they think the work that
of a man rather than of a woman."

the line before Icame to arm Rock!"

“ I so pose no one thou t of it.”_

“The. s'it exactly i” as d Missouri spiritedlg;
“ No one ever an: ted there was money in t o

i until I established the fact; they evon
augbed at me when 1 put’ my loals on: but,
n0w that the Brown Band is paying well, they
merit,” to steal the product of my brains, do
t ev

“ Aren’t you tting it a little strong!” asked
Leonard, who. u spite of all his sndacit , was
confused and staggered by such an an mated
crpsgflre. ! s on h M to.)

‘ trong u pose some es on s our
mine—what woglld you say to that?" y

“ But there’s a difference between a min. “up
this ferry.”

“ Yes, and there’s a difference between a rich:
man like you and a 900' lirl With no one to ht.
her battles. Which is the best able to lose 5
or her present intclpmiii" _

“ But on see c r yer was common rt
before yzu started the ferry.” 1" we 3'

“So was your mine until you chimed .33
begun to work it.”

“ NOW IN! here, Kiri.” said Leonard, Who was

 

like a badly-beaten and again my. .. it '00,:
The

-doanygoodtoturuths..esonme.

“ In that case why didn’t some of them start.

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Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

 

cases are not in any similar. The laws
of the United States ho d that if a man finds a
mine and wm'ks it, in such a wild country as
this, it is his beyond all quarrel until worked
set; but where can you find a law that gives a
.usrsov proprietorsh. of water 2’ Your erry is
. fine crossin the uri river, a great stream
.. ifn flows t rough our countr for miles and
But do you own it? es any person,
.1.-- or woman, own it! No; Miss Son; and the
motors of our country cannot be owned. You
have no legu' right to the water over which you
row your boat.’

The great man delivered this legal opinion in
a ponderous manner, but Missour. was not yet
crushed.

“ How about the moral right! Who has a
better right to the Brown Band Ferry than I,
who have purchased boats, put them nto use,
accommodated the public, and built up a busi-
ness by hard and industrious labor?”

“ That isn‘t the point " said Leonard, with a
wave of his hand. “T'be people say amen is
needed to run the ferry.”

“ Well, Ihave two men there, already.”

“ Negroas," said ard, scornfully.

“ I believe a certain amendment of the Con-
stitution makes them free and our equals!”

“ The Conatitition has nothing to do with us;
we are tp community by ourselves."

“ Ye , only a_ moment ago, you quoted pro-
fusely from United States laws to uphold your
position!”

Leonard glared at her for a moment in speech-
less auger. .

“ See here, girl, are on trying to argue with
me?" he then wrathful y cried.

“No, sir,” Missouri quietly replied, “but I
am trying to show you it would be a. great in-
justict to deprive me of the Brown Hand. Who
wants it?”

“ Michael Mulloy.”

“ What has he done to deserve it?"

“The office seeks the man, not the man the
Office.”

"Very likely, for I never knew Mulloy to
seek much of anything except a whisky-bottle.
I understand you would have expel ed him
from town but for John Purcell’s interference.
And that is the man you would place in charga
of the ferry, is it?”

Leonard was by this time in a fury. He was
the lord and master of Quartz Rock and his
word was law but. partly because he had been
forced to admire Missouri’s courage and enter‘
prise, and because he knew his lukewarm fol~
lowers would regard the dispotzsessi of a
friendleas girl as pert meanness, he had ught
:to make a show reason, (?) argument and
lliaudness, and accomplish the work without.
any hostility.

But he was so si ally worsted in this argu-
ment that he lost a l temper.

"If you want to argue, go outside and do
it!" he angril said. “ have heard enough of
H. and won't I sten to another word. As for the
Brown Band Ferry. it will be as I said. I pre-
fer that Mullo takes charge of it, and I want
you to remem r thut matters always go as I
say. Now, go but be careful and not row a
boat over the ferry to—morrow.”

“ Suppose I arrange a cable line?"

“ I tell on you are done with the place.
Mulloy wil pa you what a right for the boats
and use of the any—”

“ Thank you, sir.” said Missouri, coolly, “ but
I d°cline to sell the boats!"

A red flush of anger mounted to Leonard‘s
cheeks. Here was a stumbling-block he had
not §orli§e$¢

‘ on 0 be e ' cula

“ I do, sir.” j. “d.

“ The». by Judasl we will take them by
force l"

“I shall defend them at the manic of a re-
VOIWP, "id “’9 Km. her voice clear and even,
fpoush "MN 'Il an ominous flash in her eyes.

8km you drm me to the wall, I will say,
Iran . that I'll shoot the poms) who tries to
take them away. and I don’t believe the honest
men of the town will blame me for so doing.”

A!» We” VII the rub. Ruler of Quariu
Roe he was, but he was not omnipotent there,
Jase. :00. waved there were men who
w no see harm com.
of the Bdl‘iilfl'n Hand.y to we mm,“

This emma was an une cud one. He
had been prepared for a flood? feminine to.”
and reproachos, but that the r! would boldly
stand out against him seemed 0nd credence

He would have given a good deal to break tho.
pluck he had so admired in the past.

“Very well: you can keep your infernal
Shouts!” he finall said, “for ulloy can con-
struct a raft w ich will answer for a lay of

o.

“I shall compete with him for patronage,”
said Missouri, firmly. though her voice never
arose above a lad y-liko key. ‘

“ You will!”

“ Yes, sir."

“ We will see,” hotly answered Donal-d. “ I
own every foot of the land on which this town
stands, and to the water’s edge. Now, if you
so much as touch one of your boats against the
bulk I will have you arrested for trespass.”

 

Mr. Leonard went pretty sfrong on legal
points, and he found his flock always ready to
obey him—except when the legal elephant trod
on their own toes.

“Perhaps you outlaw me from the town,

gn

“ No.” said Leonard, after a moment’s hesita-
tion, during which he considered whether it
was safe for him to decide affirmatively. “I
have no wish to be harsh, and If you are rea-
mbl’e you can still remain a citizen of Quartz

k

Missouri’s lip curled with scorn, but as she
was far from being ready to admit defeat, or to
surrender her ri hts, she did not look so far
ahead as to the me when she would be done
with the Br0wn Hand.

“ Is that all you have to say?" she asked.

“ es,” he slowly replied.

“ hen I’ll go.”

She went, without any more ceremonin
farewell, while Leonard sat staring after her
until Agnes opened a side-door and entered the
room. She had been a listener to the whole in-
terview.

“ What a cat!” she observed.

“ Cat !” echoed Lecnard. “ I should say she
was a full- rown jaguar, or grimly bear, or
something 0 that sort.”

“ Why didn’t you box her ear-s?"

Isaac looked at his daughter in unspeakable
horror for a. moment.

“Ye gods!” he then answered. “I would as
soon box the aforesaid grizzly. She would have
put a bullet through me i”

“Bah! Iwould like to deal with her!” and
Miss Agnes sna her fingers contemptuously.

“ You had bet 1' not. You have a good deal
of tiger-cat in you; I am not sure but all women
have: but that little girl has not on} temper
and nerve, but judgment, which is 0 people
what a mainspring is to a watch.”

“ Don’t talk nonsense i” said his dutiful daugh-
ter. “ We have a desperate character to deal
with. Are you equal to it, or shall I take charge?
-for, remove her from Temple’s path I will;

“ You can rely on me,” said he, grimly. “ I’ll
carr out every threat I made to er: trust my
wor , she don’t run the ferry to-morrow. As
for Temple, bewitch him if you can: I am as
anxious as you can be.”

Agnes did not yet suspect how anxious be was.

CHAPTER XI.
MISSOURI asromsnrs Hxn alums.

AFTER leaving the house the ferry- 'rl at once
returned to her place of business. er manner
was far from being do cred; the red flush on
her cheeks and the s ar le of her eyes told that
indignation and rehe lion were at work; but;st
was well aware that it would be a fight against
firong odds to oppose the great man of Quartz

ock.

If he chose to force the fight she would be
helpless, but she was aware that. though the vi]-
Inge people were not angels, they had a sense of
what was right when itwns not a matter affect-
ing their own pockets; and that many would
object to seein her driven away from the ferry
if she but mmfia a resistance and called their at—
tention to the matter.

This resistance she was resolved to mlm;
after that all d ded on now nuich regard
Lmnard would have for public on. _

Reachin the ferry she found ~ . hrger boat
just touching the further bank With a f . ht,
while near her own craft sat Mr. Jack Puree l.

“ Glad-morning, Miss 800," be said, in bi.
blandest way.

The girl nodded. .

“ Do vou wish to cross?" she tersely sited.

“ No.” Jack answered. “I came door!) to
talk with you. I have just learned from Mike
Mulloy that he has put in a bid for the ferry.”

“ Have you?"

“ Yes: and, as he says Isaac Leonard is
going to back him, it looks rather bad for

on

 

“ In what way i"

“ Why, Leonard is h h chief here, and what
he sa sgoosasbesays t.” _

“ The chances do seem against me,” Missouri
quiet! observed. for she tfault sure Purcell had
somet in of im tarce say.

“ It is asshamelfirnd I told Mike so; but he is
angry about the trouble at the ferry and vows
he will push the matter to the uttermosr. I was
hasty in that quarrel, and though Gaffer was
equally so when he threw me out of the boat, I
have not laid or any spite. But it is different.
with Mulloy. . swears the Brown Band shall
be his ” ' '

“ I have been notified to leave.”

“ It is not right; it is a shame!"

“ Well, there’s po help for if, I an pose.”
Purcell’s eyes twinkled with not cipated tri-

mph.

“Mulloy has always been tractable until
n0w, but .0 refuses to talk with me. Bowen-r,
his moOd may change before to-morrow, and
I’ll go for him again. If you had a male pro-
tector. this matter could quickly be turned in
your favor.
save the Brow n Hand."

“ What would you do!” ,

“ First of all, induce Mulloy to give it up I

.,

EVen I. if I had your leave, could '

 

understand him like a book, and when I settle
down to business he is clay in my hands. This
done, I would speak to Leonard. and you could.
keep the ferry as long as you wished." ,

“ What is to hinder your doing so, anyway!”

“ It would never do,‘ said 1, shalt
his head; “ it would muse too much talk.
wish I could hel you, 800, and if you
give me the right I will save the Brown Hand."

" Why, haven't you a right nowl" asked me
girl, in pretended surprise.

“ You don’t understand. If I took charge of
the case men would say: ‘ By what right do ytu
interfere ?’ and I could make no answer. In: I
would have them bound hand foot, as 1 may
express it, if I could sav, ‘ I am the father. or
brother or husband of issouri,’ or anything
of that kind. Not bearing any of these relation-
ships to you, I can see but one way. Promise
to marry me—give me the right to say you are
my future wife, and I will defeat your enemies
and save the ferry l”

Mr. Purcell warmed to his subject and deliv-
ered the closing sentences with considerable
oratorical power and vim; but Missouri’s lips
curled scornfully. Her once-discarded suitor
had clearly shown his hand.

“Your little game won’t work,” she replied.

“My little game! What do on mean?”

“Simply that I understand t e whole affair.
I am not warned out of the Brown Band to
oblige Mr. Mulloy, but to enable Jack Purcell
to win his game. You are at the bottom of i
all; ou have been to Leonard and filled his cars
unti he has agreed to your scheme. and it h
now the idea to 've me a choice between mar-
rying you or 103 ng the ferry. It won’t work,
sir; will not marry you—not to save a dosen
ferries l”

Conscious guilt, shame and dismay were pic.
lured on the blackleg’s face, but they gave
place to a look of mad anger.

“Beware!” he cried, hotly.

“Of on? Thank you, Sir, but I am not of
the kingto be frightened. l have always cared
for myself in the past, and I intend to do soin.
the future. I intend to keep the Brown Ham?
without your help, and I warn you not to
molest me.”

“ Girl, you are mad—you wrong me—”

“ Excuse me. but I see a passenger comic
and must leave you. Do not allude to this sub-
ject again; havxng penetrated your scheme you
do not stand in a very enviable light.”

She turned away and entered her boat, the
passen r arrived and took his  and then
she pul ed away from the bank, ving Purcell
tovent his wrath on empty air. *

 

Waldo Temple kept his appointment that day
fer a stroll with Agnes and the mountain
scenery was seen from its most favorable points.
There was enough to interest and cause admir-
ation, and these points were to be chased as
cardinal ones—the river winding through the
valley, the towering peaks of th Rocky Moun-
tains proper of! at the west, and the dividi
line of the foothills at the east, where they
timately gave lace to the prairies where the
flocks and he s of the white man have since
come to graze. so numerously.

Agnes had never been in a more amiable and
pleasant mood, and Temple had no inkling to
the warfare being can ied on against Missouri.

His companion nevor forgot it. All her an--
gr was aroused against hsr inoflensivs rink

t she vailed her bitternes. under a mantle
gentleness.

And when the separated she was strap in
the belief that a was working well; ishat 1m-
ple was yielding to her fascination.

And thus the night had fallen with them.

The following mornin Imc hon-rd areas
at an early hour. He ad been dreaming of
the ferryfirl in an unpleasant way all n ght,
and as he elt sure there would be trouble at the
Brown Band be was rewind to be on them.
at the hour when traffic usually began. Mik-
Mulloy had manufactured a raft which would
answer for conveying human freight for a few
do and it was hoped those who wished to
tgeeborses aerate would be willing to swim
l m.

All was prepared to utterly crush Mimri in
a business way, and J sck Purcell, by
his last rebufl was helping like all 11:354.

Leonard 1e t the house and started for the
ferry, but as be turned Monmouth Rock ho
paused in dumfounded anger.

Missouri‘s boat was crossing the river. .'.8
usual, and heading for the north bank.

A hit'er exclamation fell from Leonard’s lips.

"She is defyin me, but I will show her it
can’t be done with impunity. I said I would
arrest her for trespass if the prow of  heat
so much as touched the bank, and I'll do it!”

So saying, he stmdo forward rapid]?-

Half a dozen miners were gathered It Sb
landing. waiting, it seemed. for the two boat.
to return, and Leonard pushed past them to be
the first to meet Miami .

Tbrr‘.‘ w as no sign of Mulloy, or or his raft.

Something else at once arrested, “up; If,
tention. hon/ever. During the night a minia-
ture pier had been built near the bank, as:
above the usual landing, and as the girl

 

 

 

 

 

110 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

the spot she laid her craft alongside the new
construction, and, paying no attention to the
t man, looked at the miners.

“ All aboard, gentlemen,” she said, cheerily-
“ the other heat will be here in half a minute};

The miners stepped upon the pier, but Leon-
ard went with them and pushed to the front.

“ Hold!” he exclaimed. “ I forbid this. Mis-
souri is no longler in charge of the ferry. I have
fiven the rig t to our fellow-citizen, Michael

uhlo —

“ bar is he! I don’t see him nowhar,” in-
terru ted a miner.

“ seems to be a little late, but he will be
here irectly. In the mean while, you will
greatly oblige me by refusin to give this way-
ward girl your patronafig. is for you, miss, I
am surprised at you. id I not tell on, yes-
terday, after you insulted me so gross y, that I
would have you arrested if you plied your boat
on the river?”

“You said you would arrest me for trespass
if I touched my boat to the bank, which on
claim to own,” answered Soc, clearly. “ er
well, I have not touched the bank. You wiIl
see that I have manufactured a pier, from which
to receive my passengers.”

“ It is just the same thing,” declared Leonard,
almost tremblin with anger and his efforts to
remain calm. “ hat’s the difference whether
the boat or the pier touches the bank?”

“If you will look closely you will see the
pier does not touch the bank!” *

Leonard looked and saw that she was right.
A stone, or sort of ledge, of which the greater

was underground, came down to the
water’s edge and formed a ste about two feet
high. Close to this, but wit a foot of clear
water between, the pier had been built, and
though’ passengers could easily step from the
rock to the pier, the latter did not nfringe on
the shore.

The new construction, itself, was built with a
foundation of stones, with proper-sized logs on
top, and was a firm and serviceable article.
MiSsouri had herself designed it, and the work
had occupied her negroes nearly all ni ht.

“This makes no difference, ’ said nard.
“You had no right to build such a concern.”

“ Why not, sir?”

“Because the water comes under the same
rules, regulations and objections that the bank
does, and is as much under my control! I
reflimand you to break up your pier, as you
ca it! ’

“ I will trouble you to remember, Mr. Leon-
ard, that you told me yesterday that the Mis-
souri river was the property of the United
States; that no person coul control it; that
water could not be owned by any one; and that
the use of this stream was free to all!”

CHAPTER XII.
MIKE MULLOY TAKES In: WAR-PATH.

LEONARD stood dumfounded. He remem-
bered advancing the very views Missouri had

oted; views he had laid down as unimpeach-
able facts; but he had not then thought of the
possibility of their being turned against him.

Now that they were, he did not know what
to say.

The assembled miners winked at each other
in a way which indicated they were more or
less in the ferry-girl’s confidence and that their
a mpathy was with her. The second heat at
t is moment arrived and there was ample ac-
cgmodation for all who wished to cross but

no one embarked and the negross sat rolling

their e es about and smiling tgood-naturedly.
ash Adams and T. Je . Adams were of a
courageous nature and ready to uphold their
mistressin all things. ,.t
a e ominous pause was broken by a new
arrval and Mike Mulloy came down to the
landin with half a dozen men carrying his
raft. e did not see the rival boats nor the
pier, because of the assembled miners, and his
red face was redder than ever with triumph
and ride.

“ rra, b’yes,” he said, “ it’s Mike Mulloy

hat'has overslape dhis morniu’, but it shill not
fiappen again at all. Putt dhe raft in dhe
wather, fellers, an’ we’ll all go over. Dliat’s
roight; now hand me dhe paddle. Now, jintle—
men, at aboord an’ we— Dhe ould Nick!”

Mul oy broke off suddenly. He had stepped
upon his raft, but as he got time to look around
the crowd parted, and he saw the pier, the riva
boats, and pretty Missouri.

A more sur need and dismayed man was sel-
dom seen, an with wide-open eyes and month,
he stared in silence. v

But Leonard pressed to the front.

“Take your passengers and cross, Mulloy,”
he directed.

Mike started as from a troubled dream.

“All aboord, jintlemen; we are ready to
cram.” .

But not a man stirred. .

“Thank you, Michael,” said one grim old

miner “but when we go over, we Will go in,

ther o d way. A boat is good enough for us.”
“But I have made over the ferry-right to
Mullvovy,” expostulated Leonard.
” al, 800 seems ter be still in. business, an’
while we kin get a light, sound boat we ain’t

 

goin’ ter patronize no one-hose raft, yer
honorl”

There wassomuch reason in what he said,
that Leonard had to silently acknowledge the
fact. But the opposition led him beyond the
bounds of prudence.

“Take the boats away, Mulloyl” he directed.

“Bedad, sn’ I’ll do dhat same, moighty

uick!” .

And Mike leaped ashore to execute his pur-

pose.

By that time half the village had turned out
to witness the unusual excitement, and as they
began to understand the case, there were mur-
murs of indignation at Leonard’s course. And
of the grim old fellows on the pier, a close ob-
server might safely have prophesied that they
would see no harm come to Missouri.

Mulloy lea upon the pier, intent on seiz-
ing the smal er boat, but as he did so, G. Wash
Adams stepped from the large one and con-
fronted him.

“ No trespassin’ allowed hyar, ssh,” observed
the son of Africa, in a firm voice.

“Get out av me way, ye black nagur !” said
Mike loudly.

“ ot ef dis court is pussonally acquainted wid
herself,” Wash retorted.

“ Begorra it’s mesilf will knock yer two eyes
inter wan ef yen don’t.”

L‘getter catch de coon, afore you cook him,
an .

Mulloy shook a ponderous fist before the un-
daunted eyes of G. Wash Adams.

“I give ye jest wan minute ter cl’ar dhe way,
an’ ef yez ain’t gone dhen there’ll be a dead coon
’round hyar.”

“ Ef dar is one he’ll hab a white skin. Yah!
yahl” laughed Wash; then, changin his tone:
“ Now look—a-hyar, don’t ye come foo in’ ’round
dis chile. I’s a ’streemly bad man when my
mad is up. I’s a turned-over, hrown-on-boif-
sides terror from Texas, an’ a cavortin’ cyclone
from Mt. Chinborago, I is. DOn’t tech me, or
I’ll break you in two. I gibs you f’ar warnin’
you’s trespassin’ on private prOperty. Git oi!
Oh it! Levant! Abshambulate! ’

Mr. Adams ut u a dusky fist beside that of
his 0 out, but, (fark as t was, it proved a
red ag of war. Mulon shot out his clinched
hand in attem t to annihilate Wash—and hit
Elbe air ' beauti ully. No further damage was

one.

But the unavailing stroke left an opening
Wash did not he lect. He rushed toclose quar-
ters, caught Mn] 0 by the waist and then, get-
ting the proper ho d, cast him for out into the
water of the river.

There was a loud-sounding splash, as though
some monster of the deep had arisen in his
might, and Mike disappeared from public view.
His retirement was but temporary; being a
good swimmer, he soon came to the surface and
made for the boat in which T. Jeff Adams was
sitting, a broad grin on his dusky face.

But the smile vanished when he saw Mulloy’s
intention.

“ Keep back dar!" he ordered, raising one ear.
“ No Irish needn’t ter apply!”

Mike laid one hand on the gnnwale and looked
at Jet! threateningly. Then the ear shot out
like a spear, straight for the Irishman’s head,
but the latter dodged briskly and caught the
our with both hands.

“ Golly! I’s done ot a bite!”

So spoke Jeff, an then he squared the car
around until he had it as a farmer uses a pitch
fork and—lifted. The oar bent and them seem-
ed danger that it would break, but it was large
and strong; it remained whole and Mulloy arose
from the water suddenly, his heels became ele-
vated above his head, and with an involuntary
somerset he shot into space and again dropped
heavily into the water.

. He had had enough, and when he arose again
bl): )r‘nade for land and stood dripping on the

n .

A cheer arose from the crowd, but it had the
effect of stirring Leonard into fresh fur .

d” Sheriff Webbzr, arrest those 13;) lé’hee (Eider-
e , pointin to t e negroes. c ar e
be assault End batter . g

“I beg 'your pair on, sir,” interrupted Mis-
souri, “but I have your word that you don’t
own, and cannot control, this river. Besides,
Mulloy was the first dffender; you cannot ar-
rest my men for defending themselves.”

“ Ther gal is right, ’squire,” added Sherifl
Webber. .

He was a zealous follower of Leonard, but all
his sympathies were with the girl since she had
shown such courage. .

Isaac Leonard was not a fool, and he saw
that to force hostilities in the face of a crowd so
strongly opposed to him would greatly weaken
his power at Quartz Rock. He was wise enough
to decide to retreat from an unenviable position
and, in a cooler moment, plan another way for
depriving the girl of the ferry.

"For the present you can have your own
way,” he said, looking darklyiat Missouri, “ but
I warn you I shall not tolerate such deeds in
this town. It has been a peaceful, law-abiding
p co and it shall remain so. I will leave now,

let me warn you once more, do not dare
touch your boat to the bank.”

 

1:—

With this parting shot he wheeled and strode-
away from the group. Mullby looked after
him ruefully. His fighting blood was up and
he only needed a word from his chief to draw
bis revolver and use it for all it was worth, but.
when he saw Isaac thus desert the field be was
wise enough not to proceed to further hostili-
ties.

But he resolved to run his raft and get what
custom he could, so he pushed through the
crowd—and then stood dumfounded. While he
had been busy elsewhere the raft had slowly
floated along the edge of the pond, and, when
he saw it was just nearing the point where the
water left the pond and went racing down the
canyon.

Mike uttered a rear and dashed along the
bank to save it. Too late! The rough water
caught it, it was whirled around once, and
then, like a swimmer hesitating beforea dive,,it
wavered, trembled and then shot down the
raceway. '

By the time it reached calmer water, half a
mile below, no two sticks would be hanging to‘
gether.

And Mike Mulloy turned his back on the
crowd and his face toward the town and went,
away muttering threats both loud and deep.
Looking back once, he saw both of 800's boats
crossing the ferry, loaded to their utmost capa-

cit .

ft was a bitter defeat.

Among those who had watched the scene'
Were Temple. Gaffer and Beriah. They had
not interfered, for they saw there was no need
of it, but they had been ready to help Missouri
if such a thing was needed.

“ This is a shameful move on Leonard’s part,"
said Waldo, as he watched the baffled great
man go away. “ I cannot imagine why he-
should persecute a girl.”

“ ’Tain’t no reat conundrum ter me.” said
Gafl'er. “ I ha a word with 800 aforeyou two
come, an’ the case is lain. It was all a job set
afoot by that ’tarna Jack Purcell. Wish ter

acious he’d never got out when I tossed him
nter ther drink.”

He then explained the condition under which
Purcell had assured Missouri she could keep the-
Brown Hand and they thought the mystery
solved. but none of t em suspected the real
facts of the case—that Agnes Leonard’s love
and hate were at the bottom of the persecution.

In the mean while, Isaac had returned to, the
house. He found his daughter just making her
appearance in the sitting-room. She was not
an early riser.

“ What success?" she asked ; but she had'caught
the expression on his face and an ted defeat.

“Success 1” he echoed. “ We] , I have had
the success of being thoroughly beaten. That
confounded irl has roved erself shar' rthan.
a needle an she ho s the Brown Han ."

Agnes‘s face became darkened by “an unpleas»
ant scowl. " ' .

“ How was it?” she terser asked.

Isaac told the whole story. As he finished
ahe stamped her delicate oot angrily on the

cor. '

“ Were you mad that you allowed yourself to-
be pyiitdone and defied by such an insignificant
gir

“ I was not mad enough to proceed to hostil.
ities and turn all artz Rock against me. ‘To
remain ruler here ' must use judgment. But,
look e, Agnes, I haven’t given. up the battle
yet, y a good deal. I’ll wm in the end.”

“If on don’t P11 take a hand in the game l”
cried t ebeaut . _ .

“ No, no! on must do nothing so rash.
What! Ibe rmanentl beaten by the ferry~
girl? I thin not. I w ll form new plans, and
she shall go out of the Brown Hand or under the
river-waters!” '

 

CHAPTER XIII.
a mourns  ,

SHORTLY after noon Waldo Temple shoulder.
ed his rifle and left the town alone. - To Gaffer
he had careless] said he was going out for a
stroll, and the unter was- shrewd enough to
suspect he was not wanted." Knowing the
young man was of a more romantic tempera-
m‘ent than himself, it was Gaflsr’s unspoken
Verdict that he “ prob’ly wanted ter commune
with Natur’.”

Temple would have been reluctant to give his
real reason, for it was like hunting for a needle
in a hay-mow.

Evar since he had seen the Elk Rider his mind
had dwelt upon this mountain enigma a good
deal. Who and what was he? Not havin any
superstition in his .nature, he rejected a l the
theories of his humbler friends. Lightning Bolt
was as much a creature of flesh and blood as
himself, and he believed he could shoot eir :gr
man or elk if allowed a fair chance. True, Ga i3
fer, a superior marksman, had fired unavailing—
i , but he was at the time under superstitious
ear, and his nervss must have been unstrung.

Yet, Waldo was not prepared to say he would
take the shot if he had a chance; so far as he had I
learned Li htning Bolt had only been a mfg:
to the Blac feethand such a man should not

huntedlikea w den

i!

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.,~,..

.an. ((7:22

‘.
 ‘a. ,g»_.‘ a s‘ x

 

 

 

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

-— .;..:.._ -_. ‘1 .

.11

 

 

That day the young man went out hoping to
see the strange rider but, knowing he was like
a will-o’-the-wisp, without any real confidence.

He soon left the tawn behind him, and was
trendin a wild and broken country, which was
especially rich in canyons, clifls and eccentrici-
ties of nature. Having reached an elevated
point, he sat down on a bowlder and let his gaze
Wander ever the scene before him.

At one point he had a view of a wide, deep
canyon, and as he looked along its bed he
chanced to observe something not always to be
seen there. .

What looked to be like ‘a giant serpent was
winding along the level bottom, but as he looked
closer he discovered it to be composed of horse-
men ridin in single file.

“ Black eetl”

Temple leaped to the conclusion because no
other men were supposed to be in that part of
Montana in such numbers, but it occurred to
him a moment later that some bold white men
mi t have entered the feudal Territory,
nagh he was seized by a resolve to know the
truth. '

His time was his own, and it would be good
exercise to rsue the winding serpent.

This reso ve made, he was not long in starting
on the trail; and be advanced so rapidly that, a
half-hour later. he again sighted the strangers,
who had come to a halt in a bowl-like de-

masion which comprised three or four acres of

ad.

Still from his position he was unable to deter-
mine their character, and be resolved to go
nearer. So he descended the side of the bowl
and again moved forward, this time tak—
ing care not to reveal himself by any rash ex-

ure.
p0Bowlders and stray trees helped him, and he
soon reached a sort of mound, which was finely
ada ted for concealment.

Hg crawled in among the rocks and bushes,
and reaching the top, looked over at the
campers.

They were Indians, and beyond doubt, the
men of Bounding Bison. The band had an en-
tire] original way of paintin themselves, and
tb'n lviad been so described by afler that Tem-
ple could make no mistake.

He looked with a good deal of curiosity at the
men who were the scourges of the foot-hills. but
except for their fantastic style of inting,
the were in no degree remarkable. T ey were
eatiyng dinner, and Temple lay still and watched
them idl ’ . '

He triid to distinguish Bounding Bison, but
if the chief was there he failed to discover it.
Il‘he sequel proved he was not there.

All men have surprises in their lives, and
Temple's came when a heavy wei ht dropped
upon him and his arms were seize in a we
which defied all his efforts to cast off the unwe -
come grasp. He realized that he had fallen into
trouble of a serious nature, and did his utmost,
but all in vain.

He was whirled over on his back and a knife
flashed before his eyes.

“ Lie still. do of a pale-face! Do not anger
the mountain tiger unless you would feel his
death-stroke!”

Tom is was gazing into the faces of three
grim lackfeet, and with such odds at hand and
more within call he decided to take heed of the
last warning. He lay 'vely in their grasp
and looked at him who ad spoken. .

Beyond a doubt it was Bounding Bison him-

self. .
The hands of his captors glided over his
rson, and his wea ns were taken away; then

deftly bound is own hands and he was
wholly helpless. They raised him to his feet,

and the chief chuckled grimly: . .
“The white man isa squaw of his nation.

Does he think he can steal upon a Blackfoot

camp and not be seen? He must come from

nrntm rising sun or he would not be so big a

00.

V - good English the Bisnn spoke, and
than? a little of the figurative element ran
it, it was clear he had not mixed with

white men for nothing.

“Well, you do seem to have the best of it,”
Temple replied, trying to remain cool and ac-
ceptthe inevitable losophically. “Perhaps,

waver, it was not so much my want of wis-
dom as Jour abundance of it that did the

38°-

“ The Blackfeet are men, and when they rest
for the day they do not lie down like white
men and leave the way clear forenemies. When
firstyou set foot in the vallev you were seen,
an; it “ialflllgt hard to be you‘.”

emp e e chagrined, at he forced a lau h.

“Well, I coupiiment you on your shreigd-

“ Never mind; the Blackfeet do not feed on
.0“ words. Speak for yourself, not for us.
war, do‘ you want with the mountain tigers?”

“Nothing,” Temple franklyre lied. “I saw
a camp in the valle and crew here to learn
who was abroad. had no other object."

0‘ Who are you?”

15mph remombered the alleged fact that
Boundin Bison wss the ally of Isaac Leonard,
and rectified to make the most of it.

 

 

“ y name is Temple, and I belong at Quartz
ock.
“ I have never seen you there.”

“Verv likely. I am a new-comer; so much
so thatMr. Leonard has not yet given me my
permanent place.”

Bounding Bison looked at him keenly.

“You do not know Leonard,” he said, posi-
tivelv.

“ On the contrary, I have been a guest at his
house. .

The chief made a sweeping gesture indicating
a want of belief in the assertion.

“ Do not think a Blackfoot is blind. Men who
know Boundin Bison well would never try to
deceive him. doubt if you have ever been at
the town; at any rate, you are not one of the
pee le.”

ere the speaker made a gesture which might
ordinarily have escaped Temple’s notice as
being significant, but all his sensas were on the
alert and a suspicion flashed upon him. Be-
tween the Blackfeet and the chosen people of
Quartz Rock there was a sort of free-masonry
with mystic signs by which they recognized
each other. The Bison had given one of these
signs and he had no we to meet it in kind.

Extreme caution an sagacity were now no-
cessary.

“Strictly speaking, I am not one of the
people,” he answered, frankly. “I have just
told vou I am a new-comer and Leonard has
not placed me. I came to the West as an aiin-
less wanderer; but I chanced upon Quartz
Rock and Leonard seemed to take a fancy to
me. I have visited him at his house and I am
to remain permanentl at his village.”

Another gesture to lowed. It was different
from the rest, but was undoubtedly one of the
secret list. Still, it was as much of an enigma
as an Egyptian hieroglyphic, and Temple was
obliged to look stolidly at the Indian and say
not ng.

The painted face changed expression and be-
came sterner, and Temple felt that he had
gassed more deeply into trouble. Possibly

ounding Bison he made the first sign of the
league and, failing to get the due ansWer, had
lost all faith in his prisoner.

He muttered a few words in a language un-
kn0wn to the young man—probablv it was
Blackfoot—and then turned away. The other
Indiana led Temple after and all proceeded to-
ward the camp.

The prisoner deepl mused his rasbness.
With no knowledge 0 I ways and only a
vague idea of their shrewdness, he had no busi-
ness to have been prowling about their camp.
If he had used roper caution he would have
given wide bertE to men known to be the
scourges of the foothills.

. One suspicion had occurred to him while talk-
ing. He very much doubted if Bounding Bison
was an Indian. His features were very re lar
for one of that (race, and h deck out
bravely in their style, and ho ing a chief’s
position, he seemed more like a white man. At
times he used figurative language freely, but it
was but temporaril and he seemed to have a
sEtrOilighinclination drop into mattebof—fact

ng is .

This suspicion did not encourage Temple. In
any case the fellow was Leonard’s ally and set
to terrorize the foothills, and, unless be con-
v1nced him he was Leonard’s friend, also, he
would thereby only be the more unions to do
the work alloted' him.

When the prisoner was led into the midst of
theother men they saw his arrival with charac-
teristic stoicism. No- one exhibited interest,
nor was their post» randial smoking stopped,
but Temple believ he caught more than one
glare turned secretly on him.

And a more villainous-looking set of red-

skins he had never seen in his life. It was as
though some Indian nitentiarv had been
drafted upon to make uoding Bison’s bend,

or, lacking these penitentiaries, they had creat-
ed this party instead.

Temple began to feel decidedly uneasy.

His guards took him to one side a little, mo-
tioned him to be seated on a bowlder, and then
squatted down near him to continue their
watch. And their vigilance never flag ed.

Bounding Bison sat down in the midu e of his

ty and began smoking like the rest, but
Ililtiaxmple noticed that he Seemed in deep thought
and, now and then, glanced toward him.

Undoubtedly, he was deciding what to do
with his captive, and as the latter looked at the
grim, painted red cut—throats he felt a thrill of
uneasiness he lied seldom known before.

CHAPTER XIV.
BOUNDIN'G BISON SEEKS RECREATION.
Pasture half an hour passed, and then the
Blackfoot chief knocked the ashes out of his
pipe, arose and walked to his prisoner’s side.
“I am Bounding Bison, a Blackfoot, and
royal blood flows in my veins," he bombastical-
ly began. “Had I remained with the main
body of my ople i should now have been the
head-chief o the nation. but I preferred the life
I have chosen. I took the bravest men of all
who were of in blood and, coming to the foot-
hills, cut loose om my people.”

 

[throw dust in the Bison’s eyes. A

 

 

'/

He paused and looked at Temple, as though
for an answer.

“ i see,” said the prisoner.

“Here 1 am a king. Followed by my moun-
tain tigers, no man can say ‘ Comel’ or ‘ Gol’ to
me. I am my own master and the master of
all the broad acres from the highest aks of
the Rockies to the eastern plains: rom the
head-waters of the Yellowstone to Canada. On
my domain no man may come with imnunity.
If the Blackfeet catch him he is doomed. and
they have the eye of the hawk and the scent of
the bloodhound.”

ain he paused and nodded.

:1 have often heard of Bounding Bison,”he
sai .

“Then, why did you not keep away from
him?”

“ I like to meet a brave man, and such I know
the Bison to be.”

“The white man is cunning, but he cannot
Blackfoot is
never blind; he knows words of sincere praise
from designingz flattery. What you say will
not save you. on are a prisoner and, as an in-
truder on the grounds of the Blackfeet, you
will be punished. My braves are longing for some
go asure amid their active work, and you will

iven over for torture.”

“ hat have I done that I should be used
thus?” asked Temple, trying to hide his fears.

“ I say you are an intruder on our grounds.”

“ Have I done harm to you or your men?”

“ If the rattlesnake’s fangs are early removed
he will never do harm to any one.”

Temple did not give up so tamely. He saw
that the chief was in earnest, and as his own
life was, to him, the most valuable thing in the
world, he made an eloquent effort to save it.
Especially did he dwell on the fact that he had
been received as a friend by Le0nard—but all
in vain.

Bounding Bison regarded the story as a fic-
tion, and resolved that his men should have the
prisoner for torture.

He made some ech to them in their own
langua e, and thong they preserved e de es
of stoli ity, it plainly pleased them a good
and their see were turned on the prisoner in
a way wh ch made his flesh creep.

He was as brave as the average man, but
who can face without a tremor the prospect of
dying by tortures such as as Indians invent and
inflict?

There was some consultation among them
and then Bounding Bison again came to LA:

side.

“ You will be gashed with knives first of all;
he coolly said. “ The warriors wish to hear
you cry aloud for mercy, like a dog.”

.“ Sugpose I won’t cry l” questioned Temple,
his pri e touched by the insinuation.

“All white men do; they can bear pain no
better than an Indian pappoose."

“ Are, you sure you are not libeling your own
race?”

“ What do you mean!”

“ Simply, that I believe you are a white
man!

The chief made a disdainful gesture.

“If a drop of white blood ran in my v ' I
would 0 n them with my own knife, and at
it out. curse the race, and all who mix with
them!”

“ Renegades usuall hold such views.”

“ Hearken, white ogl” exclaimed the Bison,
angril ; “ you are a fool to stir the blood of a
Black not. You know me not. I am Indian, all
Indian, and I curse your race! If you would
not have your torments doubled,'be wise and
say no more. I am a Blackfoot and my name
is Bounding Bison 1”

“Well, you are Isaac Leonard’s friend and
so am I. Why should we quarrel? Do not be
hasty, but go to Leonard before you strike me.
Ask him if he knows Waldo Temple. I will
willingly die ten deaths if he does not bid you ‘
let me go.”

“ A trick! Blackfeet are men and not to be
deceived by such silly stories. Besides, why
should I 50 to Leonard! Is he not an enem of
gmpgpp el Is not his village on the land ofymy

“ Every one knows you and he are friends—"

“ A white man’s liel” said the Bison, quickly.
“ 21w notmoerg, I gill not hair itl"

e mo ion to is warriors and the released
Temple’s hands and disrobed him to {he waist.
He stood passive in their hands, but be closed'
his eyes to hide the gleam he knew must be
there. Since his future looked so desperate“
resolved to take the one chance open. to bill
and. before the cords were removed, maiiub,
dash for liberty. ~ i

Probably he would fall dead befonevbe had
gone five rods, pierced by their bullets, or would
be run down; but it seemed his last, faint hope,“
It must not be neglected.  '

Suddenly, however. there was a touch on his
left arm and an exclamation of_ nugriso. He
opened his eyes and beheld Bounding ison, who
was looking fixedly at his arm.

There, a peculiar figure was visible, worked
in India ink, the blue lines showing clearly (I:
the white, firm surface. Time, or something

hadservedtoslightlyiessen the ouceper

 

$11,
,3

we.

12 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

1C

 

fect form of the figure but it was still to be
8801: that it represented an eagle fluttering in
m: and sneaking to break away from a. chain
which held it to the ground.

Bounding Bison stared for a while in silence
and then Lurnoi' his gaze on Temple’s face.

“ What is this?" be asked.

" A figure in India ink,” Temple replied.

‘ But what does it mean?"

” it represents a. chained eagle, if that's what
you mean.”

“ But has it no other signification?”

The prisoner was tempted to tell a- fabulous
{tordvy but, on second thought, he shook his

ea .

“ Not that I am aware of. It was first mark-
ed there before I was old enough to remember,
and, when ten years ago, I had it renewed in a.
boyish freak."

t “ Who first put ittherel" persisted the Black-
not.

“How you have me; I don’t know. I have
been a. telling-stone all my life, and what oc-
curred before my own recollections is a sealed
book to me. I had no One to all me. So, of
this figure, I can only say—it is there!”

Bounding Bison said no more, but he gave
the chained eagle a long and careful survey.
Temple watched with interest and curiosity.
Wnat meant the Indiau’s conduct? To him the
figure had never been anything more than the
result of some one’s freak. It was rather un-
usual to tattoo children at such a tender age,
but he had newr thought much about it.

Finally the chief raised his head quickly.

“ Put on your clothes again; you shall not die
yet ” he said.

he reprieve was so unexpected that the
risoner could not at oncraohey. Was it possi-
le he had been saved by the chained eagle?

He was just turning to his gurmmts when
Sewral cri:~s of terror arose from the Blackfeet;
they shou‘ed violently, muttered something he
could not understand, and then, as one man,
they ru-Jhed for their homes. Evcn the Bscn
went, and no one appeared to think of him.

The frightened warriors leaped to their ponics’
backs, yelled to them to get their best speed,
and went dashing down the vallev. Then 11
cluttering from the other point caused Temple
to " urn.

One glance explained why the Indians had

Another rider was sweeping through the val-
ley, though no horse was between his kin-64. It
was Llurituiu Bolt and his Giant Elk. Brrnight
d0wn tm- va ley they came, the 5 range steed
going at his usual rapid pace, the strange rider
fitting in his place like a statue.

Tueir course bade fair to luring them within a

‘few feet of Tom le, but he did not think of

being alarmed. ad time been given him to
think clearlv, no might even have tried to catch
the pair; but us it was not, he looked as he
wouldon on y great phenomenon.

On came the elk with tremendous hounds.
His head was throw: back, and, for the first
time, Temple saw what m iflcent antlers he

caressed. These, with his urge frame,flying
net and limbs, and his graceful movements,
made him a creature to attract any one’s atten-

tion. 0

And on his back sut Lightning Bolt, as erect
as ever. his long beard covering his breast, and
his visible attire being the same as on a for-
mer occusioa—clooc-tltting cap and a monk like

wn.

And the-stung. ir were making for Tem-
ple without signs oi or of hostility or fear.

In his preoccupation the young man was not
swore that another person was near him. Yet,
coerce two pace- behind him, an Indian stood in
an eager attitude. his gun) fixed on the ap-
prowhiug phenomenon.

To the radar the ludiun is no stranger; it
was the Mountain Cut, the young Pawnee.

In his hand he held a coiled rope, or, more

ly u lumo, and from the way in which
Wadi“ it one could not doubt but he iu~
tended to try to lose the Elk Rider.
moment and the crisis came. and u
the Giout Elk swept timeout of them. Mountain
Cot’flung the luco straight toward Lightning
I .

If the lutth we. 1 human being he must have
noon the intention and the attempted execution
but never turned his head in the alightcst, um
u the lasso fell a. foot short of his head, he

on his way after the Blackfeet, with the
old steady rate of speed.

But Temple wheeled on he saw rho 1mm, and
stood facing the young Indian. Swing but one
mun be was about to leap upon bim,wheu Moun-
tain Cut put out his open hands quietly

" Wait, white maul" he diroc , clanrlv.
i~ Why would you attack me? I am no Black-
Loot.

“Hal are you uinnee?"

“ l um, and m name is Mountain Cal.” (\

“ But what b ago you to Montana?”

“ Pol-bu love; perhaps revenge. Do not ask
—let it enough that am here and your
friend, because you are the friend of Red Shoul-
der, whom you call Brown. Web! the Elk
Rider is at work.” ,

w dull, explosive sounds were but“,

 

but when Temple turned, he could see neither 7
the Blackfeet nor Li htnin Bolt. But it was
clear the latter but four: the former, and
lfir‘lzlusd‘once more carrying destruction to their
‘ n

 

CHAPTER XV.
rm: CHAINED EAGLE.

“ QUICK I” said Mountain Cut. “ Put on your
clothes and come with me. I would give much
to capture the Elk Rider, and we may get a
chance while—"

He paused suddenly, and remained staring
blankly at Temple.

“ Well, what now?" the latter demanded.

He had once decided that he had found a
friend in the Mountain Cat, and he remember-
ed that Beriah Brown had vaguely hinted that
the-re " was at least one decent Indian in Mon-
tnn:.i;" but he began to fear the young brave
hurl suddenly become possessed of anthropo-
hugous tendencies.

"It is the flying eagle!” muttered the Puw~
nee.

Temple started. Until that da the mark
had never caused more than a ripp e in his life.
Now, twice within an hour, he saw it surprise
men in an unaccountable way. Was it possible
that he was a long-lost Indian prince, chanced
in his cradle for a low-born white infant! The
mute question hit him so profoundly he almost
expected to turn a copper color.

" Yes, it’s the chained eagle,” he nonchelant—
lv said, but his gaze was fixed keenly on Moun-
tain Cut.

The Pawnee laid one hand on the figure.

“ W ho is my brother, that he bears that
mark?” be asked, his voice unusualy gentle for
one of his race.

“ D-m’t you know i”

H N,‘. 77

“ Yet, you recognize the chained eagle.”

The Pawnee’s expression changed and hedid
not reply at once.

“It is a strange device,” he finally said.

“ Where have you seen it before!”

“ Never,” answered the Indian. steadily.

“ [ beg your pardon, but you have I”

" 15 Mountain Cat on old mun that he cannot
remember?”

Temple laughed.

“ No, you are not. On the contrary, you do
remember well. You betrayed your acquain-
tunce with the chained eagle the moment you
saw it. Go Pawnee, you claim to be my
friend; prove t by no lo beeitating over
this nvgtter. What do you now of the chained
uagli

"Once," answered Mountain Out, “I was
crossing the irie in my own country when 1
found a. d man with his arm thus marked.
The figure was so strange I have never forgot‘
ten and, seeing the arm of my brother, it re-
called thut day."

Temple knew his companion was lying.
Somehow this art did not come easy to the
Pawnee; lie betrayed want of Verucity plainly.
Despite this. however, Tem 10 had taken a
f:mcy to him and he resolv to accept the ex-
planation and, working into the other’l con-
fidence anon, learn more.

lSo he stooped and hootin donned his discarded
c otlu’ng.
h “ lipim now read y to follow Lightning Bolt.”
can .

“Guam we no numn’ now,” anmred the
young Indian, falling into broken En lish.
"Allnsfill; Elk Rider and Blackfeet gone ore
now.

“ Lot on t , at on rate,” replied Tom 0.

His own Jim... lay near at hand dignrdod
by the Indians in their hasty night, and lo
put all in place before starting. They went
with Mountain Cat in advance, his keen gaze
flixed on the trail; though often ruined for some
3 go.

Not for bad they to go. Roundi a little
knoll they saw urlevel space and, in e midst
of it, two motionless forms with dusk skins
and stri , of gaudy point. They ware ollow-
ers of ounding Bison, but it we: clear they
would never go on the trail again.

The living Blackfeet, us well as their re-
lentless pursuer, had disappeared from view.

“ N) use try belch Elk Rider dis time,” said
Mountain Cat, disappointment expressed on his
face. “Mebe be two miles uwuy: Giant Elk
go like wind. Me sorry; we like ketch him.”

“Icon most sincerely my the same, but
though we may not do that, we con at least er:-
amine the men he has killed and see what
marks he leaves upon them. All the hunters
of mv own color around here may he is a spirit.
I think the idea nonsense and now intend to
prove it.” '

He strode forward. followed by the Pawnee.
The letter favored on investigation but was
willing his companion should take the lead.

The Blackfeet. lav whom they had stopped
aftwr falling from tlwir horses and were uitc
dead. Their faces wore a look of terror w ich
even death had not cfluced. Had they fallen in
bottle with u foo thev knew to be human the
expression would have been of ferocious cour-

 

agef‘but Lightning Bolt struck terror to their
souls in we]. on death to their bodies.

Temple bent over the nearest. A little stream
of blood was trickling down his neck, and when
it was wiped away they saw on each side a
small red hole, much like the track of a bullet.

“Some missile has no straight. through
him,” said Temple. “ 9 died quickly, con-
sidering where he was hit, but internal hemor
rhage may have done it.”

A search for further wounds proved unavail-

in .

They turned to the second man.

An almost precisely .«imilar experience await-
ed them. He, too, had been shot through the
neck and the wound was his sole one.

Waldo Temple was surprised. He knew that
Lightning Bolt dealt death with some sort of an
explosive missile. Ignorant people said it was
a veritable fragment of li htnmg, a bolt mum}.
factored by supernatura means. Discarding
their exaggernted views, and considering his
own intelligent one that it was of the same
nature as a hand-grenade, or shall, it seemed
an almost incredible coincidence that both
Blackfeet shouldhave din in exactly the some
way; with only one wound, and that in the
same place with both.

For a. moment the young man was staggered,
but common-sense triumphed in the end.

Mountain Cat had watched him , closely. As
the Pawnee had said to Burial: Brown, he had
been wavering between the superstitious of his
own people and the teachings of the whites,
and on this occasion he was waiting for Wuldo’u
verdict with undisguised impatience.

“ that think?” he asked.

“About what?"

“ Elk Rider. Is he man or debbil?”

“A man, rest assured. As such he is are-
markable character, surpassing anything I ever
knew before; but it is nonsense to suppose him
a. irit. There are no such things ”

he Pawnee nodded uickly.

“ Good, much good. qUu'der white men tell
me so, but me not sure. Dis strunge; much
strange. Me nebber saw elk go so fast before;
nebber saw man ride elk before. Mo gin ’niost
scared, sometimes, but try to be brave. What
these things Elk Rider mic?"

Temple explained his views as well as he could
and Mountain Cat listened and nodded. They
did not remain a great while where they were,
for the Blackfeet might return to look for their
dead. At this thought another arose; at the
rute Lightning Bolt was killing 03 the men of
the band, how long would it last?

“The sooner they go, the better,” said the
Pawnee, as Temple asked the cation aloud, as
they walked away. “ Bound ng Bison and his
men are dogs; I know them better than you.”

“ The Bison claims they are the brown of his
nation.”

Mountain Cat made a disdainful gesture.

“ They are what white men call the ‘scum ’
of the Blackfeet. All nation: have men who
are not worth of honors, and of such material
is the Blson’s and. Ho collected thieves and
murderers, plotters, schema-s, and traitors, and
formed them together. They are wholly sepa-
rute from the reel Blackfeet, and will never be
receiVed back. But it answers Bounding Bisou’u
pu well; all is us he could wish were it not
or he Elk Rider.”

:: %I17”that you tried to lumo the letter."

K .

“ If he kills only Blackfoot-cud be surely let
us alone—why would you burn him?”

“ Did WhiteArm no mo to harm lile
No. I would not fire at him if bad the chance,
but, like all other men, I um uuxlou: to know
what he is."

“ Enough so to hunt for him?” Temple eagerly

asked.

“ Yes, White Arm.”

“And will you join hands with mo in the
work i”

“ I will."

They clasped hands and the compact wu
formed, for wool or woe. Neither
whut strange and startling result- would spring
from their effort»; neither suspected the trage-
dies the future had in store for .11 who flgmd
in and around Quartz Rock.

Temple was pleased with his new alliance, for
ouch udditiona moment spent in the Pum’l
company served to incl-cue the fancy ho bud at
the very first taken to him, and as he seemed to
be a b0 d young fellow, he might prove to be u
very useful friend to buva.

But Temple did not forgot one mutter that
was near his bout.

“ Before we part, Mountain Cot,"~ be cold, as
the paused near the village to my good-by,
“ 1 two a question to ask.”

“ I will listen, White Arm.”

“ What do on know about the figure on my
arm—the cha ned eagle?”

The Pawnce’l gum fell.

“ Has my brother not heard me tell!"

" YPS.” 38“ Temp“. in"dbl: “ but I think
you will admit the story you told was not, 5
true one.”

The young Indian did not lock offended.

“Mountain Cat can my no mm, 3. do“
not know how the figure was put on your

arm.
" But you have seen it elsewhere."

\

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

.‘18

 

 

The Indi remained silent.

“come. nee if We are to be brothers we
should deal frankly with each other. Tell me
this as a great iavor.”

The youth laid his hand on Temple’s arm.

“ Listen White Arm,” he said. “ If I should
tell you where I have seen the mark before to-
day I am sure it would do you no good, and it
might do me great harm. The Pawnee has
traveled far, and for a fixed purpOse. Do not
stop him until that purpose is accomplished.
Some day he will it freely, but a solemn
promise now holds him silent. Do not ask
a nin.”

be manner of the speaker was such that Tem-

e decided to obey.

“ it shall be as on say, but you must remem—
ber we are now a lies.” ,

“The Mountain Cat Will not forget. White
Arm is his brother. and it is not I" a Pawnee’s
nature to be false. One thing let me say to my
white brother.”

“ \tht is that!”

“ Beware of the white chief. Leonard. He
has spoken fair words to you, but I doubt if his
heart is as fair. He is ten times worse than
Bounding Bison. and since he has acted as he
has, White Arm may be sure he has some se-
cret motive. It is not his way to invite stran-

ers to his house. Do not forget what I sly,
grower—bee are of Leonard!"

The Pawnee spoke with an earnestness which

roved his sincerity, and Temple readily prom-
ised. They parted then, and the latter went on
to the. village. He believed he knew why Isaac
L onard was kind to him: the manner of Agnes
had revealed the truth; but the qllt-flilflll arose:
If Leonard wished him, an emire stranger, for
a smi-i’n~law, what was the reason?

“The Mountain Cat’s warning is worthy of
notice, and I will not forget. Quartz Rick has
a bad reputation at the best, and it behoOVes me
to keep my e es open while here. There’s no
knowing wha is below the surfaCe.”

CHAPTER XVI.
JACK PUchLL’s woomo.

MISSOURI was so tired by her protracted
labor and presence at the ferry that, after the
rush was over that day, she resolved to retire
to her humble lodging and let the two negrces
open ate the Brown Band alone for the rest of the
evening. If an trouble occurred, they could
quickly inform er.

Tne girl had a ronm at the house of a settler
named Pumphrey, a humble but honorable
man, and whose wife had done a good deal to
make Missouri less friende than she would
otherwise have been.

On arriving at the house she found all the
other people away, but soon after she entered
the", was it sound at the door, fol10wed b the

caller knock which was the signal 0 her
riends. _

She opened the door without a suspicion that
trouble was in store for her, but as it swung

n she saw. not one of the Pumphreys, but
Jack Purcelli

He entered before she could decide whether
or not to close the door in his face.

“Good-evening, Miss 800,” he said blandly,
“ I was passing. and I thought 1 would drop in
fora moment.”

“ Mr. Pumphrey is not at home,” she said sig-
niflcautly.

“ I am aware of that fact, but, as I did not
wish to  him it makes no material difl'srenco.
Pardon me, 800, but the sitting room looks so
inviting I w ill walk in.”

He did so without further ceremony, and she
was obliged to follow him.

3M cordially disliked the man. knowing he
was a blackleg and gambler, but she had to en-
dure his resence then.

“I win to congratulate you on our success
in holding the ferry,” he continii , as she at

down.

“ Indeed l"

'l Yes. You have proved yourself quite 3
Napoleon, and I sup Irronard is tearing out
his hair by handfuls. . But don’t you know he
will t the belt of it in the end I”

“ t is not settlerdhps yet.” ' fi ”

“But st think 0 a power again. you,

“ I mailitioned that to you the other day,”
Missouri could not help saying. ‘ I told you I
understood the plot, and that you” had secured
the aid of Leonard to conquer in’e.

“ Really, 800, this is too bad! Purcell expos-
tulsted

“Just my opinion. A man who would make
war on a woman seems to me very con-
teinptible indeed l"

“And what of a wOman who accuses one
Who would he her friend. of base crimes?”

“When I have heard of such a meal will
give an opinion,” the girl quietly answered.

Purcell tried to assume a gloomy look.

“ You persist in wronging me, 800, I don‘t
know why you should, for l have tried to al-
Wuyfi ease you. Is it in fault that I love
3'0“? 0; such thin are xiond our control,
as much as is the shifting of t e wind. Blame
you: own beauty and noble nature rather than

me.
"That sounds very romantic; but I don’t

 

 

know why you should'try toblind. my- eyes,
Mr. Purcell. It is well known here that you
flourished for ears in 8'. Louis as a gambler,
and only left there when it was perilous to stay
longer. I. once heard you boast that you ‘ killed
your man’before you reached your twentieth
year. In the face of all this you try to con-
vince me you are an honorable man. It won’t
work sirl"

“ but do you expect in the West! The ef-
feminate and weakened East mav ape the airs
of saints: but here we are men. You can’t find
a more desirable husband than I, if I do say it.”

“Thank you; but I am not lOUking for a bus-
band.”

“Do you aspire to be an old maid?”

“My hopes and plans are my Own, Mr. Pur-
cell, and I will not try to explain them.”

Her calm indifference made Clm flush angrily,
but he curbed his passion.

“ Now, look here, Missouri, listen to reason.
I am not half so had a fellow as you would
make out. Perhaps I have not always done
just right, but my heart is all right, and all I
need is u good, true wife to help me improve—
to reform, if on like the word better.”

“ I am not in the missionary business.”

“Other women are doing Ill“ same thing
every day; they are willing to help a man im-
prOVe.”

“ The more fools, they. A woman might as
well swallow poison, hoping it will turn to
sugar, as to marrya man thinking to reform
him. Possioly when you have rcformei you
may go where you are not known and find a
wit'n. You have my permission.”

Purcell hit his lips to keep back his anger.

“There is one thing more, 800. You know
as well as I do that you will ultimately be
bratcn in the fight for the Brown Hand. The
moment Isaac Leonard sees fit to go into the
game in earnest your lastliope is gone. He has
all Quartz Rock behind him; you have only
your two negroes. Wait! hear me through!

TOW. as I have said before, I have influence
with Mke Mulloy, and will make him withdraw
his claim, and’I also stand well with Leonard
and can make him forgive what has happened.
All this on condition that you become my wife.”

“ I will not put you to so much trouble,” Mis-
souri replied, romptly.

“ 'I‘nink agn n—"

. “It is unnecessary, Mr. Purcell. The matter
is one to be settled without grave deliberation.
Iam surprised that you have the audacit to
mention it. I have Lthi'et:l times decli to
marry before th a am you oughtto ’n
to undefifi’nd me. I rim tired of it, andli-(igd
of you. Mr. Purcell, I don’t wish to be harsh
but if you was the last man in theworld I
would not marry you!”

There was no mistaking the fact that she was
yery much in earnest, and an ugly gleam shot
into the gambler’a eyes. . -

“ You will be sorry of this i” he cried, hotly.

“ What do you meant"

“I can hate, as well as love, and I will yet
brinmmi to my feet." .

“ nk you, ‘but I take my pick when I
kneel to men.”

“Girl I warn you, be careful. I will not be
responsible for the result if you aggravate me

or

“Leave the house and you will have no
trouble.”

Purcell reached forward and Caught her arm.

“If value your future say no more!” he
hissed. “I do not claim to be an angel, and I
may do that which—”

Just then a hand fell on his own shoulder,
with a force not to be resisted. and he was
whirled around and forcibly seated in a chair.

“ There are two opinions about thatl” said a
stern voice

He looked up and saw Waldo 'I‘cumle.

A furious gleam leaped into the gambler’s
eye and his hand sou lit a pocket where
nestleda revolver. Bu:d had to deal wc'lit: a
man as as n the new-comer w
...... mp“ be

‘P

at

our hands where they belong! I
have no esire to proceed to extremities, but
self-preservation is the first law of nature.”

The lamp-light sent out little gleam of silver
from the polished barrel and Purcell thought
better of his warlike move. Gontrolh'n himself
by a greatetrort he kept his seat, but are was
a most Vicious gleam in his eyes.

“ What business have you to meddle here?”
he demanded.

“I reserve the right to put my heel on a ser-
pent when I see one," Temple calmly answered.

“ It vull be death for you to try it with me.”

“ You are a cowardly bound, at the best. No

other species of mankind would lay his hand on -

a Woman in anger."

“ That’s all very well. and fine talk. but I tell
you I will not bear interference. 1 know you,
and the end is not yet Before I am done with
you. you will howl like a calf 1"

“I am at your service at any time, and when

 

 

you start a butcher-shop, let me know and I‘ll I

be around at {gut o

I warn you, a ltt-le careful.

with a manlike you I shall not hedtato.”

ning. But, John Purcell, ;
I feel amply ‘
able to care for myself. and when dealing question.

“ You‘ve both had flour say,” interrupted
Missouri, “and now, r. Purcell, you will
oblige me by taking your leave."

“ Ono! you don’t banish Temple, I see.”

“ No, sir,” the girl calmly replied.

“ Well. I shall not go until he does, for I want
to see him outside,’ Purcell belligerently ob-
served. .

“ I am at your service almost any time, but,
just, now— > Miss Missouri, do you wish him to
Shiva.

" Then. Purcell, be so good as to walk out!”

“ I will not, and it will take six like you to
put me out!”

The defiance was barely out of his mouth
when Temple sprung forward and seized him.
The gambler went into the struggle with a vim
and plenty of confidence; but. very much to
his surprise, he was conveyed to the door and
shoved out in aver brief space of time. His
muscular ability ha been found inadequate to
the requirements of the occasion.

Temple took the liberty of barring the door
with himsslf on the inside, and then tumed to
the irl with a smile.

“ 0 not feel any alarm, Miss Missouri—" he
began; but she interrupted him.

" Oh! I am not at all alarmed,” she said,
steadily. " If I had let such things trouble me
I should not have held the ferry as long as I
have. At the same time, Mr. Temple 1 thank
you for ridding me of the presence of t man.
I could have kept him away, for I had a revol-
ver; but I hardly possess the streLgth to put
him out, as you did."

She laughed lightly, and Temple could not
help admiring such unexpected courage.

" I hope my entrance will nor- be considered
too bold,” he said: " but I came he re to make a
call, and hearing Purcell‘s angry vo ca, took the
liberty of walking in without ceremony.”

“I certainly shall not reprimand you, since
ion have been so useful; lam glad you came.

'ut Mr. Pumphrey is not at home.”

“ I did not come to see him."

“ Who was it, then?" she bluntly asked.

“ Yourself.”

“ You came to see me?”

“Yes. Nomi hegthat you won‘t class me
as another visitor of the Purcell class, for I shall
go out whenever vou say so; but I have become
interested in the rown Hand case, and wish to
know if I can be of any service to 3 on.”

CHAPTER XVII.
Missocni‘s CHAMPION.

THE fuce Ol the girl became graver. The of-
fer was made in a way which pleased her, and
she did not feel like refusing any assislance of-
fered by those who were plainly desirable
friends. Still, she knew better what might be
the result than Temple did.

“ I appreciate \ onr kindness, but you cannot
be aware of the danger to which it will subject
you. I have once, already, warned you that
Quartz Rock is not a safe place and you said
Gum-r Golightly had also warned you. Believe
me, Gaffer is not one to exaggerate, and you»
must have a faint idea what you risk even by
remaining in t0wn.”

“ He has told me all this, but—"

“ But by appearing as my friend you will
make your danger treble what it alread is. A!
yen know, Isaac Leonard has formally eniared
war against me, and his word is law in Quartz

k—except to me. Beware of him i”

“Do you suppose the possibility of danger

will make me

alone!” ,

" It had better do so.” ~

“Well, it will not. Yr ii have proved. your
courage by facing the lordly L+onard alone; I
will prove mine, if proof it be, by coming to
your aid. Do not discard any friends in ho offer
their services. New, I knOw Gufler Golightl ,
Beriah Brown and myself stand ready to help
you, and we are better than no-friends all."

Missouri was not sorry that he persizmi his
offer for, if she had confessed the ,‘ she
was beginning to be someWhat interested in this
young man who was so different from the aver-
age inhabitants of Quartz Rock. But she made
no such confession and, of the iWo, rather gave
Temple the impression that she regarded him
with utter indifference.

He was not discouraged, however, and as his
admiration fer her steadily increased he re-
solved to continue the acquaintance he had at
last succeeded in placing On a friendly basis.

He left without any definite plans being ar-
ranged for the future, and something impelled
him to walk down to the ferry. He did not see
the lights. as usual, but it was not until he saw
the vacant boats rocking by the side of the pier
that he comprehended it was past nine and that
trede had ceased for the night.

From there he wandered rown toward the
canyon through which the water of the pond
discharged itself. S'anding at the top of the
raceway, he looked down at the water below.

As has before been stated the river at this
point was of such a nature that no boat could

ive in it, while {ording was equally out of the
After leaving the pond the water

cashed through a comparaiively narrow char

eave a girl to fight hcr battles,

 

 

 

-" .V ‘,.‘ . ino' “‘11.. “we; w) , 3.“.

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k-Huwwamqox  “4.9., it,»an tmflek.mm~»~, » «Mun—Lao,- » ' '-r‘  ry-

l14 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

 

nel, where the river-bed descended rapidly, and
the water was churned to a foam on ragged
rocks.

In the darkness Temple could see but little of
it, but its roar told that it was as active as ever.

From there he turned back toward the pond,
intending to return to The Hearthstone and re
lieve whatever anxiety Gaffer might be feeling
concerning him.

He had not gone many yards, however, before
he abruptly paused. He had seen a boat upon
the pond. he fact was enough to arrest his
attention, for he knew there were no boats near
Quartz Rock except those operated by Missouri
and her negroes, and as he had just seen both of
them resting at the pier he wondered what had
called them out.

As he looked more closely the craft swung idly
around, revealin the fact that it was unguid ,
and he also faile to perceive an occupant.

Close behind it was the larger boat, and both
were going in the same eccentric way.

Temple crouched close to the bank and watch-
ed further deVelo ments. Clearly, there was
something about he matter he did not under-
stand, and he meant to see it out. Had Mis-
souri's enemies stolen the crafts? If so, it was
not to be wondered at if she had left no guard.

As they drifted on they naturally moved to-
ward him, as he was at the lower side of the
pond, and at one time they seemed likely to
come ashore; but as they neared the canyon the
more rapid water caught them and they went
faster.

Suddenly, Temple arose to his feet. In a very
short time the boats would reach the I'fli id cur-
rent which went on to the canyon, and if tLey
once entered there they would only come out in

linters: and as he saw their robable fate it
a so flashed upon him that a 1 this had been
planned; that the girl’s enemies had set them
afloatwith the deliberate intention of destroying
them.

As this suspicion occurred to him, the young
man dro |d his rifle and cast off his outer gar-
ments. gltwas resolved that at least one of
them should be saved. He dropped into the
water and swam toward them with hasty
strokes.

As he had thought, they were wholly empty,
and as he lxid his hand on the smaller one it
yielded to his strength without trouble.

Had he then made for the shore all would
have been well, but the larger one swung into
his reach and he could not resist the tem tation
to seize that, also. A pertion of the a nter of
each was still in place, and he fastene them to-
gether and turned toward the shore.

He had waited too long, however, as he was
ulckly shown, for when he tried to strike out
or land the rapid water beat upon him and

then, striking the boats, sent them against him
with surprising force.

For a moment his right arm was impeded in
its action, and by the time he had cleared it he
was dangerously near the mouth of the race-
wa . From a point several feet back of the
roe s the water seemed drawn by gigantic
force and he was in the rapid rush.

To go down the canyon meant sure death.

For a moment he struck out lustin but his
odorts .roved fruitless and he saw he must
either a ndon the boats or go with them in the
race of destruction. He tried to free himself,
but the painters clung to his armslike a spider’s
web to an iusnared fly; in some way he had‘be-
come entangled in them.

Genuine apprehension then seined him and he
struggled desperate] y to break the ropes. The
roar of the rushing waters grew louder and he
almost fancied giant hands were about his waist
and dragging him down to doom‘. -

His knife had been left on the bank, and the
painters proved too strang to be broken. It

ookedas though he must inevitably go down
the raceway—to death.

But just as he was on the point of trying to
enter one of the boat: a shout from the bank
reached his ears. He looked up (quickly. A
human form was dimly visible a few yards
awa , and he saw an arm flung aloft.

“ atch. White Arm, catch i” cried a clear
voice, and something like a serpent fell upon
his head.

He recognized the touch of a lasso and, stirred
to fresh energy, he moved like a flash. Throw-
ing u his arms he drop the noose ovar them
and t so caught at the ins beyond.

“ Pull!" he exclaimed.

It was none too soon, for man and boats had
reached a point Where, had it not been for the
lasso, they would have shot down the canyon
like a flash; and even as it was the resistance
nearly took the lasso-holder on his feet. But
he was plucky and, getting his shoulder a ainst
a rock e began hauling in hand over gland
aided by Temple’s lusty strokes.

Even then the result seemed doubtful for
awhile, for the boats were a terrible drag. but
the battle was fought to a silent and successful
finish; the rapid current was passed, and, ac-
cepting the hand of his rescuer, Temple raised

himsol to firm land and then dropped dowa
wholly exhausted.

Bk companion drew the boats well up before
recognised

he spoke a_singie word. Temple had

   

the Mountain Out, but he lacked breath to say
anvthin for awhile.

The awnee waited patiently and Temple
finally arose to asitting position.

“ I owe you another debt, Mountain Cat.”

“ Brothers can neVer owe each other any-
thing. What is done with the heart is above

rice. The Pawnee has put his hand in that of

bite Arm, and from the time he did it he was
ready to work or fight for him. Itis well for
my rother, though. that I was here. The
Devil’s Mill would have ground him in pieces.”

“You giveit an ap ropriate name but you
do all things well. Ta e my hand and my ear-
nest thanks. Now, since many words are not
necessary between us, let me ask if you saw
how I happened to be in such trouble.”

The Pawnee did not kn0w: he had not arrived
until the struggle was well under way' and
\Vuldo told all and then asked the Indian’s
opinion. The latter looked at the loose ends of
the painters.

“ Cut wid knife,” he said, resuming his brok-
en English. .

“B whom?”

“ V ho would want the boats to be crushed to
pieces in the Devil’s Mill?”

“ Your question covers the whole ground.
The band of Isaac Leonard is visible in this.
Failing to beat Missouri at a game of wits, he
took this way to get rid of her boats. Thanks
to us, his scheme has failed.”

“Did I not tell White Arm that Leonard was
all bad i”

“You did, and I know you spoke well. He is
a coward who will war on a Woman.”

“ Leonard bes’ look out; some day he find
Mountain Cat around and he get hurtl”

The hand of the Pawnee Worked on his knife-
hilt in a way which spoke plainer than words,
but as neither men cared to tarry there they
t0ok the boats back to the pier. Two discov-
eries were then made. The half of the painter
left fastened to the pier had been so Worked
over with a stone, or otherwise, that it seemed
to have been chafed asunder. rather than to
lgave been cut, as the other half showed it had

een.

Secondly, they found T. J eff Adams aslee
not far away. He had been posted to watcll
the ferry, but had fallen asleep on duty. When
he knew what had happened he was so sincerely
sorry and chagrined that Temple forbore utter-
ing any reproof.

he Mountain Cat had other work on hand,
so they did not remain'lon at the ferry.

Temple walked toward t 9 hotel. his thou hts
always dWelling on Missouri. His lnteres in
the girl deepened with each passing moment
and he was anxious to aid her, but he knew a
bitter fi ht lay in the near future if she per-
sisted to old to the Brown Hand Ferry.

CHAPTER XVIII.
Lovs: AND JEALOUSY.

WHEN Jack Purcell found himself thrown
out of doors so unceremoniousl , his wrath
arose to a boilin pitch. He he no sense of
honor to temper is assions, and had opportu-
nity offered he woul have shot Temple inside
the door. Luckily, however, the door had been
barred upon' him and his inclination could not
be carried out.

Rapidly, however. his fertile brain sought for
other means of revenge.

“ I’ll go to Leonard and let him and his
dau hter know what is oing on here,” he mut-
te . darkly. “The fa r A es will be ravin
as soon as she hears it. an if I could touc
Issac as trul this tangle might bestraighten-
ed out. Con ound it! am tempted to break
loose from Leonard and paddle my own canoe.
Why he is so anxious to marryhis girl to Tem~
ple I don’t see; it would be more sensible to
sink the latter in the river and compel Boo to
marr me. I‘ll give my allies one more chance,
and l the don’t show some sense I’ll strike out
for mysel . 800 shall become to wife ‘or I’ll—"

He stopped muttering, but t ere was little
chance to wonder what was in his heart: it was
the shadow of the darkest crime known to man
since the days of Cain.

All this time be had been striding toward
Leonard’s, and when he reached the door he
knocked in a way which brought a s y an-
swer. He asked for the master of t e house.
He was not in. Next he asked for Agnes, and
was speedily conducted to her presence.

One look at his face was enough to show her
he was in a passion, but as she did not ha 11 to
think of her rival she kept her seat and ooked
at him with cold surprise.

“I have news for on.” he said, abruptly.

" News? Well. w at is it!”

“ Temple is with Missouri 1”

The iceberg became a volcano in an instant;
she uickly arose to her feet.

“ but! has he dared— That is, are you
sure he is there!”

“I have the best of evidence; he has ust
thrown me out. Ichanced to be visiting er,
myself, when he arrived, and as I was not
wanted as a witness to their love-making I was
invitees? leave. I declined and Temple threw
me on .

 

 

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. The confession was a humiliating one for a

rtl ., T.

 

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lover to make. but Purcell was reckless in his
desire to stir Miss Leonard to his own pitch of
fury. Ami he succeeded very welL

“ And they are now there together!"

H Yes. 1,

“I will kill her!” said the jealous woman,
sibilantly.

“ No, no; better kill him.”

“ The man who touches him is doomed. John
Purcell, you and I understand each other, and
may as well speak plainly. Waldo Temple
abs 1 be my husband though a score of Missouri:
stand in the we , but not a hand shall touch
him. Mark this down, and beware how you
plot against him!"

"Very good; and, in return, beware how you
plot against her. I am a useful man here in
Quartz Rock. and I must beallowed my way in
one matter—Missouri is to be my wife! ’

They looked at each other belli erentl for a
moment; but Agnes had all 0 her ather’s
diplomatic tact—though not the coolness of ma-
tur» years—and she suddenly reached out her
hand.

“ So be it, sir, and we will work to one end;
but separate them we must.”

“ I see no way to do it peaceably.”

“Men never do; only women are fitted for
that. As the first step we will go at once to
Pumphrey’s house.”

She hurried away to get her outer garments,
while Purcell stood troubled and uncertain.
His blood had begun to cool, and he feared
they would only make matters worse b the
proposed course. But all Quartz Rock new
Aaznes Leonard was not to be crossed in her
plans. .

She soon reappeared, and they went out to
gether. Jack moved as slowly as possible, hop-
ing Leonard would appear, but that gentleman
had been to oversee the work of setting the
boats adrift, and did not. return in time. The
delay however, was sumcient, so that when they
reached the cabin, Temple was gone.

Purcell explained the peculiar knock, which
was the signal of the Pumphrey family, and Ag-
nes at once announced that she was going in.
He tried to change her purpose. but he once
more found that she was sure to have her own
we when she saw fit.

'l’he knock was tried, and once more Missouri
appeared at the door. Purcell had stepped
back into the shadow. and the ferry-girl, seeing
only Miss Leonard, stood in amazement. Never
before had that august lady deigned to honor
the'house with her presence.

Agnes did not wait for an invitation, but
promptly crossed the threshold. B so doing,
she gained a view of ,the interior 0 the front
room, and as she did not see Temple, she leaped
to the conclusion he was in hiding.

Missouri, surprised but self- ' was re-
barring the door. So far not a word had been
spoken by either, but the ferry-girl detected an
ap roaching storm in her rival's face.

he latter walked into the front room, and
directed a sharp lance under the table, as
though Temple 111 ht be there. Under any
other circumstance, i: would have been ridicu-
lous.

As Missouri entered, she wheeled upon her
belligerent] . ‘

“ Where have you hidden your lover. 11'

It was an unexpected question, and issourl '-

couid not avoid an increase of color in her face;

buitl it was that of indignatiOn, not conscious
t.

Eu" I beg our pardOn, Miss Leonard, but 160

not unders nd cu,” she quietly and.

“Your blush trays you; besides, I am not
dealing in surmises. You poise before Quart!
Book as an immaculate statue, but do not lat-
ter yourself every one is deceived. Where is
Waldo Temple?"

“Not being his keeper. I cannot say, Hi-
Leonard. He is not here.”

“ It is false I" said the imperious beauty,
stamping her foot. “ You cannot deceive me,
nor shal you deceive him. You have lured him
into your net with your siren arts, but you shall
not triumph.” ,

We have already seen that Missouri was not
lacking in spirit, and she may be excused for
sarcastically replying:

“When I see b m will notify him that his
guardian wishes to see him."

“How dare you!” cried Miss Leonard, an-
grily." “ It is well for you I have no whip

erel

“1 am in no way interested in your whip;
but if you wish to get it, you are at liberty
leave here as soon as on see ”

“ You cannot get d of me so easily. I hays
come to confound you in your lots. and tell
Mr. Tem is just what you are. suppose you
have bid on him beyond the sound of my vows,
but I command you call him here. I will not
have him deceived.”

“ If he is so much to You, you should know
where he now is; I certainly do not. He is not
in‘this house.”

“ How dare you deny it! He was seen here

i!

y-T'By John Purcell. You need not pause so ‘

abruptly Miss bound, for I can surmise the
source of your information. man I have

 

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Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 15

 

 

mentioned did see Mr. Tom is here: he came to
my rescue when Purcell orgot his manhood;
but he went away before you came.”

There was something in her calm straightfor-
wardness which convinced even Agnes that she
s ke the truth, and a slight flush arose to her
cmeks as she realized how she .had erred in her
judgment and made herself ridiculous.

But this only increased her enmity toward
Missouri.

“This is no excuse for you, miss. I have
heard of your prolonged flirtation with Mr.

'Tbmple, and I wish to notify you it must be

stopped. How dare you aspire to his love? He
‘is a man of wealth. education and refinement;
you—what are you?”

Words can ill express the unjust scorn and
bitterness of the question, but Missouri remained

cu in.

“ 1 will tell you. Miss Leonard. I am a bum-
~ble girl, Who aspires to be no more than she
now is. ‘ There is no reason why you should let
'ealousy run away With your reason, for Mr.

emple is no more than a friend to me—and
never will be.”

“ It is false; you are trying to entrap him."

“ You are mistaken, Miss Leonard.”

“ Have I no eyes?”

“ I begin to think you have not.”

“ But I assure you I have, and I understand
you perfectly.”

“ It is immaterial whether you do or not, but
as l have nothing more to say on this subject, I
must ask you to address your future conversa-
tion to Mr. Temple, himself. I do not care to
hear it.”

Once more Agnes lost all prudence in her un-
reasonin passion, and she swept forward and
caught issoui'i by the arm. As she did so a
knife flashed in her hand and there was a mur—
derous expression on her face.

“Swear never to speak to Waldo Temple
again, or I will swerp you from my path as I
would a rattlesnake!" she cried, in a hissing
‘vcice.

Missouri attempted to spring backward, but
the jealous woman’s hold was one of steel, and
the attempt was a failure. And the knife quiv-
ered in the air as though about to descend.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
MISSOURI MAKES A NEW ACQUAIN‘I‘ANCI.
Baron}: s could execute what seemed to

"be her dead y intention. she found her wrist

seized in a gras even more powerful than her
by a second eflort,
the beauty wheeled to see who
had dared interfere between her and her mark-
ed prey.

She saw and then started back with a star—
‘tled cry.

Before her stood a tall and powerful Indian
not one of the degraded wretches seen aronn
border towns in so many places,h nor yet a
painted cut-throat, but one who ad left his
color as it was made, and who seemed like a red
Saul of the West.

But the fact that his face was noble and loft
did not give coura to Agnes. Although we 1
aware that Bound ng Bison and his men were
but tools of her father, she had always feared
them as she feared no white man. 0 her, an
Indian was but a brute in human form over
thirsting for human blood.

Now, she did not doubt but this man was a
Blackfoot, but she cried out with fear, neverthe-

ess.

The Indian’s nostrils dilated with scorn.

“The white squaw is a craven,” he said, in a
sonorous voice. " She was full of battle-fire
when facing one of her own sex, With the ad-
vantage in her favor, but she cries like the
{hit’s man‘s pappocas when danger inenaces

er.

“ Let me so!” implored Agnes, with a shiver.
“ Iiam the sughter of Isaac Leonard; let me
‘0 l

The Indian made a disdainful gesture.

“ The name of Leonard is not so werful here

'as the white squaw thinks. The ountain Cat

despises and defies the pale-face chief—go, you,
an tell him so. You, his daughter, are as like
him as the oung wolf is like its parent, but on
cannot irig ten an Indian with your frown.’
{0&1 aa‘ not Ifrowniéig; Iam your friengl,Bl;l.ack-

. vs ever one harm to an Io Dd-
ing Bisun's band i” y

Somethin like a smile moved the Indian’s
face. He d d not see at to announce that he was
not a Blackfoot, but the evident fear of the
proud beauty was pleasant to him.

“ Toe eagle cares little for the love or hate of
the Owl,” he answered. “ Do not seek for means
to pacify me, for the Mountain Cat does not war
on women. What he has toask is, how»dares
rdaughter draw a knife on the other
w i

“ She is m enemy,” muttered

“You see to make her one. have heard
the talk between you and know that the ferry-
,girl met our bitter words with gentle ones. It
is you w o are base and hot-tempered. You
should learn stoicism of the d roam,
Perhaps the Mountain 0st teach you in
ha. home among the crags.”

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He bent a keen glance upon her, and then his
lips again parted as she shrunk away with a
gasp of alarm. What he said had taken effect,
but the Pawnee no more desired Agnes fora

uaw than did he wish for Leonard’s friendship.

e hated the white captain with all the ardor
of his nature, and Agnes came in for her share,
but, as he had said, he did not war on women.

Missouri, hoWever, advanced to his side.

“ Think again, Indian,” she said. “ The eagle
does not woo the dove and white girl would be
out of place in your home among the crags.
Seek one of your own race and it will be better
for you in the end.”

“ Girl of the ferry, 'why do you speak for your
enemy?”

“ She is a woman. like myself.”

“ Say no more. You have also likened her to
a dove, when I should call hera hawk; your
judgment Seems warped, but your heart is good.
Have no fear; the white girl is fair, but she does
not please Mountain Cat’s eye. Gol—I have
seen enough of you!”

He tossed Agiies’s hand scornfnlly away, and
that young woman, with reviving courage, was
about to try and impress Missouri anew when
the Pawnee wheeled like a flash and bounded
across the room.

He disappeared behind a lounge, and both
girls stood in mute surprise as the sounds of a
struggle reached their ears. Then the Indian
reappeared, dragging a man after him, and
the looked on the passion-convulsed face of
Jac Purcell.

Mountain Cat cast him into the middle of the
room, and then stood looking at him with a
scorn Ful smile.

“Curse you! I will have your life for that!"
said the gambler, but his voice lacked the force
which makes a threat impressive.

Despite his attempt at bravado, it was clear
he was afraid of the man whose strength had
just been shown.

“Men who cree along the floor like a ser-
pent and hide behind furniture are not danger-
ous,” said the Pawnee, steadily. “ You are
here to be looked at, not to act the part of an
avenger.”

“My turn will yet come.”
“Are you not satisfied? Rise, if you wish,
tnf‘i vengeance shall be yours, if you can win

1 C

Purcell did rise, but no Warlike passion was
in his heart. He knew he would be a child in
the hands of this strong-limbed red-man, and
had no ambition to fight.

‘ You have returned in a very honorable
way, Mr. Purcell,” said Missouri, sarcastically.
“ Do you alwa s crawl in through the window
when refused t e use of the door!"

"The Blackfoot entered the same way,” re-
torted Agnes.

“ We are not speaking of the Blackfoot but
of your friend, Mr. Purcell. i trust he will do
his business here, and then go.”

“1 have nothing to say," sullenly muttered
the gambler. f‘ Ex lanations are unneces-
sary. if you are set] ed with my humiliation,
I will go ’

“ We may as well,” added Agnes, “and leave
this girl with her new lover."

She was sor for the sneer when the Mount-
ain Cat mov forward and laid his hand on
her arm. All her fear of the race to which he
belonged returned, and she would have fled had
the way of retreat beenopen.

“Look you, white girl,” said he in a deep
voice; “it is not wise. to anger the grizzl
hear. Be satisfied if he is willing to go on his
way and not look at you. Beware what you
say and do! I know you well. You come of a
bad stock, and you are like your fathers. You
"0 Plotting dark plots here in Quartz Rock—
bewars that the do not recon upon on.
Above all, let th s rl alone. You hate 2'.
but it will not be w to strike in the dark.
Mountain Cat is her friend, and he will defend
her. Now, c!”

He tossed er arm aside. and she was so chill—
ed by what she thought his terrible manner that
she turned and made for the door without an-
other word.

Purcell followed, looking back with . my);

hot the Pawnee, standing upright, met his

gaze with one Jack did not careto see ex-
plained. \

Mountain Cat closed the door behind them
and then turned again to Missouri.

“I have but a moment to stay, but I would

k a word to my white sister before Igo.
i523- she clesigy understand those people who
have just gone I

“I know they are my bitter enemies,” an-
swered the ferry-girl.

She met Mountain Cat’s gaze unwavering] ,
for something told her it would be no mis e
to trust him.

“Good! Do not forget that, for you um
hear of them again. You have a hard battle to
ii ht if on face both them and Isaac Leonard,

d on y by alwggs watching can you save
yourself. I I can ever help you I,will, for].
am the friend of White Arm. whom on an
Temple. He. has told me of you, an that is
why I chanced to be near tonight. I hope I
am not blamed for entering as I did, but I

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heard loud voices and the window was con-
V‘rllient.”

“ I certainly cannot blame vou, but I am sur-
prised that one of Bounding Bison’s men should
raise his hand against Isaac Leonard’s daugh-
ter.

The Pawnee made a quick gesture.

“I am not one of Bounding Bison's band' I
am his deadly enemy. Ask Temple; be w I!
tell you it is so. Temple is a good man, and if
my white sister is in trouble she had better a
ply to him. And what Mountain Cat can 0
shall be done."

Missouri was not so ready to decline help as
he had been before she clearly saw how bitter
the warfare started by her enemies was likely
to become, and as the young Indian seemed
noble and chivalrous she said she would be glad
to consider him her friend.

He said nothing of the narrow escape of her
boats. for he knew T. Jefl' Adams would watch
faithfully the rest of the night, and in the morn-
ing Temple would see her and tell the sto ;
but left the house just in time to avoid
Pumphreys, who were returning.

'lhe Pawnee sought the higher ground and
then, pausing, looked down upon the village.
Nearly all the lights had been extinguished and
the place was silent. If he could have had his
way he would have seen the ace a ruin the
followin morning. True, h s vendetta was
against iconard, but nearly all these people
were his abject tools.

Mountain Cat hated them all.

He turned away after a brief survey and re.
sumed his journey. The way was wild and
rocky, and he passed through deep canyons and
along the ed e of precipices where a fall would
have dashed im to pieces on jagged rocks hun-
dreds of feet below.

He was traversing one of the canyons when a
slight sound caused him to look upward. What
he saw held him spell-bound. Fifty yards
above be distinguished the form of a gigantic
elk outlined against the sky like a black figure
on a field of gray.

Few animals of the species were there in the
mountains of that size, and a quick suspicion
flashed upon him. Was it the elk steed of
Lightning Bolt?

If so, the rider was missing, for the animal
appeared wholl alone. It stood on the very
verge of the c iff, almost as motionless as a
statue, its massive body, stron limbs and hu e
antlers ahOwing as though
rock itself. , ,

Once, Mountain Cat half-raised his rifle, but
he quickly lowered it a in. Snob a target was
a tempting one, but i it was the Giant Elk it:
self, he had no desire to do it harm. He toe
solved to test the question, and looked for a'.
spot to ascend the face of the clifl.

It was not until he had gone a hundred yards
that he found a sloping place, but once there he
began to climb resolutely. Few men Would
have cared to take the risk, even there. In
many places only the of his hands on a
point of rock prevented h m from falling, and
such’a thing meant death.

But the Indian was brave and strong and he
at last drew himself to the level. Looking east-
ward he saw that the elk had not percegtibly
moved, and dropping on his hands and noes,
he began creeping toward it.

CHAPTER XX.
LEONARD rLo'rs AGAIN.

Merriam Car was in a somewhat confused
mood. He was sure the elk was Lightning Bolt‘s
steed, and of the animal nine-tenths of the people
of that part of Montana had said that it was a
supernatural thing. The Pawnee had the super-
stition of his race to a great degree, and only
for one thin he would not hare ventured near
it; Waldo emple had assured him it was as
much flesh and blood as any elk that roamed
the foothills.

In any case there was danger for him, since
Lightning Bolt must be near; that creature was
a s ayer of men, whether he was human himself
or not.

But Mountain Cat com ressed his firm mouth
and crawled on. He ad put aside all hi
weapons and drawn his lasso, and come what
might, be was resolved to capture the Giant Eh
if such a thin was possible.

He was sti a hundred feet away, howeva,
when the elk suddenly erected its head and an-
other dark form appeared beside it.

It was that of Lightning Bolt.

The Pawnee’s courage “grew beautiful
less,” and he lay flat on the rock. content
limit his part in the scene to watdihig. He
had no desire to meet the Elk Rider’s boltscf
destruction.

The latter paused for a moment beside his
strange steed and. the watcher thought, seemed
to caress him; then he swu into the sadd
the elk turned, and away y went at ful

. Mountain Cat had not been seen at all,
and as be partially arose, he saw that as the
Giant Elks away, Lightning Bolt did not
once turn h d.

The Pawnee remained for some time silent
and thoughtful. The more he saw of the moon
tain phenomena the less he understood them.

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16 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

nus ‘sed and rider defied all his knowledge of
lie-e.

" Some (lay me find out all about dem,” he
muttered, in broken English. “ White Arm
has said we will hunt togedder. and when we
do, we keich Elk Rider-somehow, anyhow;
me don’t ’zactly know how.”

By that time the strange twain had disap—

. and Mountain Cat went on thoughtfully
ard where he made his home.

Isaac Leonard arose earlier than usual the
fOIIOwing morning and wees out to see if Mis-
souri’s boats were still flying on Brown Hand
Ferry: but he badge-e but a few yards when
Mike Mulloy abs-up y made his appearance, his
face angrv and chagrhed.

"Dhe Ould Nick is in dhe luckl" he plaintive-
] said. “ Mr. banal-d. y- may we me head

r a foothill ef dhe boat: ain’t roight side up
wid carel" .

Leonard started and scowled blackly.

“ Is this a fact!”

“ Bedad, it's all ov dhat. Yez can see for
yersell ef ye care to."

“I don’t. I was just going clown, but your
statement is enough. Mulloy, the (land’s luck
is ours, sure enough. I cannot imagine what
saved these boats. We set them afloat all
right, and saw them in the grasp of the current,
which was sure to take them to the raceway in
ten minutes. I could have sworn they were in
splinters by this time.”

The sp~nker’s face was dark with anger.

“ It’s mesilf can’t guess how it coome about,
but dhe facts are as I tell you; dhe boats are in
dhe best av Conditi'm. an’ that blasted gal is
rakin’ in dhe sponduli -s. Begorra, we was fools
ter leave dhe river before we saw dhe craft in
dhe raceway.”

“ The result proves my course of reasoning
true, however. I said if we hung around there
we were liable to be seen by some one, and that
the boats were saved proves that some one did
happen along. Din’t be discouraged, Mulloy;
I have a new plan.”

“ Phat is it i"

“I am going to bridge the canyon over the
nver.”

“ Dhat is entoirely impossible.”

“ At least, I’ll try it,” added Leonard, firmly.
“I knew we have never had a man sanguine
enough to think it could be done: but I am going
to strain every nerve. and if such a thing is
possible. I’ll bridge the canyon. I have sounded
the people somewhat, and I find the ferryotrirl
has mere friends than seemed sible. Sue
has pleased her patrons, and al admire her
courage. If I resort to severe measures, I verily
believe I should be a dethroned king inside of
three days; but by putting a bridge across I‘ll
do away with all necessity for a ferry—”

“ Dhat's just. what thrubhles me,” said Mulloy,
bitterly. “ Phat good will it do me ef Missouri
is batewef I don’t win dhe patronage ov dhe

people

“ ’ve thought of that.” calmly answered
Leonard. “ and I will see that you have a lucra-
tive position. Never fear for that. But the
bridge is going over if we can build it; that’s
the only way out of our dilemma. This course
will not on y beat the girl, but give me fresh
graft in uartz Rock.”

“ I rec on ye’ll find it hard worruk ter putt
up dhe bridge, sor,” Mulley thoughtfully ob-
served.

" we. shall; but I be e to construct a der-
rick by which we can sw 'ng the timbers over.”

After some further conversation. Mr. Leonard
re—entered the house; but his troubles had only
just begun. Agnes at once poured into his ears
the story of her eXperie‘nce of the preceding
night; a story to which he listened with an
ominous fro wn.

“ And new I want you to drive that girl out
of town. she concluded, viciously. .

“I had a nod deal better put you under lock
and key, an string Purcell u by the neck 1” he
angrily answered. “ What end possessed you
when you ventured on such a mad move!
Haven’t I repeatedly told you my position in
this town is less stab 0 than it was, and that we
must go slow! You took a fine course to win
Temple, diin’t you? I don‘t know of a better
way to make him marry Missouri, than to show
him we are all against her. With his sympa-
thies fully aroused—and they will be when he
hears this story—nothing buta miracle can win
our game. Confounni you, girll I am tempted
to lock you in your room at once, and put you
on bread and water!"

Seldom, indeed, had A es seen her parent in

race a toweri'l passion; ut Isaac was warring
against one of is Own race, and her nerve was
equal to the. emergency.
“ Try it. if you see fit!" she retorted: “but I’ll
burn t e house down over your head if you do.
Don’t talk nonsense to me, my respected father.
If l‘ve been too hastv it was your fault; you
are the slowest coach I ever knew l"

“You are enough to drive one mad, girl. Is
Temple a grimly bear to be driven into a trap!
No, e must be coaxed. or lost. Your head-
stno- course is likely to ruin all.”

“Give no charge of the affair, and I’ll soon
My”; The gray to win the game is to act

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boldly. Of course, while Temple can' see that
brazen-faced creature he will worship at the
shrine. The way to prevent it is to have her
disappear completely and forever.”

Leonard started a little.

“ Howl”

“She loves the river; why not give her a
passage down the canyon!"

Depmved as Leonard was, he shivered at the
idea. To send a young girl, who was by far
more sinned against that sinning, to such a
death, was a step in crime which would surpass
even his red record. He saw the necessity of
showing a ruling hand.

“ I shall do nothing of the kind,” he harshly
answered. “ Had you as many gray hairs in
your head as are in mine, you would not coun-
sel it. Let me manage his affair and I will
win the battle yet. I have a scheme in mind
which will bind Temple to us belyond escape;
then, if you are wise, your arts wi l secure you
ahusband; but I warn you no man wants to
marry a Virago. Hear this and heed it.”

The fair Agnes had studied her position in ad-
vance and seemed to accede to his demand, but
she had never been more rebellious at heart.
She was resolwd that Missouri should be at
once and permanently removed from her path.

When she went to her room she threw her-
self into a chair and smiled scornfully.

“ “V: will see whether I am to be cheated out
ofa husband by this idiotic delay,” she mut—
tered. “Since my venerable parent will not
see the difference between day and night, I
must take the matter in my own hands and
fire-53 ,on to victory. I will see Bounding

ison. ’

She had not arrived at this decision without a
good deal of hesitation. As has been said she
was very much afraid of the Blackfeet, but
jealousy was spurring her on to a step which
money could not have influenced her to take.

She soon flI‘Ose and put on a serviceable black
dress, with the rest of her outfit to match. Sue
dared not display a jewel, and had it been pos-
sible she would have made her beautiful face
less attractive. Still, she had heard'it said
the red-men were stoics, and this particular
band was certainly under her father’s orders.

\Vhen her preparations were completed she
only awaited a chance to leave the house unob-
served, and when it arrived she passed out at a
rear door and hastened away from the village.
Chance seemed to favor her, for no one was visi-
ble, and she was soon threading the mountain
phases.

The majority of pee in would have said it
When hopeless task to 00k for the Blackfeet,
for they Came and went almost in the fashion of

,awill-o‘the-n isp, but there was one haunt in

the hills where at least six of the band were al-
ways supposed to be. The exact locality was
known to no white man except Leonard, but
Agnes had taken ins to question him when he
was in his more p iable moods and felt sure she
could find the place.

For nearly an hour she went on and Quartz
Rock was left far behind. She had literally
cut‘loose from her friends, and amid the foot-
hills she was liable to meet all kinds of human
and brute foes.

At first she thought more about grizzlies and
the Elk Ridertban anything else, but as she
neared the haunt of Bounding Bisoa her fears
took a new turn; she began to realise what a
mad thing it was for her to enter the quar-
ters of the scourge of the foothills.

R-ulizing this she paused, wavered, and, for
sewral moments, stood still. She was assailed
by contradictory emotions and impulses- A
desire for revenge urged her on; calm reason
bade her retreat before it was too late.

The silence was broken by an impatient ex-
clamation from her lips and she ushed for-
ward again. In a few moments s e stood at
the cave-entrance and, with the reckless haste
of one who will not give herself time for
thought, she knOcked for admission.

CHAPTER XXI.
‘rns: WAR-WOLF.

Tm: entrance to the cave was ingeniously
hidden; Agnes had simply rapped upon the
bleached trunk of a tree which had been de-
prived of its top and of life. years before, by
a stroke of lig tning. An uninitiated person
would have said it was no more than that,
but few there were knew the secret of the dead
tree.

The instant after Agnes had rapped she was
seized with fresh fear and, perhaps, would
have turned and fled had not one side of the
stump promptly swung around like a door.

Then the girl stood face to face with the Brim
Indian. who looked at her with undisguieed
amazement. '

She realized the importance of proceeding
boldly, now that the irrevocable step was
Eaken, and she forced all her resolution to the
mat.

“I have come from N Leonard. Conduct
me to your chief, at owe," she said, as i'm-
pressively as possible.

The Indian bowed and stepped «side for her
to enl‘ll’ the cavitv of the true. .ich she at
etce dial. The howl door closes: behind her

 

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with a click and she was in total darkness. Her
heart beat loudly and rapidly, but she exerted
all her strength to be calm.

She still knew the way from description and
followed the Blackfoot d0wn a flight of steps
without trouble. She was then in a low, wide
cave. At one side it was lighted by torches;
at the other by a broad b an of daylight.
Seeing the latter a stranger would have won-
dered of what avail.wae the secret entrance,
with such a rent in the cave’s side, but Agnes
knew it was midway in the face of an unscelav
ble cliff two hundred feet high.

Her guide led on and speedily conducted her-
to an inner room. It was the home of the chief
and was profusely decorated with all kinds of
animals hides obtainable in Montana.

Agnes looked for Bounding Bison. whom she
knew well by sight, but be was not to be seen.
The sole occu nt of the room was a young In.
dian who he certainly not seen over twenty-
five years. but his decoraiions bespoke him al-
ready a chief.

He gazed at the girl in utter amazement for
awhile, but b< fore she had ceased looking for
Bounding Bison he arose and bowed with the
grace of a rvd Chesterfield.

“The white irl is welcome to the home of
the red-men,” he said, in excellent English.
“The heart of \Vnr-Wolf id’s-«arm town-d the
gentler sex and he is honored by this visit”

His aptness with English ways and expres-
sions mi ht have led one to doubt his seemin *
nationalfty, but he was really of unmix
Blackfoot blood.

“ I—I wish to see Bounding Bison,” said;
Agnes, paying no attention to his gallantry,

“He is not in the cave, nor have we any
means of knowing where he has gone; he may
not return for a (in or two. The white girl
need not fear to spea freely, howvver; I am in
charge here and I transect all business while
my chief is away. Will you be seated and ex.-

lain"

p Agnes hesitated a moment and then set.
down. It had occurred to her that. perhaps,
things were working just as she mud wish.-
This young chief, who took such pains to be
polite would be more easily deceived than the.
older and more sa ,acious Bounding Bison.

She resolved to mprove the chance and try a.
few of her delusive smiles on the War-Wolf.

“ I su; pose you are surprised to see me here,"
she said.

“ Surprised, but not sorry,” said the Blarzi‘r
foot, bowing.

“And you an Indian! \Vhere did you learn.
the ways of white men?"

“ l have been to school ten years among illo-
white men.” ‘

“That accounts for it. But. to business. I
am the daughter of Isaac. Leonard. and have
come as the bearer of a message. He has work
for You to do.”

“Describe it and the Blackfeet will go forth
like bloodhounds on the trail.”

“ Good! This is just. what my father wants.
I will be brief. There is a person at the village
he wants put out of the wav—a woman named
Missouri; the keeper of the Brown Band Ferry.
He bids you secretly kidnap this women. and
either sink her in the river or in some way put.
her where she will never be seen again.”

This inhuman order was given without a
qunlm of conscience.

War-Wolf’s face, however, assumed a doubt-
ful e ressiou.

“ hy did not Leonard come himself with
the messa e!”

“‘Imporgant business kept him at the vil-

”

la .

d wyid he send a talking paper—a written or-
er!‘ -

“ Certainly, not; isn’t an word enoughi Do

you doubt mef” imperi y asked the girl.

“We have strict orders not to do harm to
any of the village peeple without direct orders
from Leonard; ‘not a man, woman or child
must be harmed without I see you and so; 50”
was the way he spoke to Bounding Bison.’

“But in this case he could not come, so he
sent me instead. I am his dau liter.”

Even the repetition of this nlormation did
not seem to move the War-Wolf. He shook his
head gravely.

" Bounding Bison mi ht actonsuch authority,
bu I dare not,” be self.

nes flushed with anger.

“ Am I not a sufficient authority! Are you
afraid to do what I wish!”

A sudden light shot into the Blackfoot’s eyes.
During all this conversation he had kept his

need fixed on his visitor; he had noted her
beautiful face and perfect form; and the edu-
cation of the white man and the nature of the
Indian combined to make him admire her.

“ Do not mistake the V ar-Wolf.” he said,
softening his gutmrll V0100. “ He would rather
follow the white girl than the banner of the
gm. mg ch19: that ever lived i” '

Agnes recoilod from his burning gaze.

“ Never mind that!” she aid, hurriedly.
“ We are talking about my father’s business.
“7’” ’"“ 22:3‘55‘““€“"

Tho Bla no answer at once.

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you, I will stand between Keen and all harm,”
mid Agnes, venturing anot r smile.

The ar-Wolf moved nearer to her side.

“ Let the white girl listen to me, for my
words are good. I am no fool. I am a chief of
my tribe and my fathers were chiefs before
me. I have never met the man who could stand
before me in sin e combat, and to the. valor of
an Indian l ad« the education of a pale-fave
school. I can think, act and talk like a white
man, nor am I blind. Do not he angrv, lady,
when i say that I can read your heart. Leonard
did not send you here!” '

Agnes started, and again flushed.

“ ow dare you question my veracity?” she
angrily demanded.

“i beg that you will not speak so harshlv, for
you have. no better friend than the War- Volf;

ut 1 can read a printed page. I suspect the
ferry-girl—I have often seen her—is your en-
emy, and for that reason you would remove bd-
from your path. But, in all kindiiesal say
Leonard did not send you. He has ordered us,
under dread of the sewrest punishment, not to
trust any one as being from him unless they
gave a certain proof of sincerity, which you
have not given. And only in case of a great
emergency would Leonard send any one."

The ac emer’s castle fell to )ieces. She
had not thought of such a stumb ing-block in
her way, but had hoped to overawe. the red-
men, if they were 0b~tinate, as she did the vil-
la e people.

l at she now felt that ti 0 battle was wholly
0st.

The War-Wolf watched her keenly.

“Does the white girl hate the keeper of the
ferrv so much!" he slowly asked.

“I could kill herl” hissed Agnes, half-uncou-
sciously.

The dark eyes before her, twinkled omi—
nouslv.

“What if the WarJVolf should remove the
ferryvgirl, not as one of the band, but acting for
himself?” -

Fresh hope was expressed on Agnes’s face.

“ If you can, I will do anything— That is,
you shall be well rewarded. I will give you a
good deal of money." .

“Wait! I have said I Can see, speak, and
reason like the white man. Having eyes, I see
that you are more beautiful than the red rose;
having a mind, I know I would like to possess
you; having a tongue, I say: ‘ I will sweep your
cnemv from your path, if you will be my
w ifel’ ”

Agnes recoiled. The Blackfoot had leaned
forward until his face was within three feet (zf
her own, and his eyes sparkled like live coals.
He was even a more singular compound of red

man and white, than even he knew, but he was , Hawk haslost his footing and fallen to his death.
fully in earnest in his proposal: the_beanty of 1 He was a valiant warrior and the Blackfeetuill
Ms unexpected guest had gone straight to his j mourn—”

. . .  He paused as there was an unusual sound
leaving the band, and making himself a home in .
some remote place, with Agnes for Its mistress. ; men came hurrying down without any pretense

Lead, and he Was weaving day—dreams (-f

But. the idea chilled her blood.

“No. nol” she exclaimed; “I couldn’t think I

of it. You are mad to ak of such a thing.”

Mad or not, the War- olf had spoken of it,
andlhe was not ready to abandon the idea so
can y.

Proud of his ancestry and his own deeds of
valor, he considered himself the equal ol._t'ne
girl, and, still looking at her with devOuriug
eyes. he made a lea which was not without a
certain kind of 0 name,

A "9' y all though the mere thought of
a union with an Indian made her shudder, she
formed a sudden and rash resolution. The ob-
ject of her visit was to have her rival removed,
and she rmlved to do it at any cost. She be-
rm?“ 'be 8" 1"." “my clear. This Indian
sulfm‘ could 5° W“! fleceiwd: she would pre-
tend to agree to his smt until Missouri was out
of the way-then it would be a verv simple
matterto turn her own back forever: on the
War-Wolf.

End 8110 known the .man better, or even had a
fair knowledso of his race, the would never
have can 199'“: 3° desperate a plan. If he, with
his education, could all his in" mm , whin-
man, it dld “0" {0110' in had lost the power at
awinging like an ludian._

Bu heedlem of the pit she was digging for
her feet. WNW 0“ in tho course decided

upon.
I, w" no easy matter to arrange it sumac-
torily to both parties. She must seem to yield
to gain him for an ally, but at. the same lhne he
must be made content to be no more thin a dis-
Int friend until the work wasdom, she could
lot have tolerated the touch of his lips.
The work of managing. him was one fit only
(or a womn or a d lomatist—we place woman
\ 4,.“ because we he love her shrewder than a
‘i lomatigt-but Agnes was e ual to it.
m, War-W0“ was male to lieve the death
A Mi“er would be the signal for his triumph;
"any, i; would be the harbinger of his total

defeat.

CHAPTER XXII.
mom 0 BOLT AT won.
mm mull inf great diplomatic tact are
n

mauled in the N

v

, ,
‘A

kling of an eye; and what

  

Agnes had at last arranged matters to suit her,
she began te-realiae that a good deal of time had
passed since her entrance to the cave.

Clearly, the must be tting out of it unless
she Wished to be eaug t by darkness on the
mountain.

She said as much to the young chief, and
though he at first urged her to sta , offering his
own escort to the vil age after nig tfall, he gave
way gracefully, after the fashion of an engaged
white man.

She arose, and he started toward the plea of
exit with her.

All his force—five men—were outside the cave
except himself and the guard, who stood in
the ollovv tree, and they were passing along
quietly, when a dull and sickening thud was
in,» no to their ears from a point Agnes co’uld not

tic-lie.

But the War-Wolf laid his hand on his revol-
ver. and directed his gaze toward the broad belt
of light before mentioned.

He had stopped, and was looking with an un-
easy expression on his face.

“ Remain herea moment, white girl,” he said.
“I will return almost immediately.”

He strode away, and as the shadows of the
cave were far from being pleasant. she fol-
lowed. Before she had overtaken him, an ex-
clamation announced that be had made some
important discowry, but she did not pause.
Pressing on, she stood beside him.

As has been said this orifice in the cave open-
ed out on the face of a clifl. The opening itself
3 was forty feet long and ten high. Beyond it
I projected a ledge which, however, dwindled
I agiay at both ends until it became indistinguish-

a e. .
Standing on the ledge one could look u a
hundred feet and scan the faca of the cliff.
For one-half of the wavit was almost as smooth
as glass. Looking down, the bed of the canyon
was to be seen thirty~iive yards away.

The canyon was wide; so wide, in fact, that
only a good shot could have hit a man standing
on the ledge, but. they took care not to expose
themselves needlessly.

When Agnes moved to the Blackfoot‘s side,
however, she saw a sight which drove the blomi
from her cheeks. On the ledge by a shapclecs
heap. Had it not been for the garments it wore
one could not at first have distinguished it as
all that was left of a man, but as it was she had
no difficulty in perceiving that it was one of the
Blackfoot hand.

_ The War- Wolf bent over him and then, turn-
lng, saw Agnes. He started, and then took her
i the arm and led her back out of Sight of the
, ,e.

“ This is no sight for you,” he said. “Flying

 

from near the entrance, and then three of his

to dirnity.

“ Lightning Bolt is here!” they cried.

Disma is contagious, and the War-Wolf,
who ha boasted—and not without reason—
that he feared no man, looked positively start-
led as he flashed a quick glance up the steps
which led to the hollOw tree.

The Elk Rider, however, was not visible, as
the announcement- would seem to indicate.

“ W here is he?" asked the chief, rallying.

“Outside the cave. He suddenly a peered,
caught Flying Hawk in his arms an dashed
him over the cliff. We fled for our lives, and,
as we were near the entrance, managed to save
ourselves.”

A pause followed, during which all looked
anxiously about, as though Lightning Bolt
might come through the solid rock.

‘ Wh do you not go forth and meet him!”
emanded. “Now is your time; you

Agnes
you can rid your band of the

know he is near"
.terrible scour ." .

The War- olf shook his head gloomily.

“ What can man do against a demon! The
Evil Spirit slsys at sight, and laughs at our
wea us of war.

“ onsensel’f said she contemptuously. “He

urged him to help her. He hesitated. wavered.
declined, consented. Despite his red skin, he had
asort of chivalrous regard for a woman who
had consented to become his wife.

“ But, pay attention to me,” he added. “ If
I risk the lives of my warriors I do it for you.
and such devotion must have its reward. If
the rain nourishes the flower, it is that Nature
may be more beautiful and tender.”

“You have my promise,” answered Agnes,
“and a Leonard never breaks a promise!”

It was an empty, groundless boast, but War-
Wolf hesitated no longer. He would endeavor
to start her safely on her we .

When he spoke to his warriors their looks be-
came rebellious, but his authority was supreme
in the absence of Bounding B son, and they
dared not refuse. Be mapped out his plan and
explained it, and measures were taken to carry
it into execution.

An effigy was soon formed from old clothes
and made to look as much like a man as i-
lzle, and the work was so well done that f su~
pernatural beings are not very sharp-sighted,
and the Elk Ri er was one of the class, there
was a hope of deCeiving him.

War—Wolf generously took the greatest dan-
ger upon himself. It was he who shoved the
door in the dead tree aside and put out the
dummy.

It did not meet with a. bolt from the destroy-
er. All remained quiet, nor could the Rider

seen.

“'hen this decoy had been satisfactorily used,
the real Indians glided out, taking to the cover
of the rocks as soon as was possible. The
silence remained unbroken: the impression be—
came general that Lightning Bolt had gone
from the vicinity.

Then Agnes Ventured out, with War-Wolf by
her side. The Blar-kl‘oot had become the alert
and sagacious warrior. He moved with a. pan-
ther-like step, and his gaze wandered OVer all
the vicinity with the keenness of an eagle‘s.
The girl moved shiverineg at his side. Man or
(lemon, Lightning Bolt was greatly to be feared
and the color of her cheeks was less roseate than

usual.

But the Elk Rider did not appear to molest
them and they soon readied a point a hundred
.yards away. Tht l6 Agnes paused.

“ Here we part,” she said.

“ Better let the Blackfoot go to the village
with you. The way is long. and night will over-
take you before you see the dwellings of your

pic. No one will dare molest you when
ar-Wolf is our protector.”

Agnes Could, not entertain the idea.

“ I have no fear now.” she answered, “and

on are needed with your men; Lightning Bolt
18 abroad'and the War-Wolf’s voice is needed to
cheer his braves. Go, now, but do not forget
your promise.”

“A Blackfoot never forgets;the pale girl who
keeps the ferry shall die. Lei: Rosebud have no
fear. The War-Wolf will no .0 his warriors
but his heart will be with Rosebud, and he will
dream of the day when she shall be 1 his on n.
In the hour of our betrothal death was abroad
near ‘16 ave, and our vows are baptined in
blood. We will never forget. Farewell, fair-
est of the maids of your tribe—farewell!”

The young chief made a lofty gesture, turned
and glided back toward his m: n.

Agnes was alone, but she did not remain in-
active. Facing towt'rd Quartz Rock, the hur-
ried away at a light run. She longed for tho
privaCy of her apartment, where she could re-
flect on the events of the day—on her rash
pledge to the Blackfoot. She thought of him
with a shiver. Absurd as had been his remarks
about a “ baptism of blood.”it had gone straight
to her heart: the words ever run in her ears,
and new and then, she lan behind her
as though expecting to see him following to aa-
sert his claim.

And that night, v hen es fa in her own mom,
she retired to dream of him, always in some
strange and alarming way.

In the mean while, War-Wolf had made his
way back to the vicinity of the cave.

The moment he was away from A. es be be-
came wholl the astute warrior, and a scanned

 

is as much human as on or 1. Shoot at him
with steady nerves, an I promise you the Elk
Rider will drop like common game.

She might as well have spared her breath. If
she spoke truth, the Blackfoot atleast knew the
strange being better than she; they had seen
their warriors fall all the way from the
Yellowstone to the Bitter Root, on plain and
in mopntain pass. under the broad glare of
thehnoonday sun and in the still hours of the
nig t. ..

Knowing his work as they did, they had no
desire to seek him.

Agnes could not a pathina with them. Each
minute’s delay ma a her position in the cave
mOre unpleasant. Time was passing; if she
left at once she could no more than reach

nan-z Rock by "nightfall. But when would
3 be nble to leave!

Alumna as she was to have the Indians seek

. ___-

the sieve rocks wi'h hawk-like keenne-t
But there was no sign of the Elk Rider.

None of the lndians cared to search for him.
If he was gone, it would beuseless; if he was still
near. it would be to meet his bolts of destruction.
So they unanimoust decided to retreat to the
c0ver of the cave.

One by one they went. War-Wolf remaining
to go last and still watching for their dread foe.
Nor was his watch in vain.

As he looked upward two forms suddenly ap—
peared on a flat rock and he saw Lightnin Belt
and the Giant Elk. The position of the utter
was as stafquuo as ever; from the moment he
appeared he Seemed like a graven image; but.
the dread Rider’s gaze was directed toward the
dead tree. Then his hand arose above his head
and a round, blazing ball shot down with math—
ematical . sion.

War- olf uttered a cry and flung himself

rone on the ground. Then followed'an e lo-

 

 

the Elk Rider, she had no desire to meet him
110530". . /
he laid the case before the War-Wolf, and

 

.n and the dust drifted over him. He 1
up in alarm. Lightning Belt and hi elk steed

- ._ ,_i "it _;.~.- .._..»i..-.a flimafi-"m‘ml  warn-WW1? eta-«a L

 

  

18 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

a

had disappeared, but on the ground lay one of
the Blac fee torn and lifeless.

Hurriedly, is survivin companions bore him
into the cave and secure the entrance so that
no human being could enter. Then, in a group,
they crouched in the darkest part of the subter—
ranean abode and watched and listened, shiver-
ing when any sound was borne to their ears.

ut the Elk Rider did not again appear. He
had done his work and gone: he han ad taken
the lives of two brawny warriors and left only
a chilling dread in their place.

CHAPTER XXIII.
TEMPLE RECEIVES AN oma.

Isaac Laouann did not let any time go to
waste. Having once decided to build a bridge
over the canyon. he ushed ahead with the first
ste toward accomp ishing his purpose. In the
vii age wasa man named Engley, whom he knew
'to be Very ingenious, and he invited him to walk
to the river, the scheme being explained as they
'went.

Of course the sole question was whether the
'“ stringers,” or supporting timbers, of the brid a
could be thrown across the raceway. With th 5
once done the remainder of the work Would be

on .
Sianding on one side of the stream, the close-
.ly surveyed it and calculated on the resu t. As
has before been explained, the river, after leav-
ing Brewn Hand Ferry, flowed through a com-
paratively narrow ssage with a wall of rock
or either bank, an as the descent was rapid
the water shot down at a speed which left the

. surface a white mass of foam.

No man nor no heat could live there; the
bridge must be built without touching the water.

But could the timbers be placed to s an the
raceway without touchin the water That
was the question. They lac ed the means which
would have been open to them in a more civi-
lized part of the country, and must rel on their
Own ingenuity, while none of them iad ever

.seen such a work done even with elaborate ap-
, pliances.

Engley believed the thin possible, and be
told his master that if he won (1 see the stringers

made—no easy work, since very tall trees must

be found to get suitable ones-he would under-

take to construct a derrick by which they could.

be thrown across.

This decision arrived at, Leonard lost no time
in setting his men to work. Some were sent for
the stringers, while others were put under Eng-
le ’s orders.

nard was busy about this work when he
was interrupted b the approach of a man—a
halfhreed—who p ced in his hand asingular
crnament of bone. The man was one‘always

:sent by Bounding Bison when he had need of a
messenger; the bone si ifled that he wished to
'see the white chief of uartz Rock.

80 the latter followed the half-breed, and was
soon in the presence of the Blackfoot chief. The
latter had come with five of his men too. canyon
half a mile from the village.

He nodded stoically at sight of his ally.

“ Is anything wron i" Loonard quickly asked.

"No, but the Blue f00t has something of im-
portance to  Does Leonard know a young
man named aldo Te lei”

“Yes. What of him .

“The other day he was my p2soner—”

“ What! have you dared mo t him!”

“ Walt!" said Bounding Bison, coldly. “ Hear
me through. He came spying on the camp of
the Blackfeet and was captured. I knew he
was not one of the village lo, and when we
questioned him he ans with a forked
tongue—” ’

“ Cause your Indian lingo. Talk English!”
Leonard impatiently interru ted.

“ Just as you say, pard. ell, I had serious
thoughts of giving my red devils a jamboree at
his ex use, and stripped him to the waist,
when. 0! n his arm I saw a peculiar device
worked in ndia-ink. Ike, {on may scarce]
believe me, but it was that o a chained eagle ’

“ What of it?" '

_ “A good deal of it. I see youarenot sur-
prised, so, of course, you know who he is, but I
swear I did not expect to see Waldron Temple’s
.son in this section.

“30w do you know the young man is his
son '

“ The name is evidence enou h, but the
chained eagle settles the last dou t. I‘tisthe
boy we once knew, now grown to a man. All
well and good; I don’t aspire to interfere with
your plans; but what I want is to have light
' hroyvn 3p them. What sort of a game are you
P as us

Leonard hesitated for a moment, and then ab-
ruptly replied:

‘ I ropoee to marry Agnes to him."

“ al and for what reason?”

“ Safety."

“I think I catch on; ya, I am sure I do;
and I commend your plan. He seems a good
match, and, as a son-in-law, would be more
desirable than as an avenger. Your scheme it
agoodone; rope him in. But where did you
and him!” ‘

“Ho strayed here, himself. I have not seen
thechainad aaglaon his arm, but I know him

 

the moment I saw his face, and his name
settled the rest. Yes, I am going to marry him
to Agnes. She’s dead in love with him, and as
he is a man of nerve he will be a useful lieuten-
ant for me at Quartz Rock.”

“Has he roposed yet?”

“ No; and) that isn t the worst of it. He does
not fancv A es so much as he does another
girl, but I wi 1 break ofl.’ the latter match or at
both of them in their graves. I. have a p n
for coaxing him into marriage with Agnes.”

Half an hour longer the men lingered in con-
versation; then Leonard turned his face toward
the village and Bounding Bison went to rejoin
the main body of his men.

Waldo Temple did not neglect to tell Mis-
souri of the fresh attempt madeto defeat her at
the Brown Hand by setting the boats adrift.
Without dwellin on his own narrow escape
from death, while saving her property. he gave
her to clearly understand that but for Mountain
Cat and himself they would then have been in
splinters instead of running on the ferry.

It did not surprise her, for she had known be-
fore that Isaac Leonard was in dead earnest,
but it shewed that there was to be no peace for
her. For a while she was tempted to abandon
both the Brown Hand and the village, but her
usual courage soon returned and she resolved to
fight to the end. '

She was, however, ut under fresh obliga-
tions to Temple, and s e felt her resolution to
keep him at a distance wavering perceptibly.
All of us, when in trouble, are willing to ave a
strong arm upon which to lean.

She did not betray her thoughts in this re-
spect, however, and Temple went away very
well satisfied with her earnest thanks, and re-
mind to still watch over and help her.

Had it not been for her he would have left
Quartz Rock at once. Gaffer Golighily was
urging a departure, and Temple, himself, had
grown to hate the town. Only Missouri was
endurable, but she was so much more than that
he could not leave. He had at last reached the
point where he knew he loved her, and he was
not inclined to desert the field.

That evening Isaac Le0nard called on him at
the hotel.

“ i’ve come on a somewhat peculiar errand.”
said the rich man “ but as I am very plain-deal-
ing 1 will not beat about the bush. ou know
Quartz Rock is a somewhat exclusive place—
tnat, as we are a sort of settlement of hermits,
we rarelv take in outsiders?"

“ Yes," uietly answered Temple.

“Well, I am sorry to say I have been re-
minded of the fact. In plain words, I have
received two or three letters, the writers of
which say to me that you are a supernumerar
in town, and that I ought to ask you to leave.’

“And you have come on this errand 1"

Temple still remained calm and collected.

“By no means,” said Isaac, hastily. “ 0n the
contrary, I have a plan in view which will
thwart them all. I hereby offer you a partner-
ship in my mine, with full privileges of citizen-
ship. Waitl Do not answer hastil . I am
aware we are far from the so-call civilised
world, but I venture to prophes it will not be
many years before Montana wil have an envi-
able name. Her grazing resources in the east
and those of mining herein the mountains wil
soon attract both cattle-raise” and old-dig-
gers, and those who are here first wil have a
great advantage and become rich men. It is
such a prespoct which will open to you if you
accept my offer.”

Th I speech was made with all the el uence
and persuasion Leonard could muster. emple
was glad he he at such length; it gave him a
chance to m itate.

He understood his visitor better than the lat-
ter expected, and be was ready with his answer
when the time came. ' .

“This is an unexpected proposal.” he said,
with a thoughtful air. “ I am in the West onl
for pleasure and have not thought of settling.’

“ Yet, a chance to’become a millionaire is not
to be despised, is it?” laughineg asked Leonard.

“ Surely not.”

“I do not hold out any delusive hopes to on;
the mine will speak for itself. You shal ex-
amine it. and if you are in any degree a practi-
cal miner you will soon be convinced. Perhaps
you wonder that I extend the invitation to a
stranger. Well, I am not so young as I was
once andI see the need of a young head and
youthful activity in my business, and men are
never so much in earnest as when workin for
themselves. I say. most frankly, that am
p with you. That is why I am more than
willing to take on as a partner.”

Temple saw t e need of strategy and played
his part well. He asked various questions con-
cerning the matter, such as would naturally oc—
cur to one contemplating the step, and Leonard
believed he was in the not.

And when the young mar asked for a little
time in which to consider the matter, a cheer-
ful consentwaa given.

Neither mentioned the name of Missouri, and
Leonard n to hope that his companiOn’s

 

fancy for or was not so strong as he
feared. There was no evidence that he had

 

:3

heard of Agnes’s indiscreet and hostile visk to
the ferr '- "‘1.

Temple nally bowed his visitor out and then
returned to his chair. Sitting down, be lit his
pipe and and endeavored to clearly understand
the situation.

Leonard and Agnes both wished him to mar-
ry the latter. That much was certain. text,
Leonard’s latest offer was intended as a bait to:
him to enter the matrimonial trap: at least, tbc
youni‘r man was almost positive such was the
factgtbut it gave rise to a question not so easily
solved.

What was their object?

Temple was not a vain man, but as he knew
“love to be only another name for eccen-
tric fancy, he acknowled ed, with becoming
humility, that the beautifu Agnes mi ht be in
love with him. But not so Isaac. W at, then,
was the latter’s motive?

He was not of the timber of which indulgent
fathers are made. He was both stern and sel-
fish; he would consider himself rather than his
daughter’s heart, in seeking a husband for her.

Again the question arose—what was his ob-
jec. 7’

Temple could not tell, but as he went over
the whole ground he was convinced there was a
mystery in the case which be had yet to solve.

To learn it now became his ruling passion.

——-

CHAPTER XXIV.
THREE NOBLE RED-MEN.

J ACK PURCEII. did not forget or forgive. He
had been terrible humiliated at Pumphrey's
cabin, first by Temple and then by Mountain
Cat, and nothing cuts more deeply to the feel-
ings than humiliation in the presence of the
woman one loves.

So, Purcell swore revenge and look about for
means to satisfy the passion. Like Agnes, he
rebelled against Isaac Leonard’s mode of pro—
cedure; his hot, im tient blood could illy
brook the delay the e der, but more wily, man
counseled.

Consequently, he looked for means of satisf -
ing his hatred at once. Waldo Temple must
removed from his path and pretty Missouri
made his wife. These two ideas became as
much a part of his life as the air he breathed.

He formed his plans accordingly, and on this,

eventful evening—when A es was returning
from her visit to War-W0] , and Leonard was
making known his new scheme—Jack was only
waiting for the magnate to get out of the way
to put a scheme of his own into efl'ect.

Thus it was that, as Temple still sat as re-
corded in the last chapter. a boy approached
and informed him that Gaffer Go ightly wished
to see him at Sheestring Gulch, a place a little
outside of the village.

Temple could not imagine what could be the .

reason for a meeting at that place; but as
Gaffer had been out on a hunt since noon he
might have discovered something of importance.
That the message would lead to a trap he did
not once sus cc, and be promptly announced
that he woul follow the boy.

Leaving the hotel they th h the
village and toward Shoestring Gulch, ample
carr ing his rifle carelessly thrown across his
aho der. He had taken it from force of habit.
inorie than with an idea that he should have use
or t.

Shoestring Gulch was not a very inviting
looking place in a dark evening. and as the boy
led the way into its dark mouth, Temple aroused
from thought and looked keenl about him.

“See here!” he exclaimed, ‘ how far are we
fligfinto this holei It is as gloomy as a

“ Tombs never hurt nobody, an’ I reckon this
0 won't," the boy carelessly replied. “ Ge!
3 a leetlefurder on. ’
“ Your name is Jim Todd, is it?”
u Yul,

“ All ri ht; I want to know who to ‘ thrash’
if ou lea me into any trap.”

‘ Trapi Thunderation! you needn’t be
skeered—not so for ex I know. I reckon Gafl'
ain’t ther man ter play any pranks, an’ ef he is
I ain’t ther chap ter help him.
an thing fall?"

mething did fall. While the boy talked so
glibly, engs ng Temple’s am‘lntion, a dark
orm had li ed out from behind a bowlder, and
with one low of a club struck the young man
to the ground. He lay quite still; but Jim Todd
followed up his question by the remark:

“ That was a daisy, old maul”

Two other dark forms had appeared heme
the first.

“ Is he dead i” asked one.

“’Tain’t likely he is; but I’ve knocked him
sensible,” said the man with the club.

‘ rra, it's mesilf couldn’t have done
beither " said the third of the trio.

All these men were dressed as Indhns, and
their faces and hands were browned with the
juice of some berry: but though they would
have passed for Blackfeet at first sight. they
were no more of that nationalit than the man
they had tra . In brief. were Jack
glam", Mike ulloy and Tom fold. the lathe

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“What now!” asked Tom. “ Shall I use my
knife?” .

“No,” said Purcell, uickl . “Blood is
always sure to turn States evi ence against a
man. We are only a short distance from the
river; let’s car him there and vs him to the
fishes. If the films leave enoug of him to be
reco nized, it will be thought he fell in by
acci nt." '

“ Wal, you’re boss hyar, an’ it goes es you
sez. Jim, git home 92 quick ez your legs kin
carry ye.” _

The boy,wa was a vicious young scamp,
lingered,anxi0us to see the work through, but
he dared not oppose his father, and slunk away
like a wolf abandonin a feast.

“Catch hold of the y. boys and let us get
the work done,” resumed Purcell. “ We don’t
want to be seen, though our disguises are perfect,
and the Blackfeet are pretty certain to get credit
for the job if any one does chance to drop on’
m.”

Temple was lifted and they hurried toward
the river. The journey was not a long one and
they soon stood at the top of the race-wa , with
the noise of the rushing water sounding 11 their

ears.

“ Wait a leetle,” said Todd. “ It seems terbe
rank waste tar let all these fine clothes'bethrow-
ed away. Jest let me hev his shirt, will ye? It’s
flannel, thick an’ soft, an’ jest what I want.”

“Nonsonse! Ihave promised to ay you for
your work; that’s enough,” said urcell, im-
patientl . “And if the shirt is missing when
the b0 y is found it will be a dead give-

.awa .”
“ gut I’ll put mine on in its place, Cap.”
Purcell did not in the least approve of the
idea, but he knew Todd to be singu arly obstinate,

and feared,since he was one of Leonard’s fol-

lowers, that he might tell tales if thwarted; so
.he reluctantly agreed to the plan.

Mullo turned on the blaze of a dark-lantern
and T d deftly removed the coveted garment,
but it suddenly dropped from his hands, he

caught the lantern and, directing the light on

their victim stared in stupid surprise.
“What is the matter?” Purcell impatiently

asked. " Do you see a ghost?"

“ B‘y thunder! I b'lieve I do!” Todd exclaim-
ed. 'Do ye see that India~ink work on his arm?
What do ye call it?”

“Looks loike an ’agle wid a chain around his
leg,” said Mike.

“ The chained eagle!” muttered Todd.

“ What of it!"

“ Nothin’, nothin’,” said the man, hastily;
“ only We a uar’ sort 0' a figger. Never mind;
chuck him in ”

The trio once more bt‘ntpver their prisoner,
but as they did so something unexpected hap-
pened. Hislimhs were contracted as though b
a spasm, and then both feet shot forward an ,
catching Tom Todd in the stomach, knocked him
three yards away.

Another moment and Temple was on his feet.

Purcell and Mulloy were for a moment held
motionless by surprise, and before they could
recover from their surprise the young man was
upon them like a thunderbolt. His fist shot out
and, catching Muiloy between the eyes, knocked
him over in a heap, and then he turned upon
his remainin enemy.

Ti“ 8‘!!! or put up his hands for aguard,
but it availed him little. A showsr of blows
was raised upon his face, and though he regain-
ed his courage and tried to make a suitable re-
turn. be found that he was buta child in the
hands of his rival. Tom is fought scientifically,
and P‘N'hd Bury stro e made toward him,

while hi! 0'11 blows came in thick and heavy. d'
a

Mulloy gained his feet, but the first blow
filled hi! eyes With tears, having been upon his
nose, and s8 Tea) is was watching for him he

used long enou to give him one more and

allowed Purcell up hotly.

“at {0:321 eI‘lilu‘ctllldfor the gambler to stand,
a nu .t SM. 1
followed by Mulloy. an ' elm y

mph was master of the field.

«I don’t believe these fellows will aspire to

as noble red-men again," he muttered
grimly. as he turned '0 m f any was as were
scattered about. “ But where is num r three?
“the man who seemed toknow something about
the chained eagle. Alli here he is flat on his
“ck .nd insensible. My heels idn’t as
'3” his wind. I’ll wait for on to recover ,-
Tom Todd, for I have a we to say to you',” '

H, t his garments back where they be.
10“ .‘nd, finding his nfie where the had
hi it down, sea himself beside Tod and
mrply watching for his other enemies, patient:
u "find the return of the fellow’s games,

3. came around in due time, with a prelim}.
,M n, for his stomach felt as thou h .n
dwhunfhad tstegpgid ill] lit. buth when a at
V “n orgo py as use esawTe
0"” hi. rifle before him. in mp1.

“Don’t trouble ourself to rise.” said the
fictgltédogolly. “I vs a word to say to you,

“flaw yer born 2" said the fellow. sullenly.
an 1 was a vindictive man I should vs you

a. “to you vainly tried to make In no, and

W you into the canyon, but I am willing to

 

forego vengeance on one condition. Obey me
in that particular and you shall go free.”

“ What is it?”

“What dodyou know of the figure on my arm
—the chaine eagle?”

“ Didn’t know ye had one tharl” said Todd,
but he had not been able to hide a start.

“ Don’t lie to me. I became conscious sooner
than you thought—ay, before you laid me down
—and I saw and heard your surprise when you
discovered the figure. You uttered an excla-
mation which was not to be mistaken, and I
know you are lying when you deny knowledge
of it." Tell me all, or over you go into the can-

on!

“I only said ’twas a qu’ar one,” muttered

om. ,

“You did say that, but it was to cover up
your show of emotion. Sometime in the past
you had seen the chained eagle before. When
and where?”

“ Nowharl"

“ Beware l”

“ I can’t tell what I don’t know.”

“ No, but you can tell what you do know, and
you are going to do it. Speak out!”

“ 1’” be durned of 1 do!’

“ Very well: over you go into the canyon.”

He moved toward the fellow, but a subdued
roar followed his advance.

“ 1101’ on! hol’ on i” said Tom, excitedly.
“ You wouldn’t murder a fuller, would ye?”

“You brought me fift yards to throw me
in, and I reckon the swor will out both ways.”

“ But it warn’t me; Purcell made me do it.”

“Tom Todd. this childish whining will not
save you. I have made my decision, and I
will stick to it. Will you go into the canyon
or talk 3’ ”

“ l’ll talk,” sullenly answered Tom.

“Very well. Then tell me where you have
seen the chained eagle before.”

“ Ike Lnormrd has one on his arm jest like it.”

” Leonard?"

H Yes.”

“ Are you sure!”

“I kin sw’ar to it; but ef ya want ter live
out ther heft o’ yer days, ye better not ax
him ter see it. I ketched on by accident, an’
when I mentioned it, he looked at me on thou h
he would chew my ear off. I never hev spo a
about it sence.”

“ Do you swear to this?"

“ Yas.”

“ And it is all you know?”

“Everything, ez true ez I’m a. livin’ sinner.
It ain't much in you’re sight, mebbe, but of ye
knowed Ike en I do, you wouldn’t car’ ter give
away his secrets. He’s a slasher from Cut-throat
City, when he gets hismad up. an’ of he ever
knows I've i’n him away, he’ll scatter me all
around in p aces.” .

The man seemed to be speaking the truth, and
Temple told him he could go a per-mimics: of
which he availed himself without any delay
whatever.

Neither did Temple hover around the lace.

isenemies might reap‘pear in a body; 9 at
once started for the ho .

The mystery was growing more obscure. Un-
til he came to Quartz Rock he had never sup-
posed the figure on his sun had any rticular
significance; but since his coming, riding
Bison, Mountain Cat and Tom Todd, had suc-
cessivel seen it, and shown 81"“ nan-pd».
What d d it mean?

Nowhe was told that Leonard had the same
strange figure on his arm, and the question
naturally arose: In what way was the chained
eagle connected with that man‘s desire to have
him for a. son-in-lawl And what drama of the
past did it represent!

“Mountain Cat must explain this mystery!”
Temple declared.

CHAPTER XXV.
m FIRST HAN ACROSS m BRIDGI.

HI: saw no more of his enemies on his waieto
the village, and, on the whole, returned in t-
ter 9 irits than he had left it. His adventure
had one him no harm, and the fact was clearly
established that Jack Purcell would not hesitate
to use any means to get rid of him—a ve im-
portant matter to be considered when one a
rival.

It also became evident that Isaac Leonard’s
fanc for him arose from some reason shrouded
in the vista of bygone years; undoubtedly a
period he 0nd his recollection.

Why d d both of them have the‘strange de-
vice on their arms? What did Bounding Bison
and Mountain Cat know about it?

These and other questions Temple asked him-
self without being able to find any answer, but
he became more fixed in his resolution to et to
the bottom of the mystery. That Leon had
known him when he was a mere child looked
gorgbable. and he began to suspect there had

n a drama in those long-passed years of
which he had never known.

Mountain Cat must be made to talk.

Temple found Gaffer at their quarters, and

\ wholly unsuspicious that anything had been

wrong. He was not undeceived, but as tho

You t at
“unions; was tired and sleepy, be well .

 

The following day was one of the most pran-
inent in the history of Quartz Rock. News had
gone abroad that Leonard was going to attempt
to bridge the canyon, and as a result not one-
fourth of the men went to their work as usual.
In their opinion, they could see a sight by re»
maining which money could not secure for them
anv other day. '

The segel proved they were right.

~ When emple had been down to the canyon
and inspected the derrick-crane, which was
fast nearing completion. and had taken a look
at the stringers which were on their way, being
gelled on skids, he walked down to Brown Band
el'I‘V.

He found the boats idly rocking at the pier,
and in the larger one the Adams brothers were
fast asleep.

Missouri greeted him with a calm, friendly
smile.

“ Do you want to cross, sir?”

“We 1, no,” he replied; “ and it looks as
though the balance of your patrons were of the
same mind.”

“ Yes: they want to stay and see the bridge
built." she carelessly answered.

“ You take it coolly.”

“Why not? I cannot revent it: and as it
would be folly to ask Mr. onard to give up
his idea, I may as well be cool. Besides, the
bridge will be an excellent thing—if builtl".

“ But it will utterly kill your trade. People
will not pay to cross in your boats when they
can walk over the bridge'for nothing.”

“ They would be foolish if they did. Of
course, the Brown Hand Ferry is a thing of the

t the moment the canyon is bridged. Still,
have done a very ‘fair business here and ought
not to complain. Nature certainly did me a
favor when the river was so peculiarly made,
and when my day is past I will sell my boats
for kindling-wood and leave Quartz Rock.”

“ Where shall you go?”

“I really don’t know.”

“ You will not go without telling me!”

She looked at him thoughtfully or amoment,
saying nothing but when she answered it was
as he could wis .

“ After all I owe you, I would not,cree away
like a thief in the dark,” she added, wit some
emotion. ,

“ Promise me one thing.”

“ What is that?”

“When you , let me be your guard. The
way will be ful of danger, both from man and
beast; let Gaffer and me go to protect you.”

“ What would Agnes Leonard do without
you i” she asked mischievously.

“ I néitber know nor care,” he answered,
frowning. ‘

“ Wei , I will, at least, give tau due notice
before leaving, but I warn you bridge is not
yet built. There’s many a slip, and so forth,
you know.”

When Temple returned to the lowerpart of
the villa he found nearly all the inhabitants
gath there, and in the excitement of the
occasion they had entirely forgotten Missouri.
The stringers were on the ground and the der-
rick put ther, and Engley was working it
to see that i was without a flaw.

The miners were very much interested. They
argued that a bridge would not only save them
a few cents every do -—and thereby enable
them tpdg‘rg'ink mortehw ti;ky:—but would ‘be
great on to 4 e wn s prosperity a
commercial standing. Of course, as regarded
the probability of the brid being built. some
were sanguine and others i e ravens. and as a
result numerous wagers were made and the ex-
citement ran high.

At noon there was an adjournment fqr din-
ner, but the men had'never been known to eat
so uick; all soon came pouring back. -.

“ ow, then," said Leonard, briskly, “ let's
get right down to work and see if we can lay
the st n era.”

“ Cap, shouted a voice from the crowd, “ I’ll
give ye fifty cents ter be ther fu’st man her
cross ther bridge l”

“ I bid one dollar!” shouted another voice.

“ I make it two.”

“ Two dollars I’m hid; who’ll give me threef”
gefiianded ia facetious man. “Going at two

0 are—go ng—go over t e brid e on galoot
that bid two!” a ’y

Leonard liked this mood of the crowd, and
did all he could to encourage it, and it was de-'
cided that, when the bridge was formally open~
ed, there should be a drawing of lots to seewho
should have the honor of crossing first.

But it was necessary to hatch the chickens
before counting them.

Engley and his assistant: settled do“ to"

work, and the derrick grappled with the first
stringer not far from its center. Then it was
raised and swung around until it dangled over
the canyon. ‘

The crowd watched breathleuy. would it
be laid across, as was desired! , .

The derrick was a huge, towering aflair but
it crsaked dismally under the strain brought to
bear upon it, and, at one time, seemed likely to
“ism .. s. i n... .. ....
A“ t DO 0' y y. swung.
long timber around, and calwlatlag Inslyfiaid

 

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it in the due course. Then it was dropped, and
the first step in bridging the canyon was taken;
and the tremendous cheer which fl'lflti‘d over
toward the Brown Hand Ferry awoke the
Adams brothurs and made them instinctively
grasp their weapons.

There was no one to cross, however, and it
boked as though the ferry would be dead prop-
er'tl-y from that day. _

be second stringer ,was laid in the same way
as the first, and the work was practically done.
To lay smaller timbers to connect the two; and
to put on the split slabs dedgned for planking,
vioiuld be but child’s play compared » to the rest
0 t.

And the miners nearl went wild With enthu-
siasm, and so man of t rem volunteered to help,
the work went orward with a rush; and at
four o’clock Isaac Leonard stood on the bar-k
andsaw a completed bridge before him. All
was done, and a child might have crossed the
canyon owr which no man had (57::1' been
known to go before that day.

It was a great triumph for him, for; not only
had he won the battle against the ferry-girl, but
its success had given him back his old-time
prestige as ruler of the town. The miners were
once more his slavos, and he could hardly resin-t
the temptation to go (Net to the Brown Band
and taunt his defeated rival for river patron-
age.

"Now, boys}? he said, cheerily, “just step
over to The Hearthstone, and each and every
one of you shall drink at my expense. Huvin
done this, we will draw lots to see who shal
cross the bri-lge first in our formal opening.”

A fresh cheer greeted hrs remark. and the
grow/d 801'de over to the hotel and drank

YEP V.

“ Now for the lottery,” he added. “ You see

onder noble structure. raised with our own
lands. It is a triumph of genius; an honor to
the nineteenth century. It may not compete
with the steam-engine and the telegraph, but it
is all ours. I Now, «ntlemen. who shall he the
first to cross it? A ottcry shall decide the ques-
tion, and—”

Mr. Leonard was going like a Fourth of—July
orator, when a sudden murmur run through the
crowd; a murmur so different from the tone of
applause, that he ceased speaking and, seeing
that all were'lookiugi westhard, directed his
own gaze in the same irection.

No wonder the men had muttered.

There. swee iug tthc village atfull speed,
he saw Lightn ng It and his Giani‘Ezk.

The animal was moving with great speed. his
course toward the south, and Lightan Br-lt
sat erect, and never once looked around. The
obserwrs seemed to hold their breath; the
strange twain had never before been seen so
near the village. Children cried aloud with
fear, wdmen grew pale, and more than one

turdy miner looked about as though anxious to
End a th of retreat.

Bu en! a murmur arose from the crowd.
Toe Gian Eik was rapidly approaching the
canyon and one though was in emu-y mind.
Nearer heswept, and. then, with a 3:3 tling of
 he atruc the planking of the new river—
span, and dashed, across as coolly as though
out earth was hr'neath his feet.

fl . :- formal opening had on forestallod.
,Lighiatpg Bolt 1048 the rst manic cross the

9:“, not until the Giant Elk struck the
' heaoutberu side of the river that

on i
w” ‘ tors  from the spell his appear-
gimme?" 53$??? 'ihl‘lmfih‘m”
e ng on or e o
it he melon, anyway, and those whg &
. the, twain to he superhuman creatures
' ly would think of chain them.
30 be came a went like a dark c and across
heavens. .
on raw th mood or his audience and
tr to laugh it o , but when he waa‘nbout to

it

_ wit the drawing of lots no one stepped

Uwar .

“No, sir," said a 1[grizzled old fellow, in the
frontranka, “ i don t take no part in it. It’s a
bad sign when Lightnin‘ Bolt a’pears on aeolian
com. an’ I tell ye ther bridge is bound ter

on cross it

when ilth in. ly

Once moreLeonai-d attempted to dispel the
gloom ,a seria ol‘ jenm. but the audience wag
not of , ‘ t ind. Tue ideas of their spokesman
had been Minted at an authority and though
no 320 said lie would not use the bridge when
he (“weighs-s across the river, it was .ner—
allya at the appearance of the Elk der
fat the momant was a. very bad om-

Consequently, there was no formalutmeniug of
the bridge.

 

CHAPTER m. ‘

A am 103 m am: am 3.
Turn: was not one of those who
at the.‘hdlel toidrink at Leonard’s

_ 0n the contrary. he had remained
 rid of the river. after, first brow
m3, , toreturn' by way of the ferry

WM emu.  . ,

WA
gather
G1

 

"  Lightning Bolt, "the Canyon Terror.

him to look around quickly. A look of leasure
croised his face as he saw Mountain ‘at, and
the Pawnee almost smiled as he nodded and ad.

vented.

“How do, White Arm? Why you not ober
dere wid rest!” '

“ I‘d rather be here with you, Mountain Cat.
You are just the man I wanted to see.”

“ “’hat wrong? Bad pale-faces trouble ferry-
gal more! Let dem look out; me step on dem as
on snake."

“Missouri is all right. I believe; but I had
an adventure last night. Purcell tried to kill
me

The Pawnee frowned.

“Him rattlesnake; me warn you bes' look
out. How it be u, hay?”

Waldo descr his adventure with the
three men, dwelling strongly on the‘e isode
of the chained eagle. The Indian hear , but,
except for a slight trawn, his face told no
tales; his nature was the stoical one of his
race.

“Now, Mountain Cat ” added Temple, “I
ask you as a friend to tell me what you know
of this mystic emblem, or whatever it is. To
me, it never had any distinct meaning until I
came to Quartz Rock. Then I fell» into the
hands of Bounding Bienn, and he was about to
kill me when he saw the chained eagle on my
arm. Seeing, he abruptl changed his mind
and said I|would be spare for a time. Next,
you came; and you too, knew something nb' ut
the figure. Tom Todd was the third one to see
and express wonder; but. when I forced his
secret from him he only knew the same devicc-
was on the arm of Isaac Leonard—the represen-
tatitm of thechained eagle." .

He paused and waited tor an answer, but none
came.

C “ What do you think of this, Mountain
all"

The Pawnee shook his head.

“ I think I am surrounded by mystery,” con-
tinued Temple, “ and that itis in your pom-r
to dissipate the uncertainty under which I la-
bor. I believe if I knew the meaning of this
device. Ishould also know why Leonard is so
friendly to me. Knowing this, I might be fible
to foil his schemes. when otherwise, I shall be
ruined by them. You havecalled yourself my
brother; now prove it by telling what you know
of the matter. ’

The Pawnee’s face was very grave.

“ White Arm has requested what I would not
have asked of him. Some suns ago, when on
the mountain, I told him I could not ex lain

net at. Now he asks me in the name 0 our
rot erhood.”

“ Forgive me, Mountain Cat; your reproof is
just. I will amend my question; I will not ask
as a. brother, but rather, as a mere acquaint-
ance. If on will tell me what you know 1 will
be sincere rateful.”

“Not al , t what I can tell, I will. Some

moons ago, when in my native country, when a

the broad Platte washes the plain Iwas told
that two persons bore the ure of the chained
ea le. One of these was me Leonard; the
at r was a ouug white man who, if livin ,
would be a cw years older than myself. 5
Min , I said, brother for my informant di

not now whether such was he case or not.
But our name was given me, and I always ‘re-
mom it until I et you on the mountain.”

“ Who told you a l thisi”

‘f I have explained all I can, White Arm and
I trustyou w it beeonlent to, wait until A can
unloooe my tongue and explain all you would
know; on need not wait long.”

“Bug in the meanwhile, Leonard mdy cut
mythroat." ,

‘Not if White Arm watches well. He has
rightly eased the object of the evil white
ch of. T e latter fears the pale hunter. He
has coma like a leaffrom the t, and, in order
to guard against future troub e“, Leenard Would
see him married to his daughter. thinking the
tie tgill}. save him if White Arm ever know: the
tru . '

“ But what if I decline to marry!”

“The Pawme cannot say. for ape he would
do you harm, but I think not. But he will not
have the nee.” ' »

“ Why not!” 2 '

“Because,” said the Indian, lowering his
voice to a whisper, “Mountain Oat is on his
"‘“iiia h c r' i

H w ‘

“ To kill himlg‘w

'“ What is to hinder on doi that ‘an
timef'dsked Temple, a s ado of oubt on
“ are are other things to be done first—”
The Pawnee ceased speaking as a rattling

reached their: and they looked around just
in time teat-e the k Rider desiring across the
new bridge ' ' ‘

Mountain on wheeled and caught Temple‘s

“We have said we would not down Di ht-
uiugbolt- our ti . has come " he excision:

“8a  ltl'? em le quickly answered. “I
am it your leg ; conduct‘thacampolgu'n.
you I” . r _

 

  

Moth

 

 

A

on their way and following rapidly in the wake
of the Giant Ek. The Pawnee struck into a.
run which compelled Temple to use every u-
ertion to keep near him, and they almost flew
over the ground.

_ Mountain Cat‘s blood was telling. He ran
like agre hound, his limbs playing racefully
and rapi l , and he went over bowgl-iers and
chasms with surprising agilit . Temple‘ knew
he could withstand this ierrib 9 poor! but a. few
minutes, but he was not required to. As men
as the fairly lost sight of the quarry, the Pew—
nee re apsed into a walk.

“No use hurry any more.” he observed.
“ After dis we hub to trail Elk Rider.”

“ Can you do it?"

“Pawnee not Blackfoot; Mountain Cat fol~
low like dog; find Rider, sure, ’less he be
spirit.”

“ Go on, then, and we will succeed if such a
thing be possible. Of course we are not to fire
at him.”

“No hurt l” was the quick response. “'1th
him alive, if at all. Me not sure, though.”

Tom is saw that the Indian was far from be—
ing ful of confidence, but they had set their
nundsto the work and were both in earnest.
Not for a moment did Temple allow himself to
entertain the prevalent opinion that Lightning
Bolt was a super atural creature; bein a sen—
sible and practical man he was satis ed that
onlyhcreatures of the flesh walked abroad on the
cart .

Mountain Cat settled down to the work of
trailing and showed that he had made no vain
boast. In some lnccs, where the round was
soft, the feet 0 the fast- oing ek had left
marks a child might have ollowed, but, upon,
when the way became rocky and flint-like, the.
ski ll of the Pawnee was manifested.

Despite all their haste, their progress was
Cmuparatively slow. True they went rapidly
at tunes, but, now and then, their came to a
cleft in the earth which the Giant Elk had
easily leaped, but where they were compelled to
make an annog'ing detour to cross. '

The tumor: one power of the strange steed,
as shown by his leaps and general stride. sur-
prised Temple, but the explanation lay in the
fact that the animal was too largest of his spe-
cies eVer known to be in Montana. ,

When they had gone half a mile beyond the
river his pace moderated, and became merely a
walk, though no time had been allowed to go to
waste.

Mountain Cat’s eyes brightened and be pressed
on with renewed zeal and speed. ’

It was Temple’s duty to watch by the way
and his gaze constantly wandered over the
mountain, seeking for a sight of the strap
)air but he looked for a long time in Va n.

her way took them to the highest point of
land near Quartz Rock. and they toiled upnard
until the Villa e lay far below them and the
river was merfiy a thread of silver stretched,
across the valle . ‘

Forrsome time they had gone in silence. but
the red trailer, without lilting his gaze from the
ground, finally spoke:

“ Watch sharp White Arm!” .
“ Are we ainingi”
“ The t is fresh. The pace~ cf the Giant

Elk has become a. slow walk and he cannot be
far awe . Speak softly, brother, and‘heware
of the fl e—bolts.” , ' ' -

For a moment the speakers eyes were lifted
to shoot a swift gldu’ce across the peak. and it
was plain his Indian at'ure could not be when
com need that the ik Rider was wt n.
Ignorance and enlightenment were coats ‘
fur supremacy.

Five minutes passed invsilence and theuon
exclamation from Temple brought the Pawnee ..
to a halt. The former had used andatood
with one band extended ard the higher

groan . ‘ , _

Lightning Bolt was again visible. , . ‘

‘l be strange being and his steed were on the
brink of a preci ice, the edge,'asit wem-ofa
table of rock. ey faced the trailers. .andthe
all: stood like a statue, his Ina-lye form end
antlered head thrown into sharp prominenco by
the character of his surroundings.

His “rider’s attention was d rooted another
way; it Seemed that he was baking toward. . .
villa . Bis'form, too, looked to he gigs!) ‘
and is culiar dress—the tight filti plain,
cap and t e monkish gownc-wae out . ,Tetpiug
with his form and ful , drawing board.

“Now is our time!” whispered Temple. ' “He
does not see us and we may cheep upon him
unfiwam and-gI i" a" 

spanned as ountan t nhfe
hands and knees, sought the cover of wrecks ‘
and moved on their quarry.. The white man! '
imitated his example and they went forward at
in? as was “this. h . l "d . ;

ow an . enteygan u as
Lightning Bolt still on the cliix. 5:224 
moved his ukullweup,‘ mamath to let 
fan his fmhead, an locked not unlike a hunter
rusting after the chase. But he did not die"
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LightningfiBolt, the Canyon Terror.

721

 

 

which all his resolution could not wholly ex-
tin ish.

y making a. half-circle they gained the same
level as that occupied by their game. The
point then became to creep on him silently and
surely. Mountain Cat held his lasso ready and
their hepes were streng.

One more advance, a deviation around a
pyramid of rocks and the Pawnee would 'be
ready for the cast.

They made the deviation as silently as spec-
ters and then mused in dismay.

Lightning Bolt was gone .’

CHAPTER XXVII.
THE ELK nmim‘s CAVE.

MOUNTAIN CAT’S lasso fell from his hands
and he remained staring blankly at where the
Elk Rider had been. His air was that of a man
who sees a ghost, but in his case he had seen one
only to 1086 it.

“ He is gone I” said Temple, in a. tone of deep
disa ilitment.

“ e isa specter i” soil the young Indian, in a
hushed Voice. “The Blackfeet are right: he is
the Evil Spirit!"

" Nonsense! Don‘t let your superstitious fears
return. He has gone away by natural means.
Come; let us find the trail I"

“ Di‘i my brother hear him go!”
H No.”

“Only a phantom coulvl cross that rock and
make no sound. The hard boots of a real elk
would ring: like the white man’s rattle."

The speaker made a motion as though operat-
ing “ bones.” There di'i, indeed. seem sense in
what he said, but Temple would not giVe up
thus.
“ I tell you there is not such a thing as a spec-
ter. “Illv will you let valuable time go to
waste? Follow me, if you dare not lead.”

He sprung out on the top of the rock and
Mountain Cat reluctantly followed. They stood
where Lightning Bolt had been a minute before,
bug whim: was he now!

A sound still further up the ascent attracted
their attention and, iOflilng, they saw the Giant
Elk leisurely pickmg hiswny across the hill-
side. Lightning Bolt set In his usual place, his
manner calm and umu wed, his attention di«
rected toward the front. if he was aware that
he was being hunted, he 28 '9 no sign,

“ Now is our time!” Sflid Tfilllplfi

“ Beware of the Elk ltider’s death-bolts!" said
the Pawu-e, without stirring.

.. r, Heavens! has your courage deserted
on.

“ How did the Giant Elk Chan 0 from here to
there so quick?" stubbornly ask the Indian.

“ Hz‘ had time; believe me he had ample
time. Hm made the change with great skill; I
admit that; but there is nothing supernatural
about it. Will you follow me, or shall I go
clonal"

“Mountain Cat will go, and ‘19 Wm lead,”
was the nnlwvr' in a tone of unexpected arm-
beavbut if L‘ghlning Bolt days as both, do
not lame the Pa wneo,

Temple smiled slightly at the last remark,

he was not exactly as confident as he no-
scrted. Man or spirit, the Elk Rider did have
a coincwhat remarkable faculty for making a
change Of bung.

Mount-in Cat resumed the work with almost
fist?” ‘7: 0;; He was r-noh‘ed :0 test: the

|f° t“ u uhtwuatal
“than both. 9 ll’l’yeventho g

IAIPiY‘K "Sh"! from rock to rock, he ran in
tho mmfio" 'hm the mountain mystery had
last been '00“. “liking a whfcll Tcmplc
'fl' troublod to ‘J‘hte. T 0’ mn  .11
elevated at 0‘ ll“id. Ind again looked about
for the cl and rider,

At first they 3" nothing, but the Pawncc‘s
tel-aw?” 000“ “0t laugh healed, and he
poin town" 'b" M eir quarr was
in visible. but 0'“ u Ten-pl. lookcrfi they
disc cared " if?” a 3m”, black expanse broke
the ace of a 01'“-

“ A cave !" acidified Temple-

“ Yu."

“If we on “0" '9 “'0 him. He has
shnmto bfi) lair, 8“ "1“ b0 u our mercy.

ome. .

They Went, and Momma Cat satin led the
way, though the light in his dark eye. ‘5” one
of undeniable fear. He would not turn” back,
but be thought their con!” "’0 night of mg-
mm

As they “and the mouth of the cave, how.
ever, even the “mm, man became nations.
The idea w” firm] fixed in his mind a,“
alum" BOIt wan-ed 0013' on a“ thfleet,
but (in; d d no: our. (0 tempt‘him by recklme
IR“! ‘9 up ill a .

The Pawn” “Sgtgggowed his craft and c
forerd ilk. ‘ “mm keeping his person .1.
most constantly pmtwéod by bowlden. Tam.

ofound their mode of wmolion anything

i “'3’, 5‘“ he imitated the 10Mer "l f.” '0
v.3 e, and they won gained a position as
no" a” “tnnt‘e u was safe.

It was ‘ yawning bole m the rock-fl looking

unlike the menu, of an .rtificial tunnel, but
‘u bevond that w.. (hrk and uncertain. That
a, Md“ 1... in“. "clued sure; that it

 

“‘ -‘Aw‘ -‘3 -..a..

would be verv risky for them to follow was
even more obvious.

“ What now?” Temple asked.

Mountain Cat silently shook his head.

" Shall we go in, or is it best to remain here
and watch for him to rea pear?"

The Indian hesitated or a moment, but all
his pride was aroused, and, after a brief delay,
he tersely answered:

“ We go in 1”

“So he it. I am ready to follow We will
hold our weapons ready, and, if driven to the
wall, use them as best we can. I hope, how-
ever, we may not be obliged to fight.

Mountain Cat did nct answer, but began
crawlinw forward in the old way. In a few
seconds'he had passed the point of rock and was
in the opening, expOSed to the gaze of whoever
might be inside, and to Lightning Bolt’s pecu-
liar mode of desrruetion.

Doulltless courage was then nec-‘ssury.

Ski” they went on, pausing only to listen for
some sign from the quarry but utter silence
rei ned around them, an the feeble light
which penetrated to the place prevented them
iron; distinguishing anything except near at

8'1 ,

It was an experience never to be forgotten,
and Temple found that there could be more try-
ing danger than t e facing of wild animals and
boisterous roughs, but they retained their cool-
ness and went forward.

Thev had gone, perhaps, a hundred feet when
their further progress was barred by solid rock,
where the cave seemed toend abruptly, and the
some thought occurred to both.

The place had no tenant exceot themselves.

Still, they did not speak. The Elk Rider
might be hovering in some dark shadow by the
side of the cave, and they turned about and re-
traced their steps in the same cautious wn y.

Mountain Cat did not pause nor speak until
thev were outside. Then he spoke quietly.

“ Lightning Belt is not there i"

“ Then, in the name of all that is remarkable,
where is he? We plainly saw him enter the
came. and he could not have come out unsee
by us.” '

“Spirits can go through solid rock."

Temple could not blame him for the remark,
but it stirred him to fresh activity. Twilight
was falling around them and it was necessary
to do something soon if at all. He looked for
and found a pine knot, and this he speedily con-
verted into a torch.

The Pawnee watched with a grave face, but
made no opposition, and when Temple moved
forward he followed with his Weapons read y for

use.

The white man strode recklessly into the
cave. The torch flared up brightly and illumi-
nated the narrow cavity from side to side. if
they had an enemy there, he would never have
a better chance at them. But, though they
went boldly through, no harm came of it and the
fact was establuhfli that the Elk Rider was not
there.

Mountain Cat secretly believed the fact co-
tcbllsiled‘thgvhfildcr wr a engulf-snot air—
a col t— u a van iso‘om n
and would not intergrc. p: M

“The place has a mac! unknown to us,” said
Tem lc. steadily. “ and if it is the abiding-place
of L ghtlling Bolt it is not to bc wondered at.
Of course he would not "'0 where he could be
easily found. The natural inference is that
there is a passage 00‘ 0f the vhiblc part of
tho cave; one meal“! by those numerous
piled-up rocks. Ha has gone on, and either left
us entirely and crowed the mountain, or else
tbcrc is a secolld chamber and he in now near
Ila-perils even within sound of our voices."

The l ' iau started Ind 100k!!! nervously
about, as though ex tinito loo tho Elk Rider
starting from the to 6 70¢ .

“ Probably it wmfld be a Vista of time for us
totry to find the precifl I'OCK Which must he
moved to learn where he has ." resumed
Temple, "90 we will not try it. ave you the
patience to make a night Of it outside the en-
trance and watch for imi"

“ Dat much better dull to hunt for him,” mid
Mountain Cat, with alacrity.

“So be it, then. Choose the place. and we
will take turns at watching; N0 013° know! What
the night may bring forth. '

The Pawnee selected the Proper PM militia.
and then they ate supper from the supply of
meahhe had in his lich- Nothing more was
seen or heard of the Elk Rider. Temple began
to think their present Venture Would amount to
nothing; but as it had become too dark to con-
tlnua the hunt, it was just a! We" to take the one
chance open to them.

So thev settled down “ to make a rd ht of it.”
as ll. had well e eased it. and t e ionrs
passed slewlv on. As nothing occurred to break
the monotony of their watch, we need not com-
ment upon it.

Morning broke at last, and Temple. who had

I! asleep for two hours, “:v "008% by his
companion. He felt a little vexed with
ountain Cat for not allowing him to do
Rig Share of the work, but the latter was ut-

0“« more they cntered the cave, but it lm

 

‘* R :ai_=:e-lx.-.'~.z.af-rm * ' 1.21

as they had left it on the previous evening, and
them; was no sign of Lightning Bolt and his
steer .

“ We may as well make the best of the inevi-
table.” said Temple. " \Ve have lost our game,
and if we can’t regain sight of him. are no better
off than when we left the village.”

“You Stay here and watch little longer; me
go round do hill an’ see if me find trail. Soon
tell if Evil Spirit left hill."

The Indian went away, and Temple sat look-
ing at vacancy in a thoughtful way. Was he
doing well to trouble himself about the Elk
Rider? So far the man had never done him
harm, but he had a habit of slaying right and
left when he set out about it, and might make
a victim of even a white man if he was me-
lested.

While thus thinking, the young man was
aroused by the rattling of a stone some distance
away. Thinking it might be the Pawnee he di-
recred his gaze ill that direction, but. instead, he
once more saw Lightning Bolt dashing reckless-
ly alonz upon his elk steed.

This time, however, the animal bore a double
burden; lightning Bolt held a dead or insensi<
ble woman in his arms, and as ‘lValrlo Ttlnple
c-tnght a clear view of her face he uttered a
sharp cry.

He had recognized the woman; it was Mis-
sourl', the ferry-girl!

CHAPTER XXVII'.
MISSOURI am) TEL: ELI; lliDEI‘l.

JACK PURCELL was a man not ensilv kept
down, and his repeated defeats only Sl'l'Vl‘d to
make him the more determined to Rut’Ct‘Pd in
the WOTK he had marked out—that is, to marry
pretty Missouri, and to reduco Temle below
the l:vel of rivalry. even though he had to set
u seen- of murderous traps to do it.

Neither he nor Mike Mulloy was in Cindinon
to be at the bridge opening. Mike had a pair of
highly-colored black eyes, the result of Temple’s
iron blows, and certain bruises on Jack‘s face
were ascribable to the same cause.

As a result, they remained indoors and
plotted mischief. To use Jack’s own elaborate
(-xpression, they “ put a rod in pickle for
Temple," while he planned to have speedier
trouble fall on the ferry—girl.

That evening she intended to remain at the
Brown Band as late as usual, although no one
had crossed the ferry since the bridge was
finished. Over at The Hearthstonc the citizens
were still holding revel over the marvelous
event, and one would have thought a new
Eldorado was discoY-ncd.

“B golly!” sai G. Wash Adams, “1’:
afce Miss 800, dat we’ll hail ter pack our
npnack an’ git out 0’ hyar. Dill ni gar ncber
’arned his broad wid do sweat ob id cnosa. an’
lpears like he ncber will. Dar’ll be a corner in

a money market pooty quick of somebody
don’t come ’long an’ disburse a sblncr.”

“Do not worry about early frosts, Wash,”
hill mistress coolly answered.

“Golly! dis am a rcg’lar ole freeze-out;
ground fro: d ’leven inches underdcr stratum
oh dc y‘arth. ’Spect old Fair-an‘-swcet nober
invented a thermometer dat would measure
’nm.

“Wc’s t tcr git out 0’ Quart: Rock, lure
’nu " add?! T. Jet! Adams.

“ n’t bcsosurc of that. Do on want to
bet a month's w that Brown and won't
be running as usua before a month, and taking
all the custom away from the bridge!"

The roe: looked in carpi-inc, but did not
hasten to t.

“ Isaac Leonard hasn’t killed the Brown
Band Ferry yet.” calmly added Hlsmuri. “I
am still putting our line against the bridge.”

“ But nobody won’t ride, Min 800."

“The ’ll be glad to ride one of those days,”
she qui'etly answered. “I shall retain you
both, and pay you ngularly,and the Eoplc
will et be led to Ice tllisis the only In and
relic In line. Ahi hele comes a passenger
now!”

A single man came hartily dewn to the pier.

“I want to crorl as quick as I can." he said,
nervously looking at hill watch. “1 have for-
gotten something."

“ Step right aloud, sir,” said Missouri, calms

y.

He obeyed, she dipped her can and the boat
shot toward the Southern shore.

“Wonder why he didn‘t take dc bridge?" Jet
asked, of his broxhvr.

“Dunno. Did ye know him?"

“ No.”

“ Nur me. Must kc he’s in new ’11an We],
I reckon I’ll lay down on’ take a sleep. Wake
me up of I‘m wanted.”

Jeff did not answer. but looked a little doubt-
fully after the smaller boat. Somehow, he did
not feel easy about the matter.

Missouri, however, had no thought of danger,
and she drove the boot chcerily across until it
touched the bank. Up to that time the passenger
had sat silent and motionlm, his face turned to-

 

. ward the sc-uth, but when the journey was end-

ed he arose as though to step ashore.
Instead, he suddenly wheeled and caught Mia.
court in his arms, pressing one hand over her

  
  

 

- 1‘ "nun-I N1MlWa-‘Wmfllli 'Em’fiwél

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22

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

 

month, while a slight whistle was enough to
bring two other men into view from behind the
cover of neighboring bowlders.

“ Boar a hand. men l” said the late lpassenger,
holding the girl, despite her strugg es. “We
want to get out of this as soon as possible. Lift
her up——so!—and we’ll take her a short distance
before we try to do any binding. If I let her
have her month she would scream likea cata-
mount.”

His order was 0 ed and, against such odds,
Missouri struggled in vain. She was taken far
enough so there was no chance of the negroes
comin to her aid, and then the abductors paus-
ed. eir identity was no longer a matter of
doubt to the girl; the were Mike Mulloy, Tom
Todd and Purcell. t was the latter, who, in
disguise, had decoyed her over the ferry.

“ Now, my dear,” he said mockingly, “I am
about to remove my hand from your mouth. I
trust on will not be'so foolish as to scream; it
won] do you no good and, though so distinc-
tively a woman’s accomplishment, is in very bad
taste. ’

He stepped back at the last word.

" Don’t imagine I care for your opinion, Jack
Purcell, one wa or the other!” she retorted.
“ Men who stea women are not worth thinking
about."

“ I’ll bet even money you devote four-fifths of
your time to me, when thinking, from this time
out. You see, my dear, my courtship didn’t
seem to regress as I could wish, so I have
adopted t e good, old-fashioned way of abduc-
ting you. Up among the rocks, where I have a
quiet den, we can talk about the silver moon
the timid flowers and the beautiful snow, as all
lovers do, and all will be level and the goose
suspended at an elevated attitu 6. Do you see,
my dear?”

‘ I warn you, Jack Purcell, to let me alone.
I am no bread-and-water school-fin], and if you
try to carry a heavy hand, I wi kill you as I
would a snake. I know you as you are—gam—
bler, assassin and woman-stealer—aand I Will be
as merciless as you may yourself rove.”

“ Your remarks will be duly pu lished in the
Congressional Report, fair Soc; in fact, I may
say we will fput them on ice. As for your
charming sel , I have too long schemed for on
to throw away my success in the hour 0 its
birth. Go with us you must, and it only re-
mains to be seen whether you go quietly, with
good usage, or the reverse.

He was as deaf to pleadings as the senseless
rocks; and as Missouri feared to make her treat-
ment even more rigorous by useless resist-
ance, she ielded to the inevitable and Went
along uiet y.

- Ted was soon dismissed, but the prisoner was
conducted along between the remainin men
until Quartz Rock was left far behind an they
were well u on the. side of a peak which lay
southwest o the town.

Missouri had long since refused to s ak even
a word, and silence had fallen over t e party;
but she was plunuizfi a way of escape. She was
rmolved not to be 1 into any den by her ene-
my and on the mountain, and under cover of
night, there was reall some hope at eluding
him. She only delays the attempt because he
was gradually losing his old air of watchful-

ness. v
Once or twice they had paused for breath,
nd she resolved to make use of the next chance.
It came when they paused on a sort of mount-
ain-table, with a steep ascent beyond.

Mulloy droppe on the ground. but Purcell,
leanin on his e, looked thou htfully back to
where e coul dimly see the vii age lights.

This was the scene when a sudden pounding,
rattling sound broke upon their ears, and they
looked up suddenly.

What they saw held each one momentarily
speechless.

A dark objemt was dashin forward at full
speed, and it needed but one g nee to recognize
Lightning Belt and his Giant Elkl 3

be strange twain were sweeping directly to-
ward them, and there even Seemed danger of
being run down. _ _ .

Mulloy was the first to recover the power of
locomotion, and he made a dash to et awa
with such frantic haste that he trippe and fa l
handle .

'Purce was not more anxious to stay, and he
turned to follow his ally. ,. ‘

Then Missouri, standing as the h turned to
stone, felt the earth fiung into her, aca from the
plunging hoofs of the elk, and in a moment
more Lightning Bolt steo d down, caught
her around the waist and ii ted her to the elk’s
back.

She grew confused and dizzy, but she left
fainting for her more weakly sisters. Sue
was in the arms of the scour e of the foot-
hills, but be made no movsmen toward injur-
ing her, and at the worst she had only changed

«Ron.

e Giant Elk had not Force tibly slackened
his speed when the add tiona passenger was
taken 1?, nor did he seem inconvenienced by
the ice ,but, at a gentle trot, he went through
canyons where the footing was good, and never
seemed ata loss.

Purcell and his men had dropped out of the

—‘.

 

, . ' . . She,» »»--- 
. v. 1 e- , i - 5.. ., ,. . , S17...“
. as. .2. 3-; 1‘- gliirafing W“! “5‘ :¢'-"'« _' “en-- ’

case, and Boo rapidly regained her usual cour-
a e. She looked at the ider, and wished to
address him, but she did not know what words
to use.

On his own part, he did not seem to once look
at her, but the hold of his arms was gentle,
though secure, and he seemed little like a pitiless
avenger.

For the twentieth time, Missouri was trying
to find speech, when they entered a dark cav-
ity which was plainly a cave. Where were
they going? She remembered the assertions of
the superstitious people of Quartz Rock that
Lightning Bolt was a fiend unloosed from pur-
gatory, and the possibility that she might be
on her way to that abode of woe, made a shiver
run through her body.

Her companion started.

“Are you afraid, my child? I had almost
forgotten you were here. Do not be alarmed,
for I will protect you.”

The voice was gentle; the words were En-
glish. And this was the foothills’ monster!

Missouri was greatly eucoura , but she was
not content to let the conversation drop, now it
was once begun.

“I am very much obliged to you, sir, but
where are we going?” she asked.

“ To one of my many mountain resorts. You
will find it dry, 3 acious and comfortable, and
Samson and I w guard you.”

“Samson?”

“ My elk. But here we are in the retreat; let
us dismount, andI will get a light and show
you how I live.”

He slid to what seemed solid rock, and
placed Missouri on her feet. Then he went
seVeral feet away, and seemed busy with get-
ting a light. The girl did not see anythin to
hinder her from leavin the place, and bid ing
a permanent adieu to ightning Bolt, but she
resolved to remain. He had saved her from
Purcell, and seemed like anything but a men-

er.

A ll ht soon flamed up, and Missouri saw a
room ashioned almost wholly by nature from
the rock, with no occupants save herself and the
strange master of ,the place; but she was at once
struck by one peculiarity. .

There was no opening to show where they
had entered; the place seemed to be of solid
rock. What did it mean? How had they
passed through the unbroken surface of the
cave? .

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
LIGHTNING BOLT ar noun.

Tax: girl’s sur rise was expressed on her face,
and the Elk Ri er smiled gravely.

“ You are looking for the place through which
we entered?”

“ Yes ” she confessed.

“ It closed after us. That is one peculiarity
of the lair: which I inhabit. There ieaplate
otfe r33} set iin the hobo)!"i WhICIi], whtenhSamssgg
s p upon 0 rs asprn w 1c can
the wall to rect’de.pe When we en ered it swung
back into place, and one standing on the out-
side would never suspect a sub-cave was here.”

Missouri did not know whetherto commend
such ingenuit or look upon it as the proof of a
cunning whic was dangerous to her, but, after
a brief pause, Lightning Bolt resumaainahalf-
absent manner“.

“In bringing you here I have done what I
never did before—I have brought an outsider
to my home. did this under the impulse of
the moment. knew the man with whom you
were Was your enemy, and,‘when I chanced
u n you, I suspected he had» abducted you.

onsequently, I rescued you, and when it was
done,”l'org0t all about you until we reached the
cave. -

Such forgetfulness did not speak well for his
mental condition, but his manner remained
kind and gentle and Missouri summoned cour-
age and answered: _ -

“Purcelldid abduct me, and I am very grate-
ful to you.”

“Yodare welcome to my home, and I will
only ask that you say nothing to the village
people. The regard me as a supernatural
creature, an I have no desire to change their
belief untll~until my work is done.”

“ Rest assured, sir, I will not betray you.”

“I will try and make you comfortable for
the night, and in the morning you shall go to
your friends.” ..

He then went toward the ell: and removed
the saddle from his back. All of the ferry-
girl‘s cour‘a e. was returnin and she looked at
Samson wit admiration. uch a mountain of
flesh she had never before seen in one of his
kind. Noticing her attention. Lightning Bolt
invited .her.to approach, and she fOund the
Giant Elk as gentle as a dog. She caressed his
neck, and his great eyes seemed almost to ex-
press human intelligence.

“ He is a noble fellow l” she could not help
sayigz. ‘

“ ou are right,” his master answered, his
eyes li htiu up With ride. “There is noother
steed ke amson. captured him when he
was young and have trained him as the Lap-
landers train reindeer for their sledges, except
that, being my sole companion, he has had con-

 

 

stant attention and is, really, a human being,

except that he cannot talk.”

He rested his hand on the elk’s neck, and
master and steed looked at each other with
friendly eyes. Noticing his strong limbs, swell—
ing chest and shapely body, Soo no longer wonw
dered that he was able to dash over the moon-
tain in a. way which the people had thought
unearthly.

“ Is he always gentle?” she asked.

“ Always, except when we 0 into battle;
then he will fight ikeademon. ounding Bison
and his warriors knew that to their cost. Man
a man has he trod under his hard hoofs. Lo
at them! He can strike a terrible blow. ”

The girl, remembering the red tales of the
twain, could not avoid a shiver.

“ by do you war upon the Blackfeet?” she
asked.

A wild light appeared in the man’s eyes. I

“ Because they are my enemies; because I
seek vengeance. What is Bounding Bison? A
white man in the dress of an Indian, one who
has done me and mine great harm. Some day
he shall fall by my hand. The day would have
come before now, but I wished to make him
shiver among all his outlaw braves before end—
ing the feud. There are wrongs in this world,
child, which man is reluctant to leava to an
after punishment. Mine is of that kind, and,
going forth on the trail of destruction, I have
made aname at the sound of which my enemies
grow pale!”

He stretched out his right arm, his face was
hard and stem, his eyes gleamed with a wild
light, and the Vehemence of his utterance told
of strong passion.

Missouri began to feel fresh fear, but his mood
suddenly changed.

“ Why do I speak of these things to you?
Woman’s nature is kind and gentle, and the
we 8 of revenge and hatred are not her ways.
This I know, for I once had a home over which
a woman presided like a spirit of good— But,
enough of this; I am talking too much. Yonder
is a chair, girl; make yourself as comfortable as
mfihumhl home will allow.”

e then egan to prepare his supper from the
meat of a mountain-sheep, and Missouri volun—
teered her aid and, naturally, did the greater
part of the work.

The Elk Rider leaned against the wall and
watched her, and his broad face grew sad. It
was the first time in many years that a woman
had performed like labor for him, and it doubt-
less brought back recollections of happier da s.

Missouri longed to learn more about him, ut
he evaded her diflideut inquiries and she was
wise enough not to press the matter. He made
a kind and courteous host, though now and then
the former gleam in his eyes told that he was
slightly deranged mentally.

he lair was of two parts, one of which was
usually occu ied only by Samson, but on this
occasmn the ider put the la er room at his

uest’s disposal and retired to t e smaller with
is elk steed.

The night—the strangest of Missouri’s life-

(1 without further incident, and the irl
ad such a confidence that she was comparat ve-
ly safe that she slept soundly for several hours.

In the morning Lightning Bolt reappeared
and reeted her with his former manner .nor
had 0 forgotten his promise totake her back
to Quartz Rock. She prepared breakfast, and
this time ate with him, not forgetting toshow
some attention to Samson.

All a preliminary stepto leaving the lace,
her best opened the secret door which ed to
the outer, and visible, cave, and Son admired
the cane with which it worked, even while she
was at. a loss to understand its ingenious work—
manship. The srcret, however, lay in a series
of cincealed springs and levers, which movsd a
part of the rock. Samson could operate the
construction with his Weight, cr Lightning
Bolt with his hands, but no stranger could do

It's

The girl was not surprised; it was only in
keeping with his skill in making his fire-bolts;
and she comprehended that his natural inge-
nuit had been aided bi: slightly deranged
min , thus combining in rited skill with in-
sane cunning.

The sunshine looked so pleasant outside the
cave that Missouri strayed that way while
Lightning Bolt was saddling Samson. The
morning was bright and peaccful, with a. clear
atmosp ere which enabled her to look a lon
distance, and she could see Quartz R an
the river, each locking like a fragment from a
land of dwarfs.

While she stood thus she did not know that
she was in turn obserVed, and that. too, by eyes
which gleamed hostility; her first warning
came when several men—Blackfoot Indiana—-
sprung from the cover of the rocks upon her.

Before she could turn the was in their hands.
She uttered one cry for help and then a broad
band was closed over her neck and then save on
darted away, two of them bearin her weig t.

Her struggles were wholly use see. and the
grasp on her throat was suffocating. She gasp-
ed. her senses reeled and than deserted her.

But she was not forgotten. ' ,

A terrible shout arose from. behind the ab-

 

 

 

    
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  

 

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Lightiiing ‘ Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 23

 

 

ductors, and as they looked around Lightning
Bolt came sweeping toward them, the Giant
Elk making most tremendous bounds.

Cries of alarm arose from the Indians.

“The Evil Spiritl” they exclaimed, in chorus,
and then each one fied in terror.

In this wild stampede Missouri was dropped
to the ground, where she lay white and sense-
less, but all was working for thebest. At her
side the pursuer checked bisfiylng steed and
sprung to the ground. He lifted the motion-
less girl and regained the saddle, but could she
have seen him then she might wall have feared.
His usually calm face was distorted with pas-
sion and his eyes gleamed with a terrible light.

Holding her securely on his left arm, he gave
Samson the word and the noble elk dashed after
the Blackfeet, who were still in flight. Sam-
son's bounds soon cut down the interVening dis-
tance, and, as the fugitives unexpectedly
reached the edge of a precipice, they uttered
fresh cries of alarm.

The Elk Rider‘s right hand sought the folds
of his gown, and then came out olding two
round objects a trifle smaller than baseballs,
but with a rough surface, as though covered
with wool, or something similar.

One of these he hurled at the Blackfeet.
Scarcer had it left his hand before it began to
blaze, and again the Indians cried out with

alarm.
Possibly the distance was too short for the
of the bomb—as it seemed to be—for it
passed them before explodin and only one man
was injured. He reeled an fell over the cliff
just at the moment when Lightning Bolt, con-
tinuing his course, hurled another missile of de-
struction.

This was truer than the other, and what were
left of the Blackfeet turned and fled, leavm
two of their number prostrate on the groun .
The El’z Rider had scored another deadly v1c-
tor over his enemies.

his own part, he continued his way at a
moderate speed. The battle fire had not died
out of his eyes, and though he held Missouri
safely be was, really, unconscious of her pres—
ence.

He was on his way to another of his lairs—
the some where we ave seen Waldo Temple
and Mountain Cat watch for him—hut as he
neared it he observed a man at the entrance.
This was Tom is, waiting for the Mountain Cat
to make the nit of the hill. .,

At sight of him a fresh wildness seized Light-
ning Bolt and he started Samson into a wild
burst of speed.

it was at this moment that the young man
looked up and saw the Giant Elk with his
double burden, and Swing, recognized 800.
But, as Temple reeled back with horror, Light-
ning Bolt Went recklessly on his way.

He rode, Thai)", 3 quarter of a mile, and
then pan on an.eleva_ted point and looked
back. , Slowly be 1‘3le 1m free hand and drew
it across his forehead. It wasas though his mind
was in confusion and be was tryin to clear it.

Several minutes Passed- ’ He 9 d not notice
that Missouri was “55 I"9‘30‘7‘51‘lng conscious-
ness, but, still looking back. he saw Tom is and
Pawnee steadil following .1119 in", their man-
ner full of stub ru resolution. -

0 Elk Rider’s face grew bud and stem,
and he drew another of his fire-bolts from his
robe.

(\
CHAPTER XXX.
TEMPLE Is ARRESTED.

SHALL eyents’ sometimes chill!“ the entire
development of stairs.

Justas Li htning Bolt held the deadly mis-
sile ahd‘ wafi only waiting 1mm the trailers
came near enough to make a cast of .my avail,
Mimm suddenly stirred in b“ a"'1113.'gllspe¢l
and sat erect. _

The Eli Rider started and suddenly became
aware that he was not alone. ‘ '

“ lls it your 300 joyfully exclaimed,
"How did you rescue me from the Blackfeeerl

“I really don’t know," he said. flowniu
thoughtful! . u I heard your cry for help “5
1'3" 0‘“ 0‘ an cave; I remember no more until
I found mysslt here with you in my arms. My
mind one“ Wanders thus. ’ .

"we", it is certain you have again rescued
me from my enemies. How can I ever thank
you enoughr" _

“.Y0‘" gratitude is all I desire. child,” he an-
swered, his voice trembling . little. ‘1 have
only done "but I could wish others to d0 50 my
own loved Ones, if they were alive. But, never
mind. ’Look below us at those two men! Do
fm‘fi’TQhem l" ’ '

“ "3d a crv of joy.

.“It is Mr. . ' tain Cat!”

examined. mple and the Mom

"They are you, - ,

«Yes, and tn. g'fingggours too,»

“No‘ my childyi I do not want friends: I am
.n aven er. It is long since I have spoken in
friendlh P to any one ace 5 you, but I am
dad“? hue been am on. Now, I

e to el y
win leave Youmhge' “we your friend. gill sols):

'v9- 9 use

‘ " ’03 ground.

 

“ But when shall I see you again!” she asked.

“ Perhaps never! N 0 one can tell what a day
will bring forth for the wild wanderer of the
hills. Leave him to his barren life, child, and
keep-close to your own aceful one; but, when
you hear the name of nghtning Bolt shivering-
ly spoken, you, at least, will know he is not all
a demon. Say nothing of this adventure to any
one except your two friends, but be sure I am
always your friend. Farewell 1”

He touched Samson lightly and the elk started
off at a trot. One minute the pair were visi-
ble, and then intervening rocks hid them from

View.

He had barely disappeared when Temple and
the Pawnee came into view from out the can-
yon. They had not previously seen her since
the Elk Rider was bearing heraway, and it was
a most welcome surprise.

Temple’s set, somber face grew suddenly
bright.

Missouri would have been a stoic had she not
also been pleased, and she advanced with ex-
tended hands, while her face and eyes so oper-
ated upon her lover that he threw prudence to
the winds and caught her in his arms.

Mountain Cat nodded with approval, and pre-
tended to be busy with his rifle.

The first few minutes which followed were so
improved with incoherent conversation that we
will not attempt to describe them; but in the
course of time all became sufficiently calm, so
that the girl told the story of her adventures,
greatly to the astonishment of her hearers.

The men looked at each other in silence
for a. moment, and then Temple broke into a

ugh.

“ What do you think of your ‘ spirit,‘ now?"

“ Him man !” the Pawnee acknowledged. “ Me
not afraid to hunt him now.”

“ You shall not hunt him!" declared Missouri.
“ He has been my best friend, and he shall not
be harmed.”

“Listen white sister!” the young Indian re-
plied. “I have never been bls enemy. I came
to Montana on a trail of vengfance, with m
heart bitter against the Blac feet. When
arrived I found they had an enemy in Light,-
nlng Bolt. Wherever I moved I found that his
trail crossed the other, and my mind was turned
to him. Then White Arm and I SPOkG 0f hunt-
mg him down, not as foes, but to see what he
was. The Elk Rider has never harmed me, and
now that he has helped my sister he is 1:)
friend. My cross-trail shall hereafter be witi
enmity for the Blackfeet and friendship for
nghtning Bolt.”

“ Rest assured, we will not attempt to do him
harm,” added Temple; “ but I hope chance will
make it possible for me to learn more about
him. He seems to be a man dnvan partially in-
sane by wron s, and all his hatred has turned
against Bonn ing Bison’s hand. For that, lun-
not blame him.”

There was a good deal more tobe said, but
they concluded it was best to say it On the way
to Quartz Rock. Missouri insisted 0n returning,
and using extra precautions for her safety there-
after; and when she had explained her reasons,
Temple reluctantly a road.

For his own part,ghe would rather have left
the vicinity at once; but as' he could not change
her resolution, he would not go alone.

“ Before many days,” she and, “Isaac Leon-
ard will have seen that his bridge over the river
is of no use, and that the Brown Hand Ferry
is the only reliable means of crossing. When I
haVe triumphed over him, 1.3!!! my to 183"
Quartz Rock.”

The girl little knew what the future had in
store for her. .

‘ Perhaps it would not beout of lace tosay,
parenthetically, as it were, that d ng the jour-
ney Temple and Boo came to a complete under-
standing, and they arted engaged lovers. .

On reaching the grown Hand the found the
Adams brotheri'at the pier, and the r utter dis-
may was-changed to uproarious my. when they
saw their beloved mistress safely ck. .

She remained at the ferry, the Mountaln Cat
went his way and Temple walked over to the
Hearthstone otei. I

There he found Gaffer Golightly and Berlah
Brown in consultation. ‘

“Wal, h thunder! hyar you bei” observed
G ffer. “ was jest considerln’ ther expedi-
teancy o’ goin’ ter hunt ye up. _Y0_ll are ettin’
ter be e z onrelinhle en a jumpln’-Jack— can’t
tell which way you’ll. jump. Rial: an’ me was
settin’ worried.”

“ By mightyationl thar is need 0’ worr
’round h ar ” added the miner. “Thin
Bettin’ m xe up so ’t I can’t tell X from al-
though I’m a highly eddicated man. Eddies-
“911 is common ter all ther Browns—Brown,
Without any ‘ e ’."

“ I want ter be putt to work,” continued Go-
“KhHY- “ Et don’t come nat’ral ter me tor be
I hired man, an‘ do nothin’.”

As soon as Temple had a chance he stated
that he would have a talk with both men as
soon as he had breakfasted. He intended
"1“. from that time, one of them should all
a: While watch over Missouri—unknown to

Having them, he ordered and ate breakfast

 

He was just finishing, when two burly men
walked up to him. .

“M name is Mouse ” said one of the two
“ an’ hev been a’p’inted sherifi o’ ther town. i
hev a warrant ter arrest you!”

“ To arrest me!” echoed Temple.

"Ther same.”

“On what char ei"

“Salt battery, b’lieve they call it, on one J.
Purcell, Esqulre. AllfoOW, you’re charged
with hammerin’ him al inter an uncooked sau-

, with no seasonin’.” '

The state of affairs needed no explanation;
Temple perceived that his rival hhd played a
trump card. and certainly won one point in
the game. He also knew it Would be useless to
appeal to Sheriff Mouse.

“ I would like to see Mr. Leonard before you
shut me u ,” he said uietly.

“ Can’t e did, but hev no objection ter yer
seein’ him arterwards. I’ll send a messenger
immejiate ter tell him you want ter see him.

MOuse spoke more kindly than was to be ex—
pected, and Temple acce ted the inevitable as
gracefully as possible. e left word for Gaffer
as to what had happened, and then followed
the sheriff.

He was conducted to a room in one of the
larger houses, which be judged had been arrang—
ed for his special use, and left alone. It was a
dismal lace to remain in, for the furniture
was limited to apair of chairs from which the
backs had been broken, and the bare floor did
not even have a blanket in the way of a bed.

The prisoner did not at once notice this, how-
ever; he was wondering what would be the re—
sult of his imprisonment. Knowing Leonard
was the supreme authority of the town, he had
a suspicion that but for him he would not haVe
been arrested.

Was the “assault”on Purcell made an ex-
cuse for means to bend his will to the Leonards’
wishes?

“ If so, they must be desperately in earnest to
marry me to Agnes. Now, then, what is the
reason? What episode of the past, of which I
know nothing, influences the ruler of Quartz
Rock? I am not aware of any great event in
my past, nor that of my parents, which will
explain the matter. Why did I permit the
Mountain Cat to remain silent? He knows
somethin about the chained eagle—he says
Leonard as the same figure on his arm—and
I suspect the Indian could tell enou h to en—
lighten me. I’m afraid he has kept is seeret
too long!”

He was thinking hitterl of the Pawnee when
the door was unlocked. looked up, hoping
to see Isaac Leonard, but saw, imtead—Agnesl

She entered quickly, and the door was closed
behind her; and then she advanced, with. her
beautiful face ex reusing the deepest sympathy.

“ Mr. Temple 1’ she explained, extending both
hands.

He 0 them gravely. ‘

“ I see am not wholly forgotten in my cap-
tivitv.” . -

“ Oh! how sorry I am; it is a shame! Father
was not at the house when the messenger ar—
rived, and I at once came down instead. I was
shocked and indignant when I heard of it.”

“ I must confess I felt the same way myself.
Having never been under lock and key before,
it troubles my nerves slightly.”

v “You shall he released; I will see to it my~
self. One of my friends shall not be used thus.”

“ I hope that Mr. Pal-cell’s in ured feelings-—
and head—may be healed by t e payment of
some fine,” said Temple, who was Willing to en.
courage her to talk. ,

“ Unfortunately, it comes at a very bad time.
Father has tried to preserve under without the
machinery of law, but the people
what they «fled their r h, and you are the
first victim. I They are tter inst you be—
cause you are a visitor, instead 0 a citizen.”

“ Yet ,theylseem determined to keep me.”

“ Someth g must be doses",

“ That’s a fact.”

“ Father was so ,ing he had taken steps to get
yo; lnto  emlee did not,) say how, exo
ac y——an 1 you res y was in ‘ the
would be obl' ed tolet you go.” m 

“Yes; Mr. onard suggested that I go into
partnershi with some one. ’

Agnes capped her hands in a childish way.

“ hat ls a capital idea. If you vent into
business and—and—should marry some nice
girl, they would not dare molest you further!"

CHAPTER XXXI.
ISAAC LEONARD SPEAKS PLAINLY.

ALL the fair Agnes’s arts did not eumce to
conceal her svstematic purpose. The book
showed beneath the bait. '

If Waldo Temple had doubted before. ize was
now sure, and he could almost have sworn the
Leonards were parties to his arrest. and that
Agnes had come inst:an of her father, accord-
in to a pm-arran an.

hen she gated the im rtanoe to him
of marl-is , could not avoi seeing what she
meant. he had even feigned a madest confu-
sion, and if she did not blush, it was an over-
sight on her part.

“Itmightnothesoeasy tofind the‘lioo

 

I

. ~’ 1 I
:n». 1.. .. s, .V.l . , . .» a",
n, , v "s. “1' l» ",~.; -' , ,, « ,.. n ,
uni Ml. s, .liktwwmmfl" egwfi‘r‘y.‘,m.mws v.  .

 

 

 

24

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

girl ' who would marry me,” he cautiously an
swered, to her last remark.

“No trouble about that,” said the beauty
with assumed coquetti’ahuess. “ Young an
handsome men are not so plenty here that they
need fear refusal.”

Temple began to be alarmed. In his en-
deavor to make her betray herself, he had
walked on very thin ice. metaphorically speak-
;a , and would fall through unless he was care-

“ Wu", I will-consider the matter,” he grave-
ly replied.

“ Of course father and I shall do all we can
for you, for you have been a guest at our house
and-and we are interested in _\ on.”

“ That. is very kind, Miss Lzonard.”

“ Tm only trouble Will be that you are a
visitor to the town, not a citizen.”

“If I take out mv naturalization papers, as
it were, it would make a difference?”

“ Oh! I am sure we could arrange everything,
then."

Agnew: manner was as bland as a spring
morning: but. despite her gentle purring it was
plain the Leonardsmennt to either take eniplo
into the happy family, or give him a taste of
prison discipline which would, Sooner or later,
they hoped, make him glad to became a citizen
and a Benedict.

The young lady remained for some time
longer, and her ill-concealed tenderness would
have delighted a lover. While I1 igiiing inno-
cent friendship, she pushed the courtship as a
besieging army moves upon a beleaguered Lita-

The remainder of the Conversation need not
be given in detail, but Temple tried to do his
part in a becoming mannvr. It would have
been far more to his taste to let the beauty see
that He understood her arts, but a captive can-
not wisely be defiant, and he did not say any-
thin rash. ,

Wlien the call had been prolonged as far as
was possible, she bade him a very friendly
adieu, and returned to the parental root.
There she found Isaac L~ouaid smoking a
Cigar, '

“ Well, what luck?" he quickly asked.

The. girl did not answer until. she had thrown
off he!‘ outer garments and taken a seat.

“I'll be shot if I know!” was her elegant

reply

“ What do you mean by that?”

“He was non-committal. He Certainly did
not fall into my arms, LOI' Seem to take the
hint; but he was fn'endly enough. At times I
hall a vague suspicion he was playing with me;
out I don’t know. He's a deep one i”

“ Hcis not in aposition to put on airs. Thanks
to the trouble with Purcell,'wo have him in a
corner where we can‘“turn the screws head
down, and the people can't complain, and I
swear by all that‘s oly he don’t come out of
there alive unless he consents to become your
husband!” .

“ You’re a treasure, old man l" Agnes coarsely
exclaimed. “If everybodymade love your
way, there would be few broken hearts.”

She then gave a detailed account of her visit.

“In mioopinion, he knows our game and
means to stubborn,” said Leonard, frowning.
“i’ll send word to have the jailer neglect to
give him anything to out, and he shall be left
wholly alone until evening. Then, I’ll go in an
a aym thizin friend, and if he don‘t come to
time ’1] apes plainly. He shall remain in
Quartz Book, above the sod or below it!” V

The schemer spoke with a venomous air which
left no doubt of his sinceritv.

When Temple was left alone he sat down on
one of the broken-backed chairs, and relapsed
into ' tion.

“Just as I thought; the Leonardo are in the
ame and they mean to take me to their fold
y fair means or foul. What will he pen if I

decline to become Mr. Agnes Leonor , I don’t

know, but I call it an unfair advantage to take
of a bachelor. I am free to acknowledge that

matrimony in a good thing, and can’t be im-

proved upon by modern amendments, but it’s

one of the cases where every man wants to
take his pick. I’ll wait for the next move in
the game.”

He badsome time to wait. Noon came: no
dinner, no visitors. Twilight arrived; no sup-
per, no visitbrs. Several times he had knocked
upon the (1001', and kicked it hard enough to
have driven out ordinary panels, but no atten-
tion was paid to his disturbance.

By the time the door was unlocked, he was in
a savage mood, and when Leonard appeared he
only looked at him sullvnl y.

“Mv dear fellow.” said the great man, ad-
"iPVIClng with his hand extended, “ I am ver

)H'_Vl~.~ see you here. i have been away al
day and Only just returned. I regret this mat-
ter very much, hui I hope you are not taking it
too much to heart.”

" What I an) the most anxious to take is
Something to eat,” Temple sulkily said.

" What! huen‘t vou had any supper?”

“ No, nor dinner."

“ Good heavens! have they neglected you so?
; good as to take your face out of my sight.
3 man as you pollute: the air he breathes!"

I will see to it, at once.”
Ho hammered at the door until the jailer re

 

ap ared, and a steaming supper was soon not
be ore the prisoner. Being confident he owed
his involnnt abstinence to Isaac Leonard, he
did not take t e trouble to thank him, but fell
to With a will, nor did be out less heartily be-
cause his visitor filled in the blanks with abuse

‘ of the 'niler.

But ample was not easily deceived.

When the meal was finished, Leonard drew
his broken chair clemer to his intended victim.

“Now, in dear Temple, let us speak of your
own case. {Vheu I heard of it, I ordered you
to be released at once, but ten of the men of the
town waited on me in a body and warned me
not to attempt it. They say I shall no longer
be the sole authority in Quartz Rock; that the
town must hereafter be regularly governed;
and they are very bitter against you. They
say you, a-stranger, haw assaulted men of the
town and they vow they will make an example

7!

“ l would like to see these men.”

“ Unlucaily, they will compel you to see
them.”

“Just whnt I want.

aided by Mulon and Todd, he was trying to
kill me. ’

“ Ah! Purcell denies it, and they believe his
story."

“ Do you i"

“ (L rtainly not; I believe your version.”

“ Well, is the word of a rufiiam like Purcell to
go ahead of mine?"

“ I am ing to try to prevent it. but I find I
am not al powerful here, and as I can‘t openly
defy the lee town, we must retort to strata-
gcm. I told you the other day that I had received
letters hostile to you, and suggested, as an oil’-
set, that you become my partner in the mine.
Those were the first mutterings of the storm
which has since burst, but I am still able to
save on by the device mentioned."

“ TIM) partnership?”

“ Yes. They dare not war on a regularly ad
mitted member of our 30' iety. Now. as I once
before said to you, the citizens of Quartz Rock
are sure to some day become millionaires, and,
in all friendliness, I would say your best way is
to j in m, marry some deserving girl and share
our irOsperity.”

" would like to are, and talk to, these turbu-
lent citizens,” said Temple, who was pretty sure
they were far from being turbulent.

“ You shall, if you Wish, but it must be
done c Liitiously. There have even been threats
of imching, and the men are resolved to carry
the r point. I have tried to maintain order
without the machinery of the law, but the men
took a lane to demand what they call their
rights, and a ,you are the first example it is a
den rate case.

ample was duly impressed by the recollec.
tion that Agnes had used almost the same ex-
reasions as were contained in the last sentence.

e had thought them unnaturally heavy for
her, at the time, but he could now see their
source.

He began to feel intense indignation.

“ Well, suppose I accept the partnership, who
am I to marry?” he resumed.

“ Well,” answered Leonard, with a bland
smile, “if you and Agnes could a roe, I should
not refuse to accept you for a son- dew!"

“ Perhaps A nee despises me."

“ I am sure a e regards you very highly."

“ Have an asked her?"

“ Cer nly not but I can read—”

“ So can I!” interrupted the prisorier, no
longer able to restrain his indignation. “ if
you imagine, Isaac Leonard, that you can blind
me to the facts of this case you are very much
mistaken. From the time Illnt entered Quartz
Rock, you and your daughter have been trying,
for some unknown reason, to drive me into
matrimony. and this arrest is but your last.
desperate move in the game. You are resolved
to marry Agnes to me; all your scheming
lyi and crawling cannot hide the truth; but I
here announce to you that I will grow gray
in jai before I will join my future to such a
woman, or call such a plotting old rural as you
my father-in-law l"

he deed was done; for weal or woe Tern le
had cost of! his mask and torn away that of is
enemy; and from that day there was to be no
fawning upon him.

What would take its placei

Isaac Inonard arose and, for a moment, ItOOd
staring blankly at the bold young man. No
one had dared address a disrespectful word to
him before for ears. The color bad retreated
from his face, h s eyes had a wild, glassy look
and twice he essayed to speak before a noun
left his throat.

“You are mad l” he finally said, huskily:

“I maybe mad, but I am no longer your
dupe!” Temple retorted, in a ringing voice.

' Beware, sir! I am not one to tamer bear
insult!”

'- " I know you and vnur way, but I defy you.
I am held prisoner here by your order, as n part
of your scheme against me, but I refuse to
cringe to you. There is the door, sir; bg sfi
on

Are they aware that .
the so-calied assault on Purcell occurred when. ‘

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
MOUNTAIN car MAKES A mu.

SILENCE reigned for a moment in the prison-
room, but Isaac Leonard was not the man to
remain cool under such a crushing accusation
as this. He could act the polite fawner when
his intended victim was ignorant of his inten-
tions and talked in s friendly way in return;
but, before such laughs.“ in; Le had just heard,
he lost all control of his temper.

“By the shades of perdilion!” he hissed,
“ you shed repent this to your dying hour.
You have scornHi me i: )w. but 1 will make you
howl like a wounded (in; and beg my pardon on
.your bonded Luces. i will drag you from one
end of the town to the « thvr, through mud and
mire, and when you i'l" dying like a singed
wolfl will s‘and by and l:'u,<zii at you! I am
supreme ruler of quJ'lZ Rock, my voice is
heard but H) be obeyed—"

“ Oh! then the ‘rights ’ demanded by the
citizens was a myth, was i: i”

“Mercy is a myth, with me, as 1 will show
you to your c‘ist. It was an evil hear when
you decided to defy me: I Will make you beg
l‘nrdeuth as n favir, Remember this, and be
«re when Icome a ain 1 will not come with
, in .4 generous Offer have before made. My
; nix; appearance means death to on!”
| At the last word the man whee ed and strode
from the cell. One moment after the door was
relocked the ringing of his steps was audible,
and then the prisoner was left to silence and his
own thoughts. He arose and paced the room.
He knew he had done a ram thing and—he re-
gretted it; but the hypocrisy of the visitor had
urged him on to recklessness.

What Would be the rcsnlt? It was hard to
say, but, through the one barred window of his
cell, came a dismal moaning of the wind which
seemed to answer:

“ Drath death I"

In the menu while Leonard was striding
home. his mind in limping with the weather,
for over the sky had gathered dark, heavy
clouds, plainly rain-surchzirged, and heralding
speedy rain. The wind crept down from the
mountain passes with a moan which rose and
fell like the tone of an organ, or whistled
around the cabins in iitful gusts.

b Nature was gathering its forces for an out-
urst.

Leonard’s were already gathered, and be
strode into the presence of his daughter v. ith a
manner which brought her to her feet in dis-
may.

“ Have you failed?"

“ Failed! l have met a Waterloo.”

“ And he declined our offer?"

“ Declined l” ech Leonard, with an almost
hysterical laugh. “ He said he would grow
gray in jail before he would marry such a
woman as you, and he heaped on me every in.
suiting epithet of which he could think."

Aines Leonard faced her father in silence,
but or manner was that of a t reuaboutto
spring on its prey. With her cinobod hand:
she drove her nails deeply into the yielding
fiesh;'her face, though crimson at the cheeks,
was cold and hard; her 9 co biased. and her
parted lips revealed her w to teeth act like the
jaws of a vise. -

Atraged neon might well have taken her
for a mode ,3 e was beautifully terrible. grand-
iy repulsive—what terms can better describe
one so flmy nature who, when swayed by
unbrid pa oni

“ And he is alive!”

The words broke sibilantly from her lips.

“ Yes, but his hours are few. He shall die
like a dog!” .

The anger of his daughter curved to diui
ngood deal of his Own wrath and leave in
cooler, and he not down in a chair and stared
abseutiy at the light on the table.

If Agnes spoke again during the ten minutes
which followed ho d d not hear hcr, but be final-
! felt a touch on his shoulder and glanced up.

ghee stood beside him, but ill. had regained
her nmal coolness.

“ What shall you do new!” she asked.

“ There is but one thing to do—kill him!”

“ You will do nothing of the kind!” Ibo etoud-
ily answered. '

“ How do you know I will noti”

“ Because he is to be my husband l”

“ Zounds! do you stick to that kicaf"

“ It was never stronger than now. Do you
think I love like a puny 'rl of the East, who
einicr pines when rejecte and dies like u vio-
let, or else forgets her love in a week! No!
When I love it is life, the breath I draw, the
blood that surges through my veins. I love only
to win I”

“ Well, by George! I don't know how you are
going to do it,” Said Leonard, surprised by bu
for the first time in many years.

“If need be, I will have him brought to this
very house and kept a prisoner for a score of
years, but I will break his will.”

“And hear his scorn in the mean while!"

“ I will outdo him in horrors. I will make his
waking hours worse than nightmares; I will

win or ruin!”
Leonard drew a long breath. He had

 

 

thought before that he knew his daughter;

 

 

 

 

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

-I-- ~ ‘ t w l '. ..~ ‘ Mu’q.u.fllW.u—¢. - .

25

 

2"

be bapn to see the acquaintance was but
dawning.

Suddenly she laughed harshly, and turned
awa .

“gee to it my father, that you do this man
no harm. Mine he is. and mine he shall re-
main!”

With these words‘she loft the room. and
Leonard was left alone. He went to the win-
dow and raising the lower sash, let the air come
in. It entered in puns, and at the corner walled
in an uncanny way.

” A severe storm is coming.” he muttered.
“chpccted ita week ago, and it will be all
the more venomous now because. of the delay.
Whewl this equinoctial business is far from be-
ing pleasuntl” .

At the same moment Agnrs was in her cham-
ber, pacing to and fro as a tigrcss sweeps IAAC
narrow limit of a cage.

“ How can I subdue him? Como to my aid,

irit of inspiration, and show me He way.

hi Tom lo, I will win you yet; be sure of
that; and ur-Wolf will remove the girl, Mis-
souri, forever from my path.”

She shivered a little; she always did when
she thou ht of War-Wolf and her com net with
him: an at times she almost wished lie would
fail and lose his life in the attempt. Whatif he
should really come and demand his reward?

No wonder she shivered.

A sudden dash of rain struck the house, and
it seemed almost rocked by the wind which
bore the vanguard of the storm.

Isaac Leonard arose hastily to rccloso the
window, but. as he did so. suddenly recoiled.
He had turned just in time to we a Lumun
figure—that of an Indian—creeping; through the
opening.

The Blackfeet who married near the town
were all under his ordl-rs, but he could not
avoid the impression that there was something
to be feared from this lusty-looking fellow who
came in eta window at night. he turned to-
ward the door, but the Indian was too quick for
him. He leaped lightlv to the floor and spoke
two words.

, “ Leonard, stop!”

The click of a revolver gave significance to
the order and the white man did not dare dls-
obe . He turned toward his visitor, who stood
shelling the rain-drops trom his garments, but
at once assumed a belligerent air.

“ Wh'l are you, and what do you want?’

The answer came calmly and steadily:

“I am the Mountain Cat, and I want you,
Leonard !”

“ What of mel”

“ When pale-faces wish to be polite, they ask
their nests to sit down."

“ ell. Idon’t know as I want to be polite,
but you can sit down if you wish. There is a
chair!” '

So sayin , Leonard took the one nearest him-
self. The udian did not speak in a hostile man-
ner, and his host was beginning to recover his
self- on. _

“ ow the Indian will talk,” onlme added
Mountain Cat. “ He has come to see Leonard
on business. In the risen-lodge of the white
man is the red man’s riend, White Arm—Tem-

k'. you call him. Mountain Cat’s heart has
sad since he heard the news, for Temple is
his brother, and prison walls are not pleasant.
Hg‘hss called to ask that Temple may go free."
Your heart will have to grind Out a good
'3'"! tears before you t Temple out,” sharplg
""'"°d LOW-rd. “ e is my prisoner, and
m“ M" MD) without regard to you or your
Vim”- HO" dare you mention himi—how
due your 9 Blickfoot, acknowledge my enemy
gigs?" maid? Bounding Bison shall hear of

"3"“ Mn m sir-vs merciful. Will not
DOM "'10 is chief of 'the white men’s town,
release cm at"

“Nov I " “‘0‘; and if you dare ask it again,
:31,“ Pm you in prison also!” shouted the white

a .

gigegf‘g?  forward over the table
In .9 . com '
um 1:30 to  mm. panion which almost

“ nar w do nothin - - n
“ma”. g of the land, he
. gWhat. Zdou red dog—”

6 start to rise, but, )1 .
pushed his revolver forwardwnt‘in on “gum
t;‘v3“_i,(',lmv 100M. 01' you shall die!" he qui-
e .

*3 Bounding Bison shall hear of n
Leonard, pale with fear and rage, “fl” sawed

“Wahl Is the white chief blind! 3." big
e es so lost their cunnin that he cannot can
t giaerencs between a lackfoot and a. Paw-
nee

Ilennnrd started.

 Perm?!" he cxoilgigned.

‘ gh a awuee. nard should know
of the tribe when he sees him. for he has b3:
among the lodges of that people, True. it w"
many years ago, but there are some things not
easily forgotten. Leonard must remember
Prairie Rose and the Whhc Bison!"

a. . There was no answers The man .addrm
3t staring at his visitor with wild .y“ m .
tumbling fact

“ Who—who are you?” he feeny asked.

The Pawnee threw back his head and sono-
rously answered: .

“ I am Mountain Cat, the son of Prairie Rose
and the White Bison 1”

Whatever meaning these words conveyed to
the great man of Quartz Rock, it was a terribl
one if his manner was a criterion. He looked
at the Pawnee in utter dismay. not a word pass-
ing his lips, the power of motion seeming gone
iro'n his limbs.

Mountain Cat, on his part, was no longer the
kind man we have seen as the companion of
Temple, but a stern-faced and pitilees avenger.
As Leonard did not ansvw r, he leaned forward
over the table and added:

“lam the son of White Bison. and I have
come to seek vengeanceon his slayer!”

CHAPTER XXXIIl.
WAR WOLF KEEPS ms WORD.

ISAAC LEONARD had encountered the deepest
and most startling surprise of his life but he
was not a man to remain long crushed by ad-
versity. and with great abruptness, as tho h
catching like a shi wrecked mariner at a plan ,
he rallied and wet ed out his course.

What you say is all Greek to me. I don’t
kn0w you. nor White Bison, nor anything about
your wild talk. Have you got hold of the
wrong man, or what is the trouble?”

Mountain Cat did not change expression.

“No' I have made no mistake. I know you
perfect y well. You are the man who Come to
the lodges of the red-men. the Pawnees, somany
gears ago, and brought min and death to White

lSOY‘,

“ Why, you Were hardly born then—”

“ When i”

Leonard hit his lips with anger. His mistake,
closely followed by the question, was far from
beill pleasant.

“ on said ‘ many years ago,’ and I wish to
convey the impression that you could hardly
hove remembered very vividly over fourteen or
fifteen.”

“ Never mind- the Pawnee knovrs his men.”

“ l deny it. I was never among the Paw-
neesl”

Again Mountain Cat leaned forward and
looked his enemy full in the face.

“Leonard, the white slluke who came to the
lodges of my people a score of years ago had a
vcr peculiar fl ure marked on his left arm,
wit blue ink. t represented an eagle t ing
to rise from the ground, but held d0wn y a
chain which was around its leg. Perhaps
Leonard will deny that be has the chained eagle
upon his arm?”

“I will. I do!” '

“ Perhaps he will prove it?”

“ l decline to put myself on exhibition.”

“ It is not necessary. Mountain Cat has seen
the figure on your arm. inside of a moon.”

" It is a lie, you red dog—”

The insult died away on his lips. The Paw-
nee made a quick leap and, catching Leonard
by the throat, thrust the muule of his revolver
against his temple.

“Wolf of the
and you are a
deep voice. .

Leonard sat like one paralysed. He read the
mettle of his companion; he read the danger;
and he dared not litt a finger.

“ I—I was hasty!” he muttered. “I did not
mean whatI said i"

Mountain Cat released him without sword
and resumed his sent. His face had assumed its
usual composure, but there was no danger that
Leonard would test him again. One trial had
been enough. and he knew the way to get along
safely was to proceed with caution.

“ A Pawnee never speaks with a forked
tongue "said the Indian, quietly. "‘I entered
your c amber one night and examined your
arm. There had been no doubt before, but it.
was a case where it was well to make sure. I
JOoked: the chained es lo was there; and Iknew
I had found the man sought.”

“ Perhaps more than one hour the mark.”

“ Two bear it; Ixonard and Temple.”

“Hal you know that!" l

“I have spoken.”

‘- I see now why you are so interested in
Temple; I see why you are so anxious to save
him!

"Mountain Cat has not denied it. but it is
not of that he would speak. Once more, will
you save the risoner?” '

“ He is foolishly stubborn and will not be
saved. My men are bitter against him, and he
will not do as I wish: if he would. I could save

m 7’

“ Leonard wants him to marry his daughter!"
The scorn in his voice made Menard wince.
“You seem worlderfully well informed.”
“The Pawnee is not blind. When the sun is
shining, he does not say: ‘It is at ht!’ He
knows what Leonard’s wishes. and w y,‘ But
let the white man think twice. He has been
asked to release White Arm, and now I as ,
min. let it be done or dread the anger of t
. son of White Bisonl”
l “ Why are you in Montana!" Ieonard slowly
asked.

lofaces, utter another word
ead man i” he exclaimed, in a

 

 

“ Mountain Cat goes and comes as he sees
fit. No man is his master, and no one can my
when he shall come, or why go; nor does to
see fit to answer what you have asked. All in.
has to talk about now is Temple. Will Leonald
release him i"

i‘  he know what—about the past?

4 0.1

“ Or who you are?"

H  n

“ Or'anything about the chained eagle!"
“ No."

“Then it shall be as you say, but he must
leave Quartz Rock at once. Let him go and I
will molest him no more.”

“ ls Leonard speaking with a straight tongue?”
asked the Indian, keenly scanning the white
man’s face.

“I am: I swear itl”

“Then it shall be as you say. Let- Temple be
free by to-morrow when tl e sun is over our
heads and all will be well; but if he is not then
free, beware of the son 0t WLite Bison!”

The Pawnee abru tly arose and began moving
backward taward 0 window, keeping his garb
fixed on Leonard.

“ You can go by the dcor,” said the latter.

“Mountain Cat will go as he came.”

He pushed u the window and a spiteful dash
of rain invadedJ the room. It was nothing to
him, and he retreated calmly and systematical-
ly, while his enemy dared not interfere. The
window was closed and he knew the lndian was
hastenin away, but he only dropped into a
ghaiir an wiped the perspiration from his fore-

ea .

“He herel” he muttered, hoursely. “Good
heaVens! I would as soon have thought tosee
the evil one-«and much rather. But is he really
White Bison’s son! Yes, I dare say it is so, for
I remember there wns a peppoose around the
lodge. But why is be here! Aha, there is mis-
chief afoot, or he would not have wandered all
this distance. He comes of a revenge-fol race,
and I believe be it. here to kill me. Both he and
Temple here! How wonderfully strange. But
I may defy them yet: i will ul'. Bounding
Bison on the Pawnoe’s track, whi e as for Tem-
ple— Release him? Not by my life, no!”

 

The storm was beating furiously. The long-
delayed outburst of the elements had come, and
down among the cabins of Qunnz Bock tore
the wind, bearing the rain almost in shop'-
while overhead hung the clouds, as black
though colored with ink.

It was a bad night to be out. and few th
were who braved the storm. Now and then.
toper, who could not resist temptation, was t
bf] seen on his way to The Hearthstoae;-that was
a .

Stay! a closer survey shows men not going
toward the bowl; men who creep along regard-
less of the rain. but with an evident eve to
secrecy. They make use of the cabins, so far as
ispoeslble, to ide them from observ-tion;yet
the hour is so late that few lights are to be seen
in the village.

Looking closer we make a second discoVery;
the men do not possess white skins; the are
copper-colored, and their dress is wild fan—
tast c.

They are Blackfoot Indians.

He who leads them is War-Wolf. The young
chief has never forgotten his compact with
Agnes Renard. She promised that when he
had removed Missouri ircm‘ her th she would
become his wife, and on this rfiht War-Wolf
intends to do his share of the wor .

At times he has wondered if Leonard’s da h-
ter really intends to keep her promise, but
has never wavered in his resolution to make her

keg it.

e abductors approach the Pumphreyhms'e.
The village is rly adapted to resist intruders,
for the people ve relied for protection co the
very men now about to act so different a rt.
They have bro ht along a ladder and tms iv
placed under M monri's window and War-Wolf
cautiously ascends. He shows a skill which
even a professional burglar might envy.

Fora moment he pauses and listens. All is
silent. He raises the lower sash. The silence
continues: he is sure the ferry-girl is sound
uslccp. Then, like a snake, he works through
the window, scarcely making a rustic.

. His theory is but too correct; Missouri sleeper
lit-tie dreaming of the our ger hoven‘n over her.

The awakening was a rude one. ar-Wolf'
and one of his men ounced upon her; her
hands were bound an a gag inserted in her-
mouth; and then they rolled her in the bedm
clothing and started to retreat.

Would no providential event interfere in her
behalf! ‘

It. seemed not, for no alarm arose and the bid-
nap rssoou reached the . Then they put
the adder away and began'their retreat in the
same cautious way they had entered. Whether
their prisoner was alive, or had been smothered
by the bed-clothing. they did not stop to in-
quire. Straight onward they went, with a
definite purpose in view.

The rain was descending in torrents. Every-
where the ground was deluged. Miniature
strum m into existence whore VI“:

1

l

- - _ l..' -. 5
._,_—~...\ ~ ~-

 

 

.26

seldom ran before. Through the canyons ran
‘fosmin torrents, dashin southward and going
to swel the already doub ed main riVer.

When the red kidnappers paused it was be-
side this stream. The raceway, which was
usually less than half-filled. was nearly level
with water which dashed along like a river of
yeast. Before morning it bade fair to overflbw
its banks. -

The Blackfeet made no unnecessary pause.
They removed the bed-clothing from their pris-
oner and she dropped upon her knees and raised
her bound hands on high. With the gag in her
mouth she could utter no words. no prayer fwl‘
mercy, but the gesture was full of eloquence.

War-Wolf muttered a few hasty words in his
native tongue. Possibly he wavered a little
then, but he did not allow it to interfere with
the plan he had formed. His men seized the
helpless prisoner, hurried to the brink, raised
her aloft and, as a moan broke from her lips,
cast her into the foaming water.

For one moment only was she visible: after
thag they might as Well have looked for a bit of

ol

They turned away, and, silently, War—Wolf
led his men back to the mountain cave. He
had kept his part of the compact, and he did
not intend much time should go to waste before
he sought A nes and notified her he was ready
for her to fu fill her pledge.

He had won her through the darkest deed of
his life, and he meant to have her though all the
powers that ruled Quartz Rock stood in his
path.

 

CHAPTER XXXIV.
mi: FATE OF BOUNDING BISON.

ANOTHER day dawned, but it did not bring
sunshine to Quartz Rock; the storm still raged,
the wind swept down wailineg from the
gulehes, and the rain beat against the cabins
viciously. Still, the first fury of the storm had
died partially away, and the rainfall was less
by a half than at first.

Nowhere was the eflect of the rain more
lainly visible than at the river; it was a foam-
ug, reckless stream. which ran too swiftly to

be dared by an voyager. The bowl-like space
of the Brawn Hyz’ind Ferry was full to the brim,
and the canyon below no longer sufficed to hold
the water; it had overfiowed and extended
.ei hty feet beyond, on each side.
he Adams brothers had been awake to the
danger, and had drawn the boats back to a
oint of safety. From there they watched the

M and, as they did not know of the results

of ar-Wolf’s visit, they were in good spirits,

despite the rain.

“'Tell yer what ’tis Jeff,” said his brother,
“dat air bridge ob ole Leonard’s ain’t gwine ter
stand do strain long.”

“Hope you’s ri ' ht. Wash."

“1 know I is, efl'. You see. de transvarse
pressure ob de watery elements is striking (pa -
.pendiculously upon de sub-stratum ob de bri ge,
an’ dis will cause de saggin’ ob de stringers in a
hydralatic density upon de segment ob do
bridge restin’ on de escarpment ob de rocks. and
do henceiconse is, dat de overflow will catch do
structure on de hip, an’ it will yield to de super~
cargo oh do rotary phalanx involved in de cir-
cumspect ob de transition planks, sn' go ter
hyperbolean chaos!”

Jefl axed at his brother with the deepest
awe. ssh had once been a hostler in one of
the first families of Virginia, and while there
had picked u an education which was really
marvelous. nd when he turned the crank and
set the polysyllsbles flowing, Jet wuss help-
less as a butterfly exposed to a flood.

Nevertheless. he had a practical idea—which
is often as good as even such a rare education
as Wash7s~and he rallied as soon as ible.

“I s’pect I see now what Miss meant

when she said dat dar bridge wasn’t gwine fer
stand. She knew ehery eduiuoctious storm
kicked up jess seek a muss en t is an’ she
knowed dis one was near at hand. flat’s why
she said do da s ob de brid e was few on
y'arth. sn' dat e ferry was 6 only line dat
was bound tor hold out."
. “Rifht you be, Jeff; I thought ob dat my-
self knew Luna. au’ Sol was gittin’ de bulge
on Satan an’ Mars, ter say nufllu ob Jupiter, so
dat de rain would cause a depressure ob de sub-
cutaneous msmbrane ob de equinoctlons, an’
make it rain great guns."

The dusky hoatmen were not the only ones
who detected danger for the bridge. Shortly
after daybreak Isaac Leonard came forth. we 1
wrapped in an oil-cloth suit, and. followed by
Sevsrs‘ of his men. went as near the new struc-
ture as was safe. .

."he water was running over it in a thin sheet,
making it barely visible.

“It’s got ter 0!" said one of the miners.

" I be it wl still hold,” answered Leonard,

on y.

“ Yas, but it won’t.”

“ It seems a shame for our work to be thus
undone." '

" We was puddin’-heads not tar think 0’ ther
future. These rains al vays (hi: this same busi-
ness an’ we mi lit ’a’ knowed we was only

,lworkin’ fur thsr un ou’t.” _

 

 

“ Can’t something be done to save it?"

“ What can be done?”

It was a question Isaac could not answer. He
was fairly ingenious, but all his cunning could
not devise a way to protect the bridge. Besides,
they could not get near it. Even if they took
the boats, it would be only to go to suicide—
there was no man there sufliciently skillful to
handle them in the swift current.

‘Leonard ground his teeth in rage. Ignorant
of the dark deed during the night by War-Wolf,
he did not doubt but Missouri was even then
watching at a distance and exulting over the
state of affairs.

Had fate resolved to beat him in the game,
an how?”

t lOoked like it, and he expected ever man
who came near to taunt him with his ing orious
failure. At every step, so far, he had been
beaten in his struggle for the Brown Hand Ferry
and the river trafiic.

“ But this shall put an end to half-way meas-
ures!" he said, between his set teeth. “ I’ll take
the boats by force and drive the girl out of
town; no more childish folly. Very likely the
people who are lukewarm to mv wishes will
raise a has and cr ; but I will defy them. The
Brown Hand will ave a new manager!”

The resolution was made in earnest, but as he
really feared extreme measures against Soo
would weaken his influence in t0wn, he still
ho ed the bridge niight'zescnpe destruction.

e stood there Needless 0f the rain and
watched. that would be the end? Half of
Quartz Rock was out and watching.

“She’s beginnin ter aner’l” shouted a gray—
bearded miner. “She can’t stand it ten minutes
longer.”

" I’ll bet a dollar she lives half an hour,” said
another.

“ Done!”

“ ACCUTSG‘J fools!”

Leonard muttered the words between his
teeth; to him the subject was too grave for
betting or jesting.

Suddenly a. murmur arose from the crowd.
The water seemed to gather at the bridge, as
though it had been dammed by some obstacle
brought down on the current: then the men
shouted as the whole bridge rolled over as one
timber—the smaller pieces shot down the river
—the larger ones floundered helplessly for a
moment and, rising, followed the rest.

0f the cherished new bridge, not so much as
a chip was left where it had been built.

And then, as though to mock the builders,
the rain suddenly ceased and the wind lulled.

 

To another party of men, the cessation of the
storm was very welcome.

A score of lusty fellows were riding through
the mountain asses. at a point due west from
Quartz Rock. raveling was not easy then. for
temporary streams ran everywhere, but they
were not men to mind slight inconveniences.

In brief, Bounding Bison leading his braves
home. He had been on a fora against a party
of whites who had dared in operations
among the foothills twenty miles away, and
now their work was done they were homeward
bound, not being at all reluctant to get under
cover while the long storm raged.

As the rain ceased for the time they quick-
ened their pace and went on at a trot, paying
little attention to What was to be seen by the

we . -
171th it was that they did not perceive a man
who lay flat behind a bowlder as they passed,
watching them with anxious eyes. They went
their Way and he arose and staggred on.
Staggered, for he was in a most pi ble con-
dition. Drenched with rain. he was also bruised
and pallid, so far as one of his race could be.

For this was Mountain Cat, the Pawneel.

What had h'a pened to him since we saw him
last! It seemed, as though he had fought a riz
1y bear, or been trod under the terrlb e hoo s of
the Giant Elk; and one seeing him then would
havs said he was near death.

Little fear that he would that day return to
beard lsaac Leonard in his den.

The Blackfeet went on their way. They
were a proaching their mountain home, where
\Var- olf and his handful of men had been left
to keep the place in order and be ready to an-
sWer a call from Leonard, and none of them
were sorry to near the friendly cover.

They were riding through a dr pass when
those at the front suddenly recoil and a star-
tling cry arose. -

“Lightning Bolt!"

It was enough to chan e the whole current of
their thoughts, and they ooked u in terror.

Down the pass came the Giant lk at a terri-
ble rate of speed, his bounds seeming. indeed, to
be supernatural, while Lightning Bolt sat in the
saddle with his gaze flxe full on the savages.
Evan at that distance they could see that he was
in his wildest mood- his usually calm face was
distorted with pass on.

Outlaws. sla ers, and noted fighters that they
were, the Blue feet had no taste for such com-
pany, and they turned and'fled. Bhunding Bi~
son was by no means the last to go, but he set
his teeth as he rods and his face was dark with
passion.

, V ,. l , A H, -
.  i l ..,1'..,.‘»='-m“m "1}" 1 w» i w‘ "u
. ,, .. I.  r . . “ “ ' "
 - _ v»,  ..- .. all) .. -‘:.- «1'3. '2

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

“By all the fiends!” he muttered, “ why does
that demon haunt me so! Why can 1 not kill
him? Is be protected by powers infernal, or
what is thematter? Great heavens] he must
be slain, or not one of my men will be left
alive!”

Sudden] a fresh terror seized the fugitives;
they recoi ed with cries of dismay. They had
run into a cul-de-sac, in their wild haste, and up
the surrounding rocks no horse could go.

What could be done?

Unfortunately for them there was no time for
elaborate lans.

The Elk ider swept down upon them.

One of his fiery bolts was launched, and, ex-
ploding, pmstrated two of the Blackfeet. The

set atom of courage went from those who;lived.
Several sprung from their horses and began
climbing the steep rocks in a frantic attempt to
escape.

But others had not time to do this.

Lightning Bolt dashed into their midst, and
for the first ti me in his history, began a hand-
to—hand conflict. He had produced acommon
stick from his gown, which he now used as a
club, and at each blow a man dropped.

But the great feature of the ailray was the
work of Samson. The elk, which had been so
gentle when Missouri saw him, was transform-
ed into a demon. With a succession of snorts
l and whistles, he sprung furiously at the Black-
! feet, knocking them down both with his huge
antlers and hard hoois. Any buck elk in his
wrath is a bad adVersary, and when it is re-
membered Samson was a giant among his kind,
the reader can gain some idea of the destruction
be caused.

Lightning Bolt had eyes for only one man—-
. and that was Bounding) Bison. The white
i Blackfoot had turned at ay and his face ex-
! pressed grim resolution. He tried his revolver
. once, but it missed fire. Perhaps the fact saved
l the avrnger’s life. A second time he raised the
hammer, but he was too late; a blow from the
Elk Rider’s club knocked it ten yards away.

Bounding Bison was full of courage. however,
and, seeing they must come to close quarters,
drew his knife.

It was never used.

The knife-hand was im risoned, while at the
same moment Lightning olt seized Bounding
Bison in a resistless grasp, just aethe elk struck
down another warrior.

The Blackfeet saw their chief lifted to the sad-
dle by his old foe. but not one of them had the
courage to go to his aid. They were dimly con-
scious, too, that the Elk Rider shouted several
sentences in his ears in a terrible voice. What
they were no one except Bounding Bison heard,
but he did hear and the were enough to take
away what little stren h remained.

He who had led scores of slaughtere—who
had been a valiant fighter and the e of
the foothills, became a trembling, nerveless
c0ward.

The identity of ,Lightning Bolt was at last
known to him!

A short time only did the Elk Rider speak;
then he flung the renegade forcibly to the
ground.

“ At him. Samson ,' at him !”

If the Giant Elk did not understand the
words in detail, he did as a whole. and he dash-
ed upon the wretch and struck him again and
again with his hoofs.

The work was soon done; sud then the
aven rs wheeled, Lightning Bolt shouted a de-
derisive farewell, and they dashed rapidly away.

And when the Blackfeet gathered around
their chief they found him head. The Giant
Elk had rid the foothills of their scourge!

CHAPTER XXXV.
THE BLACKFOO‘!‘ DEMANDS HIS REWARD.

THERE was sorrow in the mountain home of
the Blackfeet. The body of Boundln Bison la
in one corner of the cave. He had n a v -
lant warrior, and all his men had liked him.
Collecting around him the most de rate i-
rits he could find, he had trained t em to is

iar ideas until they almost thought, as
well as acted. like him.
I Wegen he led to slaughter, they gladly fol.
0W .

But now he lay dead in the cava, and there
was gloom among the men who had so long
known and admired him.

One man only felt no sorrow. War-Wolf
spoke as sadl as any of the others. but in his
heart he exu ted, and be walked a rt that no
one might see the, loam in his dar eyes. He
was now chief of t e band, and the sudden ac—
cession to power was by no means disagreeable.
Secretly, he had always hated Bounding Bison.
Why should Indian warriors follow a white
man? He, War-Wolf, was all Indian, and it
was fit he should command the band.

Thus reasoned the new chief.

But, chie fly, he exalted because it would give
himafresh old over Isaac Leonard and his
daughter. He had nevor been toossnguine that
she would keep her pledge and marry him, but
he had sworn she should be his though he had to
abduct her. If he did this he knew he could
no longer be one of the band; Bounding Bison

 

 

 

, R 

‘ V .0
fi’w"~t’;”‘ff :"‘ ‘

would—not allow it. V ‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lightning Bolt, the canyon. Terror.-

nhLéL for“

CHAPTER XXXVI.
FATHER AND banana: m M.
LEONARD would have looked upon the matter
as a farce, had not Agnes’s manner plainl
shown that she was dismayed and frig ten
He strode to her side with a ringing step.

But now Bounding Bison was dead; the '
“War—Wolf was chief of the Blackfeet, and he
could do as he chose and have the band to aid 1
him.

And hevswore that Agnes should be his or he ‘
would make the streets of Quartz Rock run red E

“ It is time he knew his daughter is to marry
VVar-Wolf.”

Agnes shivered.

“ 1 do not want him to know just yet.”

“ Why not!” the Blackfoot asked,with a frown.

“ Don t you think we had better—better keep

 

 

«bath, a .

 

with blood. .
' Outside the cave the storm, which had re—

sumed its former fury, beat pitilessly. The.

wind rushed down the gulches with a wairl and

a moan; the bed of the canyon, once a broad ‘,
expanse of sand with a tiny stream in. the cen- j
ter, was a foaming river and the air was as '

raw and chilly as though touched by an icy
hand.

But War-Wolf heeded it not; the convulsion
of Nature ’was but in keeping with his own
spirits.

He was resolved to go to Quartz Rock that
day, regardless of the storm. The death of
Bounding Bison would be a sufficient excuse to
his men, if, indeed, any was needed, and he was
impatient to claim his reward. He had ke this
word and sent Missouri to a terrible deat i; he
wasimpatient to sue. Agnes and hear her say
she was ready to become his.

The hours were on. At times the storm raged
furiously: anon, it almost died away; but there
was no real cesarion.

Two hours after noon “Far-Wolf prepared for
his journey and left the cave. By the time he
reached the tOWii he was wet through, but he
hardly knew whether it rained or the sun shone.
He could be a stoic in nearly all affairs of life,
according to the fashion of his people, but his
passion for Agnes was a raging volcano.

When he reached Quar‘z R'le the streets
were deserted. The bridge had been swept
away some hours before, and now no one cared
to go out and defy the storm.

War-Wolf stalked straight through the street,

.‘uever seeming to look about him. Yet, under
his blanket. his hand clutched his weapons and
be was ready for whatever might occur. .

Going at once to Leonard’s house, he did not
pause to rap but tried the door. It was un-
fastened and he strode in. He had been at the
house before and knew the way, and with an
echoing stride he went immediately to the eit-
tins-room.

lie pushed open the door and took in the
minutt'w of the room at one swift glance. It
had but one occupant. _

Agnes sat by the table, her attitude and ex-
pression both intlcative of deep thought, but at;
sight of the Blackfoot she sprung/to her feet
and the color retreatedfrom her face with a
rush. Too well she read the meaning of that
visit; she had heard of the mysterious disap-

earance of her rival; and at sight of her con-
‘ ederate her blood seemed to turn to ice in her
veins.

He strode forward until within five feet of
her and then paused. His set face 'grew softer
and his eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Rosebud, the War-Wolf is here!" he an-‘

nounced. ,

A nes made a great effort to regain her
“805 composure.

“ Yes, 1—1 see you,” she faltered. .

“ The heart of the chief is glad at sight of the
pale- face irl.” ,

“ I-I gender that you have come in such
weather.”

“Storm and sunshine are alike, when War-
'Wolf seeks the mistress of his heart. Her eyes
can clear away the clouds and make the earth
glad and warm.” -

“But, isn’t it rash for you to come here! You
know it is the rule that the Blackfeet shall not
enter the village openly—”

“ Circumstances change all things. Rose-
bud. i have come to tell you my work is done.”

“Your work?”

“ The white girl of the ferry will never trou-
ble Rosebud again i”

“ What have you done with her!”

“ Her bod is in the river; it may be miles
away, now.

Agnes‘s eyes sparkled. . There was no pitv for
her have]; and 'eVen when her personal fears
were so strong, she found time to exalt that
the woman whom she believed kept her apart
from Waldo Temple, would never be seen again.

“ Tell me about it!” she said.

War-Wolf obeyed, and described the tragic
event with which the reader is already ac-
quainted.

“it is well,” said Agnes, steadily,
.al her courage had returned. “ I k
missing, and thougth race
the work, and I am please
have done well, chief.”

War-Wolf inclined his head in a stately mm.

for nearly
new she was

to find it so.

er.
“ When I have time,” the girl resumed, “ we
will talk of this matter further. Suppose we
meet at a given point about a week hence; in
seven suns, if you prefer the expression?”

nized your hand in ‘
You _

' it secret a while?”

“ No l” was the decided answer.

“But,” said the girl, desperately. “ it is im-
possible to do as you wish now. Father and
Bounding Bison might ob'ect, and—and-”

“Listen, Rosebud! hen War-Wolf seeks
a squaw, he_is willing all the world should know
it. What is there to conceal? If a chief of the
great Blackfoot nation asks for a maiden, it is
an honor. Rosebud has promised to come to
my lodge, and it is right Leonard should know
it at once. You ask for delay. There must be
no delay. Did War-Wolf delay removing your
enemy? No! and he asks to be done by as he
has done. In a week Rosebud must be the mis-
tress of his lodge.”

Agnes recniled. '

“No! no!” she exclaimed, in horror.

“War-Wolf says, yes! His lodge is cold
and lonely, and when Rosebud is there it will
brighten, and the birds will sing once more at
the door. The white girl has given her promise;
d0es she refuse to kee it?”

“Oh, no,” answere Agnes, alarmed by the
sudden light in his eyes. “ I always keep my
word, and I will be your—your wife; but I do
not wish to act hastily." '

“You did not delay when promising!” was
the significant reply.

The girl was driven to desperation, and it
seemed like an intervention of Previdence when
the door opened and her father appeared at the
threshold.

He stopped short at sight of War-Wolf and
looked very much surprised, but he quickly
recognized him as thn second in command—as
he supposed—of the Blackfeet, and drew his
Own conclu~ions.

He quickly advanced.

“ I Hm glad to see you, War-Wolf. Have you
a message from Bounding Bison i”

The. chief gravely shook his head.

“Bounding Bison will neVer send another
message, and et I have news of him. The
great warriOr-c ief has gone to the happy hunt-
ing-grounds !"

Leonard started back.

“What! Bounding Bison is not dead!” he
cried.

H Yes.”

“How did it ha n?” , '

“ How have half)e the men of the band died!
By the hand of Lightning Bolt!"

‘f Always Lightning Bolt!” Leonard ex-
claimed. “Who, and what, is that creature,
that he thus wars on my men—on the band?”
Others have met him and received no harm;
what does it mean?” '

It was a question War-Wolf did not feel com-

etent to answer, and he made no attem t.

eonard was more deeply touched than . e
others knew. It was not that he had any dee
affection for the dead man, for he was too sel -
ish to grieve for any one: but they had been
allies for many ears, and now the chief vil-
lain’s most value is adherent was one. ‘

Still, he had learned to face w atever came
alon , and he finally raised his game toWar-
Wol 3 face. Darin the pause, Agnes had tried
in vain to attract t a Blackfoot’s attention and
make a sign imploririg secrecy; the cunnin
chief suspected something of the kind and "would
not look at her.

Leonard knew him to be as brave and un-
scrupulous as he could desire; was he in
other ways fitted to become the leader of the
Blackfoot band?

“ You are now head-chief in Bounding Bison's
place.” he finally said, slow .

“ Ugh!” answered War- olf. ,

“If I make the omce a rmanent one for
you, do you think you can ll it to my interest
and satisfaction?”

“Leonard may be sure of that. War-wolf
will he as faithful as is the panther to its
young.

“Then the place is yours' and I hope we
shall agree as well as I di with Bounding
Bison.” .

“ War-Wolf thinks we W111 agree better,
Leonard.” .

“Indeed! Why so?”

“ Because Leonard's daughter is goin to War-
Wolf’s lodge as his squaw, and she 10' 1 be the
bond between us!"

Leonard started, and looked at A nee. She
was pale and troubled, and she .1 a uick
gesture im loring her father to be silent. f she
could get ar-Wolf awe and explain the mat-
ter, she could make it leol‘rv less unnatural. But
the great man of Quartz Rock refused to follow
her lead, and turned to the Blackfoot with a
to WI on his face.

“ What does this meani” he demanded.

The unscrupulous irl had sown the wind: she
now saw the probe ility that she. would reap
the whirlwind. In bargaining with the Black-
foot for Missouri’s death she had o'isobeyed her
father’s distinctly-expressed command, and she
knew his wrath would be terrible; while, on the
other hand, one look at the Indian was enou h
tochill her blood. But her decision was ui -
1y made; she feared death from War- olf‘s
hands—it could not be so bad where Leonard
was concerned.

Her best way was to make a frank confession
and trust to him to st her out of it.

"Father," she said, trying to be calm, "let
me tell you what has happened. You know I
have hated Missouri, the ferry-girl, and wished
her out of my path. I went to War-Wolf and
asked him to remove her. Rea ed, but his
price was-my hand! i amsen , and now he

as done his work. Missouri is dead, and War-
lVolf has come for hie answer.” i

i“ For my squawl” grimly amended the In-

an.

Isaac Leonard remained as cal- outwardiy as
an iceberg, but Agnes know a tempest was rag-
ing within. He asked for further explanation,
and she told how she had gone to the mountain
cave, hoping to see Boundiu Bison. and had
seen \Var-Wolf instead. While she explained
her red lover stood like a statue, his blanket still
wrapped about him, but his burning gaze never
left her face.

“ You did all this after I had distinctly said
no personal harm was to come to the girl?”

“ I did, father, but you do not know—"

Leonard turned to the Blackfoot.

“ Chief,” he said, “this is an unfortunate af-
fair; one which makes it very painful for me,
as well as you; but I think when you have
meditated further you will be willing to release
this rash girl from her promise. The eagle
mates with the eagle; the bison with the bison.
Agnes has been reared in the ways of le-
faces; you, in the ways of the red-men. on
and she would not live happily together. Now,
abandon your claim on the girl and I will give
you ten horses which shall be as fleet as the
wind.” .

He had used all his persuasive powers, but
War-Wolf remained as calm as gravon rock.

“The Blackfoot 093 not ask for horses; he
asks for nothing. he Rosebud has promisedto
become his squaw; he would have her keep her
word l" .

“ But, really, chief. it cannot .be—l’ ,

“ It can be, and it shall i"

War-Wolf threw back his head and spoke im-
periously.

“ Reflect, chief—”

“ I am not here to reflect; I am here for my

squaw!” said the Indian, in a voice which near-
ly deprived Agnes of what strength remained
to her. “ I have removed her enemy from her
path, and no power on earth can rob me of my
ri 1113;, Agnes goes to the lodge of theWar-

o

“By all the gods! she shall not go!" cried

“She shall go or die!” said War-Wolf, in a
terrible voice. '

A moment more and the lam alight gleaned
on the polished barrel of a rave ver as
drew and covered the chief.

“Attempt to “take her, you red dog. and I
grain shoot you deed where you stand!" he shout~

The Blackfoot did not stir a finger.

“The warriors know where I went ” he cold-
ly said, “and I ordered them, in did not re-
turn by another morning, to give the white
man's town to the names.

It was a fiction, but an excusable one. Bun,
“'93:th ' I d f

t t em come° e them!” hotl an-
sWered Leonard. “You ugh-e too high, {ad I
will show you I am still master here. You can-
not have the girl, and if your rod fiendsane
anxious for a I ht, we can accommodate them.

Lightning Bolt as reduced their numbers until

they are fewer than in own men. From this
day I cast them of! an you are at liberty todo
whatever you see t."

“ Listen to me!” said the chief, still cold and
unmeved. “If you deny me the price of the
work I have done, I-swear to devote the rest of
my life to revenge. The Blackfeet shall become
the scourge of t e foothills as they have never
been before, but they shall war on Leonard’s
friends, not on his enemies. ‘ No white man
shall dare step outside the village; the red-men
will always be lurking in the mountain gulchee
and watching. Here in your village you shall

, J’L.

, l " Rosebud does not seem busy: what isto hin-
v- -- der our talking now?" slowly asked the young

‘ chief. I

a “ This is hardly the right place, and—my fa-

' i.  ther may come in and interrupt us.”

‘ What do you mean?” he sharply. asked.

“War-Wolf docs not speak in riddles- He
said Rosebud was to be his squaw and he
means what he said. He has bought her, pay-

starve for the food you dare not go forth to ‘
obtain, and some night you shall awake to find ;
the roof of your house burning over our head, ; 
and butchered men and women scat red from ' 9

 

 

_ lag her own rice and now she is his. She the river to the can on. I swear this b to "i
- “W‘u'wou “"3"” to 39° mum" ‘° “'9 lodge? 01 ill! People; “19 comes to  (mus of my poo la! y ‘
in “ For what rell-on?” Wolf a in. equawl" ' Boson so was f-thrcugh Leonard “w a. ., -

 

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2, an

     
 

« ~- ~V’thf-Y‘wya.a‘~u-- ._ . _ .m 

  

 

 

 

28 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

 

 

 

 

need of avertin the threatened danger, and
rapidly his ferti a mind mapped out a course
offirooedure.

a first sent Agnes away and then, inviting
his unwelcome vrsucr to sit down, opened a long
conversatiOn. On his part it was a skillful one;
all his wiles were brought into pla .

He first tried to reason with \ ar-Wolf, and
then when the latter remained firm, seemed to
yield gradually and let the chief ar no in turn.

Gradually, he yielded. but he met e it a condi-
tion. of the marriage that War-Wolf should
abandon his wild life and set‘le down some.
where as a farmer or stock raiser. This part
of the compact was the more easily ratified be-
cause War-Wolf did nor, intend to keep it, nor
did Leonard intend he should live to do so.

U n such an empty bargain we need not
dwel; enough to say that, in the end, peace
seemed established and they parted with a cor-
dial shake of the hand. it had been agreed
that Agnes should have three days in winch to
prepare for the marriage, but War»Wolf was to
call the next evening—us a lover!

He went away with an appearance of satis-
faction heedlcss of the pouring rain and the
mutter ngs of the thunder. For the electric
batteries had taken part in the war of the ele-
ments, and, as a silent accompaniment to the
thunder, the lurid lightnin played along the
sky, touching the ebon c ouds with Varied
shades of red.

 

Agnes oome to her father with a and face.

“ Vere you in earnest in promising my hand i
to that red monster!” she as :ed. I

“Girl,” Leonard answered, in a voice she ,‘
never forgot, “if I gaVo you over to ten thou- !
sand years of such a life, it would ill express ‘
my condemnation of your course. I told you
that, on no condition. wns bodily harm to be i
done the ferr -girl. You at once planned for 
her death, an , not only that, but you ran your ,
head into the worst fix of your life. You avo 3
ficpardized the lives of all the people of Quartz '

ock, for the Blackfeet can bmcher all. it’ they [
choose. Words cannot explers my utter con- E
demnation, so we will pat-s to the means of ro- '
lief. War-Wolf must die .’”

Again Agnes breathed free. Nothing would
please her more.

"I haVe two plans,” resumed Leonard. “In
the Blackfoot hand. there is an ambitious brave
named Walking Eagle. He has always been
jealous of War-Wolf, who is his junior, and I
shall tell him plainly that, if he kills War-Wolf,
he shall he chief in his place. Again, the visit
of the latter to us, to-morrow night, is but a
trap. Ishall give him wine, and if he drinks
he will never go away. It will be poisoned!”

The beautiful demOn was delighted; evident—
?” she had made no mistake in giving her

ather charge of affairs. She breathed again;
the Blackfoot would be removod from her path
as completely as 800 had been, and she would
vet win Temple.

She felt so relieved that when she went to her
room she scarcely thought of War-Wolf. One
of Leonard’s rem'urks had iven her a new
thought, and she was enga e in elaborating it.

She knew something a out the poison of
which her father had spoken. A dose of a cer-
tain else would kill in ten minutes and the vic-
tim would fall without warning, as though
from heart-disease. Reduced one-half in quan-
tity, it would not take effect until at the expi-'
ratidn of about five hours.

Furthermore, tin-re was a positive antidote.
The strongest dase would be rendered harmless
by means of the counter-agent.

Knowing all this, and forgetful of the evil af-
fecta of her Own headstrong course in the past
she determined to make use of it as a means 0
winning Temple. She w uld visit him in his
cell, and if he showed no a gns of yielding, give
him the poison. Then she would tell him what
he had swallowed, and give him a choicebe-
tween death and the antidote—the latter to be
given only on condition that he consented .to

marrg her.

Th scheme seemed so clever to her that she
relapsed into a very amiable mood and, in that
conditiorl, fell asleeyi).e

How lou it was fore she awoke she never
knew, but or eyes suddenly opened widely and
she sat erect in bed. She had a vague, but
keen, idea that something was wrong, but what
it was she did not know.

It was asthough she had awakened from a
nightmare, bu her im lession was that the
trouble was a [mantis one.

She listened inlently. All seemed still except
the beating of the storm outside. Inside her
room there was no audible sound. Still, she
was not easy and, once, nearly decided to arise
and strike a match. Thinking better, of it, she
finally lay down. however. but had barely done
this when something cold was pressed against
her temple and a voice hissed:

“ Not a word, or you are a dead woman !”

CHAPTER XXXVll.

 

 

m mmoar rmaunnns.
Adm was wise enough to value her personal
safety above all other things, and she attempt-
ed to make no outcry, but such an atteli t.

would inanyeasehavs been useless, from s"

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fact that a hand had also closed over her
mouth.

Plainly, the intruders ware thoroughly in
earnest.

"Now, my lady,” continued the unknown,
“I want to have a little talk with you, and
I ive you fair warning not to do anything
foolish. All we want is to ask a few questions;
if these are truthfully answered, we will go
quietly away. I swear that no bodil harm
is intended you. This is the case, a lowing
that ou will not sound an alarm. If you do
I will, send a bullet through your head. Re-
lease her, pardl”

The hand was removed from Agnea’s mouth,
but she still felt the touch of the revolver.

“ I will .tell you anything you wish,” she hur-
riedlv said.

“ Very well: what we wish is to know what
has become of Missouri, the ferry girl i”

Agnes started.

“ I do not know,” she answered.

“ Do not begin the conversation with a lie. I
say you do know. The question is, will you tell
“Si”

“ I would if I knew, but, really—”

“ Really, I see you want me to press the trig-
ger of this revolver!” retorted the intruder.

“ Mercy l” exclaimed Agnes.

“D.~serve mercy, and on shall have it.
New, no more nonsense. on ware concerned
in the disappearance of Missouri, and I am
going to know where she is or make matters
hot around here i”

The man’s voice told of inflexible purpose.
Agnes thought there was something familiar
about it. but to save her life she could not place
itr—pronably the man took good care that she
did not.

“ Who are you, that is so much interested in
Missouri?” she demanded.

“I may be the Flying Dutchman; that’s an
affair that don’t concern you. I am here to
ask questions, not to answar them. Come, now
my lady, no more back talk. You know what
has become of the ferry-girl, and we are going
to make you talk. Where is she!”

The revolver was pressed harder against her
temple, but she was resolved not to confess her
share in the crime and, sudden] , she madea
bound with the hope of escaping hem.

Vain attempt! The second man had plainly
been watching for just this movement, and he
caught her before she had hardly left her pillow
and fiung her back.

“ Strangle her!” cried he with the revolver,
with an oath.

Strong fingers clased over her delicate neck,
but she managed to gasp, faintly. ,

“ Mere l mercy !”

The su ocating hold relaxed.

“ Will you answer?”

“ Yes, yes!” said Agnes ready enough to talk,
nowthat she saw her life seemed really to de
pend upon it.

“ Well where is Missouri?"

“ Dead!"

“Deadi’,

fl Ya.”

“ Woman, have you dared to do her harmf”
sibilantly demanded the unknown.

f “t "o, no; not Ii She was killed by the Black-
eo .

“By your order, I’ll swear.”

“No: upon my word of honor, no. I had
nothing to do with it.”

“ How was the work done?”

“ She was thrown into the river racewa .”

The sv‘ran er uttered an exclamation o hor-
ror. The ate it sug ested was one which
seemed terrible when ta en in connection with
a girl so fair and good as 800 Under some cir-
cumstancos he might have doubted, but as it
was he believed implicitly. He bent over her
and s ke in a husky voice. -

“ omau, your hand is visible in this matter.
You hired the Blackfeet to do the deed, and it
was one worthy of your black heart, but you
shall never profit by it; the deed shall recoil
upon ourself, and you shall live to see our
own crerished plans go to ruin. It won! not
trouble my conscience if I sped your life to-
night, but, unlike you, ! am not a sin er of wo-
men. You shall live, but it willbe to isappoint-
ment. Remember what I have said!”

“ Who are youf" Agnes asked, rehelliously.

“ Your enemy, woman.”

“Are you afraid to tell your name!"

“If you call it so, yes. I took the pains to
put on a mask when I came here, because I
wished to preserve my identity. and I think be-
tween that and the darkness] shall succeed. I
do not see fit to reveal too much.”

Agnes began a sarcastic reply, but When she
waited for an answer at the end. none came.
She spoke again; all was silent. Impressed by
an idea, sbe arose and struck a light. She was
alone in the chamber. Aided b the howling
of the storm, the unknown men ad beat a ti-
lent retreat while she talked. ,

She looked out of the window through which
the had evident] gone, as the lower sash was

gough the lightning was play-
ing brightly, she could see nothing of them.
Her first inclination was to arouse her father
and tell him what had happened, but she hated

’ .:I '. I
‘www'r

 

 

he would upbraid her with having all Montana.
at her heels as avengers, and so closed the win—
dow and again retired.

This time she did not fall asleep so quickly.
The possibility that the unknown men might re-
pent their clemency, and return to do the work
they might have done at first,wu enough to
keep her awake.

Perhaps an hour had passed when she heard a
cry outside. It was repeated, this time more
distinctly, and she recognized the uttered word.

It was that of “ Fire . ’

She arcse and hurried to the window. The
electric light now had a rival which, so far as it,
went, was the more potent o the two; one of
the villa e buildings was wrapped in flames and
burning uriousiy. ‘

“ Struck by ightning!” carelessly thought
Agnes. “ They might as well let it burn;
nothing can save it now.”

Yet, the men of the village were arousing and
hurrying to the scene, and as two of them passed
she heard one remark:

“ it‘s the new jail, and. unless some miracle
has stepped in to help him, Temple must be
burned to a crisp!”

Agnes sprung to her feet with a gasp. Waldo
Temple in danger—shut up in the burning build-
ing to die like a rat! Her heart almost seemed
to stop its beat-ing at the thought. Somehow,
she scarcely realized the way, she managed to

et inside her garments and out of ,the house.

t was not until she found the rain beating in.
her face that she became cool enough to know
what she was doing. But she might as well
have remained in the house; as she reached the
group of helpless men, the roof fell headlong in—
to the fiery pit and a shower of sparks shot up-
ward.

“ That’s ther last 0’ Temple! By thunder, I’m-
really sorry for the voungster.”

Akgnes wheeled. It was the jailer who had.
3 'en.

“ Is he really lost!” Isaac Leonard harshly
asked.

“ He is, fur sure. Thar wa’n’t a soul at the-
jail when ther lightnin’ struck: I was ther first
tier arrive; an’ when I did come it was too late
ter go in. Yes. ore feller. he’s a goner. sure!”

Was his assert on true! Let us follow the two
masked men who had so lately invaded Agnes’a
chamber. After retreating b the window,
they took their ladder away an were soon at a
place where they could safely talk.

h“Wbat now, Jack, me bye!” asked one of
t em.

“ Revenge 1” said the other, sternly. “ I’ll pay
this female devil back in her own coin. ”

“ Who’ll you kill?”

“Nobody. If that was my game I would
take Temple, of course, but I am on a diflerent
scent. It will be more bitter to her to know he
lives and that she can’t have him, than to give
him to her dead. I have hated him, but now
that Missouri is dead, I’ll do him a good turn
and then at out of Quartz Rock.”

“ But d e gal may not he did, nor.”

“No hope that she’s alive. I said as much
when I knew that she had disappeared. and this
female fiend would not have confessed a know-
ledge of her death if it had not been true. She
tried to throw all the blame on the Blackfeet,
but I know her well. Come, we will release
Temple!”

80 saying, the two men, whom we easily
recognize as Jack Purcell and Mike Mullny
movad toward the jail. On the we Jack found
a crowbar, and with this they easi y forced the.
outer door. After tha', matters were not dif-
ficult. Making use of the jaller’s light, they
penetrated to em le’s room.

He had been seeping on the bare floor. but
their entrance aroused him. He sprung up and,
seeing two masked men, gras one of the
chairs and stood ready to defen himself.

“You needn’t be alarmed.” said Purcell; “we
are not here as foes—nor friends either, unless
you see fit to take it that way. or revenge on
your enemies, whom I hate, I open your door
and sa : ‘60 if you see fit!”

“fl, lieve recognize you," said Temple,
we y.

“ ack Purcell!" that rson acknowledged,
taking 011’ his mask. “ am he. I don’t ex-
pect on to trust me. and don’t care a picayune
whet or you do or not, but my hatred for you
has vanished with the death of her who on
it—Missouri.

Temple started violenzldy.

“ What!” he exclaim .

“I see you do not know the truth, yet. Mis-
souri is dead. The devilish hatred of Agnes
Ifitlufll‘d is at last satisfied. '

Mr. Jack Purcell was one of the last men in
the world one could ex t to turn preacher,
and be surely had little r ght to criticise Agnes,
but Missouri's fate had indeed made an impres-
sion on his seemingly callous heart. .

Temple strode forward and caught his arm.

“ Are you telling the truth?" be asked, in a
terrible voice.

6‘ l "m",

“ And Agnes has murdered Missouri!”

“ I won’t say that. enctly, but— Well you
shall bear the story.”

He then told all be how, and than was not

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Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. . 29

 

an air of sincerity about his manner that Tom—
ple could no longer doubt.

The tidings tell on him with stunning force.
Mismuri dead The extreme of misery was
expressed by lose two words; the future
seemed to stretch before him bleak and barren.

Missouri dead!

Suddenly, he extended his hand to Purcell.

“ Give me a Weapon !” be said, hriarsely.
“ Give me a revolver, a knife—I care not what
~and I will Scek revenge!”

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Tim POISONED WINE.

PURCELL unliesil‘utingly handed over one of
his twv. lvcrs, and grasping it, Temple strode to
the do ~r; but. at the threshold he paused,

“No!” he said, suddenly: “the time has
not yet come. I must first see the Mountain

 

. Cat.”

He had been feeling somewhat bitter because
there had been no sign from the Piwnee, bur. in
thisemergeney his mind turned to hint. Before
he soup: it the Leonards. he would see Mountain
Cat, and try to make sure Missouri was past
help.

Purcell heard his decision—the motive was
not explained—in imliflfere'tc», but he suggest-
ed that they leave the jtii while they could.
Some one might drop around and interfere with
their going.

Mike Muiloy loitered behind; but the other
two men, who had been such deadiv enemies
walked side by side through the village. Not
a word passed between them; both were think-
in of Missouri.

gleam the entrance to Shoestring Gulch, they
paused.

“ We part here,” said Purcell, “for I leave
Quartz Rock, at once. I am going South, to
Arizona, it may be; and there is a possibility I
may turn over a new leaf. I won’t say for
certain. So, here we part, without sentiment—
alit . without the hypocrisy of a handshake.
I tr ed to kill you once, and this last tnvor was
done by me only to spite Agnes. Were $00 to
come to life: 3w, I would try my level best to
throw you cold, as we used to say in old times.
Hatred dies hard. Ahl here comes Mike—he
goes South with me. What have you been
doing?“ .

“L’avin‘ me keard fur dcm spulpeens.” said
Mulloy, with a chuckle. “I wiut about dhe
jail wid a flrebrnnd, a hit, an’, begorra, it’s
mesilf thinks dhero will be a bonfire goin’
soon.”

“Then womust go ahead of it. Come on!
Tom is, so-long!”

“ (good-day!

It was a sin lar parting for cit-rivals, but
queer things 0 ton happen in Monuna even to
this way. Purcell and Mulloy disappeared in
the darkness, and then Temp‘o turn his back
on the village and hurried away. His destina-
tion was a mountain cave, where he hoped to
find Mountain Cat. .

As he went, the wind buffeted and the rain
drenched him, but he heeded neither one. His
mind was on Missouri, and he went like one
in a bitter dream—a nightmare. IDOklllg
back, when half his journey was made, be
new a bright 1i ht at the Village, and knew
Mike Mulloy ha: not failed to get his bonfire.

He still pressed on, and flaull y arrived at the

lace he was seeking. At the mouth of the cave
sounded a signal, but no answer was return
0d. When repeated efforts had rovod unavail-
ing. he Ventured inside, found ountain Cat’s
material for getting a light, and soon had a
torch burning;

Th9 light, owever, fell on barren rocks; 9;-
:Zwor his own presence, the place was unten-

36 "I deeply disc pointed for he had ho
$000 to confide his tremble: to the Pawnee 233
secure the benefit of his 'sagacity, on the
Who", his lbsence from his haunt seemed
mzzh::gddck:§mlple went to the ashes in one

I“ t em ,
‘03:": N 09°11 They were cold
me ow t a fact struck a
The condition of the ashes leghlililntiatgizigilggé
Mountain Cat had not been there since they
parted, nearly two days before, at Brown 33nd

err- .

Where. then, was he? Had he
made the victim of foul playt An 15.13am:
air of gloom hung about the place, and seemed
to answer affirmatively. If this wugo 1; ex.
piained why the Pawnee had made‘no’vislble
eflort to get him out of. prison.

For the first time Temple lost courage. He
had work to do, but he needed a strong bond to
hel) him. Where was be to get it! Guam-
Golightly was his friend, but be was not the
man to make war on lsaac Leonard. In such
on emergency, Mountain Cat was worth half a
dozen of him.

Yet. the only hope left seemed to rest in Gar.
for. Ho waso skillful trailer, and he might be
able to find some trace of 800.

“I will return to the village at once. The
night is not yet so far gone that I need fear
meeting the village people, union they re-
mainlnup on account 0 the fire. I will go at
ONO

 

With another glance around the gloomy
cave, he left the place and began his return.

 

War—Wolf did not forget his appointment
with the Leonards, and he was early at the
hou:;e 0n the following evening. Durin the
do the fury of the storm had subside to a
du l, intermittent drizzle, but all weather was
alike to the Blackfoot, and he heeded it very
little.

He was received with n politeness which his
wil entertainers took care not to make too cor-
dia. They had an ax to grind, and did not
intend to let their intended victim take the
alarm.

In a glass, set apart for his use, a quantity of
poison had been placed. then the wine on
which they meant to “treat.” him had been
placed therein, he w0tdd Swallow a potion which
would do quick, deadlv work.

Agnes was not looking well. She had taken a.
firll'C'i‘, strong fancy for Temple, and now that
she believelhe had perished in the burning jail,
the‘reacticn had come and she felt a painful lan-
gultr new to he 1‘.

It was only with an effort that she suc-
ceeded in acting her part in the cvoning’s
drama: but she was anxious to sea War-
Woll‘ disposed of, and another chance might
not come.

Leonard cunnineg devoted the greater art
of the evening to business. New that here
must be a change in the leadership of the Black-
feet, it was natural he should wish to go ovor
erery point carefully.

He had seen Walking Eagle in the forcaoon.
and that brave had grasped eagerly at the
chanceofl’ered him. A: has been said, he had
always been jealous of War-lVolf, and nothing
would give him more pleasure than to remow
his rival.

The leadershi of the band was to be his ro-
ward if he at Var-Wolf out of the way, and
heintende to doit.

lfWar—Woli’s suspicions had not been lulled
to rest, be, too, was playing a part. He was

grave and dignified all the time, though now.

and then he gave Agnes some metaphorical
compliment, as though to show her he had not
forgotten their engagement, and the Leonard:
considered the evaning a. succem.

When he spoke of going, Isaac proceeded
steadily to the more'important business.

“ Let me give you some wine, before you go.
It may not be quite so strong as what you are
in the habit of having, but it is all I have in the
house, and is the very best sherry. Agnes, will
you pour three glasses!”

The girl arcse and went to the side-table.
The glasses were arranged so that there could
be no mistake, and she poured out the wine
with a. steady hand. ‘

Leonard did not let conversation 11 but
held War-Wolf’s attention, and the chief d not
once glance toward A es.

She advanced wit the three giant and
handed one each to WanWolf and Leonard.

“ Now, then," said the latter, with a flourish
of his hand. “let us drink this toast. Success to
guartz Rock and the Blackfoot bond-,‘deoth to

l lltnlng Bolt and all other enemies!

e raised the glass, but War-Wolf did. not
follow his lead.

“ The Blackfoot will not drink now; he will
save the fire-water until he has melted the
cave l" he steadily said.

And then he drew an empty flask from hie
pocket and made a motion to pour the contents
of the glass into it.

“ But you need something to warm you for
the ’ourney," urged Leon , not at all planned.

“ t will warm just as much if taken at the
cave,” was the unmoved reply.

“ I can improve on that; drink who! you
have. now, and I will fill your flask in addi-
tion.” said the lotter. .

War-Wolf d d not answer until he had poured
the isoned wine into the flask.

“ will take this an I have said, and as much
more as Leonard will give me," he then said,
stoically.

His host dared not insist. To urge him was
to run too great a risk of excitin maploion,
and he let the matter pool; but be con-
Versation as an excuse for seeming to forget to
give more, and the Blackfoot went away with
the p0isoned drink in the. flask. Their parting
was friendly, and then the chief strode away in
the storm and darkness.

Leonard returned to his dau but and heaped
a profusion of cones on the In in“ head. .

“ But if he drinks it at the cave, it will be just
as well," said Agnes.

“If he does! Ay, there's the rub. Icannot
help thinking that the red demon is mpicious.
His race don't usually decline liquor when they
can get it, and his singular course leave. me in
doubt and fear.”

“ Well, if he escapes the wine wohavo Walk-
ing Eagle upon whom to de mi.”

‘ Ay. and I place my rol once on that brave,
now. He is Wild to bochief of the Blackfoot.
and if War—Wolf escapes his hand he will do
well. Let us waitsnd see!”

The Blackfoot chief strode homoward throu h
the rain and darkness with the regularity a

 

machine. When he arrived at the cave he went
at once to his private room, leaving word for
Walking Eagle to follow.

The latter soon came; a cruel. craftv-looking
man of middle age, and he stood proudly in the
presence of the chief he hoped to slay and suc-
ceed.

“ Leonard has sent you this, “’alking Eagle,"
said ‘vVar—V'Volf, calmly, as he produced his
flask. “ He bids you drink to his health and be
strong of heart!”

Walking Eagle saw nothing suspicious in this;
on the contrary, he felt as much amusement as
was natural to his phlegmatic nature at the
tliought‘that his ally. Lennard, had thus made
use of the man they both hat/ed.

\Vhen be lowered the flask from his mouth it
was em ply.

War-Wolf then engaged him in conversation,
ind, while seeming at his ease, watched him
'eenlv.

Perhaps ten minutes had passed when Walking
Eagle suddenly laid his hand upon his Leart,
it's face expressed dismay, he made a motion to
rise, hut failing, fell to the floor—dead!

The chief bent over him to make sure of the
fact and then spurned the body with his foot.

“hie, traitorous dog!” he exclaimed, in a
sonorouu voice, “ and am this be the fate of all
who lot against War- oif. Your compact
with nard hast cost you our life: you will
never lead the Blackfeet of t e foothills!”

RH: then stretched one hand out toward Quart:

oc .

“ Leonard,” be added, his face convulsed with
terrible wrath, “ you have sealed your own
fate. You have not poisoned WanWolf: he
lives for revenge! Hear me. great Manitou,
when I swear that for this perfldy the streets of
the white man’s town shall run red with blood!
I will give their lodges to the flames, the people
to the knife. Leonard, you shall kneel to the
Blackfoot, and howl for mercy like a dog!”

 

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ma AVENGERS arrml

Oman Gouomr was greatly shocked by
the supposed fate of Temple. He had been do-
votod to the interests of the youn man he had
undertaken to ido through ontana: his
bravery and kin ness of heart had appealed to
the veteran’s raonal liking;and be had done
what he coal for him after he was put in ail.

Principally, this consisted of a visit to n-
erd; an unavailing one: for he dared not war
against the rulin pow era.

The mornin a ter the events last described,
Gaffer onto The Hearthstone and sought the
svmpathizing presence of his friend, Beriah
Brown. The latter proposed that they should
“ li nor,” and they did so.

“ ’ve been over torsee them darkios.” mid
Gaffer; “them Adamsos, 0 know. They are
in ther wu’st kind 0’ troub es, aa’ their lnming~
tatiomis afloctin’. They hev gi'n u all hope
that their mistress will ever come ck: they
think she has been overtook an’drowndod
ther ova-flow or made way with by unnof -
one means, ez'VVash calls it. Et makeo me fool
gloom , taken with ther ontimely demise o’
' roiling la.” b j i Q“

“ h tsthorwayt or goon umpo a m
Bock,” aid the minor, “an’ l‘m gwino tor git
up an’ dust. I can‘t stand it. Thor placeen too
ml: fur Ber-lob Brown—Brown without an

0

“ I mean tor stay till tber rulngc o' tber jail
cool of! so that my pard’c remains on be mour-
roctionlud fur mebbo they won‘t git decent
burial of I don’t. Pore young teller! it was:
bad day when he come tor this heathen town,
but I warned him; l .gi’a him fa’r warniu‘,
'Riab.‘

" I’ve heard ye, Gum”

“Et makes me feel bad; darned of it don’t!
I‘m an old-stock hunter on’ used ter tragedies,
but this one unborn: my rudder, en char sailors
my. ’Riah, I must bov another drink. What’s
yours?"

They were not the only ones who mourned
the sup death of Temple. Agnes with all
her fan ts, had loved him with all her fierce, un-
rertraiaed nature, and she roamed restlemly
about the house.

Remembering the beginning of the drum at
Quartz Rock, it was like looking into a tomb to
think of those who had taken part. Where was
Missouri? Dead! Where was Tern lei Dead!
Where were Jack Purcell and Mi 0 Mulloyf
Mining! Where was War-Wolf?

There she reached a nation she could not
answer, but she hoped or the best—the best
from her point of view—and impatiently await-
ed news from Walking Eagle.

But the day brougb no news.

Another night fol over Quart: Rook. _

Loonord and his daughter were alone in their
sitting-room. The former had tried to read.
but he could ' not fix his mind upon the printed
columns.

While sitting In this way he heard tho door of
the room open, but, cuppa-big it to be done by
a servant, he did Both"! his head until a Sharp
0 from Agnes startle him.

"Then he wheeled, tearing to Ice War-Wolf,

 

but saw, instead—Mountain Cat and Waldo
Temple.

The latter led the way and had paused after
entering but Agnes sprun forward. her hands
extend , her beautiful ace filled with the
light of jc'iy.

' “ 0h! aldo, Waldo!” she cried. “Thank
Heaven you are alive!”

'The face of the young man grew hard and
stem, and he waved her back.

“ it is Heaven I do thank, not you i” he coldly
answered. “ Keep your seat, Miss Leonard, and

mu, sir; for I have no desire to be received as a
riend. It is not in that role I have come, but
as an enemy. I have come to settle the account
between us I”

“ My dear sir,” interrupted Leonard, “ I do
not understand your words. You must be under
some misap rehension. I may have spoken
bastil , but am still our best friend.”

“ eaven save me rom having another like
you! But. sir, I have not come here to handy
useless words, and with your permission we will
at once proceed to business. Strategic talk can
come afterward, ifyou then think it willdo any
good. Mountain Cat, you may speak first!"

The young Indian moved forward a few aces
and stood facing his enemy. He looked il and
less strong than before, and there were bruises
on his face which told of a rough experience,
but he was in far better bodily condition than
when we last saw him, the day of Bounding
Bison’s death, dragging his maimed body
through the mountain pass.

But Leonard flushed angrily.

“I will not hear this sneaking red-skin!” he
exclaimed. “ I have seen him before, and I
know him to be a prince of liars. I will hear
nOthin from him!

“ I 5 your pardon, but on will hear!”
Temple rmly answered. “ e are masters of
the house for the time, and to convince you that
we mean to be heard; let me say I will use this
weapon if necessary!

He showed a revolver and Leonard dropped
back in his chair.

” Talk on i” he said sullenly.

“ Waldo, Waldo!” interru ted Agnes, “what
is the meaning of this? h! for the love of
Heaven, do not look at me so sternly!”

“ Woman,” he answered, icily, “your best re-
.sort is to silence. Be still, for it may save you
from trouble. Indian, speak!”

“ I am a brave of the Pawnees,” began the
younger man in a deep voice, “ and my name is

rairie Cat, though in Montana I am known as
the Mountain Cat. My face is that of one
whose blood is all Indian, but I am real! a half-
breed. My mother was a girl of the awnee
nation, named Prairie Rose, and my father was
awhite man who bud joined our people. He
was called White Bison.” ,

“ You have told me this once before,” sneered

nerd.

“The white man and his red squaw were
happy,” the Pawnee calmly continued, “and
one child was born to them—he who afterward
became the Prairie Cat. But a dark shadow

' athered over them. When White Bison left the

ml of the pale-faces, he fled because an enemy
of his had made men believe he was guilty of
crime. White Bison resolved to forsake the
race which had become so bitter toward him,
and to live and die an Indian.

“ But his enemy followed him. He feared
White Bison would some day return and prove
the truth of the past, so he again sou ht him,
resolved that the Bison shoul die. Vgith him
came an ally whose real name was Abbott,
though he had many others. First. the enemy
tried to turn the Pawnees against White Bison,

.but he failed. Then he went to the pale-face
soldiers who live in the big forts and told them
White Bison was plotting to have the Indians
go on the war path. The chief in blue believed,
and soldiers were sent to seize the white Pawnee.

“ They came upon the village by surprise and
found White Bison, but he would not surrender.
He managed to get his squaw and child, and
flea, but the soldiers pursued. He tried to cross
the river, but a second boat pursued and over-
took the fugitives. Their own craft was over-
turned and White Bison was never seen a in.
Search was made for his body, but, fa ling,
they knew he was drowned. It was enough;
his enemy was willin the squaw and pappoose
should live; so the sol iers went back to the fort
and he went with them. .

“ Here he made a mistake: he should hava
killed the child of White Bison. The pappoose
grew to manhood, and while his mother lived
she never tired of telling him of the murderer
of his fathn'. The boy swore to be avenged.
He knew. the name of the assassin, but he had
disappeared from his old home and no one knew

where he was. There was but one clew to him,
besides his name, which he might have changed.
Upon his left arm was worked in blue inka
curious flgure representing a. chained ea le.

“One day news came to the Prairie at. A

Pawnee who had once deserted his tribe re-
turned and told a. strange story. In the far
land of Montana, he had been a. member of a
band of men who were oflshoots and renegades
of ‘the Blackfoot nation. They‘lwere led by a
man named Bounding Bison,

t were really

same mark, placed there once

,give me, if I

 

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

under the command of a white man named
Isaac Leonard.

“ Prairie Cat heard with interest, for this had
been the name of his father’: enemy and assas-
sin. But were they one? He journeyed to
Montana, saw the Blackfeet, Bounding Bison
and Leonard. One night he secretly entered
the latter’s chamber and looked at his left arm.
There he saw the figure qr the chained eagle !

“ Why need I talk further? Leonard, I am
Prairie Cat, the son of White Bison, and I have
come for vengeance!”

With ringing voice, folded arms, and proud] -
erected head the Pawnee faced his foe. is
look was pitiless, but loftv. Leonard was not
given time to speak, for W'aldo .Temple pressed
to the front.

“lsaac Leonard,” he said, sternly, “I, too,
have an account to square with you. am the
son of Waldron Temple, once of Illinois. At
the time I was born, you were his artner in
business. He thought you his frien , but you
were his bitter enemy, or, rather, to enrich
yourself, you deliberately planned to ruin him
and absorb his share of the business. You put
forged papers afloat, all of which seemed to
have been his work. Your plot worked well,
and Iandron Temple saw ruin and a long term
in prison menacing him. He yielded to the hor-
ror of the moment and fled.

“He left but one near relative—myself. I
was then a child of only two years—too young
of course, to long remember him—and when I
was taken by my deceased mother’s relatives, I
was reared under the belief that both my pa-
rents were dead. Whether those who cared for
believed my father guilty I do not know, for
not a whisper of the tragic past ever reached
me until I came to Montana, a few short days
since. But, now, I know the truth.

“ My father, Waldron Temple, and White
Bison, the ado ted Pawnee, were one and the
same person; t was from Chicago he fled when
he went to the land of the Pawnees to escape
your devilish arts, but, as Mountain Cat has
shown, he fled in vain. Fearful that he might
return and place the blame where it belon ed,

on followed and finished your work. He ad

keno. maiden of the Pawnees for his wife,
but on broke up that home as you had broken
his st one.

“ Now,we, Mountain Cat and myself, his sons,
and half-brothers, are here to seek vengeance!”

His voice rung out ominously, but Leonard
mans to remain cool. ,He was alarmed, but,
being in the heart of his village, be trusted he
might yet escape.

“ Allow me to ask how you established the re-
lationship!” he sneered.

“IVhito Bison told all his story to his red
squaw, by whom it was lven to Prairie Cat as
he grew up. Among t 9 rest, White Bison
said, when speaking of the chained eagle on
Leonard's arm, that his son had recisely the
y Leonard.
This mark is on my arm, and as the ink has
Once been renewed, it is perfectly distinct. By
my name, and by the chained eagle Prairie Cat
knew me long ago, though he has but lately re—
Vealed the fact. By birth and by our desire
for vengeance, we are brothers!"

CHAPTER XL.
. WAR-wows REVENGE.

ISAAC LEONARD could no longer close his eyes
to the fact that he was in great danger. He
read inexorable determination in the faces of
both youn men, and as they had but to raise
their revo vers and pull the triggers to end the
feud, he knew his life hung as by a thread.

But Agnes, though dismayed at the turn con-
Versation had taken, could not so easily giVe up
her plans. '

She moved quickly forward and dropped on
her knees at Waldo Temple’s feet.

“Oh! pardon, pardon 1” she implored. “Do
not make me sufl'er fer the crimes of the past;
do not break myheart! Waldo,I love you as
woman never loved before. Forget this enmity
and smile upon me, and I will be your slave—
your slave!”

“ Arise!” be said, stern! . “ I have no pity for
you' I know you too We] l”

“ have done no harm l” she went on, broken-
ly, feverishT , all her vigor poured forth in
speech. “ O ! Waldo, wil you kill me? I have
loved vou so; and I must continue to love you
while have breath. If I have spoken hastily
to you,it was because I feared to lose you, but
that can be for iven if you see it as it was. For—
aVe done wrong, for I did not
mean it! Waldo, Waldo!"

“ You are wasting words,” he said, uanved.
“You argue Well. out I happen to know how
false you are. Have you done no harm?
Woman, where 1's Missouri f”

“ I do not know.” she said, quickly. “Upon
my honor, I do not know. Why do you ask me?"

“Who should know so Well as youi—you and
War~Wolfl”

A frightened look crept into the scheming

 

I woman’s e es.

3’

“ I know all!”he icily added. “ You hired-the
Blackfoot to murder her, and he threw her into
the river.”

“I had nothing to do with it! Has War

 

Wolf dared make a charge against me! I
swear—”

“ Stop!” he said, sternly.

Then he walked to the door, opened it, and
three persons entered. They were Gafler Go-
lightly, Beriah Brown and Missouri.

Agnes recoiled.

“Alive 1” She gasped.

Yes; it was Missouri. and alive. A little
paler than of old, perhaps, but there was noth-
ing spectral about her. She was looking at

Agnes, not bitterly, but with a mournful gaze-
w

ich the wicked woman never forgot.

“ Alive!” said Temple, calmly.
has come back from the grave to which you
doomed her.”

“ I had nothing to do about it!” A es wild-
ly cried. “ Upon my word of honor, swear—”

“ Once more, stop! Your own lips have con-
demned you. When you have talked in this
room keen ears have listened. You have been
heard to talk of it calmly, only fearing that
War-Wolf would claim his reward.”

“It is false! I’Vho says it is so?"

“ Mountain Cat—"

“ Always Mountain Cat!” she interrupted,
venomously. '

“Even so.” Te ple calmly said. “But for
him; Missouri wou d be dead. When the Black—
feet threw her into the river, Mountain Cat
leaped in to her rescue at peril of his own life.
Had the water been as low as usual, he would
have been dashed to pieces on the sharp stones
which line the bottom of the raceway: but it
was full to the brim and he was dashed along
like a feather. A swimmer’s skill 'was of but
little use there, but he did what 'he could, and
hold fast to his helpless burden. They were at
last cast upon the shore, but Mountain Cat was
bruised and nearly dead, while Missouri was
prostrated by the shock. He managed to con-
voy her to a safe place in the mountain, but
when it was done he lacked strength to come to
me. Once, he set out in a pouring rain to go to
another resort he had in the hills,where he could
leave word for me, but his strength failed on
the way and he bare! ma a ed to get back to
the starting-place. at i t ecave he has re-
cu erated, and, with Missouri, is now here.”

saac Leonard sat looking at the avengers
with dogged calmness. He was a man who was
neVer beaten while life remained, and he meant
to show his talons yet.

But Agnes was in despair. She saw the
glance which passed between Temple and Mis—
souri and knew there was a perfect understand"
ing between them. But she was resolved they
should never live to taste happiness. Under the
folds of her dress she clutched a knife, which
she was determined to use, if necessary.

“ Temple,” she said, huskily, “ do you persist
in condemnin mei”

“ Condemn ’ he echoed. “ The word is weak.
There is none which will fltly express my utter
loathing for a woman of your crimes. To make
myself more clear, let me say that this girl whom
you have tried to kill is my aiflanced wife!”

“ And I am-am—”

“Not wanted'” curtly answered the young
man.

' It was enough; a thousand words would not
have made it plainer. Agnes drew her breath
with a quick, sibilant gasp, and then with a
anther-like leap she sprung' toward Missouri,
her knife uplifted for the fatal blow.

But another form shot forward, moving
quicker than she, and her wrist was grasped by
the Mountain Cat.

“No!” he answered, sturdily. “The ferry-
girl was not born to die by the arts of the tiger-
cat. Stand back!”

. He wrenched the knife away and pushed her
toward a chair.

“You mav ez wal thr0w u ther sponge,”
said Gnfl’er Golightly. “ You ev been at it,
Leonard 8.: Co., ever sence you got ter hankerin’
arter ther Brown Hand Ferry, but the gal still
survives, an‘. so does ther ferry, though ther
bridge is gone ter cverlastin’ smash. I’m an
old~>tock hunter, an’ not in fashion, but it’s my
opinion ye had better fly low!”

“ That‘s ther opinion 0’ me, likewise, an’ I’m
Beriah Brown—Brown without any ‘e ”” said
that gentleman.

There was no answer, for at that moment the
report of several revolvers broke the silence,
sounding near the house. All started, but Sim-
ultaneously heavy steps sounded in the hall,
the door was flung open and a man entered,
covered‘wilh blood.

He looked at Leonard, staggered and fell to
the floor; then raised himself to his elbow with
one word:

“ Blackfi'cf. I”

Then fell back, still and lifeless.

Isaac Leonard sprung to the window and tore
aside the curtain. What he saw appalled him.
Every cabin in the village seemed on fire. In
a score of places th v red flames were springing
up, lapping wall and roof. and the streets were
lighted in a way the occupants of the room
would have nouced before had it not been for
the all-absorbing seene.

Suddenly, a fresh volley of shots sounded on
the air, and then Leonard saw the village 0—
ple fleeing here and there, the majority of tgm

..

“ You see she

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.COI‘UBI'.

Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror... 7 l 31"

 

 

seeming to have just arisen from bed, while at
their heels galloped horsemen who shot and
clubbed indiscriminately.

One look was enough to reveal the truth.

Leonard reeled back in horror.

“Merciful Heaven !" he gasped, “War-Wolf
has turned against me; the Blackfeet are sack-
ing the village l”

A nes became as white as marble; too Well
she new what that meant; her red lover had
discovered her treachery and was keeping his
oath.

He had come for revenge !

Temple, himself a good deal alarmed, sprung
to the window and looked out. He saw a scene
he never forgot. The rain was not then falling,
and, despite what had fallen, the cabins were
burning furiously. Every building except
Leonard’s seemed to have been given up to the
flames; and over the village hung a lurid light
whiclh served as the specter of assassination’s
tore .

Back and forth galloped the Blackfeet, slaying
indiscriminately, and as the last vestige of se-
crecy had been thrown off, yells and war-
whoops were added to the sound of fire-arms.
The resistanCe was almost a myth; taken by
surpriso, the settlers seemed to have but one
thought—to escape to the hills.

Temple turned to his allies.

“We must et out of this at once!” be ex-
claimed. “It sour on! hope and—”

“ Remain here,” sai Leonard, nervously.
“ Help me defend the house, and whatever you
ask is yours l”

“ N01” answered Temple, sharply. “Your
chosen allies have turned upon you. and you
must take the consequences. Come, friends. let
us escape while we can.”

But they were too late. The trend of many
feet sounded outside the room. Temple, Moun-
tain Cat, Golightly and Brown sprung to one
corner of the room, and placing Missouri behind
them,’prepared to fight to the last. '

Then in surged the Blackfeet, with War-Wolf
at their head. He no longer came as the lover,
and his face was dark with passion, while the
knife he clutched showed gory stains which told
a tale not to be mistaken.

One swift glance be swept around the room.

“Let no hand he raised against them i" he
said, pointing to the desperate group in the

“They have been Leonard’s oes; for
that reason they shall live. I have only to deal
with Leonard and his daughter!” .

Agnes cowered in speechless fear; has eyes
seemed to burn like coals of fire.

“Woman!” he added, in a terrible voice, “I
have come for my squaw 1”

She dropped upon her knees.

“ Mercy! mercy l” she implored.

“ I will give the mercy you have shown. Did

I I not say that if you played me false the village

streets should run red with blood? Look out-
sidel—see the dead men; see the red flames lap
the cabins. Ha! ha! by morning not one roof
shall be standing in Quartz Rock. Leonard,

- the wine you gave War- Wolf he gave away, in

turn. He gave it ,to Walking Eagle—the traitor-
ous dog you hired to kill the Blackfoot chief-—
and he drank and died. Then  knew why you
were so anxious I should drink it herHven as
I suspected then. See the result!” _

He pointed to the burning cabins and his face
was terrible. Before another word could be
said, however, cries of dismay sounded from
the Blackfeet outside the house. War-Wolf
listened intently. The cries became distinct.

“ The Evil Spirit! the EVll Spirit!”

“Tar-Wolf staggered back. .

“ Lightning Bolt 1" he gasped, in terror.

One moment he seemed weak as a child; then
he sprung at Leonard and. knocked him down
with one blow. Next, turning, he caught Agnes
in his arms and, despite her Wild cry for help,
dashed from the room.

CHAPTER XLI.
CONCLUSION.
ALL the Blackfeet promptly followed War-
Wolf, and Temple hastened tothe window and

' looked out.

Lightning Bolt was, indeed, busy. .

The young man saw several Indians in pre-
cipitate flight, closv-lv pursued by the aVenger.
The bounds of the Giant Elk were something
wonderful, and be rapidly cut down the dis—
tance between them. A stream of fire shot
through the air—one of the far-famed fire-bolts

—-and bursting, left two of the Blackfeet lifeless.

on the ground. _

Another moment, and elk and rider were
upon them. The latter struck out right and left,
while Samson battled like a veritable demon.
Nothing could stand before his antlers and boots.

The tide of victory had abruptly changed;
the conquerors of the miners had been con-
qil'llered in turn; Lightning Bolt had put the en-
t e band to flight
Temgle wys still watching with rapt interest,
when afler pulled at his sleeve.

“ This ark is tooken aflre, too,” he said;
an ef we don’t want for be burnt up, we had
better git.” .

burs enough, smoke was gathering around

them, and they beat a “any retreat. Leonard

 

had received a severe blow from War-Wolf,
but he was still alive, and as they would not see
him die such a death, he was carried out and
laid on the round.

Every building in the village was doomed;
that much was sure: and the red light illumi-
nated the whole space from the river to the
northern gulches. It was nearly a de pulated
place, too; miners and Indians were a ike gone;
get small group seemed the only living persons

ere.

While they were trying to decide on their
roper course, Leonard opened his eyes and
ooked around. It was clear he was near death,

but he struggled to his feet. He azed on the
scene of ruin, and then put his ban to his head
with a groan.

“This is terrible!” he said.

No one answered, but at that oment Beriah
Brown was pushed aside and ightning Bolt
confronted the dethroned king of Quartz Rock.
He was on foot, but Samson was at his heels.
The late fury of battle had died from his face,
and he seemed perfectly calm as he looked at
the wounded man. ‘

“Isaac Leonard, I have come for vengeance!”
he said, in a deep voice.

The ex-king put up his hands despairingly.

“ Good heavens! who next?” he exclaimed.
“ What have I done to you? Who are you?”

“ My name is Waldron Temple 1”

Lightning Bolt answered in a deep, impres-
sive voice, ut it was not that which caused the
silence which followed. It was the name—the
nnmel

Leonard struck his forehead.

“ It is a lie I" he cried wildlv. “ Waldron Tem-
ple died a score of years ago!”

“Not so,” the Elk Rider steadily answered.
“He still lives. He escaped your plot to im—
prison him in the Illinois State’s prison; he as
caped the death to which you doomed him when
you led the soldiers against the Pawnee village,
and now he has come for ven cancel TWice
have I gathered a family aroun me, and twice
I have lost all at your ands. What has hap-
pened since I was so nearly drowned in the
river, near the Pawnee villa e, I do not know.
The greater part of the time have been a mad-
man; I believe there was at least ten years
when I did not have a lucid interval; but these
mental blanks have been gradually growing
fewer and shorter, and I am nearly myself.

“At the end of one of my insane periods I
found myself among these foothills, making re-
lentless war on the Blackfeet under Bounding
Bison. Why I did it I did not at first know,
but later I recognized him to be Dave Abbott, a
man who 'had been Isaac Leonard’s tool in the
past; and soon after I recognized you, too. I
swore to kill you both, and my vow has been
Eartiaflv kept. Abbott, alias Bounding Bison,

as died at my hands, and now I am come to
send you after your tool!”

He raised his hand, but Leonard spoke quickly.

“No, no! Iam not so guilty as you think.
Your two sons still live. They are here; be-
hold them!”

He pointed to Tom 1e and Mountain Cat.
Lightning Bolt put his and to his head, but as
Missouri saw a dark frown cross his face she
went to his side.

“ You remember me, don’t you, sir? We are
all your friends, and these men are your sons.
You can believe me, you know. See! Samson
knews me!” .

“ Ay, and so do I,” said the Elk Rider. “ You
are kind and good; and no deceit is in your
heart. I will believe what you say. But these
young men—why, my boys died in childhood!”

“ You are mistaken; they live. One of them
even bears the name you gave him, years ago—
Waldo Tem lel”

“ I thong t it sounded familiar!” Lightning
Bolt exclaimed. “ I now see where I heard it.
Well, if they are my sons, we shall be glad to
see them—Samson and 1. Hal what was that?”

It was a heavy fall. Isaac Leonard had tried
to take advantage of the fact that all Were look-
ing at Lightning Bolt to steal away, but the
blow received from War-Wolf was doing its
work and he had not gone over ten feet when
he staggered and fell.

They bent over him, but he was past human
aid and human vengeance. Life had sped; and
there in the midst of the town he had created,
with abundant stores of gold at his service, he
lay as helpless clay as the ground which up-
held him. I

 

When day dawned the sun managed to look
through the scattered clouds. Its beams fell on
ascene of ruin and desolation where Quartz
Rock had once stood. Not a house remained in
the village. Such of the people who were still
alive were mournfully surveying the ruins.

Through the expense of ruin lay white men
and Blackfeet, side by side, their faces still dis-
torted with rage or fear.

And where were they to whom all this deso-
lation was re y attributable? lsaac Leonard
was dead a, Agnes was a prisoner in the
hands of War-W0 f. The Blackfeet had gone

completely, never to return, and with them had
gone the woman whose crime had reviled so
terribly on herself.

 

War-Wolf had won and secured his squaw.

Our friends had retired to a cave of which
Mountain Cat knew, and, while reparin to
leave the vicinity, all that was 1e was one
for Lightning Bolt.

There could he no doubt but he was Waldron
Temple, the father of Waldo and of Mountain
Cat. His mind became even clearer, and he
minutely described his old Chicago home, as
well as gave all the family names. His newly—
found sons hoped his mental aberrations would
not again return.

Op‘portuinty was afforded them to examine
the re-bolts, from the use of which he had
gained the reputation of beingasupernatural
being. They were only another illustration of
that half-natural, half—insane ingenuity we once
before had cause to mention in his arrangement
of his cave. -

The tire-bolts were but a species of bomb-
shell. The interior was filled with wder and
various missiles, while outside the i do shell of
bark was a coating of flannel, which was sat-
urated with some highly combustible fluid.
Before launching one oft em he struck a con-
trivance of his own invention which was similar
to a percussion-cap, and as this communicated
fire to the flannel, it would blaze up fiercdy for
a moment.

At the end of a certain time—about equal to
the time re uired for the tomb to move a bun-
dred feet, i forcibly thrown—the fire would
eat through to the powder, causing the explo-
sion, and the missiles would deal death.

It was with these he had terrified and de-
stroyed the Blackfeet.

He was perfectly willing to abandon his old
life, and as he had taken a strong fancy to
Mountain Cat, and an equally strong one to the
idea of going on a cattle-ranch—where he could
retain the Giant Elk, as he confessed—it was
formally decided that Mountain Cat should be—
come a ranchman in Nebraska, and keep his
father with him.

For Temple he seemed to have no natural
affection.

Before noon the little party, which consisted
of Missouri, Temple, Mountain Cat, Lightning
Bolt, Gaffer, Beriah and the Adams brothers,
left Quartz Rack never to return. The river
had grown sufl‘lciently calm so that it could be
safely crossed, and they went over in the'boats.

Missouri looked at her lover with a faint
smile.

“ You see the Brown Hand Ferry and its mis—
tress have survived its enemies, and even the
town which patronized it,” she said.

“ Yes, but I do not believe she would willing-
ly undergo again, the perils she has met in the
past to hold the ferry.’

“ I am satisfied, and so, I think, are you. But
for the Brown Hand Ferry, we would never
have known each other. ”

“And now that the ferr is no longer of use,
we will never part,” be ad ed.

When they reached the land the boats were
set adrift. They swung around, drifted, were
caught b the current, and then went shooting _
dowu to ground in pieces in the raceway. ’

It was the last act in the battle for the ferry.

Once more the farty looked back at the still-
smoking ruins, an then their way was resumed
toward civilization. __

Five years later a company of soldiers attack-
ed and conquered the village of a band of hostile
Indians, who were led by a chief known as Wan
Wolf. He fell, desperately fighting and covered
with wounds, with his face to the foe.

When the strife was over a white woman
was found dying with those of red skin. A
chance shot had struck her and ended her life.
As the soldiers bent over her she spoke five
words and died. The words were:

“ My name is Agnes Leonard I” ‘

So faint a clew seemed togive no light on her
history, and the world knows it not to-day; but
when, in his happy Chicago home, Waldo Ten»
ple read the article he could not but remember
the wicked, but unfortunate, woman. ~

We need scarcely Say Temple and Missouri
were married. The latter, of course, resumed
her real ham which she had abandoned when
so bravely see ing to earn her own livelihood;
and no happier home than theirs can be found.

The Adams brothers are also in Chicago,
where they are doing well financially.

Gaffer Golightly and Beriah Brown will line
and die in the Far West. To them, it surpasses
all other placcs.

Of Jack Purcell and Mike Mulloy we have no
further record at present.

Mountain Cat is a prosperous Nebraska farm-
er. He has recently married a woman of his
own mixed blood, and all men honor him. .
father has remained with him and has kept his
mind under very good control. though he is
never .0 b. y ‘as when galloping over the
prairie on the of Samson. . _

And in Moatana, red men and white still tell
of Lightning Bolt and his Giant Elk. The ac—
count has been changed, exaggerated or dvnu-
died, according to the fancy of the narrator,
but in these azes we have rpcorded the true

d the Rider.
ran END.

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979 Buffalo Bill‘s Relentless Trail.
Prentiss Ingraham.

973 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Parda of the
Plains. By Col. W’. F. Cody. I

904 Buffalo Bill's lnvincibles; or. The Sable Shad-
ower's Sublime Sacrifice. By 00]. P. Ingra-

ham.

Buffalo Bill’s Blue 'Belt Brigade; or. Sun-

ilowor Sam of Shasta. By 001. P. lngraham.

6 Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes: or, The

it‘lysterious Man. in Blue. By Col. P. Ingra-
13m.

Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's
Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham.

0-43 Buffalo Bill's Block Game: or, The Mounted
Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra-
ham.

936 Buffalo Bill's Black Fund; or, The Gold
Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingm-
ham.

927 Buffalo Bill's Bluff; or. Dusky Dick, the
Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham.

021 Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or, Velvet Bill's
V‘low. By Col. Prentiss lnzraham.

015 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or. Go-
wan-go. the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In-
graham.

900, Buffalo Bill's League: or, Red Butterfly. By
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

90-1. Buflaio Bill's Tangled Trail; or. Gentleman
Jack. the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P.

. Ingraham.

900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or. Texas Jack's
Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss ingraham.

805 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or. The Texan's
Double. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

MBMalo Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Pledged
Three. By Col. 1‘. Ingraham.

882 The Three Bills; Buff:th Bill. Wild Bill and
Band-Box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth.
By Col. P. inst-sham.

874 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or. The Card
Que-:n'u Last Ca ne. By Col. I'. Ingrahnm.

8!!) Buffalo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up: or. The
Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col.
1'. lngraham.

868 Buffalo Iiil's Death-Charm; or, The Man
With the Scar. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

837 Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri-
der‘s Death-Run. 11-; Col. Prentiss lngru.
ham.

851 Buffalo Bill‘s Double Dilemma; or. The Great
Scout's Big 'l'hzec. Dy Col. 1’. Ingrahum.

845 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse; or. Texas Jack's
Death Slzoi. Dy Cui. Prentiss lngrahunz.

830 The, Punch King Dead-Shot; or, Texas Jack's
Proxy. i-By Buffalo Bill. ,

3m Biffan f‘i‘l‘s Boys in Blue: or. The BTlmS‘One
liand‘s Bhu-out. 13y COL 1% Insruhnnl

826 Buffalo Bill's Sharp-shooters: or- The 5‘1’3‘30“
Sr'u'f. to the Rescue. By Col. P. Ingram-1m.
B ffan Bill's Best Bower: 01'. monmbeno me

8” 03m King. BY Col. Prentiss Inflamm-

By Colonel

'o
8

15
1A

5
it

820 White Beaver's Still Hunt; or, The Miner
Marauder's Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill.

816 llufrnln Bill's Red Trail: or, The Road-Rider
liencga'le's Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham.

812 lqui'uln lilll's IX‘nth-Knell; or, The Red Hand
Riders of the Rookies. By Col. P. lngraham.

01 Will Bil. the Wild Wes: Duelist; or. The Girl
Mascot of Moonlight Mine. 15y Buffalo Bill.

807 Wild Bill. the \Vlld West Duelist; or, The Girl
Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buf~
falo Bill.

794 Buffalo Bill‘s Winning Hand: or. The Masked
\Voman of the Colorado Canyon. By Col. P.
Ingraham.

787 Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot:or.TheSkeleton Scout
of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

781 Buffalo Bill‘s Brand: or, The Brimstone
Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss lnzraham.

777 Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or. The Masked
Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham.

773 Buffalo Bill's Ban; or, Cody to the Resoue.
By Leon Lewis.

769 Buffalo Bill's Sweepstsks; or, The Wipe-out
at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

705 Buffalo Bill's Dozen: or, Silk Ribbon Sam.
By Col. ' Prentiss Ingraham.

701 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot; or. The Death Valley
Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

757 Buffalo Bill's Double: or, The Desperado De-
tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

750 Buffalo Bill's Big Four: or, Custar's Shadow.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Band: or. Texas Jack's
Bravos. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

739 Buffalo Bill's Blind: or. The Masked Driver
of Death's Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-
ham.

735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men: or. The

Robin Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-

hum. I

Buffalo Bill's Beatles: or. Silk Lasso Sam.

By (‘01.. Prentiss lngraham.

‘727 Buffalo Bill's Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt
of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
722 Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or. Silk Lasso
Sam. the VVill-o'-thc-Wisp. By Col. 1". ln-

graham.

718 Buffalo Bill's Scout Shadower - or. Emer-
ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. )3” Col. . Ingraham.

710 Buffalo Bill named; or, The Deaerter Des-
perado's Defiance. Dy Col. P. lngraham.

697 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or,
Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In-
graham.

001 l‘iuffalo Bill's Blind Trail: or, The Daughter
of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

682 Buffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail. By Major
Dangerfield Burr.

667 Buffalo Bill's Swoop: or. the King of the
Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

658 The Cowboy Clan: or, The Tigress of Texas.
13y Colonel Prentiss Inst-sham.

78

o-a

 

 

\‘ lilraIu.

653 The Lasso King’s Lemme: or, 'l'he Tigers of
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Inzraham.
649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill's
Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham.

644 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of
me Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham.

639 The Gold King: or, Montebello, the Masai!!-

cent. By Buffalo Bill.

629 Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; or. Daredeath
Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis.

599 The Dead Shot Nine: or. My Pards of tho
Plains. By Buffalo Bill.

517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or: Will Cody, the
Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntilnc

414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective: or. The
Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.

£01 The One-Armed Pard; or. Red Retribution in
Borderland. By Buffalo Bill.

397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver‘s
Trail. By Buffalo Bill.

394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte: or. -
Buffalo

gulWronzed Man's Red Trail. By

802 Buffalo Bill’s Orig; or. Oath-bound to Custer.
By Col. Prentiss agraham.

“Buffalo Bill's Pi e; or. The We of
Three. By Col. P. ngraham.

319 Wild Bill,‘the Whirlwind of the West. By 4-

Buffalo Bill.

304. Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler; or, The '

Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill.

243 The Pilgim Sharp; or. The Soldier’s sweet- :

heart. y Buffalo Bill, Government Scout
and Guide.

189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail: or. The Desperate '
Do an

zen. By Col. P. Ingr am.

175 mm Bill's'Trump‘Card; or, The Indian :
Insrsbun.

eiress. By Col. Prentiss

108 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot: or. Dagger .'
graham

Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss In

159 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or. m Doomed
ozen. By Dr. Frank Powell.

117 Buffalo Bill's Etranxe Pard: or. Dashing

Dandy. the I-Iotspuf‘ of the Hills. By Maior
D. burr.

02 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King;, or. The

Amazon of the West. By Major Dangerfield '

Burr.

83 Gold Bullet Sport: or. The Knights of the
Overland. By Buffalo Bill.

m Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts: cr, Life v
and Love in a Premier Fort. Br Bulalo "

Bill.

NEW ISSUES TO 0031111.
981 The Gold L'aoc Sport: or, The Texan Ban-
son's Wide Swath. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
982 Chris Crowley's Winning Band; or. The
Rascally Valet's Double Game. BY A. P.
Morris. .
983 Kid Glove Kris, the S t. By J. C. Cow-
drick. mead-v August .
984 Buffalo Bill's Life Rails: or. The Downed
Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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