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Copyrighted. 1886, by BlAnLl um Anna. Entered at the Pol: Oflice at New York, N. Y., In Second Class Mall Mutter. Feb. 1'1. 1886.

 

, Pbl'de kledl dAdams
V01. IX. 3331. u 18 §O,98%$mzmys,f§,l; 35m ’ rafi'éfi’nm No. 110.

lDER.
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HE BREAD

“A SPECIMEN 03‘ my 5mm. WITH THE RIFLE." ANSWERED cvn'r. SEIZRJG TEE TARGET AND
HOLDING 1T BEFORE THE STRANGER.

 

 

  

B The Dread Rider.

 

'_ The Dread Rider;

THE TEXéli DUELIST.

BY GEORGE W. BROWNE.

PROLOGUE.

“ A stra er tale ne’er graced the poet’s art,
And hot on nevei' plays-d a wilder part."

 

  
   
 
 
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
 
 
   
   
   
  
  
   
    
   
     
    
  
 

SUNSET. .

The spirit of the dying day ebbing out in a flood
of golden light, streams athwart the western sky
from the horizon almost to the zenith.

Majestic Mississippi. “ Father of the Waters." like
a funeral train is moving sluggisth on in a lonely
wa toward the sea.

S’i'iddenly. a human form is mirrored in Nature's

. solemn scene; a fairy figure glides to the brink of
girlijomber waters; a woman‘s voice breaks the
nose.

me! Forgive me, forgive mei but betrayed, desert-
ed,s urned by arents and scorned by the world,
life fga burden can no longer bear! OJ, mother,
father, forget your eri-ing child and the wrongs he
has done you! in her silent grave let her faults and
crimes be hidden! Oh. perfldious man! you know
not what you have done; you know not the anguish
of a broken heart! But it will soon be over. Home,
friends, joy and sorrow, I bid you all adieu, for-
ever—ever!“ _ .
A-sudden splash. a few tiny bubbles rising to the
‘ surface, and the placid river sweeps on as tranquil
as before. I
II.

Mmmaa'r.

/ Partially obscured by fleeting, hazy clouds. the
t round moon floats high in the heavens, look-

g down 11 ii a settler‘s humble cabin far away on
the bank 0 the lonely Red river. _

Its inmates wrapped in the quiet of repose. the
forest home stands like a sentinel in the pale moon-
! ht. Around, the encircling timber casts its sable
g oom far out over the clearing, while through the

tree-t ms the wild wind surges in musical tones.

Out from the somber. urowth steal a dozen dark
objects—forms of crouching men. Swiftly they glide
across the opening.

The lone cabin is quickly reached. No barrier

, ,. stays their onward course. With bitter melodic-
 tions they force an entrance, and the defenseless
. - lioccupantsare amused from their slumber to find
. ; themselves rudely seized and home from their
: ~ I couches of rest.
/ . \' .‘Mid shrieks, and curses, and shots, and fierce
' ll Mingf they are dragged out into the night.
AP

to of tears and pitiful entreaties, the fair
wife and a helpless oabe are stricken down with
cruel blows. In desperation. the man tries to hurl
aside his foes; as well to battle with fate.

“ 1 Up from the dwelling. onlya moment ago a happy
home, sprin s a cloud of smoke and forked tongues
of tire; ra id y snreading leapinr higher and higher,

, till the bu ldinfiiis one living sheet of flame.

Away from t e be“ of the glaring-furnace the
midnight fiends hear their victim

Over the branch of a neighboring tree acoi! of

rope is thrown. One end is secured in a noose

around the captive‘s neck. Willing hands seize the

other. and. covered with blood from ghastly wounds.

_ a weak, faint. yet still struggling. suffering untold

, Wm, he is swung into mid-air!

, ith a flood of silverv light, the moon darts from

'xs ‘ her retreat. and the flameshwmh increased fury.

.v lash higher than evrr. gleaming far above the tree-
, tops. in weird, fantastic hues, the elements blend-

   
 

   

“Oh. Father in Heaven. look down in pity upon V

 

lng glare for a moment upon the scene. disclosing
in fearful distinctness the bodies of the murdered
wife and babe, the husband‘s lifeless form dangling
from its sup ort, and the figures of the marauding
demons sku ing away into the shadows of the for-
est; and then. as if b llide by the frightful specta-
cle, the moon is veiled in darkness. and the fire (lies
to smoldering embers. All is shrouded in gloom,
and bound b a deathly stillness, save the wind sigh-
ing a mourn ul requiem.

CHAPTER I.
. THE MYSTERIOUS srmrxona.

SHELBY county,l ing in western Texas, on the
border of that wil and broken tract of country
known as the“Red Lands," was. in 1839, rather
thinly populated; and the most important settle-
ment to be found in the whole county was Cluster-
ville, situated near Chester Plain. in its extreme
western part. and only two hours’ n'de from the
border of the " Red Lands." In and arountl this set-
tlement the scenes of our narrative are laid.

Our story opens at a shooting-match, which is be-
ing held back of Chesterville. where nearly all oftlie
male inhabitants of that place have congregated, to
“ try their hand.”

Amen the most prominent at the match, and
compris ng about one-half of those there assembled
were a score of men. self-styled “Rangers an
Regulators," who had banded together for the pro-
tection of the settlement against the depredat one
of ’outlav'vs who had been harassing the country,
and who were supposed to have their rendezvous
somewhere in the wilds of the Red Lands. In fact,
these Regulators had but just returned from an un-
successful expedition against these outlaws, and
were now making u ) for their defeat bytrying their
skill at target-shooting.

One b one the men had taken their turn and
some sp endid shots had been made. but when the
others saw the leader of the Regulators. Curtis
Dash. come forward to try his never-failing rifle,
they knew that defeat awaited them. for Curt Dash
was considered the best shot in Shelby county.

In appearance. Curt Dash presented a perfect
model 0 manly beauty;he was alittle above medium
hight and Size: his features were regular
and extremely handsome; his face was cleanly
slinven with the exception of a glossy brown
mustache and imperial, which seemed to
give firimess to his pleasant countenance and
enhance his gooi looks. But there was. neverthe-
less, a sort of haughtiness about him which would
not strike a stranger favorably; however, this. upon
closer acquaintance, would seem to wear away, and
he would become a true friend but as an enemy he
waste be dreaded. He had is faults as well as
other men, and most prominent among them was
the lpride he possessed in his skill as a marksman.
Not ing would wound his feelings. or excite his
enmity so nickly as to de rociate his skill with the
rifle. His riends knew th s. and, accordingly never
spoke of his marksmanship, except. to pra se.
man of a reckless devil-mwy—cai-e air, with a char-
acter as varied at the changes of nature: a man of
indomitable will and iron resolution; a man of- the
peculiar s'amp so often found in border l!fe;—-such
was Curt Dash, the leader of the Regulators.

Dish took his position upon the shooting-stand;
and, after taking careful and deliberate aim, sent a
ball crashing through the target,_

Scarcelv had the report of his rifle died away,
when eager friends wind the target and brought it
forward for the insp-ction of the crowd: he had
made the best shot of the day. The edge of the bul-
let had cut the center mark.

So absorbed was the assembly in examining the
target. and praising the skill of their leadnp that, 11.,
one saw the approach of a horseman, t!!! suddenly
a loud laugh rung out upon the air; and looking up
they beheld, standing scarcely a rod from them, a
strange horseman. He was a man of medium size,

 

/

 

*—

 

 

'.l'he Dread Rider. L 3

 

and with a frame cnmpactly built. There was noth-
ing in his dress to excite wonder; but there was
something in his wild looks not to be forgotten.
Once he may have been handsome; but that day
was past. is skin, naturally dai k, was tanned
and sun-burned till it was of an almost blackened
hue; his hair, which had been jet-black. was now
of an iron-gray, hanging down over his shoulders in
long. tangled masses. In his full black eyes, which
seemed to pierce the observer through and through,
burned dee the slumbering fires of insanity His
quite prom nent nose, was the only feature thatrn-
mained unmarred. But, as if to make up for this
lenity, time had placed a terrible disfigurement
upon his face. in the shape of a huge blood-rod
scar, which extended diagonally across his right
cheek, adding an awful expression to his otherwise
wild an! unnatural a pearance. And, not seeming
satisfied with what aiure and Time and, perhaps,
something else had done for him. he were, as if to
lend additional terror to his looks, a heavy, flerce-
looking, coal-black mustache, whose flowmg ends
fell down upon his breast.

He was mounted upon‘ a powerfully-built, fleet-
footed dark-roan steed. which. like its rider. appar-
ently was endowed with a wild. restless spirit.

The stranger‘s only weapon of defense was a long,
heavy, dark-stained, single-barreled rifle, which
he handled with the skill of an experienced rifle-
man.

The silence which had fallen upon the crowd was
broken by the strange horseman exclaiming:

“ What have you there?"

“A specimen of my skill with the rifle," answered
Curt, seizing the target and holding it up before the
stranger.

“ Bah l” exclaimed the horseman. contemptuously,
hardly deigniug to notice the board. “ you don’t
boast of such shooting as that I hope!"

” it would puzzle that rusty barrel of yours to beat
itl" exclaimed Curt.

“ it would be nothing to boast of," answered the
stranger, with a scornful laugh, which set Dash’s hot
blood tingling through his veins.

“ We should like to see some of your vaunted skill.
Dare you show it?"

“i am always ready to rove my words, and if I
don‘t beat that bungling 3 0t, my finger shall never
press the trigger again.” .

“Enough said, stranger." cried Curt: “ now we
only want the proof. Here. Trash," he added,
turning to one of the Regulators. “ put up another
target and we‘ll see if we are going to be outdone
by this unnamed braggnrt."

The crowd had maintained silence, watchin the
scene with strange interest, and then the Regu ators
gathered around their leader with words of encour-
agement.

Trask soon announced the target ready. when the
stranger turnel in his saddle, as if going to shoot
without dismounlmtt. I

" Whatl not going to dismount?" demanded one of
the Regulators.

“ No, I always shoot from the horse." replied the
stranger, turning his roan hnlf round, as he spoke.
when it was seen for the first time that he was maim-
ed. HM lfl leg 1rae mm; above t/ e knew I

Turning his horseback to its former gosition, the
unknown brought his rifle to his shoul er. and, for
an instant the livid scar upon his cheek was pressed
to its stock: then. a sharp, ringing re ort.

The target was quickly seized an. brought for-
ward: the stranger's bullet had driven the center-
cross clear out. Curt Dash’s shot was fairly
beaten!

Our: Dash stood motionless as a statue, the color
coming and going from his face, his gaze fixed in-
tently upon his strange victor; then in a calm. meas-
ured tone, he said:

“ It was a chance shot. You can’t do it again,
Mister One Leg. I will wager my rlflel"

“ Pshawl" cried the stranger. “Because you

 

can‘t shoot you think it something wonderful. I
can do it athousand times without once missing.
Put up that board again, twice as far off as be-
frgre, a’nd 1 will show you something worth boasting
u out.

While a new target was being put up, One Leg
commenced to reload his rifle; but, in the act of tak-
ing a bullet irom his fiouch, it slipped from his fin-
gers and dropped to t c earth.

One of the Regulators icked it up, and noticed
that it was of apeculiar co or; and after hastily ex-
amining it. exclaimed:

“a. copper bullet, as true as I am a living sin~
nerl '

“Yes,” answered the man of mystery, while a
strange light lit up his features, makin him look
a smiling demon; “ [always we c 72110 bu letul",

“Ahl’ exclaimed an old mountaineer. known as
Gil Rey, of Rocky Mountain fame, " none but Greas-
er: and cowardly sneaks use p1 hon bullets.”

One Log bestowed upon him a look of malignant
scorn, then turned to his rifle, wth again that
frightful scar pressed upon its stock' again the
sharp mum. and again the copper bu at out clear
the critter-cross!

“ Now, booster, are you satisfied?" asked he of
the roan steed, as the excited company examined
the board. .

“By heavens!" cried Curt Dash fiercely. as, goad—
ed to desperation, he no longer tried to control his
Passion; “this is but boys’ playl You can’t shoot

ike that lie/'07 e the muzzle l”

“M rifle never fails me,” retorted the other.

quick y, “ whether pointed at a board or a yelplng
1‘

" By lightning, Capl" cried one of the Regulators.
burl Hank Webb: 1‘, whose gigantic form towered
has and shoulders above all the others, as he push-
ed through the crowd toward the s'rungcr, bI-fore
Curt had time to speak or act, "let my go for the
wall~eyed cussl N - man can talk that langu go
here and live, while I‘m ‘rountll"

“Hold on, Hankl" cried Our; “1 think I can ‘

handle Mister One Log, if to did beat me at the
target. It is my quarrel, and I must have the first
try. ‘
“ Well. Ca . I s'poso it will have to be as you say,
but I should ike to git one lift at him." replied the
giant, withdrawing _
" Stranger,” cried the Regulator chief, turning to

the horseman, “ on have insulted me: i demand ‘

satisfaction.
the muzzle.
or t.”

ithout seeming to notice the hot words of the
angry Texan. the stranger commenced to ‘i‘eload
his rifle, not appearing to know or care that there
were a score of un-n in that txcited band onl wait-
ing a word from their leader to rush upon
rend him limb from limb.

l c tallenge you to meet me before
If you are not a coward, you will ac-

As soon as his rifle was carefully loaded. the 1311- ,

known. as if enjoying the terrible suspense, turnrd
slowl upon Curt m ing: ‘ ‘ r
" ery well, my oh iging buntam, I am ready for
you. no 0 I"
“Not now!" cried Curt. “I am not prepared,
But in the morning I will be ready for you; and .wilt
meet you on this place.”

mand:

/
“All right,” said the stranger; “any way to ac- v

commodate. But, remember. I must meet you upon
horse. “ and he pointed to his missing leg, signifi-
cant y. :

“It matters not to me how I meet you."

“ As I am a stranger in this place, perhaps some
of you will be kind enough to ell me where I can
find food for my horse and lodging for myself to-
night." said the stranger. ‘

“You will find all you want at Burleys Prairie
Home. ‘ answered Mark Waring. “ A partof'ps are
going there now, and you can accompany us.

The shooting-match had come to a sudden and an,
expected end. -

~

 

L 4 The Dread Rider.

. ., CHAPIERII.

THE DUEL.

AN ordinary duel on the Texas border was only of
mg moment; but this one between the Regula-
tor chief and the one-legged stranger was of more
than common importance; and the next day’s rising}
sun beheld men gathering from every quarter. til
sucha multitude was u on the s at as had never
been seen on Chester order. Al or Chesterville
was there, and from he hboring sections of the
‘ county, to which the news ad spread like wildfire,
parties had congre ted. all anxiously waiting for
fine appearance of t e duelists, who had not yet ar-
vs
The crowd was not kept in suspense long. for soon
the dashing handsome figure of Curt Dash, upon
his spirited ay gelding. wa : seen approaching at a
smart center; and but a short distance behind came
the mysterious One Leg. erect as a centaur upon his
powerful. dark‘red roan.
The arrival of the duelists was the sinus] for
action. as the appointed time was up; and while the
_ curious spectators were watching the strange horse-
‘ _ man, and admiring the coolness and s lendid b ar-
ing of the Regulator chief. Gil Be an Mark War-
. lug. who had been chosen to ac as seconds. were
measuring off the ground. and making other pre-
parations for the coming combat. .
‘ When every thin was in readiness. the parties
werer nested to ta 8 their position, which was to
he abou sixty yards apart. each turned back to the
. other; and a ter counting the usual number, three
- ' . ,Gil Rey was to give the word for. them to turn and
_ ' ; fire asthey advanced. If the first attempt should
;' fail to unhorse one or both. it was to be repeated.
 J for they could fire but once at a time, as the stran-
» .. ~ ger carried a single-barreled rifle.
: “Ix Curt Dash had already made arrangements with
' : ghis friends to see that his few last requests should
be faithfully executed. in case he sh. uld fall, and
 was now impatient to have the affair over. But the
Unknown seemed regardless of what the conse-
.; quences might be to him. and was about to silently
: take his osition. when his second. Mark Waring.
3‘ _ .reminded im of it by saying:
‘ ‘ "Stranger, as your second in this affair. I feel it
1 is my duty to ask if you have no last request to
r ,. make, for. not knowing what the result may be. it
is best to be repared for the worst. Anything you
desire I will o. if you will n-nke it known."
 - “Thank you. my fri 'nd. if I can take the liberty
'1 ' .to call you such." anew-red the other; “I have one
-' requestto make. If I fall, please see that my boiy
,' H; 'haspro r burial. I wish i lat 1 may lie by the edge
.. ‘ Tot you or cha arral. if it is not asklnrz too much.
V ‘For your troub a. I give you my noble horse.”
V “ ave you no message to leave for any one?”
, . ‘ 'asked Waring. as the other hesirated.
.. »' ’> “ No." answered the mysterious man. almost sad-
g' 1y; “there is not aslnzle person in the whole wide
: ’world to whom it matters whether I live or die."
,9 - At last. all preliminaries are ended; the combat-
' ants have tn. en their places, and the anxious ex-

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

.'- cited crowd is impatiently waiting for the signal
4? _ word to be given. /

‘k. Every eye is turned upon the horsemen. not a tre-
, ‘ nor is seen upon either.

I Standing at an e uni distance from either adver-
. nary. so as to be card by both alike. Gil Rzy is
,.‘.' for his part of the work; and in a clear. dis-
"; i tinct tone. he commences:

“ Onei ‘ _
(fo -- Likes. knell, the word rings out with awful dis-
f" tinctness.
n" ' “Two!” ’

,, Theduellsts clutch their rides. but show no signs of
-{ _ fear. ' .The silence upon the scene is perfect-thesus-
r ' Payee terrible.
‘ti‘ ‘ Clear and distinct the monosyllable breaks upon
2‘ ' the stillness, fairly stifling the hated breath or the

‘ .

 

 

lockers-on. The silence seems to crush everything:
even the air is hot and heavy. Breathless the spec-
tators sta’nd riveted to the spot, until—

The spell is broken; quick almost as the light
ning‘s flash, the combatants wheel their horses; and
as they come mto position. each brings his rifle to
the shoulder. But quick as Curt Dash with his rifle.
the Unknown is Well quicker; and before the Resu-
lutor can bring his weapon to bear. the other pulls
the trigger; a sharp spun” rings out upon the still
morning air. But. oh. stranger! where now is ti;
vaunted skill? for unhurt. unlouched, Curt Das
still sits upon his horse. pale as death. but firm as a
rock. Instantl the Regulator‘s cheek resses his
rifle-stock; his eon eye glauch alon its arrel; his
finger pulls the trigger—a fltsh—a ringing report—
and With a low groan his antagonist falls back upon
the hunches of his horse. and slips to the earth.

As the stranger was seen to fall. a murmur of
assent went up from the throng. which soon in-
creased aud grew into a mighty sohut. re eated
again and again. iillthe prairie seemed to cc :0 the

“V.

1‘ Is be dead?" asked Curt Dash. as soon as the ap-
plause was over. riding forward to the spot which
was now the center of an excited crowd.

" Yes. captaiu,‘ answered Mark Waring, who had
been the first to reach the stranger‘s side. and was
already examining his wound; "your shot was a
fatal one. A man shot straight through the heart.
can make but a small show for life, I am thinking,"

“I wish it might have been dii’hrent,"said'the
Texan; “ but he would have it so."

“ Tut. tut. Cap!" exclaimed the redoubtahle H nk
Webber, "don’t feel bad for what on done. The
quarrel was of Old Leg’s own making, and he has
been the loser.”

The due] was over; and all seemed satisfied with
the result. But with the sober second thought all
boisterous rejoicing coased. The first thought told
them that their favorite was safe; the second, that
his safety was due to the uut'mely end of his antag-
on’st. Thus, what their friend had aglained another
had lost. and the thought bushing 1 enthusiasm,
the clamor was succeeded by silence.

After satisfying himself that the wound was fatal.
Waring carxfully replaced the unfortunate man’s
clothing: and arising to his feet, turne'l to the com-
pany. sayiirn

" Well. boys you know I promised the stranger
that he should have proper burial. if aflairs should
turn as they have, Now. if some of you will lend
your aid. we will do it at once, unless "—and he
turned to the crowd—" there is some one here who
is a friend or relative of the dead. if there is. that
person will please come f )rward."

But no one answered the summons, no one swam-
ed to know of or cmre aught for the stranzer. except
that he was a human being; and sewing this. a
couple of the Regulators took up his body and bore
it away under the load of Mark Waring. followed by
those present. who fell into along procession. 1111M
of unweeping mourners.

During all this time. One Lee’s horse had not
moved from his tracks: but as he stw his master
home away. he gave a law whlnnv. and started to
follow. wh-n Gil Rey caught him by the bridle. This
so frightened the steed that he reared nnrl plunned
furiously; till. suddenly the bridle broke like rotten
twine. and slipped from his head. Peel 4 Wild
snort. and the roan was fle-ing over the plum at a
m'td sallop To pursue would he. llSPleSS. so the dis-
comi'ltod (Ix-mountaineer was fun to look at, the
{woken bridle, and think of "what might have
men."

With suitable tools and plenty of “'l'lllntr heln it
was the work of bats few minutes to momma
grow for the unfortunate One Leg; then his body
was placed alongside the P". 6: DWWBI‘ was Offered
up for his soul‘s salvation by a fitting person; then
the maimed body was lowered down to its last rest-

I

 

 

 

 

The Dread Rider. , 5

 

lug-place, when it was quickly hidden from all by
the cold earth; One Leg. the duelist, was at rest!
titer seeing the body COVel‘l cl with the loom.

earth, the crowd turned away, many of them sock—
ing the Prairie Home. l

'1 has commenced and ended that strange duel,
not one of all th tcrowd dreaming that it was but
the beginning (fa terrible epoch in the history of
Cliestorville. It was soon forgotten. and the lonely
grave by the edge of Chester chaparral ceased to bo
uvun a “ nine days‘ wonder.”

Alasl man are the graves of unfortunate duelists
covered by t ic long grass of Texasl

CHAPTER III.
MAN PROPOSES, WOMAN msrosss.

THE Prairie Home. owned by one of the leading
men of Chesterville, Ormaii Barley, standing undtr
the shadingliranches of a huge live-oak in the cen-
lerof a small tract of prairie, a corner of Chester
Plain, Separated fromt e main body on the north
by (he chaparral already mentioned, was rightly
named. Li e a sentinel it stood, alone—a Prairie
Home truly. Its nearest neighbor was a small lan-
taiiun a quarter 41f a mile to the W885. owned jo ntly
b a couple of the Regulators, one our fri nd Mark

aring, and the other a coming acquaintance, R0l'k
Randal. an ex plainsman better known by tho
mbriquw! of Dandy Rock. Clicsterville proper luv
half a mile to the south. on the harks of tie sluggish
Rio Burte, which has its source back somewhere in
the Reid Lands. Half!) mile to the east was Con-
rad Mansion. so called. A third of a mile nearl to
the north of this, and a mile northeast of the rai-

iie Home partly hidden from view by the straggling .

growth o (.0110va that surrounded it, stood the cost-
ly residence of the foremost ranchman in Shelby
county, and one of the three first settlers of Qhes-
tervide. Col. Arthur L. Raymun. And here it is
we would have the reader accompany us in imagina-
tion, for this is the home of one whom it is now our
duty to introduce.

In the early dawn of womanhood, Bessie Raymun
was the embodiment of perfect health. Of medium
hight, with a symmetrical form, a fair, pure com-
plexion of a type midway between the blonde and
the brunette, and a sweet. tender face With clearly-
cut features. with darkly growing eyes fringed with
long, drooping lashes, with coral-tinted lips, and
cheeus soflly flushed with the hue of the rose, with
a. mass of long. glossy-brown hair falling about her
neck and shoulders in becomin negligence, she was
as graceful as a. gazelle, as Jig. t-hearted as a bird,
as lovely as a flowermud as spirited as an untamed
antelope-a true daughter of the frontier—a model
for the painter, a theme for the poet.

She was an only daughter—beg pardon, we came
nvar forgettinga certain blue-eyed Alice. an adopted
child, whom Colonel Raymim had picked up on
Chester Plain whenbut a wee bit of a babe. and
tenderly cared for, glVln‘: her his name. and allow-
incr her to share every privdere and advantage with
his own, and who was ex acted to become a daugh-
ter in reality when the iandsome, manly Walter
should return from college. So we will say she was
the daughter of kind. indulgent; parents. sharing
with an adopted sister all their great love and pride,
knowing naught but happiness, and, apparently, a
fame as bright as the noonday sun.

Possessing, in addition to her personal charms. a
lilwralulucminn.and accomplishments which the
best Might WP" envy, will a fair expectation
of bringing to In r husband-elect a handsome
dowrv. it was no wonder that half of
the marriagcabl - men of Chesterville would
have willingly lnid their all at her feet;
but it was a wonder that she —— a woman—
should have treated them all so nrarly alike that
even the shrewdest could not tell tl'e favored one,
though surmises were rife. To partiall unfold the
histor and mystery of a. young girl‘s eart, let us
play t a part of eavesdropper to a. conversation be-

I tween Col. Raymun and his daughter, in the arbor _
iii front of lhl‘ house where the have gone. 4
“ W'cll. Bessie," the colonel s saying, “thn cap- .
tnin comes to—da for his answer. I suppose you

have decided ere his what it will be?"

“ Yes. father; my decision was made at the tim’e.‘

In fili‘t, I gave Captain Dash to understand what he
was to expect.” ‘ '

" V hatl do you still persist in that absurd aver- "
sio 0 one who is so worthy t f pour esteem?  
is it. \VhLD Captain Dash offers you so much—a1
fhtii'tlmgn can oflcr woman—that you treat him so
igi y '

“Father, although I highly respect Curtis Dash,"
I do not, and can not, love lim as awife oughtto -
love a husband. Is not that sufficient reason?

“Tut, tut. daughter! the captain's e ual is not “
found in Chesturville. He is all Iwou d ask for‘s
son~in~law —a handsome, educated, accomplished,
tine-hearted, energetic man. I know of no one so
worthy of ‘our hand- so throw aside your scruphs
—I know t 0y are unfounded—and come to that de-
cision which will be so gratifyinglo/your mother
and me, and which I doubt not will prove so satis-
factory to yourself."

“ Father, you know not what you are. asking. It
is not through any fault of his that I reject Captain ‘
Dash, for I consider him worthy of any woman’s ,
love: but—lut—l do not love him." '1

" But why this change. Br ssic? There was a time
when you manifestt d a decided preference for the . 
captain. N_ow. without giving a single reason for
the change. you almost ignore him. But, sh! let me ,.
sec; if I remember rightly. this alteration began ,
about the time that young Will Mannersrescued you i ’
from the Rio Bui-te. Tell me. is it because you -
f ncy anotlicrtliat the offer of Curt Dash is about ,’
to be rejected 1’” ’ ’ Q

We hcnr no reply. but a telltale blush answers
what speech does not.

f‘ (fan it be that you prefer Will Manners to Cap- : v
tam Dash? I have nothing against Mr Manners; as: , 
far as _I know, he may be a good follow: but he is.
young, in: xpt‘rienced. and poor; he lacks. too, the v. - (
cap ain’s energy and firmness of chars cler." ‘ ' ~> u.

‘ But, father, he is honest and willing to try for-._ 
hin'melf." ' 4 ,

“He may be. but we are hardly competent to, ‘ j
grudge, as it has been so short a time since we have

nown him. We do know the captain, and why
should we throw awa a certainty for an uncertain-.-
ty? I will say thrre s not a man in all Chesterville f
whom I should rather have for—" - ‘

The sound of rupiulv-approaching footsteps inter- I .-
rupth the speech and the next moment the subject \ i i
of their_comersation, Curt Dash, appears—upon the ‘ ‘
scene With a— .
I "Be-g pardon, colonel—Miss Raymun. I did not
intend to intrude; but tl.cv told me I should find you
in the grove, and thither I was bound.”

“ No need of apology, crptm‘n, for there has been i .
no transgression. I assure ycu. In fact, Bessie and ‘1'
I were expecting your ariival, and our conversation J?
was of. on.“ ' 2;.“

"Ah! ’ exclaims Curt, with a smile; “Ican only ' ’
hope it was for my good." . v v k -v

‘ It was of a matter of vital importance. which
not only concerns you but the future happiness (of ,
m daughter. We were speaking of that answer -
which I suppose you are expectingw receive. I:
can only hope, sir, it: will be as favorable as you,
(wish; but, as a gentleman, do not abuse the conflw ‘ ,

once. ‘ " '

A polite apology for withdrawing. from the calm
nel in his usual brusque way, and the Regulator
chief is alone with his love—alone with hisfute. .

“ Yes. Bessie— Miss Raymun.” he cries, s the last
sound of the colonel's footsteps die away in the dls- ,, ,
tance. “ your father was right: I have come for-that I .,
answer you promised me today; and, judging by 

Say, am ,

v

 

 

 

  
  

his tone, I am to expect a favorable one. T
hoping in vain i"

 

  
 

 

, 3 The Dread Rider.

 

A moment of painful embarrassment follows. bro-

‘ ken at length by Miss Raymun‘s saying, in slow,
- beseechinztonc:

‘ I have been too hasty.

“0h, forgive me, Captain Dash. but much as it
pains me to say it. I cannot give you a favorable
answer.“

As the words, so different from those expected,
fall from the other‘s lips. a shadow passes o‘er the
handsome features of the Regulator; but in a mo-
ment it is gone, when. seiziu'z Il’ r hand aifl dro
‘plng upon his knees before her, he cries in a quic ,
earnest voice:

“ Do not say more, I entrent you! If it cannot be
‘yes,’ do not say ‘nol' It may be. folly, it may be
wrong, but I love you~I love you i"

Another moment of silence follows. as embar-
fiassing as the first, when the speaker anxiously con-

nues: .

“ Pardon me, Bess—Miss Raymun—I beseech you!
You shall have more time——
a. week, a month, a year—to decide in; only give me
hope; But speak, and say that I have not odended
you ‘

“No, no. not that, Oap'ain Dash; but your words
pain me. I—I cannot answer you to-day."

" I will not ask you to, though I was expecting it;
and you have given me reason to hope for a favor-
able one. If it were not rude. I won d ask you why
this change; but I will hide my time hoping, ahl
knowing. that it will not be in vain. on promise
me this?" he half-questions, half-answers.

" l' cannot—cannot promisnl The time has been

(so short. and our acquaintance so‘brief, that I

~ am not justified in giving you any hope; but I will

t
z. ‘m

- world. and then

.try—‘ .

rEfieech gives way to emotion, and the thought re-
ns unspoken.

' “Forgive me for the pain I have caused on!"

cries Curt, with increasing warmth; “but feel

hat mv case is not hopeless. I do not blame on
for hesitating to answer one whose past history is so
unknown as mine. But my love for you drove all
this from my mind. It is true, I have come to you
com rativelyastrnnfier, for hi herto I have been
com elled to remain si out upon the events of my
past life. But, thank God, the time has at last come
when Ican throw oi! this cloak of silence and stand
in in true character. Mine has been a strangely
chec ered career. Little of the pleasures of life

1 have I known. Thrown upon the cold mercies of the

world when but a outh; disowned and driven from
home by my own ether; an outcast, branded With
the crime of another; a hunted, (lain-marked fusi-
tive from justice—it is little wonder that I have
wn reckless and nomadic, that m fellow-men

ve styled me callous and turned against me. until

I have come to care for naught but excitement to
drown the cares and sorrows of life. But thank
Heaven, a bri hter day is dawning. When spurned
by arents an scorned by friends, I took an awful
oat that I would never know rest or peace until the
hand which blasted my life should meet its punish-
meat. To fulfill this vow has been the great object
of my life; and at last it seems almost accomplished,
as I have found the very person for whom I have
searched so long. I must prove his guilt to the
can return to the scenes of my

boyhood, and remove the dark cloud that hangs
over my name. Now that you know the substance
of/my past history, do not jcudge me harshl . I
know that I have erred, bu circumstances ave
driven me to it. A strange fatality has followed me
through life like an evil thing. But its influence is
nearly spent, and with your aid I will conquer it al-
together, and become a better man—-n man worthy
of your esteem, whose greatest desire Sh'l.“ be for
your happiness. It is true, I can not ri'fer you at

'. present even a name. for I acknowledge the one I

ear is assumed; but I shall soon be able'to prove to
the World mv innocence of the guilt of another. and
reclaim my own. Then, with your love, I shall in-
deed be happy, and with the wealth I possess, for I

’ /'

 

am not so penniless as some have thought, the
pleasantest home in Shelby county shall be ours:
or. if you choose. we shall 0 back to the old home-
stead where I assod my c llldhOOd. It shall all be
as you say, on y remember that in your hands lies
my future—upon your decision rests the rospects
of my life. And when I come to you age n for an
answer. after I have cleared my name from the
stigma that now hangs over it, I know you will not.
can not refuse me; and then the brightest dream of
my life will be realized. Do not forget the plead-
ings of m first and only love."

As the mpetuous Regulator ceases s coking, he
rises to his feet, and pressing the other‘s'liand to his
lips one moment, bids her “good-day." and is gone
before she has time to utter a single word.

Left alone, our heroine seems to \\ atcli the s ace
where her almost rejected lover had stood. unt' , as
if overcome by some unseen power, she falls back
upon the seat in a flood of tears, murmuring:

“Oh, Father in Heavenl guide me might in this, '

I love himl and yet that

other face and form will come before mcl Can it

bshlzcares for me? Nol I must not think so. He

will never know the sacrifice I make. Father is

right, and I will do as he bids—accept the proud

It 'gfilatorchief—so noblel so true-hearted! I must!
Wi “

for I know not my duty.

 

CHAPTER IV.
was PHANTOM 1 man.

Arms leaving Bessie Raymun. Curt Dash sought
his horse, which he had left at the stable; and vault-
ing into the saddle, he rides leisurely out upon
Chester Plain. Rides leisurely because it best suits
his mood. Buried in deep meditation, hardly nolic-
ing his course, he allows his steed to wander along
the border of the plain in a westerly direcion, until
the colonvl's hacienda is left far behind, and he is
nearing the narrow belt of sparsely-grown. and low-
liinbed timber that skirts t e banks of the Rio Burte.
With an exclamation of sur ris'e. he draws rein, and
is about to turn back to the rairie Home, when sud—
denly, ringing out upon the still afternoon air with
startling distinctness, comes the sharp report of
a rifle, and a. bullet whistles by his head uncomfort-
ably near. .

Though suddenly aroused from the reverie into
which he had fallen, Curt lush is instantly himself -
and snatching his ever ready rifle from its wanted
position, he dashes into the timber, regardless of the
consequences.

As he passes the outer line of the growth, a man
leafs from the shrubbery that overhangs the river,
an with a wild triumphant shout rushes for an ob-

ect a short distance above. brandishing over his

end the learning blade of a h go home. But, sud-
denl . he ears the rapid approach of t .e Regulator,
and 'ke one frustrated in his designs at the moment
of success. he turns upon the intruder with an angry
imprecation to find himself confronted by the muz-
zle of a rifle lookin him full in the face. A wild cry
of ,terror escapes is lips. when regardless. of the
menacing attitude, regardless of the wamln words,
he turns like a frightened dear and plunges am the
thicket, disappearing from view in the twmklin‘g
of“ an eye, though barely escaping the fire of Curt s
r: e. .

Puzzled at the strange proceedings of the Mexican,
for such he evidently was, Burt is undeciled how to
act. until his attention is attracted by a recum ‘ent

form a short distance ahead, which soon rises to the ,

upright position of a man, and comes forward. ex-
claiming:

“ By Randal Rock. Capl ye saved mv ha’r. But
where‘d the cuss go to? I sh‘u'd jest like to have
one fair draw on him!"

The speaker is a man young in years. fullysix

'feet in hight. well formed, as azile as a panther, as

strong one lion. with a sort of reckless. devil-mav-
care air. Dressed in buckskin, moccasins and a
beautiftu headed, and wearing upon his head the

on «u ~ .~

 

 

The Dread Rider. V '

 

never-to-be parted with sombrero, his jet-block hair
fulling down his back in long, glistening ringlets.
which a school—girl might wxll env , with a. heavy
mustache and goatee of the same iue, clearly—cut.
handsome, though sun-bronzed features. showln a
daring almost to des eration, and armed to t e
teeth, so to s euk. wit a brace of heavy revolvers
and a. huge owio in his belt and a double-barreled
rifle now in his hands, he presents a wild, brigand-
ish~looking appearance. But all this is in reality
only mere show. as far as it concerns his character,
for underneath this dashing exterivr bears as true
a heart as Texas ever knew. He is known—we say
known became really he has no parental name as
he was picked up by an old mountaineer and gunde,
when but a; child, on the great Texan plain near
“Randal Rock," and from this simple fact he is
known as Rock, one of those strange waits so often
found in b0"dcr life.

“Hullo, Rockl that you?" cried Curt, evidently
surprised.

“ \\'al, I reckon it is, Cup! but where’s that cussed
Grensor gone? D’ye think ye hit ’im i"

“ No Rock. I don’t; he is safe I dare say ere this.
It would be useless to follow him. But. what is the
meaning of all this? I come nearer losing my head
from that shot than is pie isont whoever tired it.“

"The deuce!“ exclaims Rock; “ but it was the
carelessness of that sueakin yaller-skinl Ye see,
I hev bin out scrimigin’ roun a little. jest for ex-
ercise; an’ thinkin’ the old woman might be gitting
oneasy, I war Steering for home, when all ter wunst
up kerslap comes that infernal Greaser with his
shooter, sn’ let her hev right at me! But the cuss
warn‘t worth a. Digger squow for shootin’ an’ he
didn’t come nowhar. Howsumever. it opened m
eyes, an‘ seeing [ hed got to strike out fur myself,
ups my old iron ter let it s eak, but fur the fu at
time it broke-it was no go Jest then I ketched
my foot in a vine an' went ter ti 9 ground kerchunk.
Guess the greasy varmint would ev wrung a cold
deal on me, et you hedn't come jest as you did.
Give us yer paw, old boy!“

“ Do you know the obJect of this assault? Have
on ever seen the man be’ore?” asked the Regu-
ator chief, abruptly, as he grasps the othcr‘s hand.

"I ‘spect I hev- it am an old uarrel, Cu . Sum
yurs ago I got inter a leetle di kilt in ace, nn'
thar war sum tall flghtin' donel I ma e more than
one of the dirty Greasers bite the dust! When it
war all over up comes a couple of the bloody Spon-
iards an‘ swore thet l’ sh‘u‘d die. They hunted me a
leetle, but I throwed ’em 01! the trail and s‘posed
long ago rhet they had given it up. lint it seems
they hain‘t, lenstways one bain‘t, an’ the fight ain‘t
over yet No! he got the best If me tor-day, the
snea' mg coyote! But we shall meet ag'in, on" then
—wnl, he or I will go under! Waghl” '

“You can count upon me as your friend in this
nimir; but. for the sake of tha little woman of
yours, Rock. don't do anything rash."

“By hockey, (‘apl yer touched me in a. tender
laces For Lu-xlla’s sake, I will be careful. But.
y Randel Rock! I‘ll let no sneaking Greaser go

foolin' round me. No! it‘s Ms own doin‘s, an’ I’ll
wi e him out or pass in my checks!"

here was no mistaking the speaker’s meaning,
for Rock Randal is no idle booster.

“ Wal, Cap," he continues, in a for different tone
after a moment’s pause, “I am afeer‘d the old
woman’ll git onensy; let’s dig for home."

“ Thank ou, Rock: but [must return to Burlev’s.
Hal as I live, here comes Dockers! Now I shall
have company. Good-day. Look out that you
ain't caught napping again.“

With the words. Curt rides out of theiimber to
meet the horsemaw 00ml"? down from above; and
after exchanging sniutmions, they ride on together
for the Prairie Home, leaving Randal to return to
his own abode alone.

As this new-comer who has so suddenly appeared
upon the scene, is to act astrange and important

maniacal

 

part in our narrative, we may devote a. few words to
nm.

The first thought of a. stranger upon seeing .Curt
Dash and Vall Dockers would be that they are
brothers. But the second thought would show the
absurdity of this, and leave him wondering how and
where the likeness had so suddenly disappeared. for
upon a close examination that which seemed at first
a similarity, roves a contrast. ,

Like Curt, all Deckers is above medium hi ht,
with alithe, compactly-built frame, capable 0 .an
almost iron endurance: with glossy-brown hair and
heavy. droo ing mustache, from beneath which oc-
casionally F cams a set of pearl -white teeth: regu-
lar,perfect y-outlined features; ark, glistening eyes,
which seem to wield a. fascinating power; a uency
of speech, though silent demeanorm gentlemanly
deportment. in spite of the almostsa expression
which accompanies his every look and action;
decision, calmness of mind, and stoicis‘m of char-
acter stamped upon every lineament of his face
making him a. person to command respect it not
friendship.

His age is evidently loss than Gum‘s—Perhaps two
and twent . But no one in Chestervl le seems to
know aug t of his past history, for it has been
scarcely six months since he came to the place. a.
stranger, and unlike the ca tain he has made
neither friends or toes; andt ough he joined the
Regulators soon after his arrival. most of his time'
is 5 out in wnderaing over the neighborin country.
wit 1 his horse and ride as his sole compan o . '

The two Regulators ride on and soon come out n
on the main puth leading from the river to the r
destination; and the lengthening shadows of the
trees proclaim that the day is fast wanin . They
are in the act of quickening the ace of the rhorses,
when a heavy, regular thud of t e hoof-strokes of a
horse is heard coming up the beaten track at a
smart center. _

N eurcr and nearer, but more confused. comes the ’
sound of the hoof-strokes. until it seems almost up
on them; and expecting to see a horse and rider full
m Sight, our friends turn in their saddles. wh n. to
their surprise and astonishment, not a single 0 eat

is in view, though they command a view of the'plth  '

for fully1 twenty rods. .

Still t ey hear the some regular. well-known tread
almost upon them, and coming nearer. nearer]

Astonished. perplexed, startled, with amazement
plainly written upon every feature, the Regulators
watch with nuxnous looks fir “explanation of
gut seem to be the hoof-strokes 0 an unseen,

orse. ,

But not ‘a. single living thing is to be seen in the
level, hard-beaten Bath as far as they ca see;
neither is there an ‘t ing in the timber that s rtsit
upon either side; 5 ill that familiar tread, now seem-
ineg slackened to a trot, continues to approach
nearer, closer, until it seems as if ahorse mustbe ,
in the 0 en space scarcely ten feet from them. when
instinct vely, as if fearing to come in contact with
they know not what. they rein to one side of the
track, and the unseen horse, for it can be nought
else. reaches them, and darhan by!

As it passes, a wild. unearth] laugh rings out n -
on the air. rings out with awfu suddenness, verrl e.
distinctness, sending the blood curdlln through
their veins. No wonder Curt Dash, wth all his
bravery. turns pale as death. and careless. reckless.
fearless Vall Deckers trembles from head to foot. ~

0n. on seems to rush the unseen horseman. until, .
turning an abrupt angle in the path, a few rods,
ahead, the hoof strokes suddenly cease. A moment
of silence- thr‘n, again, breaks upon the air that

laugh, hoarse and scornful, ulokly fol-

lowed bv the sharp rde rt a. ride. the eath cry as
of n stricken victim. the heavy thud as of a, body

falling to the earth, another laugh as terrible as the

first, and again the hoof-strokes are heard, until
theyddie away in the distance. ,

“ 5' God!" cries Curt Duh. the first to recover

; \ qt;

 ,4- : sq

 

 

 

 

the quick. ringing
. preaching.

s The Dread aide».x

his self-possession, “ what is the meaning of all
this! Somebody has been shot i” and he dashes for-
ward to the place from whence that shot and those
stran e cries had been heard, closely followed by
Vail ecker.

The stillness of death hangs over the place when
the Regulators draw rein upon the very spot where
tbjy expected to find the body of a murdered man.
B t. upon examination. not a single thin can be
found to account for the startling cries an sounds
which. apparentl gave warning of a deadly combat
between man an man.

"1 don’t believe in omens," exclaims Vail Deck-
ers, as the ride on once more for the Prairie Home.
after satis ying themselves that they can in no évayt

ur

solve the mastery; “but, mark my word.
Dash. somet 'ng terrible is going to hagpen."

Ay, mysterious Regulator. your wor 5 may prove
more prophetic than you will wishl

 

CHAPTER V.
AN AWFUL WEDDING.
AGAIN all Chesterville is on the gut rim; and not
only Chesterville, but the neighboring sections of

the county. Old and young, sad and gay, the rough
mountaineer and the ratrling child, the staid mat-

.. ran and the coy mai en. the sturdy ranchman and

the adventure-loving Regulator, all are alike awake
to the keenest interest; all have alike discarded
other thoughts to dwell exclusively upon—not the
pleasure of a shooting-match not t e excitement of
a duel, but the anticipation o a wedding. _
Conrad Mansion is all ablaze. It and around it all
is life and gayety. Already the musicrans are at
work, and the merry dance has commenced. Still
new guests are continually ouring in; and soon
comes the entrance of Bessie iymun, leaning—not
u on the strong arm of the Regulator chief, as we
,8 ould have expected. but upon that of a tall, gen-
tlemanly-looking young man. with a pale skin, and,
ifit were not for a slight, silken mustache. of al-
most effeminate appearance. This we know is Will
Manners, the general favorite of Chesterville. who
is not known to have a single enemy in all Shelby

county.

Close behind the couple who have just passed us
comes our dashing Regulator friend, R wck Randal.
Dandy Rock, who goe; even to a welding armed
with a brace of revolvers and a huge bowie. By his
side is a dark-med Spanish beauty, evidently his
“ better half."

Seeing none but strangers following, we turn to
look for the happy cou le whose uni n this merry
crowd has collected to ca ebrate.

There is an old sayieif to the effect that all
brides are charming. e are not 1prepared to

rave this assertion, but know that in t is case it is

us. In her bridal robe of spotless white, reliev-
ing to d advanta 6 her fair, pure, blonde com-
plefion, with gracefu s lph-like form and free, in-
fienjuous manner, Rose onrad is indeed a charming
' e.

But who and where is the fortunate man who
is to bear oil! this prize? Is it Mark Waring now
conversiu with her No. They say it is a stran er,
the bold, andsome, rollicking Captain Ned Kel ey.
If so, where is he? Ahl that is the question which
is now puzzling one-half of the guests, which is fast
oooiingthe ardor of the goyous throng, and is keep-
ingthe anxious bride an her friends in fearful sus-
pense, for. though the hour for his arrival has long
since passed. the bridegroom has not yet come.
Surely, it must be something of more than common
im ortance to keep a bride l ke this waiting.

ark! Outside upon the graveled walk are heard
ootsteps of a man rapidly up-

The merry dancers pause,'and every
eye in the room is watching the door, hoping. ex
pecti to see the captain enter. But as the owner
of the ootsteps comes through the entrance, a look
ofsurpriseand disappointment takes the place of

 

.l.

joyous anticipation; the dance is resumed. and the
s ense continues. for it is only Vail Dockers:

noonscious of the disalppointment his entrance
so innocently caused, Va wanders through the
room in an apparently listless manner, though real-
ly his eagle. eyes are taking in every object as he
passes, until suddenly they rest upon Curt Dash en—
Joymg a tew-a-lete With Bessie Raymun, when a dark
frown weeps over his features, and with a half-
muttered malediction upon his lips. he turns and
strides out of the house—out into the open air—-
leaps upon the back of his powerful, diet-footed
horse. and rides away for the Red Lands, his form
soon disappearing from view.

Another half-hour and the time for which the
wedding was appointed had almost come. Still the-
bride room is absent; and fearing that something—
they new not what—has befallen him, men have
been dispatched in diflcrentdirrctions to see if any—
thing can be learned of his \vhl-reabouts, or the
cause of his non-appearance, While the bride has
retired to her room, with a few chosen friends,
to await their return, which is momentarily ex-
pected.

The old-fashioned time-piece standing in the cor-
ner of the room has given its warning note of the
approaching hour; the music has ceased. the danc-
mg has stopped. and a deathlike stillness has fallen
upon the wondering crowd; broken at len h b the
sudden arrival of he messengers, who, rcat )less
and excited, are reporting to the eager, anxious lis-
teners in an almost incoherent tone the star ling in-
telligence that 08. .tain Kelley was last seen upon
his way to the wed mg, when the old clock suddenly
commences, in a slow, measured and seemingly
mournful accent, to dole forth the hour.

As the echo of the last chime dies away, a hoarse.
mocking laugh, seeming to come from above and
filling the room with its awful intonations, breaks
upon the death-like stillness with startling sudden-
ness, with fearful vividness, like the knell of doom.

A moment, and the quick, sharp spring of a rifle
follows from the same direction, plainly heard by
every ear; then a sharp, piercing cry of pain, an-
other laugh, and a hushed silence rivaling death
falls upon the amazed and awe-stricken assembly.

Fora moment the oppressive siilzness holds the
occupants of the room s ell«bound men, women
and children staring at eac other in blank astonish-
ment, almost terror, when again they are startled

from their stupor, now by a clear, shar , ringing

voice exclaiming:

“Will Manners it»: wanted at 1hr: dear !"

Dreaming not of danger only thinking some one
desired his presence. the Regulator ushes his we
forward through the crowd. an pauses mi -
Way in the door. Then the anxious, excite 1, surg-
ing mass im latiently waiting for what is to follow
hears the du l thud of the hoof-strokes of an unsho
horse u on the aveled walk without, a hoarse,
unearth y laugh, be sharp. ringing report of a ride,
a quick. gasping death-cry, the crash _of a bod fall-
ing to the floor. another blood-curdllng laua , the
continuance of the hoof-strokes, and—wildest con-
fusion imaginable reigns.

“Mv God!“ cries old Gil Rey. after pushing him-
self through the excited crowd. and kneeling by the
side of a prostrate form, “ Will Manners is shot . "

CHAPTER VI.
anssrs: mmus’s sensor.

I'r would be but a failure In attempt to portray
the wild confusion, the awful, termfled_amazement
following the old mountaineer’s startling ni‘flrma.
tion. Women shrieked and men rushed blindlylo
and fro: some purpose ess. others vainly trying to
push their way through the mass that blocked the
doorway. filling the room with their loud. bitter im-
precarions, lending additional terror to the fright-
i'ul scene, till the clear, deep-toned voice of Curt
Dash breaks upon the strangely-confused Babel of
sounds, commanding silence; and then, during the

 

 

The Dread Rider. ‘ i 9

 

hushed stillness that follows, the Regulator chief
ina few hurried words gives out his orders, when
he and a dozen of his followers rush out of the
crowded dwelling—out to search for the assassin.
and bring him to justice. a part of the crowd joining:
in the chase, leaving the others to attend to the
wants of their fiicnds.

Quickly mounting their horses, the Regulators,
vowing vengeance upon the murderer of their com-
rade, were soon scouring the country in every direc-
tion, sparing neither chaparral nor timber, nor

lain, nor river, nor any known place of refuge, in
{heir wild search for human prey, the pale light of
the moon now nearing the zenith of the heavens
guiding them. in their work, and adding a weird
aspect to their liantom-like forms gliding from
place to place. ut, though speedily joined in their
eiforts by others, and though the search was unre-
mitting and thorough. nothing could be sound of
their foe. not a single (race of iim could be sound,
not even the hoof-prints of his horse where he must
have passed when doing that tragic deed.

In the midst of this fruitless hunt, a startling
discovery was made. a discovery which seemed the
key to the mystery of the wedding. and which instant-
ly changed their course of action.

Thv outlaws of the 13. d Lam/s hall Men on a raid /

While the eople were at t' e wedding their homes
had been en ered and much of their property plun-
dered by these freebootcrs, who. unmolested. had
come and gone. leaving behind the direful evidence
of their devilish work. and accountin for the disa -
Elearance of Captain Kelley and the s outing of W ll

anners.

Foremost among those who had Poined the Regu-
lators in their operations against t ie slayer of Will
Manners. was the impetuous. duty-loving Colonel
Raymun, too much of a. soldier to be idle in a time
like this. Thus he was amon the first to learn of
the raid of the outlaws; and nowmg that his own

ropert had been in danger. he felt it his duty to

ten ome at oncei when, reguesting Curt Dash
to r turn to Conrad s for his auglhter, which was
readily assented to by the chief, 8 turned home.-
ward, with fearful forebodings in his heart, as trying
to repare himself for the worst.

saving the colonel to return to his home, to find
his worst friars realized: his property plundered and
his faithful peons in wild commotion over the eath
of two of their number, slain by the outlaws. we will
follow Curt Dash back to Conrad Mansion.

After parting from the colonel. Curt. leaving the
others to follow their own option. but knowing that
it was useless to continue the search longer, turned
back for the place of the intended wedding; how-
ever. he had not gone far before the sound of a
rapidly approaching horseman caused him to halt;
the next instant aman came dashing wildly through
the timber, and. Without seeming to notice him.
would have passed within a few rods of the captain
if he had not ordered, in a clear, commanding tone:

“ Hold! Be you friend or foe, stand!"

In answer to the command. the horsem” n sudden-
ly drew Mn; and then. trembling like an aspen.
with a. wild. scared look u on his face. Rock Randel
rode forward to where it had halted upon the
edge of the prairie that skirted the growth. exclaim-
ing. in a. startling voice: "

‘ M God. cap‘eni I've seen a spook!

“A what?" cried Curt. incredulously, sur rised
and amused at the other’s strange. incompre ensi-
ble demeanor. . ‘

“ A spook. cap‘enl A real live ghost!"

“Oh, nonsense, Rock! You are Joking. Come,
own up, and say that I scared you."

“I tell yer, Cap’en Dash." said the other, solemnly
in strange contrast to his usual reckless air, “ that
it am no joke. i did see a speak, or a speerit, or
whatever on may call it, as true as I war named
fur Rande Rock."

“Well, Rock, since you will rslst in it, tell me
how the thing looked, I an: ge ting interested."

 

“ Yer may poke fun at me as much as yer, please,
cap’en. but I tell yer I‘m in dead earnest. ‘

‘ 1 don‘t doubt that. Rock; but tell me how it
looked."

"Yer remember the stranger ye killed in ther
duel, Curt —au’ yer warn't to blame m it; wal, this
war je st the picter uv him. on] ten times more so.
Thar war them some eyes, t at same mustache,
that same awful scar, an‘ every thing est as they
war that day only ten times worse. e rode the
same roan horse and, if you would believe me, it
had no bridle on, but war the same as when it clear-
ed old Gil Rty. Oh, by heavens. cap'eni it makes
my blood b'ile to jest think uv iii"

‘Pshaw,.Rock Randi-ll“ cried Curt, impatiently;
“ you are either crazy or half-frightened out of your

li ”

" Hold. Curt Dashl No man ever called me a cow-
ai'dl I fear man nor beast in flesh and blood.
Afore I dreamed it war enn_ thin’ but mortal. l or-
dei'ed him to stop, an’ seein’ e didn‘t, I up with my
old iron an’ let him hev, But with an awful laugh,
the man. or devil, or whatever he was. kept right
straight on, and "—here the speaker lowered his
veice to almost a whisper—“ my bullet w em also»
through hm; (m’ come out upon the other side! "

It_ was evident that the strange Ri-gulator’s super-
stitious fears were fully aroused, making him seem
more like a child than a bold. intrepid man.

“My God!” he cried, an instant later, “there it
comesi" .

Out from the timber above them flashed a horse-
man. Over the grasscovered prairie he seemed to
fly awa to the northward. One moment he was
visible, be next he was one.

Curt Dash had liui-rie y raised his ride, but there
was no time for a shot. ,

“Let him go, Rock' it may not have been your
phantom. after all. If what you have said is true—
which I do not doubt to a certain extent—we shall
probably know more of it hereafter. Come, let‘s go
on to Conrad‘s."

“ Thank yer. cap’en. but l‘m goin‘ t’other way. I
am gomt home to run a silver ullet to gunk that
spook With, of I ever see him ag’in. Wag l"

“ Well, Rock, don't waste any ammunition on

your own shadow," said the other, with a laugh, as ‘

e rode away.

Evidently, the Regulator chief was inclined to
make light of his com anion’s startling experience.

Curt found the wed ing guests nearly all gone to
their respective homes. and Miss Rafy an impa-
tiently waiting for the return of her~ at er; thus,
his ex lanation and proffered services were re
accep ed, when, a few moments later,-they too were
among the departing Visitors. 4

Engaged in talking over the stirring and and
events of the night. the ct uple rode away from the
ill-starred placeytaking thv main path that led from
one residence to the other. and before they were
hardly aware of it, were a iproaching the mvein

front of their destination. t 9 home of the  , ‘

tor’s fair com anion. -

Curt was to ling of his meetin with Rock Rondo
when, suddenly. out from the t icket that horde
the nth. s run a couple of armed men, seizingthe
brid es of t eir orses with such violence as to near.
ly unseat them. .

“ Surrender, or dial" thundered the foremos
from beneath the dark covering that
face. telling instantly that he was Brad Wayne, the
masked outlaw. so much dreaded. \

nick as lightning, Curt Dash snatched a re-
vo ver from his belt, and leveled it full in the face‘
of his assailant. But, almost the same instant
there came the nick whir of a. blow; and with a
low cry, the Regu ator chief fell back upon his horse
and slipped to the earth senseless. i * "

“Come. Bill!" cried the masked leader. who held
the bridle of the other horse, “ we must be off with
the girl at once."

As the outlaw spoke, he stepped forward to  i  ‘

 

\

shrouded hits' ‘4

_= (A
ll

 

 

 

 

 
  

 

10

The Dread Rider.

 

 

 

his intended captive. when instantly a tin revolver
flashed in the moonlight, right in t e mas ed man‘s
face. and a clear voice. with womanly sharpness in
it, rung out upon the still night air:

“ Stand! both of you, or I'll fire!"

CHAPTER VII.
A BRAVE Ao'r AND A surname mscovnav.

" Dunn and fury i" gasped the baffled outlaw,
" fooled by a. woman I"
i’l‘tllien a slight noise broke upon the stillness of the
n n t.
This was quickly followed by a whirring. whizzing
sound, and a lasso. thrown by a skillful hand, coiled
down around' her shoulders; the noose tightened.

 

. pinioning her arms to her side with a vise-like grip,

and Bessie Raymun was a. helpless prisoner.

“ How now. my beautiful tigress?” cried the
masked outlaw, exultantly, seizing the lasso. when
a third man came up from the rear, leading by the
bridle a coal-black horse.

“ Back. cowardly dogs!” cried Bessie, with flash-
inz eyes, as if her words could keep the desperadoes

at bfiy. .

" 0 time for fooling!“ growled the outlaw, as he
rudely seized her; when, with all her power, she
gave a sharp, iercing cry for help, that rung out
upon the still a. r wit '1 startling distinctness.

“Curse you!" cried her masked captor, “ another

like that and PH shoot you as I would a dog!”
. is companion. evidently thinking he had a
troublesome ca tive, stepped forward to his aid,
when accidental y dropping the rein to the bridle of
Curt‘s horse, the anima wheeled and galloped mad-

ly away.

"Devils!" exclaimed the outlaw leader. as he
secured his captive‘s hands, after first appropriat-
ing her revolver to his own use.“we she] have all
Shelby down upon us i"

The next instant he sprung upon the back of his

. midni ht steed. and placing the captive behind him,
with t einjnnction to keep her position upon the,

peril of her life. he plowed the 3 ms into the sides
of his horse, and dashed out of t c grove upon the
plain. heading away for the R vi Lands, leaving his
companions to shift for themselves. . '

As the wild cry for hel from Bessie Ra mun rung

. outfar and wide 1: rm t e stillness of t e night. a

horseman coming own from above paused by the
edge of the chaparral upon Chester plain. He had
heard the startling cry, and was waiting for its
regetition. or something to explain its cause.
he man was none other than Mark Waring,

mounted upon his fleet. dark-brown mare.

Thinking he must have been mistaken, Mark was
aboutto move on. when suddenly his eagle eyes
caught sight of a horseman riding out of the acwirz
gowth upon the prairie ahead. Tue pole light of
t e moon was sufflcxent for him to see that the horse
bore a double burden, and that the second person
was a woman.

“By Jove!" he exclaimed. “ I could swear that

I I that is the masked outlaw upon his black horse; and

the other one is Bessie Raymunl My God! there is
some deviltry afloat, or I‘m no judge.”

For a few moments Mark watched the outlaw
and his captive as they rode out upon the plain,
steering in a westerly direction though nearing
the chaparral; but he seemed une‘sy. glancing
first up and down the prairie, and then toward the
fast approaching horseman. until suddenly he broke

1 forth :

'I By heavens! ’tis my only chancel I can but fail!
I will do iti Now or never!"
With Mark Waring. to think was to act: and as he
gave utterance to the words. he patted the neck of
is spirited mare. when touching her lightly with
this spunlhtzhshpt swiftly ouft gem :hie shadéfiviiv of we
on . eon grasso epanmu n e
hmkes of hisgfalthful animal. g
011,011, over the grass-covered prairie, swift al-

 

most as the lightning‘s flash. noiseless as the swoop
of an eagle. seemed to fly the reckless Regulator,
nearer, nearer. to the fleeing outlaw, whom he was
apfiroaching in a diagonal direction.

is attention divided between his captive and his
wearied horse. expecting danger only from the rear,
the outlaw kept straight upon his course, noticing
not the dark form that so suddenly left the Chapar—
ral, thus unconscious of the silent yet swift ap-
proach of the Regulator, until the latter was almost
upon him, and a collision Seemed inevitable. Thvn,
too late to turn aside, he could but keep on, hoping
to escape b the fl -eLness of his horse.

Erect an firm in his saddle, with a calm, fearless
determination, havin full confidence in himself aid
stood for the hazar ous task. Mark rushed down
upon the outlaw with liglitnin speed, so near that
hls leg brushed the other’s as 8 dashed by; and in
that single instant—that flash of a moment—his
strong arm encircled the waist of the captive, and
she was lifted from the neck of the bandit’s horse
upon the withers of his own as if she had been but
a child, while on, on rode the daring Regulator
without even slackening his speed.

Quick as possible the masked outlaw reins in his
horse. and wheels about, not expecting to retrieve
What he has lost, but more from curiosity. ‘

Only for a moment. however. does he pause; only
for a moment does he watch the fast retreating
Regulator; the sight of another horseman comin
out of the more of timber below the chaparra
seemsto warn him of impending danger, and again
he is riding for who Rcd Lands; though looking back
a moment later he sees that the new-comer whether
frirnd or foe has suddenly disappeared.

Mark Waring was no less startled by the sudden
appearance of the horseman than the outlaw,
though from a different cause, His first warning of
the other‘s approach was a hoarse, sardonic lau h;
and then he saw shoot by him, within two rods’ is-
tance. outlined in the pale, somber moonlight with
awe-striking distinctness, the form of a wild-looking
man mounted upona dark, owerful horse, whose
hea , as he plainly saw. was ree from bit or bridle.

There was that in the horseman which caused the
mind of the Regulator to go back to that mysterious
unknown who had fallen in the duel with Curt Dash,
and whom he himself had helped to bury by the
edge of Chester chaparral; the horse, too. seemed
the same bridleless roan that broke from the grasp
of old Gil Rey.

A moment later Mark rode into the grove, and was
sonn met by Curt Dash, who had recovered from
the effects of the outlaw‘s blow. and half a dozen
others. summoned thither by Bessie’s cry—among-
thcm her father.

A few words served to explain all, when Mark was
heartily thanked by the colonel and his daughter for
the service he had rendered. and command. (1 to
his gallant act by the others.

“Tut, tut, friends!" exclaimed the sturdy Regula-
tor. flrmly, blushing like a school-girl beneath the
steady fire of raise, “I ask no t anks for doing
what I deeme my duty; and as my services are no
longer needed. I must bid you ‘ good-night.I "

The next instant he was riding toward Conrad
Mansion at a. smart cantor.

“ A strange, but noble. true-hearted man," said
the colonel, as Mark rode away.

“All of that," assented the Regulator chief.
though the words were spoken in a tone which
seemed to imply that be but half believed them.
“But. colonel, Miss Riymun, I, too, must bid you
' ood-night.‘ and hasten back to the Prairie Home,
w ere I think I am more needed, as something must
be done immediately to ferret out these outlaws.
and punish them for this night’s wor ."

Leaving Colonel Raymun and Bessie to seek the rest
they so much need after the stirring events through
which they have just assed. Curt Dash to return to
the Prairie,!-Iome, an! Mark Waring to follow the
bent of his own inclination, we will go back to record

     
  
 
       
      
  
    
    
  
 
 
    
   
  
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    
   
  
   
 
   
 
     
  
  
 
 
   
 
    
   
 

 

 

 

.,; ~.~-usm{mf . a

 

 

     
 

 

 

 

 

o

The Dread Rider. V V L 11

 

one other incident of startling importance before
we clos : this chapter.

None were more active that eventful night than
the old mountaineer. Gil Rey, who, ably seconded
b another of his own stam —a b0un com ni. n~—
t e well-known Truman Wi liums. familiar y callrd
by the abbreviated name. True Bill, continued the
the search long after it had been abandoned by
others. But at last they were fain to acknowledge
themselves “beaten "and turned back for l‘urlny‘s.
\\ ha-n nearing the Chaparral, the horse of Gil Rey.
who was a little in advance, frightened at an object
in the path ahead, sprung to one side, nearly unseat-
ing i‘ s rider. _

‘For God's sake, Billl what's that?" asked G11
Rey reining in his rearing animal.

' Good Heaven, Gill it’s Captain Ned. or I’m a.
living liarl" answered the other, as he leaped from
the back of his horse, and approached the object.

Sure enough, cold and stark in death, lay before
them the body of Cap nin Kelley!

CHAPTER VIII.
DANDY noon MEETS ms ron.

ALL Chester-ville seemed really and determined to
take arms against the outlaws. Few were there
who had not suffered by their depredation. Many
had lost heavily. But it was not for plundered pro-

erty they cared so much. This, though it would
gave ordln-‘rily excited them to action. was now
al ' 0st forgotten.’ The face of Captain Kellcgland
Will Manners was upEermost in every mind. any
and fierce were the t rests offered against the out-
lawsd band.

It was soon proposed and accepted, that some of
the best scouts in the place should proceed to the
Red Lands and institute a careful and thorough
reconnaissance for the rendezvous of the robbers. If
successful, then active mOVementS would be taken
to rid Shelby county of its dreaded foes.

Half a. dozen Regulators ware quickly selected for
the hazardous enterprise. Others would have will-
ingly joined, but this was deemed a sufficient num-
ber; And it was decided that they should not pro-
ceed in a. body, but separate, and act singly, or, per-
haps. in pairs. However, it was considcrrd best to
keep together until near their destination, when
they could act as circumstances would seem to war-
rant. Thus, without dela ,the hard scoutsmount—
ed their horses, and. wit the goo wishes of the
others for their success, were soon riding out of the
bottom-timber to the west of the Prairie Home.
heading across the plain, hoping to reach the Red
Lands efore the rising of the morrow’s sun.

The first rays of the rising sun were tinging the
entern horizon with a crimson light as the Regula-
tors drew rein under the lofty branches of a huge
sycamore, the largest tree to be found in all that
broken waste. its towering form, for years stricken
with decay, rising far above the stunted growth that
surrounded it, making a conspicuous mark for the
traveler, and gaining for itself the name of the
“Prairie Sentinel," by which it was distin ished
throughout Shelby. This stood but a short istance
f om that wild. rock-bound ravme known as the
“ Black Gulch."

As yet no indications of their enemies had brwen
found; but the time for work had come. In a. few
words the leader. none other than the Regulator
chief himself. unfolded his plans.

Curt, accom anied by Gil Rey. was to take a wet-
erly course, fol owing on as far as they snould deem
groper. Two of the others—one the well-known

exsn borderer. Mexican Pete. who was familiar
with every inch of the Southwestern frontier. and
Long Gus Durrel, a tall. gaunt. hawk‘eyed Yankee,
who. as guide, trailer and Indian-tighter, had been
the hero of some “ tall doln‘s,” and was known to be
a brave man and efficient scout—we're to have a
southerly direction. While to our friends, Dandy
Rock and Hank Webber, was weighed the territory
of the north,

 

‘
A few parting injunctions from Curt Bushland

tlloy s pnrut d, with the understanding than. east
one of each twain should meet there at sunset, and

re ort their success. If this should fail, the others.

In ght know they were in trouble, and needing help.

Leaving their comrades. Rock and Hank soon en-
tered the “Black Gulch." where they were forced
to make a slow and laborious )assnge: and as they
worked through Ihe narrow e file between the two
great clifl’s, they could not help thinking of the f: ar-
ful trap they would be in should their foes chance to
sweep down upon them then.

Slowly, and often at disadvantage. the Regulators
keep n on their course, now pressing through the
tangle stunted growth, then across gullies and
rocky ravines, past huge bowldcrs and over fallen
trees, whose forms, slowly yielding to decay, pre-
sent a strong ('ulltl‘ast to t
the wild waste, and final] y followln a well-worn
path, bearing plainly the footprints 0 Wild beasts.

The sun was past the meridian when the scouts
suddenly came upon an opening in the forest. which

,proved to be the valley of the Rio Burte. Here were
water and posturing for their horses. both of which
the needed; so, quickly dismounting. and allowing
their animals to eat and drink at their leisure. they
were about to withdraw into the shade for an hour 5
red; when the quick eye of Rock caught sight of a.
fresh hoof-print near the margin of the river. It

had not been made by one of their horses; some one ‘ ~

else must have been in the valley before them. A
hasty extmination, and they knew that a horse had
crossed the river at this point. Doubtless it bore a
rider; if so, probably an outlaw. Here was a claw.
and the must follow it up.

Knowmg their homes would not stray far, the
Regulators quickly crossed the stream, and finding

the hoof- rints on the other side as they had ex- ‘ L

pecited, t ey found no difficulty in following the
ra .

For a mile perhaps, the Re 1
without troub e or any new iscovery; then they
were surprised to find that though they had been
following the trail made by the hoof-prints of a sin-

gle horse. there were now two sets, one branching ,

to the right, and the other to the left. Puzzled by
this, they made a thorough examination, but could
not solve the mystery. The tracks were all made

by one animal-the twoiraily seeming to have album I

out of on”! ,

“Wal, Rock." exclaimed Hank, “this beats me;
but you take the left and this coon '11 take the right,
and p'r'aps we’ll git even with it yet.” ~

Thus the separated. / .

Rock fol owed his for a while without difllc‘u‘lt‘y
then suddenly it ended. Baffled for a time, be still
ke t on. till at last he found the trail again. '

alf an hour later, Rock suddenly stopped, with
an ejaculation of surprise. He had found the foot-

prints ot' a man upon the trail. They had been ‘

made within an hour too. He saw at a glance that
they were too small or Hank’s. Whose were the

then? Cautiously, the wary scout advanced, he] -
expecting to see the burly form of an outlaw rise in"
his path at every step. Then a sin be
There seemed something familiar n the footprints,
and another exclamation escaped his lips, whcna

mcmnot later he discovered that the% 7373/”8 an", 
a an a M,

and that in following the trail he
round in a circle!

The now thorou hly puzzled Regulator was half-
inclined to turn sick; but something seemed‘to
prom t him on. and payin
trail. e cautiously yet rapidly advanced through
the growth. herding not the direction he took. only
seemin anxious to press n -

o . ~

Rock and considered himself familiar with nearly
every inch of the Red Lands. but he soon found that '
he was coming intoua district where he had never»

been.
The country was growing wilder, and more bro‘

ken. Soon he heard. the rows 0! water 090: a r}:

eir successors covering ,

lators followed on " 'r

paused; "

no more regard to the'

   
   
   
    
   
  
  
  
   
 
    
    
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
 
   
   
    
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
 

 
       
       
     
     
     

  

.

  

’  most dreaded enemy. the

is - The Dread 'Rider.

 

' river dashing over a precipice. Could it be the slug—

gish Rio Burbs!

He soon found that he was approaching more
elevated ground; and five minutes later had ascend-
ed a large ridge or sort of plateau, covered here and
there with patches of dwarf oak. He could still hear
the roaringof water, plainer than ever, but now it
seemed he whim.

Ahead was a cllfl nearly twenty feet in hight.
slo ing back to the wl-st until it came on a level
wit the plateau, while its east side was perpendicu-
lar. A short distance to the right and he came up-
on the bank of a chasm, where twonty feet hrlnw,
the waters of the Rio Burte were dashed furiously
over piles of loose stones and huge bowlrlers in con-
tinua rapids, till the river was a. mad, roaring,
foaming cataract.

Following along the brink of the precipice, Rock
soon reached the base of the cliff, to discover what
seemed a sort of footpath leading to the edge of the
abyss, where of course it came to an abru tter-
mmation. But down where the cliii! connects with
the nearly fierpendicular bank of the river was a
sort of s e or rejection of the regular ledge:
which was well esigned for a natural pass way,
though this, like the other, apparently came toa
sudden end by an abrupt angle of the cliff. Did the
two have an connection?

Rock Ran e1 was not one to s eculate. With him
to think was to act' and thong the jutting out of
the rock promised but mere foot-hold upon the side
of the massive cliif, with no chance for a. hand-hold
above, and twenty feet certain destruction below.
he resolved to hazard the attempt of scaling the
narrow rim. to know if there was ought beyond its
sudden turn.

Slowly and carefully the Regulator worked his
way along the dangerous pathway. A stone loosed
from its p ace by his foot went crashing down the
precipitous side into the madly rushing river, with
an angry s lash. which sent a shudder through his
frame as e thought of what would be his fate
should he miss his foot'ng. But, the an le was safe-
ly reached. when he saw that his labor ad been in
vain. The rude passage continued on a short dis
times, then abruptly widened out iuti a sort of
platform. to be met beyond by the solid ledge. Rock
was about to turn back. when a noise from the cliff
above caught his attention: and 10 *king up, he saw
standing upon is very brink a dozen armed men,
their rifles pointed direct! at his person.

“« wrgita.’ Move a ban or foot and we‘ll riddle
you wl h builetsl”

. CHAPTER IX.
‘ " ROCK amour. WILL on: em.”
“Move a hand or foot and we’ll riddle you with

' m bullets i"

For one moment the ngulator was as motionless

' as astatue. A single glance was sufficient to tell

him the peril of his situation. The speaker was his
Mexican avenger. and he
was completely in his owor; but Dandy Rock was
not one to be easllv f ghtened, and he resolved to
make the beat of his situatl m.

“ old yaller-skin. what ’11 yer hev’? Spit it
Signals ty suddlnt, fur l don‘t like this posish at

With an oath, the Mexican exclaimed:
“ Lay down our arms."
“S’posen I nn’t what then, Grosser?” asked the

- im'perturbable Regulator.

‘ Ozramha!" ejaculated the other fiercely, “I'll
not fool with you! Lay down your arms, dog, or

. you shall die!"

A less lmpetuous person would have quietly sub-

7" mitted to the inevitable. and become the prisoner of

the Mexic‘n and his horde. But not so with Rock

ndel; he know too well what captivity meant.
Better would it be for him to hurl himself into the
rocky canyon of the Rio Burte. than yield ro his re-

: ‘yengeful {06, the outlawed despersdo, San Munro,

\ .

 

“No, old hrssi you’re mighty important! Say.
hain't ye goin‘ ter give a teller no kind uv a show?
Jess p int them 'ar s'moters t‘other way, lease."

“FD-‘1!" exclaimed the Mexican: “ wi i you sur<
render without resistance, or die like a dog?"

“ Never!" cried the other, dcfllntly; “when Rock
Randel sells out to a sneak a Greaser. thar’s got to
be blood spilti Take that, og of a yaller~skini"
and forgetting his precarious footing, unmindful of
the dozen ominous muzzl 3 pointed at his breast,
caring for naught else but his determination to fight
to the bitter end. the reckless Regulator brought his
own rifle to shoulder, and before the horde upon the
cllfll realized his intentions, a sharp, ringing report
broke upon the air, and a bullet just grazed San
Mullre’s temple.

A wild yell. and a dozen bullets cleft the ledge
where the daring Regulator had stood: but he had
sprung forward in season to csca the volley which
he knew w lull fol ow his shot. hen he turned as
if to spring into the mad river. But at that moment
a lasso. thrown by a dextrous hand. came whirring
through the a’r. and the noose settled down around
his shoulders, pinioning his arms to his side.

A shout of triumph went up from the Mexican’s
band, as Rock felt the cord straightening; and
crouching back against the cliff for an instant, the
Regulator then sprung forWard upon the rock plat-
form. The Mexican assoer, leaning slightly over
the clifl to note his success. suddenly to: himself
snatched forward, and powerless to save himself.
was hurled through the air, to fall at Randel’s feet
a lifeless body.

Quick as a flash Rock threw off the lasso. and seiz-
rd the burly- form of the (lead Mexican, when back-
ing up against the r ck, he held it before him as a
shield, with his left hand, while with the other. he
drew and cocked one of his heavy revolveLs. and
holiling it in a menacing manner, he cried, taunt-
ing v:

“ 13an away, my coyotes! Rock Randel dies

amei ‘

g The Mexican and his followers were baffled, for at
least atlme. It was true they had an almost un-
limited advantage, and it seemed certain that the
Regulator must sooner or lat ~r fall into their power.
But they knew the first man who should make a
move would sign his death-warrant. and no one in
all that gang felt like facing death, thus they stood
like men transfixed.

Five minutes. that seemed li‘re so many hours.
wore away, and not a word had been 5 oken. not a
move had been made. The men upon t e cliff were
standing there like blocks of adamant, knowing that
to move was to die. The R'zgiilator. too, was motion»
less, held in his position byt 8 same ower. But he
was getting the worst of it. Alrea yhis left arm
seemed paralyzed. He felt that the crisis was near
at hand. and he could not help wondering how it
would all end. Intuitlvrly. his mind went back to
his pleasant home. and the fond one anxiously wait-
ing for his return: and then he thought of his Regu-
lator companion, and hoped, prayed that he might
come to his—

Like aflash. a man seemed to drop by his side.
So sudden. so unexpected, that Rock utter-Hi an in-
voluntary crv. and dropped the bodv of the dead
Mexican. Then he felt himself seized in a grasp of
iron, and saw the blade of a knife glisten in the
aili-i ltnstinctively he grappled with his unknown as-
sa on . ‘

Back and forth. to and fro. the combatants strug-
gled. each trving in vain to gain the mastery. so
evnnly were they matched. Rock had been taken at
a great disadvantage. and for a moment it had
seemed asif he mus“. succumb. He. had not been
quick enough to use his revolver before it was
knocked from his grasp; and the other had mis-
cnlculared with his knife. 'l‘hus like two tigers they
fought. each knowing that life w 's at stake.

Slowly but surely Rock at last felt his strength
leaving him, The other had seiged. him by the

   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
  
 
    
 
   
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
   
  
   
   
    
  
  
  
     
  
 
 

 

n... #4. ,..,.._..W

mam. 

.A.

        
    
     

The Dread Rider. 18

 

throat in a vise-like gripe; his eyes seemed starting
from their sockcti'; he could not breathe; he was
strangling to deathl

Rock Randel. felt that his time had come; but
with the desperate mergy of a (1 ing man, he tl‘ll‘d
again to free himst from that earful grasp; and
by an almost superhuman effort, he succeeded in
pressing back his antagonist. Then] esaw what sent
a thrill of hope through his frame, and nddedten-fold
power to his fast failing strength. Tim o’Lei-ious
slandinq upon. Hie cry ed «e of the 101k our/I'll. nrr W!
the canyon. With a mighty effort the Regulator
rallied. Fortune favored him. He pushed his as-
sailant back, back over the feartul chasm. till the
latter flmh g he was losinghis equilibrium, loosened
his hold upon the other, and th: owing up his arms,
clutched wildly at the empty air for support. In'
vain. Too late to regain what he had lost. With a
wild, startling cry, he went down—down upon the
rocks below, where the furious stream caught his
body and swept it on with its rapid tide.

Weak and faint, Rock staggered backagainst the
led e Then his ha.f-dimme vision saw the forms
of is foes rise before him. They had rushed to the
rescue of their comrade, and reached the spot only
fine moment too late to save him from a fearful

oom.

\\ ith wild, revengeful cries, they rushed upon the
Regulator, who rallying for an instant, drrw his
other revolver. and With a defiant shout. emptied
chamber after chamber into their midst. Though
tiring half at random, he saw at least two of them
full; then his brain reeled; he felt himself over-
powered and borne dowh, a helpless prisoner.

\A hen Rock returned to consciousness, he found
his hands securely bound behind him; and without
delay he was forced to make the erilous journey
around the clifl, with one of s own revolvers

inted at his temple by the nervous hands of San

ullre.

At last the plateau was reached, and Rock saw
that his captors, whom be judged to be a ortion of
the outlaw band, now consisted of hal a dozen
harsh, brutal looking rufiians.

“Say. pard, I ’low you've rung a cold deal on me.
this time; but. by Randel Rock, where’d thet teller
come frum thet kem so near whopping me? Jess
tell_ me, that, old yaller-hide, an’ ll eel a heap
eaSier.’

“ Cg pila! you'd better ask what fate has in
store. '

“Gehosophatl What do I care about fate? But.
didn‘t I jess sling over four of yours, slick? Bl};
Columbia! jess undo my hands and give me bac
my‘old shooters and I‘ll bu'st the hull caboodle uv
ye:

An angry scowl flitted across the blenred visage of
the Mexican. and is followers clutched their wea-
pons. it was plain that the reckless Regulator was
trifling with dangerous men.

“ lgogl another word and I’ll brain you where you
Stan .

“Slip! then mum‘s the word, is it? We]. here

oes.‘ .
8At this juncture some one was heard coming
through the growth: a couple of new-comers ap-
peared upon the scene: and to the surprise of Rock
one of them was leading by the bridle bisomn home.

The tree selected seemed peculiarly fitted for the
frightful business. and without delay, the outlaws
made such preparations as were necessary to carry
out their nefarious scheme.

The Remdulor’s horse was brought forward under
a DI‘OjL cting branch. and Dandy was made to stand
upon his back. Then a house was fitted to his neck
while We end of the cord was secured to the limb,
above. II is hands Were still securely fastened behind
him. Everything was in readiness for the last hor-
rible proceedings which was to launch him into
eternitv.

The Mexican, who had watched the preparations
with sardonic satisfaction.now approached the Regu-
l:tor. his evil-looking visage fairly hideo s with its
fiendish gleam of exultation. After see ing to en-
'oy éhe scene for a while, he broke forth in a taunt~

n one:

‘ Well. senor. my turn has come. You thought to
escape after doing what on did that night—and
taking lewaway. tool Bu you have found that the I
oath or San Mullre is no idle vow. Comm: .’ I swore
over the bodies of my dead comrades—slain by your
own hands—that you should die, dog of an Ameri- ,
can! and die, dre you shall. I have hunted you lon ,
but triumphed at last. ('(Irnnba! I intended
have torn you limb from limb; but my mes en er
tells incl have other work to do. I have n t be
time now. so I must content in) self by seeing you .
dangle from this tree, food for the buzzards. Oh.
if Pedro was only here! What message shalllcarry
to the senora? Hal that is good! S e shall know
how you perished; and v hen 1 go back to Taos. she
shall go with me—mine! And this is San Mullre‘s

vcn eance; enjoy it now. for within one moment um j

(Ila ls mu (Io/wan [mm m m d ear/II !"

As the Mexican finished s eaklng, he raised his
hand as the signal for the ru e execution. The fatal
moment had come.

CHAPTER x. .,A _’

wno SAVED ROCK Mann?

9

THE crisis came. but not as expected.

Before the outlaws C(uld start the horse under
their prisoner, the sharp report of a rifle followed *
by another, and the thong which suspended the
Regulator from the limb of the tree was cut in main
by the bullets from the unseen rifleman.

Confusion followed. .

Then a rry. and the sound as of a person rushing
through the thicket. of the growth to the east was
distinctly beard. With one accord the outlaws ‘
rantiin t at direction, save two who stayed by the.
cap ve.

As the outlaws disap cared in the thicket to the
east the report of a ri e again rung out. and again
it was followed by a second, when the two men I
standing guard over their captive fell dead in their, --
tracks, shot through the brain.

So sudden and unex ected was all this that Rock
Randel Seemed stupi' ed. But a quick, sharp voice
almost at his side brought him to his senses. -

“ Rid l for your life, ridel"

in an instant Rock was astride his horse. and the
faithful animal, that through all the foregoing
scene had stood so quiet at tl‘e well known i

l H k i t b! voice of his master, bounded forward with all his
What did this mean? Surey an was n rou e' energ . ‘ v
and the conviction forced itself 11 on him that his As the Regulator reached the growth beyond the g \.

friend had fallen into the outlaws’ ands. If so, his cleari of the plateau. he heard loud shouts and » "v

last spark of hope was gone. curses rom the outlaws, mingled wii_ h thereport of , '
As the new arrivals joined their companions. a firearms. and half a dozen bullets whistled round his j  u

consultation was held; and during the interview, head. But it was random tiring, and the only eflecl . V}

though Rock could not hear their speech, he felt
certain they were discussing his fate.

“ Senor will do well to say in prayers." said the
Mexican, leaving the groufi. a sickly smile of
triumph playing upon his so ow countenance, “ for
soon he will dangle from yonder tree."

Then in silence, Rock was led rudely forward to
the designated spot, followed by his captors.

it had was to increase his speed. ' ~

That was a wild ride. The Regulator”! hands ‘ 
were still fastened behind him. the thong was still i ;
banning from his neck, while his long. raven hair « ‘ .
streamed in the air. and though he found but little ‘ -. ‘«
difficulty in guiding his traine horse 1) voice and“: ,
knee. the low-limbed forest, the tangled rushwood. ', r
the rocky, uneven surface of the earth, forcing him 1 “ ‘

\

 

 

14 The /Drea.d Rider.

 

to be continually changing his course. made his
headlong flight feat-fully pcrilous. But afoot and
in 8a lurch, the battled outlaWs were soon left for be-

in .

As soon as he felt safe from the pursuit of his
foes, Rock, sha ing his course for the sentinel syca-
more, slackene the pace of his horse to a more
leisurely gait.

Half an hour later he was startled bv the sound of
an approaching horseman coming directly toward
him: and fully realizing then for the first time the
helplessness of his condition should it be a foe, he
was about to turn his horse one side. knowing his
only chance of esca e lay in immediate flight, when
'a familiar voice exc imed:

. “ Hold thele! That you, Rock Randell?"

5‘ By Randal Rock, Hank, it am! Lgastways, all
there is left uv me."

“Bry Jove, Rockl I thought ye war gone under,
sure 1

“ Jess undo my paws here, an' take this hyar neck-

‘- 'l‘zce 13%. an' p’r aps I’ll feel more like yarnin'iit.
ag

l

" Butwhere hev ye been to git rigged up like this?”
asked Bank, as he cut the ligatures from his com-
' » isnionf hands and helped remove the thong around

5 nec .

.In reply. Rock narrated to his astonished fricn i.
in his peculiar way, the erilous adventures anJ
hairbreadth escapes throng which he had passed.

"' It war a narrer squeak, an’ no mistake i"
eggcnlated Hank, as the other finished his strange

. s ry.
“ But how’d you manage to keep cl’ar uv ’em?”
queriedRock.

“ Wal, ye see i got fooled on that trail ‘bout same
as ye did; so I Went back to our bosses, an’ com-
menced tsr wait fer you; but the more I waited the
more 6 didn‘t come. Purty soon I got on atient,
an’ t nkin' ye had either got lost or gobble, u) by
the ‘outs,’ I war goin' to take yer trail anI foller yer,

. when all ter wunst a dozen of the very same var-
mints ounced outer me, an' I hed ter uo an’ take
my wa 11’ papers right quick, ye hat. But, some-
how, I managed tar mount my hoss; and es they
warafoot. I left ’em. I tried ter 1 'ad yer hoss, but

V he broke away. Howsumever, I wiped out two uv
the. cuss is, an‘ fetched round hyar. l kuow‘d the
varmints war too thick for me to do ye enny good
alone, so I war goin' for the other b0 5 to ’sist me,

> though really s'posing you war rubbe out.”

‘ s “Then it warn‘t you that done the shpotin’ an‘
told me to scamper so?" asked Rock, in ev1dent sur-

  
   
  

ise.
pr“,N'o. part]; I warn‘t 'lowed the priv‘lege."
“ Who war it then?" exclaimed the first.
I . ‘F Mus’ bin Old Nick." said Hank, solemnly.
‘ “I w‘u’d jess like ter grip his paw, if it war the
\\ ,Old Boy hisself. But it waru’t: I almost knowed
ther vome; an’ whoever it war. of he’ll only say the
word, he can count on Rock Randal ter lay down his
life for him. I tell yer, Hank, th at was some tall
shootin’. The cap‘en hisself c’u’dn‘t beat it."
"Kerrect, pard.”
The day was fast waning, and the Regulators saw
that to reach their destination at the appointed time
‘ they had got to hurry on. so the conversation ended;
' -.a and, save an occaswnal remark, they continued on
their way in silence.
I A little before sunset our friends reached thosyca-
more, where they found Long Gus Durroll and
geflcan Pete, who reported an unsuccessful day’s
o .
Pretty soon Curt Dash joined the group, bu the
came alone.
7 “ Where is Gil Rev?" was the uestion that greet-
‘ ed the Regulator chief as ho reac ed the spot.
- ‘~' Safe and sound as far as I know." answered
Curt; “ but he is still on the trail. He is bound not
tqgivo it up so easily. The old mountain coon is a
long trailer. But what success. bovsi”
'  Then the hardy little band gathered round the

 

 

old sycamore, and each in turn bri fly narrated his
day's expel ience.

:14chan that Mexican Pete and Long Gus had
been wholly unsuccessful. as far as the object of
their search was concerned.

Curt Dash believed that Gil Roy and himself had
been in the right direction, th uugli as yet nothin
positive had been learned. The Regulator chie
also gave it as his opinion that San Mullre and his
gang were not in any way connected with the mask-
ed outluw, Black Wayne. and his followers.

The Regulators were in the midst of their con-
sultation, when suddenly a wild, sardonic laugh,
prolonged almost to a shriek, broke the stillness of
the scene.

“ Good God! look there!"

It was Long Gus Durrell who made the startling
exclamation.

Every man uttered an involuntary cry at the sight
which met their aze.

Ridin forwar .as if he had just emerged from
the soil cliff that hemmed in the Black Gulch, was
ahorseman. who. once seen, was never to be for-
gotten. He was the exact counterpart‘of One Leg,
the mysterious Unknown, who had fallen in that
uu-‘l with Curt Dash, three weeks before! There is
liltt some form. with its missing leg—the same,
long. iron-gray hair—those same piercing eyes—that
fearful scar—that unnatural mien; and he carries
the same dark stained rifle, rides the same roan
steed, guided now wir'hout bit or bridlei All this;
and who cannot help thinking but it is the phantom
of the unnamed duelist whose maimed body was
buried .by the edge of dhester chaparral, beneath
two feet of Texas earth?

Awe—struck, the Regulators behold the fearful
horseman coming nearer and nearer, clutching his
rifle nervously.

Curt Dash is the first to recovered his self-posses-
sion, and with forced calmness, he raises his rifle
to his shoulder. exclaiming, in a stern, menacing
tone:

“ Be you man or devil, stand!" I

Without heeding the demand, other than a slight
laugh, the form still advances.

“ Be the consequences upon your own head i" cried
Curt. as, with a certain aim, he fires.

As the others heard the report of their leader‘s
rifle, they expected to see the stranger fall, but to
their sur rise and consternation. w ti. a scorn/hi
laugh the orxeman Miles on .’

Has One-Leg the dead duelist, two lives to live.
two deaths to die. before his unquiet spirit is made
to sleep?

 

CHAPTER Xi.
ANOTHER.

PARALYZED with terror. the five Texans saw the
maimed horseman ride past; than they breathed
easier. But, at the very same moment he disap-
peared in the growth twenty rods to‘ the left, they

card that some scornful laugh right in front
of them. quickly followed by the crack of a rifle.
and a bullet sped by Curt Dush‘s head, so near that
it left its mark upon his temple.

Stunned, the Regulator chief staggered back
against the sycamore.

"My God! the cap‘en is killed I“ cried Hank Web-

ber. rushing forward to Curt’s side.
. Mexican Pete, Long Gus and Dwndy Rock dashed
into the thicket from whence the shot had been
fired; but they could find no trace of the would-be
assassin. an '1 after a dill ’ent search were obliged to
give it up. No covert could they find that would
secrete a single man much more a horse and rider.

Curt soon recovered from the effect of the shot:
but it was some moments before the little group
rallied from their fright.

“ Wal, by hookey. Capi" exclaimed Dandy Rock.
who was the first to break the silence. “ what d‘ye
think uv my spook now? This war the very same

 

l
L
l
l

 

 

was“

The Dread Rider.

15

 

ictur’ uv what I see’d thet night, an’ I knowed thrt
ead wouldn’t hev enny ’pression on him, for I tried
it then. I’ve a silver hullrt fer him; Mat ‘11 iix him;
but. cuss thet Greaser, here 1 am in a fightin’ kentry
without enny guards. llowsomever, this ain‘t go-
ing ter last long. 1’11 hev back my old shooters an’
wipe out that coyote, or git throwed. Waghl Rock
Randei don’t want a top~knot in this hentry, unless
he am ‘iowt-d to guard it!"

“Well, boys!" Curt at last said; “I don’t see as
we can mend the matter by standin here. There
is some mystery in this. but I am inc ined to think
it is a scare gotten up by some of the boys, or, per-
haps. a trick of the outlaws.” ‘

‘ But the shot. cap’en; how do you explain that .9"
asked Mexican Pete; and then pointing to the syca-
more where it had entered, he exclaimed: “it was
done nil/I, a copper bullet I"

The Regulator was ri ht, and the discovery, re-
calling vividly to mind t e strange and startling as-
sortion of One Leg the Unknown, added terribly to
the mystery.

“ Boyeesl" exclaimed Dandy Rock, solemnly.
“I’ve seen the thing afore. an‘I know it ar‘ the
spook uv thet one-legged stranger. cap‘en rubbed
out in that duel. He on’t rest easy; buta silver
bullet ‘Il fix him. now mark my wordi"

“Be it aphantom or not, it ’11 never do to daily
here,“ replied Curt, who. less su erstitious than the
others, was not disposed to dwe l upon the subject.
though he had really faced all the danger. “I am
going back to meet Gil Rey. The rest of you can
go on to the Prairie Home. if you choose."

“ What! yo‘r’ goin’ back fer-night?" exclaimed
Lone Gus, as if startled by the bare thought.

" Yes,” answered the Regulator chief; “I am not

oing hack to the Prairie Home till i find the out-
fiiws den. if it is in the Red Lands."

“ Ef ye’il jess say the word, I’m with ye, cap’eni”
said the giant Re ulator. I

“No, Hank; l s all not need you now. Two in a
case like this are better than more. Go back to
Chesterville and see if everything Is well there. Ex-
pect to hear from me soon. Good-by.”

Curt Dash, unmindful of the dangers surroundin
him, was gone. to continue-his perilous work; an
the others—well, to speak the truth, after what they
had seen. they were glad to head for Chesterville.

On their way back. in following the path that led
through the timber west of the Chaparral. the Re ~
lators were forced to pass near the grave of t e
Dead Duelist; and as they neared the fatal spot, a
su erstitious dread seized them. It was etting

te dark. and save the hoof-strokes of their orses,
t is stillness of death hung over the valley, pnbroken
till they were opposite the 1il~fated burial place:
then came the startling report of a rifle—a wer
Mal swemed to {mun from Ihv lonely grare.’ Not a
single person or ob'ect was in sight. yet all plainly
heard the renort, th the echo that followed, and
thrilled with terror. they galleried madly on.

A crowd had gathered at the Prairie Home—an
anxious excited throng. The amvalbf their friends
from the Red Lands was hailed With delight, and
thrv were plied with questions. .

The storiPs of the Regulator scouts were listened,
to with interest. almost awe. Many a curious quss-'
tinn was asked, and manv an anprov 11: comment
made. But when mention was given of the Dead
Duelist and that fearful scrne under the lone syca-
more, coupled with the discovery of_ the copper
bullet, hushed stillness fell upon the listeners; and
as Hank finished the singular narrative, it was an-
nounced that Ca tain Kelley and Will Manners had
both We» rho! win copper bullwh- I

All this might merely be a series of singular coin-
cidences. Perhaps there was nothing startlme' in
the manner of the death of Captain Kelley and Will
Manners, nothing strange in the appearance of the
Dead Dueliet, nothing remarkable in this use of cop-
per bullets, nothing extraordinary or connected in
the scenes of the last fortnight; but the minds of

 

the su erstitious borderers were stirred to their
fullest e ths. .

I‘I’ll tel ye what it is boys," said Long Gus,
“ there is some foul play u out thisl"

“Wal,” chimed in Dandy Rock, “ this spook biz-
ncss is foul bizness ennyway I calculatel But I
jess want ter see Mister Sperit. or whatever he is
once more arter l git In other shooter plummed
with a silver bullet. 1’11 5 low him how to be tearing
round loose; I will waghl“ A

"Where is Mar Waring?" asked Rock, a few
minutes later. But no one knew. In fact he had
not been seen since the night brfore.

“ Gone to the Red Lands, mebbe," supplemented
True Bill.

“ Hain't you got a weepon-"

.Dandy Rock commenced the sentence, buthe'

never finished it. At that moment. loud cries and
the hurried tramp of rushing feet were heard with-
out. The next instant the door was thrown violent—
iy open. and Clint Trask, the Regulator, with his
long hair disheveled and streaming in the air a
wil , scared look upon his face, rushed into i; a
room. shrieking: . V

“i have seen himi I have seen himi 'Tis hel
back from his gravel For God‘s sake. save me!
save me!”

A low, mocking laughl Outside. the crowd be-
held the weird form of the Dead Duelist upon his
dark-roan steed!

The haggard fugitive hears the laugh. He turns
pale as death.

“ God have mere on mei I am losti lost!"

A moment of aw ul suspense. Then, the report of '

a rifle; and with a low cry Clint Trask. the doomed
R 'uiator, throws up his arms, and staggering
bac '. falls to the floor, dead. ‘

An instant later the fearful horseman is gone. and
in the wild confusion that follows, no trace of him
can he found.

 

CHAPTER XII.
A PERILOUS scour.
GIL REY had avowed his intentions of continuin
the search for the outlaws’ retreat. Curt Dash be
given his hearty approval.

They separated-ihe Regulator chief to ieturn to L

meet their comrades, the mountaineer to proceed
on in a south westerly course. ‘
We know Curt met the others at the sycamore:
we are familiar with the scenes that succeeded; so
let us follow the fortunes of the veteran scout, Gil

Re .

g1; hour’s ride nearly to the south and our menu-
taineer had left the Red Lands groper behind. He
was now in a country which, t
man features similar to the latter, was on the
who r a forcible contrast. Instead of an unvaried
tract of land, sparsely covered with stunted ,rowth
fast hastening to decay. unrelieved for mi es at:

time bya single redeeming ob ect, extending for ‘

leagues and leagues in one w: d waste here was
Nature in her most diversified form. The preci lt-

mis hlufl. surrounded by the timbered bottom, he. ' ‘

level plain. unbroken as far as the vision can ex-
tend. the rocky canyon, its darksome depths divid-

ing the desert-land from the green prairie, and the,

fertile valley with its babbling stream of limpld
water. were all stretched beforetho astonished gaze
of the scout in one panoramlcyxcw.

“ Wall” ejaculated Gil, “ this am a change an‘ no
mistake! [‘1] bet this am jest the kentry whar them
ar’ val-mints ar‘—“

A low whinny from his horse ihnterru ted the
Regulator’s soliioquy. and ca used him to 00k sus-
piciously round. when he saw a man approachin
who? he quickly recognized as his f end, Mar

‘ar ng.

The meeting between the Regulators was of mutual
plea sure and surprise.

“Wal, Mark." said Gil Rey. in an undertone. as ‘

he [grasped the other‘s hand, “I‘m right glad to

ough it presented '

 

 

 

g?‘".“.- ": ‘- .3. 3‘1"”.

x 1.  fro-9

:9

‘16

meet ye, fer blame me if I don’t believe we ar‘ in
the stampin‘-ground o' the outlaws."

“ You are right, Gil; their den iajust below here."

"What!" exclaimed the other, “ yer don’t say
thet yer hev diskivered it 7"

“I know pretty near where it is," said Waring,
slowly; “and have been waiting all the afternoon
for darkness to come, so I could reconnoiter.
From my retreat, I saw your approach, and so came
out to meet you. But it is not safe for us to tarry
here, as the outlaws are liable to discover us at any
moment. Come with me [0 my hiding-place."

Mark led the way across the valley to the foot of
the bluff, when, ushin their cours-i through a line
of thick, tangle growt that skirted the bank of a
small stream, they suddenly entered a clearing or
filgde, completely hidden from the outer world.

re was his horse, nibbling with a hearty will the

n grass which reached to his knees.

"Tether your horse here with mine,“ said War-
ing; “and as we have a hard night‘s work before
us, we need something to eat, so come up to the
clifl where”! have got a bit that will do for both of
us, e.

Soon the sun sunk from sight, and night once more
shrouded the western world.

I “ Well. Gil," said Mark, at lost. “our time has
figme." We must be moving before the moon goes
wn.
Mark Waring. having thus suddenly come for-
ward as an important actor in our border-life drama,
we crave the r ~ader’s indulgence, to present, at this
late hour. an outline of his app arance and bearing,
that he and his destiny may be better understood.
Possessing a lithe. com actl -built frame, with
broad shoulders and deep, ull c est, Mark \Varing‘s
six feet of manhood was a noble. ma‘estic form.
His dark-brown hair. with a full set of w iskers and
mustache a shade lighter; dark eyes, regular fea-
tures and pure complean, gave him a “good-
looking" visage, upon which twenty-seven years of
border life had scarcely left an imprint. He was
well known in Shelby county, having been in Ches-
terville two years, as an experienced hunter and
scout, and a brave, true-hearted man. From whence
he came and who he was, of course none knew or
cared. With Curt Dash he had been one of the
originators of the hand of Rangers and Regulators.
He was not known to have any relatives in Chester-
ville, and was unmarried. bein , as he had often
said with an almost saddened he, “alone in the
world."
Leaving their horses secured in a snug retreat,
our Regulators slowly and cautiously made their
way down the valley, soon striking a sort of ravine,
that seemed to have been once the bad of a river,
but which had either found Another course or whose
sources had become dry. Upon either side the near-
ly perpendicular banks rose to the hight of ten feet,
covered at the top by a growth of pineand hem-
lock, all tending to exclude what httle light came
from the partially obscured moon, which was still
at least four hours high in the heavens, so it was
I not without coniderable difficulty that they were
» enabled to advance over the uneven, rock-strewn

bottom.
‘ Down the ravine, half a mile perhaps. and our
friends suddenly found their wav obstructed by a
kind of log and brush barrier. What did it mean?
Pausing a moment, they heard the moving and
stamping of horses’ feet. They realized in an in-
stant that it was an inclosure where the ouflaws
corraled their animals. The banditti. of course,
were not far distant. .

The moon was then hidden behind a black cloud,
making it pitchv dark in the gloomy ravine, so the
scouts were obliged to wait for/the moonlight before

they could get an idea of their true situation.

Then, as it ua y grew lighter, they saw that
the rocky si es of the can on here rose to the hight
pf-nearly fo feet.’ rece ug upon either side, cov-
ered here there with patches of stunted bushes,

v

 

The Dread Rider.

overtopped above by large oaks, whose branches,

reaching far out over the ver 6 of the cliffs, nearly

Lust, making it, even in mid ay, dark and dismal
ow.

For a moment it seemed as if they were barred
from groceeding further. Then they saw what ap-
peare to he a sort of natural path, which wound its
way u on the side of the right-hand cliii', gradually
asceu ing. This commenced f ur or five eet from
the bottom, but was quite easily accessible by arti-
flcial steps.

A moment the Regulators hesitated as to the ex-
gediency of pursuing the path for that a peared to

e their only way of gang further. tera hur'
ried consultation, carried on in a low whisper, they
decided to follow up the clew, let the consequence
be what it might.

Going a short distance, the pathway was fringed
on the outer edge with a thick growth of bushes,
leaving barely room between them and the cliff for
a erson to pass, and concealing him from all out-
si 6 view.

Cautiously, the wary scouts advanced. Soon
they were over the corral of horses, and by a flash
of moonlight that ever and anon would flit out
from behind the partially clouded sky, illuming the
scene with a somber brightness, they could count
about thirty. \

Thus far the way had not shown any appearance
of having ever been traveled before; but a. int was
soon reached where it was aln access ble from
the ravine below; and after t is it bore unmistak-
able signs of being a regular footpath. Tho h
fully realizing the peril of their undertaking. t e
Regulators, not satisfied with what they had already
discovered. still pressed on, exercising the utmost
caution in their movements.

Suddenly Mark, who was in advance, caught the
sound of human voices ahead, which caused them
to pause: and while hesitatmg whether to proceed
further. or to turn ‘bm'k, and give it up as a bad job,
they heard footste approaching behind.

Good Heaven! t ey Were in strap! The th had
now oirried them half-wa to the top of t e bluff,
and was still ascending. wenty feet of clii! above!
twenty feet of chasm below! the foe in frontl the
foe behind! Lost by their own rashnessi

These were the thoughts that flashed through the
minds of the Regulators, as they realized the peril
of their position. ’

To keep on seemed folly; to turn back would be
death from their enemies, who had already gained
the path, and were- rapidly coming nearer and
nearer.

The moon was behind a cloud. so that utter dark-
ness vailed the scene: but this. where the were,
would not protect them from the outlaws. meet-
ing was inevitable.

Over the cliff!" hissed Gil Rey. “ an‘ hang under
the edge of the bushes! ’Tis our only chance!"

The plan was feasible- and noiselesslv the Regu-
lators pusth through the line of growth. careful!
letting themselves down the lde of the clifl to the 1-
full length, supporting their weight from the shrub-
bery. the thick foliage of whlclmompletely hid them
from view.

With bated breath, they heard the outlaws come
nearer and nearer, until they Were almost above
them—would soon be passing. Mark was hoping—
av thinkin —-they would pass without trouble. But
Gil Rey su denly felt a thrill of terror shoot through
his frame, as he felt the bush upon which be was
suspended yield beneath the strain of his weight.
In vain he tried to clutch another. He tried to
speak to Mark. but his tonzue seemed paralyzed,
and his mind could only grasp the thought of the
depth below, while he felt himself going—going—

CHAPTER XIII.
A IEARFUL noon.
Wm! a loud snap the tree parted, and Gil Rey
went crashing down upon the canyon's rocky bottom

 

y

The Dread Rider. ' 1"

 

twenty feet below. Startled, Mark came near los-
ing his own hold, as he heard the noise and realized
the sudden. awful fate of his comrade.

The surprised outlaws paused abruptly, and
hastily parting the bushes, the lender eered out
over the cliif. to ascertain the cause of t e disturb-
ance. when, by the moonlight that suddenly lit up
the scene, he looked right into the face of the
Regulator. .

Mark felt that his time had come. To loosen his
hold upon the bush would be to challenge death;
and captivity at the hands of the outlaws meant
nothin less. But he was given not amoment for
reflect on.

Rude hands seized him, and he was lifted upon
the pathway above, and Secured a captive.

A part of the bandits turned back to seek the bot-
tom of the ravine, while the others continued on
with their prisoner.

A short distance, and they were halted by a
sentinel, when giving the word, they stood the
next instant upon a so of platform, which ex-
tended around a huge rock, that shelved out over
their heads. cutting 03 all means of a higher ascent.
Turning the angle, they suddenly came upon a
chasm in the rock, that seemed to have been the
work of a mighty convulsion. This fissure extended
back about a dozen feet to the abrupt ledge of the
clifl, and was barely wide enough to admire. single
person at a time.

Quickly lighting a torch, the leader entered the
dark cleft Without hesitation. The cold muzzle of
a pistol forced Mark to follow, succeeded by the
rest of the gang.

The dark assageway gradually descended for the
first forty eet, and then it continued on a nearly
level course. ‘

High above them, on either side, rose the granite
rock, solid and stupendous. But as they advanced
the sound of loud talk and boisterous laughter
greeted their ears. out of the inky-black space be-
yond, growing plainer and plaiuer as they proceed-
ed, unul suddenly they came u n the mouth of
a cavern in the rock to the rght; when a wild,
weird scene burst upon their vision.

The cavern was lit. up h a rmv of torches stuck in
acrevice in the surroun ing wall, showing, with a
phantom-like limmer. the forms of a score of
coarse, beard. , brutal-looking men, seated in a
circle near the center. gambling. drinking and
camuslng.

As our party entered the cavern. the motley crowd
arose from their games, and catching sight of Mark.
tude u n him with a look of malignant scorn.

“Ha oel whom have you there!" exclaimEd a
quick. nervous-toned voice; and a man dressed in a
suit of black wearing a dark mask upon his face.
from beneath which a pair of eyes gleamed like
coals of fire. stepped forward from the others. It
was Black Wayne, the masked outlaw.

“Wal, Cap," said the one addressed as Joe. “i
reckon he am the chap yer sent me arter. Least-
ways he found him ton.near hyar fer it to be
healthy fer us, and so we jist .took him along with
us. But. he‘s a game one. Gived us a right smart
tussle to flop him." ,

Seizing the torch from the speakers hand. the
masked outlaw thrust it in the Regulator’s face; but
as he caught sight of his features. he gave an in-
voluntary cry, and staggered back against the wall,
exclaiming, as he railie a moment later:

“ This is not the one I sent you for. but his capture
is to me a hundred-fold better. Ay. Joe Corinth,
this has been the best night‘s work you ever didl

Taming to Mark he continued: -

“Well. my Regulator, it seems we meet at last, as
I have long wished."

“This is not our first meeting, outlaw. and it will
not be the last,” answered Waring, doggedly.

“Don’t be too sure of that; I have not waited so
long for this day to let you escape me now. No,

 

Marik 1‘i‘Varing; you will never live to see daylight
a n

“ Boast while you can, braggart," retorted Mark,
“ but remember that I have friends."

“ None that can reach me." replied the other, ex-
ultantly. "My pans are laid for the future. Be-
fore the rising of another sun,l shall be leagues
from here. Dogl it is you that robbed me of Bessie
Raymun that night! Curse goal I am not one to
be bafiledl i always trinmp in the end. But in

our dungeon awaitiu death—starvation—you will
{lave ’time to think 0 all this. Men, follow with

im.’

As the outlaw ceased speakin , he plunged into
the dark passage that led from t to cavern, holding
the torch so as to light up as much asHpossible the
place of more than SI ysiun darkness. is followers,
with Mark. ke t close, behind.

Threading t to dismal passage, hemmed in upon’
either side by walls of granite. now turning to the
left, then to the right, and again to the left, through
another cavern, and then again following a narrow,
circuitous passageway, the masked outlaw at last
paused upon the very brink of a black abyss.

“There is your grave," said the outlaw, pointing
as he spoke to the frightful depths. “ It is twenty
feet to the bottom, with solid rock upon evrry side,
and no chance of getting out: so don’t buoyu your
hopes for nothing. You will not be the first w 0 has
perished there; let that console you."

Mark tried to free his hands. but in vain. In an
instant he was beir'g forced down the rope-ladder
that had been han '11:; from the place. As he was
commencing the escent aided bya couple of his ,
captors. the outlaw leader, removing his mask,
hissed in the Regulator's face:

“ This is what you get for crossing my path l" y

“Put on that mask again, Len Moore," cried
Mark, defiantly; “it becomes you. Black as the
thing is. it is snow white com ared with our heart.
But, your day of reckoning 3 not far d stantl Re-
member my words, you are dwmed—d-oo-m—e-d!”
he almost 5 outed. '

Brave and reckless as he was, the outlaw chief
could not repress a thrill of terror, and he could not
free his mind of the conviction that forced itself
upon him. '

A few minutes more and the outlaw’s fiendish
work had been consummated—Mark'Warlng was
alone in that fearful dungeon With no chance of
egress, his hands still secured behind him, upris-
oner doomed to starvationl /

 

CHAPTER XIV.
ms: ammrons To run mom.

As the shrub gave away, Gil Rey felt himself
olng down, down. into the ragged depths below!
nstinctively he closed his eyes. as if to shut out the

fate awaiting him. But as the chfl receded from the
bottom this somewhat retarded his progress. and‘
clutching wildly the stunted bushes that grew upon
its side, though they would not hear his weight he
was enabled to break the force of his fall. so that.
save some severe bruises, he reached the ravinealive
midi “rhinmfi‘iiz'i f til i his xpected
a y res ng or e momen. .une
escape, the Regulator staggered to his fel t and
leaned against the cliff. But the sound of a stru is
above uickly art-used him and though the bus es
hid all tom view. he felt t at Mark was in trouble; »'
still he was powerless to be] him.

" Peg my bu ttons!" he eyaculated. in an under-

tone, “ but this am the wusserest fix I ever see'd.
Mark‘ll git gobbled up sart'in; an‘ n arl am with no
show to help him. But I reckon I’d etter git u an’
dust, else the varmints ’ll hev my ha'r. Where in

old shooter fall? I guess it am Pu"? we“ bu’lied- ‘

A moment‘s search and the Regulator found

his rifle where it had fallen. sustaining no serious in-
fixry. Then. knowing that he could be of no help to
ark, and that his own safety demanded it, he made

 

 

1‘8 ‘ ' I The Dread Rider.

 

his way down the ravine as fast as possible, while
exercising the utmost discretion.

(Gil Rey was none too soon in his flight. Almost
immediately he found that he was pursued. and a
wild race followed. The outlaws were familiar with
every inch of the ground, and, in ad .ition to
this advantage, carried a torch, which greatly
facilitated their progress. though it at the some

‘ time enabled the Regulator to tell their exact
course, and thus materially aided him.

At last the old mountaineer succeeded in eluding

his pursuers. and he felt that he had escade for at
least a. time. But how should he act? Alone he
could not hope to rescue M'xrk. sup osing he was
living, which seemed very doubtful. c knew of no
better course than to return as ex editiously as pos-
sible to Chesterville for the Regu ators. With this
resolution he left the ravine at the first possible
chance ha f a mile below; and in a circuitous route
commenced to make his way back to the glade,
where Mark and himself had left their horses.
' Afterasomewhat perilous and laborious tramp,
he reached the horses, which he found all l'igh'.
Then. mounting his own and loading the other, be
shaped his course for Chestcrvillc.

It was long before day that Gil Re reached the
Prairie Home: but early as was the our,a crowd
had already gathered there of anxious, excited men.

The Regulator was received with a glad welcome;
but before he was allowed to tell his story, startling
events were related by the others.

Rose Conrad had been mysteriously abducted. No
trace of her cou‘d be found. And her father. M tj »r

' gztller’ald. lay at the point of death, shot by a Capper

ll . 4

No wonder, then that the crowd was excited; no
wonder they hailed the appearance of Gil Rey with
delight. hoping as they did that he might bring the
ke%to the mystery.

hen Gil Rey had told his story, no urging was
needed on the art of the Regulators for an immedi-
ate departure or the Red Lands. All seemed Willing
and desirous for immediate action.

' As Curt Dash was still absent, no one knowing
where he was, the old mountaineer was unanimously
selected as leader and guide.

“ By Rsndel Rock i" said the worthy named for
that particular spot of the globe, “ I‘ll tell yer, boys.
- now we ar‘ goin' fur the Old Nick hissr‘lf. so jess flx
yer old shooters with silver bullets. I hev got mine

I ’ slung slick; an‘ all I ask is to jess git my eye on the

old cuss lon enouoh to plum my Weepon, nn’ ef I
don‘t throw iim co d, then yer km say I’m a black
311' tan fool without enn top-knot, an’ speak my
shooter without enn bin sight. Wachl"

“Pho, Rack!" exc aimed burly Hank Webber. “ I
reckon this ar' chap that slings copper round so
~ plenty is no more or less than an outlaw. A thing 0’

end '11 tote him 011'. I’ll warrant.”

“But- why didn't the cap‘en's?” asked Dandy
Bock. slow? " I‘ll tell yer, Hank Webber, this ar‘
no outlaw, ut a real live spook ov that dead feller

—- nv a strau er.”

’“ What 0 speerits want 0‘ wimmen-folks?" queri-
ed the other.

How Rock would have answered is only to be
guessed, for at this juncture a horseman was heard
' approaching. and m a moment Curt Dash, pale,
ard and ghostly. dashed up to the door.

“ ell boys!” he cried. “ what’s up?”

‘In a few hurried words Curt was told what had
transpired during his absence, and, also, the medi-
tated plans for the future.

_"You are right. boys; we must move at once. I
have come With the very same int=ntions, for Gil is
not alone in his discovery of the outlaws' retreat. as

too, found their den this very night. The abduc-

on of Miss Conrad and the capture of Mark make
immediate action imperative."

" For God's sake, cap’enl what's been the trouble?"
. cried Hank Webber. as he saw the deathly pallor of
their Leader’s face. _

 

“ We of no account now.“ said Curt. “and I am a
fool for showiuzzr it. But.” he arded. slowly, “I can-
not help shuddering as I think of it, though the
danger is safely missed. After rimming the very
gantlct of death from the outlaws, I was pursued
to the edge of yonder elmparral by that fearful
phantom, the Dead Duelist. Every moment Iex~
pectrd would be my last, as I heard the demon’s
mocking laugh; but I have been spared, and I pray
God I mayhve to see the mvstel solved."

A few minutes later the Regu ators were mount-
ed, and speeding away on their mission.

 

CHAPTER XV.
RAFFLE!) AGAIN—RIDING TO DEATH.

UNDER the guidance of Curt Dash and Gil Rey. the
Regulators reached the ravine where their foes were
sufiposed to be reudezvoused, without difficulty.

alf a mile below the cavern, they halted, when it
was decided that a wennnoissanoe should be made
fly in couple of them before proceeding further in a

0L y.

Curt and Gil volunteered their services; and after
agreeing upon a signal should they get into trouble.
311% twain left their comrades for the perilous under-

ng.

Save the twittering of birds. not a single sound
broke the morning stillne<s that hung over the ra-
vme. More like phantoms than human beings, our
Regulators glided noiselessly along, keeping close
under the cliff.

At last the corral was reached, when to their sur-
prise they found that the horses, which were there
the night before, were all gone.

What- did i: mean?

“I am afraid we are too late," whispered Curt;
“ this looks as if the birds had flown."

“Gone off on a rampage, mebbe,” suggested Gil;
“ or p’r‘aps they haiu’t got back frum last night‘s.
S’posen we go up an’ see how it looks. I’m mighty
shaky ‘bout Mark an‘ Miss Rose."

"We may be running into a trap." answered the
chief; “but. be it as it will, I don’t see any better
course. Now, be careful: a single misstep may cost
us our lives.”

As the Regulator ceased speaking. he commenced
the 18.506111: of the path, closely followed by his com-
par. on.

Slowly and cautiously they worked their way
along, until at last they stood at the mouth of the
chasm. No sentinel had met them there. All was
as silent as death within. Should they run the risk
of all‘P danger and enter the cavern of midnight
g oom -

“ We are in for it," whispered Curt. tightening his
belt a notch, and clutching his rifle nervously. as he
stepped down the narrow entrance to the cave.

Brave as the Regulators were. they could not help
shuddering as they entered the fearful place.

“ It is impossible to proceed without a torch," said
Curt, suddenly stopping: “we shall inevntably get
lost in the darkness and perish in this foul den.
What need is there of going further? The outlaws
have doubtless fled. and we shall be obliged to seek
them elsewhere."

“ Bur Mark—p’r'aps we may find some trace 0‘
him. He may be confined in hyar somewhur. Let's
go a little further." _

“All right," answered Curt; “I am With you.”
and again they commenced to grope their way for-
ward, keeping hold upon the ledge on one side to
guide their course.

Slowly they progressed for perhaps a hundred and
fifty feet, when. suddenly, Curt. who was In advance.
ran aminst an angle of the massive rock, which
seemed to bar the passage. _

“ Hold one moment.” said the Regulator chief,
“ while I discharge one of my revolvers.“ ,

For an instant the flash ht up the scene, disclosing
to them a. cavern to the right; and then, as the

The Dread Rider.

19

 

gloom again enveloped the place, the report went
echoing and re-echoing back to the furthest depths,
Seeming to fairly die away in the distance.

‘ Can‘t we find something for a light?” asked Gil.
“ We can‘t it along without one."

“I thong t I saw the sum? of a torch in the
cawrn there. We must find it. '

After considerable diflicuity. they succeeded in
entering the cavern;_when, by flashing some pow-
dr-r. they managed to ignite a quantity of raw cotton
which the carried for wedding. A half-burnt torch
was soon ound. which they quickly lighted.

By the gloomy light of the Iorch, our Regulators
were enabl d to rocoed in their Search; but aftera
half-hour‘s fruit ess labor. they w. re” fnin to give it
up. No trace could be found of their friend; noth-
ing to tell of his fate.

In one of the subterranean cavities they stumbled
u on a forge, around which lay tools of various
k nds. and. scattered about, a few pieces of bogus
coin of the Mexican stamfi).

“ Counterfeiters. as we as robbers and murder-
ersl“ e aculated Curt. _

“Wei , Gil,” said the Regulator chief, at last. “ it
seems folly to search longer Mark is either dead,
or the outlaws have taken him with them. The
boys will think we have got into trouble, and will
be uneasy, so let us get out of this internal region as
soon as possible. Ughl itmakes me shiver all over."

“Mark must be rubbed out." muttered the old
mountaineer. more. to himself than his companion.

“ Yes." assented Curt; “ It seems more than prob-
able. Poor fellow! A nobler man never lived in
She] v. But. Gil Rey. there is a day of reckoning
coming to these fiends in human shape. Mark
Waring‘s fate shall not be forgotten "

“ God bless yer, cap’enl Give us yer paw on
thetl" . _

In the dismal gloom, dimly yislhle by the weird
light of the flickering torch. like grim hantoms.
the two friends clnspcd hands and agree(_ to stand
or fall together in the perilous work of bringing the
rufflan freebnoters to justice. -

Then the Regulators commenced to retracn their
steps toward daylight; and at last the somber dark-
ness was left behind. When in the open air they
breathed easier.

Down the cliff they slowly descended, and suc-
ceeded in joining their an ous comrades without

e ay.

A short distance above where the main body of
Regulators had lain in waiting for their leaders, a
alace was (liscov red where the outlaws went to and
rom the ravine. It was a precipitous and danger-
ous thway, but bore evidence of having been
trave ed by horses. Thus our party sou ht its as-
centto aim the Red Landsabove,whichr ey Wished
to ream, though with what motive they hardly

ew. _
kn'l‘he last Regulator had barely gamed the summit.
when an object was seen to leave the growth a,
quarter of a mile to the north. and rush out upon
the clearing that stretched between it and the can-

on.
y It was a horse and rider, appearing to fly over
the baran waste, while close behind pursued two
other horsemen, telling that it was a stern race for
life or death.

lna moment it is seen that the foremost is awo-
man. Good Heaven! Rose Conrad, fleeing from the
outlaws! _

The discovery. sudden as it was, is followed in-
stantly by another as startling as that was unex-

cted. She has already gained two-thirds of the
distance. and ix riding hire the wind right toward the
yawning rang/0n .’

The pursuers suddenly stop. as if by magic.

With loud shouts the Regulators warn her of dan-
ger. They shriek ain and again for her to stop
or turn aside. But, ceding not. hearing not. in the
wild confusion, their frantic cries. dreaming only
of danger from the rear. she still keeps an and on,

 

faster and faster. nearer and nearer the frightful
precipice!

Their face - blanched to an ashen hue the Regula~
tors see her rushin v on to certain death, powerless
to avert her inovita )le (loom.

Suddenly the forty feet of rocky depth yawns be-
fore her. \\'it h a. startling cry, she realizes her ril,
and tries to check the headlon course of her ing
steed. She trics to turn him as de. -

Too late .’

CHAPTER XVI.
ran snor IN The mum.

VALL DEoKnns. the most self-possessed of all the
Re. ulators. alone saw a chance to save the fleeing
fugitive. A chance which though it seemed but
one in a thousand, instantly called into action his
decision of character.

The moment be saw that their warnings were not
likeiyto be heard. he dashed out from among his
companions, and rode like lightning down to the
point which she must inevitably pass. Then. wheel-
ing his horse. he paused on the very brink of the
{)l‘Pf‘lplcF. facing the depths; and had ust brought

us faithful animal into position, when so Conrad
rule down like the wind.

As she is“ e 3t past. the strong arm of the Regula-
tor encircled ier form. and she was lifted free and
clear from her gallant steed. which. with a neigh of
terror. went over the brink, and down 11 on the
rocks below. a shapeless mass of bone and esh.

With a shout for the heroic act, the others quit-kt
ly rode forward:

“Are you hurt. Miss Conrad?” asked Vail. with
more rmotion than he was wont to show,asthe
fiber was assisted from her rather awkward posi-
IOD. '

“No; thank you; only frightened. But, kind sir.
it is to you I owe my life. How can I ever repay
you? Please accept my thanks. Poor oor Herol
he could not be saved. Wh was I so b ind? 0h, 71
can not helf) shuddering as think of the awful fate
to which was rushing! Again I thank you! I
thank you i”

"Beg pill‘dOll. Miss Conrad, I am more than aid
already. Besides. it was only my duty. I saw t are
was a chance to save you. and I should have been
more than a brute had I not improved it.”

“By gracious, Peter!” exclaimed Dandy Rock
“why couldn‘t I jest thought ov doin‘ that! I'd let
sich a purty one as you ar‘ thank me all day afore
I'd cry noughl" .

“You haw, my thanks all the same. Roe " said
Rose, blushing at the other‘s rude compliment; “1
doi not doubt but you would risk your life to save
m no. ‘

“D’yer hiyar that? Jess bring on the chap thet
myston‘ 1 But it am all fur the best,l s‘pose.
He done it so much more gran: t‘ul than sich a rough
and tumble prairie chick vs I am could. Wei. I al-
ways war the most onluckiest teller that ever were a
topkno't; but it am all owing to the brungin‘ up, I .
s ose.

n the mean while Gil Rey, ever active, followed
by half a dozen of the others. l'ad gone in pursuit of
the outlaws. who had suddenly disappeared from
view on the other side of the clearing.

"Excuse me. Miss Conrad." ventured Curt. “ but
Twould like to ask how you escaped the outlaws?
If I am not mistaken you have been in their hands. -
It was to eflect your rescue that, in part, brought
us here."

“I was seized last night and home of! by Black
Wayne and his followers' but by the aid of Provi-
dence I escaped them this morning, though that
escape came near costing me my life."

, “Perhaps Miss Rose will favor us with her story,”
supplemented Mexican Pete.

n answer to the request, Rose gave the particu-
itan of her abduction and escape, in substance as
o ows: ‘ »

She and her father, returning from Colonel Ray- .

 

    
  
    
  
   
 
   
   
    
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
   
   
 
   
    
 
  
   
 
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
    
    
  
   
      
 
 
     

 

-theRe

. toward the ravine, where the

20 The bread Rider.

 

;

mun’s, when near their own home were suddenly
surrounded and ordered to surrender by half n dozen
dark-visaged men whom they quickly recognized as
some of the outlaws. Refusing their demand. a
shag) strug le ensued between Major Conrad and
the espera oes. In the midst of the contest Rose
felt hersrlf seized. and in s iteot‘ her resistance was
borne away a captive. ot knowing her father’s
fate. and'expecting he had fallen a victim to the out-
laws, she had suffered intense agony, slightly re-
lieved now by the Regulators’ story, which they
were careful to show bright side out.

She was not allowed to dismount from her horse.
but with an outlaw riding upon either side, she was
forced to leave home and friends behind to go with
her captors on a tedious journey to their haunt in
the Red Lands, with a captivity worse than death
staring her in the face.

At last. after miles of weary riding. the outlaws
drew rain, and all but two turned to the southwest.
while they kept on with Rose in nearly a northerly
course.

Thus far since her capture Rose had made no re-
sistance or outcry, knowing it would be useless- but
she was not one to be easily intimidated, and all the
while her mind was devising some way of escape.
When she saw the outlaws separate, and only two
keep with her as guards, it seemed as if fortune was
favoring her. Deceivedb her a parent peaceable
submission. they gradua ly, an perhaps uncon-
sciously, relaxed their vigilance. doubtless thin ing
it im osslble for her to escape. But, soon. she saw
her 0 ance. One of the outlaws had ridden slightly
in advance; the other’s attention was for the mo-
ment diverted from his charge. Quickly she wheel-
ed her horse, and before the astonished captors re-

' covered themselves, she was out of reach of their

fire, fl ng for dear life.

In t a wild ride that succeeded she lost her wa ;
but with the stubborn determination to follow 1 e
race to the bitter end, she kept on and on, until—
Well. the result is known.

“You heard nothing of Mark Waring?" suddenly
asked Dockers. as Rose flnish 1d her stor .

“Mark Waring? has ought befallen lim?" cried
the other. in an anxious tone.

“Alas, Miss Com-ad} we fear it. He was taken by
the outlaws last night, and we are in fearful sus-
pense as to his fate."

“The outlaws made no mention of a prisoner. I
am positive. But. can’t you—can‘t you find any
trace of him?"

“, Ha-ha-ha-a-a-ah-a-h—a-a 1”

Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, the hoarse.

'maniacal laugh fell upon the crowd. During Miss
Conrad's recital. and the conversation that follow-
ed. they had slowly returned to the place of descent
to the ravine. None had seen or heard the ap-
proach of any one. Thus startled by the Ieartul
warning. they were astounded bybeholding not four
rods distant the dreadful phantom, One-Leg, the
Dead Duelist! ,
’ For a moment the dead-alive being gazed upon
the awe-stricken group. his iercing eyes wandering
from one to another, till 0 ey seemed to become
fixed upon Mexican Pete!

With a wild agonizing cr , as if reading his doom,
lator attempted reach his horse, from
which e had dismounted a moment before. But
no: that death-dealing rifle. already stained with
bumanblood was brought to hear u on him. One

,despairlng glance he cast around. oping for an

avenue of escape; but thatgrim muzzle alone seemed
to meet his gaz 5. Then. with the frantic energ of
ng man. he sprung forward, and With a de ant

‘ad
ye] , seized Rose Conrad holding her before him,

completely shielding his orm.
As Mexican Pete old Rose before him, so that a
shot from the strange horseman must inevitabl hit
her before touching him. he commenced to
thway made a
descent practicable. Then the ot ers saw his bold

 

gesggn; but would it succeed without a fearful sacri-
ce

A moment of intense suspenSe, and Pete has gained
the canyon‘s brink; one instant more and he Will be
down its precipitous side. safe lint hold! Another
laugh, and the Dead Duelist glances along the barrel
of his rifle.

Quick as aflnsh Vail Deckers and Curt Dash raise
their rifles but not soon 9110th to ave-rt the im-
pending shot. The quick spang of the rifle, and the
Bullet has gone on its mission; the fatal deed is

one

.One-Leg, the Dead Duelist, had scored another
Victim.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
THE NIGHT-TERROR.
Wrm a wild dz ath-crv. Mexican Pete threw up his

arms, and fell half-way down the cannon‘s bank, .

where a bowlder caught his lifeless body. Rose
Conrad also uttered a sharp, piercin shri ‘k, and
would have fallen back into the dept 5 had it not
been for Dandy Rock R mdel, who sprung forward.
and received her in his arms as tenderly as if she had
been am infant, and carefully laid her upon the green
swar .

In an instant the others press around, with eager,
anxious faces.

“My God! this is terrible!" cried Curt Dash. “Is
she (lead i"

"Dead!" echoed Rock. “ Lord bless ye, cap‘en,
she ain’t even scarred."

The Regulator was right. Rose had not been
touched; and save the fright she had received. was
unhnrt. In a few minutes she was herself again.

" Wal. dog my cats!" exclaimed Hank Weber,
“this ar’ a glad s’prise. But I reckon poor Pete
hain‘t fared so well.“

. “Whar‘s my shooter?" suddenly cried Rock. “ I
Jesssxzant’to try my silver sing on them fire-bails."
u 00

The exclamation was jerked from the Regulator
by the discovery that the mysterious horseman had
suddenly disap eared. In the confusion he had
been temporari y forgotten. and bad silently with-
difiwn, unobserved by all. though it seemed impos-
81 r.

“ Wal. I reckon it am all- for the best," said Rock,
slowly. after a pause; “my narves are all in a stew
now.

“ Hyar, Gus lend us a hand,“ cried Hank; and a
few minutes later the bodv of Mexican Pete was
brought up the bank, and laid upon the level
ground.

A hurried examination of the wound was sufficient
to solve the mystery of Rose Conrad’s escape. and
his sudden death. He had been shot through the
fqrehea !. and thus his head must have been a little
higher than hers, probably in looking over to watch
his enemy; and upon that hair's-breadth the Dead
Duelist. with his unerring skill, had risked and done
so much.

" Well. he 5," said the Regulator chief. as he arose
from the 31 e of their dead comrade " another one
of us has .gone. without asingle blow in defense.
How long Isthis going to continue? Men. we have
too long been inactive. We must do something to
Ettapi this. or the consequences will be upon our own

e s,

“Right. pard," exclaimed Dandy Rock, “give us
ver aw on that. But- l‘ll bet yer my to knot thet

oc Randel ‘ll be the one to lay out het spook.
Waghl“ "

As no one was inclined to accept the wager, Rock
seemed to have the field to himself.

Rose Conrad, nearly exhausted after the trying
scenes through which she had assed. was anxious
to return home. So it was decided that four of the
Regulators should go back to Chesterville with her,
while the others remained in the Red Lands.

Soon Rose and her escort were bidding the other:

adieu. ,H. . . .. ,.

 

     

The Dread Rider.

21’

 

“Well, Rock." she said. holding that worth ’s
hand, “ I suppose you feel better now you and r.
Deckers are even. I can not find Words to—"

“There. there, Miss Rose, don’t. As Vail said. it
war nothin', notli—" and here the speech of the
confused Regulator actually broke down. Evident-
ly, he was not so well prepared to receive his thanks
as he had expected,

As the hoineward bound ones took their depar-
ture, Curt and the olheis turned their attention to
the burying of their unfortunate friend.

_Just as the solemn t'isk was ended, Gil Rey and
his party returned, startled to learn of the fearful
events that had transpired during their absence.

They had ascertained nothing new. The outlaws
had escaped them, though they had traced them as
far as Chester plain, where they lost the trail, and
could not find it again.

“Come, cap'en, what‘s the word?” demanded
Hank Wehber.

“Well.” answered the Regulator chief, after a
Eause. “the outlaws have left here now, it is true;

ut I believe it is only a temporar absence. There-
fore my idea is to scout around iere as quietlv as
possible to-day; and to-night perhaps somet ing
will turn up in our favor. Some of them may re-
turn. and if so. we must he on our watch, and effect
their capture. Then, indeed, we shall be on the
road to success."

 

Slowlv the_hours wore away. till another day had
gone. othing happened worthy of recording; and
at its close the Regulators tethered their horses, and
made a few hasty preparations for a night’s bivoiiac
upon nearly the same spot where Gil Rey met Mark
:Varting the night they discovered the bandits' re-

rea .

Two of their number were absent; and the others
were becoming uneasy, fearing something had be-
fallen them.

Vail Dockers, selecting Gil Re as a companion.
the two had goneback to the out aws’ cave. to search
in its subterranean cavities for some clew of their
missing friend. Since. noon they had been gone, and
Hank Webber and Long Gus were about to volunteer

_ to go in search of their comrades, when, suddenly. a

horseman was heard approaching from the prairie at
a smart can tcr.

The Regulators sprung to their feet. as the rider
dashed into the valley; when, catching sight of them
he turned abru tly toward the Red Lands.

It was Black sync. the masked outlaw.

Curt Dash. the first to act, sent a rifle ball after
the fast receding bandit.

Mounting and riding in hot haste followed. But it
was in vain; for from the beginning the outlaws had
seemed to be endowed with a charmed existence,
and the Regulators doomed to disappointmen'.

The Regulator chief, foremost in the wild- chase,
was last to return. But he had neared the valley.
when 'he sound of a low, mournful cry cause him
to stop. Then. though not a single living 0 iiecr,
man or beast, rave his own. was in sight, he dist nct-
iy heard the hoof-strokes of a horse approach—
paw: him! and then a laugh, the report of a rifle. the
shriek of a dying person. the falling of a body, and
shower laugh succeeded, followed by the stillness of

eat .

It was the exact repetition of what he and Vail
Dockers heard back of the Prairie Home.

Brave and reckless as Curt Dash was. really fear-
ing nothin: in flesh and blond. his face paled to a
ghostly hue. and he actually fled.

CHAPTER XVIII.
mun! noon rains rm: VIRTUE or ms smvnn nUL~
LET—A some or TERROR.
(in. Ru and Vail Deckers are returning.
Soon thnv have‘tethered their horses. and are
about to join their comrades. But suddenly. just by
the edge of the valley, they pauie. Their com-

 

 

panigns watch them in wonder.
men .

_ Out from the growth above bursts the Dead Duel-
ist. On he came right toward them.

As he neared the Regulators, he instantly stop ed ;_,
and though it was then quite dark under the t lick
timber of the bottom. his form was disiinctiy seen.
his movements terribly apparent.

With a laugh. he raised iis rifle and glanced along
its length. Gil Rey uitered a or of terror. for the
weapon was pointed at him. blinding flash—a
dea ening report!

Vail Dockers. seeing his companion’s pet“. with
his quick decision bounded fmward. With almost
su erhuman agility, reached the side of the siren e
l‘i( er. to throw u tho barrel of his rifle. just as t id
shot was fired; i e bullet missed its mark; Gil Rey
was saved.

The nim‘denod fiend turned 11 on Vail. He half-
rfllS‘fl his rule, and then, as if rea izing it was empt ,
Be dastiilf'd Wiloly through the growth for the pr e

eyon

Vail fired after his retreating form, but the shot
seemed to have no effect.

“By Roiidei Rocki“ he cried. as tho horseman
turned from Will; "I’m j<~ss the old coon to doit.
an’ i Willi I know flied ‘ll fetch himl Won't I make
'em spile.’ Now, or neveri Wagh!"

He rushed forward to intercept the Phantom
Rider. Evidently, Rock meant. l‘usiness. He was
geing to risk his fate where. others had failed' try

Yet only for a mo—

the supposed charmed virtue of a silver bulletw ere »

lead would have no effect.

“Hilloa there. Mister S ooki" cried Rock as he
came out upon the edge 0 the prairie directly in the
path of the oncoming rider.

Whether the words, or the sudden appearance of
the Regulator was the cause, the horseman quickly
wheeled to make off in an opposite direction.

“ Hyar, yer infernal Onei yer don‘t git OR in that
way i” shrieked Rock.

As if in answer to the threat. the strange rider
turned and rode swiftly down under the shade of
the timber.

Calmlv Rock awaited the onset. Preathless the
Re ulators in the background watched the scene.

if the horseman thought to intimidate Rock. he
failed; thus, it he was a human. be ngin flesh and
blood. he seemed rushing to certain destruction. for
the Regulator was a good shot. and stood his ground
with rigid determination.

“Take that, old Tearerl" cried Dandy Rock. as.
with quick but certain aim. his finger pressed the
trigger. But to his dismay Iii» rifle hum fire.

“Good God! I‘m a goncri” fairly shrieked the
terrified Regulator, as the grim rider still kept on.
Then. with one dismal howl, he dropped’ his rifle.
and fled for dear life.

The horseman. with a laugh. changed his course a ‘
trifle. and did not attempt to follow his discomflted
assailant. / \

There is a limit even to the bravery of brave men.
Rock. aetiiniiy overcome with fright and running
foil headlong into a thicket. groaning:

" Don'ti don‘t! Mister Stranger! I war in fun! I
didn’t 'tend ter—" . ‘

“ What are you about here?" suddenly asked
Curt Dash. as he and the others reached the spot in
gieason to hear their companion‘s pliifulsupplica-

ons. .

” Ts he g-g-gone?" gasped Rock.

“Yes; this half hour " answered Hank. “ But
what’s the trouhie. Roc ? You look like a 0k;
and what made yer run so?” asked the burly gu-
lator. with a merry twinkle. .'

“ Trouble!" echoed the other. starting to his feet.
“Didn’t ye see‘d me? Arter l'd fixed my rifle‘ with v
a silvnr bullet and primed her slick, she missed! I
tell yer. boys." he added, solemnly, “I know now
thet that thing is a spook. Herearter. he an’ me are
goin’ on two trails."

It was not so much his words as his stranger ‘ i

 

 

The Dread Rider.

   

 

 

solemn. woe-begone countenance, that caused the
roar of laughter which followed.
Suddenly. in the midst of this mirth. death looked

upon the scene and laughed! Death in the shape of
the Phantom Horseman.
' Merriment turned to terror!
Vail Dockers, standing a little apart from the oth-
ers, hastily reloading his rifle. seemed the designat-
ed object—all felt that he was the doomed man!

CHAPTER XIX.
mm or HANK worsens.

“ A HUNDRED dollars to the man who will rid us of
that flendl” cried Curt Dash, as it became evident
that the Dead Duelist was returning. doubtless for
another victim.

“ By Heavens! cap‘n, I’m your mani" exclaimed
Hank Webber. “ I'll rub him out or go under."

As the burly Regulator spoke. he drew one of his
revolvers and lodked carefully to its priming. He
was evidently in earnest, and was then the must
self— ossesse person in the crowd, save perhaps,
Vail eckers. .

“ Do it," said Curt, “ and the money is yours.”

“ Hank Webber takes no blind oath!" came in re-

ly. "He means jess what he saysl” '

The dreadful rider was certainly coming that way
——would soon reach them!

“ Heavens!" gasped a hoarse,
“ s’pose he’s arter me!”

A crash in the bushes followed; and, save his
gelels, nothing was to be seen of Dandy Rock Ran-

 

stifled voice,

3 . _

Bound by superstition’s fearful dread. they watch-

ed the approach of the Dead Duelist, With intense
interest.

“Thank Godl he is going to passl" exclaimed
Long Gus Durrell.

The Regulator seemed right.

“ By heavens, he don’t pass!" cried Hank, with
a look of stern determination. “ He or 1 am goin’
under?” _ .

In silence the others waited the action of their
giant companion.

With his usual lauzh. though with less of menace
in his manner than common, the m sterious horse-

‘ man dashed down near to Vall Dec ers, who stood
his ground without flinching.

Hank Webber. waiting for this moment, sprung
forward right into the demon rider’s pith. clutch-
ing in his right hand a pistol. while with the other
he attempted to seize the roan horse’s head. intend-
ing to check the course of his mounted ‘foe; and
then. inside the ovher‘s fire from his rifle. and his
career. with aclose shot. if he was not more than
mortal. But no obstacle met his grasp, and he stag-
gered headlong. almost under the animal’s feet.

As the Ranger regained an 11 right position, he
saw what he had lost. The mnzz e of that fatal rifle
met his gaze! Death was staring h‘m in the facel
A contemptuous laugh—a cry of terror—a sharp re-
port—and Hank Webber was no' more!

‘* Heavenl” cried Vail Deckers. who had
finished reloading his ride. “your horse is not a

hantom if you arel" and. standing less than ten
eet distant. he fired directly at the roan steed; but,
horse and rider. unhurt—untouche'l—intantly dis-
an r in the timber.

0 move was made to follow him; no one in the
relief of his departure thought or cared to seek his

ra .
“ is Hank dead?" some one ventured to ask.
“Don‘t you know better than to ask that, Bill

Smiley?" half-questioned. half-answered Vail Deck-

ers. ‘ His rifle never missesl"

Then the Re lators pressed around the uncon-

scious form of t eir unfortunate comrade.
- "Boys." said the chief. “ he died for our saknsl
Let’s give him a decent burial." .
An hour later, the mortal remains of Hank Web-
. had been consigned to the dust from whence
' they came.

 

. All this time passed. and no one was aware of the
continued absence of Rock Randal. Then it was
suddenly noticed that he was missing.

Su used. the Regulators commenced a thorough
searc through the surrounding growth for their
frienl. But nothing of him could be found. Still.
thinking- that he had probably only wandered away
and would soon come back. they returned to their
bivouac to seek the rest they so much needed.

Another hour asscd by. and still Rock had not
returned. Curt ash, moving uneasily under his
blanket, saw Vail Dcckers steal away toward the
horses. Curious to learn the meaning of the Ban-
ger‘s singular action, the captain noiselessly fol-
lowed. and saw the other mount his blood-bay
and. crossing the valley. ride away to the
Lands.

“That means no good.” said Curt. as he told his
com anions of what he had seen. “i have half a
[Dilli to follow,"

“Yer might es well try ter foller a rattler,“ re.
plied Gil Rsy. “ He's an old coon he is, on a. trail.
Got an eye jess like a painter‘s. e jess knocks the
%nd lsights ofl.‘ o' ennything this side 0‘ Pike‘s Peak.

M n

" But couldn’t you find anvthing of Mark Waring
today i” suddenly asked the egulator chief.

“ Nary a once. We. s’arched the hull inside 0' the
worlJ, but it war a blind trail. Nary a chip. Mark
er” a gone beaver."

Morning brought not the return of Vail Deckers'
but it did bring a new discovery. Long Gus Durrel
was gone. and not/1mg o/‘hi/n. could be found.

Can we blame the Regulators if they turned th?ir
faces toward Chesterville?

In the mean time. when Rock Randal, suffering
from his severe fright. and really believing that the
Deal Duelist was coming for vengeance upon him,
sought the protection of the forest, he had barely
passed through the thicket, when he suddenly ran
upan an object in his course. which threw him head-
long to the earth. Ere he could regain his feet. a
con le of men rushed upon him. quickly overpower-
ing im in s ite of his resistance, and he was home
away from is comrades, a captive in the hands of
his most dreaded be.

CHAPTER XX.
DANDY ROCK’S ADVENTURE.

NOT a. word was spoken by Rock’s ca tors as they
half carried. half had him away. They ad secured
his hands. but. for their own convenience. had
allowed him the use of his lower limbs. There were
but two of them, and they had done a bold deed.
and done it well. It seemed more likeadream to
the Regulator than reality.

Passing round to the east side of the bluff, which
we have before had occasion to mention, the des-
peradaes at last paused.

“ 01312105 I We have no need to no further. The
gtheEszill nev ‘1' find us. so let us do our work and

e o ‘.

By the moonlight glimmering through the tree-
tops. Rock was enabled for the first timetoget
anything like a. fair view of his captors.
One. as he already knew, was the Mexican,
San Mullre, but the other. a filthv-looking.
burly-framed person of the same nationality. was a
stranger. Both were armed to the tenth. so to

 

speak. and certainlvwere determined I/expeiadoasu

Each held a pistol in his hand, and his lynx-like
eyes. glowin'z like n. panthor’s watching its prey,
never for a moment relaxl-d their vigilance. The
Regulator saw no hope of escape. but resolved to
mlhka the bust of his situation. he exclaimed laconi-
ca v:

“ Wal. old yaller-h‘ide. I hope yer feel butter.”

“MI/(1i! u Methanol“ ( ursed American) “ once
more you are mine!" cried the other exultantly.

"By Hockey, old Grosser, it does look as though

 
  

  

 

 

 

3;.

M

“A's-.4 m...”

 

" -. .sw

MN“?  '

 

 

 
  

 

‘ have his vengeance!"

The Dread Rider.

  

 

you‘d wrung a cold deal on me ennywn . But. 1933
go wait, an' l'll stop ye, same’s I did a ore. see of I
on t. ’

“ 11hr Dion!" exclaimed the Mexican, angrily. “ I
will see that. you don't re eat the thing again. That
shall make me careful. ortune has favored in your
capture, for though Juan and myself wt-re s ying
round your camp to get a she at you. WP. ( idn‘t
think 0 getting you so easily. But for om- tliing we
slicafuldn't have taken the trouble to have brought. you
so ar.

“ Shoo! Wal, would hev suited me jvss as well of
ye hedn't. Sorry to hev troubled ye so. But jcsslet
go, and I won’t bother yer a. minnit longer. Say the
word, and I'm off like a sagc rabbit."

“ Fool! Do you think I lmvc taken all this trouble
for nothing? have one question to ask you. and
then I am done."

“ A q—u—e-stion to ax me? S’posan‘t I won‘t an-
swer?"

“Tizen you die!“ ‘

“ Whew! Then of I spit it out on the s uare, I ken
hev my walkin‘- aplers? Wal. the! am ta kin‘. Jess
heave ahead. 0! ass, with yer axin‘; I feel like
answerln' ennythin‘, from the Gulf to the Rocker
Mount’ins.“

“Tell me"—and the Mexican seemed terribly in
earnest—“is that strange-looking horseman. with
one leg the rider 0f the roan steed, in league with
Brad Wayne and his outlaws. or is he one of the men
called Regulators i"

H Whoa H

“ Dogi another 01' like that. and I’ll brain you!"

“ ‘Scuse me. part ; I forgot. But I’m Jess the
old coon to tell yer all yer want ter know ‘bout thet
spook. Thct‘s what tickled me so, an’ made me
holler."

“ OMIfira.’ Who is he?"

“This old prairie chick nr‘ just the beaver that
knows. He knows like a book. But what makes ye
so mighty anxious ‘bout him? Any relation?"

“ aura/Izth ' He killed a friend. I have sworn
that he sha die, though he is Brad Wayne's own
brother."

“That’s right, old Grosser. heave ahead; an’ I
want ter be round when thcr fun’su . I reckon I've
had some 'spcrionce thar myself. nock him over;
it be jess fun.”

"But who is he?" and the question was repeated
with increased earnestness.

" Jess undo my paws. andlmebbe I'll feel like tell-
ing. I don’t want ter take enny advantage ‘uv you
’spindlin‘ leetle teller; but..as ye’r'l two on I in one,
jess give me one uv my shooters an‘ a tooth-pick.
an' I’ll tell er all yer want ter know ‘bout him, an‘
more. too.’

“Dog of an Americani” hissed the Mexican, “ I
am not trifling!” _

“But yer sed ye w'u'd let me free ef I would an-
swer yer question. Now. I'm ready ter keep my
word. *Cut ther rope.’

“ Never!" ,

“Wildcats! But warn‘t ye in arnest? I war."

“1 have decided that you shall be thrown off yon-

der precipice, and upon the canada’s rocky bottom
your mangled carcass will be food for the buz-
zards."
While a strange look gleamed from his eyes.
Rock’s countenance seemet to elongate full, two in-
Ches,as he heard his condomnationand gaze toward
the canyon, less than two rods distant. ‘

“ Then I’m to answer yer question an git nothin‘
fur it? Yer ter hev all ther fun, an' I‘m to do the
work. This coon don’t hi'ch."

“ San Mullre don‘t forget nor forgive. He will

“By Randel Rock! I like yer pluck. old yailnr-
skin. But I reckon two can play at thet game. This
beaver don’t shell—"

“ Oh-oh-o-o-h-oh i"

In an instant Rock's whole demeanor had changed.
Withafearful contortion of the face, he was sud-

 

 

   

dgiéiuy'sbent nearly doubleI groaning and shrieking in
a l .
“ Oh! I’m a cum! I'm ldlt! Oh my! rubbed out!

gone under! hl—oh—o—help! hel—"

" C'mwmba.” cried San Mullre. “What is the
matter?"

“Oh! cramps! I'm subject—oh—to‘eml I hev

’em—oh—awfullyi Can‘t yo—oh—l‘m a gone suck-

crl" and all the while he was thrashing to and fro in

the wildest agony. His captors keeping as near to

him as possible were powerless to help him. Sud-

denly he fell headlong to the earth upon the canyon‘s

very brink! Another foot and he would have gone

over. Then. with spasmodic twitching and erking,’
he finally contiacted himself into a heap a ter the

fashion of an opossum. and not a muscle moved.

“ V'fllVIIITIlB Dias / The (log is dead i" cried Mnllre.

Quickly reaching the spot, the twain bent low over
the curlPd-up form, when suddenly like an arrow
from apent-up how. a air of heels s iot through the
air. striking the larger exican full in the stomach.
and hurling him hoe!» into the canon. to full upon the
rocks forty fret below! Thou. quick as a flash, the
Regulator was upon his feet. and with all his power
threw his body forward against San Mullrc, who.
thh a wild death-shriek, followed his accomplice
over the prod ice.

“Whoop! w mop!“ shouted Rock. forgetting that
he might love other foes in the vicinity. forgetting
all else in his sudden ti'ium h. and fairly dancin
for excitemt-nt. “ How‘s {but for cramps. 015
Greasersi I reckon yer plans hev changed! Can't
fool Rock Randel so easy. if he is subject to cramps!
whoop! But. good-by. old smokyskinsi lon rest
to ye! I’m goin' to git my paws undid. see n' ye
won’t do it!" '

Well might Rock go on his way rejoicing, for he’ _

had played a sharp trick. and did‘ it successfully.

 

CHH’TER XXI.
wno sno‘r manLf

Iris the night following the scenes we have not
related. The RP iiators have gathered again at
Long Gus Durrel has not rcturncd—never will! His'
lifeless bodv has been found this afternoon on Ches-
ter lain! ark Waring has not come back! Noth-
ing as been learned of his fate!
not been seen since the night before. He has prob
ably either fled the country. or fallen a victim tothe
Dead Duelist!
never come back iii! the grave gives up its dead.
Rock Randel, as we may suppose. came in good
spirits. spite of the frequent hints and remarks con-
cerning “silver bullets. ’

Some ten or a dozen are gathered at the Prairie
Home, holding an animated discussion; the sole»
theme of their talk He events of the few prst days.

“ Was Gus shot with a cop r bullet f" asks one.

“Yes.” answers True Bil , who had been one of-

the end. same’s all the rest."

“This beaver don’t chip the trail. he don‘t!" ex-
claims a. tall, raw-boned Regulator, savoring strong-
ly of the mountain air. “ Ef tharhain‘t sum h‘anlift-

ln‘afore long. this chilo ‘ll cache.he will! or be  ‘

thrown cold. This coon don‘t be ’possum fur enny
sneakin‘ coyote. be he Digger. Blackfoot. Greener.
or ennv furrin gnloot. D'ye hynr now? ' I‘m half-'
froze for h’ar! So shin up. old hossesl" ‘

The last is directed to the group around him.,
gs the speaker seeks relief from his trouble at the

or.
The men have barely gathered at the bar when . -

they are startled by the abrupt entrance 0 some
one at the door. They turn; itis Rock Randal. ‘But

why is he so excited?
“Boyees!” cried the im tuous Regulator, “I
have made a diskivery. I now the hull mystery]

l‘ve azkss'overheerd a talk in ther chaparral, an' 1—"

I‘ .
The report of a manddenly reads the air.
:. ‘ \ 1

/

Val! Dockers has _ .

Mexican Pete and Hank Weber will 

the arty to find the Ranger‘s body; “ plum through, 7 V V-

\

      
  
     
 
    
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
   
     
    
  
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
  
 
    
  
  
  
   
   
    
    
  
   
  
   
    
  
  
 
    
   

_ ?

    

 

24 " ' The Dread Rider.

 

 

    

With a c 01 pain. Rock presses his hand upon
his side, an falls heavily to the floor.

Listening to the Regulator‘s s )eech, the crowd
had not seen a hand part the to ds of skin. which
hangs in lieu of a door between the bar-room and
that adjoining, had not seen a man with a cocked
pistol. and a pair of glarin eyes in the background.

“ Good God!" cries True ill, “ Rockis shot dead l“

Then, with wild shouts and angry ones, the men
rush for the room from whence the shot had been
fired. But no one is there, though an open window
seems to tell how and where the assassin has flown.

“Our, men. and after him !" cries Curt Dash.
“Don‘t let him escape! Hal what is that?"

The captain has suddenly seen a dark obj ‘ct lying
on the floor. He picks it up. ’Tis a black m talc !

:"By timel" exclaims Gil Rey, “it war done by
Black Wayne. es true es I’m a livin’ oeaVer!" ,

“ Come, men! we will find him if such a thing is
possible! He can‘t escape, if we do our duty 1”

A moment later, and but three men are left in the
Prairie Home. True Bill and another have remained
b Rock, and are trying to dress his wound, which
13 By flnd deep and—well, they hope not fatal,
though that hope hangs upon a slender thread. He
has not returned to Consciousness yet, and the are
almost dreading it will be but the etc to eternity.

It seamed impossible for the our aw to escape.
The Regulators had not delayed in their action; but
so e had sought hasty egress through the window
ot ers, out o the door. They had surrounded the
house, searching it and the outer-buildings. The
had scoured the plain, and hunted the cliapnrra .

hey had not forgotten the river- rowih, or any
k'ann place of refuge. Some lia mounted their
horses, and ridden beyond the Rio Burte; others
had hastened to the village and routed the settle-
ment. But nowhere could they find their man;
nothing could they find to tell the mystery of his

! escape.

Even the sluggish Orman Burley joined in the
chase. Mounting his iron gray, he was one to ride
tothe river. But he has not been better rewarded
for his trouble than the others; and at last he turns
his horse for home.

Orman Burley, returning to the Prairie Home, is

» passing over the very same path that Curt Dash and
’all D:ckers were on when they heard the Phantom
Rider. But he is not dreaming of danger, as he
rides l isurely' along, when suddenly he feels or
seems to feel, that a horseman is silently following
him! Quickly turning in his saddle, he sees. to his
horror that he is followed, not by a real horse and
rideri but by the Dead Duelist, upon his phantom
roan

With a Startlin cry, he spurs his horse forward.

, ho ing to esca e yflight; but an invincible power

ckly seizes im. and his onward course is quick!
,0 ked. That fearful form is riding right by his

‘ side, That long dark rifle is lying across the pom-

,, ’ me] of the saddle. its muzzle within six inches of his
person. Look which way he will, and those piercing

’ orbs seem to be gazing him in the face. Never

.. truly courageous, he now trembles like an aspen.
‘ Every moment he expects will be his last. But

suddenly a horseman is heard approaching. Some
one is coming, and he will be saved. Hope—nay,
despair! It pi'eci itates the crisis. He sees the
fatal weapon raise ; he reels in his seat; he uttersa

Ilia , and falls to the earth. His horse gallops

madly on. The rider rapidly approaches. A laugh

—a shot—a shriek—the cluttering of another fleeing

horse-and all is blankl

CHAPTER XXII.
scones IN COUNCIL.
/ Nmn-r, with all its solitude and gloom, still hangs
over Chesterville.

Around the Prairie Home, where but a few short
‘houra before occurred the tragedy which we have
already narrated, there seems now nothing of life.
No light summers tron: within; none or its inmates

 

stirring. But. in spite of all this, two men are in the
bar-room—two men, alone in the moonlight, sitting
near together, consulting in hurried whis rs.

“ For God‘s sake, Tom, what’d on see "

They are the first words that iave been spoken
aloud, and the answer comes in the same tone:

“ What I pray to God I may never, never see
again.”

When we see that the first speaker wears a dark
mask, we know it is Black Wayne, the outlawed des-
perado. the terror of Shelby county. By his voice,
we jud e, yet can hardly realize, that the other is
iii.“ old mend, Orman Burley, keeper of the Prairie

ome.

“But, Tom. your hair is snow-white, and you look
ten years older than you did at sunset.“

“ I know it! I know it !” gasps the one addressed
as Tom. B the moonlight we can see that his hair
is 7‘ ally w zle. He can‘t be Ornian Burley, for Ilia
was jet-black only a few hours ago.

“It was fearful! it was fearful! ‘ he continuos.
“I saw him! and as true as you live, Dick Morgan, I
never expected to get back here again.”

“ Well. ’ said the other. after a pause, “the line
grows shorter and shortc '; the circle smaller and
smaller. There are only R111 h and you and me."

“And my turn comes nex . I feel it, I know it,"
groans Tom.

“Come. come, Tom Hanson, brace up and be a
man. This is no time for sniveling.“

"Don‘t blame me, Dick; don’t blame me. But
that cursed Red Rivor affair has ruined us. Oh,
God. why did we ever do it?"

“ Fool!" exclaims the other, angrily, “ cease your
prating. You forget that we are me n—bold, deter-
mined men! Why need we fear? Have we not the
chance to escape if we will? I, for one. defy the
Whole of Chesterville, as far as that is concerned."

“But what do you ronose. Dick? We have got
to act at once. or it Wil be too late."

“ What 'do I propose? Why, to get out of this as
quick as possible."

"But my property! You must remember I can-
not take t is th me. And our gold?"

“Propert be hanged! Do you weigh it beside
your life? ut this is no time to talk of that."

“Then we must flee again, wandering outcasts!
But if I escape this, you will find me henceforth a
different man."

“You can do as you please in the future; that
is immaterial to me. But I warn you, if lyou go
towiard the States, don’t stop this side of t e Mis-
SISS pi.

“ ever fear for that, Dick. But hadn’t we better
keegvtogether?" .

“ by so? Each man for himself in times like
this. It will be better for us to separate, though we
part to never meet again." '

“ i suppose you are right, Dick; but somehow my
courage is all one."

“Brace up. om—brace up! we shall soon be out
of this, safe and sound."

“I wish I could think so.“ the other said, sadly.

“Your chance is asgood as mine. and mine is as
good as any,” replies is companion. encouraginglv.
" Mark my word, I shall escape; and I see no earth-
ly reason why you shouldn't. But it is time we were
moving. While all is quiet, we must away. I agreed
to meet the boys at the chaparral, and it is time I
was there."

“ Then you are going to have an escort to protect
you?" asks the other almost reproachfuily.

“An escort?" laughs the other; “no, unless you
consider a woman such. But Bessie Raymun is go-
ing with me." I _

‘ Bessie Raymun gomg With you!" echoed Tom.
incredulously.

The outlaw laughs.
“ But has she consented?“
Again the masked man is he.

 

” Do you think I would “13% for that? No. But
the boys‘li have her ready for me,"

 
     

DBL

   

     

 

v.
'E


 

... ,J. mag—M“ "

. «p .m, nu.

 

The Drum! Rider.

“ Then you are oing to take her.”

“Though it cos s me my life, I will never leave
Chesterville without taking h-r with me."

“Well. colonel, do rs you please; but as for me,
I‘ll have no woman to bother with.”

“All right " assents the outlaw. “Come! I sup-
Egse you Wlil take £our horse. I shall take the one

longing to Curt ash. Hal won‘t the Regulator
be mad when he. misses it?" And once more the
bandit laughs, as if the thought is humorous.

Silently ihe twain'seek the door, and as silently
glide out into the night. Under the silvery beams
of the clear full moon. it is nearly as light as day.
Swiftly the make for the stable, arjoining the
“Home.” ut, suddenly, a low, discordant augh
chesks them in their course.

Good Heaven! the very fiend from whom they are
hoping to escape, the insatiable avenger who is hunt-
ing them to death, stands in their path.

Para] zed with terror, they are powerless to move
or speai; but with blanched faces and trembling
limbs aze upon the fearful being—their fate! Both
know t at one is doomed! and each feels he is the
one.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
A srAnrtiNG DISCOVERY. -

Tm: rider, as if enjoying the situation. slowly
raises his fatal weapon! Then, the piercing eves
select their victim, the livid scar resses the rifle-
stock. the nervous fingers clutch t e trigger, and a
sharp report tells the rest.

A mocking laugh, und the demon is gone.

“Thank God! I have rscaped once inorell’ex-
claims the outlaw. “ But I woulll not undergo that
again for the world. Still I must not forget that he
is close on my track! He is on the right trail now!
Ralph and I are alone! But before the rising of to-
;Inorrgw’s sun, we will be leagues and leagues from

ere. , .

As soon as possible the outlaw leads from the
stable Curt Dash‘s powerful dark bay gelding, the
fleetest horse in all Shelby, save Val! Dvcker‘s blood-
bay, now worn with hard riding, and the roan steed
of the phantom Dead Duelist.

“Good-by. Prairie Home!" he murmurs as he
springs into the saddle. “Good-by, Ches erville!
good-by. forever! Though my stay has been brief.
and filled with painful experiences, I hate to leave

on. But with me goes your fair 1st light, and, per-

a 5, our darkest shadow.”

'Fhe {audit rides away. his keen vision glancing in
every direction. fearing. he hardly knows what.

Soon he pauses near the edge of the Chaparral,
but not a single living object is to be seen.

“I must be too late,” he multers. “They have
certainly come, are this. Ha! a rifle-shot! Anothgar!
and another! By heavens! something is wro g!
The boys are in trouble!”

Shouts and shrieks are heard. They come from
the direction of Col. Ra mun‘s hacienda.

Without hesitation. tie outlaw gallops madly on
toward the hue and the cry of battle.

That the reader may better understand the situa-
tion, we beg permission logo hack into tho am; to
the time when the scene in our last .chap r was
occurring. Then a party of men riding mm the
west paused by the edge of Chester Chaparral. A
man stealing through the tangled brush growth saw
them as they drew rein. The horsemen were Black
Wayne’s outlaws; the other. G1! Rey. "

“Egad! thars some devntrv afoot! soliloquized
the Regulator. Then,- he cautiously ore t forward
near enough to hear some remarks, whic told him

Soon he was hurrying to the settlement, and rally-
ing the Ran ers from their homes.
Outside t e grove in front of Colonel Raymun‘s
hacienda the foes met.
As the outlaw leader nears the place alr ad
s clued he finds that his worst fears are realize .
followers attempting the forcible abduction of

. their business and destination.

 

28

Bessie Raymun have brought the Regulatorrand it
seems the whole of Chesterville down upon them.
Ever where the conflict seems ra ing.

_“ is is a pretty go!" he hissed between his
clinched teeth. " Ihave a mind to let the fools fight .
it out themselves. They are nothing to me now! \
But stay! I must have hr 1”

With the words he rides on a few rods, and reaches
the border of the grove. Then. almost undecided
which way to turn be siackens the pace of his horse
to a walk. Under the shade of the trees, it is quite
dark—so dark that he does not see the form of a
man crouching near the trunk of a tree but a few
feet distant, as if waiting his coming.

“ B heavens! the boys have got their hands full!
IfI uld gether, [must work ere it is too late!”
he cries. striking his rowels deep into the sides of
his spirited animal.

A snort of terror, and the high-mottled steed
bounds forward; when. suddenly, a grasp upon the
bridle almost hurls the horse back upon his
haunphes.

Qiuck as lightning almost, the assailant draws a .
pistol. and low-ling it at the other. fires. But b a,
sudden movement of his head, the horse receiyves
the fatal charge instead of its rider; and, with a

shiill cry of pain, falls forward, in the throes of . 

death.

Dexrei‘ously freeing his feet from the stirrups the
masked outlaw springs to the earth unhurt. Then -
the two men close in fierce, deadly combat.

To and fro, back and forth they struggle in the
darkness. Once we saw the outlaw at a disadvantage,
but now he has gained more than he had lost; he is
above! be is about dealing tl’e fatal blow when he is
hurled back. A quick blow follows and with quiver-
inglimbs, a man falls pror 9, up« n the ground:st in
a moment the victorslnggers to his feet. We recog-
nize Curt Dash, the R92 ulator chief. (

Hearing some one passing just as he regains his
feet, Curt hails him. and a moment later half a'
dozen Regulators have gathered around the place.

“What‘s the trouble, _mp‘en ?" asks the fore-
most none other than Gil Rey.” . _

“ Nothing. Gil," answered the chief; “only Ihave
just had astussle with the masked outlaw, and he
came near geiting the best ot me." I ‘

“ Had a scrimmage with Black Wayne! Whatlthet '
him i” cries the Regulator, us he catches Sight of the  ‘
outlaw’s prostrate form.

“Yes; but I do not think he is dead:
better secure him before he recowrs.‘

“I reckon so, too, on 'en. But fu'st I‘m.goin’ to 
take the old chap’s va 012. Pm mighty curlous'to
know how he looks.” _ . '

Suiting the action to his word. the mountaineer.
tears ofl the outlaw's mask, when the mrprioed

mnrd gaze upon the white. upturned face qf Vail 

Di alters .’

 

CHAPTER XXIV. \
THE onus warm on ALL. v
“11' is as I have 10 ihought—VallDeckers.rthe
Regulator, and Black sync, the masked outlaw,
are one and the same person "

It was Colonel Raymim who uttered thespeech, as "i

he joined the excited group

“ I, too, have long expected it." supplements Curt, 4
Dashi “ but having no proof dared no give it utter- ‘
once. ’ ‘

“What is it? Who is it?" cries a voice from the “

rear of the group. \

Some one answers—

“ ’Tis Brad Wayne. the masked outlaw."

“ Lynch him!"

“ Shoot him i”

“ Rope him !”

These are the cries taken 11 by the excited crowd,
as they realize that their readed toe. the outlaw
leader of Shelby county is at last in their power. ..

As if realizing his peril, the bandit suddenly shows-

signs of returning consciousness, and soon rallies,

and youihad ‘. - 

 

 

 

   
 
  
 
  
  
    
    
  
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
    
 
 
 
   
  
   
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
   
  
    
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
 

 

’ mg] t to rescue her.

i > he deserves at sunrise.

 

86

The Dread Rider.

 

 

starting half-wa to his feet. with a scared. hag ard
look. It is wit the greatest difficult .that urt
Dash, aided by Colone Raymlin and ‘leey. can
kee the infuriated mob from tearing him limb from

“Back there, men!" commands the Regulator
chief; “gustice shall be done at the proper time."

Awed y their leader's voice. the Ran ers shrink
back and the outlaw breathes more free y.

“Where is Colonel Raymunf"

The gluestion comes in a quick. abrupt way from a
man w 0 had joined the group.

" His daughter cannot e found! She is gone I"

“ Bessie gone!” cries the father, in an anxious,
agonizing tone.

The outlaws had been beaten. and, all had sup-

osed completely routed before they had done any

m. Three of their number had been slain, and
the others had fled as Gil Rey said. "like mountain
sheep." But they had accomplished their object,
, though it was learned only too late.
. “The outlaws have doubtless abducted her.“ Curt
at last said. " But cheer up, colonel; we will rescue
, her before she comes to harm; I will stake my life
for that.“

“ Thank you, Captain Dash, for the comfort your
words give me. Do it, and you shall never regret
the trouble."

“I can never rest until it is done; and. what is
more, I will not .I”

The colonel, nearly overcome with emotion.
gasps the hardy Ranger‘s hand. Though over-
adowed b a heart sorrow, it is the happiest mo-
ment Curt ash has ever known in all his checkered

e.
“Come. boys,"—turning to the Regulators—“l
will help you take the outlaw to the Prairie Home;
then I must leave you.” '
“ Be careful of yourself, ca tain—be careful. I
know you will not spare a sing a. effort in your at-
God grant you success.“
might, colonel' when I meet you again it
'wil! be to restore your aughtt-r."
Soon the Regulatom. with their prisoner in charge,
are on their we to Chestervllle.
I The Prairie ome, selected as the most fitting

v !’ place to keep the risoner. is soon reached.

.. In response to t eir summons at the door, silence
alone answers.

Where is Burleyf is ,the question formed upon
every pair of lips; but before it finds utterance, the
body of the Dead Duelist‘s victim is seen lying a
short distance of!

- No need to inquire more for Orman Barley.

In silence they turn from their lifeless friend, and
quickly force an enti'ance into th building.

“Well. boys,” says Curr. “ I must leave you now.
Don't let the outlaw escaBe you, but give him what

on" delay longer.”

"Hold on, cap’n," cries Gil Rey—“don’t 0 alone.
.Some 0‘ us can be spared, who’d be right g ad to go

" with on "

"T ask you, but Iam impatient to be off. You

come as soon as you choose after taking care of

onder brute. if [don‘t return before, meet me at
he Black Gulch two hours after sunrise."

Without another word the Regulator chief hurries
to the stable. leads out Vall Dnckers’s blond-hay.
mounts him. and rides away for the Red Lands.

, Toagood portion of Chestervllle sleep is a stran-
ger to-nifiht. and the minutes drag away like hours,
save to t e outlaw under strong guard at the Prairie

Home, awaiting his doom. sullen and silent.

Curt Dash has been gone scarcely twenty minutes,
when a horse gallops madly up to the Prairie Home.
all flecked with foam and panting for breath ;' ‘Lls
Becker's blood-bav.

Like .wildfire it spreads. but nothing can be found
of its rider. the Regulator chief. -

Two hours later. or ust as the first rays of day-
liéht are falling upon helby. Colonel Raymun and

Rey. passing out of the growth northeast of the

chaparral see a lot of dark objects rising and falling
from one articular spot on the plain. Half-realiz-
ing what hey are to find, the twain hurry to the
place; and as they near it a flock of vultures, with
angry screeches. fl away from the form of a man,
alrea 1y disfigured y their filthy beaks.

“My God! ‘tis Curt Dash!” cried Colonel Raymun.
first to recognize the body of the Regulator chief.
He had been shot, and the livid hue of the Wound
tells by a copper bullet.

“Terrible! terrible!“ almost groans the colonel.
“What next?"

Well may Colonel Rnymuu ask the question. Nine
of Chesterville‘s sturdiest men have gone down in
this same mysterious way. two others are on the
brink, and still two more are missing, witn fates un-
known. and another has been found It traitor. an
outlaw and a murderer. His own child, too, isin
the clutches of unprincipled foes. This is the
darkest hour Chesterville ever knew. May it be
that which precedes the dawn.

CHAPTER XXV.
ran DELAYED EXECUTION.

BLACK WAYNE is a captive at the Prairie Home.

. Around the building in which the outlaw is con-
fined a great crowd has centered. A crowd not
only anxious and excited, but furious.

“Bring the outlaw out! bring him outl
to see him 1“ cries one of the mad throng.

“ Yes! yes!" comes the chorus.

A dozen stalwart men rush forward for that
pur ose.

“ old!“ commands Gil Rey, standing in the door-
way, holding his rifle in his hands, with unwavering
determination; “the first man who tries to enter
here dies! Cap’n Dash said he should swing at sun-
rise, and swin then he. shall! But I say that he
sha’n't be touc ed afore; and to do it ye must walk
over my dead body 1"

“Shoot ‘em both!“

“Lynch ’em!”

“Rope rem!”

Such are the cries taken 11 by the infuriated mob
till it seems as if they wi! tear the building to the
earth, to accom llsh their purpose.

But. once Gil y has made up his mind. all Shel-
by cannot move him. The crowd knows this, and
no one seems to be willing to risk his life as the first
mover in the attempt.

“What do on mean, Gil i" cries True Bill, who
has succeeds in gaining the mountaineer‘s side.
“Why don‘t you let ‘em take the varmlnt out, an‘
give him what he deserves?“

“ Time enough, Bill. Cap’en Dash said rope him at
sunrise; an’ then I’ll be one to help do it."

“lint why wait till then? They are getting on-

atient: an‘ ‘sides, we warnt to go on ther trail.

e are a fool, Gil Rey! an' look out ye don’t git
rubbed out fur this."

Without seeming to notice the insolont speech-
almost threat—of his quondam friend and com-
panion. the mountaineer replies:

“ I don‘t care at Vail Deckers is the meanest out-
law in all Texas; he saved my life yesterday, an' I
ham‘t forgot it yet. He’s mere! asked to live to see
the sun use once more, an” he s all, or Gilman Rey-
nnlds don'tl"

“ Ye promised him thet, Gil!"

it  ‘I

“Then I'm with ye."

_Without another word. Bill takes a position by the
side of Gil Rey, and the two face the crowd in defi-
ance, though it seems like facing death. But the
mob, as if awed by this cool and determined bra-
very. gradually becomes less furious.

Still the abatement proves but a lull. Others con-
tinually joining. add fuel to the flames; and soon the
clamor bursts forth again with increasing fury.

Inside the building. the prisoner trembles as he

We want

 

hears the furious outcry. He realizes that there is

 

 

  
           
 

 

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The Dread Rider.

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no hopel Even if the crowd is stayed until sunrise,
it will be but a few minutes now.

f‘hqlan’t you make any terms with them?" he asks
o i .

" N01” comes in reply.

“Tell them I want a moment‘s talk with you.
Then they can do their worst."

A shout of deriSion is the only answer to the. re-
quest.

“ The mm is rising!“

With the cry the mad horde rush for the door.

Gil Rey has ke this word. But, a moment later,
lie is swept asi e aud the outlaw is dragged out,
like a beast to itss aughter.

Without dela the doomed man is carried beneath
the live~oak. hen a r pe is iioosed around his
neck. There has been no thought of ‘giving him a
trial, for none seemed needed; and no eVen giving
him a chance to say a single intelligible word, the
excited crowd rush the terrible races-dings. The
rope is thrown over a limb of su cient hight, and
wi ling hands seize it. ready for the signal to swmg
their victim into eternity.

With a despairing loo , the outlaw turns upon the
crowd, and seems about to speak, when the fatal
word is given, and the cord straightens. But sud~
denly a wild, unearthly laugh sends a thrill of ter-
ror through the throng, and the men holding the
rope, as if paralyzed, (use. It mmmfrom the m-aoe
oft/I8 Dead Duelist]. oon the hoof-strokes of aliorse
are heard agproachiug—coming nearer and nearer,
and still no orseman is in sightl Nothing but empty
space meets their gaze

Near to the crowd the horseman seems to stop.
Then another laugh and the span” of a rifle breaks
upon the air, uickly followe by a she , piercing
cry, and then t e hoof-strokes seem receding—going
further and further away, till the finally near the
lsolitary grave by the chaparral, w on they instant-

y cease.

Awhile the crowd is literal] stupefled. The out-
law awaitin his doom is now t e most self-possessed
man under t e live-oak. V

The people have nearly recovered from their
shock, and are about to return to finish the execu-
tion, when again. as if fate seemed bent on delaying
the deed, hoof strokes are heard; and then a horse
man is seen coming over the plain near upon them.
This is no phantom. The horse bears _a double bur‘
den. One is a women, quickly recognized as Bessie
Raymun. The other is a man. and—it can’t hel—if
we had not seen him lying cold and stark on Ches-
ter plain scarcely thirty minutes since, we would af-
firm that it 3'8 Our! Du !

CHAPTER XXVI.
i THE DEAD DEAD AT ms'r.

SPELLBOUND the anxious crowd watches thea -
proaehing riders as they rapidly near them. 0
one thinks now of the outlaw; and thus he is per
mitted an unexpected reprieve. The'woman is cer-
tain] Bessie Rnymun; and though it brings joy to
relatfves and friends it is hushed bythe appearance
of the other. In every look and bearing the man is
the exact protothe of their friend, Curt Dash. now
no more. Has the Regulator chief come back from
ms gaizeéurt Dash, or I’m a trapped beaver!" ex-
claims Gil Rev.

" It is Curt 'Dash i" critehs the crowd.

‘ odis utin e no .

Efr‘leislant mgrnliiii- to anti” greats the Regula-

t h f. with a smi ng coun enanc . _

of: the scene which follows, eager friends and
relatives press around the returned couple, in un-
f .

eég'gggnjlgyaodl thank God. Bessie! you have been
spared to return unharmed!” cries the nearly over-
oyed father, as he presses his daughter to his

roast.
“Yes. father; through the bravery of Captain
Dash." .

 

“Right, Bessie!" and the colonel turns to grasp
the Regulator‘s hand. i

“ Ah, Colonel Raymun,
my word," says Curt. as t e other holds his hand.

“Most nobly, Captain Dash. most noblyl" cries
the colonel enthusiastically: “but, ex lain to me
one thing, ca tain. how in the name 0 heaven do
I behold you mm in flesh and blood, when I saw you
less than an hour a o lying on Chester lain, dead?"

" Beg pardon, co onel, but I do no understand
you. You s eak in riddles.”

Then in a ew, hurried words the colonel tells him
what has transpired—how the had found a lifeless
body on the plain. food for vu tures, and positively
identified it as his.

“ There is some mistake." replies Curt as the other
finishes; “ of course it could not have been me."

" ’l‘hen, who was it?”

“I must plead ignorance," answers Curt; “havo
ing never seen my counterpart, I am in the dark as
to his identification."

“ A truce to this!” exclaims Colonel Raymun.
“Let's have the captain‘s story; perhaps that will
give some explanation.”

“l assure you I can throw no light on the mys-
tery," de« lares Curt: “ beSides. I l ave but a little to
tell.” he adds modestly.

Seeing that his story is really desired, however,
the Regulator chief narrates it as follows:

“I had not gone far, after leaving the Prairie
Home, before the horse which I had taken,Deckers’s
hay, as my own had been taken by the outlaw. began
to grow uneasy and almost refused to . advance.

‘1‘ At last. thinking something must be wrong about
his bit, I dismounted, to arrange it more satisfac-
torily, and if possible to remove the trouble. when,
with a sudden jrrk, be freed his head, and virllieeling,
gallo ed madly hack leat in: me afoot on t a plain.

“ nowing it woul be useless to continue on foot,
I was cominz back. when suddenly, as if aGod’send,
I saw a stra horse on the rairie not far away He
was all so died and bri ed. and with but little

troublel succeeded in catching him. This is the 

same one, and I am inclined to think he had been
ridden by the man whose body you thought was
mine. .

“Once more mounted, I turned toward the Red
Lands, and nothing interrupted in course again un-
til I neared the border, when asi arismg from the
earth, the Dead Duelist stood before me.

“ My first thought upon heholdmg the‘apporition,

was to turn and flee; but i saw that he meant to

shoot me, and I knew I could not escape b flight.

Suddenl athought flashed through my 111 ndrand ’_
ly as p0ssible I raised my rifle, and. aiming .

as uick
dirgctly at his head, instead of his body as we have
always done before, fired, just before he brought his
wea on to a level. »

“ oys, after having seen that demon bame us so
many times, you can iiidge of my surprise .and sells-
faction. when lsaw iim drop his long rifle midis--
charged, and fall from his roan Head .’ ’

At this Juncture, the liuslte
fallen upon the crowd, is suddenly broke n h a pro-
longed shout of triumph, repeated again an again.

“This,” continues Curt. as soon as he can make
himself heard, “ roves that he was mortal; and
{10w I am positive e was one of Black Wayne 8 out-
aws.

fleeing with M ss Ravmun: and by a sudden attack,
I succeeded in rescuing her, though both of the des-
peradoes esca ed.” , .

No one in al the crowd has been a more attentive
listener to the Regulator’s story than the (loomed
outlaw under the live-oak; and as Curt mentions
the shooting of the mysterious rider, a deathly pal-
lor overspreads his features, and an inwluntary cry
esca es his lips.

“ ome, men!" cries the captain, as the storm of
applause which succeeds his narrative dies away;

" I am going to accompany Colonel Raymun and his ‘ ‘

I
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, _ ,""'r
 .

27'

on see that I have kept

still! ess which has V

“ Soon after I ran upon acouple of the outlaws " V

 

    

 

The Dread Rider.

 

daughter to their home. so finish your work; and

Ihen Chesterville will indeed be free. All is right

that ends well.”

Again the men turn to their prisoner, and once
more eager. willing hands seize the rope.

“ This for Rook Randel and Mark Waring!” cries
True Bill. as with others he grasps the fatal cord.

A shrill. piercing cry suddenly splits the air. al-
most causing the executioners to pause. Bessie
Raymun, who has refused to leave the place with
her father. uttered the scream, as if terrified at the
fearful roceedings.

" Holt !“ a clear. ringing voice commands, “ there
is a horseman coming."

Who made the declaration none know; but, as if
by magic, the gaze of all is turned to the west. when
a htgfifman is seen coming down by the Chaparral
gro .

“ By Heaven!" cries Curt Dash, “it is the outlaws
coming to rescue their leader! Quick. for your
lives. men! Swing the wretch, and prepare for a
defense!"

“ But. look. Captain Dash!” almost shrieks Bessie.
“ he is waving a signal!"

“Onlya ruse.” cries the Regulator chief. “Do
your work. men, ere it is too late.”

No need to repeat the injunction of haste, as the
men at the rope are not sluggards. Ere the words
rough their ears, their vise-like grip is u on the cord
wit fatal certainty; and as it receives t cir strength
the outlaw feels himself drawn into mid-air.

But at this critical momenta light form bursts

, through the crowd. and Bessie Raymun, flushed
with excitement. reaches the doomed man‘s side.
and hastily cocking a revolver. just snatched from
Curt Dash‘s belt, she levels it full at the foremost of
the half dozen men holding the rope, exclaiming in
a clear. sharp voice:

“ field. there, or you die!"

CHAPTER XXVII.
‘ ursrnar upon MYSTERY.

Tim men at the m e unconsciously relax their
hold and the outlaw fa ls back against the tree. his
mind bewildered. hardly realizing the turn affairs
have taken. With flas mg eye the heroic girl holds
in abeyance the fury of t e raging throng. lhere
is no mistakin her determination; but calm and
stern as she is rave and beautiful. the hot-headed
mob is defied. yet swayed by the charm of her very
audacity; but quickly the s ell is broken.

“Fools!” fairly shrieks urt Dash, "will you be
balked by a woman?"

v Enra ed by the taunt, the men. forgetting every-
thing n their furious haste hesitate no longer.
Colonel Raymun is rushing through the crowd to
rescue his daughter from her danger. A crisis is
imminent. when, like a shot, the towering form of
7 Gil Rey breaks trim the surging mass and. with a
bound, he is under the giant oak; when his long
ride. instantly sweeping the circle of anxious pec-
» tutors, is brought to bear upon the half dozen men
assuming the du.ies of hangmen.

“ uit thet, ye cusses, aforc Ilay ye out. lreckon
old il Rev don’t stand round an' see agni show sich
spunk es thet and not help her out. 'Sidcs. thar is

' but one horsman comin'. an‘ be is slingin‘ a truce.
It ar' jess our dooty to wait an’ see .what ther chap
wants.” . ‘

The steely glitter of his eyes, and his demeanor
tell that Gil Rey is not in a mood to be trifled with.

“ What means this?" cries Curt Dash, spurring
forward through the crowd.

“l reckon it means biz‘ness. can’en." replies the

“But consider what you are doing. Gil. This is
no time for fooling. The men have a stern dutv to
perform. and it ill behaves you to interfere. 'You
are periling your own life merely to prolong for a

 

‘ . mountaineer. coolly facing his leader.

7 ,few minutes that of a cursed outlawed felon."

.“I reckon this coon hain‘t fooling, but he’s in
dead ’arnest; jess standin' up for the right. I tell

   
     
    
  
   
    
  
 
   
   
   
  
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
    
   
 
  
   
    
   
   
   
    
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
   
     

 

yer. cap’en, I’m goin‘ to stand by the gal whether
she‘s right or wrong, of l git rubbed out fer it.”

“Don‘t blame me, then, if you get yourself into
trouble. Here. some of—"

Glancing out upon the prairie, Curt suddenly sees
the fast-approaching rider. A moment he watches
him with intense interest; and then every bit of
color leaves his face, and he almost falls from his
saddle, exclaiming simply in an unnatural vaice:

“Good God!"

Almost startled by the captain’s sudden and mysr
terious actions, the crowd, which has been watching
the scene under the oak, looks out upon the plain,
upon the oncoming horseman.

C “good heavens! it can't be! it can't be!" exclaims
‘n .

’Tis only a horseman. sweeping like the wind over
Chester plain. Only a horseman! yet enough to
make the brave Regulator chief tremble and turn

ale]! enough to startle all Shelby! It is the Dead

ueis .

“It is he! it is he!" gas 5 Curt. “I must out of
this, or I am lost! lost!" hen. with awild, despair-
ing look. he tries to force his way through the
amazed crowd. But none apgear to notice him, and
slowly they turn away for im to pass; so slowly
that it seems as if he never will get beyond the
throng which hems him in upon every side.

How different the ap roach of the other. As if
life and death are in t e balance the fleet-footed
roan isbiaring his master on. Erect in his seat.
looking like a wild centaur. the strange rider presses
him on faster and faster. till, with flowing mane and
streaming tail. he almost svems to fly. Only an in-
stant, with unchecked speed the crowd is reached:
then, as the amazed spectators spring aside, the
gallant steed. all flecked with foam, and panting for
breath. stops beneath the old live-oak.

"Thank Grid! I am not too line."

They are the first words the Phantom Horseman
has ever been known to utter.

As his gleaming eves wander over the crowd they
rest upon Curt Dash. just leaving the outer edge.
Quick as lightning he raises that fatal weapon.

“ Hold there, Len Moore! Another step and I will
shoot vou as i would a dosrl"

The Rugulatnr has cleared his course; he will risk
a shot from his mysterious foe before he will tum‘
at bay. Safe from that he can escape. So. plunging
the rowelsinto his herse, he dashes toward. But
only for an instant, what he comes face to fa e wirh
M'Irk Waring!

“ Stand, Len Moore! Your race is run! your
game is up !"

 

CHAPTER XXVUI.
“ssnonn was insane OUTLAW!”
SUDDENLY a man 11 s sprung into the Regula-
toi‘fhief’s path, and at the muzzle of a rifle he is
0 f —
“ Stand. Lm Moore .’ Your race is run! yonr game

is u ."

“If”! a cry of mingled rage and despair Curt Dash
is compelled to stay his flight.

H‘Frzi“. God’s sake! are you Mark Waring. or his
g 0st.

“ Fla, Len Moore! you thought I was dead—died
of terror and starvation in that fearful dungeon.
But. thank Heaven! I was allowed to escape the
awful doom to which you had consigned me. and
hope to live to see von meet the fate your crime-
stained career demands."

Curt Dash seems stupefled; the crowd is astound-
ed. What does it all mean?

“There is some fearful mistake." cries Curt.
quickly recovering, " or you are trying to frighten
me.

“ There is no mistake. as you will find to your 50";
row. At last you are caught in your own toils.
Come: you are wanted under the oak."

“You can shoot me if you dare, Mark Warln l
but I deny your right to command me. Rangers

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The iii-end Rider.

'89

 

he continues, turning to the crowd. “ will you stand
idl by and see your leader abused ?"

n answer not a move! not a word! ~

f‘ Men of éhesterville,” shouts Mark, “ I denounce
this man, whom you have heretofore considered a
friend; he is a traitor and an outlaw; behold in him
Brad Wayne, the mas/ad outlaw!

“Liar!” fairly hisses Curt.

. “ I do not ask you to take Iny word for this," con-
tinues Waring, without heeding the other'sinterrup-
tron, though closely watching is movements. “ but

ive him a trial. and if he is not what I have said,

at him prove it; if he is, let him suffer. and not
the innocent man he has caused you to drag to the
slaughter.“ ‘

The ap ea! has an efi‘ect.

“ ’l‘rap iin i" cries a voice from the crowd.

"Never!" cries Curt. fiercely. and in his desper-
ation, he thinks to escape. But in the twinkling of
an eye a dozen men hurl themselves upon him. and
after a severe struggle he is a prisoner, bound hand

i and foot, and borne beneath the tree.

‘ “This can’t be possible!" exclaims Colonel Ray-
muu. the most astonished man in the crowd.
“ Mark Waring, you are crazy!” .

“ Excuse me, colonel," replies Mark, respectfully.
“but I have proof of what I say. Bt sides, do not
his own actions condemn him?"

The colonel vouchsafes no reply. He, like the
crowd, knows not what to thi ‘vk or as .

“ Good Heaven! had you got to that?!“ cries Mark
as for the first time he notices the situation of Vail
Deckers. Then, Without another word, he frees the
Regulator.

A murmur from the crowd, only, whether of as-
sent or not none can tell. .

" Wagh l" exclaims Gil Reyhpvho has watched the
scene with eager. curious gaze, “ I reckon. Mark, e
W’il'lcaln’t bed thet privilige of it hedn't bin fer i e
ga yar.

“ You are right, Gil; and to you I owe a debt of
gratitude " Then. without heedin the assambly
surrounding him Vail turns to the eroi: girl. who
has dared and done so much for him, and seizing her
hands. he exclaims:

“Oh, Miss Raymum—Bessie! had it not been for
you. to noble—"

“Val , oh, Vail! what did it all mean? You are
not an outlaw?" and she falls into his outstretched

arms.

" No. thank God, no!
I am safe now."

Wonder upon wonder! when will mystery cease?
The s ectators are more amazed than ever; but now
save urt Dash alone, there is not a dry eye in the
thron .

“Cgme, come. daughter!" cries Colonel Raymun
as soon as he recovers enough to speak, “ you will
please go with me." I

” No. no, father! not till I see the end of this."

“ Girl! what do you mean? Will you_ bring dis-
honor upon yourself and parents by associating with
an outlaw and desperado?" _

Plalnly, the colonel is getting excited.

“ Father! how dare you? Mr. Deckers is a gentle-
man. But even if he is Brad Wayne. the outlaw, I
would not undo what I have done, for I love him}
I lime him!”

Who can say this would have been better un-
spoken? Certainlv not an1 Deckcrs.

“Pardon me. Colonel Raymun. speaks up the
Regulator quickly. “but wait a few moments before
you jud e. Perhaps i am not what you think.” It
is time t e vail was lifted, is it not, Mr. Dare? he
asks. turning to the strange horseman.

"Yea. yes. Noble. the time has come. Our work
is nearly done.» But you or Mark must give the ex-
planation. I cannot go over those scenes again; be-
gidesf do noltffeel like myself to-day. It has all

can .00 muc or me

" You are the one to do it, Vail," adds Mark.
“ Take it from beginning to end."

It was a terrible ordeal, but

 

“If you can explain all this In stery, V6.11 Deck-
ers, supplements the Colonel, “ o it at once. I In
impatient to know what it all means."

" fiot tlier trail," chimes in Gil Rey. ’
“ e story! The story i“ chorus the others.

CHAPTER XXIX.
VALL nEoKnas‘s s'roar.

"GENTLEMEN of Chestcrville,” begins Vail, " our
friend. Mr. Waring, male a startling assertion when
he said that Curtis Dash was llmd Wayne the out-
law leader we have so long dreaded: still it is to
prove not only this but other crimes of which he is
guilt , and to show him to you in his true character
that am about to relate the following, hopin you
will hear patiently with me to the end of the sa , ter-
rible histor ':

“ Four {gears ago Icould have shown ou in the
State of nismna as happy a home as t 6 sun ever
shone upon. A father, mother. daughter and son
completed the family circle though the last was
then away at college.

" Suddenly a wolf entered the fold. A man. or
rather a fiend in human shape. with firtterlng ad-
dress, stole away the daughter‘s girlish heart. He
told of the wealth and luxury he would bring her.
of the happiness that would be theirs. and bezuiled
by the serpent‘s fascmation. she, knowing her par
ents Would 0th ct to the union, consented to flee I
With him.

“ What a fearful mistake! Soon he. as all other
wretehes of his stamp do. tired of her; and feeling
the alt widening between them. in her desperrtion
she esought him by their holy marriage to respect
and protect her. Then. in a few harsh, scomtui
words he told her that marriage was all a. sham; all
a mockeryl

“ Oh, God! the misery that followed!
from college. where he had graduated with big

honor, light-hearted, justly proud in carrying to his V I I

loved ones the achievements he had won. and ex-
gccting aglad welcome. the son reached home—alas!
arely in season to attend his parents‘ funeral—his
father and mother, whose gray heads had been
brought down in sorrow to untimely ravesb a
daughter's dishonorable conduct. bile e._
innocently the cause of it all. was sleeping in a
suicide’s grave. - ‘
“ Can you blame me. that son. if I renounced every-
thing else of life, and vowed I would spend the re-
mainder of in days, if necessary, to bring that
villain to punis ment? _
“ Two years I spent in ceaselesswvandenngs hetero .
I found any trace of my man. Then. at a settle- _
ment on the Red river, I learned of one who I
judged must be be. Here he was the leader of a
gang of cut throats known as Morgan‘s Band. But
e had tied the country. and none knew where he
had gone. though it was thought to the Tees Valley.
“Before leaving this place, however. i made the
acquaintance of one who had as deep reasons to
hate the now outlawed desperado as to self. This
man had been active in trying to bring organ and
his confederates to 'ustice; and they. when com-V
pelled to seek safety in flight. sought vengeance up-
on their ersecutor by surprising .him. the very
night of t eir departure, in_hls uiethome. burn-
ing his cabin, murdering his W] e and .child be-
fore his own eyes. and then hanging him to the
nearest tree, till dead. they supposed. But at the
moment they were finish ng their terrible work a
brother of the dying woman, having learned of t e
bandits’ nefarious intentions, was burr ing to warn
his friends of danger. and reached the i l-fated lace
just as the devil‘s horde was leaving. He out
the husband ere life was extinct; ut the wife and
child were beyond the scenes of this world. .
“Suffering from two wounds received while try-
ing to defend himself and family. both made by
poisoned bullets—though wh copper was used in-
stead of lead is more than know—one upon his '
face, and the other in his leg, causing the mputv.

 

Returnin ~« .

0WD ' " ‘

 

 

”

/

a:

  
 

The Dread Rider.

  

 

.
tion of that limb, and snatched as he was from the
very grasp of death. it was a. long. long time before
he recovered. and then only to be, in body and mind,
a. wreck of his for er self.

“ Perhaps I nee not tell you that my friend here ”
-—- ointing to the rider of the roan horse—“ 1'.
Albert Dare, is the sufi'erer to whom I refer' and
Mark Waring is the brother of that foully murdered

fe.

“ Jointly. we three renewed the oath I had taken.
including new not only Morgan, as m hated enemy
then called himself, but his eleven fol owers.

"Time assed on, and it seemed like a fruitless
mission. ark. as. you know. came to Chestcrville,
and settled here. In Taos, Mr. Dare found two of
the outlaws. and ended their career of cnme. But
nothing could we find of him whom we most cared
for, the leader of the gang;

“At last. in answer to t e request of Mark, I came
to this county. Judge of my surprise, when, soon

rmy arrival. I found myself face to face until
the v ary same man for whom I was hunting. Mark
had never known him. and he had never seen my
friend or me. so that the recognition was wholly
upon my part. I

" My foe was your favorite, standing}; the highest
of almost any one in Shelby county. I new that an
attempt of mine to expose him would be not only a
failure. but dangerous.

“‘Mark and myself. undecided how to proceed,
but still determined to make him suffer. went to
Mr. Dare. In a short time. suddenly and unexpect-
edly to us. he made his appearance at the shooting-
match, crazed with a spirit for vengeance. You
know its result and the duel which followed. Then
commenced the chain of mystery that has so puzzled

on.
7 ‘€ Mark had seen but one or two. and I had never
kdow’n anyof Morgan‘s Band. as they were called,
- so of course we were unable to detect them thoucn
they might be in the midst of us. But w en Mr.
are came. he thought he recognized a part of them
among us Rangers and Regulators. Later, we
found for a fact. that not only Dick Morgan himself
was among you, but that nine of his followers were
.here also. ‘That .vas as startling to us then, as it
Amust be to you now. Still. it was a more alarming
discovery when we learned by continual spying and
watching, this Leonard Moore. the base betraver,
or Dick Morgan. the border cut-throat. or Curt
, Dash, your favorite and leader. was Black Wayne.
the masked outlaw! who, with his nine confele-
fates. gas linked with the desperadoes of the Red
n s

 

CHAPTER XXX.
LIFTING ran: VAI-L.

As Vall’ Dockers paused in his recital. an awed
silence possesses the anxious crowd. Curt Dash. as
we must persist in calling him. has been a quiet
_ listener. No one can realize that he is the arch-

demgi’i the other has pictured him. Can it all be

“Well, gentlemen.” Vail continues, “I know you

are impatient for some explanation of the singular
proceedings since the duel. so I will hasten to the
end of my narrative.

“You doubtless think it strange to see before us
the same pers )n who was killed and buried in your
own presence; and if I say there is really no mys-

» tery inithis, you Will discredit me; yet ‘tis easily ex-
p a ne . ,

“ The report oi: Mr. Dare’s rifle. though it was not
noticed by you in your excitement. told that the
bullet had been extracted; and I have since found. it
afact. Orman Burley did it at the instigation of
his leader. while the stranger was his guest at the
. Prairie Home. Had it not been for that. Len Moore,

or Curt Dash. or whatever he chooses to call him-
‘ . self. coward_as he is..would not have dared to face
his antagonist; and if he had he would not have
‘lived to see this exposure. But as it was, Mr. DJl‘e

 

fell, and when Mark reached his side he really
thought the unfortunate man was dead. Be it as it
might, be had reasons for kee ing others from him.
which prompted him to use t e expression he did—
‘A. man shot through the heart must be dead. of course ‘
—without committing himself. or really referring to
the one of whom he was supposed to be speaking.

“ Had your eyes watched him as closely as Mark’s
and mine did, you would have seen that he showed
signs of returning consciousness, as the (lam earth
touched him. Lightly we let it down upon him. yet.
if you had not left us as you did. we should have
been oblircd to acknowledge our discovery. But,
knowing it would be best to withhold it if possible.
we impatiently waited for your departure, and you
had barely turned before we were lifting our friend
from the cold pit.

“Mr. Dare’s wound. though it left him weak and
faint from the loss of l lood, was not at all danger-
ous; and after carefully dressing it, Mark and I fill-
ed up the rave, which you all supposed to contain
his remain .

“In an old cabin below here, Mr. Dare staid the
following fortnight, in which time he had nearly re"
covered. Then, Mark and myself flnally consented
to help him carry out his scheme of vengeance.
Having no proof but our words, as I have already
said, we could not hope to expose the league of nine.
standing as they did, with any chance of success.
Still the safety of our friends. and the prompting of
our hatred, demanded that we should do something.
Thus continually watching and hunting our foes. we
still did all in our power for the protection of you
and your families, though we found it more than was
expected. and we partially failed.

‘ Recovering his horse for him, our friend com-
menced his part of theqvnrk the night of the Intend-
ed marriage at Major Conrad’s. Captain Kelley,
Will Manners. in fact. all that have fallen by his
hands. were a part of the Red Land outlaws.

" Knowing the risk he was running, I procur-
ed a breast-plate for Mr. Dare. which answers
for the ineffectual attempts that have been made to
shoot him; and coming’ like one from the grave.
with his wild appearance, and the thr’lling events
you have seen and heard. I do not wonder you have
considered him a phantom. To a certain extent I
am responsible for this deception. An accomplisth
ventrilo uist, I have not hesitated to use that power
when I geemed it could be satisfactorily done; and
the warning given at the wedding. the sounds you
have heard this morning. representing an invisible
horseman. which were made merely to gain time—
in fact, all that you have heard and not seen. to-
gether with more that has b"en Witnessed by the
dead victims, were the result Of that peculla!‘ Elf! of
mine. ' But, all the mystery and terror we have
confined as much as possible to the doomed league.

" The first abduction Was merely a farce. that
Curt Dash could have the privllege ot‘ pretending to
rescue her from the outlaws when hethought proper.
hoping tons to gain her father‘s friendship, and win
her hand. But Mark thwarted him there.

“ Now you will ask how, if Curt Dash is the mask-
ed outlaw. both have been seen at the same time—
two distinct persons. Len Moore had a brother.
Ralph; he was one of Morgan's Band, and also see-
ondin command of the robber-gang here. Thus he
often were the musk. and appeared as Black Wayne.
though you have naturally sunpoed it always vailed
one particular face. This Ralph was the abductor
of Miss Conrad, and he shot her father—did it with a
copper bullet, hoping. as i think, to throw it on the
Dead Duelist. as you considered Mr. Dare. It was
the body of that brother you found on the plain this
morning. and mistook for our prisoner here. ,

“ When I left my companions in the Red Lands it
was to contifiue mv Search for Mark. and at last 1'
found him in the bandits” deserted den, where Curt
Dash—here his pret nded friend and leader. therein
his true character as Black Wayne the robber and
murderer—had consigned him to die of starvation.

  

 

 

 

./

 

a. Man. ..

 

 

The :Dread Rider.

315 x

 

“I wish to say, in behalf of Mr. Dare, that his
attempted shooting of our friend, Gil Rey. was the
result of his mistaking him for another in the dark-
ness For his carelessness, he wishes ,to applogizp.

“There, gentlemen. I hope the mystery is s us
factorin explained, and that you are no long - in
doubt. As I look back over my conduct, 1 do not
wonder you considered something wrong about me;
and flnally_'whcn you found me with that mask on,
which was placed upon my face after the desperate
wearer himself had overcome mein afight, that you
should think I was the outlaw leader. Of course I
do not blame you for what you would have done
had it not been for my noble, heroic friends; still it
was a dreadful ordeal.

“God only knows how much Mr. ‘Dare and my-
self have suffered from that infamous scoun-
drel. If you wish for more roof of whatIhave
said. before taking your fina action, go to Rock
Randel, who was shot by _thi flend’s own hand,
because the other had aeCidentally learned his se-
cret.

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
m OUTLAW’S OONFEBSION AND FATE.

Tin: assembl , absorbed in this singular story,
had not notice Curt Dash for the few past minutes
of its narration; then suddenly it is seen he has suc-
ceeded in freeing his hands. He draws a pietol,
which he had concealed upon his person. It flashes
in the airl he presses its muzzle against his temple!
but ere he can discharge it, Gil Rey and half a dozen
others some him, and again he is overpowered, and
the Weapon wrested from him.

“Curse you!" he cries; "curse you! Everything
is against me! It is all up)! | have played a bold
game and played it well, ut fate has been’against
ire! Do your worst! I confess all. You can call
me what you choose now, but remember there has
been a time when I led you! when you cons1dered
me your superior! Ha-ha-ha! how your eyes were
blinded! But, oh God! what a fool I was to come
back! Why could I not let well enough alone?
When I left you this morning I never intended to re-
turn; but, with Miss Raymun. I was going to flee to
a foreign land. Then I met my enemy. and killed
him, as I supposed. when, thinking I was rid of the
others, Mark and Vail, my pooh seemed clear: So
tretendlng to rescue Miss Raymun from my friends
I came back, with the resolution to be henceforth a
better man—to try and live as others do. But it
was all a mistake! As Waring told me in the cave,
I was doomed! doomed!"

With that singular contradiction of human nature
to persecute adversity, the man, who, but a few mo-
ments since was respected and honored by all,
whose name was a wer in itself. has now not a
single friend in this umultuous gathering.

“If it had not been for you vane Noble!" the
doomed wretch continues: “ utl will not complain.
You have earned your trium h. My life has been a
cursel I see it now! My cr mes have been great.
One by one I have seen my men fall around me, and
knew my turn would come at last; till I hoped to
escape. Beforel die, Vane Noble, now that your
sister, Adrian, still lives!" ”

"‘Do you mean this, Leonard Moore? cries Val],
excitedl . .

“ 0n the word of a man expecting death. She
was saved from drowning. but did not recover till
her parents were no more. Then. I", he? SOPFOVY, $116
ought the seclusion of the St. Mary s convent.

" Is that all you have to say, Leonard Moore, be-
fore receiving your doom?” .

“No, no! Oh. this is agony! .NO one,” Pity 91'
core for me now! Thus does a life of crime end in
eternal darkness! Can‘t you pitv me f'I'FYIVP me
is» “gift I did to you and yours. Valle Nome, Albert

are.

" As I expect my judgmezlt in the great fiereafter,
V 1{nay you find yours, Leonard Moore, rephes

a .

 

“Look to your God for mercy, " answers the half- ‘ .
crazed Albert Dare; “it would be mockery forms
to say the word."
Allow us to draw the veil over the scene which fol-
lows. * f‘ * * Curt Dash, or rather Leonard
 l ‘0, With all his crimes, has g me to meet his
' a (or.

 

A few explanations and the web of mystery that
has so long mantled Chesterville will be lifted for—
ever.

The Phantom Rider as we already know, was the
result of Vane Noble’s (Vail Deckers nomore) ventrilv
oquism; and with the aid of that same power he was
enabled to rescue Rock Randel from the ontlaws'
halter. Van's, also, made the last laugh, and fired:
the shot which came so near Curt Dash under the ‘
sycamore on foot, he succeeded in esca. ing
1. rough t ie Black Gulch. His sham attemp to
shoot the Dead Duelist‘s horse in the Red Lands was
done by loading his rifle without any bullet. Thus
in every scene which has seemrd supernatural Vane
Noble acted his part, and being eculiarly fitted
for the part he played. he performe it \l ell.  ‘

'The b ind trail which so puzzled Dandy Rock was ._
Simply a stratagem of Albert Dare‘s, to throw the
out aws off his track, for the strange avenger made ' = .
his abode mostly in one of the caves in the Red ”
Lands. Of course, what Hank chher told, or any i
of the other outlaw Regulators was false.

The sudden a pearanee of ark to the crowd un-
der the live-on , was caused by his coming from
back of the throng. Bis sufferings in that dismal
cave can be better imagined than told.

It will be remembered that Curt Dash we not
mentioned—and, if the excited crowd had. only
noticed it, was not seen—until after the shooting of
Rock. He had escaped by the window, and coming if
infattthe door joined the others in their fruitless. ' '
e or .s. ‘ 

Of the combat in the grove,'we know now it was
Curt who wore the mask, and that 110, for once. Was ,
too much for Vail, changing the covering from his '
face to that of his foe. _ . . 7

Thus we find that, as the outlaw himself said, "he. '
had Elayed a bold game and played it well, but fate‘
had een against him."

   
     
    
     
  
 

 

. With the rising of the sun above the gathering.
under the old oak that morning, a brighter day
dawned for Chesterville. “ . -

Major Conrad soon recovered, and allvwas pleasant
and hop y at Conrad Mansion. « i

For a ong time the life of Rock Randrl hung upon
a thread, but a strong constitutii n bran rht him out
at last, and in time he fully recovered mm the ef-
fects of the fearful wound he received at the hands I
of the cutlaw.

Vane Noble effected the release of his sister from v!
the convent, and she found a home at Colonel Ray-
mun s.

Gilman Reynolds—old Gil Rey as he was familiar-
ly called—again sought the pleasures and hardships ’
of mountain life; but not til Chesterville had ran \
with the music of a grand double wedding, whic
united Vane Noble am Bessie Raymun, Mark War— .
ing and Rose Conrad. for better or worse. Jud
by the happy lives they ever afterward led, wet \
it must have been for the better. A

Time. the alleviator of sorrow and healer of all I , ,‘
wounds, partially efiaecd from the mind of Albert,
Dare the sufferings he had experienced. He had a.
cheerful home with Mark. till he found a sympathiz-
ing friend and companion in the equally wron ed ,
and distressed Adrian Noble, when togetherthe wo- ‘
finished the pathwa of life. ‘ a

True: Bill still live with Rock Randal. ‘

ln‘all this happiness, the gallant roan and thanor i.
ble he were not forgotten; but, tenderly cared for.
they ved many a year. ‘

THE END.

 

 

32 OCTAVO PAGES.

EEADLEISM

POCKET LIBRARY.

 

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ISSUED EVERY

V’

WEDNESDA Y.

 

1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rind.
ward L. Wheelur.
fl KfnnnwlnI King; or,Tha Red Right Hand. By Bu{_
«.0 I u '
The Flying Ynnl.ee.
The Double Dumzeru. By Minn-.1 L. \Vluelul’.
The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken.
The Prairie P lot. By Bufliilu Bill.
The Buflnlo Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Antelo e Abe, lhe Boy Guide. By 01! Coulnva.
Ned vide. the Buy Stunt. 5y “Texns Jnrk”
. uifuio Ben, the Prince of the Pinto]. By Edward
‘L. Wheeler.
Ralph Roy. the Buy Buccaneer. By C i. lngrnhiun.
Nick 0' the Nifllt. By T. C. Herbmxgh.
Yellowstone uck. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
ivvlld Ivnn, the Boy Clnude Dnvnl. By E. L.Wheeler.
Diamond Dirk. By Cnlonl‘l Prentiss Ingmhmn.
(then-Knife, Prince nfthe l’l‘nlrlu. By 01| Coonms,
(-re on Sol; or, Nick Whimel’s Boy Syy. By Capt.
J.  0. Adams.
Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.
Leno Jul-k. By on Cunnies.
Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Rimger.
By llnrry St. George.
The Boy Clown. By Frnnli S. Finn.
’hnntom Miner. By Edward L. “'iwelur.
gen-Cut. By (.‘npinin Frederick Whittaker.
Dumb Spy. By 011 Con-mes.
Rn .ln Rube. By Hnrry St. George,
Old Ava nnche, the GrsntAnnihihitur.
' L. VVheeier.
Gin u-Eye, the Great Shut of the West. By Cnpt. J.
F. C. Admnl.
The Boy Captain. Br Rom-r Stnrhiick.
. Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider.
I-rederick Whiitnker.
Bob \Vooli’, the Border Riiflinn. By E. L. Wheelvr.
l Nightingale Nat. By '1'. C. lltlrleluh
Black John, the Rumi Agent. By J. E. Bullger, Jr.
Omaha 0“, the Mask-d Terror. By E. L. “'hurh-r.
B4 liurt‘Bunker, the Trapper. By George E. Lusulle.
The Boy Rifles. By A. C. Irnns.
The \Vhite B Hallo. By Genrga E. Lnsnllc.
Jim Billdsoe, Jr. By Edward L Wlm-ler.
Ned lluzel. the Boy ’l‘rnpper. By Cnpt. J. F. C.

Adams.
Deli“ E e. the Unknown Scout. Br llnfi‘ain Bill.
0 Nick h flies’n Pet. By Ch it. J. F. C. Adnme.
'Dendwood Dick’s Eunice. y E. L. “'heeler.
The Border King. By Oil Comma.
Old Hickory. By Hru-rv St. George.
44 The White Indian. 3' Cum. J. F. C. Adams.
Bnekhorn Bill. By Edwnrd L. “'heelor.
The Shadow Shin. By Cnl. Prentirs ingrnhnm.
’? The Red Brotherhood. y W. J. Humiltun.
Jae . By T. C. linrhiuigh.
ane Bill. By Jusr h B. Badger, Jr.
Sink e Iln . v . 1i elnllton.
Patent-leather Joe. By Plillip S. Warm».
The Border Robin Hood. By Biiiliilo Bill.
Gold Rifle the Sharuhonter. B' Ell. l.. Wim-ler.
54 Old zip’a ahin. y Cent. J. . C. Ailflms.
Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. My 011
Coomes. )
Med Tam Western. By W. J. linlniltnn.
Deadwood Dick on Dot-k. By E. L. “'Iievh r.
fluwkeye llnrry. By Oll Cnomee.
59 The Boy Dllelint. B v Col. Prentiss lnzrnhmn.
00 Abe 00 t, the Crow-Ki ler. By Albert W. Aiken.
61 Corfulroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L.
w er. ‘
63 Will Somern. the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris.
63 901 Gin er, the Giant Trnnnev. By A. W. Aiken.
r' 64 lie-elm Rob. By Eilwnrd L. Wheeler.
65 Lizllrltnilgr Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. By Cnpt.
. . . mm.
33 Khit llurefoot, the Wand-Hawk. By T. C. liars

en: 1.
07 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By 01] Coomee.

By Eil-

By Col. Prentiss ingmlmm.

ozmwaama

hflD-t

 

t-II-I HHt-li-h-I-Iu H
30 we:

 

By Ed w ii rd

By Capt.

 

68 Idyl the (Girl Miner. By Edward L. “'1 l r.

99 m-m'ouw Dlok. By Churles Morris. me e

:0 Sure shut Heth. the Boy Riflenmn. By 01] Conmu.
a l Elfin”) hum; hr, The, Adventures ofnh'riend use Buy.

y J. Alcxnndur l’utien.

:2 The Lion of the Son. By Albert W. Aiken.

‘8 Photograph i’hilfihu Bny Sleuth. iiy E.L.Wheeler.

7‘} l’iouynno l’etn. By Cllflrire Morr 3.

7o lulnnd Jim; ur.’i'he l‘ut ul‘ihe Family. By Bruce-
hrirlge llrnlyny: (Jul k ilnrknwny).

:6 “ “tall-Eye. (he Slnuinw. By Edwnrd L. “'heeler.

t T Dielf Dead Eye, the Boy Snruggiur. By Cul. l‘. in-
gru mm.

78 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Ed. 1.. Wheeler.

79 The Black M Ilntnn or. B C» nilllll hi ~
Reid nnd Frederick “'hilii‘iker. y I mu.

#0 Qld Frosty. the Guido, By T. C, linrnaugh.

fill The Sea \ iper. By Cnl. Prentiss ingrnlmm.

83 Beth Jonen- or, The ('nptlvel of the Frumier. By
Edward s. l-lilis.

83 (‘nnndu Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By Edward
L. \Vheeler.

R4 The Dumb Pun-1‘. By Cu t. Frerierirk “'hlttnker.

34:; The Boy Miner... liy E.w..r.l  lillis. ‘

86 Jnek "or my in New York. By Bruce-
hrnlge iiemynx.

8'? The llunnnr Cnptnln. By (‘01. Prenilsl lngrnhmn.

RH Deadwood Dick in Londville. By 1-2. L.\Vh«el~r.

89 Bill Biddon ’l‘rnp or. By Edward S. Ellis.

90 'l‘ippy, the 'lexnn. 5)‘ Gnome (-‘lmmm.

91 Bluntnng Sam, the King u! the Plninl.
Badger, Jr.

92 The Ocean Bloodhound. By Snmiwl W. rune.

98 Phil llnrdv, the lines Buy. By Chnrlve Morris.

94 Deadwood link in Detective. NV E. L-“'|Im‘lll’-

95 Buck Buckrnm. By (‘uptuiu J. F. C. Animus.

9“ Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. By E. L.

0! PL
9? The Black Steed of the Prairlei.
L‘. Bowen.
98 The Sea Serpent. By Jmm Lewis.
09 Bonnnln Bill, the Mun 'i‘rui-licr. iiy E. L. “'lleeler.

100 Nut Todd: or, The Fntu of the Sioux (.‘nptive. 13y
Edward S. Ellll.

101 During Davy, the Young Bear Killer.
St. George.

103 The Yellow Chief; or,'l‘ho Half-blood- Vongnnco.
By Cllpl. )inyi n' Reid.

108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.
104 The Blnck Schooner. By Roger Starblicir.

105 "midi-onu- Harry, the Bootblnck Detentlve.
Charles Morris.

106 Night-llnwk Kit. By Joe. E. Bldger, Jr.

10’? Jam-k Doyle’s Lend. By Edward L. Wheeler.

108 Rocky Mountain Kit. By T. C. Harbeugh.

109 The Branded "and. By Funk Dumont.

110 The Drond Rider. By George \V. Browne.
Randy Fell. i1.

111 Bonn Boh, the King ofBontblnckl. By E. L.Whea:ur.
Really Feb. 2-1.

112 The Ilelplens “and.
Ready Mureh 3.

113 Four-Face Hnul. theSiluntHuntnr. By Oil Coomel.
Ready Merci: )0.

By Jon. E.

J nun-s

By Hurry

By

By Capt. Mayne Reid.

Beadle's Pocket Library in for Isis by all News-
dulllel’l, five cents per copy, or lent by mull on receipt of Iix
cent: each.

BEADLE J: ADAMS, Publilhel'l,
98 “'illians Street, New York.

 

 

 

 

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