»\

DUSKY DICK: \

         
   
    

on,

 OLD TOBY CASTOR'S GREAT CAMPAIGN

A STORY OT“ THE LAST SIOUX OUTBREAK. ‘

 

BY JOS. E. BADGER, JIL,
AUTHORIJF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS.
59. Tmc TPXAS I'Luvxs. 63. THE FLORIDA Scam

 

    

   

NEW YORK: ’V' 
BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, ’
. > 98 WILLIM STREET.

    

 

Entered tocording to Act of Congress. in the year 131:, by
BEADLE AND COMPANY.

In the once of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

 

w...—

DUSKY DICK.

.___—_..

C H A P 'l‘ E R I.
DUBKY men‘s PROPOSAL.

" Arm, girl, who is that coming up the spring path? Ah
Inc! I fear my old eyes are beginning to fail me at last i"

“ Coming up the—ugh] father, it is that Dick Morgan 1”

“ Dusky Dick—what can he want here, I wonder 1’" and
there was cadence of mingled uneasiness and dislike percepti-
ble in the old man's tones that told but too plainly the advanc-
ing figure was not that of a welcome or respected guest.

The first speaker was an old man, whose head was frosted
by the snows of over half a century and whose form—still
athletic and supple—was beginning to bow beneath the weight
of years An honest, open face was that of old Edward Wil.
son; a true index of his heart.

He was sitting in the doorway of his humble log cabin,
smoking the well-blackened pipe as a dessert to supper. just'
finished. But as he spoke the last words, he roused himself
up and stood with crossed arms in the doorway, as though hw
would fain bar the intruder out, who was now within a b"
paces of the building.

» The form of this man was clothed in a rough garb a

tanned skin and woolen stuff, despite the warm weather, and
a bmad-hrimmed slouched hat rested upon his head, conceal-
ing the upper portion of his face from casual view. A long,
burrelcd rifle rested carelessly in the hollow of his left arm,
While the hafl of a knife, and a revolver butt peeped [tom
the belt at his waist. ' V

“ Good evenin‘, Wilson, and the same to you, Miss Annie,”
he uttered in a strung clear voice, as he half paused, and then

v with a careless gesture pushed the hat away from his brow»

' The clear mellow light of the full moon shone down ape! ,

 

 

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1 down his shoulders.

DUSKY DICK.

him,’and fairly revealed his features. A glance at them may

- not be amiss, as this worthy is destined to figure somewhat

preminently in our narrative.‘

At the first glance, a strange peculiarity about him would
attract the gaze, and leave an unpleasant impression upon the
mind of the beholder. And yet it was not that the man was
I0 hideous, in features.

But there was a strange tint to his entire face and neck
that involuntarily repelled one. And from this had come the
sobrt'quet, known far and wide throughout the western country
of Dusxr DICK. '

Indeed, more than one person who was well acquainted
with him,,would have been puzzled to have told whether he
ever had any other name, or if this was not the one by which
he had been christened, supposing that ceremony had ever
been performed. And Morgan seemed to be rather proud of
the title, than otherwise.

In some way he had been badly burned by an explosion of
powder, and though no other scars were perceptible, this bluish
tinge caused by the burned powder penetrating the skin, re-
mained clear and distinct. The dye did not fade as he grew
older, but seemed to deepen and show brighter.

His features were regular and clear cut; his face was kept
smooth shorn, though the black, Indian—like hair hung far
There were not a few who secretly as-

serted that he came by this last trait fairly, and wondered
- only that he had not the curved nose and high cheek-bones
as well.
His black eyes were of a fair size, but dull and sleepy look-
ing, save when he was angered; then one was strangely re-
‘minded of'an infuriated serpent, so wickedly did they flash
and sointillate. In form he was tall, broad—shouldered and
well built, being somewhat noted for his skill in the use of
Weapons, fleelness of foot and prowess as a wood‘ranger.
“Good-evening, Dick," coldly uttered the settler in reply,

 evidently not. caring to encourage the man, its he still stood in

the narrow doorway, without a hint for the other to enter.

“ Heard the news 1’” added Dusky Dick, as a slight frown,

e’

’croased his face, and a smoldering glow lit up his dark eyes. I 'Si

., »“_ Rel—I don't know u I have. , What is it?" listlesdy‘ro-

f .

 ' ‘ _ ’ v -‘ ,

 

, medium of print.

A mourns): cum. . H
moulded Wilson as he deliberately crushed up some “ naturd ’
leaf,” and crammed it into the wide-mouthed pipe-bow:
“ Bring me a coal, Annie." '

“’Bout the red-skins. They’ve. got thar backs up at last
and thar’s goin’ to be the tallest kind of a muss, afore the
thing’s over,” and there seemed to be a faint tinge of exullar
tion in the tones of the speaker, that did not escape the keen
witted borderer. ' x

“ How is it that you know so much of their feelings, Dusky

Dick? A body might almost think you were one ’of them,

by the way you talk."

Morgan gave vent to a. low laugh; deep, smooth and mel-
low, but yet filled with a peculiar meaning. Then he replied A

“ I travel fur and keep my ears open, neighbor, as a man
must needs to in these troubled times, and in a new country. ,
I have kivered nigh onto fifty miles to-day, silica sun—up. I '
stopped here to tell you the news. If you think it’s wuth
ofl‘erin’ a feller a cheer, and a bite of somethin’ to eat, I'll tell
you it all. If not, then we’ll call it quits and I’ll go furder.”

, “ Come in—I did not think," added Wilson, a little abashed,
for border hospitality is proverbial. “ Annie, give him what
we have. Fall to, friend, and welcome." ‘

With a nod toward Mrs. Wilson who was seated at the
further end of the rude apartment, quietly knitting, Dusky
Dick took a seat at the table and helped himself liberally to
the plain though palatable viands that Annie hastened to
replace upon the table. The girl then ignited a rude lamp,
and retreated to the side of her mother.

We do not intend describing the building; most of Our.
readers have'seen these cabins, either in reality or‘through the
It was a regular frontier cabin, made of ;
logs roughly hewn, “ chinheil " with billets of wood, tlaubed
over with stiffened clay. The walls were unpapcred, and the
furniture of the rudest description, the majority being “ home
made ;" the ax and anger being the principal tools use].

But one of the inmates at least deserves more than a pass»
ing notice as she will figure quite prominently before the

‘ reader in this tale of border life and trials. That one is Annie : i
» Wilson. ’ ' '

Barely five feet in hight, she was a model of mm 3'

 

 

 

 

 

, “You seem to be very thick with them, Dick.

fir ng

only men.

grace and beauty, tempered and strengthened by the life at
.freedom and health-giving exercise of the past two years.
Her form had filled and rounded to superb symmetry, her ‘
cheek glowed with the hue of health and spirits; at eighteen,
she was a woman, in the truest sense of the word.

Her hair was of a. rich golden brown. her eyes, large and
lustrous, Were deeply blue; her nose, of s. faintly Roman typo,
gave a decisive expression to her countenance, that was
softened by the small, ruby-lipped mouth, from which gleamed
twin rows of pearly teeth Whenever she smiled, and caused a
cunning dimple to play upon the softly-rounded chin.

Dusky Dick ate voraciously, but yet-found time to cast more
than one admiring glance toward the border beauty, which
Were by no means Welcome, judging from the scornful turn
of the bright red lips, and the flashing of her blue eyes as the
maiden bent over some rough, mending. Then Morgan arose
and approached the settler, who was still smoking.

“ You don’t ask me the news,” he uttered, in a disagreeable

:1

\ tone as he squatted down upon the doorstep.

‘k I knew you'd tell it without,” was the quiet reply.

“Yes, that’s what I stopped fer. The Sioux are goin’ to
raise partic’lar Cain ’fore long."

“Are you sure ?”

“ I hed it from thaer own lips,” was the confident reply.
Some
might think it. strange they should tell you this, unless you
were in with them thicker than an honest man should be,"
and the settler gazed keenly at his visitor.

"‘ They’d best not say so in my liem‘in’,” muttered Morgan
with an ominous scowl. “ But I’ve nl’ays acted on the square
with ’em, and so they give me the hint. It’s been brewin’

,for a long time, and they’ve made up tliar minds not to stand

any more of this everlastin’ chentin’. But never mind that‘
jest now. I had other motives in stoppin’ here,” and Dusky
Dick cast a sidelong glance at the sturdy settler; a glance
that had in it not a. little uneasiness.
“ If there is any thing else that I should know, Dick Mar:

gun, now’s the time to say it.”

“ What (1’ you intend doin’. anyhow t”
7“ About what t”

 

    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
    
   
  
   
 
    

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A Tum-rum omn. I ’

“Why-me Injuns, 0’ course.”

“ They will not trouble me—anyhow, I shall stay here un- '
ti I am more sure of what they intend doing. I won’t leave
my property without good cause.”

“ You‘ll git rubbed out, then, shore. You remember Sloan
Young? You turned him out 0’ doors once, because he I,
was drunk——”

9 “ Because he insulted the women, the dirty half-breed,” an-
grily interjected Wilson.

“ Well, I don’t know. Anyhow, he’s a big man ’mong
some 0‘ the Injuns, and he swears he will use this chance to
rub you out. Now I don’t like Young, and I’ll save you, if
you say so. Petit Corbeau is a strong friend 0’ mine, and will
back me ag’inst Young. What do you say ?"

“Speak plain. You are holding something back. Dusky
Dick. Why should you do all this for me? We have not
been such close and intimate friends as all that comes to.
What is it you mean ?"

The other appeared somewhat discomposed at this straight-
forward speech, and his treacherous eyes shifted uneasily and

fell from before the steady gaze of the old settler. But then
he responded, with a forced laugh:
‘ “ You’re in a awful hurry, Wilson, but so be it. I’ll come

to the pint at once, and then we may see the way clear be-
fore us Then it ’mounts to jest this. I'll agree to save your
stock, house, crap and your lives. I’ll engage that you sha’n’t
be bothered a mite, no matter how badly other families are ,
aarved. It‘ll be a great trial and trouble, of course, and I
won’t do it ’thout pay—big pay, I expect you’ll call it; but
then remember what I save you.”

“Come to the point, man; don't skirmish so," impatiently
interrupted the borderer, eying Dusky Dick steadily.

“ Well, I’ll do this, as I said, if you’ll—if you‘ll promise me
that Miss Annie yander, shall marry me, jest‘s soon’s this
trouble is fa’rly over. There, now!" and the fellow uttered
a sigh of relief. ‘

I “ Father l” exclaimed Annie, rising from her flair.

“ Wait, daughter," and Wilson waved his hand for her to ‘

mp silence “ Dick Morgan, are you in earnest about thh

  

    
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
  
   
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     

 

 

 

.‘K

' eye of the daughter had noted his action, and, grasping the ‘

ll

DEW 446‘.

“ In 'm-Aest? Why, of co mac I am. I’ll do all 1—”

“Hold on—dou‘t take too much for granted, my man, or t
I thought you knew me better 1
But ‘

you may be disappointed.
than to come here with any such proposition as this.

mar/mm.-qu 1

since you did not, let‘ me tell you that I think you are 'a pref :
cious foot and dirty scoundret, and that the sooner you take ‘

yourself away from here, the better it will be for both of us,” ;

and the stalwart settler arose erect, his eyes flashing and his :

fists close clenched. ,
“Stand back, Ed. Wilson—keep your distance or it’ll be

the worse tor you!” muttered Dusky Dick, as he involun- »
turily retreated a pace, at the same time throwing his rifle- (

muzzle forward.
“ Don’t threaten—you cowardly cur, or I’ll forget myself
and give you something to growl at.

There is your road. ;

Take it and begone, and don’t let me ever see your ugly face 

’round here again. Go 1"

“Hold on a. bit, Wilson,” and nvici; us glitter filled the
desperado's eyes as his fingers nervously manipulated the
rifle-lock. “ Better think twice afore you throw away your
chance. I tell you sg‘in, that if you don't agree to my plans,
you won’t live to be a day older. You'll all be killed and skelped.
You can’t run away, fer you’re watched by those who would
be only too glad of a chance to plug ye I
promise me her, and I’ll save you all. If you don’t, then—”

“ Hold 1" rung out a clear, firm voice, as a light, agile figure
sprung before the sturdy settler. “ Hold i Uncock that gun,
or I'll send a bullet through your black heart! Uncock it, I
soy—end now leave 1”

It was Annie who had thus interrupted the conversation, 4

and probably prevented a tragedy, for the treacherous villain
'nztd cocked his rifle, unobserved by 'Wilson, intending to shoot
down one whom he feared to face openly. But the watchful

ready rifle, had checked his purpose, as detailed. '
Edward Wilson reuiized the peril he had so narrowly es-

, caped, and, as the baffled villain shrunk back from before the .’
» threatening muzzle pointed by the dauntless girl, he uttered a

cry of rage, and with one enormous bound, covered the inter-

;vening distance and stood beside Dusky Dick. That‘— I,

t

\

Do as I said; L

 

tawny hand clutched the scoundrel’s throat, while the other

arm was drawn back to deliver a crushing blow.

Morgan dropped his rifle to remove the grip upon his throat,
: the weapon exploding as it fell. But before he could raise
: a. hand, the hard, heavy fist of the settler shot out and alighted
1 full between his eyes, with a crushing thud, hurling the man
twice his length away.

With an angry howl, Morgan sprung up and whipped out
his knife—a long, venomouelooking blade—and crouched
down like a panther ready to spring. Then again did the
voice of Annie ring out: .

“Mind yourself, Dusky Dickl I have you covered, and I
know how to use a rifle. One step forward and down you
go I"

“ You see we have the best of you this time," quietly added
Wilson, but with a menacing ring in his low voice. “ Take
1 your gun and begone. ’Twould only serve you right if I shot
1 you down like a dog—as you meant to serve me; but I let
'. you go this time. But the next—look out I”

g Dusky Dick did not reply until he had secured his rifle.
‘ t Then retreating a pace he spoke:

i

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g A moon ARRIVAL 15
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"‘ And you, look out. You’ve struck me. Good! A man
never does that a second time. I’ll be even with you yet-—
and with her, too. You hold the cards now—my time ’11
I come soon. Jest put that in your pipe and smoke it. May

be you’ll remember it afore long,{’ and with a hard laugh the
Vbaflled desperado turned away from the spot. 
The settler stood gazing after him irresolutely for a mo-
v ment, but then turned toward the cabin door. Annie‘s voice
checked him:
“ Who is that Coming, father ?" . .
' A tall agile figure was rapidly approaching the cabin from
i {the not very distant woods, bearing a rifle, as could be seen
by the clear moonlight. But whether an Indian or a white,
could not. be told, as the dress pat-took about equally of both
/ races. ' '
“ I-Iellow, you I” cried a high-pitched, peculiar voice, that
plainly bespoke the white mun. “ Ain’t shootin’ at the moon,
, lilo ya? Got plenty 0‘ powder, I reckon t"

v

 

t" ‘ . ‘ » ‘ \

   

' “Tobe 0mm, (by all that’sgoodi” exclaimed   '

 

 
  
 

 

 

 

W"... ' 3.

 

 

 

HUSKY DICK.

springing forward to meet the new-somer, in evident delight I

“ You are just the man of all others that I wanted to see.”

t“ Shol don’t say so? Want to know? Ain’t jokin’, be 

ye ?” and then the two men warmly clasped hands, like
friends of a life-long standing.

“ Come, Tobe; supper‘s over, but I guess- there is some-
thing left. What brought you up this way so early in the
season ?”

“ Don’t ax me now—wait ontil they ain’t lis‘enin’,” muttered
the man, cautiously; then adding aloud: “How d’y, Miss
Annie? Purtier’n ever, by gum! Beats all natur’how you
do keep on a gittin’ so. Sorter selfish, ain’t. ye, now? Got
your own an’ a dozent more besides—0’ good looks, I mean.
Wings ’most beginned to grow, hain't they ?" and with a

'fnthcrly freedom. the weather‘beaten old borderer stooped

and imprinted a kindly kiss upon the fair face upturned to

. ward his.

“ Your tongue has lost none of its cunning, I see, anyhow
Uncle Tobe,” laughed the maiden, not unpleased.

' “ It’s a lookin’ glass, so fur’s you’re consumed, gal. But of
you will, I’m dretful hungry—hain’t bed a. bite fur ’most two
weeks. ’cept at odd spells. Ef you’ve got any thin’ in the
grub line thet is in danger o’ bein‘ sp’iled, jest pluu-ze trot it
out, While I talk with Ed., hyar.” '

In obedience to a. nod from Castor, Wilson led the way to
a little distance and then briefly detailed the purport of Dusky
Dick’s visit. Then he anxiously awaited the comments of his

. visitor.

“ The dirty whelpl You’d orter ’a‘ shot him like a pole-
cat? He merry—oh! git outl Makes me madwdurned of
It don’t, now! Jest to think. Oh won’t l—thet’s all; ef ever

‘ I git mud-hooks on the pesky critter? But wait a. bit. vH‘e

told you the truth, Ed; yes, he did, so fur’s the reds risin‘ in

‘ consumed. They’re goin’ to do it—ef i’deed they hain‘t boa

gun a’ready. They’re jest goin’ to chew up the hull kentry
afore they stop. ’l‘hnr’s goin’ to be jest. a lettle the liveliest
lime you ever see’d, ’fore its eended." '

‘f 110 you‘think so 1‘" '

“ I know so—fer shure. An’ you’re in a bad place hyst—
n pesky mean place, Ed," impressively‘added Castor. ‘

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‘ TOM’S ADVICE. ~23

“What .1" you advise ?”

"Jest this. Take your {aniny an’ pack up. Git out o’ \
hyar like ’twas ha’ntcd. Pull up stakes an’ travel."

“ And leave the farm—lose my two years of hard work '1’"

“ Better thet, then lose your skelps an’ it with the rest.
An’ thet’s jest what you’ll do ef you stay. I teli you, Ed, it's
a aer'ous bizness, this is. Dusky Dick told you the truth 0’
the plans 0' the imps. An‘ then you’ve sot him ag’inst you,
ken. He’s got Injuu blood in him. A pity it lmppined jest
now. though I don't blame you, not a bit, but you’d otter
aver ’a’ let him git away. He'll bring the imps down on ye,
shore. He’s a. big dog ’th a brass collar ’mongst some 0’ them
—tho wust o’ the lot, ef thet kin be, Whar all is so bad. He’s
the one you must look out fer, the most.”

“You think he’s in league with them ‘3"

“I know it, fer shore. But whar‘s Fred?’ .

“ Over at Stevens’.”

“Mought. ’a’ knowed the! ’thout axin’; but. I don’t blame
the feller a mite. J innie’s a. mighty purty gal, an' e; I wasn’t
so old an’ ugly, an’ she wasn’t so smart, an’ all else went
’cordin‘, 311’ she didn’t say no, durned ef I didn‘t hitch onto
her myself. But never mind thet now. What he you goin' ’
to do ?"

“ What do you advise, Tobe ‘3"

“ Jest this. Take sech things as you cain’t do ’thout an’
don‘t want to leave, un’ strike out fer the bigger settlements.
I tell you, of you stay hyar, to-morrow this time won’t see ary
one 0’ your skelps on the place What natur‘ ’lowed fer ’em to
grow,” earnestly added Castor.

“Father,” called out the clear, sweet voice of Annie, at thin
juncture, “ ull’s ready.”

" Come, Tobe; eat in bile and I will settle my plans.
let you know then,” added Wilson, turning toward the cabin.

I’ll ~

 

   
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
   
   
   

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CHAPTER I I.
A FORTUNATE DISCOVERY.

(Jason. mention has been made of one “ Fred," who was the
eldest child—and only surviving son—of Edward Wilson.
He had left the forest cabin only a few minutes before the
Advent of Dusky Dick, barely taking time to finish his supper.

Tobe Castor was correct in his shrewd guess as to What had
attracted him so far, after a hard day’s work ; although pm<

‘ bably Fred would have denied the “ soft impeachment,” had

a any one told him that it was only to see and chat with Jen-
nie Stevens, that he so frequently traversed the three-mile

, path that intervened between the two houses. But such was
indeed the case.

And if the truth must be told, Fred had a faithful ally in
the enemy’s camp, too, in the shape of John Stevens, who ap-
peared to be profoundly impressed with the good qualities of
the young borderer, and seemed resolved that-Jennie should
also entertain the same ideas. But Jack would have been
very wroth, no doubt, had any one hinted that he was playing
J. part; that it was partly the reflected light of Annie’s per-
fections that made him so esteem Fred.

The latter personage, then, was swiftly striding along the

/ faintly-defined trail, his thoughts busy with a momentous sub
ject. lie was picturing the future as he would wish it to be
a home, a wife—who, strangely enough, always possessed
Jennie's face and form—a growing family of little ones—when
suddenly he paused and bent his head in an attitude of acute

l attention.

He heard a. shrill, peculiar whistle ring out from only a
, few yards before him, evidently in the same trail. But what

/ increased his surprise, was that an answer came, like an echo;

thisitime from some little distance to his right.

Fred knew that the country was in a troubled state; he
had closer watched the signs, that portended the coming of a
’Itorrn that should it fall, would sweep alh before it with

swede”... A

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sums m not. I!
mimosa fury ind new a premonition of coming peril weighed
upon his spirit like a revelation /

Without pausing to reflect, he glided out from the path and
crouched down amid the dense undergrowth, his ears strained
to catch any sounds that might either confirm or banish his
suspicions. At first he could hear nothing, but then the low
murmuring of human voices was borne to his bearing upon
the gentle night breeze.

He knew that the speakers, Whoever they might be, were
approaching, and in a few moments more Fred could distin-
guish the words, which were spoken in the Sioux dialect
Thanks to a border life and acquiring spirit, the young eel
tler was slightly conversant with the poms ; sufficiently so to
follow the meaning of the speakers.

The fn'st words he caught, caused his heart to throb wildly,
and he crouched forward, fearing almost to breathe, lest he
should lose a sentence.

“ Then we are to strike the first blow to-night '3”

“ Yes. lnkpadula gave the word and said that Petz't 00r-

beau told him so. He bade Long Hair take his choice. He
chose the people of the lodge by the great stone. Dusky Dick

chose the one—”

Here the words became unintelligible to the listener, the
party having passed on by his place of concealment. '

Fred arose and glided stealthin after them. He bad no
djmculty in recognizing the allusion to “the people by the
great stone." He knew that the Stevens family was meant,
but he desired to learn more, if possible.

The trail was dark and gloomy, owing to the dense shade
cast by the thickly-growing trees, that intercepted the moon‘s
rays. But after a few moments, Fred heard the Indian!
pause. and seat themselves a! only a few yards from the
trail.

He glided nearer, until he could again hear their words.
The same person was speaking that he had heard before.

' “We will wait here for Long Hair. It will not be long
before he comes.”

,f‘ Where is Brrbstailed Horse ?" asked another of the party,

 fmnsthatn may-strike without using hurt. H’s ll

.“ Gone to the lodge by the great rock. .He will open “'1‘ I 5 

 

    
  

DUIIY DICK

 
  
  
  
    
  
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
    
  

» to pretend his leg is hurt, so that he can not walk to his
lodge, and will ask to rest there. Then when the pale-faced '1
fools sleep, he will open the doors and let us in." %

‘~ “Good! there are five scalps for us i" exultantly uttered: '
one of the savages. 

“ N o-only four One Eye says that the young squaw must ,' '
go to his lodge, or he will not help us.”  '

_’l‘he other demured a little at this, but he was overruled 55 ‘
by his comrades. Fred clutched his rifle with fingers that?
itched to be at the threats of the plotting scoundrels; but he  ‘
restrained himself, and then glided stealthin away, thus losing  1
information that would have still further increased his anxiety,
for a diabolical plan was commented upon, concerning his own 
family. _ Q

But the young settler had heard enough to set him half-
wild. He knew that the maiden whom he loved, was in v

, , great peril, and that thought, for the time, drove all other com 1

:‘ z. " Iideralions away. 

 . He understood the allusion to One Eye, the Indian name 

. w ‘ - ' of Sloan Young, the half-breed, whose left eye had been de- ti

, ‘Stroycd in a drunken fight. And he, too, was the Long Hair 3

 V mentioned. Fred knew that the villain had been prowling

5 7. ; ; around the cabin quite frequently of late, though the thought
of his daring to look upon Jennie in such a light, never one:
occurred to him, before this.

it ~_ V The one called Bob-tailed Horse, Fred also knew by repu-

" tation, as being a reckless, unscrupulous rascal, drunken and '

V. - worthless, unless in just some such manner as the one hinted

i ' at. But this plan he would foil, at all hazards.

* So when once safely beyond ear-shot, Fred arose and dashed

through tlie‘forest with nimble feet, but yet using a degree 0!

caution, for since hearing the revelations of the plotters, he

knew not where or when he might encounter deadly ene-
mies, who would scruple little in taking his life, provided
they eculd do so without incurring too much risk to them-
selves. , ‘
In half an hour more, Wilson neared the cabin belonging
to Wesley Stevens, and when almost at the door, he met John,

who was just sallying out to visit the Wilsons. Fred drew - .

iim'isidé and quickly detailed what he had overheard. '

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[m3 WITHIN.

The young man was greatly excited by these tidings, but
zed waged to control his feelings, in a measure.

I ‘Are you sure you heard those words? May there not be
mag. some mistake ?" he asked, dubiously. ‘

’1 ‘ I only wish there was—but I know better. _Depend up«
1“ j fill it, it is true. Is that Indian in the house ‘2”

 . ‘Bob—tail? Yes. He came in not long ago, pretending
ed 7,; so be lame, tired and hungry."
my “‘ You see! the very story I heard he was to tell! The
[,0  dirty imp l” muttered Fred, angrily, while his blue eyes
lg : flashed ominously.

y,  “What had we better do, anyhow ‘2" ‘
m I “First, I intend to settle with this devil; then we must

E decide further. I think, though, it would be best for the
f;  family to all go over to our house, and then if it is deemed
best, we should try to reach the settlements below ; we can all
go together. It is on our road, you know, so there ’1] be no
time lost."

“ I was just going over there,—-but if you—that is—” and
handsome John hesitated and blushed in a very suspicious
manner.

“ I tell you what I think is best, John. You know your
father must be told of it, and if you go to talking to him in
secret, after having started away, Bob-tail may suspect some-
thing. It would look more natural if I did it. Don’t you
,‘ think so?” and Fred felt an inward conviction that he had
" presented his point very well. ' , V_

“ Yes, I do think so. So if you’ll do that, I'll run on ahead ,1
and tell your folks what’s in the wind. I’ll have them all
ready by the time you come. Don‘t lose any time, though,"
and then the two young men parted. ',

Fred was greeted at the door by Wesley Stevens, and bade
enter, but he made an excuse and drew the old man out-
side. In a few words he revealed his discovery, adding:

"Now I will get to talking with Bob-tail, and then when
I cough, do you take the fellow from behind. Don't be par
ticuhu what you hit him with, just so you don’t let him make V
much noise." ’

“Very well—I’ll do my part,” and then Stevens led the ‘ .
waxing: the house, where a rude lamp had beenlighted  ‘ ”

 

  

 

    
   
   
    
    
 
    
   
  
  
 

    

a: r r noun met.
by the blusling Jennie as soon as she heard the voice of the
,4 young borderer. ‘ '
The greeting . was cordial, but still somewhat constrained 5;
between the young couple, for the old folks were looking on1  “1
and they had not yet progressed so far along love's path as to  T
be unreserved. It was a secret—so they imagined—known ‘ I"
only to each other.
I Fred bent on inquiring look upon the dusky figure crouch-  'J
3 ing near the corner of the fire-place, where yet glowed a small  "

Low, squat-built, he was clothed in a dirty, greasy and tattered
 pair of trowsers and a calico shirt, with bare feet and head. T

His face Was swollen and bloated with strong drink: his ‘
eyes bleared and bloodshot, from the same cause. On the 
whole, a. more disgusting specimen of the “ noble Lo i” could
scarcely be found, even among his own people; and that is
saying a good deal.

“ How ‘8” exclaimed Fred, as he stood before the savage,
outstretching a hand.

a The greeting was returned, and Bob-tail arose to clasp the 5
hand. Then Fred, as if accidentally, worked around until
he was between the Indian and his late position. _

“Has ‘ Bob-tailed Horse ’ saw Petz't Oorbeau lately '1’” asked

fire ; the remnant of that necessary to prepare the evening 9
meal. It was indeed “ Bob-tailed Horse,” who had consented ;

to play such a vile part.  ‘

And he seemed preeminently fittedfor such a duty, too. 1 ‘

* t

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‘  » 'Wilson.
1 “r  ~ “ No—long time—so many suns,” and he raised both hands.
‘ {4. E . “Little Crow call Injun drunk fool,” and a venomous glitter

filled the blenred eyes of the sot.
“ You don’t tell me so? Why he must have been drunk
to have said that. You don‘t like fire-water, do you ?”
“ No—mo like—heap bad! Ugh l" brazenly  the ras-
cal.
“ Does my brother know where One Eye is '3" suddenly
--asked Fred. ' >
Bob-tail looked steadily at the young settler for a moment.
_ and then slowly shook his head. Stevens drew nearer, whit-
fling upon a heavy, half-bent ox bow of hickory. /
“Let Bob-tailed Horse listen. I have a little story to tell

 

      
       
 
 

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m SIGNAL seven. 3
Illa,” slowly returned Fred, as his gaze met that of the In‘
dlan.

“ A little bird told me that the Siouxs were getting mad at
their white brothers. That Bobtailed Horse was one of them.

1 That he had sworn he would take the scalp of a white man
-‘ before another sun.

Is this story true ?"

The savage shifted his gaze and glanced swiftly around
the room. Stevens still whittled on, idly whistling; the
women sat gazing upon the—to
scene, with strange emotion. Fred deliberately resumed :

“ This bird also told me that Bob—tailed Horse would go to

I the cabin of a pale-face and ask for lodging and food, pre-

tending he was weary and sick, so that he might open the
door to One Eye and Dusky Dick, and let them enter to kill
the whites without danger to themselves. Did the little bird
tell me true?"

The Indian stood motionless as if carved from stone, save
that one hand slowly glided up toward his belt, Where hung
a. knife and hatchet. Then Wilson coughed.

Stevens sprung forward with uplifted ox-bow, and ere the
fated red-skin could stir a step, the heavy club descended upon
his head with crushing force. He tottered feebly, and then
fell forward into Fred’s arms, who allowed the senseless form
to fall to the floor.

Both women uttered a little cry of wondering alarm at this
sudden and unexpected move, but then a gesture from Stevens
checked all further outcry.

~ “Hush l” he cried, sternly; “ don’t make any noise, for
your lives! Shut the door, Jennie, quick. There may be
others of the devils prowling around. Fred's story was 'a
true one. This Carrion was a spy, who intended giving us up
to his friends to—night.”

Fred stooped over the stricken Indian, and carefully ex-'
amined the wound. He found that, though senseless, the res

cal still lived ; his skull had not been fractured, though the

blow seemed enough to have killed an ox.
" What shall we do with him, Stevens ?" he asked, doubt-
fully. -

them—incomprehensible ‘

I

“Dead men tell no take I” sternly responded the old settler-fl, . I ‘
I deadly glitter in his black eyes. \ , .r ;

      
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
 

 
 

 

“ ' DUSKY DICK. -

“ No—mo, do not kill him, husband i” cried the wife,
Ipringiug forward, as he raised aloft the blood-stained on
bovn '

“It is him or us, Mary,” but the uplifted arm slowly sunk
“ He would have killed us all, after eating our food l”

“ Tie him and put him down the pit,” suggested Jennie.

“ It will do, Stevens,” said Wilson. “They will find we
suspect [heir plans, anyhow, when they find we are gone. It
would only make them hotter after us, if we killed him.”

“You may be right, Fred, but the dog is not fit to live.
However, have it your own way.” ,

A strong cord was quickly produced, and with it the rascal
was bound hand and foot. Then a. gag was forced between
his jaws; after which a trap-door was lifted and the Indian

cast'rudely down into a pit, where were stored a few vege-
' mbks

"‘ Now what next 1’" .

“ You had better pack up such things as you must have,
and such as we can carry; come with me to our house.
has told them all by this time, and they will be ready for a
move. I don‘t think we will be safe out here as long as
these two devils are at large, with their gang."

“But we must take the horses.”

“ No—I think best not. The rascals are somewhere be-
tween here snd our house, and they'would be sure to hear
the sound of hoof-strokes, while on foot we can pass them
‘ without being noticed. If we think best, we can then take
horses from our house. I don’t think it would be safe
'nowfl
After some little demurring on the part of Stevens, who
did not relish leaving his valuable stock, this plan was
adopted. And then the party hastened to secure such arti-
“cles as could not well be abandoned.

Tn 9. very few minutes, the little party of four were laden
with food and weapons, and then emerging from the cabin,
V 3 they set out upon their perilous journey. ' ,

 "  . “ivy-4w-wfw- p a - ’, _ . ~.

 

 

 

 

 

 

John " '

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loom FROM A REVERE

C H A P T E R I l I .
nusrrr DICK’S mnsr BLOW.

Jorm vanxs felt not a little concern as he strode along

' -"ue grass-grown trail that Fred Wilson had so lately traversed.

The discovery made by the latter was truly a momentous one,
and if true, the danger impending was one that would require
all their skill and courage to avert.

He thought of the gentle Annie being exposed to all the
horrors of an Indian attack, and wild visions of daring deeds
and heroic struggles in her behalf flashed across his mind.
He felt that he could accomplish all theSc, for her sake.

And, in good truth, these fancies possessed his mind so -
greatly that he forgot a greater portion of necessary prudence,
striding along as if in the utmost security, as though fully as-
sured that there was not an enemy within a hundred miles of
his present location. But he was speedily awakened from his
abstraction. '

A dark form suddenly sprung out before him, with leveled
rifle-muzzle threatening him. As his eyes fell upon the ‘
intruder, John fancied he recognized the figure.

“ Is that you, Dusky Dick ?” he called out, halting and
half-raising his rifle.

“ Keep your gun down— don’t ofi‘er to shoot, or I’ll
mug ye 1 Yes, it's me. But who the devil are you I”
returned the man.

“ Stevens—John Stevens, you know," laughed the young
settler. “ Why, who’d you take me for ?" r

“ Per 0. Injun.
But whur are you goin’ ?”

“ Over to Wilson’s-why ?"

“ Oh, nolhiii'—I didn’t know. Folks all well at home 1‘”_

“ Yes, all well ; that is, all of our own. But there in
I lame Indian there, who hurt himself somehow, while
out hunting, I believe. You know him—Bob—tailed Horse 1"
tdded John, the better to allay any suspicions the other

\ might have entertained. v

 
    

They’re 'round at thnr tricks,I b’lieve.  -

  

  
   
   
     
       
    

 

 

 

    

 

DUBE'Y D103.

“ Yes; a drunken dog. Mind out or he’ll serve you  1

dirty trick, yet. Wal, if you’re goin’ to Wilson‘s, I won’t hin— 2

der you no more. Jest give them my respects, will you ?"3 '5

and Dusky Dick stepped to one side of the path.

But, as he did so, John noted an evil glitter in his eyes as v
the moonlight fell upon the rcnegade’s countenance, through a 

rift in the tree-tops.

Stevens realized that Dusky Dick meant.
mischief. '

“ All right—I’ll tell ’em," and the yarng settler Sil‘tldtéé

tightly post the man.

He saw the heavy rifle of the desperado mise nnd sum}; 2
through the air, wielded by strong arms, evidently nizncrl ur ‘

his «head. But Stevens ducked adroitly, and the weapon
hissed harmlessly above his head, the force of the unresisiml
blow swinging Dusky Dick around almost against him.

With on angry cry, Stevens whirled his rifle around, its
iron barrel alighting full upon the traitor’s hcnd, felling him
to the ground like a. dead man. But still a little cry broke
from his lips.

Instantly all around was confusion, and the young settler
shuddered involuntarily at the terrible commotion he had
’aroused. Wild yells filled the air until it sounded as though

, scores of devils had broken loose upon earth, nll thirsting for
human blood. '

Stevens knew his danger, and realized the full extent of
his peril—that he had fallen into an ambush of red-skins of

, whom Dusky Dick was either a member, or else a chief. And
he knew too that he would be put to his best, if he escaped
the threatened capture.

He had not alone to think of himself. either. The fate of
more than one probably depended upon the speedy nccnm
plishment of his errand. He must want the Wilsmi family
of their danger.

V Uttcring a low cry, John crouched down, and, summoning
idl'his powers, sprung with headlong force along the path,
that. he could see now c‘ontuined one or more of his enemies.
But it Was the only road for him now. He knew that ho

V ‘wculd not stand the faintest chance 2! success, in a run at

‘jnight through the forest, with the well-trained and M

footed Indians for comcetitors.‘ ‘ ' 

 

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m3 He leaped forcibly against the foremost Indian, hurling him
in. , reathless to the ground, without receiving any particular
9,, .-arn1 himself But there another confronted him, with uplift-
' ed hatchet gleaming in the moonlight, only a few feet distant.
. John lowered his rifle and sprung forward, at the same time
hrusting out forcibly with his. weapon. The rifle-muzzle took
he red-skin full in the pit of his stomach, doubling him up
fire a jack-knife, and causing him to emit a fearful grunt;
1‘  but at the same time he clutched the rifle-barrel and held it
‘ with a firm grip. This, added to the impetus of his rush,
,  caused Stevens to stumble headlong, and ere he could re-
' 3 cover himself, several red-skins were upon him.
Literally so in this case, and the young settler was borne
struggling to the the ground, almost smothered by the weight
of the yelling red‘skins. And then their weapons flashed out
and were uplifted to drink his heart’s blood.
It seemed as if the young man’s fate was irretrievably sealed,
and his eyes closed as a faint prayer rose to his lips. But his.
5 time was not yet.
 Dusky "Dick recovered his feet and sprung forward, his
: head dizzy and confused by the sound blow he had received.
But he knew enough to see the peril of the young settler, and
I —1'01' a purpose of his own—resolved to avert it, for the
.  present.
f “ Hold! don't strike 1” he commanded, in the Sioux dialect; ,
" You must not kill him yet." ‘ ’ ' ~_j_
it is not likely that his words would have had the desired » " i
Pficct. had he not beaten the weapons aside with his rifle-bar-
rel, and fairly hurled one or two of the savages aside. ’. .
It Was, perhaps, fortunate that John had not shed any

-3 .
’  o . mean». 3')
E

‘. was»; , g. ,i e

E Hood, although he had given some severe blows, for then, not
‘3‘: . even the influence of Dusky Dick, great as that undoubt-
t? odly was, could have saved Stevens from immolation. Even
l as it was, two of the red-skins—thOSc who had received John’s

compliments—were clamorous for his death.
But Dusky Dick was firm, and fiercely, declared that the

, man who lifted a hand against Stevens, unless by his express ,

V V orders, should die the death of a dog. This threat, whenutv ,

{and by one possessing the renegade’s resolution, sufficedgf

\Indv then by his orders. the young settler was firmly bond. V

    
 

 

 
 

 

DU!!! DICK.

, Dusky Dick drew aside with several of the principal brave;
an:l consulted earnestly for a few moments; then he returned,
and Stevens was lifted erect. Two savages held him firmly,
-while another loosened the bonds that confined his feet, so that
he could walk, but not run.

“ What do you intend doing, Dusky Dick?" he demanded,
in n tone as calm as he could make it, while such angry pas-
sions struggled within his breast; “ what do you mean by thin
outrage ?”

“I told you the Injuns was on the war-path. Now you
KDUW it, don’t ye ?“ chuckled the renegade, triumphantly.

“ What‘re you going to do with me .7” persisted John.

“ Keep you prisoner fer awhile; then burn you, maybe.
You must ask Sloan Young; You are his game."

'John saw the uselessness of further speech, and remained
silent. He realized that he was in a truly perilous situation,
and though he felt some matural uneasiness for himself, by mr
the greater share of his anxiety was for the peril that threat-
ened Annie. ’

If Dusky Dick would not thus toward him. might he not do
the same with others? Stevens shuddered convulsively as he
realized the peril that threatened the family of his loved one,
‘who were, as he believed, totally unsuspicious of the outbreak.

And then his fears were confirmed by the direction taken
by his captors, they heading directly toward the point where
the Wilson cabin was located. As if to put the matter en-
’tlrely beyond doubt, Dusky Dick, after a few instructions to
,the leading red-skin, fell back to a position just in front of

' Stevens—the entire party proceeding in Indian tile, as the
narrow trail we...u not admit two abreast—aw) tuuntingly o‘-
tered : '

“ As you said you was goin‘ on to Wilson’s, 1 Inougnt I'd
give you a escort, like. Don’t you feel highly honored!
You had ought, anyhow,” and he chuckled grimly.

“ You are not—~” fathered John, his blood chilling at the
significant tone of the renegade.

“ Ain’t I? but I am, too.

LBut don’t count on too much. Annie’s fer me. You must be
tented with the men critters, onless you take the old gal."

Thought you'd be lonely, a cap ,
tyve by yourself, so we‘ve concluded to give you cump’ny. ,

a A_.AM <

 

 

  
 
 

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John uttered a hoarse growl of anger, and would haw
lprung upon his tormentor, bound though his hands were|
had not the guard behind him divined his intentions and drew
aim forcibly baCk. This showed Stevens the folly of allowing
his passions to get the better of him, and so he kept silence,
while Dusky Dick malignantly resumed:

“ Yas, Annie's mine. That’s settled, for good. She'll make
I nice squaw—dou't you think so ‘3 Anyhow, I’m goin’ to
resk it. But t’others—well, they‘ll proh’ly git jest the same
as you will—’ither knocked on the head decently, or else used
fer a bonfire, jest to ‘mind the reds 0’ old times, when roasted
white men warn’t an uncommon dish.

“ But you don’t talk. 'Dwf, ain’t ye? Or be you thinkin’
o’ the folks at home? Need it. theydo. You said Beb-tailed
Horse was there, didn’t you? Well, he was sent there; aim,
what’s more, he was sent that by Sloan Young, and he ain’t
hurt no more'n you be, not a bit! He was sent than to open
the door at the night time, so 't the reds could walk in quietly.
It’s nearly time for the blow, too, as your folks go to bed
airly. I wonder how they‘ll feel by Inornin’ ?” and Dusky
Dick laughed ferociously. ‘

Stevens ahuddercd, but did not reply. He knew that Bob
tailed Horse would scarCely admit his red brethren, but then!
there was other danger. He knew that Fred would try and
persuade the family to hasten over to his house, and he—John
—had had evidence that the trail was thickly beset by dangers.

Besides the band that held him a captive, Stevens had heard
enough to’ know that Sloan Young was, also lying hear at
hand, only awaiting the proper time to spring his trap upon
the “ people of the great rock.” Might not Fred also stumble '
upon one of these parties? ‘ V ‘ "

Dusky Dick was not a little provoked at the ill-success 0 V L' ’

his taunting boasts, but soon desisted, and once more made
his way to the front, as the party were now rapidly nearing
the cabin of Edward Wilson. Their caution increased, and
the party glided along the shadowy path, like some grim
forest hunter.

John was not idle, however. He resolved to escape, it it
lay in human power, as he felt that to remain captive tun
tqnivalant to death, more or lea speedy; and he might yet—v

‘-— ; »

 

DUBKY 010K.

  
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
   
   
   
    
  
   
   
 
  
  
    
  
  
  

be able to accomplish something. If too late to save the
Wilson family, he might be of use to his own people.
He worked assiduously upon the bonds that confined his
hands. They were of tanned buckskin, and defied his utmost
efforts to break them. The endeavor only resulted in abrading
the skin of his wrists.
The knots appeared to be tied securely, and would neither
slip nor come untied. It seemed as though his hopes were
doomed to be frustrated by this one fact. And yet he did
not give way to despair or cease his efforts. only keeping
them concealed—as he was enabled to do by the darkness
beneath the trees—from the red-skins before and behind him.
Now the little party stood upon the verge of the clearing
surrounding the cabin of Edward W'ilson. and peered curiously
out upon it.
rested one hand upon his lips, evidently resolved that he
should give no alarm.
All was quiet. around the dwelling. There was no light
within the building, and it seemed as though the inmates had
retired to rest, with their usual feeling of security.’ Dusky
Dick uttered a fiendish laugh. '
“ You see,” he muttered in John’s ear, “your friends don’t
I expect visitors to-night. They will be agreeably surprised—I
guess not—when we wake them up. But, still, it may be a
r trap, and you must guard us from it. Now I am goin’ to
make you Walk jest afore me, and, mind you, I have a long
knife—long enough, anyhow, to reach your. heart—ready for
use at the slightest sound from your lips. And I my use it,
too, if you give a single word or sign to alarm them.”
In ‘a few words Dusky Dick made known his plans to his
9, followers, and they expressed approval of it. John was
é brought to the front and Dusky Dick crouched behind him.
' Then the others strung out in a row. so that any shot tmm
’the house Would miss them all, unless first striking the young
settler.
, “ Now, step out, young teller," muttered Dusky DickI
‘ pricking Stevens slightly with the point of his bored knife,
. “_ and remember that if you rouse them up, their first shot
- must take you. Pleasant, ain’t it P” and he again gave venue
I fiendish laugh / \. ~ '

An Indian grasped John firmly by the neck, and.

I as .n.mmp»._.~..«, .

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._..n_.-4

  

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m ms FLOWN. it

John dared not remonstrate, and obeyed the impulse given
him by the renegsdc, slowly advancing toward the log-cubin.
N curly two hundred yards of clearing had to be traversed, and
as may he imagined, it was it trying ordeal for the young
nnm‘s nerves, who knew not at what moment a shot- from his
friends might sound his death-knell.

But in this he was agreeably disappointed, for the side of
the cabin was gained in safety. Not a sound broke the still- ‘
ness that filled the clearing, save the usual hum and chirping}
of the summer insects. A silence as of death seemed upon
every thing.

Dusky Dick advanced to the door and gently rapped with
his knuckles. No answer; only the echo of the knock re-
plied. Agnin and again he repeated it, with the same result. '
A glud hope sprung up in the heart of the young settler.

He believed that the family had taken alarm and sought safety

in flight. ~

This same idea. struck Dusky Dick, and he thumped loudly
upon the door. Then with a wild, angry cry he rushed
forcibly against it. Still no answering sound broke the si-
lence.

“ The birds have flown l” uttered a savage, in a. tone of dis-r
gust '

“ Break down the door and let’s see,” cried Dusky Dick,»
with u hitter oath. .

A simultaneous rush of several sturdy forms, broke down
the fastenings of the door, and then Dusky Dick rushed into _.
the house. He could hear no signs of its being occupied, and
then hastily struck a light. As the glare filled the room, an
angry ronr broke from his lips.

The floor was strewn with various articles, whose diSOl‘dL.
told of great haste; that told the renegade his anticipated vic- '
thus had indeed taken the alarmnnd had fled from the im-
pending peril.
the building unguarded, after his vain attempt at con)er
misc. _

“ Git torches and hunt for sign," he cried, as he stirred up
the mbers that still glowed- in the huge fireplace. “ They 
cant have gone hr in this little time. Quick! we will  I‘ “.71
Myst!" '  ‘ . ~r

 

    

Now he bitterly cursed his folly in leaving I j 

  

 

 

 

 

DI!me

' vIna 1ew moments as number of the Indians had secured
torches, and were searching the ground without for some trace
to tell them the direction taken by the fugitives. Meanwhile
Dusky Dick had hastily searched through the building, and
confirmed this belief. They were indeed gone

CHAPTER IV.
A rs:an sunrmsm.

Tom: Cas'ron sat down to the table and without ceremony
began what he would have termed a “ square meal,” eating
as though his whimsical assertion was true—that he had not
eaten a bite for two weeks. Evidently he was not a man to
be disturbed by trifles, and who threw his entire energies into
one thing at a time.

I Edward Wilson conversed earnestly with his wife and daugh-

‘ter, telling the tidings imparted by their friend, the old hun-

ter. He asked their advice, for, like a sensible man, he did
not think it derogatory to his manhood, to consult one of th
1 “ weaker sex.” ‘

“ What does Tobe say ?” asked Mrs. Wilson.

“ He says thet you bed better jest git up np’ git, while you
kin,” replied that worthy, as emphatically as the crowded state
of his mouth would admit. “ They’ve got a dead open an’
shet on ye, ’s long‘s you stay hyar. Dusky Dick wouldn’t ’a’

shot off his mouth that a-way, unless he had some one nigh to »

‘ back him up. An’ I know the pesky insz hez riz, down fur-
der; an’ it stands to reason that it’ll spread up this 3-way,

whar thar‘s a. few skelps to be got, ’thout much resk. So I -,

say—mosey !"

“But where—which Way? If, as you say, the Indians
have broken out below us, they must be between here and
thesettlements-at least 7 lch as are strong enough to offer
my hope of safety." - .
V “Jest.so,-Ed; but see. The_longer you wait the mesa
I'll be. An’ it’ll keep upmdh'. natur’ly. upthis any

, _.....
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MAXINE FOB FLIGHT.

E1 you start now, you stand a chaince o" gittin’ through. E!
you wait ontil to-morrer—providin’ Dusky Dick don't put in 7
his oar, atom—it’ll he wuss, a heap. Dog-on itl You must _ ‘-
start to-niglit l" earnestly added Castor.

“But Fred-ho is not here, and we can’t leave him.”

"‘ No more shall you. My plan’s this. Say we gits out 0'
here, uu’ a’terwards Dusky Dick gives the cabin a call, an'
finds us gone. Won’t he natur'ly s’pose you‘ve struck out fer
the settlements? An’ won’t he look fer us in that direction ? ‘.'~'
In course he will. So much fer so much, then.

“ We’ll take the hosses an’ start in thet d’rection t'ust. Fer
it’s more'n likely they’ll hunt fer our trail by torchlight, ontil
they set the p‘int we head torst. Then they’ll set off to run
us down So We must go fur enough on critter-back to fool
791“. that way. Then we’ll turn ’round an’ strike back in a
crooked route, torst the Stevens shanty, find Fred, tell our
yarn, an’ take the hull caboodle with us.

“ We kin take a turn ag'in, an’ then by hard ridin’, make
up fer lost time. Ef we‘re ahead 0’ those imps by day, then
we’re all right fer them. We must take the chances ’bout
t‘others. But I think we kin work it. ’l‘har—thet’s my plan;
what (1’ you think 0’ it, anyhow ?” demanded Castor, arising
from the table.

- The party were silent. They could see no other way, and
yet this one seemed full of danger. But indeed, if the rising ' ._ ,
of the Indians in insurrection was a. fact, which way could they I N ..
turn without incurring danger? ‘

So this plan was finally acquiesced to, and the work of pre-
paration for flight commenced. Castor and Wilson set about
Iaddling the horses, While the women packed food and extra
clothing, with such little articles of value that they could not
bring themselves to abandon, in small 'and compact bundles.

They worked as if for dear life, and but a few minutes
Were consumed ere all was pronounced ready for a start.
Castor had taken a hurried scout along the route they proposed
to follow, and discovered nothing suspicious. .

There were only four horses, but Tobe scornfully declared
that he would none of them; that he never yet met the foulh ' , .
footed animal that he could not wear out, on foot. But i! 4*
mm mountalro the extra one along for Fred’s m 1? 

 
    

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DUBKY DICK.

. Then site. 1 few words of caution, he led the way from
the clearing, and they entered the gloomy forest, leaving the
home that had sheltered them for two years, with sensations
of choking regret. It seemed like parting with some near

, and (lea'r friend. »

The trail was narrow and winding, and frequently the

riders were forced to stoop low down in their saddles, to avoid

r the pendent boughs, but to offset this, they had the ndvnntngo
of knowing the route thoroughly, from so often traversing it
Tobe Castor led the way with long, swinging strides, that
forced the horses to their best walking, to avoid being dis-
tanced.

There was urgent need of haste, as they understood matters
to be, for Fred might return to the deserted house, before they
would have time to gain Stevens’, if any delay occurred. And
unsuspecting the threatening peril—as they believed—he might
run into an ambush and be either killed or captured by the
red-skins.

“ We’ve gone fur a plenty," said Tobe, when nearly a half-
mile had been traversed. “We must strike fer the other
shanty now, or we mought miss Fred. Toke keer fer your
hands, now, as thnr hain’t any trail the way we must go.”

“ Ain’t you afraid of losing the way, Tobe? It’s so dark.”
muttered Wilson. ‘ 

“ Nary time I ain‘t. Lose nothin’ l
Wasn’t I raised in the woods?
even ef I was blinded?
’bout that, Ned.
Injun’s trail—fer you know We‘ve got to go mighty crooked
through the dark, on this bresh. Now keep close together

vand don’t make no n’ise. Don’t holler out, even of the limbs
saw your heads off. ’Tnin’t nothin’—a‘ter you git used to
it."

The guide hurried abruptly to his left, and strode rapidly
along, holding onto the bridle of the horse ridden by Mrs.
Wilson. After her cnme Annie, with Wilson bringing up the
rear, leading the spare horse.

Owing to the darkness, considerable noise was unavoidably
bode, but as they soon gained a point at a fair distance from
the trail Castor believed there was but little danger of being

\ ,

Me? Git out!
Couldn’t I smell my way,
In course I kin. Don‘t be skeeer

I’ll take you as straight that as a drunken'

. “gum

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onrheard. As a matter of course, he reasoned that such
Indians—and he felt fully assured that there were more or less
in the neighborhood, from the bold threats of Dusky Dick—
as were lurking around, would naturally keep near the main
trail. as the two families were all living within some miles of .
that point.

Thus he pressed on through the woods at a good pace, for
now time was precious. A long road lay before them, and
unless a certain distance could be, gained before day-dawn, he
believed their chances of ultimate escape would be faint: in-
deed.

The riders found that his warning was well founded, for
more than once they were almost brushed from their saddles,
by the low-hanging boughs. and only by ,lying’ almost flat
along their horses’ necks, coulddhey proceed with any degree
of safety. Then their animals were mainly left to their own
guidance, but naturally followed close in the footsteps of the
one led by Castor. I.»

For several miles the fugitives proceeded in this manner,
which was inexpressibly wearisome, and more than once had
Wilson urged Castor to seek the trail leading direct to the
cabin of Wesley Stevens. But the guide refused, as it would
be incurring foolish risk. The unbrok enwoods were far safer
in his estimation. ,

But their journey was not to be ‘ completed without inter-
ruption, and one soon came that threatened serious conse-
quences. It occurred in this manner.

As they were proceeding at a fair gait, a bright flash.
spouted forth from one side of the little party, at only a few
yards’ distance, and mingled with sharp report, came the spite:

- ful hum of a ragged bullet as it. hurtled close to the head of

Mrs. Wilson. Then a loud, fierce yell broke upon their hear-
ing. '

The horses were badly frightened by these sudden and un-
expected sounds, and broke loose from all control, wildly
plunging on through the woods. And the voice of Castor
.was heard, crying :

“ Keep together, an’ let the animiles wentl Feller me 1" '.
Fleet-footed as a deer, he sprung forward and clutched the

 that had been wrenchod from his grasp: then no, " l‘ ’

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more:

beside the horse, now leading the way. Occasionally he
would raise his voice—knowing that, if they were indeed «
followed, this could not add to their peril, as the loud crash-
ing made by the alfiighted animals could be heard further
ban his cries—and it Was essential that none of‘the party
should become separated from the others.

For nearly a mile this headlong race was maintained, and
Len Castor suddenly checked the horse he was guiding. He ‘5

‘ could hear nothing of any pursuer, and had resolved that
now, if ever, was the time to throw any such off the
[scent

“ Is it all right, Ed ?” he anxiously cried, approaching Wil

Ion. ‘

“ Yes—l believe so. Is Mary hurt ?”

“No—I am safe. But Annie—where is she t" replied
Mrs. Wilson, breathlessly. '

“ Here—I caught her horse as it ran past. Are you hurt, 
Annie i” 7

There came no answer, and Wilson repeated the inquiry,
in wondering alarm. Tobe Castor sprung forward with a cry,
and stood beside the horse. '

It was dark and gloomy there, in the forest depths, where
the thickly-crested tree-tops efi'ectually prevented the moon’s
rays from falling on the earth, and nothing could be seen.
The sense of feeling must be depended upon, merely.

Castor reached out and touched the snorting horse. It
trembled like a leaf. He called aloud on Annie’s name, but
she did not answer.

His hands fell upon the saddle. It was empty—Annie was
me! ,

The old scout uttered a low cry and staggered back. The ~‘
’blow was a fearful one, and he felt it as though the lost one
had been his own child.

“ My God i Castor, what is it ?" gasped Wilson, alarmed at
the tone of the hunter, and bending forward in the saddle as
though he would pierce the dense obscurity with his distended
eyeballs.

“The gel is gone i" -.

Mrs. Wilson uttered a low, gasping groan, and reeled in he: - .
an. Tobe sprung forward and caught her linking hi

 

 

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on MISSING.

lowering'her gently to the ground. In a moment Wilson
was beside her, half-distracted by the terrible events that
pressed so closely upon them. I

“ Give her a sup 0’ this,” gloomin said Castor, producing
a small flask of whisky. “’Tain’t no time fer faintin’ now.
We’ve got our hands full ’thout that."

“ What must we—what can we do ‘3” cried the far
“‘0’. ChOkingly, as he strove to revive the fainting wor
man.

“ Work—work like blazes. No use goin’ furder ontil we
find thet gal ; ef it kin be did. Ejf— it must he did! Thun-
derl I‘ll find her ef I hev to take an’ rip the hull teetotal
kentry through my old hat! See ’f I don’t, now,” and 088'
for spoke with strong emphasis. \

Mrs. Wilson now gave signs of returning consciounese.
Strong-nerved, she was not one to yield long to any misfor-

tune, however heavy and bitter it might be.

“ Now, Ed," added Tobe, thoughtfully, “ this is what we
must do. You may stay here with her an’ the bosses, ’ca’se
we may need them afore long. I’l. go back ’long the trail
as we kem by, an’ look fer the gal. She must ’a’ bin knocked
off by some pesky limb, an' won’t hev gone fur. I’ll find her,

, never fear."

“ But the Indians—those who fired at us? They may hevo '
l'ound her," faltered Wilson. ’

“ "Tain't likely, fer I didn’t hear thar yell as they'd ’s’ give
ef they hed. I don’t think they'd notice her tumble a—tall.
An’ then ag’in, I don‘t think thar was more’n one or two, or
they’d ’a’ follered us closter. Most likely jest a. stray, prowl
in” critter, who run jest as soon’s he shot at us.” I

“ I hope so—but why can‘t we all go ?”

“ Don t be a fool, now, Ed, aon’t. S’posin’ thar was s
wheen 0' reds nigh, wouldn't we look nice a-blunderin’ right
spang into 'em? They’d hear us a-comin’. an’ then lay for
118. Then Whar’d we be? No, sir. Whatever’s did I must
do, aloiie, by myself. You must stay here to keep her
comp'ny—onless, indeed, you keep right on to the shanty fer
Fred. Which is it 7”

g . “ No, we must not leave Annie—Fred is a man, and bottom:  n
 ’to'take care of himself. We will wait here."

 
  

 

 
 

39 - DUSKY .Drcx.

r u

- Ker ye to lay low in than this,” and Castor started aWay tron 
the spot. 
“ 15 Annie gone, Edward?" murmured Mrs. Wilson 3
feebly.  g
“ Yes—but Tobe says he can find her. She is safe, I be /‘ C

lieve, but was brushed oil the horse‘s back. He will find her I i
never fear.”

, I t

“ All right, then. But fust, wait ontil I find a better plan / ‘
s

l:

“ Here ye be, folks,” muttered the old hunter, as he refs C
turned. “Kin you walk a leetle, Mary ?” E 8

“ Yes, I can; I think." 3 I

“ Help her, Ed, while I take the snimiles. Feller me." ,

In a few moments the refuge was gained; a sort of natural;
bower, where, even by“ the light of day, a casual observer i,
would scarcely have noticed their presence, and in the dark  C

‘ :ness, unless some noise should betray them, an entire tribe of 3
\ red-skins might have passed Within arm’s-length of the covert,  1
without suspecting their presence. 2 1
“ You stay here an’ keep still. Don’t move or speak ’bov‘ : E
‘ a cat’s whisper,,onlil'I come back. I’ll give the call 0‘ the 5
‘ night~hawk twicet. You know it, Ed ‘9"

“ Yes, but be—”

Tobe did not wait to hear the conclusion of this sentence,
but turned and glided away. His mind was far from being
at case, although he had endeavored to cheer up the fugitives
with a confidence he was far from possessing, as he knew that
it was no time for despondency.

' He knew that Annie had most likely been knocked from
the saddle by a limb, and that she might have received such ', I
injuries as prevented her crying out. And then again shc "1
might have suddenly been pounced upon by the one who hml '
fired the treacherous shot, and taken prisoner before she could
give the alarm.

It hurt, the chances wEre against his finding her, in the
darkness, and to await the light of day would be perilous in
the extreme, now that the vicinity of deadly enemies was put
beyond a doubt. Still he did not entirely despair; it._was'n0t 

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his nature to do so, while breath remained ,

Tobe glided along cautiously, seeming to avoid col-
lision with the thickly-growing tree-trunks and bushes by -
’I , ' ’

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A STEP APPROACHES.

  
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
    
 
 
   
   

instinct, keeping as near as he could tell. in the trace of their

Wild flight. His hearing was keenly alert, and he looked for

some signs or sounds to tell him whether the hidden horseman

had followed them or not.

But he reached a point near where the alarm had been
given the horses, Without seeing or hearing aught to confirm
either his suspicions or hopes. Then he paused to listen more
intently.

1 His lips compressed tightly and one hand sought the haft

 of his ready knife, as he heard the sound of faint footfalls,
apparently approaching him. Still he did not speak or move,

not knowing whether friend or foe advanced.

The steps sounded more and more distinct, until Tobe felt
, assured that the comer was not the girl he sought: the tread
Vi was too regular and deliberate for that of a frightened wan

‘5 derer. Then who could it be but a foe? .

\ A dark form appeared outlined against the less opaque at- r j

_ A mosphcre, Within a few feet of the crouching scout. With

1i knife drawn, Castor reached out, and finding a small twig,
, snapped it with a sharp noise.

, A low gnttural exclamation came from the figure, and it
started back as if in alarm. That satisfied Castor, who sprung
forward with a low howl of anger.

’ fl ‘ His arms closed around a brawny form, but a quick mo-

. ‘ tiou rendered the knife-stroke futile, and then they fell to the.

, , ground together, battling fiercely for the mastery. Their
arms were twined around each other, so that their knives were

 of little use.
It was now a struggle for life or death!

“was-” '

t s ‘\,A

 

CHAPTER V.
THE BURNING CABIN.

A pm, shadowy, phantomvlike chain flitting silently through
‘56 forest depths. A living chain, composed of human be.
lugs—at least in outward semblance—bent upon an errand of
bloodshed and death.

They pause at the edge of a considerable clearing, and
gaze out upon it. A rude log-cabin stands here at the foot
of a good—sized hill. In the darkness, it seems as though
there were two buildings, but one is a. huge square bowlder.
A mass of rock that. has puzzled many to tell where it came
from. It gives a name to the cabin and its owners, “ the peo-
ple of the lodge by the great rock.” ‘

The cabin is the one where we met the Stevens family.
The human chain is led by One Eyc——Sloan Young, the half- .
breed heretofore alluded to. He and his comrades have come
here to perform their part of the bloody plan, to further which
the Indian, Bob-tailed Horse, had been sent to gain admittance
into the cabin. 7

“It is nearly time,” muttered One Eye, in the Sioux dia—
lect.

- r, “ Yes, the pale-faces are asleep before now,” added one of
the Indians.

“ We will not wait any longer. Come, let us go,” and On
Eye entered the clearing and glided stealthin toward th
cabin that stood silent and gloomy in the shadow of the
hill. ,

The half» breed paused when beside the rude structure and
uttered a call; one common to that place and time of year— '
the cry of, the night-hawk. Then he stepped forward and
pressed gently against the door. ‘

To his surprise it did not yield. He again uttered the sig-
nal, upon which the traitor was to throw wide the door, bur
still without the desired result .

“ The fool has drank are-water until his brain is asleep
He has forgotten “'5 duty,” 3118?“! hiflsed the half-breed.

 

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m can turn. a

“It is growing late and our weapons are hungry ‘for‘
white blood. Let us break open the lodge. They can do
Homing," muttered the Indian who had spoken before, who
was evidently of higher rank than the others who stood si-
lently behind him.

, “ We can do it. One rush will owerpower them. But re-
member—the young squaw must not be harmed. She is
mine—for my squaw,” earnestly added Young.

“ It is well. One Eye shall have her," and then the chiei
spoke a few words to his followers, who drew together and
made a heavy rush against the door.

It flew open so suddenly that onehalf their number fell in
a. sprawling heap upon the floor, half-way across the room.
Then with wild yells and cries Young and the chief sprung
over their forms, and glared around for their anticipated we-
thus.

But where were they? Why did not their cries of wild
alarm and terror break forth upon the air? Surely there had
been noise enough made to awaken them from the soundes‘t
slumber!

Raging furiously, Young rushed into the second room, but
silence met him there, as well. He could no longer doubt
the truth.

'“ A light—quick I” he snarled fiercely, in his rage speaking
in English. “ They cain‘t all hev gone. 'Cusses on that
drunken fool i” .

A light was speedily struck, and applied to a heap of cloth.
ing that lay upon the floor. As the blaze shot up, the inte- -
riot of the cabin was rendered visible. Here, as at Wilson‘s,
the disordered furniture and various articles strewn about the
floor, told of a hasty and recent flight.

The half-breed quickly ran through the rooms, and found
nothing there to wreak his fury upon. The loft, likewise, was
His anger and disappointment was fearful.

Led by him the Indians procured lights and ran outside
to find, if possible, some trace of the fugitives. While some
searched for a trail, others sought among the brush and hol-
lows along the hillside, in the faint hope that the fugitives
had sought shelter there. '

Alfaint ruddy glow now appeared upon the sky-inure

 

 

 

 

/

a ' ~ . bum max.

south—east, growing momentarily more vivid and‘clearn One
of the Indians pointed it out to Sloan Young, who replied
’ with a diabolical grin:

“ It is the work of, Dusky Dick. He has had better for- '
tune then we.”

Then as if this sight had reminded him of it, the renegade
ran to the building and stirred up the dying fire, piling on
clothes, bed-ticks, furniture and every thing movable, that
would burn. Then he retreated once more, uttering a fiend-
ish yell of delight. ’

Soon the flames burst through the open doorway, roaring
and crackling as though in high glee at thus being turned
loose to work its will. A torch was applied to the straw-~
thatched stables, and then as the afl‘righted stock ran lowing
or neighing around their corrals, the dusky (lemons shot them
down, uttering wild yells of diabolical exultation. '

But the half-breed and his chief glided around, striving to
'decipher the meaning of the many tracks that covered the
ground. They were moving toward the forest, where their own
party had not so defaced the ground with their trampling to
and fro, when an unexpected sound startled them.

It was a cry, long and unearthly, seeming like, yet unlike
a human voice. But if indeed one, then it must proceed
from some person either in agonizing pain or mortal terror.

_ Again and again it esme to their ears, with increasing dis— _.
tinctness, and even more startling than at first. And the f
dusky crowd glanced at each other in mute alarm.

They knew not what to make of it. Wherever they
turned, from that point the horrible shrieks seemed to issue.
If they looked, it appeared to come down from the skies.

The savages ceased their work of barbarous destruction f
and gathered together. They felt alarm, that was rapidly
increasing, at they knew not what.

The chief was scarcely less impressed, but Sloan Young
did not exhibit the same symptoms. His face was eagerly
turned toward the blazing cabin, through whose roof the ‘
flames were now ascending. Then as another yell broke »
upon his hearing, be said : VA

“ It is from the lodge! The pale-faces have hidden b0 ‘
truth it, and are being roasted alive I” - '

 

 

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A milk 07‘ TORTURE.

/

The terror of the savages quickly gave place to emotions
of anger, at thus being cheated out of the coveted scalps.
,The heat Was now too intense for them to accomplish any
thing in the way of releasing the sufferers.

Then they started back with cries of Wondering dismay.
A shrill shriek of fearful torture rung out, and then a figure
sprung from the fiery furnace and darted toward them; iti-

Jarms flung wildly aloft, its garments dropping in charrec
":..fragmcnts from its limbs. . ,

’ Then with another long-drawn cry, it sunk to the ground.
almost at the feet of Sloan Young. The half-breed been:
over it, but shrunk back at the horrible stench of burning
flesh that arose from the body. Still he had recognized the
unfortunate, burned and disfigured though it was.

“It is Bob-tailed Horse 1” he exclaimed, turning to the
chief.

And such was the case. He had been cast down the pit
bound and gagged, as detailed, but soon recovered his senses
There he lay until he heard the angry voices of his confeder
ates above him, and heard himself blamed for the disappoint-
ment.

He strove to cry out, but the gag had been firmly applied
and his limbs were useless. In striving to free himself, he
rolled over upon his face. , ‘ I .

Then he heard the ominous crackling above him, and the
pungent smoke that soon came to his nostrils, told him of a
new and fearful peril. And yet he was helpless to avert

, it. His bonds would not give, nor could he utter even a
groan. ‘

The heat increased until the sweat streamed from every
pore. The air became so close and hot that he nearly
sufl'ocated. At every breath it was like inhaling molten
lead. -

His prison became lighter, and he knew that the floor

/ was being burned through. And still he struggled to burst
his bonds; strove in vain. The skin cracked and sln‘ivrled

, up beneath the intense heat, and his tortures were excruciating.
The floor above him was one mass of coals. Then cinderl

‘ fell/upon his bare neck, hot and glowing. He shook his
load, but the coal adhered to. the hissing flesh. I '

 

1

' q t , pmmox.

Another and another fell, until his body was literally m
cred with the blazing sparks. Either the cords had been
weakened by fire, or else the torturing coals had given Bob-
tailed Horse a fictitious strength, for with one mighty effort
he burst them asunder, and snatching the gag from his mouth,
uttered a wild, cry for help.

His hair caught fire and blazed furiously about his

' face. His flesh was fairly hissing beneath the heat, and it
seemed as though he was one mass of fire. He screamed and .
yelled with frantic fury.

I-Ie sprung upward end caught at one of the glowing sleep-

' era. It broke beneath his weight, and he fell back, covered
with the hotly-blazing debris. Again he sprung to his feet and
‘essayed to gain the level floor ; and again he fell back, screech-
ing—dying.

More of the floor crumbled away, and then he sprung upon
the edge of the narrow pit. With yet another cry, he fell
forward upon his face in the glowing mass of coals.

He tottered to his {cat and rushed blindly forward, sinking
nearly knee- deep in the burning embers. He ran against
the still standing logs and staggered back; his eyesight was
gone.

But he did not fall, and sprung ahead once more. This
time he emerged from the doorway, and then with a gasping
.yell, he fell to the ground.

And yet. after all this torture, he still lived. Though he
had undergone enough to have killed a half-score of men, the
spark of life still flickered faintly in his breast.

He knew he was among friends, and cried out for water.
More from his gestures. than aught else, he was understood, _
and Young hastened to supply his wants. Not from motixies
cf pity, but because he hoped to gain some valuable informu-_
tion from the dyingr wretch.

The spring was close by, and a hatful of cold water was '
brought the scarred and mangled sufferer. He drank it down
eagerly and begged piteouslyior more.

‘5 Tell me first,” said One Eye, in the Sioux dialect,“ where ;
Ire'the pale-faces i” '

“Gone—water—water i” gasped the wgremh. ' , . .~

‘ Whmf’sternly dried Young. “ Tell me all or»! W ,1

 

 

 

I .

ran nan. town. 43,
,perhh for want of a drop of water. Tell me and you shall
have all you wish.”
“ Gone to—over time,” was the husky reply.
I “ To Wilson’s ?” asked Young, in English.
“ Yes—~young brave tell ’um—they go—run ’Way—”
One Eye sprung to his feet with a peculiar cry. He had
learned all he wished. » ' ,
J g “ \Vater—Wator i" gasped the sufferer, but his plea was un- .
hauled.
lle could be of no further service to them. He might
die a dog's death, as he had lived a dog’s life. What cared
they ? ’
“ Come-«there is no time to lose. 'We must hasten or they
will escape us yet. Follow me, and their scalps shall hang at
0‘“ girdles before another sun 1" yelled One Eye, as he dashed
away from the burning cabin, closely followed by the savages,
leaving the dying wretch as he lay, to gasp out his feeble
remnant of life in fruitless appeals for water!

CHAPTER VI.
AN UNEXPECTED HEETING.

As Dusky Dick turned from the loft, after his fruitless
search, a loud; shrill yell from one of his braves without, told ,
him that the trail had been found. He uttered a little cry
of exultation and flung his blazing brand upon the bed, ashe
(lashed out of doors.

The trail-hunters had found where the beasts had been
mounted, and then from that point the tracks led in a straight:
line toward the forest. There seemed but one solution of this.

- The settler had taken alarm at the threats of Dusky Dick,
and had resolved to journey to the lower settlements. The
renegade bitterly cursed his precipitancy, and his folly in los- '
I; fight of his intended victims even fora. moment, when the
team meeting: in his own huh. I , "

a
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, glee.

,ductive of harm, in the wruthful mood of his captors.

solved to give them chase.

I not think there was any further need of this aid. 0n foot

’ hbly, for Sloan Young was a bitter, relentless enemy. .

“Look! the lodge is burning i” exclaimed a. savage, to
Dusky Dick

The brawl the‘lttttcr had thoughtlesslyv flung upon the bed
had dcne its work. The flames were shooting up, leaping.“
hither and thither, roaring and crackling as if in fiendish

“Let it 'ourn. It will shelter no more of our enemies,” and
he turned sway with a grim smile. -

John St ,wnis was standing near, under guard of two brawny ‘ '
braves, wh . 1tept a vigilant watch over him. His blood was.
boiling wit“. 1 him at this last act of wanton malignancy, but
fortunate—iv no controlled his anger before it broke forth into
words, that,‘while they could do him no good, might be pro-

. Dusky Dick now renewed his instructions to the guards to
keep careful watch over‘ the captive, and then set forward
after such of his braves as were tracing out the course of the
fugitives by torchlight. ' The hoof-trucks crossed the clearing,
and entered the trail leading to the lower settlements.

. Thus fun“; was plain sailing, and Dusky Dick thought her;
divined the plans of the fugitives. He believed they were A
pressing on at a hot pace for the safer country below, and re-

He could not proceed rapidly enough by torchlight trailing, I
and indeed, knowing the luy of the country so well, he did ,

he could proceed much more rapidly than the fugitives upon 3
horseback, through the tangled woods.

But it would be impossible to carry his prisoner alongf;
There would be too great a risk of losing him, and besides, he
would only delay them. *

So Dusky Dick turned to the two guards and bade them‘
take Stevens and hasten at once to the lodge by the great
rock, where they Were to deliver him to Sloan Young, accord-
ing to the bargain already made. Then he and his braves-
dashed away at headlong speed along the trace. _

.Ever since his capturéLJohn had been busy. He knew_
that unless he could effect his escape that night, his chances
tor life were very slim. He would die by torture, most pro- 3

1 .
l , > y
. i

 

4 ,1

 

 

ALMOST rm 4'!
His hands had been bound behind him with strong deer-
skin thongs. Then another cord had been wound several
times around his body, thus pinioning his arms close to his
sides. It seemed as though escape from these bonds, unaided,
was an impossibility.
John had thoroughly tested the strength of the thong se‘
curing his wrists, and knew that he could not break it while

; 1 his arms were so confined that he could not exert‘his strength

to any advantage. He saw that he must first rid himself of
the cords around his arms and body.

And to this end he had been working since before the
cabin was reached. While the search was being prosecuted,
he had,been backed up against the building’s side by his cup-
tors. Here he had caught one of the cords upon a knot,
and had succeeded in pulling it down over his hands; thus
the most difficult part of the task was accomplished.

“The rest was comparatively easy. The one turn, thus

i loosened, gradually divided its surplus with the others, until

John could work his hands slightly up and down.- When the
party entered the woods, along the horse trail, only one cord
bound his arms 1 7 t
Then that slipped down, and during the consultation,
John, with it quick, dextrous twist, brought his bound hands

_ up over his head, and dropped them in front; the movement

not being noticed in the gloom. Cautiously raising his hands,
Stevens applied his strong, sharp teeth to the thongs, and
though he had barely half a score moments to work in, he' '
improved this time so well that the thong parted at mquick
pull upon it.

His first impulse was to turn and flee for life, but that

' would be too great a risk, and the young settler had sufficient

good sense to await a more favorable opportunity.

Then he was given to the two braves, to be conducted to
the half-breed, One Eye Stevens felt a thrill of delight at
this, for he felt that his escape was all but assured. Surely,
during the long three miles he could died an escape, now
that only two were left to guard him.

:But a danger threatened him, that he had not foreseen.

,He was being led back to the blazing cabin, and" once within ’  ’.
/ lie brood circle of light cast around it, it was highly probst ’ a

V, , , r _ ,,.-

;‘> ," _ av .y’ /-“‘“-

 

 

DU!!! Dl‘CK

one at the red-skins Would notice that the cord was broken .
around his wrists.

However, that must be chanced, and as the young settler
managed to screen the broken ends, holding their. under his
hands, again crossed behind his back, he believed they Would ,
pass muster. rl,‘he clearing was entered, a red-skin walking
Upon either side of him, clutching a shoulder.

The building was now blazingr furiously, and Stevens felt a
choking sensation as he gazed upon it. Many a happy hour ,
‘ had he spent beneath that roof, with those Who, for unght he
knew to the contrary, might even then be lying cold and still
in the embrace of death.

He strove manfully to. banish these ideas, but was not en- 4
tirely successful. There was a heavy weight at his heart, and
a premonition of coming evil rested upon his spirit.

As the clearing was crossed, the cabin being left directly _]

behind the trio, a low cry broke from John’s lips. Before ‘
them, afar off, was a ruddy glow, lighting up the skies high
above the tree-tops. It needed not a second glance to tell
the young settler the meaning of this. The position plainly .
revealed that. It was the conflagration built by One Eye; .
the blazing of the second cabin.

‘The Indians urged John along rapidly. One walked be
fore, the other behind, within arm‘s length of their prisoner.
Evidently they did not intend throwng away a chance, but
Were resolved to convey him safely to his destination.

They had not proceeded far from the Wilson cabin, when
the foremost Indian paused with a low hiss, and bent his ear
toward the ground. To the right and front he could distin- ‘
guish the tramp of horses’ hoofs.

“ Perhaps ’tis One Eye, crossing with horses captured from
the people of the lodge by the great rock," muttered the
Savage, whose hand rested upon John’s shoulder.

“It may be. Let Tichenet wait here with the pale-face,
whire Asamee goes to see," hastily muttered the other, arising l
and gliding away in the forest, choosing a course so as to in- _
tercept the horsemen, whoever they might be, leaving the
other two where they stood.

John believed that. the time had now come for him to
an; a bold stroke. for freedomvassnred that no other so good \

 

 

'tVO'blazing‘cabins told him that, but just where, he had no

 

succumb. II
a chance would be given him. And so, while waiting for
Asamee to gain a safe distance, he entirely freed his hands.

Stealing a glance at his guard, Stevens saw that one hand
rested upon a knife-heft, while his head was bent inran atti-
tude of. acute attention. His thoughts were mainly with his
comrade, and the probable issue of his venture.

Stevens tightly clenched his hand, and gently drew it back.
Suddenly there came a startling interruption. A clear, spitee
fu! crack echoed through the forest, slowly fOIIOWed by a
wild, shrill yell, unmistakably that of an Indian, probably that
of Asamee, as the direction corresponded with 'the one taken
by him. _

Tichenet uttered a low cry, and, dropping his grasp from
the prisoner‘s shoulder, he started forward a pace, his nostrils
diluting like those of a hound upon a breast-high scent. The
golden opportunity was offered, and John was not a man to
neglect it.

His wiry right arm shot out, the tightly-clenched fist alight-
lng full beneath the red-skin’s unguarded ear, felling him to
the ground like a dog, the blood gushing from his mouth and I3
nostrils. Stevens did- not trust to this, but sprung upon the l
senseless form, plucking the half-drawn knife from the nerve-
less grasp,.he drove. it deep down into the red-skinfs broad 
breast. * v

Then John seized the fallen rifle, assuring himself it had re
ceived no injury; after which be secured the ammunition and

\

belt, placing in it, when buckled around his waist, the knife , I '

and hatchet of his dead foe. He could scarcely restrain a
cry of exultation, as he felt himself once more a‘free man, '
provided with means of offense or defense, as the occasion
might require.

.There was no need to repeat- the blow.
livered by a true and strong hand.
literally clover. in twain.

JOhu paused and listened intently. He could hear no
sounds save the usual ones of a summer night in the forest;

The red-skin’s heat-than ,

the hum. of countless insects, the chirp of the tree-toad, the , 

Ifghing of the gentle breeze amid the tree-tops. ‘
He knew that his friends were somewhere in the forest; thl

It had been de‘  '

/

 

 

 

'0 /

DUBKY DICK.

means of knowing. But he believed the party fired at by j
Asamee-—if indeed it was his rifle they had heard—were none

other than his relatives, under convoy of Fred Wilson, who

had taken horses and were hastening toward the cabin he had ‘

so lately left.

But surely they must have noted the glare of the blazing
building, and it would tell them that foes were, or had lately
been there. Then they would naturally give it a wide berth,
,whieh would account for their being off the main trail.

Still, John thought it strange he heard no further sounds.
If they had fired at Asamee, why did not that worthy return it
His yell had come after the shot; neither was it a death-cry“
That much Stevens felt confident of.

“ John Stevens, you’re a fool I” he disgustedly muttered,
apostrophizing himself, after a brief hesitation. “ If you want

to find out, why don’t you go where you can, instead of stand-

ing here like a simpleton."

Acting upon this sensible advice, John turned and glided
from the blood-stained trace into the forest, as nearly as he
could guess, in a direct line toward the point from whence
had proceeded the alarm. But the delay had somewhat con-
fused him, and he bore considerably to the left. I

He was forced to advance slowly, for fear of coming into
unexpected collision with Asamee, and some little time was

’ consumed ere he gained the vicinity—as he believed—of the

' apbt;

sound to tell him how matters stood.

'After what seemed an age—but in reality, only a few
moments—he fancied he could distinguish a faint rustling
noise, at only a few yards’ distance; but if so, the person,
Whoever it might be, was going from him, as the next moment
he lost the sound entirely. John felt if his weapons were in
readiness for use, and then glided forward, as noiselessly as
possible, toward the point from whence had proceeded the
suspicious noise.

Again he heard the sound, and now could‘quite plainly
distinguish the fall of irregulanfootsteps, evidently made by
a human being. Believing they were those of Asamee, and
burning to wreak a bitter revenge upon him for the threats and

abuse he had so plentifully bestowed upon him when I

r

/

Then he remained silent, listening intently for some ‘

 

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playing considerable skill for one so little versed in wood-

" his promptness. and that the fugitive had taken the alarm, for

 

 

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r surprise. _ ~ ’ 2 f

 

’ cold brow.

. ,Itrsngea’nd exciting circumstances must be his excuse. \  

  

   

mm; 51 

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
    
 
   
 
    
  
 

aptive, Stevens fnw his knife and followed the footsteps, dis

craft as he was, making scarcely more noise than the velvel'n
pawed panther when stealing upon its prey. '

In this manner John had proceeded for several hundred
yards, then lgrowing Warm in the chase, pressed on with more
speed than caution, eager to bring affairs to a termination.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps ceased, and he imitated the
movement. ‘ ~ 2:!"

But it was quite evident that he had been heard, despite

the sound was almost immediately resumed, this time evi-"
dancing more speed and less caution than before. Stevens
sprung forward, determined to overtake the fugitive at all '
hazards.

It was a difficult matter, this running through the tangled
woods, but above the noise made by himself, Stevens could
hear that of the other, showing that both had to encounter
Then came a low, gasping cry—a. _
heavy fall, and then John was upon the fugitive, with knife l V'
uplifted to deal the fatal blow. ' "

But the gleaming weapon descended harmlessly, and also
a cry of wonder broke from his lips as he touched the pros- , ’ ~
trate form. H22 felt the flom'm] draw of a, woman’a dress!  _.

“ Mercy~mercy l” gasped the latter, in a voice tremblin I
with fear and apprehension. , ’ '

That voice! ’How well John knew itl No danger of hill
confounding it with any other.

“ Annie—you here I” he uttered, in a tone of wondering

“ Mercy—have mercy l" 7

It was evident that the maiden did not recognize his voice. ’
Her terror construed it into that of a deadly foe; thirsting for
her life. ‘

“ Annie—don’t you know me? It is John—John Ste-
vens," and he bent over the prostrate and trembling form, 
Winding his arms tenderly about her, pressing his lips to her \7 '

It was the first time he had ever ventured so far, but the}; I, _' 4’

 
 

 

 

 

’ the folks were not in it.

 

captured by the Indians.

DUB“ DIGI-

the course, too, answered a good purpose, for the maiden to

cognized him then, and with a low cry, flung her arms around

7 his neck, sobbing hysterically.

The trying events, the sudden alarm, the heavy fall and
shock, the long chase and agony of feeling herself lying help-
lessly at the mercy of a vindictive enemy, had proved too
much for the usually strong, self-reliant spirit of the girl. She
had been a heroine once that night; now she was only :1.
Weak and trembling woman.

“John —— thank God I” murmured Annie, sobbing from
excess of joy. “ I thought it was an Indian."

“ No, it is me,” he added; a rather needless assertion, but

he was hardly accountable for his words or actions then, as

he clasped the lovely form closely to his breast, and - pressed
more than one fervent kiss upon her lips, now unresisting.

But then Annie started up with a little cry. The truth
had flashed upon her mind, and brought her back once more
to the stern realities of this life.

“ I forgot—my father, mother—where are they ?”
g '“ Don’t you know? Where did they leave you? And
you have not told me how it is I find you here alone, at
night,” added John, curiously.

“ We were afraid of the Indians, and left home, intending

“to call for your folks and then try to reach the lower settled,

ments. But something—somebody shot at us and frightened
the horses. Mine ran beneath a low limb, and I was brushed

from’his back. The fall must have stunned me fora time, ‘

because I heard nothing more of them. Then as I got up
and walked away, trying to find where they went, I heard
you after me, and thought it was an Indian. The rest you
know,” hurriedly explained the maiden.

“I'mafraid we’re all in a bad fix, Annie. If you look,
you can see the light from your house now. Dusky Dick‘ set
it on fire. Our home is on fire, too. No—don’t be frightened;
Fred came there and alarmed us,
and I started on ahead to tell your folks the news, but got

others to your house, when we a1. could go together.”
.“ And father is on the way up there! He will get killed
willow it l" '

Fred said he would bring on the ,

 

Ind

 

 

ma «

mm 411:.

“ Yousaid Tobe Castor was with them ?”

“ Yes; he came just before dark.”

“ Then he will save them from that.
cunning to walk blindly into such a scrape.
troubled the most about now.”

“ Hark l” whispered Annie, as a startling sound broke the
ltillness of the air. ' ' "

It was a loud, hoarse shout, closely followed by a shrill
yell; and then the confused noise as of a mortal struggle be-
tween strong men. John quickly divincd the cause,

“ It is your friends, returned to look for you. They have
met the Indian who was with the one I killed. Do you stay
here, while I go forward and help them.”

“ N0: 1 Will go along," and then the young couple glided
Npidly tpWard the spot from whence proceeded the confused
sounds.

It was indeed as John had surmised. Tobe Castor had
come into collision with Asamee, and, well matched in point
of strength and dexterity, they were now rolling over the
ground in a life and death grapple.

Tobe had made one blow, his knife sinking deep into the
shoulder of the savage, inflicting a painful flesh wound, but
in nowise disabling him. As he received the wound, A33”
mee gave a quick twist, that wrenched the ' knife from Cas-
tor’s hand, tearing it from the wound, and hurling it several I
yards away.

However, he found his own hands full without attempting
to draw a weapon, and it bade fair to result in a test of rela-
tive strength and endurance; their arms wound about each
Other. as they strove desperately for the mastery. But such ’
was not to be the case. ‘

Stevens dashed up, and paused before the contestants, with '
ready knife. He could not distinguish one from the other;
and then, resolving to chance it, he spoke out

“ Who is it—white or red ?" \

“ Both, I reckon—I kin answer fer the white, anyhow,"
muttered Castor, the words issuing by jerks. “ Who’re you ?"

“ John Stevens—let me help you,” and the young man
move in vain to gain a fair stroke at Asamee. , , V , ~

" Gi' me the knife, hyar 1” cm! as he spoke, Daemr wrenchod ' ‘

He is. too old and
But you I am

‘ I

"a

I A

 

 

 

u, ‘ ‘ bum max.

- i
one arm loose, and then dashed his fist with crashing forearm“ I
full in the red-skin’s face, who fell back, confused and bewil- "kin‘
dared, . which

Then Castor seized the proffered weapon. One quick, Bu“ 0‘
deadly thrust. and the contest was ended. Tobe coolly baCk
wrenched ofi‘ the scalp, and then arose, pulling and blowing top.”
iike a. human porpoise. .  “ d
.v “ Wolf! Tough dog thet, fera red. E'ena’most squoze my  “ '1
outsides in; durned ef he didn’t! But how’d you come
here? Hain‘t see’d nothin‘ o’ ary stray gal—”

“ Uncle Tobe, where are father and mother ‘3” said Annie, ,
springing forward, now assured that the strife was ended, by "
the conversation.

“ Gre—thunder I” ejaculated Tobe, in amazement. “ What
next? The gal—cf ’tain’t, then I'm a liar l" and the 'old
scout clasped Annie to his breast, in a genuine “ bear’s hug,”
at the same time carrying the simile further, by an uncouth  WI“

 

J shuflie, quite as graceful as some of hruin’s most finished an-  93“
ties. .5 ‘
“ Don‘t~—you’ll smother her I" cried John; and, lover-like, , '
there was a tinge of uneasiness in his tones, as he beheld an-  me
other perform the same thing he had, only a few minutes be- 3 
fore; but than it was all right.  1".
“Nary time—will it honey? Gals ain’t easy smothered 3 0"

that away. Far 9. good deal 0’ huggin’, them critters will. ,
Kinder comes nat’rul to ‘em, I guess. Lord bless ye, honey 1  1“
I’ve a good mind to scold ye, right peert, now, fer your 5‘
T skeerin’ us all so pesky bad i" but instead, Tobe smacked hex ‘f F-
lips right heartily. ' d
“ There, there, uncle Tobe!” and Annie twisted from his i‘
grasp. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself—at such a
time, too. But Where are they ?” ‘
“The old folks? Out yonder. They hid while I kem '. '
back to hunt you up, a’ter you jumped off to hunt this fellar
up. “Did, didn't you? Then how did you chance to find
him ?”
- I ' “ This is hardly the time for joking, Castor,” rather crust-
Hy interjected‘ John.
‘ ' “ Right, you be. Thar—I’m sober as a judge, But find- "
In’ first honey-bird thar, jest sorter not me «many Did, for a g

 

. . ,
. ,\ _ , , “- -

  

’ l

i to the ground by this time.
' here; but we did, a little back.”

 

 

momma. El.

_' Ml Jest set me right on eend, like. Made me feel good

-—kinder squirmish all over, an’ it had to come out or bu'st;

‘ which wouldn’t ’a’ be’n pleasant—the bu‘stin‘ part, I mean.

But come—~tlie old folks 'll be mighty uneasy outil we git
baclf. Gi’ me your hand, honey, an’ you, John, keep clues
op.’

“ Where do you intend going. Castor?”

“ To your house, a’ter t’other‘s.”

“ Our house is like that of Mr. Wilson’s—on fire, or burned
You can’t see the light from

“You don’t—then what’s your folks ‘2” exclaimed Tobe,

. anxiously.

“ Out in the woods, somewhere. Fred gave the alarm-—
he Overheard the plan as he was coming through the woods
toward our house. He sent me on. He sent me ahead to

\ warn Mr. Wilson,_but Dusky Dick’s devils captured me. I

saw him set fire to Wilson’s house."
“ Then how’d you git away ?"
“He set off after you—along the Lower Trace—and sent

 me with two Indians, as guards, to join Sloan Young’s gang.

We heard your horses, and one of them ran out to see who
it was. I killed the one left with me. You finished the
other, just now,” hastily explained John. v

“ You don’t tell me !
no time for that now, but you’re a trump, anyhow, if I do any
so. It’s a peskicr job ’n I ’lotted on, durned if ’t’aint, now!
Hev to use right smart head-work to git out on it, too, ef we
don’t mind. Drat the imps— what’s got into ’em, anyhow ?”
and Tobe spoke in a voice of intense disgust.

“ What do you think best to be done, now?"

“Don’t talk—I’ve got to Wink. Take the go], an' keep

cluss nhind me. Thar—~50.”

John passed one arm around the lithe waist of the maiden,
Who shrunk back at first, but then, as his pressure increased,
she yielded, and felt all the better for so doing. Really, de‘

‘spite their ominous surroundings, the young couple were pro.-

gressing finely.
Not another word was spoken until Tobe Castor, paused
W uttered thejgreed‘upon signal;

Gi’ me your hand—no, thur hain't’

the cry of the nightf,_

  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
     

 

 

 

 

nun! met. 3

hawk. ' Then Wilson and his wife sprung forward from
covert. " "

“Annie—our child—where is she ?” gasped the mother;
breathlessly.

“Here, mother l" and then the trio were locked in a. close
and warm embrace.

Tobe touched Stevens upon the arm, and drew him to one
side. They were the only ones of the party fit for sober.
consultation, now. .

“ You say that pesky half-breed, Sloan Young, was at your’
house i” asked the old scout.

“Yes. I heard Dusky Dick say so.”

“ You don’t think lie—that is, you think the folks got out
safe ?"

“I do. If not, we would have heard of it. There was
no shooting. Besides, Fred got there soon after dark, and
was to start, right away for here. He feared an attack would
be made upon his people, too."

“ Then they're on the road, some whars. They must ’a’
see’d the light, as they hed higher ground to look from, 'n.
we had.
you/say Dusky Dick went out torst the settlements ?" ,

“ Yes. Along the Lower Trace. He believed you had '
gone that way."

“'I ’lowed he should. But mayhap ‘twould ’a’ bin better \
if we bed ’a’ kep’ on, as ’2; turns out now. We’ll hev ’em
both afore an’ ahind, now—durn ’em l But We'll hev to run
, the chances, fer all I see,” gloomily muttered Tobe.

“ But our folks—what about them ?" and there was a deep
anxiety visible in the young man's voice, as he spoke.

“They're in the hands 0’ the good Lord, boy. We cnin't
do nothin’ fer ’em now, onless we stumble onto ’em, like.
The boy’s with ’em, you say, an’ he‘s wuth a heap in a muss '
'like this ’ere. If so be it's to be, they’ll git through all safe;
but if not, then the Lord have marcy on thnr souls l” solemn-
Viyl added the hunter.

‘ “ Amen! But I fear the Worst. I wish I was with them, 3

i now.”

0’ course Young ’d set out a‘ter ’em, hot-fut. Then Y

i“. You could do them but little good, if the worst is to .\

 

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" ,. mo. Fred is thsr, an’ new you must kind 0” uh uh '

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350'

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A rumour mm. s: 1
place here.
I’m nfeerd."

“ Tobe," said Wilson, approaching him, “ what’ve we to
do, now? Annie says Fred is not at Stevens’.”

“ W e must turn ’bout face, an’ strike fer the settlements.
Not (leerect thar, fer Dusky Dick is ‘tween us an’ them; but
by a sort 0’ circumbendihus like, thet’ll throw them off 0’ the
scent. \Ve’ll b‘nr to the east—”

The further speech of the old hunter was abruptly cut
short, by a series of thrilling sounds. Full well the little
party knew the meaning of these, and each one shuddeled
convulsiver at the dire visions conjured up before their
mind’s eye.

A rifle-shot, a shrill yell—other shots, followed by more
cries and yells; then a wild uproar, as of deadly strife, at
close quarters.

We‘ll need our best links to bring ’em through,

CHAPTER VII.
THE FOREST TRAGEDY.

WE will now turn to and trace up the fortunes of the lit-
tle party whom we left just quitting the “ lodge by the
rock,” and entering the gloomy forest.

A longing, lingering look was cast back at the rude but
loved structure, which had sheltered them for so long a time
But therewas no retreating now. ' A

Fred was probably the moat anxious one of the party, for
he knew, better far than they, the real extent of the peril that
menaced. He knew that they would be fortunate indeed,

V were all members of both families alive and well at the next " L

da.l’~dmvning.

He was not without some experience in Indian fighting, for
before they removed to Minnesota, he had spent several win— .
ters trappinan the Blackfoot country, and with Tobe Castor,” I
had; more than once, made his mark upon, the persons of the W
dusky-skinned heathen. And since his residence here,

   

  

 

V cessarily slow, but the value of the young ranger’s precautions 1.

' Stevens.

_ to view'amid the dense shadows.

. , .3
l _ ,

II! nun Drcx.

had kept his woodcraft brushed up, by long hunting excursio » ’
with the old scout. ‘3

So he cautioned his companions to step lightly and to avoid’
all convcrLsation, while he glided on some yards in advance,-
trusting to discover any impending danger long enough he:
forehand to guard them from it. Their progress was ne-Z'

was soon made apparent. 3‘

Frm’l’s keen ear caught the sounds of approaching footsteps,

and rapidly falling back, he drew his companions to one side
oi the narrow trace, where they crouched down amid the
bushes.
stant use, in case a collision was unavoidable.

The light pattering sound dreW nearer, and then one form
after another glided directly past the fugitives, who even held
their breath, so imminent seemed the risk ‘of discovery.
Then the last link of the living chain passed by, and was lost

Not until the last sound died utterly away, did Fred ven-
ture to move or speak. Then his voice was low, but full of
uneasiness. ‘ '

“ It was Sloan Young’s gang. I recognized him. They
have gone to your home, and when they find their plans are

Fred knelt before them, his weapons ready for in- 

 

hit a
now

« El
errar
to pl
deed

 

diseavered they will be after us, half-wild.”
“ Then let us hasten on at once," impatiently muttered
“ We can reach your house by the time they get to

ours. With such a. start there is no danger of their overtak-

' ing us.”

“Not so. You forget that Dusky Dick‘s gang is some-
where near here, and if we run across him, then we are lost
indeed. A rifle-shot would Call those devils back, and the]:
we would be massacred in a moment—or else saved for the
torture. No, we must use more caution now than ever.
Will you be guided by me? I have had more experience in

V' ,' these matters than you have, or I should not ask such a thing,”

added Fred. modestly.
“ Yesa-we Will do as you say. Only be quick l”
“Then we will go on as before. Only be as cautious in
stepping as possible, and don’t press too close upon me.”
, Fred reentered the path and glided on in advance.

Ha

I \

 

“I”, . M5: ,9

 

  

'l

   

 

s..a;.__._ .,

 

 

 

HALTDKG AND RIDING.'

Mt extreme anxiety as to the probable result of the venture,
now that he knew foes were both before and behind.

_ He was also anxious regarding the result of John Stevens’
errand. If he had been delayed, or had any thing happened
to prevent his gaining the cabin, matters would he gloomy in-
deed.

Dusky Dick was evidently up to mischief, and as he was

V not with Sloan Young, what more likely than that he would

pay a visit to the Wilson cabin ? Should he do so, and find
the inmates unsuspicious of their danger, an easy victory
'would be his. No wonder the young settler felt worried.
And then he abruptly paused, with a slight exclamation of
dismay. Before him he could distinguish the fast widening
trace of a conflagration; the sky was rapidly reddening with
what he knew must he the glare of a burning cabin—and that

cabin none other than his own i .
“ Seel the devils are at work i" he hissed, in a strained and

unnatural voice, as his companions drew nearer. “ It is our
cabin on fire I”

The little party stood in mute anxiety. Their eyes roved
from one face to another. A terrible fear was upon them.

They could just distinguish the sound of shrill yells, as of
Indians, borne to their cars by the favoring breeze. It sound-
ed like the death-knell to all their hopes. _ '

"‘ What will you do now, Fred ‘?” asked Stevens, breaking
the painful silence.

“ I must go ahead and see what that means. If John has

. been delayed by any thing, I fear the worst—all is lost. And

it looks that way, for I hear no shooting.”

“ Will it be safe ?" '

" Not for the rest of you. You must stay here until I can 7
find out how the ground lies. It Would be worse than folly
‘0 go forward now, not knowing who we" may meet. Came I

, out here—it will be safer. So if auy'i'ecl-skins chance along
the Trace, they will not discover you, if you are anyways care-
ful.” ,

Fred did not pause for a reply, but led the way out a

few yards from the trail. Then he bade the fugitives crouch

“ dOWJI amid the underbrush and await his return, which would;

benipoodynpolsible ',

,fi

 
    

f.
g.
l
l
t
i,

 

.3;-

' or; he would have been back long ago.

bum max.

, “\Would. it not be better for us to keep right on toward 
settlements? It seems dangerous to waste time waiting. hereI
iike this.”

“ No, it would never do. You would only- lose your way,
if indeed you did not run into some ambush. You must stay
here until I come back. It is the best you can do, now.”

“ But hasten, then," and the settler composed himself to
emit the result with such patience as he could summon.

As Fred glided noiselessly away through the gloom, a chill 

fell upon the spirits of the little party, that seemed a premo-
nition of coming danger. Stevens started to his feet, intend-
ing to venture all, rather than remain there in suspense, but
the women finally persuaded him to abide by the decision of
the young ranger, whose experience in such matters was far
the greatest.

To increase their anxiety, they now perceived the glow that ‘y

marked, the destruction of their own home. The circle of

death seemed narrowing aroundthem with each passing mo. ‘
ment, and the suspense was absolutely killing. Anything, '_

however had, seemed preferable to this torture.

The minutes rolled. on, each one seeming,r like an hour of
ordinary time, and still no signs of- Fred’s return.
a rifle-shot from some point not far distant—a. wild yell, fol?
lowed by the loud crashing of what seemed horses' hoofs,’
passing through the forest at headlong speed. Tremblingly
the three fugitives awaited the result, fearing to move from-
their covert. ’

The glowing beacons upon either hand of them, grew more
faint as the moments passed on, and then were entirely shut
Out from view by the gathering clouds, and the thickly clue.
tcring tree—tops.

And still-no sign of Fred’s return. Stevens could stand
the suspense no longer, but arose to his feet, saying:

“ I. will wait no longer. Something must have happened,
It is throwing away
our only chance by stopping here. Come, let us go.”

, “ But Fred said "—uttered Jennie, falteringly.
 “ I know that, but something must have happened to him,

‘ Gar his coming back. If we stay here,‘we will only be,

mllod out- und killed by the-e murdering. red-skins Como

v,

Then came , ,

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erel

'a‘y.
tay

ill 

10-
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tl‘

lFbi-o-

we

 

 

A nun noun .1
all,” decisively added Stevens, as he moved away from the
Ipot.

The women well knew that all resistance would be in vain,

\ and arose to obey.

Stevens did not think it prudent to travel in the beaten
Trace, lest he should meet some of the enemy, and so kept
along through the forest, using such skill as he was possessed
01, to proceed silently.

But the danger foreseen by Fred, proved Well founded. In
t 0 very outset the borderer went astray. He had lost his
bearings, and instead of proceeding toward the lower settle-
ments, he was pursuing an almost directly opposite direction,
or nearly toward his own cabin—or where that had previ-
ously stood.

In evading the tree-trunks and clumps of bushes, he devi-
ated from a direct course. now bearing to the right, now left,
until he almost struck the beaten trail they had lately trav-
ersed, when led by Fred Wilson. And then Stevens ran
headlong into the very danger he was most anxious to avoid.

The settler came first, then his wife, and after her, Jennie.
The dress of the latter caught upon a root, and she paused to
loosen it; a fact that probably saved her life.

For just then a wild yell rung out from close before

‘ Stevens, accompanied by a sharp crack and broad glare that

lighted up the scene for a moment, with startling vividuess, -

'By it the settler saw the dusky figures of some half—score sav-

ages, and with impulse of the moment, he threw up his rifle,
firing at the foremost one. .
A thrilling death-yell that followed told that his shot had
not been spent in vain, but then a return volley rung out, and
he staggered back, Wounded unto death. He stumbled over
the prostrate form of his Wife, whom the first shot had

‘ Stricken down, but recovered himself As the enemy sprung

forward with exnltant whoops and yells.

For a brief moment the settler battled with frantic fury,
but all was in vein. The bullet that first struck him had
reached the seat of life, and then a knife pierced his side.
Still defiant, he sunk down, with a hoarse cry, upon the body
Of his murdered wife. And over them raged the red-skins,

. 381ml); for the coveted scalp: like demons incarnate.

-l‘,.

 

   
  
    
    
  
 
 
   
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   

DUBKY DICK.

.'l
, . Jennie was sheltered try the intervening tree-trunk, and" ‘2‘“
although more than one bullet shattered the rough bark, she, 21:;

was unharmed. Terror held her enehsined to the spot, des ]
pite herself. , “0‘.

Then she heard the dying cry of her father, and knew that
all was lost. With a low cry of agony she turned and fled n
through the forest, half dead with horror. 'l “5‘

The red-skins scrambling for the coveted trophies, heard  w

i. is

her not, but one other ear did; that of Sloan Young, and
divining the truth, he sprung forward after the fleeing girl, '
and knew that the coveted prize he feared was lost, was now
just within his grasp. He gave vent to a long, loud yell of ‘
diabolical exultatiun.

an

lil

But J ennie’s feet seemed gifted with more than mortal 9"
speed, and she fled over the rough ground, through the bushes , 51
and tangled shrubbery, fully holding her vantage—ground, hard ‘ . 1
as the half-breed strove to overtake her. Uttering furious I
curses, he dashed madly on—to his death ! i

l
Jennie sped on, blindly, half unconsciously. A horrible l1
sound filled her ears—the death-cry of her father—the gasp-
ing great; of her murdered mother. She knew not her own
p I danger; she only felt some frightful danger was driving her
K ' " on, she knew not whither. l
She sped on past a dark, crouching form, and then felt, ‘
'. rather than saw, another figure rise up before her. With a
low gasping moan she sunk unresistingly into the outstretched
turns; her senses fled and she fainted.
, The half-breed also heard the cry and'answered it with
one of exultant triumph, for he believed that the fugitive
must soon drop from exhaustion, when she would become
1 n easy prey to him. But he Wus doomed to a bitter dissp~
1 Epointment.
" ' He noted the abrupt cessation of Jennie’s footsteps, and
_ tricky himself, he suspected some ruse upon her part; most
probably an attempt at doubling upon him. To defeat this
he’paused and listened intently.
He saw a dark figure rise up almost Within arm’s length a!
‘ him, and believing it to be his intended victim, he 9,3ng for-
‘ ward with outstretched hands, crying:
“You may as well gi’ up, my dear—”

 

lug

l
y . the log.

 

 

 

' THE RAH-BREED TRAPPED.

Thus far he spoke, and no further. For a strong hand
iclutched his throat, and as the tall form towered above him,
the gleam of a descending knife-blade filled his eyes. The
half-breed made one desperate effort to free himself; he was
not given time for more. '

But he was held like a child, and then the keen knife
kissed down—then with a horrible thud, the hilt fairly struck
against his chest. The long blade had cloven his heart in

_ twain.

Still he made a desperate effort—his death-three, it was—
and freed his throat from the vice-like grip fastened upon it.
A single wild yell broke from his lips, and then he sunk a
lifeless weight in the arms of his conqueror, a corpse.

Still the alarm was given, and that last cry bade fair to
avenge its author's death. For it had reached the ears of the
still scuffiing savages, and awoke them to their folly.

They recognized the voice of their leader, and one of them

' had placed the sound; and he quickly communicated it to
his comrades. Then with shrill yells of anger they sprung
forward, eager to assist or avenge their chief, as the case
might be.

“ Put the gal down, Jack,” muttered Tobe Castor—~f0r it
was indeed him—speaking in a quick tone. “ The imps is a
comin’ hot fut. Let the women hunker down cluss ahind

It’s fight now, an’ we’ll hev our hands full ’thout

them I”

The trio—Castor, Wilson and Stevens—drew together, the
better to meet the shock they knew must soon come. They

’ could not avoid it by flight; that course would be certain

destmction, as they well knew.
. The three women had been placed in a clump of bushes
bordering and overhanging a large fallen tree, and against
' this, on the opposite side, the men backed, as by it they se-
cured themselves from being assailed upon all sides at the
Same time. Tobe again spoke:
“ Fire as I do, an’ then drap down on yer faces. Ef they
shoot at the bleeze, thet’ll mebbe save us. Then do the best
/ Won know haw, with cold steel an’ clubbed rifles, at so be they
duke a rush.” '

he. .

v.

' ,There was no’ time for further instructions, if such hid 7 

/

 

 
 

 

 

   
     

fl» DUBKY max. I

been needed. .But the others knew what lay before 
weil enough. They knew it would probably result in ; 5'
hand-to—hand combat, that could scarcely end otherwise the x l‘
in their destruction. And yet they did not flinch. The 2 5
had dear and helpless ones to fight for, as well as their own lives; 0
The yelling reg-skins came on at full speed,‘ until within a
short distance of the borderers, when they abruptly paused; l.-
the ominous stillness awed them. They could not compreh-
hend it. ; i
One Eye did not answer; then he must be dead. Nothing? i
could be heard of his slayer or Slayers. Therefore they could-«ill 1
not'have fled, or the sound of their footsteps would have been; i
heard. And would they have remained here, unless in strong
' force, sufilcient to successfully resist the braves of the dead;
half-breed ? g» 1
But then the more impatient of the Sioux, excited by the; i
slight taste of blood they had in the death of the two frigid
tives, gave a cry and sprung forward. The rest followed, in"
a compact mass; a fatal move upon their part. i-
The three men standing beside the fallen tree could now‘l’
faintly distinguish the enemy, as they surmounted a slight
knoll. Knowing the advantage of a first blow, Castor lev-
eled his rifle, the action being closely imitated by his comer: ’
rades, and then fired. _ )
The three reports sounded almost as one, and carried death'l
and dismay into the ranks of the Sioux. The horrible death. ‘
yells and groans of agony told how fatal had been the dis-
charge, and, as with one impulse, the survivors broke and fled.
without firing one shot.
' But this panic was only momentary. Then they rallied,
‘ and proceeded to concert some plan for the revenge the bloodf _
6r their fallen comrades demanded at their hands. '
The three borderers dropped to the ground, as agreed upon,
but this precaution was needleess, as we have already seen.
Then they began hurriedly recharging their weapons, full.
well knowing there would be further need of them, ere the
affair was over. »
“They are driven back—why not take the women and' _'
slip away i” whispered Wilson, cautiously, he being um; ,
h’l’olm r , "

   
 

 

 
   

 
 

 
  

i.

ng:
lld;

i hear us, an’ then we’d be in a nice fix—I guess not.
. jest what they want the most.
. fixed now, and ’11 fight shy fer a time.

 

,2 in anxious, waiting.

» he was now parentless.

 

 

 
 
 

 

' la‘n‘t ears, although no human form could be seen.

A mm mm.

"‘ Don’t be a fool, Ed—don’t, fer marcy’s sake, They’d ,
Thet’s
They don’t know how we’re
N0, we must stick it
out here—401‘ a time, anyhow,”

Their weapons recharged, the three men crouched down
Especially was John Stevens troubled.

He feared the worst. He had found Jennie, his sister, flee- ‘
lug from a spot where had been going on a. desperate fight
for life. But where were the others? his father and mo
ther? Were they (lead, or also fugitives in the for- ,

,‘ost?

That was a query he feared to answer, but something down
in his heart told him that a great calamity had occurred: that
Still, there was a faint hope. Jen.
Die had escaped with life; then might not the others have
fared equally as well ?

Fortunately he had something to distract his thoughts, in a
measure. Otherwise he would have gone mad. But now he
must bear up for the sake of his sister—his loved one and her ,
h“lends. They were in imminent peril, and upon his arms

Partly depended their hopes of preservation.

The groans of the dying wretches had ceased, and all was
Once more still in the forest. Even the insects had Seemed to
cease their humming, and the faint breeze to die utterly sway. .
The stillness was awful—depressing in the extreme.

For despite this seeming peacefulness, they well knew that
bloodthirsty and unscrupulous foes were buéily compassing
their destruction They knew that some subtle plot was be- i.
lng concocted by the savages, who would be fairly wild with
rStge and thirst for revenge. This suspense was harder to
bear than the deadliest strife would have been, for while they

' knew their peril was imminent, they knew not in which di.

rection it would first appear, nor the shape it would us- .
sume. . — '
.’But they had not long to wait for the knowledge. A
faint rustling sound at some little distance first met their vigi—
This for
3 time puzzled them, as the sound appeared confined to a oirw

immscribed space, near the little knoll upon which Hurrah

 
  

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     

bum max.
them. V

the meaning of this. Wilson whispered :
“ What is it, Tobe '2”
“ Wait nn’ you‘ll see soon a plenty. C'uss the pesky imps i"
‘ end the old scout fairly ground his teeth with intense
ire. '

And in the course of a few moments they did see, sure
enough. A faint, flickering glow—not a blaze, at least visi-
ble to them—shone forth upon the knoll, only a. few yards
distant from its crest. At this moment, Stevens and Wilson
divined the truth, as Castor had already done. =

The Indians were building a fire / ‘

Their object in thus doing Was plain. They felt assured
their enemy had not fled, and by this light they counted upon
discovering their covert, without serious risk to themselves.

“ Case the imp l” hissed Castor, wrathfully. “ He’s hid be-
hind a rock or log or somethin' else, or I‘d soon sicken the
dog, for good. But we must git out 0’ here, jest the quick-
est l" .

. “ But how? Surely they wouldn’t leave a path open for
V r us? They must have surrounded us, to guard against any
move like that,” muttered Wilson.

fer it, yit. But ef we stay here tell thet light bleezes up—as
/ ’twill shortly—we’re gone suckers, fer shore! But we must
. 9). git over the log, here. That’s a big fork in it, whar we kin
hunker down, an’ hev the bushes fer kiver, too. Then they
cain’t rout us out ’thout makin’ a rush fer it; which they
won’t be apt to do afore day, anyhow. So up with ye, one at
a time, an’ git the wimmen onder kiver.”
* - “ You go first—if you know where the fork is."

“ I’d orter know—seeiu’s as 110w I durne‘l nigh broke my

neck over the pesky thing a—tumblin’ down wlmr we run up,
a bit ago. But when you come, don’t make no n’ise, ’less
= you’ll hev a load 0’ lead in your knrkidge as ’ll be mighty on-
‘ r , handy to kerry about." '
‘ Bo speaking, the old scout cautiously rose up and crawled

1

diam had stood when the fatal volley w'as discharged at

Then this rustling ceased, and another sound took its place. _
Castor uttered a. grunt of dismay, as though he comprehended '1

“I know thet—I ain’t sech a pesky fool as to make a. 'run ’

 

A.»

u

 

\1‘

 

 

 

X1

m ‘iIGNAL CALLS.

 Upon the log. The fire was now blazing up quite briskly, and

Already casting out a circle of light that nearly reached the
tree-trunk. There was no time to be lost.

Jennie was still half-senseless, and, steeping, the old scout
gently raised her in his arms, and, in a 10W, guarded Whisper.
bade the other two women follow him. Though trembling

, with apprehension, they obeyed, without a word.

Castor glided through the bushes, along the log for a few
paces, and then pausing, lowered Jennie to the ground' It
Was a narrow space between two forks of the tree, that were
here some two feet in thickness, While over and around them,
grew a dense fringe of bushes and vines.

There was ample room for the entire party, and while hid-
den from the enemies‘ view, by lying down, they were pro—
tected in a great measure from any bullets that might be dis-
charged into their covert. Upon this fact Tobe had Counted

‘ when he determined to remove from the spot rendered un

tenable by the rapidly-increasing light of the fire.

The women safe placed, Castor turned and whispered to his
comrades. Wilson was already over the log, and Stevens
speedily followed his example. Then they sought the new
refuge, Where they knelt down with senses upon the keen alert,
and rifles ready for use.

“ You wimmen keep class,”
pesky reds is mighty keerless, sometimes, an’ one o’ thar bul-,
lits mought chaince to hit ye. Hurt, too, they would; bet
yer life they do!” ’

“ What do you think they will do now P" anxiously queries} 1

Wilson.

“ Don’t know. Tell you better a‘ter a bit. But then you

' ' '7 '- ll know jest as soon’s I will, come to think 0’ it. Hist! jes’
7 lis‘en to the! l” '

This exclamation was drawn forth by a series of sounds that
suddenly broke the stillness of the forest. ,
Come from,every point of the compass, forming a terribly-sig-
‘nifimnt concert, when the listeners so well knew the true per-
formers. .

The faint howling as of wolves; the whistle of the night-
hku; the chirp of the tree-toad or ground squirrel ; tho

’, "wilful cry of the rsin-crow—with still other sounds, canto

continued Castor“ “Them V

They seemed in”,

 

 

 

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U: _ ' 9mm

emu» forest depths, telling the tugitives'that their (a. 7;_

I. were upon the alert—that they were surrounded by a cordon
of bloodthirsty and cunning enemies, whose every power would
be strenuously exerted to wreak a fearful vengeance upon the
Ilayers of their fallen comrades. I

The fire blazed higher and more brightly, casting a flood
of light over all surrounding objects, plainly revealing the
~ ling log, behind which crouched the fugitives. But still, not
1 trace of the savages could be seen, though keen and prec—
tlced eyes swept every foot of the ground revealed.

Then the signals abruptly ceased, and even the fire appeared

to burn without noise. A stillness as of death swept over the
forest. The moment of action was evidently nigh at hand.

“ Keep your eyes peeled, boys.” muttered Tobe Castor, as
his teeth clenched and His eyes glzittered with a strange glow.
“ They know jest about whar we be, an’ ’11 show thar hands
’fore long. Plug the fust varmint as you kin draw a. bend on,
but don’t waste ’ary shot." . ’

It was evident that the savages had determined upon the
position of the fugitives, but then a wide stretch was given
them, for the log was some fifty or sixty feet in length, the
entire bodyof it fringed with bushes, any point along it suf-
ficiently dense for the fugitives to hide in. This fact alone
kept the Indians from making a. desperate onset at once.

Then a rifle-shot rung out from the gloom beyond the
broad circle of light. The bullet sunk with a dull thud into
the decayed log, some feet from the fugitives.

Another and another rung forth, from different points of
the compass, but still not a cry or a sound came to tell the
Indians of the exact spot occupied by their intended victims.
One of the bullets tore its way through the cheek of Tobe

Castor, but he did not flinch or move, save to brush the hot ’ '

. .blood from his eyes.

Then a series of cries ran along the cordon of dusky war
riots. Its meaning was comprehended by the old.scout, who
muttered: '

“ It’s comin’ in aimest, now, boys 1 Pick yer game a'n'
drap it. Then load up, of you hev time.” ,

' The words still hissed upon his lips, when a wild whwp
‘ ‘wounded from every side of their posidom-and then a nun-

v

 

w

 

museum in

he! of dusky figures appeared in view. But they did not advance
boldly ; instead, they sprung from side to side, yelling fright-
fully and brandishing their weapons in the air above their
heads.

Castor was too wise a veteran to be fooled in the manner
they evidently counted upon. His hands checked the 'less
experienced men, whose eyes were already glancing along
:heir rifle-barrels.

warningly. “ They on‘y want to find out what we be. Don’t
ye see? Wait ontil they make a ginersl rush.”
His prudence was soon confirmed, for like magic the yelling
I crowd and the dim, phantom-like figures disappeared as
though they had sunk into the ground. Evidently the red-
, Ikins were puzzled, knowing now that either their prey had
fled. or else were far more cunning then they had given them
credit for.
7 Thus another half-hour expired, and still no direct assault
W115 wide, although an occasional shot was discharged into
the bush-screened log. An overruling Providence seemed
to shield the fugitives, for as yet, the crease upon Tobe Cas-
tor’s cheek was the only wound the party had received,
though more than once the hissing missiles had passed so close
that their venomous Whistle could be distinguished by the
besieged. ‘
Then Tobe gave a fain’. hiss. His comrades gazed in the
direction his finger pointed, and they beheld a faint, shadowy
figure upon the ground, at only a few yards’ distance. Under

. if 50, “ould have been thought amere shadow ;‘ but now, with
his sense: sharpened by peril, Castor knew that it was the
70"“ Of an Indian, who-was crawling up toward them, evi«
deutly with the intention of learning their exact position ; a

‘ sort of forlorn hope, in which he risked his life to benefit his

I- comrades and won: the ruin of his foes,

' " Leave the imp +0 me,” muttered Tobe; “ keep a good

_ look-out on your side In- more 0’ the lane sort. Dori’t lot

. ’em 1001 re !” ,

 

 

“Don’t shoot—fer yer lives Zdon’t shoot yit!” he hissed,

Other circumstances this would hardly have been noticed. or.

    

’ /

  

 

   

  

CHAPTER VIII.
A smonn: Fon'vnnenancn.

fl WrrI'i painfully throbbing heart, Fred Wilson left hi! ‘
companions and hastened along the narrow Trace toward the: "
blazing cabin, to learn the fate of his family. He dreaded the
worst, for a strange sensation of coming evil weighed heavily
' upon his mind.

He was not given to superstition or a belief in omens, but
now it seemed as though the spirit of some loved one was, ’
hovering around him.  firm belief assailed him that he was
doomed to suffer some deep and bitter loss

And in vain he strove to cast this thought aside ; it would

‘ return despite himself. And from a fancy, it became a settled
‘ conviction. .

Still it did not prevent him from displaying his usqu can
tion and skill, and he glided along the path, dark and gloomy
though the woods were, with almost the certainty and case
he would have displayed in broad daylight. Only at times
could he distinguish the reddish glow of the blazing cabin;

’at others the densely clustering boughs concealed it from his 197
vision. ‘

In this manner he had proceeded over half a mile, when he
fancied he heard the faint sound of cautious footfells before
him. Instantly pausing, he bent his ear to the groufil- He
Was not deceived; some person or-persons were Gaming to-
ward him.

With a wild hope in his heart, the young scout SOftly drew
10 one side of the Trace, and crouched down reside the trunk
of a large tree, in such a position that tbs passersby, who-
ever they might chance to be, would k! momently outlined
against a rift in the tree-tops beyond. - ,

The camke fomfalls came nearer, and then the travelers  ‘
passed before mm. In the first me he recognized an Indian.

, He could jwc distinguish the nodding plumes upon his head.

And then the next one he noticad was the saute. But he

  

 

 
  

   

(

  

 

dreaded sight met not his gaze.

 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
  

had, unfortunately, looked one moment too long upon the first
passer. By so doing, he only caught a faint glimpse of the
second. The last he saw more closely.

‘There were only three in number, and he believed them
all Indians. Had he known the truth, the ehtire course of
the after events of that memorable night would have been
changed; perhaps for the better.

For had he known that his friend, John Stevens, was 0

, the number, he would have dared all to rescue him, and thus

learn definitely how the young settler’s mission had termin-
ated. But he was not aware of this, and so sufl‘ered them to
pass by, unchallenged. ‘

Fred then arose and pressed rapidly on, his mind filled
with conflicting emotions. This party were coming direct

from the burning building; then what was he fated to find _
there ?

And then the young man paused ’upon the edge of the ,

All was still in that direction. Was the tragedy over ‘1’
clearing. With wildly-beating heart, he gazed out upon the
scene of destruction that lay before him.

The cabin was one mass of glowing coals, though as yet
the walls were standing. And though his eyes roved keenly
around upon the em both ground before the ‘ building, the
He had feared he would be-

‘ hold the dead and mangled corses of his family lying there,

I , lost.

weltering in their blood.
But, as we know, this sight did not greet his eyes, and he
derived some faint consolation from it.

And with these thoughts, he began cautiously circling
around the clearing, too wise to venture within the broad cir-
cle of light, while ignorant whether there might not be a
score of his enemies lurking near, watching for some other
unwary victim. ,

He had gained a position nearly opposite the point where

‘ he had first stood, when he received an evidence of the pru-

dence of his caution. A tall, dark form emerged from the

- Shadows near the mouth of the Trace, and then strode rapidly
‘- ‘OWard the building. v p
{Inst then the walls fell in with a loud jar, and as the  .
r Mb ascended skywarl in a dense cloud, the blaze burst out > ,

All might not yet‘ box '

  
   
   
 
 
    
    
       

 

 

’ bum DICK.

afresh, and cast a still more brilliant light over the scene. By
its aid, Fred could see that the new-comer was an Indian,
and an angry glow filled his heart, as he reflected that this
name savage might have been an active agent in the death of
his family. For the young man still believed that he would
find them dead. In no other way could he account for the _
strange depression that weighed upon his spirits.

And he resolved that this one, at least, should never live
.0 boast of his bloody deeds. He should die, and by his ~
hand. And thenhe set about compassing this end.

In this point again Fortune seemed favoring him. The
red-skin stood motionless for a moment, his eyes roving
keenly around the clearing; then his tall form stooped, and
he glided to and fro, evidently searching for some sign.

Fred waited in eager anticipation for a moment more fa-
vorable than this, although the range was short, and he could
easily have picked off the savage with his rifle. But this was
a move he did not fancy, as he did not know how many red-
skins might be within hearing, and with the lives of others
partly depending upon him, Fred dared not run the risk of a
shot. The blow must be dealt with cold steel, if at
all.

._ The red-skin ceased his zig-zag movements, and now pro-

ceeded in a direct line. Fred knew that he was following
sbme trail, and to his stern delight, found that trail led the
Indian toward the Lower Trace.
’ . With sternly-compressed lips and eyes glowing with a
strange light, the young scout glided rapidly toward the
point where the Trace began, a long, keen knife firmly
clenched in his hand. He was none too soon, for scarcely
had he crouched behind a tree-trunk, than the Indian entered I ,
the bushes, his head still bowed toward the ground.

Then he paused, with a slight grunt, as of disappointment.
It was none other than the petty chief who had been with
One Eye, or Sloan Young, and who had started 03 to put
Dusky Dick upon the watch when it was found the Stevens

. family had fled.

Fred Wilson collected his energies and sprung upon the.

".mprepared'red-skin, knife in hand. Ere the assailed could,

liftaflnger in sandstones, the keen weapon his-ed through"

 

,

 

 

  
 

K.

      
  

'\ 1 wow mm A and

the air and then buried itself, with a peculiar thud, deep in
his broad chest.

A low, gurgling cry arose to his lips, but then died away ‘

with the gush of blood that filled his throat. Then, as the
knife was withdrawn, the tall form, so lately full of life and
strength, tottered and sunk to the ground, a lump of lifeless
clay.

“ You are the first one—but will not be the last, by man}
more I” muttered the young scout, with a terrible depth of
hatred and revenge in his tones, as he stooped over the dead
man and adroitly removed his scalp.

Then he suddenly sprung erect. A significant sound met
his car. A rifle-shot—an Indian yell, at no very great dis-
tance.

It apparently proceeded from near the spot where he had
left the Stevens family, and. Fred feared they had been dis-
covered by the Sioux. « He could do no good by remaining
here, as there were no traces of his family, and be resolved to
return at once, though fearing it would be too late.

The young scout was not one to hesitate, when once hil
mind was made up, and securing the gory scalp to his waist,

he entered the forest once more, gliding with speedy foot-'

steps toward the point where he had left his friends in bid-

. lug. Still, despite his rapid progress, he was too late.

As he neared the covert, he uttered the signal agreed upon,
but without an answer, Then he crept forward to the clump
of bushes. He parted them and peered inside. They were
unteuanted by those whom he sought. '

 
 

' Fred stood in angry disappointment, not unmingled with '

apprehension. He did not know whether Stevsns had dis
obeyed his strict injunctions, and ventured forth in an attempt
‘0 escape unaided, or whether he had been surprised and taken
Pllsoner, and he dared not strike a light to discover, lest _it
should prove a beacon to guide a. treacherous bullet or arrow
to his life. '

Then, as he stood there, another sound met his ear; one 1

Similar to that which had drawn him from the clearing, only
louder and more protracted. Two single rifle-shots and then
What seemed a united volley, accompanied by wild yells And

7

 

 

 

DUBKY DICK.

‘ There could be no mistaking this. . He knew that one
party, at least, of his friends had been attacked by the {In-
dians; most likely those whom he had taken under his own
charge.

He did not hesitate, only long enough to determine the di~
xection and probable distance of the strife from where he
stood, and then pressed forward toward it, with as much specd
as was consistent with safety. And now he displayed in an
astonishing degree, the skill he had attained, thanks to the in-
structious of Tobe Castor. ‘

l-Ic glided through the forest at a half-run, with apparently
as much ease and celerity as though the intense gloom was re-

, placed by broad daylight, seeming to avoid the tree-trunks and
other obstacles by intuition. And his foot-falls made scarcely
more noise than those of the deer, traversing its course with
unhasted steps.

Fred could still distinguish the faint sound of yells and
cries, as though the strife still continued, though there were
no more rifle-shots. This fact puzzled him not a. little, though
he did not slacken his pace.

Then the yells. seemed to shift places, continuing only for
a few moments; then dying entirely away. Then again came
the loud reports of fire-arms, with shrill howls of anguish and
terror. The plot was becoming somewhat tangled and com-
plicated, and Fred’s wonder increased.

Still he proceeded, though more deliberately, for under the
circumstances he thought prudence was the wisest course for
him to follow. Then he littered a little exclamation as his
foot struck against something yielding. There could be no
mistaking this peculiar touch; he knew that he was standing

e"wrer a corpse!

A convulsive shudder ran through his frame as he leaped
back upace; but then he conquered this involuntary repug-
nance, and advancing. stooped over the form. Eyesight
could avail him nothing here; the sense of feeling alone must
be depended upon. ‘

, His hand touched the body, and a thrill pervaded his form
as his fingers rested upon a soft, slimy substance.

He knew'
it was 'blood, fast coagulating. ' Then a glad hope filled his  
. ,‘heart as his hand encountered the smooth-shaver: crown, with: 

 

 

_n.

0-”-

 

A nnoouar. 7!

file long scalp-lock of an Indian. Perhaps his friends had not
perished, after all!

He slowly moved away from the corpse, feeling along the
ground with his feet, but for some moments, felt in vain.
Then he again touched something that he knew was another
victim. r . ,

Stooping, his hand rested upon the unmistakable dress of

h a White man. Gliding up the body, he then felt of the face. «

g’l‘helong heavy beard there confirmed his suspicions. He
felt assured that the dead body of Wesley Stevens lay before
him. '

And then a low cry of agonizing horror broke from his
lips, as he touched a woman’s dress. He staggered back‘ and
sunk to the ground, trembling and unnerved. He feared the,
Worst. ' He dreaded to move, lest he should find the dead and
mangled corse of his loved one—of sweet Jennie Stevens.

But then with an eifort he aroused himself, and without
a thought for the danger he might thus incur, he struck a
match and bent over the forms of the ill-fated fugitives. By ‘ 
its faint flickering rays, he recognized the father and mother;
the light also showed him the bare and gory skulls where the
scalps had been ruthlessly torn away. /

He only saw this much, when the match burned to his ' '
finger tips and then expired. Tremblingly he essayed- to light
another, but he was too greatly unnerved. He sunk down
upon the blood-stained ground and covered his eyes as though
he Would shut out the horrible vision that filled his brain.

It was a moment of frightful torture, and it seemed as
though he would go mad. He believed that the dear one,

' whom he loved better than his own life, was lying near at
hand, dead—murdered like her parents.

,But then with an often he aroused up. Though sick at
heart, his hands were steady as he struck another match. I is
bad nerved himself to bear the worst, now.

The light cast a faint glow around, but the dreaded sight

' did not meet his staring eyes. As he strode around the spot /‘ I
hope sprung up in his heart, once more. ‘ '
x -A whip-like report broke the stillness of the air, so, close ,,
y- j  Fred started back and dropped the match, believing that -,
J , " ‘0 had been the target. But then he beheld his mistake, as, »

 

  

 

 

 

1.-...__.‘<..:..,..s._1~—.._. . .3 . . .._..

,v

'DUuY DICK.

mother and yet another shot rung out at some little diatom
to his left. He also heard shrill yells, that he knew could
only proceed from the throats of redskins.

His. eyes flashed instinctively and be clutched his rifle with
a firm grip. He remembered now the second series of shots

' and yells he had heard; these were probably a continuation of
these. If so, then the savages who had slain his friends were
'yet at hand, and if Jennie was taken a prisoner, she must be
there also. 

If so, perhaps he could effect her rescue now. But then
who could be the ones at whom the shots were fired? His
family? Fred uttered a 10W cry of eager hope as this idea
flashed across his mind.

The young scout listened for a moment, and then glided
forward in the direction from whence came the sounds.
Scarcer had he made the first step, when the cries (lied away.
But still advancing, Fred soon caught a glimpse of a bright
light before him.

More cautiously he crept on, every sense upon the keen
alert, until he paused beside a huge tree whose butt was sur-
rounded by a dense growth of bushes, and then gazed out
upon the scene. He beheld a huge bonfire, blazing upon a
slight knoll. But not a living figure was in sight.

Then as he gazed, a dark figure glided between him and
the fire; the light shining brightly, revealed the features of,
an Indian. Then, like. a shadow, this melted away. The
stillness began to be oppressive, and Fred could scarcely com-
prehend the drama that was being enacted before him.

Leaving the tree, he glided stc-altluly along through the
gloom, intending to incirclc the bonfire, and discover, if pos-
sible, who were attacked by the Indians. He knew there

,, were enemies close about him, and he brought his keencst

“ powers into play, making scarcely more noise than would have
done a serpent. I

, He had gone but a few yards, when he heard a slight rustl-
ingka little to one side, and, pausing, be speedily distinguished
the form of a man, evidently a red-skin. It seemed as though

. he-must-be discovered, and Fred drew his limbs together for
the emergency; but the savage brushed past him, almost close

" , enough for their extended arms to have met. If he saw the I

 

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 . ..5, .» ,1, _. , ..

 

 

 

 

mm senor. '3)

dusky figure of the young scout, he evidently mistook it to
one of his own comrades. ‘

With a long-drawn breath of relief, Fred passed on, his eyes
roving keenly in every direction. Keeping ut a certain dis-
tance from the fire, he had covered nearly one-fourth of the
distance necessary for a complete circuit, when a new peril
threatened him; one that he did not see in time to avoid.

He noted the form of an Indian coming toward him, just
without the circle of light. Anxiously he watched the move
ments of this foe. He could not retreat, as that would only
subject him to suspicion and the red-man was so close that
the slightest movement wnnld be heard.

And yet the savage was Mining directly toward him. Fred
crouched lower and drew his knife partly from its sheath.
He had not time for more, when the savage paused directly
beside him, his eyes bent upon a long line of bushes at but a '
few paces distance. Then M spoke in a low tone, using the
Sioux dialect.

“ Gray Bull is creeping up, *0 find the pale-faces. Let my
brother keep his rifle ready t» ahoot them as they spring up.”

Fred did not reply, lest his twice should betray him, but he
stealthin drew his knife from Its sheath. Then the savage
turned toward him, in eviden’ surprise at not being an- .
swered. ,

, The fire blazed up afresh, as the topmost sticks broke and
' fell down. A ray of light penc‘mted the bushes, and fell
fairly athwart the pale features of the scout and those of his
copper-tinted companion. r

Fred beheld the wondering look-tbs quick change that
told of recognition, and knew thatomv the promptest action
could preserve his life. His left hand shot out and clutched
the throat of the red-skin, and then the keen knife hissed ' ' '
through the air. I ‘ '

But with a sudden start back, the Indian freed his tluont
in time to utter a wild yell of alarm, ere the“ weapon drank
his life’s blood. Then for a brief moment all was still. ,
_ Then a single rifle-shot rung out, and Fred felt the bullet ,
mtease his neck. He knew that he was discovered and leap- 
i"! to his feet he leveled his rifle at an advancing Indianagsd‘ '
 Then with a hoarse, defiant shout, mingled we'd I I -

 

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gs ; « ‘ you! max.

(climb-yell from the stricken savage, he turned and fled from

V the spot. ,  _ ‘

A frightful tumult arose, and the woods echoed with

the swift, heavy tramp of the Sioux as they dashed in hot
pursuit after their daring foe.‘

CHAPTER IX.
our or- THE TRAP.

Toms CASTOR keenly watched the slowly approaching red-
A, skin. He could long since have disposed of him by a rifle.
. * shot, had he felt so inclined; but that he did not choose to
L ’ ' do. If he did, then the main object. of the savages would be
' accomplished. Once given the exact position of the pale-

faces, such a storm of bullets would be poured in upon them
' v that death would be inevitable.

The old scout had decided upon a plan of action that he
believed might work1 though the chances were greatly against
it. He sswthat the red-skin would strike the bushes, if he
maintained the course he had begun, at only a. few feet from , '
where crouched the fugitives.

[The bushes, interlaced with vines and creepers, were very
dense, and a person standing close upon the outside could not
perceive those within, by night, unless he first parted the
screen. This was what the savage would have to do, in case
he accomplished his object.

Castor hoped to be able to quiet this dangerous customer
withthe knife, and so quietly that those who were watching' 
his progress, would still be at a loss as to their exact where- /
/' abouts. It would be difficult, though he believed it could be  ‘
»‘ done. I

' I Warning his comrades by a gesture to remain perfectly
' quiet, the. old scout moved along by slow degrees so as to in-
‘ / tercept' the savage. When the point was gained directly in

gh'ontof the creeping figure, Castor paused and prepared his

_. knife for use. i ' . I

~» ; \But‘the trial was not yet to come. A strange and mm,

 

 

 

‘ .

TEE com m. ' '3'!

pected interruption came and afforded the besieged a respite, _ r, 
none the less welcome, because unlocked for.

There resounded a hoarse, gurgling yell—a. rifleshot—an—
other; and then the defiant shout in the unmistakable voicfi
of a White man. Following, came wild cries and whoop:
from the red-skins.

It was indeed the discovery of the young scout, Fred Wil ,‘

. won, although his friends did not know it. And a most for
unate occurrence it proved to be, at least for them.

The savages were bewildered and knew not what to makt
of the affair. But then all seemed clear.

The strange silence of the pale-faces was now explained
They no longer wondered that no reply had come from the
bush-screened log, when they had so plentifully bestowed thei‘i
leaden favors upon it. They had been upon a false scent, all

V ‘ 'the time. The hated pale-faces were not there, but had given
t ‘ them the slip, and but for a fortunate discovery would have
crept entirely away and left them in the lurch.

Much in this manner the Sioux reasoned, and then with
their thrilling war-whoop, they bounded after the fleeing scout,
eager for his scalp, though they believed it was the entire
party instead of only one. Their own footfalls prevented '
them from learning their mistake, by the tramp of the fugi-
tive. ' <

The red-skin who had acted on the “forlorn hope " also

r sprung up and dashed away to join the pursuit. Others 7
I clashed by, while the concealed fugitives held their breath at 
,, this strange proceeding. ‘ I
‘ ' Castor turned and glided back to join his companions. He
was as greatly puzzled as were the others. , _ \
I ' ‘ “What is it, Tobe? I thought that sounded like Fred‘s ‘
’ . t Voice," Whispered Wilson. . J ’
“ I didn’t notice—but the last shot favored his gun mightily. ‘
Could it be him ?" _ I _
’»‘/ g “ Maiyn’t it be a trick of theirs to get us to show ourselves l”? r. ' '
Suggested John Stevens. '

‘f It mought—lmt I sca’ccly think it. You see, too many

0’ them went. An‘ they’re kerryin’ it, too fur. Lis’en—yuu. '
V kin hear’em a—screechin’ ’way off thar yit,” and Tobe hurk< ,
,  intently ., i /' 43  - L

,

 

 

 

 

 

- ' m“ r . ’ Wm no:
‘ 14‘ What shall we do? ‘ Stay here, or try to slip of! f"

“Jest as you think best. I b'lieve our plan is to travel;
It may be a trick, an’ ef so, we’re gone, shore. ~ Ef not, we
stand a show. Anyhow, ef we stay here ontel day, they’ll
hev us then, easy. But jest as you say—on'y be quick ’bout
it, ’ca'se thar‘s no time to waste."

“ 1 think we had better risk it,” added Wilson, resolutely.

“ All right, then. Here goes. I’ll show up fust, an’ ef
they don’t plug me, do you foller. Step as though you
was a-walkin’ on sleepin‘ rattlers, an' don‘t make no fuss.
Ready ?”

A murmur gave assent, and then Tobe emerged from his
covert, crouching low down in the shade cast by the bushes,
and gliding off from the fire. Not a sound betrayed the
presence of any enemy, and the others ventured forth, using
the-same precautions that their leader had taken.

They proceeded thus for full an hundred yards, when Gas
tor halted them. They paused in momentary alarm, but his

’ first words banished their apprehensions.

“It's all right yit. I on’y wanted to tell you what we
must do. We’ll have to take to the bosses, of the imps hain’t
found them, or they hadn‘t broken loose. Then we kin ’ither
take the Trace, or cut through the woods, jest’s you think
best.”

" “ We leave it all to you. But it’s dangerous stopping here
so close. Some of thoae devils may come back and stumble
upbn us.” '

“The more haste the wuss speed, you know. You mat
wait here ontil I go an see if the animiles is safe. They may
hev found ’em an’ left a guard thar to cut us off of we tried

. to git to ’em. You wait here ontel you hear me whistle;
' - then come on as quiet as you kin.”

‘ \Vith these words Castor glided away in the darkness,
' leaving the little party to uneasily await the result of his:
 scout. But a tew‘moments of suspense were they forced to
“endure; then came the welcome whistle, and with glad hearts
"3 they pressed forward. In a few moments more they were

beside the horses, that still stood as they had been left.
It will be remembered that the Wilson party were yet con-
. uniting as to the best course for them to pursue, at the point

/

 

 

 

   
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

where Castor had left the husband and, wife, while he sought
for the missing Annie, when the uproar attending the attack
upon the Stevens family broke upon their hearing. .Suspect-
ing the truth, the party had left the horses as they were
hitched, and rushed forward toward the spot, hoping to be
enabled to assist their friends. Thus it is that we find them
once more in possession of their animals. , . .1

“Now here’s four critters, an’ thar’s six 0’ us. Let the
wimmen an’ Ed ride—he’s the least able to stand a ja‘nt afoot, L
Up with ye—no talkin’, Ed. Ef so be’t any one 0’ us two
glts tuckered out, we’ll change ’th you.”

In another score of moments the little party were ready for
a start. Tobe Castor led the way, then the horses, and after
them- oame John Stevens.

By mutual consent the old scout was allowed to direct their
course, and he chose to proceed, for some time at least, through
the forest as being safer than treading in the beaten Trace.
He knew that along it had hastened Dusky Dick and his gang
of cutthroats, and felt assured that they would soon discover _
the ruse by which they had» been deceived, and thus would .- ' ‘
naturally turn back to find where they had lost the trail.
By following the Trace, there would be danger of meetin
him. ‘ . .

It was tedious traveling, but it was the road to safety, and V V, f
the fugitives bore their hardships with as good a grace as]?
possible. The spirits of all were gloomy enough, but the‘
hearts of the brother and sister were sore indeed. I ,.

Jennie had told her story, and they knew their parents were I
both dead. The blow was a bitter one, and only for the 'ab« .'
solute necessity for their restraining their feelings, in order to

“Reserve their own lives, both of them would have given way '
beneath it. \

And thus the night were on. The forest was traversed and ,
left behind the fugitives, who had placed a full score of miles _
behind them ere the light of day came over the western hills” 1
. The eyes of the Old scout, who was some yards ahead of ' ' f
the party, roved keenly and anxiously over the country,  1'
searching for what he hoped not to find ; some trace of theirI 
Inemies. And for a time he was agreeably disappointed.

They were now in a sort of open 'prairie, at this point r015

 

 

 

HUSKY DICK.

, ing and uneven. Scattered hither and yon were small clumps

ot‘trees surrounded with smaller bushes and shrubs. The

. prairie was covered. nearly waist~deep with a coarse grass,

thickly mixed with weeds.
To the left of the party, and extending some little distanCu

‘ to their rear, was a line or chain of hills, rocky and bleak-look-

ing. They were not far distant at this point, hardly a mile.
‘ “ Do you see any thing, Tobe?" asked Wilson, uneasily, glan-

» fling at the guide.

“ Yes—a plenty, but nothin’ to git skeercd at, as I knows
on. I don‘t see ary a red. Reckon we gi’ them the dirty
shake last night."

“ I hope so. But will it be safe to rest a bit? The women
need it, and so do the animals. A bite of food will do no
harm—though we have no water.”

“ I don’t know but ’twould be best. We must stop’ some

',time, an' now 's jest as good a time '3 any. Thar at thet

matte yander, we’ll stop. Thar's a good spring, too. So we’ll
not go thusty,” said Castor, indicating a small clump of timber
some few hundred yards before them.

The fugitives were now upon a ridge, whose hight afforded
thenra fair view of the country, and while Castor spoke, his
eyes were keenly scrutinizing the prairie beyond. He sud-
denly paused, with a cry of angry dismay.

“ What is it, Tobe ?" cried Stevens, gliding forward.

“‘Looky yander i—Injuns, by the ’tarnal l” hissed the old ran-
ger, as he extended an arm before him.

~_ A Thus directed, the gaze of the party was riveted upon an

,7 alarming sight.

And as they gazed, their hearts sunk within
them, for they saw that Castor was right
Upon a ridge at perhaps a half-mile distance, could plainly

‘ be distinguished a number of footmcn, whose wild aspect as

their plumed and ornamented crests rose above the tall, still
grass, told they were indeed savages. Their number could

' V r_ ' not be much less than a score; perhaps more.

~“ Let’s get out of sight in the hollow,” muttered Stevens
as he sprung tn the head of Annie’s horse. “‘Quickl before

H _‘ " they see us i” v

 

‘ “‘Too late—too late, boyi” muttered Castor, his glowing

syn sweeping around their position. ’D'y’ hear Mr"

 

 

 

 

,  v , , Ashe spoke, faint, {apaway yells of discovery came to their I

ears, borne upon the light breeze. And then the savages
were observed to bound forward toward them, spreading out
as if to surround their intended prey.

“ Quick l to the timber—it is our only chance now 1” shout-
' ed Stevens excitedly, as he urged the snorting horse forward.
‘ “ Back—hold on, boy,” cried Castor, a determined expres-
lzon resting upon his countenance
rout us out o" thar in a minnit.
else.”

“But what? My God! man, do you intend to stay here
' and let them murder us all ?" almost shrieked Wilson.

“No—follow me. Let tlw bosses went—don’t hold ’em
in. Keep up 'th me ef you kill the critters !”

As Tobe spoke, he turned abruptly to the left, and dashed
of at full speed. For a moment the others hesitated, but his

“’Twon’t do—they’d ‘ _
We must try so'methin’.‘ ,

decisive action overruled their doubts, and they hotly followed ‘

in his lead.

It seemed a suicidal course, this one of the old scout’s, for
he was leaving the friendly matte almost directly behind him,
and was speeding over the rolling prairie toward a. point
Where there was nothing to be seen save a bare hillside. 13nd

after them came the wildly yelling red-skins, who now seemed "

confident of their prey, for the thick, tangled weeds impeded
the advance of a horse still more than that of a footman

CHAPTER X.
ADOUBLE CHASE

[FRED WILSON little guessed the good his daring course
had accomplished for his friends, or he would not have so

bitterly cursed his foolhardy daring in thus running into ~

such a scrape. But the harm was did and he could Only
,, strive his best to free himself from the dangerous position it
V'threw him into.

He slung his r‘fle moss hisxbaek by the strap appended; ‘  

 “r as" "

t «as»

  .

 
   
   
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   

  
        
      

 
     

 

  

 

 

 

It - Bum bier.

' and thqu with his arms free, he dashed on with renewed
speed; though the best pace one could maintain there in such
dense woods, was'comparatively slow. Still it tried one the
greater, for a tree—trunk would not be visible until almost run
against, and then a. quick, active leap was necessary to avoid
it.

Fred could hear the rush of many feet behind him, and
also the continued signaling of his foes, telling him that a
stern race for life and death was to be the result. And al-
most unconsciously the presentiment that had before assailed
him, returned with augmented force. ,

Still he did not falter or neglect a single precaution by
which his case might be aided. His mind was made up to
adopt a bold ruse, and now he strained every nerve to its ut-
most tension in order to gain the necessary vantage ground
that would enable him to put this plan into execution.

As he gained the beaten Trace, Wilson turned and dashed
down it, although he would thus lose some ground if his pur-
Buers had spread out, as he felt assured they had. But then
he could place full confidence in his fleetness of foot, and
felt that with a clear road, he could easily regain the ground
thus lost

Along the path he sped until he reached and passed the
still-glowing embers of his late home. But when about a
half-mile beyond this, he deemed his chance good enough, and
pausing beneath a huge tree, he clutched a low limb and

.adroitly swung himself up into the branches. Here he lay
' still, striving to quiet his hard and rapid breathing, lest it
should betray his hiding.

It was a full minute before the first red-skin passed beneath

. his perch, and Fred found that, he had gained more
ground than he had supposed. Not noticing the sudden
cessation of his footsteps, the Sioux pressed on at hot speed,
little dreaming how narrowly they were missing their in- *
tended victim.

For some time after their passing Fred remained motion-
less, but then he stealthin crept up higher until near the tree~

, top, where he could remain hidden, even in the daytime, sate 
‘lrom all prying eyes, unless their owner should take a fancy
hdimb‘the tree and make a close examination; an occur-

0

 

 

 

\

 

 

 

~ n, 1..”sz . 

 

tones that was not at all likely to take place, as Fred’s foot.
prints had, in all probability, been obliterated by those of the
running savages.
For full an hour Fred remained there, but then, hearing no
/Bound of his foes, he descended, and struck once more into

the woods. He hnd pondered long and we]. over his situa-
tion, and knowing he could efi'ect nothing for his friends, ow-
ing to his ignorance of their whereabouts, he had resolved to
set out for the settlements, and, if possible, there raise a fore:
to return and either rescue them, if captured, or avenge their
murder, if dead, as he feared they were.

Before the day broke he had gained the open prairie, and
then paused in a clump of trees, in order to see if the coast
was clear for his further progress, as soon as the sun should
\arise. To hasten this end, he sealed :1 tall tree, and trom its
top-branches, he eagerly scanned the prairie, us well am the
dim light would admit.

But until the sun had fairly arisen, his search was useless.
Then, however. his heart beat rapidly, and he saw how wise,
had been his precaution.

At nearly a mile’s distance, he could just distinguish the
forms of a number of human beings. Keenly observing
them, he first saw that they were in the direct Trace, and
Were approaching him at a rapid pace. Then he perceived ,
that they were Indians.

_ Fred hastily descended a few feet to where the limbs were
thick, and then crouched down, his eyes once more bent fix-
edly upon the foe. The sun shone full upon them now, and

i he counted over :1 score in all. '

As they descended into the hollow, he lost sight of them
for a moment, but then they reappeared upon the crest, next .
to the one upon which stood the grove he had sought refuge
in. The Trace ran within a few yards of this m'olte, and the
young man began to feel apprehensive as to his own safety.

The savages kept on, and now Fred could distinguish the -
form and features of a white man; of Dusky Dick, and his
teeth grated fiercely together as he felt a stern desire to
avenge the supposed destruction of his family upon the rene-
gade. But to do so now would be equivalent to his own‘

death . ‘

 
 

 

,  ’ « sum man

v Then the party' gained the ridge, and paused ; some point ‘
lng toward the matte Where the young man was concealed.
As Fred anxiously watched their every motion, he heard

' them yell wildly, and believed he was discovered.
Throwing forward his rifle—muzzle. he glanced along the
. barrel. The double Sights drew full upon the head of the
renegade, and only a. slight pressure of the forefinger would
‘yhavc sounded Dusky Dick‘s death-knell.

But that pressure was not given, for just then the red-skins, *
led by Dusky Dick, turned and dashed down the hill-side, ‘
with long, loud yells. In surprise Fred glanced at the fur-
ther ridge,'and a cry of wonder broke from his lips.

He could quite plainly distinguish another party ; these un-

‘ mistakably white. He also noted the flowing drapery of wo-
'men; three in number. And then the truth burst upon his
mind like a revelation.

These were his friends, who had successfully passed through
the trials of that eventful night, only to be again confronted
by their bitter and relentless enemies, when just upon the
verge of safety!

As he beheld them turn and flee, Fred hastily descended
from his perch, and then, without thought or reflecting upon
, the risk he would thus incur, he dashed down the hill after

the «red-skins. Fortunately for him, the entire thoughts of
‘ the Indians were turned upon the fugitives before them, and
not a backward glance was given, or else this rash move
A \would probably have resulted fatally for the young ranger.
- . And then they gained the ridge and passed beyond his sight.

' Before he also gained the crest, Fred’s natural good sense

returned, and he proceeded with more circumspection.
1 He kept tolerany well screened by the tall weeds, while
' descending, until the savages were once more hidden from
' View behind a swell; and then he dashed on with the velo-
, city of a race-horse. As he gained the second crest, Fred
again paused. Y

He Could still distinguish both parties, and then, as his eyes
: } rested upon the hills beyond, a glad cry broke from his lips, *
'a bright light filled his eyes, and after hesitating for a mo-

' merit, he turned and dashed at full speed along the back track,
hi! eyes sparkling with a new-bornfieterminatton.

 

»

 

\'"

 

 

    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
     

CHAPTER XI.
AT BAYl

Toms Css'ron led the way at a rapid pace, his tail form t

‘ flaking some fairly wonderful leaps, doubling up in order to
carry his long legs clear of the dense weeds and shrubs. At
any other time his queer antics would have provoked a smile

v from the spectators, but now they were entirely too much
concerned about their own safety to indulge in such demon'.
strations. ’

Behind them, at less than a half-mile’s distance, Were a.

‘ score of bloodthirsty demons, yelling and whooping in eager
-.exultation, as though their hands were already upon the

coveted scalps, and all resistance was over. This knowledge,

than, was not the most favorable for awakening a sense of the
ludicrous, and the only idea his great bounds called forth
was a. desire to keep pace with him.

.' More than once the old scout was forced to slacken his
pace, so as to avoid distancing the jaded horses, and an un~
easy light filled his eyes as he noted how rapidly the savages I
were coming up with them, lessening the intervening distance - s
with every bound. And yet not more than one-half the dis-_ ‘
tance to the hill had been covered.

“Make haste, Ed—dog-on it, man, put the critters down to
it I" he hissed, impatiently, at one ,of these slackenings. “ Use .,
your knife fer a spur.” , ‘

“ Where are you going? They’re overtaking us fast 1” ap-,
prehensivcly cried the old settler, glancing backward over his
shoulder. , I i ' ,6;

“ To the hill ,yander—ef they let us. Use the knife, I tell ' ( if
ye~ef you don’t, we’re goners 1” I i "’

Under the impulse of this novel spur, the horses dashed

< fDrward with considerably-augmented speed, and now the hills .

 loomed up quite near. But so were the redshins, who now ' . _

"1 _ San sending their compliments after the fugitives. in the , "

fine of sundry lmden bullets, but as the Indians feared to. '

 

 

  

I, . ' I been  ,

., c-
pause in order to secure a good aim, lest the fugitives should
thus be able to distance them, there was little to dread save
from some random missile.

Tobe Castor then cried out :

“Feller right on through the openin’ thar; then turn to
your left, right sharp."

' As he uttered these words, the old scout dashed ahead at
On astonishing rate of speed, and entered a narrow defile or
pass, that here cut through the range of hills. As his com-
rades could see, he turned to the left, as he had directed them
to do.

‘With anxiously-beating hearts, the fugitives dashed through
the pass, and then, guided by a loud cry in the voice of their
friend, turned to the left and reached the spot where he was
standing.

/ “’Light—quiclrer’n thunder! You wimmen run into them
,hushes thar, an’ lay close. Ed, you an’ Jack stan’ by me.
We’ll sicken the imps fer good, this time!” hurriedly mut-
tered the scout. as he lifted Jennie Stevens from his horse’s

/ back; then striking the animal violently with his hand, it
dashed ofl‘ at full speed along the bill’s foot.

The other two women leaped to the ground, as did Wilson,
who secured the bundle of provisions, half-unconsciously.
And this move was completed none too soon, for the next
moment the yelling savages sprung into view through the
pass, brandishing their weapons like mad. ‘

“ Now—gi’ them your rifles, an’ then fall back to the bresh
yander. Ef they foller, let 'em hev your ’volvers," cried
Tobe Castor, as his long. heavy rifle uprose to a level.

The Indians paused abruptly, utteringcries of wondering
dismay. Why this bold stand upOn the part of the fugitives,
and where were the women who had so lately been with
them? Could they still be fleeing upon the horses, whose
rapidly - retreating hoof - strokes could still be distin-

‘ guished? '

‘ “ Now !” hissed Castor, and the three rifles spoke.

Two of the enemy went down without a struggle ; a third

J reeled back with an arm swinging helplessly at his side. But,

'* Imitller of" them was the renegade ;‘ he had not yet put inan- {
' appearance. _. A. ’ '

 

    

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l

L

 

3 yell, urged his men on.

g a lettle queer.

I 'i‘ VMing, and then with a bitter'curse of angry chagrin he

   
 

“ Now drap back to the brash, boys,” and Tobe coolly rec .

heated. ’
Just then Dusky Dick sprung intoview, and with a wild

As the borderers fell back, the Sioux
dashed ahead, discharging a few arrows; their‘ firearms had
all been long since emptied. ‘

“ Gi’ them some more,” coolly muttered Tobe, as he drew

. 1 heavy revolver, “ Colt’s Army,” carrying a half-ounce ball
with the range and force of a rifle.

And now quick and vicious the reports ring out from the
three men standing there at bay. Chamber after chamber
was discharged with fair eti'ect.

It was not in lndisu nature to stand this long, more espe-
cially as they had not the means of returning the compliment.
Dusky Dick was one of the first to fall, and then, missing. his
Noice, his men retreated to the entrance of the gap, concealing V
themselves as best they could behind the numerous bowlders
that there'skirted the prairie.

“ Into the bresh an’ load up, boys," said Castor, as he coolly
leveled his second pistol at a wounded rechskin, who was
slowly crawling away from the spot of death.

The revolver cracked, and the Indian made no further mo-
tion. Then, with a grim smile, the old scout also entered the
bushes. ‘

'A most welcome surprise here awaited the fugitives, with
the exception of Castor. The mouth of a cave was revealed
behind the bushes, and into it the women had already made
their way. 

This, then, was why Castor had made what had seemed,“ '
the time, a suicidal move, in not taking to the timber matte,
and Wilson now expressed his regret at having spoken so
harshly upon that occasion. .

"‘ ’Tain‘t no matter, Ed. I don‘t blame you, for it did look

Tlut it was our on’y chaince, ye sec. They’d
’a’ cabbiclged us thar, easy; but in here we kin hold our own
ontel they starve us out. This is whar Fred ’n’ me killed the

" b’ar this spring—’memher, don’t ye?” r

. “ Yes, but—what’s the matter now i” .
_ Castor had turned around to peer through the bushes while

 

 

"no" “ 1mm mot.

, leveled his pistoland flred. Another curse broke from his 1 ‘
lips, as he half-parted the bushes, as though he would have ,

sprung forth.

“What is it—are they coming again l” and the two men 

pressed forward.

“ No—he‘s gone, the pesky imp!
sum all the time, I do r‘ailly b’lievei
[etched my time i”

“ Who—what do you mean ?"

“Why, Dusky Dick, in co’se. He’s gone.
jest as he was a'stcalin’ out o’ sight. ‘ I sent a snap-shot it
the cuss, but didn’t tech him. I spotted him in the fast rush,
but he must ’a’ dodged it, an’ then tumbled down to make us

b’iieve he was dead," somewhat incoherently added Castor, as ‘

he once more resumed loading his firearms.

Though greatly chagrined, the borderers completed recharg-
ing their weapons, without further comment; meanwhile keep-
ing a close watch uponthe open ground around the mouth of
the defile. They felt assured that their foes were still near,

'although concealed from sight, and that they would not aban- ‘ I

don the hunt without a. desperate efl‘ort to avenge the death oi
their comrades, several of whose bodies still lay out in full
view, stark and ghastly.

“ What do you think they’ll do next, Tobe i?" queried Wil-
son, dubiousiy. .

‘ “Mebbe make a rush—but I don’t think it. They‘ve bed
too good a taste 0’ our shooters fer thct. We must look out
fer tricks, now; they'll pro’bly try sarcumvention rust.

' Mebbe try to smoke us out.”

“ But can they do it ‘9"

“Not bad, they cain’t. Jest step inside thar, an’ you’ll
see. I ain’t so pesky green as to run in a hole thet’d bc
stopped up like that," chuckled the old ranger, grimly. ‘

Wilson stooped low down and entered the rude entrance of

the cave, but it soon enlarged sufiiciently to admit of his stand- «

_ ing erect, and gazed curiously around him. It was dimly

lighted, but sufficiently so for him to discern the rocky sides
and roof.

It was small; not twenty feet in diameter at the most, and

of a rude circular form. The roof was arched ; jagged and

I

He was a-playin' ’pos« I
Don’t b’lieve he was

(is
I see’d him

 

 

 
  

A WM. “I'LL.

 than, composed mainly of rock. From several points Wil-
son could detect a lighter ray than common, and he knew that
: there were numerous crevices leading to the outer worid, by
= Which the fresh air could gain entrance, although sc crooked
1 " that no use could be made of them 'to gain a shot at those
within. Thus it would be an utter impossibility for the cave
I to ’be filled completely with smoke, or even sufiicient to
mother the inmates.

The three women were huddling together upon the rocky
.s floor, at the further extremity of the den, trembling with ap—

prehension. Wilson approached them, and tried to relieve
7 their fears by repeating the assurances of 'l‘obe Castor. At
"his they brightened up a little, but only temporarily.

A low whistle from Castor now drew Wilson to the en-
“trahce, where he was cautioned to silence by a finger warn
lngly upheld by the old scout. Listening intently, the set-
tler fancied he could hear the sounds of cautious footsteps
i overhead. '

Nothing was to be seen upon the plain beyond, save the
dead savages. All was quiet at the entrance of the defile,
I but still the besieged knew that trouble was brewing. And
they nerved themselves to meet it as best they could.

, “ Ready, boys," muttered Tobe, drawing back a little, until
i Vheneath the projecting shelf. They’re comin’ now !" p
: And the next moment confirmed his assertion, for with loud
 yells several dark figures sprung down from the ledge, alight-
ing in the midst of the bushes. Then, ere they could recover
themselves, the afl‘ray began.
_ The pale-faces had the advantage of a dark background,
,While their foes were quite plainly revealed, and as the re-
‘ '01vers began. to play rapidly, wild yells of rage and death
. ‘ Isony told how true was their aim. "
," And then, from the prairie beyond, came the sounds OI
, rushing feet, and the shrill war-whoop of the savage Sioux.
\Nling of a simultaneous onset deadly and determined.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

CHAPTER XII.
EXIT DUS‘KY DICK.

IT was a thrilling‘ moment. Death stared the borderen
tuil in the face, yet they did not flinch. To do so would. be
annihilation, and full well they knew that. " I

The enemy who had sprung down from above, had prob-
ably hoped to take them by surprise, being ignorant of the
existence of the cave, and thus hold- them at bay until the
others could approach from the defile below, to deal the fin-
ishing stroke. But in this they had counted without their
host, and the ready action of the borderersvspeedily foiled their
calculations.

Searcer had the savages regained their feet from the leap, .

than they were down again; this time for good. Three re-
volvers make quick work, especially when the targets are at
barely more than arm’s length, and held by desperate men,
who are fighting for their own lives, as well as those of ones
even more dear to them.

Thus before those coming from the defile could reach the
bushes, the first portion of the drama was over.

faces? They speedily received the answer to this natural
query. a
“Back inside the hole, 'bciys,” uttered Tobe.
we’re gone ! 'We must keep ’em from gittin’ inside.”
And then at the mouth of the cave, but upon either side,

i
‘ t
l

“A

Four deed
or disabled forms lay there; but where were the fugitive pale- ’

“ Back, or"

W

 

where their bodies were partly shielded by the jagged rocks, ’

although where a shot could be aimed without, if necessary,
crouched the three men, sternly defiant“ And thus, with
tightly-compressed lips they awaited the assault, their rifles
and half-empty pistols ready for instant use.

Thus they were, when the savages reached the bushes and
parted them. Searcer had the enemy time to note the mom

of the cave, thus laid bare, when a simultaneous report rung fl 
out, and three rifle-bullets tore their way through the living V 'Y
mm. - t I ‘

/ I
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i

 

ha...

/ “ What can he want ?

  hurt.

 

A rum. fl

‘ 3' The Indians staggered and fell back involuntarily, but not

until a second salute was given them. And then, despite the
curses of Dusky Dick, the entire party of survivors turned and
fled in dismay, not even pausing to remOVe their dead and

' dying. _

The besieged, fearing a ruse, did not emerge, and then
Dusky Dick once more succeeded in gaining cover in safety
And ther': while one kept guard, the other two borderers hast-
fly recharged the weapons, that had stood them in such good
stead.

For at least two hours after this signal repulse, not a sound

1 betrayed the proximity of a foeman, but the old scout knew
that the bushes screening the cave-entrance were under the
range of keen eyes, whose owners would be only too glad of
the chance to guide a bullet or an arrow into any one of the
besieged who might chance to expose himself. And he was
too wise to allow either of his comrades to commit an action
that might change the whole situalion.

Then there came an interruption. The sound of a human
Voice was heard; the voice of a white man, for the words
were accented in a manner that no Indian could attain.

“ Hellow thar, you Wilson I”

“ It is Dusky Dick," muttered Tobe Castor.

Shall I answer him ?"

“ Yes—hut don’t show yourself. ’Twon‘t do no harm to

, hear what the cuss hes to say, as I knows on,” slowly returned ,

the scout.
_{’ “Hallo yourself!
 Em

“ I want to have a quiet talk with you, and see if we can‘t
come to some sort 0’ tarms. Will I be safe if I come mt
‘ "‘3"? It’s too fur away to talk from here.”

"Tell him yas—ef he comes alone,” said Tobe, in reply to
, .‘he glance of Wilson.

“Yes. Come out, and if you act on the square, you sha’n’t

V But come alone, and mind you don’t let any of
:30“? red-skinned devils try to crawl up on us, or you're a dead
“mn- We can see all over from here."

’ éfier‘ til/few moment's silence, the renegade arose from be-
 .mf-hls covert, and strode toward the cave-entrance. Ale

What is it you want with me, Dusky

 
 

 

r
.'
‘

l

' since, anyhow,” sneered the settler.

 
 

DU“! DIUK.

though he bore weapons, they were held carelessly, as if not
for use.

“ Hold on that, Mister Dusky Dick," called forth the old
scout when the renegade was within a score yards. “Don’t
come no nearer. You hain’t got the consumption, an‘ ken
talk that fur, I reckon.” .

“ Tobe Castor 1" exclaimed Morgan, in a tone of unensi
ness. -

“ Yas—it’s old Tobe, fer shore. You know ’im, I reckon,”
chuckled the scout, grimly, evidently pleased at this symptom
of alarm.

“ I did not know you were here, but it don’t matter. Who
is the head man among you 1’ You or Wilson ?” .

“ You kin talk to. Ed, here. I’ll sorter lis’en. Shoot off
yer mouth now, lively, an’ then travel. Your comp’ny mn’t
overly welcome to none on us. D’y’ hear?" ,

“ Then, Wilson,” added Morgan, not noticing the insulting
tones of Castor, “ what’re your terms? You must see there
is no use in your trying to hold out against us any longer."

/ y“ Isn’t there? Your men didn’t seem to think so, a while

“ But we have been reinforced since then. Sloan Young
is here with his band, and—-"
.“ You lie, Dusky Dick, durn ye. You’ll never see Young
011181 the devil hes his due. It‘s that? you'll find him, fer I
puts. eend -to his trapsein’, this very night jest passed,” retort-
ed Castor. _
What Dusky Dick’s answer would have been, was never

known, for at that moment a sharp report rung out from close ‘

r behind Wilson, and then with a choking groan the doomed
(renegade swayed feebly to and fro for a'moment, then sun's

V , in; a. lifeless heap to the ground, the hot blood spouting from

his left breast.

Quickly turning, the two borderers beheld the strangely /'

convulsed features of their young comrade, John Stevens, as
he. glared out upon the dead man, the smoke still issuing
from his rifle-muzzle,‘ There was'a peculiar gleam in his .
eyes that told he was half crazed. _ / I
The reproaches of the old scout died swayupon his lips, '

 

I 3 ‘, for the young settler then sunk back, pale and breathless. hl.‘ -



 

 

 

 
 

 

 
  

    
 

or,

 f ’ um. ' ”

Won by the terrible trials of mind, added to the deed of venge-

, ance he had just accomplished.

The Sioux uttered frightful yells of anger at the death of their
chief, but they did not venture forth from their covert. They had
already received a sufllciency of the pale—faces’ favors at close
quarters, and had evidently resolved to await the slower but
more sure process of starvation. '

It was some little time before John recovered from his con j

W vulsion, as there was no water to aid in his restoration, and
then he lay back, only half-conscious, as weak as a child.

As the time were on, the besieged began to suffer from want
-of water. Their hunger had been appeased, but it only seemed
to increase their thirst. And yet there was not a single drop
to be had.

Their prospects looked gloomy indeed. for if they began to
sufi‘er thus early what would they be forced to endure, Were
they closely besieged, as there seemed no doubt they would
be? Even Castor became gloomy and despondent.
= Thus the hours rolled by, without any demonstrations from
1, the Sioux, save occasionally a rifle-shot that either flattened

harmlessly outside, or else spent its force against the walls of
‘ the cave, without injury to the occupants.

But when the shades of night. fell, the Indians built several
fires upon the prairie, around the besieged, and though at
some little distance, yet close enough to guard against their
stealing forth from their retreat unobserved. They made no
attempt to surprise the cave inmates, and well for them that
they did not, for both Castor and Wilson kept unceasing
watch, with weapons in readiness to repel the assault in case
2‘. should come.

But toward morning, when the gray light in the east gate
warning of the coming sun, there mom a fearful tumult with-
out, awakening the sleeping women, who uttered loud cries o!
afi'right. And for a moment the two sentinels Were con-

‘ fused. - '
But. the truth flashed upon their minds. They knew they

were saved! . t - .
“Hooray! they’re jest more’n ketchin‘ it!" yelled Castor.

as he sprung forth from the cave, uttering his wild war-cry;

 features strangely distorted. He was in a fit, probably brought
i
l
l
i
I
:

 

 

 

 

    

DUSKY DICK. I
and then, closely followed by Wilson, he dashed into the
thick of the melee. ‘

They were indeed rescued, and by the aid of Fred Wilson.
When that worthy so abruptly turned from the chase, he knew
the plans of Tobe Castor.

He remembered the bear’s den, and saw that the fugitive!
were heading directly toward it. Here he knew they could
stand a pretty tough siege, and so be resolved te speed at one!
.V to the settlements, raise a force sufficient to rescue them, and
return speedily.

He succeeded in reaching Hutchinson, where he. told his
story, and found no difliculty in raising a squad of men suf-
ficient for his purpose. In half an hour after his arrival, he
was on the back track, and by hurrying on at full speed, he
arrived in time to surprise the Indians, the most of whom were
sleeping. , V ‘

The onslaught was deadly, and at most, but one or two of
the war-party escaped to tell the tragic tale. Then the stray
horses were hunted up, and upon these the women and John
were placed, When the party retraced their steps to the set-
tlement.

Dusky Dick had been somewhat premature in his attack,
as the general uprising did not take place for two days after,
and the result of that is familiar to all readers.

Tobe Castor, John Stew-tens and Fred Wilson did good ser-
vice in the cause, and passed unharmed through the ordeal. They
found and buried the remains of the unfortunate settler and
his wife, near the ruins of their former home.

    

. _w_‘lfi~y4_~ stq: _ :

 

V Within a year after the events recorded, there occurred a x

double wedding at St. Paul, in which Annie and Jennie, John
and Fred were the principal actors, though an outsider would
have thought Tobe Castor divided the honors pretty equally

occasion, we have his own word for.

with them. That he “jest more’n spread hisself,” upon the

 

 

STANDARD  

' ; DIME DIALOGUE x;

For School Exhibitions and Home Entertainments. ' l-

. In. 1 m 91 inclusive. 15m ~35 Popular Dialogues and Drama in each book. Elan volume 10;
1 19m“ pagan, sent postApald, on receipt of price, ten cents.

Beadle & Adams, Publishers. 98 William St.. N. Y.

' .mo vulumea have been nrepnred with especial referenro to their nvnilnbility {or Exhibitianl‘ ,

3...... k <

 

 

 

 

E :Idnyted .‘u srhnnls mm erlorl Will] or without the furniture at" tinge, um! lulled t4) SCHOL .
it.) AND YOUNG PEOPLE 0! every tge, both mnle nmi leumlo. it is {air to assume that no i
hnnkg in the "mfg", Hg any price, contain I0 nunr useful and nvniluhlr dialogue: unddrmnfl ‘1
with“, humor end lentiment. .
mm: DIALOGUES, N0. 1. I
‘ ,4 J. 0‘. Mugg|‘ “or nine ynung leniiel. Hnbuohbing. Forfiva I enlrerg. , / . .
f .m 3 «IV. Englinh n. For tum boyl. The Secretor Succens. ‘ur three eyenhon. 
«40’. Eornnettnn. For mic Ind female. Youn America. Three male. nn’ two femnlu "
t anion. For two lndinl. Jose;- ino‘n Deltlny. Four lemnlu, onelnnle '
{.15 Rehenrml. For six born. [he Folly of tho Duel. For tlu'he mnle lpeIk-n. /
Which will you Chooeel For two hoyl. Dognmtilm. For three qulc spindle"~ . .
The Queen of Mn. Fur two little girls. The Irunrant Conlmnnlwl. For two by: V ‘
The Ten Furty. For (our lmlies- The wet Young Mun. FurtW-i malt-g. ‘
. Three Scene: in Wedded Lil". Male and femalw’l‘he Year’s Reckoning. 12 I'emnles 5 l1 1 m3“. .
\ Mn. Sniflles’ Contention. For mule mud (smile. The Village with One Gentleman. 3., fig)“ 3 »‘ 
The Misuiou of the Spirits. Five young lutllett. males and one mule. I}
DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 2. 5
l

The Realm ol’ Libert . 9 males and lfemnle. How to Write ‘ I’n ulnr ’Storlu. 'hvo taxi“
»' Cluderolln; or, The inn», Glam Slipprr. The New mnl the f hi. For two male.
; Doing Guud end Saylng Bud. Several chnrnckrl. A Sensation at Lust. For two nmlel.

The Golden Rule. Two nmlea and two females. The Grecnlmrn. Fnr two mules.

i The Gift of the F’Iry Queen. Several femnloe. The Three Men of Science. For four main. -
v TIer in and Dune For. For two charerters. Th: Old Lady’s Will. For tour males. .
The Country Auut‘l Vu t to the City. For 501- The Little l'hil so hart. For two little girl; ,*

erel chnrnrtere. firm to Fi I an } eir. For five mnlel.
The Two Romain. For two mnlel. The Virtues. Fur nix young Indies. \ ,
l‘rytn the Chariots". Fu- thrno melon. A Connnhiul Eulngue.
’ The a gay Funny. For nevurnl ‘ nniumh.’ The Public meeting. Fivemnlu and onehmlb.
‘ The ubovr. For Iavvrnl clmrnctere. The Englinh Traveler. For two males. Q

i ‘ DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 3. ,
‘ The May Queen. Fornn entire school. The Games] Cook. For two mules. / "
 Frau Rut'wm Convention. For tun females. Masterpiece. For two mnlel Ind two femtlfl

 

 

    

Kienlng Bad Company. A Furor. Furflve mnlu. a Two Romenn. For t l
Donrtiug Under Dimcultlen. 9 nmlrl, !. ferrule. The Same. Second mummlt‘ziflv: males.
National Representatircl. A Burlesque. 4 melen..Showing the White Feather. 4 males, I femnlu
1' Escupiufl the Draft. For numeruua much The Butt]. Cull. A Rucitntive. Fur one mule. . '

’ DIME DIALOGFES, NO. 4. I
' The Front Kin . For ten or more 'ereonl. T e Stnhb‘etou-n Volunteer. 2 will e y ,
Martin in Mfg. Three males and [two trunnion.  Swue from “ {’nul Pry}; For {winking-Yr“ ' ,7
Iulth, ‘10 m und Charity. Fur thrce little gull. I no Charm». For three mnlu and one t‘enmla. ’
Ditr'v Anti Joan. For two male. and one i'munlo. Bee, Cinch and Broom. For three little girls. ' war.
“In . ey. A Floral F1031. For six little girls. The Right Way. ACollnqny. For two boy.1 . ‘
The Euclmnted Prinuv. 9 mnlelpev-‘rnl fcmnlel \\ hat the Lvdzer Snyl. Far two mniu‘ . v
Hui-rm Whom Honnr in Due. 'I mnleafi t‘eumle The Crime: «(Dream A Collnqu . Far “(Apr 'i‘
'ientle Client. Furnvnml malnemne fi‘mfllr- 'l’uc Krw’lnl oi: Benevolence. her tour innit, ’ ' ‘ .
Q new. A Diuunion. For tn’enty Innlel. The Letter. For two malt-e.

DIME DIALOG LIES, N". 5.
3‘s Queues. For ur‘lml m- vnrlnr. tl'v: «n Airz. A colloquy. Fm t“. .Hdl‘
L A “ Three Persnm’ ” Fit '1‘. might Mirlt. For several have ‘
.1 d tun Cm‘lnln. Fer mtth mul felnnln. ’l‘wn .. en; of Life. A Colloquy. For m slit;
'he Eta l’i Society. Five bay: rnd a teacher. llixlravt l'rnln Marina Fnliero.

 

       

 

  
  

   

E-"W‘III Dav. For nevernl loumle nhnracten. ‘ hin~1rv-.\inn»_v. An Acting Charmin.

deinui ‘rn‘pt" Far-evernl main. ['1‘ e ."x Virtual. Bur nx \‘ounglwdxcs. '1 ,

The School ‘Iloys Tribunal. Flu-ten hove. mm mm"... atHome. Furtwv.mnlol. , > .
For three rlrls. l,

A Leone Ton ua. Several mains and {en-min. Frehlmmhle Requireman V
How Nut‘to Eat nu Answer. For two feznulcn. "A Revy of PI (Eycu). ho. Ight orleiflltttlegrr‘h

u DIME DIALOGU' 5, N0. 6.
' “'5 WIYTh'y Kept :Secret. Mule nnd (amulet. The Two Conn-don. Fur thrr-o males. \
1' ho Puat under Dimeultlei. For five mules. The Valarie: of Folly For a number OHM-la , ‘
. milk: Toll. For a whole ehml. \unt Batay’e Bennr. Four {Cumin nndtwomu- I r.
' ; ’ an-numgm Smn femnlnsnnd um mini-u. The Lith Suit. mum fem-let and on. m». ,

in no .I . l I n '. S II Clam. Forunnrnbaroi‘hora‘ ’
All not l6 tint (‘1 tters. Mae-ml an d» (1:: F 1.- FM “Wm m“. “bk.

 

I luv. For I]: mlu. Air - .

 

 

' ' m “rational-hurlth TheTbneRtnp. Iota-om ‘

\ ~ \

»

    

 

,w.

Dime School Series—Dialogues.

 

am”

DIME DIALOGUES No. 7.

In. two honor; For fourteen feumles.

I'lu north-child in folry-lnnl. For girls.
‘l‘wnnty year» home. Two l‘enmles, one mule.
The wn" to Windham. For two mules.
Worn-m. A poolic musings :tt worcln. Two boyl.
Tho ’Olugiu. A polloqny. Fur two umluu.
How to get rlil of n Imre. For toverul hora.
Douxdiiigqchovl. ‘l‘wu molar and two fouiulol.
Plan. for the llll’llKE. For two mules.

rhi- llll ul' drum-drinking. For Llll‘e: ho '3.
l'l‘dtl prida. A colloquy. For two fame at.
\i .- lwo lucLuNrI. bur numerou- umlol.

1.. my School. For a nuu|!.ur .il’
\niuzlinx ulficer. 'I‘hroe girl
'Ahi nth bull :nthusl at. For thruu imp.

"i‘ho Kill 01 the period. For throw girls.

n... (uwkohallmn. Two male: and mm female.
Slow but turn. chsrul mulez- and two I'omulee.
Uiuiillu'n vulocil edit. One "ml-5 and um l'unmle.
Thu figures. For levernl "null chililrun.

‘no trial of Peter Slopor. For soveu hoyl.

       

Two View. of lite. Collnqliy. For two {Small
The right: of umnic. For two lvmu es.

A hopolalu mu. A go in vane. Twnklrll
The would-be schuul-te er. For mm mqu-

Cuan to life too soon. but three main

E’ ht o'clock. For two little glrln.

  

 

 

 

'l dignity. A collv uy. For two hoyn
Gl'ld‘l two expensive. hor twu mains.

llmnlet and this gliont. For two perm-m!

Littln red riding hood. For two lemmas.

New illiplicution ofan old rule. Boys nil-l g.‘ R»
Colored cousins A colloqnv. F): ::v‘ '1.de

DIM}? DIALOGUES Ho. 8.

Getting A ph'lloflrl‘ph. Mule: um! feitmlel
Tho Iociuty for general llII rovemcut. u g'u
A noblmuuu in dllgulle. ‘llree glrlx: on my
Grant expectation». l-‘r two bow.

l'lnying ullool. Five female. and l'our mm”,
Ululllel {or thehenthun. Unu mule, or»: tennis
A hurd case. For three be”.

b‘vho-tu. For ten fomolen and one mash.

 

* DIME DIALOGUES No. 9.

Advortlnlug hr help. For n number of formulae.
Alnoricn to linglunn, greeting. F. r we buys.
I‘hu old tll'lll the new. Four feumlul one mule.
Dholcuol‘ trudu. For Lwolvo litlln boyl.

The lap dug. For two icinnlau.

l‘he vlcllm. For four femuius undonn male.
The dueli-l. F r {Wu buy.

The true philosophy. For fem-ion 1nd :nnlen.
A‘go ‘1! education. For two funnier.

The ll|=t' or humun kindnén. For two tannin.
hpoilud children. For I mixed reboot,

Brntun Au-l Cauiun.

(lorinlunul sud Aufidlul.

Thu uuw Icholnr. For n. numt-cr of [:‘rll.

The “if-mule mun. For three millet

The Msy ucen (No 2.) For :1 who].

Mu. lmuk mid’n own-uny. 4 boy: mu! 3 girl:
Should woman b4 given the ballot! For lam

DIM 3 DIALOGUES N o. 10.

Mn. Mark 'l‘wnln’n than. One male. one female.
The ohl dug. Scliorl kszivul. For chm: hoyu.
The court ol‘ folly. For umny uirll.

Grunt llveu. For nix buin unil uixgirls.

Sclndul Fur numerous mules and female:

Thu light oflove. la'ur twu born.

The fluan Thllllfflll. For twalvu glrla.

The deal uncle. For three boyl.

A ill-clunky. For two boy»

The I'ehenrlttl. For a taboo].

The truu way. For lhmu hay- and one girl.

A pmctlcul lire lumu. For three girlt.

Thu munk und thn soldlar. For two buyl.
11164876. School 'vul. For two girll.
Loni Dumlrenry': Vinit. '2 main and ‘1 {oniqu
Wituhu iu the cream. For 3 girl: Ind 3 hoya.
Frauclnnhu. Chaired». Numerous uhnrauw'l

 

DIME DIALOGUES No. 11.

A neurones: no nry detmltl‘ul. For nix bow.
TE. conundrum fun 1y. For mule Ind femi- 9.
During Bel-Dy. 'l‘lmw main and four femnlul.
’nck mid the burnt-1k. For flvo Gllfll‘flch. .
The In to do it and not to do it. quinulu.
Howw acnmahellthymtc. Mulunnd female.
The only trun life. For two girls.
Null: colloqui For two how.

I. Qultuvm me lull Crixtiurn.

II. Tommi-no and Buj:xzot.

   

 

Fulllibnablo diuipntlon. For two liltlt you
A school Chanda. For two 6031 and two plug.
Juun Ingolow’i “Song. of Seven.” Savor 1 ,l t
A debate. For Your hays. ‘
ltozguil Dick’s leuon. For threo b’
School chnruile, with Nblexu. ,
A very qua-thinnle story. For tw "n.
sell. For Hire melon.
Tho ual gentleman. For 1w: hr

DIME DIALOGUES N0. 12. ‘l‘

keg mumnco. Fur seven churnuturn.
mien wanted. For wverul clmrncurs.
.iou I wu» young. For two erll.
l'hc un-ut yrecloun hnrit-igu. For two liar!
The double cure. Two umlel um] {o'er (o: Ilcl.
I‘lla fiowungurilnn fulrirh For five lit‘l:~ girls.
Inimn'a novel. Three null-is Mllll two ‘enmlel.

ware ofthe «Home to thrm- -:i"l1

  

A family not to pattern alter. 'l'm arm-c

How u: nun-ugly. Au iwtingchumde.

'l‘he vncotiou ecnpml». Four my» ,md , , ‘
'Tlmt naught ' h '. lxr-M li-mriiol qul x: mm: '
Mud-can. : ll acting cl Imlu.

All ll not gold ill-v? 31' re. Ariinz provvrb.
Sic trnmit r_‘ Mu mundi. Acting chum-ta.

 

   
 

DIME DIALOGUES NO. 13. .

Two o’clock In the mnrulmz. For tl‘rua main.

In indignation uieoti ,x. -r swrml funmlre.
Befor- Iml buliind thou-r ru. Hours] charnct’r.
II noble-t A uuunrnl'lvqs mul tucker.
ItluI "and. n': u re I For girls and bovu.
Wot w hail u it Mull‘l For levnriil chnrrwto'ru.
tub-tom: mar-l. For two main und lunmlv.

 

_ ‘ u. unusual». I'm: pulormduxhibltion.

Worth. not wan Lh. Parlour havuum‘ ! lmrru
. such wnril m , Fur sat uni er.

'l'br Ileeplnu buaulv. For it well
An In-muut lutriirna. 'I‘wrim do
0].] N1lll)‘. Ihr fortune taller. E4. . three :1“:
Hay-t ilk. F W lover-ll lltllu Inn-1,

Mother Indeed. For uvernl little filth.

A yrnotlul Ilium-hum. tor Ivo Wfldw

 

      

2: tom

 

‘ 
I
l
l
A

 

 

_..,..e._..,..~..t

 

 

 

 

 

- «. N...

 

 

 

 

' ' DIME DIALO

A Juan: John. Thrue gent- and twu lmllet

" ha born gelllun. For Your cuts.
More than one hatenur. For unr guru nnd luly.
Who on enrln i: llel Fur lhru. xirln.
The right not to he u pauper.
Wélunn nnlurc \vlll out For n givln' M:th
Benedict land buchelor. For two lmyn. i

The cunt ol n dress. Fur 13V: pcrwm. l
I kulrihutiun. For I number at bop.

l'lln surprise puny. Funlx lllwlfi girls.
A practical demumtrntlun. For lhm hays.

DIME DIALO

he .‘mrios‘ escnpnde.
H oat’a perpluxltics. For six “GllLlulllell.
gonzo cure. For we l~ icn mnl um- gent.
"13 good than i: in one A number ul huyl.
lnzlalnon or mwlkey. For two ho} a.
the little philosunher. Fnr two little glrll.
Aunt l‘olly’u lesnm. For {our ladies.
A wind-fall. A-linx ell-mule. Fora numher.
Will it pnyl For two hum

DIME DT ALO

For four lmllal Ind one gentleulnn.
'l‘ha Illuetlng ol' the wimll. or n :chool.

Th._ road they did.. Fur ' lmliu.

The lioy who winn. Fur nix gentlemen.
Good-by dny. A collnquv. For thrm'girll.
The lick well mun, For thrue buys.

The investigating colmnillue. lv‘nr nlnc lndlon.
A “conm ” in rnguen. Fur fuur bu} i.

DIME DIALO
Llrru anKs' Shawl

("0 helmppy ynu mull be gond. Fur two litlle
gl In And mu: hay.

Ivatluwclil glury. For a bevy of boyl.

Thc'litllu ptncvlmlkur. For lwn liltle girlt.

Whnt mlrts lrieudl. For two little girls.

Manlm “Washington ten putty. For live little
girl- It uIlI-tixuu autumn

Thu Ivll than: 1 n it. Fur two young bm‘l.

Win and fol-ll 1: ma; :irl. For turn all.

A chlld'l n-qulrlus. For unmll chlid an muchar.

‘l‘he Wklng club. For tw- girln and othon.

Pow to do It. For two o_\ .

A hundred yearn to coma. For buy nnd glrl.

Don’t truu f-cet For lcvurnl umlll hot 1.

Above the Ikiel. For two Imnll glrll.

The true llef0|l|lh For three llllt'ltlv bug». I y
l in little boys I. cmnce: is I ry o 1‘.

Egan” pmldinu; I'll be u nmn‘;  llltlu girl'-
rirvhu npwch; Jnhnny’n opinion of [rum]-
Ill'dlllltl'd; ‘l'hx! boasting hm: Ilo llv-wn uler
MM; Asnmll buy. vlew of curnl; ltobby‘.

 

Pally Ann.

 

   

  

DIME DIALOGUES No. 18.

l . l’or never-l characters.
¢}f)s:l\:l,elinut 3 thorn. 2 lnnlel “Ind l fmnlo.
'vr- d h hnll. For thred mu fl. _
:Fu:>:d{ulr)r’l xlwservfl another For 6 l’ldl'l.
nl-tlnx Mulllnln. hr 3 In}: and 1 1nd).

hv new Ichnlnr. For Invernl buys.

 

 

For two buy; I

Numerw; rhnrnrlcrs ‘

l The chqun mum.

GUE; No. 14.

Raflnelneut. Artlnxchnnde. Seronluhnrnclfl
Cunaaiehcu, the arbiter. ‘li‘ur Ind ' nndgent
lluw m hunk. mum". hnppv. or Iwo boyl.
A cunclullve argument, to} two gir

A wumnn‘.hlin-lnexn. Fur llll'l'e gir .

i’.m..'- work ('1 exnpuunu 1 For lunr gunk

TI 2 lulle mistake For two young lmllu.

lg} a null new. For one gent nnul one luly.

 

GUES No. 15.

Th. lu-ir-nHax. Fur nunnnonr mules

Don’t bellav. what you hear. hr thru‘ .n ,
Annietx hint Fur Lhmulndiu.

Exlmct. Fur two "er 
Testing her lrin-mla. Fur aovaml charm mm
The torulgnur's t hublel. For two lull-~11

'lhu ut wishuut nu “mnr. Suvmll churuutvn
Nntunl selection. Fur threu guntlunwn.

GUES No. 16.

The lmpa of the trunk room. Fnr five glrls,
Th: bun-Lari. A C: llmln} For L“ ; Huh. ull‘lfl
Kluy‘n lunernll lu'ur nun-m llul - glm.
Strntnzrln. Charndc. hvr M'tt'llll llmrnrtar’n.
Testing her Ichnlnrs. l’nr human-us uK‘lllel":
Thu wurlll is “‘lml he Illili il. 'l mu glrll,
The uhl lnul the nuw. ll‘ol‘ gelllnelllml [And My.

GUES No. 17.
151 AND numcrss. V

“rmnn ; Nobmly'l child; Nuttlngnt grandpa
Guy I; Llllle huy‘u viuw of lww Colunlbnl
\liuovered Alnarlc l lttlu irl‘l vieW: lllh
ill: hm ‘5 speech t-u tuna; A Ettlu lmy‘u nod:-
at; The lnidnlght munqu Robb) Rob’s no
end smnon; Haw the baby “me; A lmy’l
(.haervnliom; The new :lnte; A nwlbu i
love; The creuwnin' “Lory; Bnbv Luir‘ : «’v
Milling. an the bulnhle-nue, Wli-ll, nlll
I)ch y tenlny; Th: thiekrn’l n-lnt ‘ ; 'lnu
heir Ipplrent; Dollar u: from evll; Don’t
vmnt 1.0 ha gum]; On] I drunke-n' lvllou‘:
The two little rohlun; a Ilow to continua;
A nmnenw tale; Little boy’u dulanmtion; A
clanld‘: dellfe; Bogus; Tho gublin cnt- Rnb'
n-llnb; Cnlumn) ; Little uhnttérhox; lulu!
Ire. tho"; A bny‘l View; The twentv {r11 1;
Gt’llllE‘ vlchool; A mornin bnth , Tl: u ‘4
ol Dnndeo; A fnncy; ll: lhn I'vnhght, 'l A»
new mlt‘l egg; The lltlle muulclun ,- Idlc Bun.
I'oltoryunnn ; Thur lhd new.

 

   

   
         

   

Givu & dug a bull nnmc. For lnur mun-um

Sprint-thine wis‘hn. For six lzllIu-L'ims. g

Lon. Clmrha; or, (he gins)”. ru l")
lneroua (llllrrlch-rl.

A little- lmlup. l-ur three little ana.

l-lnnl tlmem For ‘.‘ yent‘enwn mm '4 hull”

  

,, .

 

‘ttl ' ter/ svr Fur {nut hull“. _
{file‘s-«Irina l‘u 'cnllalllull Nld 3 lmheq.

   

L.
T .

and tin: lml!es.i
l

 

An awful innturv. Twoloxnnl -'
C-mmlt: a. L For flu: lmlel . . '
Who m1 thv Mlntn: l'ol'fllrwr. yang 3 ll.
l'h ll nude. '1‘ irea 'n a nu- '
g:  to Illelpoul'. A liltAleflf‘rkt“ [fir-t.
Haw >1 :12 um lnlure-l. ‘ ' ue .
1 vii“ lActh-z clm - 9. 1w: {my slumun.
n.

       

 
   

l' or {any l»
‘ .‘ loan. For n Chi-nun“ F..-
A ndemmn Inc by “"- “Kw”.

 

DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 19.

In: 211"“... Mud with m. much lone. 1.

Thy.- lellnu wl‘l worth learning. Fun um. mum
nnd'lwulu .lni. .

 

'l‘he runlled <llllylulolli. Fur fuur lnlien.
Remember liens-m. For thrvn Iv-nh a.
Alwlurn ellucntiun. ‘l hrw n ‘ M .lnl nm- Minnie
The ruin”. w‘m i D u.) :hrv; mules.

. ‘ _ nng. real: men. 'nr lw ‘
Aunt Lumca'l axpurlmcnt. yFur Inn-ml. 0 Km.
{he’lTr-lerh'nu (v' G. Tun hnmlu unn' um innit

c aw 1) mar v a the: hr ' and
and two {elllnlt'lf‘is m‘ h" 0'".
An nld-{uhhmnd d IL
Tho mun. Fur nurbmnu elm

  
 

 

 

  

 

Far two liu'e g:rl;.

For {an boys.

For teacher airl .‘lev'erlll «ch-Alan.

For 57.” lIlLle folks.

Fm- cwa huul

'l‘wn :mlu nnl three lumn‘.» a.
‘ Fm- 3 malesnndl .enmlc.

ur six hm. girln.

buys.

 
      
 

 

A Line V
" Sui ‘. ’

 

u\'. .
b'ur Lirce

'Dlme School series—Dialogues.

 

v
, DIME DAALOG'UES, No. 20.
The wrung mun. , Three nule and mm) :anmlux
Aha—noun culix.
Neil's preset-c.
J “lg. nut.
Teliing .lranxns.

An xmir unsilu. Fur live males mnl thee 'mmlu.

City manner» Ami bounlry hauru. For Him“ gig-I
and 0qu buy.

’l‘hu silly ulieynle. For twn girls and teacher.

N M, min then-1 l‘ul‘ l-uur m:

Font-prim. Far nnrfizrous ch

Keeping; boarders. Twn l'em Jen and three llllllel

A n ‘e mr gnml. One lailynml twn gentleman.

l‘lm. xduluns WlSu-M‘N. For twc mum.

 

 

DIME DIALOGUES, him-21.

Fm— aevarnl.

\ mumul'il .ImmLi-Ju puny.
l- -“ ' For lllrec mule!

, run of danger. mnl
vir‘r imles.
z 4-. nus 1mm; lluml. F” hm children.
H uv «n. nn-ln him rupnle. A dual.
’l"i~ 'mnse nn [he liil’. ‘0! {our females.
'- For two males.
For {our (Mazda.
For naval-Al.

 

Wu url‘nll.

:Mm 1: Hunting." return. Fnr four mala‘.

Cum relln. For sew-ml children.
Too much for Aunt, Mutildn. For three Inn!-
Thmo 1. main and on; m‘
For three nmlul.
l . For I'uur females.
brf- to: they were Lc’aeheo

\\'il innith W! e.
A untlden I'enxn'erv
'l'h-annulrln m. .ge
Chianti"; chivkcm
For iour l‘mlll.

 

 

‘v'

DIME DIALOGUES, No. 22.

The Dnrk Cupid; or, the mistnku M a morning.
For throu Lremlema x and hvu I" ‘as.
That Ne'er-du-wail: or, a brutheri lesion. Fur
tum mule: null two {en-mica.
High nth; or the new mnniu. For two girll.
Slrzlnga adventures. For two boyn,
he kin 's lupper. For (our girls.
A pl’.l('l.|\.!|l enlnpllfi union. Fmtwo l'myl.
Mnmienr 'l‘hie-I in Ainerlca', or, Yankee vs.
Franchmnn. Fur {our hnyl.
boxy’e ullyxlonmcy. 8 funnies unil‘ lmidenlnln.‘
ll‘renchnun; or, [ha uniwluad hunt» For twn
, hulleu null our: gentleman.

 

I‘iinhin’n lmnquct. Fur a number ofglrla.

Buys will be ll\)y~l. Fur Lwo buys and one gll’l.

A rainy d or, the Irhnol-girl philonoyharl.
For three nun}; Indies.

Gml is lm'c. For n number of nclmlfll‘l.

Thn way he mannged. For 2 males, ‘1 females.

Fandango. Various chnmcierl, white I doth"

 

w «e. .
The little doctor. Form-u tiny girls.

A Iweet raven '9. Fur l‘nur hoyl.

A Mny dny. 'or three lillln.I rir I.

From the snhllme lothn ridicn oux. For” main
Hum not fun. For five ha) a.

DIME DIALOGUES, No. 23.

RhuilM. llnnl's relneuly. For are .nli-s, l nnlle.
Han: Schmidt": rec I nan-l. Ft'l‘lWO Mullen.
Chwrv run] Grniuhla. For two Lmu mu.
Tim ylmnluin doughnuts. Fur six foulth
Dam it ply! Fur nix in den.

Company nmnners .‘lll'l home impolihmela.

   

Fur

A benr L'flllll‘fl. Fur three llllllvl, two femnlu.
The husy been. For four little zirln.
Clwclzumw. Fur numerous l harnclcrl.
School time. Fnr two little girls.

 

two Ilmlrss, iwu feamloiflllul two children. I

The ulml ilnyn.
lei‘oruunne Mr. lvarn.
\Th- real cost. For :71; girls.

Far two little buys.

Denllunene. ‘1 principal charm:er and Adjunct.

Drugs and gold. Sever-l chnrncters, male and f0-
mule,

(‘onlnund Miller. For three mnlu, two ’(mnlln

Fur l nmle,6 females. lznornnno u. 'ullice. Foreleven ml“.

il‘

whims ull. ‘or {our fnmnlu.

DIME DIALOGUES, No. 24.

The three gnu-ea. For Ihree llule ml».

The mini: director. Fur seven mules.

A :tranze secret. Foth-ee :rirln.

An nujufl. mnu. For {our males. ’

The uhnp girl’n victory. l mule, 3 femalel.

‘l‘l- pgychome‘lsn. 9 entleniun, Q lmlien.
{m- la no word fur it. ‘nr Tour lmlieis.

l ' hnnicnl. A number ul‘ cianrncl’l. both sex».

The god-low of llherlv. For nine yunng iniliel. '

 

lbwd are lbs pacemakers. Seven yonnr.r ylril.

’l‘ln- six hrnvu men. For lebO'yB.

llmo you hennl ih»I mst

'i'ln~ true queull. Two you): elm

A slight "Illlnlle. 4mm, lama:
eml auxiliaries.

Lazy nnd hmy. Ten little 1513.11.

The old nnd young. 1 gentleman.

Thu: post") enrd. 3 lmliva and I ,- n .

Mother Goon: and her hoflssbofif. 1. -
uhool tnncy drou dialoqu and iravenlh.

m: 5""

    

DIME DIALOGUEB, No. 25.

.nu midi-u of the rlelectnhlee nnd lea miner-l
allies. For two llilldi nxnl two minim:

Whit uni-h would lmvo. 6 ha!» bay; .9
Sun hine Hiram:le tho r s. For fun:
The lriuml in need. Fur four males.
The bonrn. For twelve lime girls.

in dam: and lull. Fur rive lilllu h: 3'4.
Dinubnu. (“or one mule and {-ur (munici-
Thn youml of Hell]. l-‘ar thrua |m_\'s.
Beware n! thu :w‘lillnrl, T nxlxml characters.
Hood ward For n numhrr r-l' hnyn.
} {non-l. Fer n numlisr or litaiu :irla.

 

    

 

 

The Erna use llf woulch. For a wholo.:cls;
Gmnuier. Fnr name my oh r 'i

)n: yuurmlfin hit pl
Lillie wine heads.
The r.grn“rntnr
Crniplrcc‘s wr,

  
  
   
   

 

‘l‘wu mnloa.

M nth . n... “will an

   

 

.: L l: d .
Him! in " iii-uh ll. " young; hem-ls. 'l‘wo lull“
and on; “CHLHIIIIu.

(3' 'n'he nbova hnolu are sold by Newldmler- everywhera. 5r will u ~41. you-pill], b m

final, on rmlpl ni‘prica, 10 c nu eiirli.

BEADLE I: ADAMS. Paul-hon. 08 Will“. Di. I. Y-

l
\

    
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
   
   
    
  
    
     
    
 
   
 
   
    
     
      
  
  
    
  
  
   
   
  
  

 

 

 

 

i

      
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young A'nel‘lga,‘
'Bil’lllvlny :1. u mu "3:0,
I’lan hr the Miline luw.
Nu: uh Hm mumps. .,
The lml- ! Slru‘rglg’
ln'luj'uilill‘llcu,

Our tililllllvry,

The quality nfuiun,

n h r n: tho Revn'u
'l'in. .I a if inc mr,
,xufi Vlilf!“l14ll:l|lue,
Tr l‘ u ui owl, H

\ tuiury oi lilu,

ind ibwms,

 

  

 

 

 

 

   
  

in” AM its resulu,
try‘s future,
.11uaumn’s labors,

.viiull'} ‘s rlwy,
Uniuu a huuwhulii,
knigpwdenca hull,
Tim :cliolur‘n dignity,
"I run“,
mm c nut,

 

 

Stiihilit) oi‘chrintinuily, l'hrea fools,

Thu true hlghnr law,
The uuu giant ‘Ieuil,
The ship and the bird,

 

mi n terllllV_ ll'hu hmhlul man's sicry
the chihllesa weep, l'l‘lwlnnttur—ol—i’nct mun,

rlr rowing umi riu’g,:J. Juboum‘s umllon,

» K. \Viml’sumtiun,

I l'r.l\‘ Imtiulmlity,

JJi numl any,
‘Sull‘urlnn,

Intelligence the bulls oi
the war, [libertyv

 

  

ter the battle,

g glass railruml,
wol Mr. Mnchuth,
.i’mi'. un phruuolugy,
'Anxmhel Lee,
.Vuslungtuu'l nmuc,
l‘uu Sill'll‘ huy’a‘ syren,

 

'l'ecumseh's speech,
i‘mrimriul expmmiun,
\lzlrthn llnpkinu.

 

Rich "ml Wu,
51mm; Ihu Pclipne,
Bunnliun vl' the lnw,
Gn-lmlg! git uy,
This rtlls ul' llic,
Croowning glory of U. S.

qushiugton,
Our grant inheritnnca,
l‘ logy on Henry Clay,

 

Jhnrgu or light brigadg 1'

 

 

[A‘ 1).: ii cum, '1 .‘m pr-npxucy for the 3"!
'lhu ‘Ltlmr, Unliilinhvd prnhlems, .
l .- imma harm, 11mm .0 me [laud

 

ii’l‘lloso hy applied,
|An 010. ullnvl, A -
‘Po .ny Wise, pound rool- .\ vmwn in Lhu mum.
e cleanlinul, fish, I‘hu pram,

i aut'd’y night’s unjuy’lIHWunmn‘u rlghk.

,‘Imlilnrt‘lllly uf
)w. ‘

 

“ In :1 Jul. cnuse,’ ‘Right ul thu Named
Nu panics with opprun-lhly huhlur,
Mun Wmuuu, '
IA thin of a mouse, Alone,
,3. Lummxginug sennun. l'lie rebellion 01 156i.
[he cost of richet, llisuniou.

 

DIME NATIONAL SPEAKER, No. 2.

Ohio,

()li \‘cr Hunrd Perry,
Uurdonmin, .I rlyrialug,

Systvum vl‘heliel, llfiedl oi kindness,
The lmimu chief, lumen of sleep,

"I'he independent lurmer ’l'liz‘ bugle,

Mrs. Gruinumr's hall, A Huhdilh Mam,

Hmv the uumey comes, Purity ul' the struggle,
Futur: of the I Ihiom, 0H 3,; ,

L-u-ulty t. liberty, lieuuiful and true,
Our cunntr ‘ firlt, Int, 'l‘ha worm of the still,
and ulw‘ , Mini and the Infinite
British inn-.2”... mum-.3. of hi. laugh,
Unix-mans ur Jncksoil, Vusnlngtou,‘
,Nutiunnl mum, 'l'hu Deluge.

Murder will out,
Sirlvu for the out,

 

 

 

DIEM. PATRIOTIC SPEAKER, ND. 3.

Aznerirzi to the worl l,
Lwn of mummy,
Right nf lcll-prelarvn-

   
   

Unr mu [tl.m.
A Kn. u. 'nu‘a .ppm,
Kuhn - stun-Irma,

l‘imiiiity in tumour,
rim 1lnru'u.

April |5ll|, 17661,

~tho uplriz of ’61,

I‘m: pieci nu heritage,

Klahcverzfiu on iha wnr

 

LArlyrI rig,
l'hn- W38}! and the line,
[have (.‘ruln war, No.

     
 

1"" not sllmlo man, l’rvir nl pln‘enolugy,
A. »\'.ti'nl' -:dv lichuillul,
ll xztm. on i'ii- Unhhnue,

1. Pull“: m‘c’t ni‘himself,

 

r- 1'! ipu-cch,
Christy's speech,
L~t me alone,

    

guinl- iul’ General,
The draft,

Union Square Ipeechu,
The, Union,

Our country’l call,

The nary of un oak tree,
Iraq: an my leg,

Pup.
1 Texan Euluglum,
[{nw t.) he 1| fin: mm,
The United SIM-m,

 

 

y
.uup Ll‘lfI Julmt,

R
XL pmmm,
..
l
9

 

-. \ ill-i in mm icintm

     
   

 

m?

l. Pnrxcwms or ’l‘lwl Ewscuflos.

ammo povae,
s h bnchclor like!
urin lhllm,

   

l<

DIME COMIC SPEAKER, No. 4.

|llistiry of our firm, Freedom the wnlchworl
T. . .‘.leagher‘s :dJress, Crisll of our nation,
Duty of Christiuh pr
trials,
urkey Dnn’l orntlon,
Lincnlli'a mango. A funrleu p'en,
Grut Bull Roland, The onus of Ilnvery,
The New Year and the A l'nreignor’: tribute,
King Cotton, LUuion, l'ha little Ion-we,
mm. Mum... Catholic untbrlml
The «minor peace, The “ Spucuhitonfi

W: ow. to [he Uninn~
Lnst "much of Stephen
A. Dnuglns,

A song: of woe, Polltiul linmpwrech.
Wani’n trip to Richui'd, Comic GruninurfNo. 2'
l’nrudy, l’nrewvll to the bottle
The mountcbnuk, The curk leg,
Compound interest, The lmnck i . :chnnl.
A sermon an the feet,
Old (14.: Jock,

r

'l‘nlu of n ms,

The filliel‘ toilet, The dahntlng club,
llrinn O‘Llnn. A Dutch Ierlllofl, .
(‘rnclrett [unifies-sacked Lecture on lnc-nnutlm,
Whn li my oppnnrnti Alr:.Cundle on Uuhr‘hu

 

DIME ELOCUTIONIST, No. 5.

'l - h :w u maid them.

  

()nnuhv ~Slmrlcimi’g
Tran-[min .Cneevl‘ul-

 

 

L

m. \Iimi,n.miu v. Biill‘muuaryJ-rv, minim
w, lnqui '. Attention, Mlnlvsty, Per-
(My, Pin», arm, )lelnni-hulv, lhzspnlr,

 

  

 

  
  

  
  

n Slmmr. Ramona. Ounrug . Bomtinfly
l'rldu, O‘ulimwy, Aurh-witv Cm minding,
Fur Minx. Alfirvulurz, Dem-hm, DiHur-anrc,
Agr 12,3 hurtingJud-ginz, Appruring, Ao-
uiii (' mini, Tonehln , l’srdoninly

uni-u, ')l-i ‘l!|g,ILllflSlllL’, xnmzing. Da-
yunxloira, Veuarution, I!» o Datlrv. Love. Ra-
gvgct. (il"in;:,l:\'nnclor, A llllfflfiflll‘Gntfllfldb,

SEC. III. Tn: Couponan Euuwfl M L
OKATlON.—!1|Ilsluf Composltlun us nppllml ll
Wonls and tha I. vim: Purity, Prupriuty,’
I’rrcislon. A: rim lied to Sentenrul. via:
Length nl'SnntuncoL‘laurnosLUnxtyfitmnu th.
Figure: nf Spcoch; tho leurdlu n, thu finrrn.
ilon, the Prapnaltiun, the Conflrumtlon, tho
ltelutution, lha l’urorntimi.

SEC. IV. Rm-xzunnnvk Exmcmu IN PM“
AND Venn.— Truunition: A Plea {.ur ther '
Fulatnfl': Sollluquy on Hormr; tho Rurlnl oi
Linm .i- the Cull nnul Rump-mm; tin Buyonet
Charge, Hiltnry of A Life; the Burlo; tho
Hells: llyrun; Macbeth nnd the Dana”
llumletk Snlllnquy; Old Thing” Look Up-
wnr-i; King Will'uun Kuhn; thn ES"; I”~

   

 

 

 

Cusloa‘t . Pnnuuinn, Tun ring, Prowl-lug,
bfiwut‘nn, Sloth, lntoxl on. Angermto.

 

Fm out» Mmlk; Diuovnrkn a; Gnlllw
SEC. V. Ounvuioss av Guon Amman

out lival lmperlshnhl'

   
 

Slick’i definitional Mfg .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

' ‘ mm; SCHOOL‘SERIEBrfiegkors and Dialoguou.
DIME DIALEGT SPEAKER, No. 23.

Burn wnt‘n d0 mutter, All nbnnc a bee, Laud Chlnm outrage, My neighbor's dint,
, V Tue Minn ulppl miruclu, Smmlnl, The "main" dmtiuy ol Condemed Mythology
,. fun lidu comm in, A dnrk lids View, the Irialnrum, Plctul,

 

 

 

 

 

3 ‘ ' 9 vs: mm voty Mary ha! To ease! vny’ Peggy Mt'Cunn, T e or u,
3 ‘ ant , On uurnlng (nermsn‘ ISM-Ky: from Jolh Bil Legend: of Alflmt,
. ['1‘- d‘Flnherty on ‘10- Mm)": shumll Vito hunb lingl, The stave-pi re :rnxcdy
vunn‘l rlghu A lie-llhy discourse, De :ircumuuncu oh de A dnkelor'u Jrubblu.,
‘ '. le humo ruhm, how Tobias I-I tn weak, alliwutinn, The coming Inn".
5 , he upukug,” Olrl Mrs. Grim-.5, Dar'a uutflu new under The illlgunl Mill! 5%
“ ' "rem ,lh anlon on \ parody, ' de In", ‘ Muldnon’l,
l \Zmln-rl in-‘mv, Mnrn and call, ‘A Nauru religloul poem, Thu lltlle baby I y'
’ “he didn‘t ncll the farm, liill Underwood, pilot, 'l‘lml violin, the cormr.
he (run ntory ofFrank- Old Gmuley, I'icnlc deli hts, A genewina intent.
lin‘s Mu, The pill peddlar‘l Dru-‘01" CHIIdilfille‘)! viewl, Anr Invitntiun l i
l wuuld l were I boy Iinn, Elfin-dreary» wlsdnm, bird of liberty,
urn-L, Widder Gmn’l hut l‘luiu language by truth- The crow,
A gamma nary, words, I {ul Juno, Out wen.

DIME DIALOGUES No. 26.

hot cmulnl. Throe lndlu and two gentleman. lThe leuon of mercy. Two very Imnll Kirk.
Mountains and mulo-hlllr. Six Indiuund levarul‘l’rncticu what you preach. Four lMliul.‘

“such-um. Politician. Numerous characters. _
A to“ lbnt did not full. Six ban. The cum-using ngeul. Two mulu Ind tn
1“") \vnyl ofuelug thingal Two little girlu. femalml. -

Grub. Two main.

A slight scare. Three fomnlu Ind one mulo.
Embodi d sumhine. Three young lmllol.
Iiow Jim Peter- died. Two males.

Don’t count your clnckms b'iore they are
halchad. Four Indies and a buy.
ll l| fair!!! have and war. 3 ladies, ! gentlemen.
lowuncla Jmhgol rlrl o! the lea-my. Two umlu,
wlth tavern! (run-formulonu.

W 1“ vol-VI book: ~qu sold Ly Now-dollars evuywhere, or will bl lent, pout -pnld, bx!
wrung» 'iwIpT n wire, 10 cents enc h.

awn: 9 ADAMS, Publhherl, 98 Will-lam St. N. Y-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIME POCKET NOVEIJS.

PUBLISHED SEMI-MON Til LY, A’I‘ TEN CENTS EACH.

I—iiawkc c "any. By 011 Gnomes.
aiiieud H oi. By Miran. W. Alknn.
BrThe iloy Miner-r. By Edward 8. Ellis.
4~llluc Dick. By Capt. Ma 'ne Reid.
fiiNllI. Wolfe. lly Mud“. . Vicior.
6v~'l‘h(s White Tracker. Edward S. Ellis.
77Tlle (Dutlaw’n Wli’c. Mrs. AnrrS.Sre hens.
x—-’l‘he Tali Trapper. Hy Aiiwrl W. ikan.
9 7lelrininz Jo. By Capt. Adams.
10 --'l‘iu: Inland l’lrate. liy Ca 1. Mnyna Reid.
ll-—'l‘ire iiu Ranger lly Oil .‘nnamn.
1274mm. l c Trapper. By E. S. Ellis.
13 --’I‘iro Frcnuh pr. lly W. J. Hamilton.
I4~Lang fllmt. By Capt. Camaiock.
Ilinlle (innmuker. By James L. Bowen.
Him—Red iiand. liy A (‘ Piper.
A "on. the ’I‘rappc . Bv lmwls W. Carson.
l ~Wllil Raven. lsr-nllOnuraes.
Iii—»'l‘ire R color Chief. ll ’Sealln Robins.
20 W'I‘hv. l arr-Killer. ll ' énpt. Comaiock.
2i —\Vilrl Nat. Bv \‘i'nr. . Eyster.
227 Indian Jo. liv imwia W.Caruon.
28 rilld K - 1., the Ranger. Edward S. Eilis.
24 A-Tircl -i“. ‘ctl Trapper. Capt. Com-lock
‘ t’ ( )dlr )ld, i I: flpy. iiy N. C. Iron.
re I lack Ship. By John S. Warner.
2"" lrrrrlc Eve. Dr Warren St. John.
28 «Indian .lim. iiy Edward S. Ellin.
2971110 fir-out. liy Warren Si. John.
81>»i‘2rrglc Eye. Hy \V. .l. llnmilmn.
lil "’l‘irr: .Vlynrle Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis.
3‘3 —'l'lre Galdcn iiarponn. By R. Siariruck.
3“ Ji‘hc Nuulp Kin liy Lleui. Ned llunier.
"ill Lute. > . .\r::lrrr.
ii lullrholi, Ranger. iiy ()Ii Coonros.
36 i'l‘hu liny Planner. liv Edward S. Ellis.
8? 7(larr-au. Lire Guido. By J. ii. Rnndnipir.
8% Tire "cart. Enter. By rrry Hazard.
89 —\Veizvl. the Hcont. lly llnvrrtmr liellnrnp.
407'i‘lr1- liuxu ilunu-r. By Ed. S. Ellis.
4! 7Wiiri Nat. the Trapper.
4277]. 'lIX-l‘il . lir l’ulrl limbs.
43 «T a “'lrl’te Outlaw. Byllarry Hazard.
4‘irv'l'lro I)": Trailer. liy qu-ruk Dawey.
[Iii—Tin: Elk Kin r. Hy FapL. Chris. Howard.
4K~A¢lrinrh til i lint. ih-Cai. i’. innrahdm.
4? “The Man nter. lilearo 0. Raii‘v.
4" "I‘lll‘ l'lra tom 'i‘ruokcr. liy i“. Dewey.
I ‘ err-in Bill. iiv i’aul iiihhs.
Woll’ Queen. iiv Charlun Howard.
rl-Tom iinwk tire 'l‘rallL-r.
li2~The Mud inner. ByClras. Howard.
53 —The “lack “7011'. By Edwin E. Ewing.
54~Arknnlan Jack. By llarry Hazard.
“Bililackbeard. My l'uul Bihlrfi.
56 rrThe River Killers By Billex Muller.
l ' l Hdgnrllifl.
5K "(lluudwaarL liv J. M. Merrill.
Bil—Tire 'i'l-xan llawlu liy Jns. E. Hagar. Jr.
fioiflorrileu Mar. By (Tapc. Ciraa. linward.
“[7 Mad Anthony‘n Plenum. By E. Rndxnan.
$2~Tlrc LllK'lill‘lil Trapper. Wm. R. Eysior.
“8-‘1liu‘ Florida Hoout. Jon. E. llmlgrr,.lr.
“rlfi'l‘lm inland Trapper. Chas. llowarrl.
65-»Wull' (lap. liv Capt. (Thus. Howard.
86~Ilntillng Dick. liv Harry llazard.
«7v Himr ahyo. ay llannr Max Marline.
flfl—Jron- land. llv Frederick Farosl.
fili—Tln- Yellow Hunter. B}- Clmn. Howard.
70- The Phantom Rider. liy Man 0. Rolfe.
fl—iieiawuru ’i‘um. iiy rrry llrrzurll.
TQM—filivor iiillv. liy (‘apL (Thaw. Howard.
78~Tilo Slat-chon fil-ar . Maj. l.. W. Cars-m.
14 r Allis~ "lilo. lh- ('iqri. “ Brain " Adams.
757'l'he \Vood \i' itch. Br Edwin l-Inrrrrau.

4.

Paul I’m-can.

mflid Ruif. tire ’i‘ruflwr. “ llrnin " Adams.
1

Tire Scarlet Hlmn orb. liar-n ilarard.
73- The llordcr Iilllenran. L. W. Carrion.
7II-4Iutlaw Jack. iiy Harry Hazard.
NoiTlgcr-Jl‘all, tire Herninnlo. ll. iiingwoud.
fll—Iienlh-Delllcr. lly Arllrur l.. .‘lewrve.
SB—Kmlion, the Ranger. lly Chan. Howard.

 

fill—Tire “glacier Horseman. Frank Dewey.
K4r’i‘he ’1 rec Trap era. Seeila Robbins.
NESWKaleolair. BV T. lunion Shields, U. S. N.
rid—Tire ilunter Iiernrrled. Hnr Sr. George.
87>»I’irll Hunter. By Cagt. has. award.
SEVAThe Indian Haunt. iviiarry Hamrd.
fill—Tire Girl Avenger. lly Chan. Harvard.
90711“: Red Iiermitesr. By Paul Bibbn.
SDI—filrsr-I‘aco, the Slayer.

927Thu Antelope Roy. By Goo. 1.. Aiken.
98~The i'hunlnar Ilrrntcr. By E. Emerson.
94—Tom i’inllo, the Pilot. B V M. Klapp.
957T)": Rod R izurd. By Ne Harier.
9d7Thc liluri Trupperl. 8V 1.. w. Carson.

{VI—Tire Eur-aw Spgr. By Ca 1. Clrnn. Howard.
93va-ky Dick. y Jon. E. ndgor, Jr.
99—Colanc] (Irnokect. B Chan. E. Lasalle.
1007"” Hear I'nw. ily liajor Max Llfllllnr.
i0l-Iicdlaw. By Jon. E. Bad er,Jr.
102-r“'lld Rube. By W. J. lnnrilion.

108 "the lad an lunicrs. By J. 1.. Bowen.
1011-— Hvarrod Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn.
1057er lei." Doyle. By l’.HamiIlon Myers.
link—Tile Indian Spy. lly'Jos. E. i3adger,Jr.
1074.101) "can. ll inguidsbv North,
IllKk'I‘ire “’nud K ug. By Jos. E. Iiadgvr, Jr.
109.411“: Sculpted Hunter. Harry Hazard.
liOWIVk-k. the Scout. By \V. J. linlnilinll.
lli'l‘ira Tean Ti or. By Edward “'ille".

‘ The (‘ramscd nlves. By liamilron.
8—«Tigor-Ilvnrt, the Tracker. By Howard.
47Tir¢> Marked Avenger. lly ingrahanr. ‘
57Tlru Pearl I’iruteu. By Slarbnclr. .
(iv Black Panther. By JesJ'Z. Bad er. Jr.
7~ Ahdiel. tire Avenger. ByEri. 'lller.
‘atn, lire Graver. Byl‘n‘rl.Dewry.

— Two-Handed . at. My Jon, E. Badger.
77 Mad Trail ilnnlor. By llarry Hazard.
v Illuvk hick. liy Fraderirk Whittaker.
Kli ilird. lli‘ “ . J. Hamilton.

/ The Spanner Iiirlrrn. By GemGleasoa.
- filiuni l’L-iv. ll) W. .l.llurulllon.

r'i‘lu- Girl Captain. lly Jon. E. Badger.

»- Yankee iiplr. My J. R. \l‘m-reaicr.

— Slh r-rnprrr. liv lidward erluii.
--l\'quuil(-r Dirk. liy J: a. E. iiadger.

Ti-t- ( illlll fipy. lh‘ Grnrue Glens-m.
77 Mini. ('ual. Mr .14 E. Radyrr.

7 Red i'iume. Hy . Lanley andarson.

~ ('iydc. tin- Trni (*r. By Mam 0. Rolfe.
7 The Lani Cache. J. Sinnley Hendsrlon. - .
4d'l‘hu (‘nnnilrnl (‘lliefl Paul J. Prescott.
135» Karalim. By J. Stank-y Henderson.
l86~ Fain-lot Macaw-in. By Paul iiibbr.
lBT—Kidnnpped. iiyJ. Siaalwy iiurdersnn.
Isis». Maid oi‘rirc Mountain. liy Hamilton.
Iliiiw'l‘ire N‘iuta floor By Ed. WilielL
141» The Border Ila-r fad . liy Badger.
i4im'i‘hc Mllil‘ (‘lrlr-i‘. iy (3.1), Clark.
14?» Hanna, ilu- lluurer. My Whittaker.
1487 Mountain Knit. HV Jr. ‘. liadgerflr.
1447 The lit-d Sealper. iy .ilamlllxm.
1457 The IAIIH' (‘lrioit iiy Jon. liad er, Jr.
hub—Tin- Silva-r Jingle. Linn. (an.| azlolnn.
IJT—(‘irln u. ihl' Cheyenne. By E. S. Ellln.
Lilli—Tire ‘arrxicd ’i‘rull. liy Majnr Marlins.
ldflid'hc Urn-can lland. By J.  Honduran.
ll’illd'i‘lrc Lamx Indian. By Capt. C. Howard.

li—Tlu- Branded Brave. By Paul Bibbl.
. liilly linwlegn. 'l‘lre Seariania Chirf.
‘ Valli-y Nouni. 15y Seulin Robin.
4‘ Red Jackal. liy l'aul llllrlrl.
5*1‘lrc Jungle Scout. Rudy
r6m(‘lrerrrl\ce Chief. {and
lit-Id,

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159V~Tho Wand Range".

160-M'I‘lrc lied Foo. lirndy

16 Tire ih-uutli’nl Unknown
‘nnolrrakeMaue. Randy

lfiflvllank. the Guide. Rudy ‘

1647—1110 "order Scout. Randy Oci. Mia.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publhherl, 98 William Street; New Yam