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' , rightad, 1884, by BKADLI AND Anuxs. Euterod at the Post Ofiice It an York, N. Y., as Second Clans Mull Mattel.

 

July 9, 1884.

 

Y‘r - 2;, Published Weekl b Beadle and Adams p 1
V 01: III nsYt-xxn N0. 93 VVILEIAMySTq NEW YORK. ' Fivercceal’lts. NO: 26!

IULD AVALANGH .“E05353!Eifi'fliilfiim

——...c

BY EDWARD L. WHEELER,

AUTHOR OF “ DEADWOOD mcx," "THE DOUBLE muons," ma, ll.

 

 

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WILD EDNA’S RIDER».

 

Old Avalanche.

 

Old Avalanche,

The GREAT ANNIHILATOR;

on,
Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand,

BY EDWARD L. WHEELER,
tumor: or “ DEADWOOD men,” “ 'rnn DOUBLE
DAGGERS." “cnovnN noon," “nvrmm
BEN," are, ETC.

CHAPTER I.
mmmn IN THE DEATH amen.

FoUR men had pitched their campon the orator of
a northern peak, thousands of feet above the level
of the sea, thousands of feet above the level of the
gent plains of Nebraska, at the close of what had

en a. sultry August day.

The peak table-land was far the most elevated of
any of its neighbors of the surrounding chain, and
its top was as smooth and even as a floor, while in
dimensions it was about three hundred feet in cir-
cumference.

On the northern, eastern and southern boundaries,
strelched away mile after mile, one continuous
wilderness of rugged and tree—fringe’l mountains,
whose tops were capoed with snow. and down bo-
twer-n which dashed angry torrents, silvery cascades
and slides of rock and frozen ice, into dark, yawning
seams and chasms.

On the western side of this aerial plateau, yawnnd
an immense, fathomless abyss, Whose aspect was
weird, silent, awful in the extreme. It appeared to
have been formed bya sudden sundering of the sur-
rounding mountains by some mighty convulsion of
nature, and to have been left a black, thlOmIosS
abyss into which no eye could penetrate from above,
into which no man could 'lesceud.

While two rt‘ the four men wore roparin: the
evening: meal. the remaining two stoov at tho hrin‘;
of the precipice, regarding the so me with awe and
silence.

The space in front of them was about fifty foot in
width by one hundred in it‘llCTLil—‘i’l. naturillv formed
shaft extending far down int w the bowols of the
earth. Directly across on the western side. and con-
siderably below the plateau, a goodly-sized cascade
leaped over into the abyss. and as no sound could
be distinguished of its striking: bottom. the watchers
drew the conclusion that the rift reached down at
least to a level with the plains.’

“’Tis a. frightful gulch!" ejaculated the elder of
the two, a man of some eight and thirty yci s~“ at
whose bottom nothing of life has probably ever ex-
isted " -

" Yes. In all our ex lorations, Sir Henry, we have
never confronted sue a fissure of the earth. By my
soul, I‘d give a deal to be able to descend to the bot-
tom, if there is a. bottom. and see what sort of a,
place this chasm really is,"

“ True, Milburn; but that could never be. It would
require miles of rope to lowuro 10. down, and though
we have a good thousand feet, ’twould not be
enough. I '

“ Let us be content. then, with the laurels of dis-
covering the highest peak of this wonderful chain of
mountains, if not the highest in America. On the
morrowI will hew the name of this expedition in
the floor of this high plateau, to toll future genera-
tions whose feet first trod upon these rocks."

So saying Sir Henry turned back toward the
camp—fire, while lllilburn remained a short time
longer at the brink of the dizzy abyss, starng
thoughtfully down into the black depths.

"Curse himl" he muttered, gnawing at his mus-
tache. savagely. “how I hate him. I 'oincd him in
his confounded wanderings, and st' I have not

 

accomplished the object I had in view, when I did
so. Two long years we have traveled together. and
never yet have I found the suitable opgortunity, to
—-—to—but bah) I am weak. The time 111 lcome and
that not many hays distant. too. when Sir Henry _
and I will part company, and forever!“

He rejoined the arty at thv fire, and seated him-
self to partake of t 0 dried venison and roasted bear-
meat which the other two men had prepared. They
were odd-lookng specimens of the frontier, and

lainly not persons of culture or education like
ir Henry and Milburn.

The younger and more noticeable of the twain
evidently a Canadian, was about nineteen years 0
age. He was swarthy in complexion yet not unpre-
posscssinrr, and possessed a form marked in its
DlllSHl or development.

The sv (-und man was short, grizzly and athletic.
with not r pound of superfluous flesh on his limbs,
nor a si,:.x of cars upon his head. they having been
siiavon olI‘ close to the skull. His eyes were gray
and piercing, his mouth large and indicative of
humor, his hair tow»colorcd, and his beard brown
and stubby.

He was attired in buckskin. as are the generality
of Northern mountain-men. and armed With silver,-
mounted revolvers, knife, tomahawk and Spencer
rii e.

“ Dnrned bad bod,” he nodded to Sir Henry, mo.
tionim: toward the abyss, and at the same time tak-
inn,r a huge bite of hear-meat. “ chyar sce’d ther
beet out, only once More. in my life.”

“ When was that?” asked Sir Henry, gnawing
awav at his hone in true huntor style.

“Wal,” said the guide, nmlitarircly. “ et ar’ sev-
eral yeers, since. Et was ther timeIwar up hynr
wi‘ (*rnuther ’spordition!”

"What!" cxclaimod tho baronet. starting up, ex-
citedly;—“you do not mean to tell me you were ever
hero, before, sir?"

“Reckon I do. I've feasted on b’ar-stcak On this
plataw, mor‘n this one't, ycr honnor.“

“ By heavens! you have astonished mo. I had
supposed ire. were the first human hein"s who ever
tro'l upon these rocks. Explain yoursvlf.”

“Thar hain‘t much tor ’splaiu. sur. ’ca‘se of ye‘ll '
g0 ovoryandor thar, tor tho son”, an’ sharply screwb-

chinize ther rocks. yc‘ll soc who‘s bin hyar ahead on‘-‘ »

ye. ’thout my ’splniuin‘."

Sir Henry sprung to his font at once, as did Mil-
hurn, and seizing: n ilamiui: cono from the the, for
the pail of night had settled over the land, they
hurric'l lo the southern edge of the plateau, and
bent uvor to scan tho roc‘«y floor. Thoy had not
long in l' . for they soon 0mm: upon a spot where,
by thr- sl ul use of n. hatchet, former discoverers
had hou'n out their names:

“ JouN C. Fun 3 .” “KIT CAnsox.”

“ Here. Lunch,” cullel Sir Hrurv, “come here.
How (lid you know of those names?"

Alva Lanch, the guide, left his place by the fire,
and sauutorcd up.

“How did I know on ’em?" he repeated, grimly.
“ Wul, [happened tor be hynr when they war cut. 1
war (‘rlong u'i’ thor Frcmvnt (‘xperdishun w’cn they
soar'd over thes -d’rtcshun; a'i‘ conserkently, w’en
them handles war indented thar."

“ But you never told me?”

“ Why shed 1? Yo asked me no questions norI
didn’t toll ye no whoppers. Ye guv me vavuty gold
dollars tor help ye. git onter ther top 0’ ther IofLiest

oak in thes ran’re 0’ mounting‘; I tuk ye up, an‘

yar ye ar’, arter fifteen days’ hard trampin’.
Ye‘d'vc duu better tor ask me More we sot out 61'
ennwhody war ever bin hyar ahead on yo. Then
I shed ‘a‘ tole ye yes. As it war, ye nevyar said
hoo so nuther did I say boo. Et ar’ '50, ain‘t et,
b0s>?"

“ch; you speak truly,” replied Sir Henry, in a
discouraqed (lone. “ 1t was all my fault. I never
addressed you on the subject, because I did not
deem it necessary, so positive was I that no explorer

 

/ juit as you please, sxr

Old Avalanche.

‘ U had as yet done this range. ‘John 0. Fremont,‘

Hum hl America owes a deal
to those two men. As hristophor Columbus was
first in discoverin the American continent, so Fre-
mont and Carson lave been foremost, in the present
generation, in exploring the most lofty peaks, the
wildest canyons, and the smallest and most obscure
akes. How many were there of our expedition,
when you gained the summit, Lunch ?"

“Three—Fremont, Carson, and myself."

“ And were you three all of the exploring party?“

“ On course not!" replied the guide. ‘There
were seven of the pack, but only us three klim up
hyur, thor other four remainin’ at thur place whar
We camped last night.”

“ How long ago was it?"

“13w? years, three months an’ seven days, ter-
nig t.

“How long (lid you stay here?"

" Only over nite uv the day we arrlv‘. ’Twas un-
comfort’hle cold up hyar, them times, so we soon
dug out for warmer climates, Fremont named yon
hoe! ther Death Gulch. because his spanyei (lorg
tumbled of! inter ct, an’ CarSon called this ther Fiat

Butte; then we buckled on our armor, an’ marched,
marched away."

“ I wish i had known of this some time ago.” said
Sir Henry, gioomily. turning back toward the tire,
whither Lunch and Milburn followed him.

Soon the evening pipes were brought forth, and
While the quartctte puffed away then-at, the guide
related some interesting details of the former ex-
ploring expedition under the great Fremont.

Sir Henry listened eagerly, but Milburn and the
young Canadian were not so much interested and
presently withdrew to the edge of the abyss to have
a little conversation by themselves. '

Alva Lanch watched them secretly. as he told his
' story, under cover of his shaggy eyebrows, but said

in thng bearing upon them.

Finally the time arrived when it was desira-
ble that all hands should turn in. as an early start
was proposed on the follmring morning; therefore
Sir Henry called in his companions, and bade them
pro are for sleep. ' '

“ har‘ll hev or he sum’moro cones luggcd up
from thersccond pcak,l)vlow,” said Lunch, glancing
at the fire, which was fast expiring, “fer it begins
ler feel er little chilly up hyar. 1 say. ye Can’dy
Thistle, s‘posin' ye go an try yer ’nack at shinnin‘
rocks. I toted ther fust sackful up; et nr’ no more‘n
la’r ye she’d do vice-vorsy on ther sceknnt.”

'He addressed the Canadian, who was about to roll
himself up in his blanket.

“ Bah l“ he growled, showan his pearl white teeth
' in a forced smile; “ you’ll excuse me. prefer day-
light for my ciamhvring over the mountains. Let
the fire go out, if it wants to. I guess we won‘t
fr \eze.”

“ Then you won't go?” demanded Lanch.

"No; i am quite comfortable,” replied the youth,
wrapping himself in his blanket, and giving- vent to
"another smile. “If you are so fond of starlight
rambles. Mister Lanch, perhaps it would be well to
go, yourself." I .
. .“Herei herei Raleighl“ exclaimed Sir Hen , an-
gril , “ let’s have no more words of handy. W you
go for the fuel?" ‘ u H

“No,” replied he, doggedly— not to-nightl

“ Then I shall at once discharg you from my ser-

ce.)l

“ Will on though?" hissed the fellow savage] .
'his darky visage growing still darker. “Very wei’i;

I

.
nd rolling over he made pretense of seeking re-
p0

sex I

k. “ Let ‘im hev his own way," said Lanchfitakmg up
a. large bafihwhlcb lay among the other e ects t. at
“the party d brought along. “ l'l] slide down ter

and ‘Kit Carson.’

ther cones in a jiffy. Ter-morrer I‘ll wahup Lhel‘ ,

0 who] fer his impel-deuce.“
' Eggs: oncgJ descended from the plateau by clam-

 

be‘rlng down from ledge to ledge and was soon lost
from Vit'w in the pail of inky blackness that envelop-
ed the mountain- op.

f‘ You can lie down, Sir Henry, if you like," said
Milburn. as he lit a fresh )i e. of tobacco, “for I
know you must be fatigue , rom our lon ascent.
to—day, and need rest. As for me. I‘ll smo e awhile
Ion er, yet, and await Alva‘s return."

T o baronet ac uiesced in this pro osition, and
leaving Milburn ha f-reclining in the lig t of the dy-
ing embers Ending away at his imported meer-
Sc aum, Sir enry rolled himself in his blanket, and
quickly was in sound and refreshing slumber.

Milburn, howeVer. became momentaril
restless, until he trembled with suppresse
ment, as he glanced toward Sir Henry.

Half an hour wore away. and the loud respira-
tions of the baronet proclaimi‘d that he was sound
asleep, wherupon Milburn rose stealthin to his feet,
and stole forward. jimultuneously the young Can-
adian did likewise.

“ Are you ready?" he demanded. in a whisper.

“ Ayl‘ replied the other, “ all ready. Now. then,
heave ahead: you takecharge of his mouth and see
that a Screech don‘t escape him, whilel bind his
hands and feet."

“Agreed l“ whispered buck the Canadian; and
then the two men threw their combined weights
upon the slumbering explorer. and in a twinkling
had him securely bound and gag ed.

It is needless to say that Sir enry was both as-
tcnishcd and enraged at the rude and unceremoni-
ous treatment but could only lay and glare at the
two villains in utter he-i ilessness.

” Hal ha i" laughed ll ilburn, with a grim chuckle;
“ you are. surprised. eh?“

A nod of the head signified assent.

“ i thought so.“ resumed the villain: "but that is
nothing strange, as we are liable to surprises. Do
you recognize me. Sir Henry, as any one you remem-
ber of ever having seen?"

Another head-shake. in the negative.

“ Don‘t? Well, probably not. I must admit m
disguise is one hard to (-nctrate. This hair. th 3
board and those gnrmen s are all foreign to your
recollection. Yet they hide the man Sir Henry.
whose life has been devoted. since child end, to the
sole attainment of an object—an object which must
he patent in forever removing dyou from my path.
Lis'enl“ Then he bent low an whispered a few
words in the prisoner‘s ear. at which the harem-t ut-
tered a loud, ugonized groan and grew pale and
agitated.

f‘ It is true " resumed Milburn. with a triumphant
leer, “ and I have followed the course of your move
ments ever since you left New York, for the purpose
of removing you. I do not wish to kill you Murder
on the hands of an English nobleman is not at all
desirable, and therefore I simply wish to put an
aside from my path. You admire America; I ove
England, my] native soil. Then, is it not well that I
should live England, while you remain here in
quie peace and plenty?

“ esl—doubly yes. I have found a cage in which
Ican confine you, and run no risk of ever bein
troubled b you again. Raleigh bring your coil 0
rope, and asten one end about this Intranet. Work
lively, now, for we must be well awn from here,
ere that ferret-eyed guide returns. nce we are
safely in St. Joe, and our ex lorer lies at the bottom
of Death Gulch. n thoussn gold dollars shall be
yours, my boy!"

The Canad an obeyed with alacrity, and from
among the “traps” of the expedition produced a.
large coil of stout half-inch rope, an end of which be
arranged tinto a noose and shirred about the baro-
net’s wnis .

This done, Milburn proceeded to deliberately rifle
the prisoner‘s person of everything of value, save
1 I3 rrzns and ammunition, which he did not touch.
lIc i‘rl'n whis red for several moments in
Henry‘s ear, at which he rose to his feet.

more
excite-

 

  

4

01d Avalanche.

 

" You mag itch all that luggage over into the
abyss, first, a eigh,” he said, setting an exam le
by pitching over blankets. etc. “for in our fiig t,
you see. we shall not be able to carry aught save our
weapons, and I do not inan that Alva Lanch :‘hall
derive any benefit from these tools and trapsl“

Consequently everything save the two villains’
rifles ant ammunition was lid. mil over into the can-
yon—axes, picks, blankets, pots. kettles, Sir Hen-
ry’s and Lanch‘s rifles, surveying instruments, and
so forth, in turn, until the plateau was swept of all
except the two men and their prisoner.

He, too, was then dragged forward to the brink of
the frightful gulf, and the lowering began.

In vain did Sir Henry ende-tvor to shriek out a
plea for help, or burst the cruel bonds that bound

II“.

All to no avail.

Swiftly the two men on the table-land above al-
lowed the rope to slip through their fingers, and let
the helpless victim of a fiendish plot descend into
the bowels of the mountains.

Pres only they had allowed all but about a. yard
of the death-cord to slip away.

“Shall we let him go?” asked Raleigh in a. hollow,
soarel tone.

“ Yes!“ replied Milburn, white and ghastly—

“ let her slide He’s probably to the bottom be-
for’c’this; and if he’s not. he ain’t far from it. L1
00.
The next instant they released the rope from their
grasp: then, turning like. the two guilty wretches
they were, they seized their rifles, left the plateau,
and hurriedly skurried off down into the black
mountainous depths.

CHAPTER II.
THE PLEASURE PARTY—FIGHTING onns.

DOWN across the great savannas of the Northwest,
booming along in front of a giant volume of wind,
which spread its arms out afar, rolled a thick 01011 i
of dust, in whose depths galloped a party of six
perlsons, all mounted on spirite l, thoroughbred ani«
ma 5

Two of the six were ladies, attired in rich but
unattractive garments; but the fact that they wore
diamonds of marvelous sizo and luster, evidenced
the supposition that they were persons of wealth
and high social rank.

The gentlemen were tastefullv accoutorcd, save
it be with one exception~the guide of the party—
and bore the undeniable impress of refinement.

One. who was evidently chief in command, was
a tall. athletic young fellow, with clearly-cut fea-
tures. darkblue eyes, and hair of a chestnut
color, while in form he was a model of grace and
symmetry.

The second of the four males was a slender, dark-
visaged gentleman, verging on forty years, who
was evidently a Spaniard, or of some foreign de-
scent.

The third was of a far different type, and his hair
was sprinkled freely with lines of gray. He was of
immense girth. and sat his horse. much more clum-
sily than his companions; and in his general ap-
pearance reminded one of the stem old lords or
dukes of ancient times.

The ladies evidently were mother and daughter,
The elder was a woman who had seen not a lit‘le
trouble, for her brow was furrowed deeply and her
hair of a silvery white. Still, she showed many
traces of former beauty, and was yet really pre-
possessing, despite the weary yearning expression
that ever haunted her sad face.

The daughter was a repetition of what the mother
had been in her youthful days—a bright. vivacious
little body, just nearing the portals of a glorious
womanhood, with laughing eyes, soft blonde hair,
that blew unconfined to the rairie breeze, and a
complexion that matched wel with both hair and
we

“shim were the party, exclusive of the guide. He

 

was a; stalwart backwoodsman of an uncertain age
and as rough and uuco th as are the ma orlty of
those ever-moving spirits, the Princes of t e Trail.
His name was Dan Coggswell, and he had been
engaged at Dakota City to lend his assistance to the
pleasure~party, for such the cavalcade was, during
their stay in the West.

Now, we see them spurring madly down from the
northwest, across a mammoth savanna or plain
and hugging close to the giant column or cloud 0
dust, which the brisk northern breeze wafts steadily
in front of them. '

Their horses are flecked with foam, evidencing the
fact that a long and rapid ride has taken place: and
still on, on, over the green-carpeted savanna they
dash; on at a speed only second to the breeze that
rolls the cloud of dust in advance.

It is mid-afternoon, and the sun that han like a
golden ball in the azure blue sky. lights up 31 objects
beneath its rays with a mellow distinctness

Across to the west looms u the gray uninvitlng
range of mountains that are escribed as bein the
rendezvous of numerous bands of red-skins an out-
laws; to the east, coiling its course through barren
prairies, runs Au Jl/qr/rs or Dakota river, in the even
tenor of its existence, until it debouches, miles
below, into the mad Missouri; to the south and
sou’east stretches one of those monotonous savannas
or grazing plains of Daizota famous as the home of
the. deer and the buflalo, t c uradise of hunters
and trappers; while to the nort and nor’west—ha!
here the interest deepens, and the cause of the
undue haste on the part of the pleasure-seekers,
becomes apparent.

Sweeping down in their rear, and only a. couple of
miles distant. are a body of horsemen, who, as one
glances over them, look like a small army, so strong
are they in numbers.

And, too, their horses are fresh and fleet, and they
are gaining slowly but surely on the partv in
advance. That they are Indians is evidence by
their wild riding, their semi-nude dress. and the
occasional wan-whoops that float faintly forward on
the breeze. Sioux Is their tribe (for it is a rare
occurrence to meet a war-party of any other tribe
in Northern Dakota). and that they are determined
to overtake the fugitives is only too plainly shown
by the manner with which t ey urge on their

)onies.

I Dan Coggswell was in the rear of his party, hur-
rying them along as well as he could, and atthe
same time acting as a. rear guard in case the too
should get near enough to pour in a. fire with their
rifles, for all were svcn, through the guidc’s fleld-
glass, to be well armed.

On. on, on, the pursued whites dashed, desperate-
ly determined to escape if such a. thing were possi-
ble. but as a half-hour flew by, and the horsx s b an
to lag and the Indians to gain, Coggswell shook ‘
head doubtfully.

“ We can’t hold out at this rat", much longer," be
said, as he galloped ahead and joined the young
commander; “ for them 3005 ain‘t goin‘ to give us
the slip, ye can bet yer eyes; and our bosses are
loosin‘ all their breath, too. I opine we mought
as well come to a. halt, an’ try an‘ persuade 'em not
to cum forninst us. as the Irishman sez, with our
rifles. VVhat‘s your views on‘t, Sir Harry 7"

“ What! stop here and let the devils come up and

murder us at their leisure? Neverl We must do '

something, guide. Do you hear? we must do some-
thing to get my mother and sister out of danger. Is

there no other direction we can take toescape “1S8

hellhounds ?” '

“ Yas,”’ replied Coggswell, reflectively, “ thnr lstwo
on ’em.’

“Then, in Heaven‘s name, why not take them!"

“ Wal, I reckon ’twouldn’t be 0' no sorter use,
Harry. One‘s tow’rd Dakota river. Go that way,
an’ the varmints ’11 head Is off afore we git thnr, or
at furthest will drive us into the stream w’ot uretoo
deep and wide to swim.”

 
 

      

    
   
  

   
  
   
   
    
  
 
 
  
 

 

    

     

 

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

- lugs, ofl' yander.

L steeds were lashed into further speed.

' Old Avalanche. 5

 

“ The other, then 9”

"The t’other? Wal, that‘s tow'rds them mount-
Théy'i‘e chock fuller 0’ ther red
heethan an‘ white outlaws, than the Black Hills
themselves."

“ But can we not. find temporary shelter there, in
some canyon or gulchl where we can fight theso
rascals. and in due time Siva] off?"

“Hardly probable. Sons ain’t on thcr give-up,
nowadays. When they scent a prize they’re the,
lads as hes got as much hang-on-a-tiveness as ther
next one. Howsomedever, if ye say the word. wa'll
shy ofl.’ fur them hills. an’ run our chances. We kin
bleech in ther mountiu s as well as any other place.“

“ How far are they distant? Can we reach them
before our horses give out?”

“ Reckon so, if we ride full spurt.”

“Very well, then lead ahead, and we will follow.

The course of tho fleein cavalcade was instantly
changed, sharply to the r ght, and the spurs used
with more vehemence.

Already the savages had gained one of the two
intervening miles, and threatened every moment to
gain a posttion in the chase within rule-shot.

On—on sped the fugitives. like the hurricane wind.
Dan Coggswell keeping slightly in the lead, and
using his field-glass now and then to define the route
which promised to take them nearest to a place of
retreat.

The ladies although much fatigued, were ragerl
urging on t ieir animals. and putting their nuplicxt
trust in the skill and sagacity of Dan. Had it not
been for the impending danger, they would have
enjole the wild ride immensely, for they were true
Englishwomen, and having chased many a fox down
the moorlands of their native isle, they had become,
masters in the saddle, as well as mistresses in the
Social circle and household. But a hundred grim
and bloodthirsty savages, bringing up the rear, Wllll
the desire to rob or murder them, took from the
inflation all its romance.

Ou——on, over the green savanna they swept, and
in hot pursuit came the red Slayers.

“I think I know about the spot where a canyon
opens into them hills," said the guide. caring
straight ahead, “or at least, heerd Old Ava auche,
who traps, hunts au’ annihilates lnjuns up hyar-
abouts, say that thar war a place 0‘ ther kind d’rect
east from Flat Butte peak. Tina‘s ofi’ yonder!"

He pointed straight ahead, and ofif afar through
the hazy distance loomed up the frowning awful

lie of rock whose summit was hundreds of feet
igher than the surrounding peaks.

“ Flat Butte, did you say ‘2" exclaimed the elderly
lady excitedly- -“ Flat Butte?"

“ es, ma‘nm, that‘s what I said."

“Ohl Sir Fleming," she gasped, turning to the
gentleman ol’ the great girth, “is that the place?
Is that the spot where my dear husband met his
death?" ,

' Her voice was full of sorrow and an
checks had rown a shade paler, and
wz-re ciar ed eseechingly.

' “1 thin not, Hetty,"rc lied he,ratherfinervously
as he tonk the glass. “ f you peak is christened
Flat Butte, it is not the one from which Sir Hem-
flung himself, fifteen years ago. That one is, it

remember aright. further south and east."

“Beg yer parding, sir, but Irec'ons how ou‘re
mistook. This butte are the only oue‘s you ll find
up 1101", hyar, in this purtivular region, ’cept it be
Pum kin Butte in the Hills.” said old Dan.

- “' o. I am nut mistaken," was the haughty reply.
“ However. let‘s drop the subject, and turn our eyes
around us, lest we be surprised."

~ A glance went to prove that the pursuers had
come within arrow r age; and were preparing for a
final spurt. t

“On!” cried Coggswell, sternly, and the jaded
“ They must
not git in a wipe 0‘ them nrrers on _us, or some 0’ us
’11 be troubled wi’ chronick rewmatisml" _.

h

iish; her
er hands

 

On. desperately on they dashed, hotly chamnd by
the painted man-hunters, whose yells were now in—
creased both in volume and hideousness. On. and
they were nearing the mountain range which rose so
frowniugly out or the almost level savanna. when
Coggswz-ll suddenly shouted:

" Look! there is the mouth of the canyon of which
I speak d. if we kiu it inter it, we kin fight the
p’izcn variuiuts at our eisuro.“

Ho pointed to a ‘bluck angular opening in the
mighty bluil‘s of mountain, through which gutgled
a little strcnnilet. -

A cheer rose from the lips of Sir Harry and was
answered by a perfect pandcnmniutn of yells from
the savages.

They lashed their ponies furiously, and sent cloud
after cloud of arrows and vollI-y utter volley of bul-
lets in pursuit of [llt ir intended victims.

But all to no avail.

In five moments Dan (‘oggswell led his party be-
tween the towering walls if the canyon, and order-
ing the ladies to ride on into the depths. be com-
manded the men to dismount and prepare to defend
themselves.

0n came the Sioux in a msh. with the idea that
they could break into the canyon, but they were mis-
taken, there.

The horses had been Whet'lt'tl broadside across the
entrance, and as the savage enemy came pouring
into view, four well-directed bullets from the little
party‘s re mating rifles. unhorsed as many reds.

Again t to repeaters spoke, and eight instead of
four warriors went sprawling to the ground. At
first the Indians were confuse-d: and. half terrified,
heat a hasty retreat, out of rifle range, to hold a.
short consultation. Soon they came fiercely on in
another rush, only to he met with a perfect stream
of fire from the wonderful repeating rifles, that
swept away halt‘ a dozen braves from their ranks.
Again they withdrew a short distance, and leavinga

0st of two-score to watch the fugitives, the main

ody separated and swerved to either side of the
canyon. Their purpose at once became evident.
They were going to scale the mountains and enter
the gulch from the rear. ’

CHAPTER ,lII.
TWO REMARKABLE Visrrons.

“ THEY are oing to assail us from some other
point," said 811' Fleming, as he with the others
watched the division of the savages. “ Is there
another end to this canyon, guide, through which
we can make our escape? ‘

"‘Wal, now, that's a question that only time can
solve. P‘raps thar’s an outlet sumwhar more or
less than five thousand miles from here an‘ ag‘in,
p‘raps thar ain‘t. These canyons ar‘ as full 0' crooks,
curl 'quews an‘ curious freaks o‘ natur‘ as a mule‘s
hin tut. If thar's an end to this puttick'lar one ye
can bet yer shiners that it at“ fur from this—cl‘ar
thru on t‘other side 0‘ Liter mountings. That's true
gospul !”

“And do you think the red-skins who just rode
away contemplate climbing the mountains and get-
ting iuto this canyon in our rear?" asked Sir Harry.

" I huin’t ther loast doubt o‘ it!“

“ Then, in God‘s name, what ought we to do—what
must we do?“ '

“That‘s w'at I‘m cngitatin’ on, but ain‘t made up
my mind, yet. Give me room an‘ time to think."

hen he relapsed into silence, and while the others
were watching the movements of the remainder of
the Indians Dan racked his brain for some possible
lan by which he could extricate the party from the
impending danger.

The guard left outside the entrance were now seen
to dismountaud picket out their onies. while active
preparations were being made or camping on the
spot. This convinced the guide that the enemy
were not going to relinquish their prize, while there
might be a. chance of capturing it. The were going
to surround and take the gorge on all si es.

 

4' -

I

6  Avalanche.

 

“We will camp where we are," he said, at lirt,
“ an' do the best we can. "l‘won‘t do to vcntnr‘ i.i-
ter ther depths 0’ thcr mountings too far, for no
mought like’s not git caged thar. SirBruce, yrl‘rl
better trot of? up the canyon, an‘ recall Lady M l-
burn an‘ Lady Maude, an' we‘ll camp right hyar for
thcr present. ‘

Sir Bruce obeyed with alacrity, and in half an
hour returned “'llh the ladies, and a camp was
pitched on the spot.

This consisted of a couple of portable tents which '

had been brought along or the use of the females
and the gentlemen; and soon a fire was built, and
Coggswell prepared some dried venison for the
Whole party.

By this time it was sunset, and the shadows of
night settch dark and somber ovor the earth.

Sir Harry volunteered to stand guard the fore
part of the night, and Dan the latter; so the night
passed away and another day dawned bright and
rosy, without sight or sound of hostile movement
from the them .

After breakfast Dan put the camp in charge of Sir
Harry and shoul'li-riug his rifle and mounting his
horse he set off up the canyon to make observations,
as he said.

The canyon soon proved Itself to be similar to
many others of its kind in this wild region. In )laccs
it was not over a hundred feet wide, and walled in
by such mammoth towers of rock that all was dense-
ly black at the bottom, which was grassy and
watered by an infant stream. .

Then further on it would widen somewhat and
become lighter, thourh the sides were still high and
perpendicular. For milcs it stretched away between
giant peaks, whose crests wore capped with snow
the year around, and wound its way ike a forsaken
freak of nature through the silent northern wildrr-
ness of rock and wood. Far away, still in the dim
distance, loomed up the Flat Butte like a frowning
monster, as it marl-d its summit haughtin above
those of its neighbors, and seemed to discountcuance
human approach.

Cageswcll had never explored the range. but he
had heard much concerning it, and did in t venture
very far into its ll"[)t‘lh' for fear he might arouse an-
other gang of red-skins. So, after assuring himself
that the canyon extended at least LS far as
the Flat Butte, he turned his horse's head toward
camp.

As he rotraced the route over which he had come,
he minutely scanned the walls on either side of him.
in see if there was any chance for the enemy to
penetrate the gorge.

No; there was no opening in the great mass of
rook, that would admit of passage. if they got in
at all. it would he by lowering each other with las-
s was from the pinnacles above, whither they would
have to climb. '

Sitisfied that such was the true state of affairs,
and that days ifnot weeks must elapse ere such an
entrance could be effected, Cozgswell rode back to
the. camp. Here he found matters as he had left
them. and that there were no sizns of imnn-diate
trouble from the twenty reds who had camped out—
side the mouth of the canyon.

Sir Harry Milburn was lounging on guard just out
of rifle range, an'i Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce were
in their tent cicanint,r their weapons.

“ What did you make out?“ asked Sir Harry as
the will lejoined him

“Oh, nuthiu‘ much. I don't ‘spect any trouble
right off, tho‘ it‘s well 911qu to be on thcr lookout
for it," was the reply. “ Any stir among the
lujines‘?"

“ No, not to speak of They seem to be lounging
nn'ilayinq around, at their own case, as you see
them."

" Humphl An‘ all the w'ile they‘re plannin’ sum
devihnent, ve can bet yer flip. Howsumdever,
we’re powerless to purvent it. All we kin do ar‘ ter

low. an‘ wait further dewellopments."

 

The day pa~zed without incident, and nigh wt
her somber mantle overshadowed the mountain
canyon, and plain. ‘

Sir Bi'u. e was detailed to keep the first vigil, and ‘-
Dan the last. i'

Accordingly, they chan rid off at midnight, and
the guide went on duty. here was no moon, and
though a few pale stars twinlclml upafar in h’r-aven‘s
blue vau‘t, the shadow of “HE towering blule cast
over the camp a pal] of gloom.

No fire was kept burning, for tho guide well know
that the enemy would take advantage of the
light to ick ofi an occasional white with their long-
range ri es. They howcvcr, kl‘phu little blaze near
by their camp, am when it would die down their
pickets always took pains to replenish it. so that
their camp was flooded with light. r

Coggswell could not understand this at first,
although he was alive to the fact that there was I
motive in it. He was not aware that full half the
savarrcs were concealed beyond that fire eagerly ‘
watching: the enemy‘s cam , with the idea that some
of the whites would, out o curiosity, cree- near to
spy upon them, and thereby offer a target or half a
score of rifles. ,

But in this the fierce wretchos were foiled. Danwas _ ,
too wise to “ nose around ” in their vicinity. Still.
he did not allow his watchfulness to decrease, but,
on the contrary, kept his eyes and ears even more
alert than on the foregoing night. He felt that . ’
something was soon to occur, but what it was he
was unable to imagine.

The hours went slowly by, and as morning's
darlm approached, the night grow blacker and
stil or.

The guide had just returned from a trip around
the camp and was starting off toward inc Sioux
camp, when a suspicious sound arrested his atten-
tion. ’

It came from the direction of the entra e,and
sounded like stealthy footsteps in the ‘ _. w.
grass. .

Cooking his repeater. Dan peered straight ahead.
his eyes sharply searching ovcr object in the pass.
At first he could make out DOUIIDQ‘, but present y 119 '
behold a visible moving an] swaying of the
vegetation, and looking, as he was, toward 1: ‘
bri hit-light of the enemy’s camp-fire, he tliouwht h.
005d distinguish the bobbing of a head now and
then abrive the surface of the. grass.

Who wasit? Were the savages trying to steal in,
and effect a surprise? . p '

it looked decidedly so, else. why so stealthy final”
approach?

Watching warily for a moment lonrrcr, the guide
brou'rht his gun to his shoulder, and sung out: ,

“ Haiti Who comes “1611-?”

In an instant all was silence.

The rustling ceased, and the bobbing in the ver-
dure was gone. ,

“ Speak: who are you?" again demanded Coggarg.
well, advancing—~“ friend or foe?" ‘
“ l reckin thet ar‘ erbout the state 0’ affairs," re-

plied ashrill, whcczy voice; and the next moment
the figure of a man leaped nimbly from the depths
of the grass, and came tumbling with hafldspringF,
into the guide‘s presenco, closely followed by a ‘
small,sheepish-looking animal of the genus Cipro—7
a real, live, and exceedinqu ugly-lookingr goat. Dan
Coqgswell leaped back in consternation at the an.
ceremonious debut of the pair: but, as the little 01
man ceased his eccentric revolutions and came 
squarely upon his feet, rifle in hand, bemde the goat;
the guide sprung forward with aglad crv. 

“ Avalanche, by all that‘s holyl", he out.
claimed, catching the newcomer’s hand and wringa
ing it warmly.

“ Yas, yas; ver corrcrkt, h’yee—correckt as an '.
full moon in fly-time. Et ar‘ Old Avalanche. tht
lnjun Annihilator, who is a volcaner o’ destructive
ness, a hail-starm o’ demolishen. an’ er whirlwin
o‘ terriflcossity—a great an‘ awe-inspirin‘ avalanche-

 

 

iii:

3;?»

., 44.,

 

.l 2
L
’ i.
I '5’
.‘i i
. a i‘
l
.
. ,.

 

 

" “How (lid I git hayar? How did the miglhty

Old Avalanche. '5'!

 

o' annihilation w‘ot continerally sweeps down thr‘u‘
these boreal lattytudes i"
“Goodi I’m as glad to see ye, old man, as a

Icoyotu is to smell dead hoss, arter a severe winter.

But, whar in ther name 0’ Israel Putnam, did yo
cum frum?” ,

“ Cum from? “'har‘d I gush forth from, d’y wan-
ter kno‘l Orl uowhur in Purticltylar. Ismelt thc
savory odor o‘ in‘un down his wa , so I got aboard
0’ a. veritagahle gluinderstarm o’ ( emolisln h, under
the conductorashun 0‘ 0' Rory Borey Alice, au' war
wafl‘ted over inter thes decstrict fer ther pnrpuss o‘
annihilatin’ a couple a-hundrt‘d Seeks. Sec yo‘vo a
regim‘i’nt o’ ther same acting as yer body-guard, out
ha 1‘.

‘¥Oh yes. The divils have got us Penned up
hyar, an‘ tliar’s no tellin’ how we're goin to git out.
What kind 0‘ a. boost d‘ye call this feller?"

“ That? Why. creeation huin’t ye novyer heerd
tell 0‘ lhet anymilc? ’I‘het‘s my half—my best-half,
and a j‘int o‘ ther destructive Avalanche, That ‘ar's
a he goat, w'at navygaits under ther appiedtion 0’
Florence Nithu-agale. I’m the heyoufiz e. w‘ot
floats through the atmosphere under tin-rt ornomcn
0’ Old Avalanche, Injun Annihilator: an‘ he‘s my

ard. Ye observe et allus takes taro, at ther most
ndei’fynite calk lation, to make a. bargain, un‘ sum-
times three. \ al, sich bcin’ ther statuso' eri'airs, I
an’ Florence ar’ two, an’ w’en ther third teller cums

in wi' his say 'bout things in gineral we two cousoli~ '

date an' win the bargi‘n by demolishen ther third
partyi We ar' one an‘ always wins when it comes
to light, or fodder, or fun,” -

“Howl haw! haw!" laughed Dan, really happy,
now, that he had met one of his own typo of men.
" I See ye’ro‘s full 0‘ sass as l'VL‘l', old man. But, tell
me, how did you git in here?”

avalanche 0’ (lemolishon git lwroi Why, b'yce, ow
does this great ackcheuvvmunt allus work its as-
toundin‘ miracles? Ilow dot-s the whirlygig 0‘ de-
struction ullus swetp down like. a grasshopper bri-

ade thru these lujuu llllltlllll‘S an longytoatls?

ow, indeed? Echo nns'ers faint] haow? Wnl
I'll explain to e. [smelt Soo down ayrabouts. so
an' Florence Nght-in-a gale 'ist stepped aboard 0' a
thunderstorm o‘ exterminas tun, cornductcd by the
great 0‘ Rory Borey Ailee, 1121' were sockod down at
ther entrance 0‘ this canyon in less time ‘11 et takes
to say Zacknriab Zohulonl"

By this time the shrill tones of the eccentric Ava-
lanche had aroused the camp. and the whole of the
mrty came tumbling out of their tents, to ascertain
he cause of so muc l commotion.
uito dark, and only the outlines of the
orms were discernible to the noble-

It was still
two friends’
men.

“Hello, there, guide!" shouted Sir Harry as he
a proached, accompanied by Sir Bruce and Sir

cming; “ what’s the go?"

“ Ohi nothing much," was the reply.
I’ve got a recruit here!”

“A recruit. eh?” and the gentlemen crowded
eagerly around. “Whati a mountaineer? Jove:
this 18 luck 1" .

"Yes, sar," replied the old man, leaning on his
rifle, and peering at the noblemen through the
gloom, "a. ginnuywine northern mounteucr, who
floats through the atmosphere about five feet above
terr firmer, under the pump-handle 0’ Old Ava-
lanc e the Great Injin Annihilator—a. volcaneck

rruption o‘ destruction, 3 hailstarm o‘ demolishon,
Ed a veritagable equinocksyell decockshun 0‘ an-
llation."

“ Come up,

CHAPTER IV.
WXLD EDNA nan/mos TOLL.

Tnls caused a eneral laugh during which the cor-
pulent Sir Fleming espicd the old goat, faintly dlS'
cernible in the darkness. ‘

“Hello! What is this—a mountain dog? ’ he asked,

 

advancing with all an Englishman‘s love for

canine creation, and attempting to at the animal
on the head. “Nico doggy, nice r egg l There.
pup, do not be frightened because I wil not harm
you "‘—for Florence N' ht-in-a—gale had backed
away, shaking his head ubionsly. Seeing that he
could not effect an acquaintance with the stubborn
“ dog." the nobleman turned to Old Avalanche. ‘

“What, breed is your dog, stranger?“ he asked,
condrscendin ly.

The Annihi ator was about to answer when there
was a rush, a savage “ba-a-a "and the neck and
heels of Sir Fleming sudden y approached each
other with astonishing uicknrss, and he went roll-
ing end ever end to the urther side of the camp.

ir Fleming (lolefully picked himself up, and
glared about wildly. '

“ What was that?" he demanded, stamping his
foot with rage; “ what was that that struck me?"

The answrr came quickly, for like a rocket the
frolicsome goat, with a bound and a bleat, rammed
his knotty head against the buronet‘s imposing
paunvh, again rolling him over and over like a. ball.

“ That's ’bout ther breed 0‘ my dorg " snorted
Old Avalanche, roaring with laughter. and rancing
dolightodly about: “ that‘s tln‘r pedigree o‘ lorence
Niglit-in-a-gale. Kim hyar, Florence, ye onmannerly
rapscallion. Don’ ye kno‘ no better'n to buck one 0'
yer own ('UlOI‘? My b'yee, ye shtd allus remember
thet ye at" only called upon tew butt l/jtms—tew
lond yer head-gwr tow the heethnn. New/armor ar
let me cotch ye buckin‘ one o' yer own color erg in.
or I’ll wnllnp yer red 1"

Sir Fleming arose with evident trepidation. and,
clasping his hands over his abused pnunch, made for
his tent with groans and muttered curses.

Morning dawned clear and warm, and in the first
rosy light, the imprisoned party was enabled to View
for the first time a genuine northern mountain man—-
for such was Old Avalanche—from den-skin leggings
and headed moccasins, to his fringed skin hunting-
shirt and bearskin cap.

He was of medium stature, with a muscularly
developed form, and clean, wiry limbs, and looked to
be a person of uncommon strength. Though well
along in years, he was still supple and active as a
man of forty. Iiis skin was tanned to a dark brown.
and his whole face and appearance was as grizzly as
grizzly could be. His face was dec il scarred and
seamed, his hair was long and tang N , and his 9 es
were wonderfully brilliant and flowing, conside g
hisage. Th:- set-med capableo reading one’s inner-
most thoug its and secrets. In some affray he had
lost I 0% evrr, a disfiguration that would render him
recognizable in any place or under any circum-
stances.

His arms were of improved pattern and finish, the
rifle being a re router, and tho revolvers in his belt
of the (,‘olt mate. A bowie and hatchet also hung
at his hip, and this completed the outfit of the not-
able mountaineer and guide.

His reception by the Ladies Milburn was hearty.
and Sir Harry and Sir Bruce were no loss demon-
strativo in their joy at his coming. Dan had said
much of the prowess. skill and ingenuity of the
Annihilator, and now that he had condescended to
drop in upon thrm, all ft‘lt that they could r5?
Upon him to extricate them from their present (1 ~
cult and danger.

_“ (llllmn about it," was the veteran‘s reply. when
Sll‘ Harry asked him if he fl it himself equal to the
task of will“? umm into a place of safety. "These
purteck er lat ytudes rm’ longytoads ain‘ ther most
delightful komries as ye kind wish for. ‘less e're
able trr'preeslmte ther failings an‘ virtuoso ther
Injun creeashun. If a fellor glts inter InJun embar-
rassments it’s mor'n rob'le he won't git, out, o' ‘em,
wi‘out losm‘ his wig, less he happens to beam.
starm o’ demolishen: like me fer instance."

" But there certainly must be some way b which
to escape from here. Does not this canyon ave an
opening at some other point?" i V ,

 

8 Old Avalanche.

 

“ Ye‘ve got ther Avalanche thar b'yee, fer sart'in,
'ca'se I don‘t eggsactly kno‘. 8 see, I nevyar
’splored it any fu‘ther‘n the Flat Butte, whose base
ar‘ ’bout twenty miles from hayr. Thar mought be
another eend to ct. then ag’in thar moughtn’t.
These canyons ar’ worse nor a dose 0‘ pills fer

hizzickin’ a feller's ijees an’ calkylashuns. Sunr—

imes they‘ll run for miles as purty an‘ natcheral—
like as a volcaner o’ destruckshion: then, ergain,
ye‘ll p‘r’a s foller one for a mile or two gude ernuff,
when ye‘ cum slap-dab up ag‘in‘ a mounten o

roe .

“girdeem How far westward does this range ex-
ten '

“More or less‘n ahundred miles. It‘s cl'ar twenty
on ‘em to ther fut o’ ole Flat Butte, an‘ thet ar’n’t a
sarcumstance ter w'ot’s beyond.“

"Humphl We are indeed in a trap. then. lol-
most despair of ever getting back within the bounds
of civilization."

" Ye mustn't guv up so easy."

“And why hope, pray ?"

“Ohl fer numerous reason. I'll bet a cart-load
o' b'ar-meat that I an’ my j‘int 'll get you out 0'
this afore longi"

“ our j‘lnt?"

“ ngsactly—my ‘int—my h'ilf-an'-halfl"

" I fall to compre end."

“ Eh? Don’t see thr’u’ et? Wal, that‘s quare.
Ye observe thet my goat thar, ar’ a 1 int 0‘ the great
thunderstarm 0' horeal destruction, an' consckent-
ly. he‘s a j'int o’ ther famuss Avalanche, w’ich same
ar‘ er ‘umble sarvint. He’s my goat, is Florence
ng t-in-a-gale, an' I‘m his goatee. He‘s a j'int,
coggwheel an’ ram-rod o‘ therAnnihilation; I‘m the
proprieter, ther orig’nator. an' ther'hull machiuner
o' ther ackcheevemcnt. We two, consolidate( ,
make up ther arful Norweegjan avalanche 0’ (le-
structlon, w‘at swee 5 cl! Injun varmin frum these
lattytudes an’ long oads- ther volcancck errupshun
o‘ extermination; her whirlygig 0‘ dcmolishun an‘
hailstarm o' subversion an‘ annihilation!"

“ Heaven!" gasped Sir Harry, “ if you are all you
claim to be, I should hate to have you wage war
against me!"

“Correckt—correckt as full moon in fly-time.
Grasshoppers an’ mounten dewi why, when both
j'ints 0 that Avalanche git inter o eration an’
thar’s plenty In uns erbout to annihi ate, we re a
parfect thunder olterous decockshun 0’ death an’
extinkshun. Sir, jes’s true‘s I’m a Norweegjan
avalanche, I an' m half-an’-hnlf, Florence Night»
in-a-gale, thar, kin ick more Injuu-meet than any
alliance this side 0’ Mississip‘ rlvycr on a bet, an’ by
ther sun. Wanter bet?"

“ No, I think not. I should first prefer to see you
0 erate on these savages out there at the mouth of
t e canyon."

“An’ ye shell be grattyfled soon, sure‘s thar‘s
virtue an’ modesty in a he-mule‘s hind fut. 1 think
I’ll take a skirmish over thar, now, I do.”

And, looking to his weapons the eccnntric old fel-

low threw himself on the ground and wiggled off
toward the entrance. close y and silently followed
by his remarkable goat.
The [grass in the mouth of the canyon was nearly
waist igh, in consequence of the round at this
spot being somewhat marshy, so I; mt the move-
ments of the Avalanche were not observed by the
watchful savages outside.

The two were absent a greater share of the day
and those in camp were beginning to grow fearful
that their stand-by had either deserted them, or been
captured, when he quietly reappeared among them,
accompanied by Florence. '

A glance at is grim, anxmus face told them that
songidething had happened. which boded them no

go .
“ What is it, girl": asked Lady Milbum as she ap-
groached him, leaning on the arm of her beautiful
sughter. “I trust we are in no immediate danger
of being massacred? Coggswell said. only yester-

 

gay, thatnhe apprehended no trouble for several“
ays yet. '  i
“ Wal, ma’am," was the Annihilator’s answer, as 2‘
be seated himself on a convenient howlder, “ that’s
all to oue’s wa. o’ thinkin‘. As l’ve obsarvcd sev-
erial times bchmd, it ginncraie takes two or more
persons to make a bargain. ow, then, Ian‘ my
jin’t, hyar, Florence Night-in-a-gale, hev been com-
parin‘ notes, to-day, an wc’ve arriv' at ther univer- !
sal conklusion thet we're goin‘ to expverience thun-
der‘n’ hot tinn-s, pirly soon, nem"s we kin jedgcl"
“ What‘s that?" asked Sir Harry, coming up.
“ Have you made any alarming discoveries, scouti."
“Alarmin‘? Wu], that’s jos’as ye luke at the
thing. You mought call ’cm alarmiu', while I call-
ed ’em simply ‘hot.’ Hmvsumdevcr, I've satisfied
my ijees, thet of we wait ’til ye escape thru that
1100! yander. wi’ ther assurity that ye git safe away
wi‘out gittin’ yer ha’r dressed by Injin barbers, ye’il
be‘s gruy’s ole Job‘s hen-turkey. Ther pererarey
ar‘ 'cs‘ swarmin’ wi’ red~skins, an’ they‘re reparin'
to rive us back inter thcr mountains. ee hayr.
folkses, thar's one thing’w’at puzzils me. Ev ry
consarncd Injun out tlmr kerries ther callrylashun
’bout him, thet when they get ou-‘uns they’ll it
swads on swads 0’ money an’ dlimunds an’ jewe s,
an' sich like.
seen ye up at Dakota City—Idaho Bill an‘ Red Bill,
for instance, who ar’ two 0‘ the wu'st cut-throats
this side 0‘ erdishen, an' they’re a-urgin’ on the
red ni gurs y telliu’ ’em w'at lots 0‘ spondulix ye‘ve
got. ow, is this so, or is ct sum 0‘ them renegades” ’
cussed lyin’?"

Thar's white devils ’mong ’em w’at‘s . -

Sir Harry and Lady Milbum exchanged glances; . ~ \ J
, .

thou the former replied:

“ Yes, it is partly true. We have money and ew-
cls enough about our persons to come to a mi ion
dollars if sold in fair markets."

The old man shrugged his shoulders.

“ Ye’re dumhiasted fools fer bringiu’ 'em out inter
this kentry, then," he growled. “ Thet, however,
ain't none 0' my bizness. Ye've got yerselves‘inter
a. muss, an‘ ye must prepare to bear up no matter
w’ot ’tarnal difllkiltios ye meet. Ef we all it out 0‘
those mountens ’thout we git ha‘r dressed, We lost
my sciontiffock rec’onin'.
got to by. Ther great Avalanche is wi’ ye, an‘ ef he
ken‘t see e out o‘ thes embarrassment, no otherde‘

structive unmu ken. Buternufl’ o‘jaw-waggin’;let‘l 

adjourn terhizness. Saddle an‘ mount yer bosses,
all hands, an‘ ride for door life up ther canyon. Do
not stop ’til ter-morrer (lavbrcak of ye ken keep on.
Thet‘ll fetch yo “bout tor ther fut o’ Flattcned Butte.
Sto hayran wait ’til I j’ine ye!”

“ ut what do you intend to do?”

“ I must steal a h0ss frum them Injuns fust.
Nevyer feer fur me. I’ll cum out top 0‘ the pile."

“ Shall we take the tents along?“ asked Sir Harry.

" No. Leave ’e'n whar they a1". They may keep
ther reds from 'spnckin‘ ye‘ve sloped an' keep ’em
from attackin’ right ofi‘.”

So the tents were left standing. the horses care-
full saddled, packed and mounted, and then, when
all was in readiness, the cavnlcnde dashed off up the
gorge, under the guidance of Coggswell, leaving Old
Avalanche and Florence sole tenants of the deserted
camp. .

For hours they rode rapidly on. The- bottom of

the canyon was comparatively level, consequently I -'4

no serious impediment was offered to their progress. ’

Night fell dark and dense over the grand old‘
mountains, for the skyrvas overcast with menaci .
black clouds; and stil the fugitives urged mg,
sti-eds through the gloom of the great canyon whic
stretched away, as deep, silent and lifeless asbefors,
and doubly more blank and im enetrable.

All night they rode] on, an as the first tints 0U-
day-dawn were seen to flush against the mountainlo
crests, they came to a halt at the base of th ,.
mighty pile of rock and wild andeur the Flat Butte.

“ har, ma’am," said 01 Dan, dotting his h
respectfully to Lady Milbum, as he nodded upw

Nevyertheless, we hev.-,~. ..

" fit
.11

 

 

 

 

Old Avalanche.

ioWard the far-distant peak—“ that‘s ther Flat
Butte, up yander an‘ thcr only pile o' mountin 0'
that name in all fiakota: in fact thar ain’t ernut er
flat butte short 0‘ ther Black Hi ls on ther Rockies."

“Ob, Sir Flemingl" exclaimed the lady: “then

on must be mistaken. Thismust be the. mountain

am in search of. Ohl sir, do not tell nicI am
wrong. Iinust, I will know the truth, and haven,
search made for my poor, lost Henry's bolws. Ay,
I will, sir, if we have to search the country over!"

"Nonsense. Holly; you are getting crazy over
this subject. I have told you once that this is nottho
Flat Butte I mean. Is not that enough?"

“ No! it is not cnoughl” cried Sir Harry, sternly.
“ I now fully believe this to be the peak.”

“Take care young man, how you speak to me,
your better. You forge‘fi‘

“No, I forget nothing; nor do I fear you, If my
mother wishes search made, it Mull be model Let
that be understood.“

“It shall not, with ut my consent.
mands this party, pray?“

“ l do—my share of it I“ was the retort of the de-

' cided young nobleman.

“ And what do you claim as your part?" sneered
Sir Fleming.

“ My mother and sister, sir, and our guide. I trust
Sir 'l‘yrant. As to Sir Bruce l‘quiiirk. I do not
know whether I can count on him as ally or not."

Sir Bruce smiled a purely French smile, and
nodded his head negatively.

"Sir Harrv forgets that I owe my support and
title to Sir Fleming,“ he said, in a soft, Olly voice,
“I should therefore consider his wishes above all
others."

“Very well,“ bowed tho haughty young peer,
coolly; “just as you like. Your room is of more
account than your society.”

Sir Fleming laughed, evilly.

“ I think by the rights of a husband and guardian,
I also have the ladies under my controli" he
chuckled.

Sir Ilarry bit his lip savagely, but did not an-
swfl‘. Co rgswell, however, Spoke for him:

“Enoug 0‘ this wrangliu‘, now,” he growled,
“fer thar’s other'biz on hand. We're goin' to have
visitors.“

He pointed on up the canyon to where a large
party of horsemen had come in sight through the
gloom, and were galloping down toward them. They
were. all attired in the garb of mountain-men, were
armed with polished rillcs, revolvers and knives,
and wore cra e rails as masks over the upper por-
tion of their aces.

 

Who com-

But, most strange of all, they were headed by a
ql'Mnan—a. young and beautiful creature, with scin
of creamy whiteness, ure and classic features, eyes
like stars in their brig itness, and hair of nut-brown
color. which hung to her waist in a mass of wild
contusion. Her form was the porl‘cciion of a sylph,
and was clad in a rich Spanish-Mexican riding-habit,
while a belt around her taper waist was bristling
with wea one of the best pattern and finish, as was
the rifle t ml; was slung across her saddle hows.

She was mounted upon a superior black charger,
adorned with gay and elegant trap in s, and sat her
saddle with the ease and race 0 a nished eques-
trienne. As the noted 9. these facts. both Dan
Coggswcll and . ir Henry uttered exclamations of
wonder and admiration.

"Beautifull" said the latter to his pretty sister

' who was ridiughy his side, “ She is just my ideal oi’

what woman can be.“
“You think her pretty?"
'3 “Ayl—What gracvl what strength, what com-
mand! She is nmcnincmt! Hey, guide, do you
know her?“ a
"Reclmn so; at least I've heerd tell on her, but
didn’t ex ect to meet her hyar, no more’n I would
’veJob’s en-rooster." '
“But, who is it?—who are they?“
. _ “Ther femayel is Wild Edna, the Girl Bandit, an‘

,,/ 9

 

 

them others ar‘ her hackers—m wild an' fearless a
set 0' devils as ever chawed le'd l"

“ Whatl a girl-bandit? that beauteous girl a. ban—
dit? Impossible, sirl"

" No, et ain’t nuthin‘ o‘ the kind. Jes' wait a. hit
an’ ye‘ll see for erself."

At the guide 5 command all the men cocked and
raised their rifles, and as the now-comers came
within speakin distance, old Dan sung out:

“ Halt or we re!"

Wild Edna addressed her followers then. and they
drew up in form across the canyon, while she. affix-
ing a white ’kerehief to the end of her rifle, rode
fearlessl forward.

"Who do you want?“ demanded Sir Fleming as
she rode within a few rods and drew rein. “ hat
and who are you?"

A smile irradiated the maiden's face as she eyed
every one among the party, and then replied:

“Your ponderous lordship I have the honor of
introducing myself as Wild Edna, the Girl Bandit.
Those I left behind me are my men."

“ Indeed! A most remarkable vocation for a
young lady of your personal beauty. I should say.

was not aware that America was infested with
bandittil"

“Then you were not well informed, sir. MayI
make bold to inquire what brought you into Devnl‘s
Can on?”

“ Ve were driven hither by the Indians,“ replied
Sir Harry, eying the Vision of beauty before him
with un isguised admiration.

“By the Indians, eh? Well, that
common occurrence. for we often sen
hunters, tra pcrs and explorers cage in this
same traE. suppose it is your desire to pass on
through t e canyon and get out of these mountains,
is it not?" .

“ Most assuredly, if there is possibility of such an
escape." '

“ on are then, doubtless, prepared to pay the
toll without delay, so that you can earlier take your
departure?"

‘ The toll F"

“The toll. Every person who asses the Flat
Butte by the gatcwa of the Devi ‘s Canyon is re-
?uired to pay a tol , the same being any amount

may see fit to exact. 0n consideration of its
payment in gold or greenl-acks. my followers see
that you are guarded safel ' on through the mount-
ains and started en. route or the nearest post of
civilization."

“By the godsl" growled Sir Fleming, in a. rage,
“you have the most sublime check it has ever been
my lot to behold. “by, child, do you imagine we
will tolerate any such interru tion as ou probably
will seek to place in our pat ? 1‘11 5 oot you for
your inipudeuce. "

“No, you will do nothing so rash," was Wild
Edna‘s cool answer. “One finger laid upon me in
anger or a hand upraised against me. would seal
your fate. My men are all sworn to obey and pro-
tect me, and avenge me should I fall. God pity the
man who incurs their enmityl His death would be
terrible.“

Sir Fleming cowcred under the fire that shone
from her wondrous eyes.

“What toll do you require," asked Sir Barry.l
"before you pass us on i”

“ Well that depends. Let me see—there are six of
you, and I see that all of you save the guide sport
diamonds—a fact that tells me your wealth is great.
Of what nationality are you Y"

“ All, except two, are English. Sir Bruce here, is
a French Canadian, and the guide a. Yank l"

‘ Very well. The toll, then, shall be ai-n thou:ch
dullm-s—onelthousand a head 1"

CHAPTER V.
on) AVALANCHE OR was muss. '
Arms the cavalcade was out of sight u the
ravine or canyon, Old Avalanche began to fix thing!

is no un-
arties of

 

 

10

Old Avalanche.

 

around in camp, in such a manner as would lead the
sav es to suppose all the arty were still there.
He ound several blankets in the tents, and wrap-
ping these about suitable broken limbs that were
strewn about, be manufactured some quite credit-
able dummies, which were put in posilion near the
mouth of the gorge. After arran ing everything
uite to his satisfaction, he statione t 1e goat ncnr
t eentrance to watch. while he threw himself upon
the ground and was soon off in a sound and refresh-
ing slumber. from which he did not waken until the
shadows of night had enveloped the earth. .

Then, after calling in Florence by a shrill whistle.
he ate a few bits of dried bear-meat, after which he
was ready for the war-paths

Out on the prairie he could see the glow of many
camp-fires, and from these be guessed that the reds
were not to attack the camp that night, or, ii' at all,
not until a late hour.

The reflection of the fires against the clouded sky
enabled the shrewd old so mt ioascertnin thoirnum-
her. for each flre cast a distinct glow from the
others. where they were not too contiguous, which
was not the case, now.

There were eleven reflections, and from their scat-
tered positions. the Annihilator concluded that the
enemy were spread out over a considerable portion
of the neighboring savanna. _

After carefully examining his weapons, and bid-
ding Florence to lie down and watch the camp, he
slung his rifle behind his back, threw himself on all-
fours, and crept out of the mouth of the canyon.
Once outside, he came to a momentary halt, and
cautiously gazed about. All around him lay spread
out a panorama of wildness. life and grandeur.
Down across the almost limitless plain. were the
lights of twinkling camp-fires, which there lifup the
starless night like open day; the moving of hun-
dreds of dusky figures, the neighing of horses and
the guttural shouts of men, told that there was the
Indian camp.

Here were countless dozens cooking their evening
meals: there were other groups enraged at their
long council-pipes. Here were >ravcs rubbing down
their horses by the light of the flaming torch, and
there a smal army of dogs, yclping and snarling
over a cast-off bone.

Ever where were more or loss hustle mrl r civity,
and, v ewed in the bright light of grc-it. roaring
cam fires, it was a scene of exciting interest and
have ty.

After several moments‘ scrutiny, Old Avalanche
became satisfied on two points. One was that there
was alarge increase in numbers since his previous
visit, and the other was that there wcrenot less than
a. dozen sentinels concealed in the grass, very close
to where he was crouching. He had seen more than
one suspicious swaying of the verdure around and
in front of him, which, as there was not the faintest
breeze stirring could only be accounted for by the
presence of a skulking red-skin.

To get be and their lines without attracting atten-
tion be wel knew was impossible; but beyond he
was determined to o, if he had to wade through a
whole re iment oft em.

So, tig tenino his belt. and drawing his keen-
edzed bowie, he crawled carefully on, making
scarcely any sound or stir among the high grass.
His course ay along the base of the mountain, for
he knew that if he could escape the sentinel in
this direction, ‘he would be enabled to approach
the corral of the Indians-1' horses with more sure-
ty" of not stumbling against a cordon of one-
mics.

On he crawled. with less noise than a creeping ser-

nt, every nerve strung anl ready for- work and

is eyes and ears on the alert for hostile sight or
sound. Presently he suddenly paused.

Right in front of him he heard a rustle, which be“
tokened the presence of a savage. Had the red-skin
discovered h m? For fully half a minute the scout

paused indoubt; but, as all was again silence, he

 

thrust the blade of his knife between his teeth, m.
began to wriggle slowly backward. '/\ ~

This retreat, however, was of but short duration,
for he soon came to another halt. .

There were enemies comm” up in his war .’ , ’

These were not creeping up, though; but advanc-
ing in an upright position, and were four in num-
ber. Their course lay straight toward where the
scout was concealed, and in a few moments they:
would be upon him.

“One on ’em‘s Idaho Bill," he muttered, as the
loud, brawling voice of one of the newcomers floated
out on the air. “ Darn his black hide, et won’t do
for him trr git his peepcrs on ther Averlanchc—ther
lmreaI breeze o’ destructiveness, or thar‘ll be mir-
acles to pay. I opine ct would be health to 510 ." ‘

In retreating from where he suppose'i {he seugflel
to be 1 ‘ing, it had been the scout‘s Ian to gather
himsel u and, by a succe‘ sion 0 haudsprings,
land plum on top of his enemy; but a glance,,now
warned him that this would be impossibleon accoun
of the, approach of Idaho Bill and his com pardons-
so he once more crawled ahead toward the conceal
rod-skin. He experienced no dimculty in obtainin
his former position, where he paused and grasped
his knife in a firm hand.

Then he listened.

There was no noise ahead. The ._ "

next instant the Annihilator gathered himself up’ 

and made a flerce lunge ahead through the grass, to.
where he believed the savage was lying.

But, great was his mistake.

No savage was there, and his long knife was
plunged to the hilt in the earth. Ere he could with-
draw it, he heard a chuckling grunt, and wheeled
about just in time to avoid the blow from a hurtling
tomahawk, hurled from the hands of a giant savage,
not six yards away. " ,

In another instant the two had sprung to each‘
other's embrace, and were locked in a desperaibaval‘
hug. Over and over they rolled through the rus
grass, writhing, twisting and s uirming, but emittin »
no sound save what was causec by their movements,
each determined to crush the other in his terrlbl
hug. '

The Annihilator was knifeless. but still had his re—
volvers, but clasped in that terrible hug he could not»
draw either weapon. The red-skin still possessed his.
knife, but was likewise powerless to use it.

So the struggle depended alone upon craft and K; ‘H

strength.
Of the latter the savage had the advantage. al» -.
though Old Avalanche was possessed of even more

than an average share, and a few moments convinOu' I W

ed the scout that he had met more than his equal. ,

The red-skin was gradually warming up to his‘ .

work and bent all his energies toward retaining his ‘ .
osi'ion on the upper side.
ought desperate y against this, he was doomed to ‘

defeat, for. ere he was scarce aware of the fact, the. “

savage had wrenchcd himself from his hold, turned.
him under, and pinioned him securely to the ground

as in the grip of-a vise. .

He then eyed his prize with a demoniac grln‘ont:
his bedaubed features, as if undecided what to (lo—- ‘
whether to bind him with cords and hear him int
camp, or to brain him on the spot.

So astonished was Old Avalanche that fora few.’
moments he was rendered speechless.
had he been so easily conquered by one of the hated
red-skin race.
his thoughts for he said:

” Ugh! whi'e dog much heap bigbrave: kill many
Sioux. Running Ant lope too much stout for ’im
dough. He take great brave to Rain-in-the-Face, an \
(icy hurn him at stake!” _ ‘4

"Ye will, hey? Ye’ll take ther enormous Non
weeggan avalanche ter yer camp, will ye, aln’ roas
him n ' ther Soo fryiu‘ skil'er, will ye? Ye‘ll tro

thcr boreal thunderstorm o’ demolishen 'bout jest ‘4‘! ‘

ye pleaze. will ye?"
“Ugh! yes.
the No—Ear brave."

And. though the scout: ‘ -

Never before“, a

The grinning captorseemed to divine ~ .

3:1:
’5’

Rain-in—theeF'ace be, heap, glad to, so, ’ '
w' “

 

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

Old Avalanche. 1 1

 

"He will, hey? He’ll slop right over wi‘ joy w'en
he sees ther volcanic snow-slide o' annihilation, will
he? WaLij -s‘ telegrat’ tew him not tew sloblwr, jes‘
vill Tell iim ter adjern his feelin‘s o‘ funnynis ’til

e‘s not yar ‘umble survent fu'st."

‘ Ugh l" grinned tho ceinon, “let the No- 5111‘
notch. The white chief is coming, and he will help
Antelope hind his prisoner."

Old Avalaneht-‘s heart now sunk Within him, for
he heard the tramp of man feet and the loud mur-
mur of approaching voices that told him ldaho Bill
and his companies were coming up. Once nore
he struggled fiercely to free himself, but all in vain.
Runpiug Antelope had him where he could hold him
tlrni v.

“ng'h l" he chuckled—“can‘t no git away." But
he spoke not the truth, then.

Scarccly had the words left his lips when there

‘ came upon his hearing the shn'll bleat of a goat, and

the next instant the form of Florence Nightingale
shot meteor—like through tho air. and the Antelope
became the recipient of a trententlous buntin tie
back that shut hun up like, n. jack-knife, and wholly
broke his hold upon the Scout.

Old Avalanche leaped to his feet with aiacriiy and
darted away into the darkness, for tho redskin‘s
howls instantly brought a swarm of his comrades
to the spot; and it was not safe to linger thereabouts
longer. Florence meelrly followed. and in a. few
moments the two were out of the reach of immedi-
ate danger.

Here the, old man hnltod and took in his bearings,
after which he startHd off in the, direction of the
corral, which lay some two miles distant to the
northeast.

In order to reach it he was obliged to make a cir-
cuit ot‘ the entire camp, that was now awakened and
on the alert for, by the magic system of Indian
telegrnpliy, t ie news had been transmitted to every
camp-me oftlie scout’s escape. But to a man as
thoroughly experienced as the Annihilator, this
was merely play, and in the Course of half an hour
he and his faithful “ j‘int” were close in the vicinity
of the corral. This was about; fifty rods from any
camp—fire, and the. munst were guarded by four

‘ mounted braves, each well armed.

The red-skin neurrst to where Old Avalanche and
Florence were crouching. was a. stalwert your!"
warrior, and was mounted upon a ClCflD-lllllbtKT,
fiery Texan horse of a jetty black color.

Both horse aul rider were motionless, for the
latter’s attention was now directed toward the camp,
which was all excitement on account of the scout‘s
probable presence in the vicinity.

As he gazed at the handsome warrior and the
magnificent horse. a desperate resolve entered the
Annihilator‘s mind.

He would obtain possession of thatanimal, or
something more than a common “scrimmage”
would rove a failure. With it, and he on its back,
it woul be no trick at all to dash back into the
Devil‘s Canyon from whence he would follow and
join the advancing party,

Bidding Florence to lie. down, the scout crawled
stealthily forward through the grass, and after
some time reached it position directly behind the

uard's steed, and so close that he could touch its
:aunclzes with his hand. Then he rose softly to his
feet. The brave was still uumiudful of the pre-

' sence of an enemy.

His attention was cast upon the movements of
those in camp.

For Several moments Old Avalanche softly stroked
the hairy hauuches t f thelior.-c to quiet him, for. on
the scoxtt‘s rising he had appeared restive. Then
placing his two hands firmly on the animal's hips, he
made an agile spring and landed squarely upon his

' b kbehind the sentinel, around whom he thing his

a s in a steel-like emhrace.

The horse reared, and snorted with terror, and
then dashed away wildly, hearing straight down
into the swarming camp.

t

 

CHAPTER VI.
A srsc’rnn ON THE SUMMIT.

ALL, even Coggswell the guide, put up their hands
in astonishment at the amount demanded by the
Girl Bandit. They had imagined her toll would no"
exceed a few do'lai‘s, consequently the sum mtde
seemed almost an incredible fee.

“Zonnds!” cried Sir Fleming; “do you imnrine
we are made of mono '? Your impudenee is astoun-
dingl Had I a suitab e whip I would chastise on."

A merry peal of laughter from \ ild Et‘ua s lO\\‘t‘(1
how thislittlo speech affected her. Evidently silo
was as fearless as she was beautiful

" Who are you, lady?" asked Sir IInrry, respect-
fully. “We seldom see females of your surpassirjz
loveliness the master of suchadungcrous and ro-
mautic situation.“ '

“True, Sir luquisitiveness; but who I am, and
what are my antecedents, concerns you not, that I
see. My business here, is to collect the tell fer
passing through this canyon, and not to divulge n.y
secrets and history to utter strangers.”

Her voice was now cold and haughty.

Sir Hurry flusl‘ed '1 trifle, and hit his lip to keep
hack a hot reply. IIer retort had dampened his
ardor more than to would havedated to own.

Shar -eyed little Lady Maude had noticed the
effect, iowever, and gave. him a sisterly little nudge.

“ Faint heart never won fair lady, you know," she
whispered, and then burst into 9. gay, ringing lunch
that caused more rushes of cnlor to go darting
across: her brother‘s handsome face.

“Bahi” he growled, with a frown. Then. turning
half—savagely upon the Girl Bandit. he continued:

“Well, what are you waiting to: y" ,.

“For six thousand dollars," was the cool, uncon-
fused answer.

“Indeed. ‘Iou can go, then, for you will get no
such a sum out of me ,"‘

“You forget, my lord. I only ask one sixth of
the toll from you—the remainder from your com-
pauions."

“ lint they will not (give it, no more will I. So you
can go."

“ ay I presume toinquire, then, what you iri'l do?
You can no no further in this dirtctiou without pay-
ing the toll."

" I'm: forget we are armed, and capable of firht-
iug our way throughl” ventured Sir Brucv, sneer-

‘nt'l .

"gcarcely, through such odds as my hand. I
command full sixty brave men. \\ but could you
hope to do against them?"

“Not much, it ".8 true. Nevertheless. I, for one,
will not submit to being swiudied tlms out of a thou~
sand dollars. I refuse to pay 'on a single dollar!”

“Likewise, I!“ growled Sir ‘leming.

“And I!" from Sir Harry. ’

“And It" grinned old Dan. “This chicken‘s bin
bankrupt these five years.”

“Very well. If this is your final decision. gentle-
men, I suppose it includes your ladies as well as
yourselves."

“ It does.”

“ Then I will bid you adieu. Make no attem t to
go further up the canyon, er.you will be ri died
with bullets. These are stern laws. but they are
such as bind the handitti of Devil‘s Canyon together.
You have refused to pa the toll. 'l‘o-inorrow. next
day, and the next I wil visit you and re ucst its.
payment. If you refuse each time, you wil not be
donned again!"

“ Indeed. Then. I suppose you will adopt harsher
measures?"

“Yes. The laws of the Motherhood will then
grant you ten days to escape from the canyon

by
the route you came, it' you can fight through a

legion of red-skins. On the mom of the eleventh
day the flood flutes of Lake Ticn, a 5‘! eat of water in
the peaks of this range and connecting with Devil‘s
Canyon, will be removed and its water will, sweep
all t at blocks its path, in this place, away i"

18

Old Avalanche.

.—~ M

 

“ By Hnaven l" gasped Sir Harry, “ I believe you
are an incarnate fll-ndnssl"

“Nay, my young sir. you are wrong. Ihave no
more power to avert this catastrophe than I have to
move these mountains. It is true I am the captain
of yon band of men, but when parties refuse to pay
the toll, my power ceases, and anotlm‘ than 1, sees
that thu terrible laws of the order arecnfrn'ced. I
am bound and a he‘pless captive while the Work of
destruction goes on 1‘ ‘

“Horribld” cried both Lady Milburn and her
daughter in a breath.

“ Outrageous!" growled Sir Fleming.

“ True; but I must not tarry. You still refuse to
pay the toll ?” .

“ You will not lower the figure?“ -

“ I will not——cannot—daru notl"

“ That is all, then. We refuse.“

Without a word the beautiful commander turned
her horse‘s head, touched him with her jeweled
whip. and galloped back to the band. After a short
consultation they . on all dashed away up the can-
yon and quickly disappeared among its numerous
curves.

After they were out of sight Sir Harry turned to
Coqgswell.

“ Well. it is done with now, I suppose. \Vhat are
your views on the subject, old man?"

Dan shook his head dubiously.

“ Ye’ve got me,” he replied, slowly. “I don't
know no more what ter do nor does a new born
babe!”

“ Then there is no way we can get out of here ex-
cept by retreating or going ahead. eh?“

“None's I knows on. i opine we'd better camp
down hyar, ‘corlliu‘ ter Avalanche’s orders, an‘ wait
fer him tew come up."

“Yes,I believe you are right. We are securely
penned up, for sure, and may as well make the best
of our situation. With red devils at our back and
white, fiends in our front, we cannot hope to escape,
that l seel" .

Dan nodded, and then dismounted, while the
others followed his example. The canyon was e'xr-
peted with an abundance of grass at this point, and
after the animals were picketod out to graze, the
guide set about arranging the camp. As but one

our‘s sunlight penetrated the bottom, it was quite
chilly even in midday, so a roaring tire was kindled
out of cones and brushwood.

Out of a few remaining blankets a tent was impro-
vised f‘)!‘ the use of the ladies, and soon all ware
quite comfortable in their novel retreat.

The day passed slowly aw vy.

While the others were lounging about camp, Dan
shouldered his rifle and scours-d the Hi lea of the
canyon in hopes of finding some break that would

ermit th sin to escape from the impe idin: danger;

ut vain the search; the giant walls towered frown-
ingly aloft, unbroken, and uninviting. No break in
their face would admit of the passage of a human

81119,.

During his tramp, howewr, the sharp—eyed guide
had succeeded in bringing down a young hear, from
the pinnacles above, and this he bore gladly back to
camp as a ban lsome trophy.

Choice steaks from young bruin were roasted over
the fire. and made a very palatable dish to the hun-
gry fugitives. ' .

Their camp was directly at the base and in the
shadow of the giant Flat Butte. Any person stand-
ing on its summit could drop a pebble into camp,
and kill a. man as easily as to fling a stone. So ar-

ued Sir Flemin , and be, r quested that the camp

e removed furl. let‘ u the gorge.

The guide went 0, to 51‘0 how near were Wild
Edna‘s guards, and soon returned with the news that
a single guard was posted a. mile further up the
canyon. -

" lint Ill wager thar‘s slathers more on ‘em cluss
by." he said by way of conclusion.

The camp was accordingly transferred several

Mfiwmvn” ..,.,. m.-. .., . A. _ ,.,.

 

. .(.
hundred yards to the western side of the mountdn,
and out of such danger as Sir Fleming had appre-
bended.

At last night fell over the peaks, and preparations
were made to ” turn in." , '

All were more or lost anxious about the non-ap- ,’
praranee of Old Avalanche, except sir Fleming any 
Sir Bruce. A”

They were apparently unconcerned, or at least,
tllléy did not seem to care whether he returned or
110 .

“ ltis ossible he may hav.» hrsen captured by the
Indians, Isuggested Lady Maude, as they all stood
grou Jed around the crackling camp fire.

“ -a-s, ct‘s possible, an' that's erhout all. I tell
ye it takes a rod-skin n i‘ a cast-iron he‘d tor take
(her Annihilator, all alone. I‘ve knowed 0v his es-
capin‘ from ther red warmints w‘en they hed him
all ready to roast—l hev, by gum. He's jes’ as slip-
pery as an eel, an’ hes got as many lives as or spot-
ted tom-cat.“

“And as much tongue as a bayou alligator," {it
in Sir Bruce spitefully. .

“Wnl, to be sure. he at“ troubled wi‘ too much
speech, but et ar‘ natternl f -r him." ,

“ How did he lose his ears?” asked Sir Harry.

“Ohl thct nr‘ a. “With r o’ eers ago. \V‘en ther
old man war a boy. he; hul family war tuk by an
lnjun raidin’ expedition, an‘ all killed but two—
Avalanche an’ his twin brother. Ther lat' or war
sold to a Missoury rancher for a. song, w'ile the
former war held for tort urc. W‘en the day 0‘ tor-
ture nrriv‘, the lad‘s ears war shaved 011' b the
chief's son. Crazy Horse, an” another young rave "
named Idaho Bill. As Avalanche didn t squeal nor
squarm in the operation, they, out o' Injun respeck, . ,
permitted him to go free. Since then he‘s made -, '
things urty hot fur the darned Soos, ye can bet." ‘

“ Anv, his brother-what of him?"

“Dunno. Old Avalanche hain’t never hcerd from. .
him sence thettinio, 'ccpt that he learned from the
ranch r thet he‘d started out in the world on his
own hook. Ho mought be dead, or he moughtn't,
jess as it happens.“ '

After a few more wordw, the ladies retired to their
tout, the noblemeu threw themselves down near the
tire to Sleep, and Dan went on guard. , -

He made a tour up and down the canyon, but
failed to discover any signs of prowlers. Doubtlec“
the Indians had not yet ponetra ed the gorge. and as
for the bandits, they probably meditated no min .2
Chief; so all was safe for the present. . '

Returning to camp the faithful fellow seated him-
self near the tire to ponder over the strange position v
into which he had been thrown. '

But his eyes grew heavy, and despite his efforts to 3.
keep awake he soon fell fast asleep. ; r ‘

The hours rolled by. l,

The camp—{ire burned low and the can on w
filled with dense shadows. In her tent, y ME
burn was rewtloss an'l wakefnl. Hor- thoughts were.
of such a nature that she could not re 53. Lady,
Maud/a lav beside her, sleeping Sweet v, but
la’lv could not enjoy the same peaceful b essine, r,

“ I have a. foreboding of coming danger," .she

murmured, as she at last arose to 8. half-sitting_,v- i I

position, and pwred around her. “ I wonder .3
what it means? Can the Indians be creeping upon "(20%.
us! ~ . -
Through an aperture in the blankets, 8. Iain
limmerofliaght from the expiring fire shone in
t a tent. ‘ - '
Instinctively my lady drew her jeweled watch. ‘
from its place in her bplt.
The hour was midnight; the camp and the awful
mountain solitude were hushed in slumber. 1
Casting a shawl about her shoulders, and rising to' r
her feet, she stepped from the tent and stood in the
will alfrthe l o n th gm and: 7
0 men ay pr ne pan 8 s so
asleep, s-ive old Dan: for, though he was less, in
consciousness, be retained an upright. sittingagsk

 

  

 

 

 
  
  
   
   
 
    
  
 
  
   
    
  
  
   
  
   
    
    
    
  
   
 

   
    
 
 
  
   
  
  
  

  

 

 

 

Old Avalanche.

 

18

 

.tlon, his knotty hands clasped over the muzzle of
his pet rifle. .

So eacefully was he sleeping that Lady Milburn
couh not bear to disturb him. *

“Poor fellow," she murmured, sympathetically,
“let7him enjoy himself. He is fatigued,1‘ll war-
rant.

She shivercd a trifle at the crisp mountain air,
and drew closer to the (ire. ’l‘hon, involuntarily,
she raised licrcyes toward the top of tho frowning
Flat Butte. As she did so, she gave a low, stifled
cry.

Great Hearenl What was this she saw? Was she
dreaming, or was it reality?

The summit was illuminated by a mighty bonfire,
which iitu the northern sky to a blood red glow.
Standing a the edge overlooking the canyon was a.
tall, spectral fizure,clothi-d in snow; white, with
n heard of the same color that reache nearly to his

cet.

In his hand he held an instrument resembling a
baton, and he was wildly waving this to and r0,
while faintly downward on the breeze floated the
strains of a weird chant.

With dilated eyes, Lady Milburn watched and
listened; Then suddenly the spectra] figure seemed
to see her, for he ceased his song and pointed one
long menacinp: finger down toward her. as if in ter-
rible anger. She grew dentth faint and endeavored
to collect her Senses. But her head swam wildly,
her limbs refused to support her, and with an aw-
ful, gercingsbriek she sunk upon the ground, in-
sens e.

 

CHAPTER VIL
'rnm THUNDER-STARE o‘ DESTRUCTION arms'rn'rn
roars.

ON—on. leaped the frightened horse, on whose
back were the two strugglini men—Avalanche en-
deavoring to get his enemy‘s nife into a fatal spot,
the savage desperately-writhing and twisting to get
free. Finally, lowever. he gave a gurgling gasp,
and leaned back in the scouts arms. He was end.

The Annihilator had touched him in the fatal spot;
he gave up without a cry.

Skillfully disengaging his feet from tho stirrups,
Old Avalanche permitted him to topple oil’ into the
grass, and then he was master of the horse.

By this time he was right in the camp, and as it
would be useless to attempt retreat, he urged on

_ the flying steed by prickier it With his knife-point,
and away they rushed stra ght down through camp-
fires and clumps of Indians like a hurricane wind.

Shrieks of surprise and anger went up from a hun-
dred throats, and high above all roared the sten-
torian voice of the dauntless scout.

“Kerwhoopl hayr. we kim—ther great an’ arful
Norweegjan snow-slide 0’ destruction, and the few-
urious erru shun o' demolishen an' subversion.
Ci‘ar de trac , ye ondecent imns o‘ stove-black; sit
out 0’ ther track 0‘ ther boreal breeze o’ annihila-
tion, or by ther bosom-studs o‘ Generals Washing-
ton, I‘ll bumfusticate ye like all natur' l“

On—on. dashed the s irited horse and his more
spirited rider—on like i: 8 wind. and still the surg-
ing swarm of red-skins grew denser and thicker.

Suddenly Old Avalanche made a discovery that
had hitherto escaped his notice A roaring camp-

fire was burning in the entrance to the canyon.

{For-ms. tall and grim, stood in its light, and he knew
they were Indians.

; Still, he was determined to break through their
.ranks, if such an set were possible, and gain the
gorge beyond.

0n he sped, through the heart of the camp, and,

strange to say, as soon as the wily red-men became
convinced that he was heading for the canyon. not a
hand was raised to sto him. Instead, the screaming
,horde closed in after ‘11:, and followed, yelling at

. this horse‘s heels.

_ At first he was unable to comprehend their mo-

 

tive, but not long, however, was he to be let: in a
state of doubt.

As he approached the entrance he made the start-
ling discover that tlm mouth of the canyon was
.mmme/l fill of piliIL'e/l mm L‘n' through whom no
man or beast could for a moment hope to break.
Plainly, he was in an Indian trap.

The over-exultant deinom were yelling in his face
at his back, and on either side. of him. Swarms o
the dancing and screeching imps were crowding up
from every hand.

Escape seemed an impossibilit .

What man could hope to rave hundrrds of
brawny warriors, all armed, many of them with the
most improwl wrapons. Surely there was not a
shadow of a chance. Old Avalanche roined in his
steed, and glared about him as does a hunted tiger
when at bay. In a few seconds at the furl host the
howlint: couriers of Satan would be u on him.

Should he yield and allow himse f to be taken
it] prisfncr, or, worse still, be slaughtered, then and

pro

No! a hundred timrs, no.

It was not the nature of the old man to willingly
give up. There must be a struggle first, and in
that struggle more than one Sioux dog would bite
the dust.

" Yas. blast the‘r dirty skins." ho growled gazing
at the horde as all came rushir: 11'». “ ef the ' take
thcr Norwverzjau avalanche wi'uut his know u‘ et,
ct will be cur'us."

He set his teeth together xitl: a, click. and replac-
ing the knife in his bi-lt, d: ow and cocked his two
hm dsome revolvers. one or which he held ready in
cac 1 hand. for instant use.

Nearer and nearer trotted the savages. They well
knew the desperate character with whom thev had
to deal, They all, had eii her met or heard 0 him
and his prowess. and they knew he never ullod a
trigger on the same nun, twine! Then, 00, tho...
average American savage is crafty. cunninf: and '
stealthy. When he can strike a blow wit 1 any
surety of success, and when there is a show for his
own escape, he will do it. Sometimes. superior
numbers will urge him to greater risks. but put him
hetero a ’nare manxaud the red-skin is wary as a
ox.

The Sioux came to a halt Jnst out or rifle range,
and up oarrd to hesitate. .

The gure of the splendid horse and its watchful
rider as they remained outlined against the flrolit
sky, looked a formidabh-ohj ct to attack. In the
chambers of those two revolvers, which he took
pains to display, wore fourteen lives—fourteen
drathsl

There could be no doubt of that. He never missed
his mark.

In the midst of this hesitation, two figures were
trying to urge on the painted l;eil-h<~unds.

One was a brawny Indian chief, who worehis hair
down over his shoulder—an evil, brutal-looking
fellow, with eyes as red as fire, and "Rs thick and
flabb like a negro's. You ask who is t is? No one
who as seen the notorious chief, Crazy Horse, once
would need to ask. Once soon he is not easily to be
forgotten. The. other man is a half-breed as-
sociate whose name is Idaho Rill— or William Cum-
mings. This well-suited pair are urging on the
savages, by nurses and threats. Old Avalanrhe's
eyes lit up as ho recornized Idaho Bill. Crazy Horse
was not so easily placed by him. for he could only
catch an occasional Rllmpse of his features. But he
knew Idaho Bill in an instant, and his fingers worked
nervously about the pistol-triggers. Ohl if he would
onlv come within range!

Finally, the two chiefs succeeded in animating-
their warriors. They came stealthin on. watching
the scout in half-terror and rose. He emed so
(:01 >1, that they could but admire, hate. on fear him
all at the same time.

It was understood throughout the horde, that Old
Avalanche was to be taken alive. The Scout,him-

*N

14

Old Avalanche.

 

self, easily guessed this. else he would have been
shot down before.

But if they counted on an easy victory, they were
greatly mistaken.

No sooner was the flash of a pistol to be seen than
the Annihilator commenced adestmctive fire to the
right, left and in front, and for every shot he aimed,
an Indian fell.

It re uired but the space of a few seconds to
emptv t e chambers of both revolvers, and then a
deafening howl of trium l1 went up from the red-
smius. for they realized t at the scout had nothing
now left for use but his knife and rifle. Ou they
lea )ed toward their rize, making the night ring
w.t. their horrible ye] s.

" Take him alive! ‘ shouted a voice from the back-
grouni. “Take him alivel"

A prim, defiant smile flitted across the features of
the, Annihilator, as he heard these words N0
snner had he em tied the chambers of his revol'
vers. than, by a de t movement, he miracle/t them,
a u] replaced them by duplicatr uhum'iers, filled ail/z
-a/trul_m=s 3

Consequently he was again ready for business.
Crack! cracki went the weapons. now aimed to-
ward the weakest spot in the enem ‘s ranks. and
evArV shot told with deadly effect ne after an
other dropped in his track, and the scout wheeled
his steed and bore fiercely clown against the place
where mo~t had fallen, fixing as he went.

Involuntarily the astounded red-skins shrunk to
one side, making an opening to the prairies beyond.
This was what the scout ad anticipated, and he
urged his horse on.

Suddenly one brave bolder than the rest, and a
perfect giant in size, sprung forward and seized t'ie
flying scout by the leg. to which be firmlv clung,
and attAmpted to unseat him At first Old Ava-
lan :he nearly lost his equilibrium. but he manag-d

to keep in the saddle and finish dischargin his pis-

tols. Then he quickly thrust them into his elt, and
drew his knife.

The red Hercules tugging at his leg seemed de-
termined not to let go; his grip was like a vise.
The flying horse had new borne them out of the
mi Ist of the savages into the savanna beyond the
iii' as

Gras ing the saddlebow with one hand for sup-
port. the scout made a parry at the red—skin's
wrists, and though he cut them to the bone. the
(1 +sperate brave still clung on, and, by a mighty
J-rk. succeeded in hurling his victim off onto the
ground.

Ere Old Avalanche could clear himself, the horse
(l'ld dashed away.

‘ Cuss ye!" he gritted, pinioning the savage to the
ground, ” I‘ll l’arn ye W‘ot et ar‘ to blockade er Nor-
w \egjan avalanche, ye copper-bued hippopotamus.
Take thetl"

He buried his knife in the naked bosom, and the
next instant had leaped to his feet and was away
through the darkness.

The whole horde were now swarming after him in
mud pursuit.

He must have a horse. or vain would be the
attempt to escape. The enemy could chase him
dozvn ere he could run half a. mile. SO be shaped
his course toward the corral, Whither the horses
were guarded.

The savages anticipated him, and before he was
snrcclv aware of it, he beheld a dozen sweeping
down 11 on him.

Had t ey discovered him? He did not wait to see,
but threw himself in the tall grass and crept with

1 great alacrity out of their path.

With beating heart he awaited the result. Would
they pass by?

Noi they had seen him, and were once more
shaping their course toward where he was crouch-
hr: He could hear their excited shouts, and knew

t the rest of the savages were all fleeing toward

e corral to mount.

 

Concealment was now of no further use, so he
sprung to his feet and leaped detcrniinedly on.

As he ran he loaded both of his revolvers with
fresh cartridges, and retained them in either hand
for ready use.

On—on he leaped, silently and desperately. his
feet scarcely touching the ground, so iglit was he
0 step.

He could hear a confused Babel of hoarse yells
now. off toward the camp, which apprised him 0
the fact, that the larger share of the gum: were
mounted, and ready for the chase, The first dozen
had now gainei a distance of within twelve rods.

On—on; then suddenly he stumbled over some. ob-
iect which was lying in the grass, and fell prostrate.

ut he was on foot again, in a twinkling, and dash-
in§swiftly away.

ext, he heard a noise directly at his heels, as if
somebody was dogging him. With a growl of des-
peration, he drew back the hammer of one of the
revolvers, and wheeled about.

As he did so there came to his hearing a familiar
“ ba-a-a," and Florence Nightingale came bounding
joyful] up.

“ He 10, ole boy,“ saluted the scout, with an ap-
preciative grin. “So ye’rc a-kickin‘, hey? Wal,

im erlong. Things ar‘ kinder brisk, jes' now, so
we‘ll nessessarily hev ter nit I"

Once more he turned and darted on, the affection-
ate and knowing goat bringing up the rear. On
came the savages yelling with triumph.

On, for five moments more: then the dauntless
Annihilator stop nd, stock-still. He saw now, the
cause of their yo] 3 of triumph. There were mount-
ed Indians in front, behind and on either side of
him; he wa; perfectly su/voimilcd .’

CHAPTER VIII.
WILD nosA‘s VISIT—filOSIAH HOGG. EC’Q.

LADY Minnvnn‘s scream brought the camp to their
feet in a 'ifi’y. Dan Cozszswell was the first to spring
to her si( e, to be immediately followed by Sir Harry,
Bruce and Fleming.

Theinsensiblewoman was borne to the lizht of
the ramp-fire, and the old guide procured a hauful
of water and dashed it into her face.

“ I wonder w'at ked‘ve skeer'd her?“ said he. as
he peered about while he added furl to the fire.
“My nostrils don‘ scent Injuns, or I shed say she
seen one!"

"There may be rowlers around." replied Sir
Harry, uneasily. “ erhaps it would be, well for you
go'scgut about the neighborhood, and learn for cer-

am.

Dan accordingly seized his rifle and set out into
the gloom. while the others set about restoring Lady
Milhurn to consciousness. In the midst of the
efforts Lady Maude came flying out of her tent.

“Mammal, momma; where is she?" she cried, in
anguish. "She is gm» 1"

Then as her gaze fell upon the prostrate and ap-
parently lifeless form, she burst into a flood 01‘
tears.

“ Be quiet," 'said Sir Hurry. soothiuglv. “Mother
has only fainted. Something has frightened her!"

After several applications of water, her ladyship
gave signs of returning consciousness, and then
with a sudden spasm and gasp, she gave vent to a
stifled cry, and sat bolt upright.

Her face was very pale and her eyes wild and
burning with an unnatural fire. The moment she
was fully awakened to the knowledge of her situa-
tion, she shuddered violently, and to the crest of
the mighty Flat Butte turned her horrified gaze.
Great Heaven i 2'! was gone!

No longer was the Spectral figure standing at the
edge of the (precipice; all tracos of the blood-red
bonfire had isappeared, and the summit was en-
velo ied in its mantle of impenetrable gloom.

“ hl Henry, Henr l"shecried in piteousaccentfi,
“ why did you come ack to haunt me—to drive me
almost mad with despair?"

 

./'

Old. Avalanche.

16

 

' “My dear,” said Sir Fleming, advancin , " what
gave you alrright? What caused you to ta at?"
‘ She shuddered, as he laid his hand upon her shoul-

d .

' qWhat did I see?" she re eated, turning on him
almost savagelfI—“ what di' I see, to cause me to
swoon away? will tell you. On the crest of you

' ,. mountain-top, wrapped in a halo of glory I saw the
: irit of your Viciim~0f in poor. long-lost husband
H r Henry. 1 begin to on erstand you more than i
did at first—to comprehend your baseiicss and trea-
chery. You told me this was not the mountain-top
from n liich Sir Henry full. You lierl/ His accusing
spirit came back to give roof of our lie!"

Sir Fleming turned re and whi e by turns. but fl-
nsllv managed to emit a harsh, sarcastic laugh.

' “You are demented, Hett ,” he replied, with a du-
bious shake of his head. “ was a fool for ever per-
mitting you to come out on this wild-goose chase.
Each day is increasing your mania, and by the time
we g: t back to England, if we crer do, you will have

I to go into a private asylum i"

' Again she turned toward him, her dark eyes blaz-

ing with indignation.

‘ And 1 ou will place me there ?”

, “ I wil place you there!"

i ‘ , “You will not l" cried Sir Harry, pushing the har-

‘ . onct back and standing between iim and Lady Mil-

burn. “ ou forgct that I am here to defend her!“
" ‘ “ No, young man. I forget nothing. But. mind you.
~. I am master of'that woman, so step aside, or it will
be the worse for ou."

But Sir Harry cldCd his hands proudly across his
brcnst, and glared at the other fearlessly.

"Come onl" he said, coolly. “ 1 am ready to pro-
tect the mother that gave me birth, against you or
ascoro more of your stamp. You are a tyrant, a
coward. and .1 designing knave, and I defy you i"

At fiist Sir Fleming seemed imbued with the
(sourrgeand towering strength of a giant; but, un-
der the unfliiichin gaze of Sir Harry, he gradually
cowcd, and w‘:at t reatened at one moment to be a
battle, was [if thing but a war of eyes.

“ You shall pa dearly for all these insults. to
young hotspu ‘l" he hissed as he turned on his hec ,
and began pacing to and fro in front of the tire.

« "I fear you lint. Sir Fleming,” was the cool re-
joinder; then hi: Harry returned to his mother.

“ Now, motl-cr, tell me the cause of your faint."

“I can tell 3; I‘ll nothing, Harry, except what I told
him. A shc-r time ago I left In tent, fox-.1 could
not sleep, and nuns out here into t e 0 en air. You
were all asleep, even the guide, and so did not dlS‘
turb you till I fainted. While I stood here by the
tire, my gaze involuntari‘y wandered to the top of

' yonder peak. Then, ohi such a sight I beheld! The

whole summit was aglow with the glare of a blood-

i‘ed bonfire, which‘burned on the top. At the edge.
stood it, Harry—the spirit of my poor husband and

your and lllaudic’s father. He was wrapped in a

,- 'white. ghostly robe, and his long white beard near-

 iy swe tthe ound. In his hand he held a baton.

-‘, - and w ile he ept time with it. he chanted a terrible
, 47"song. Suddenly he seemed to see me, for he point-

‘ ‘ ' ed one finger down at me, as if in anger. A deathly

Jaintness came over me, and I swooncd awav. As

you see, the terrible apparition has vanished.”

9‘6"" But, mother, you have imagined all this. You

'V'f. st have been walking in your sleep and dreamed

 is this absurdity." ‘

. ‘- ' ;“ It is not absurd, my son; nothing but the truth.

4 was as wide awake as you are now, and beheld the

“ifipecter as clearly as I now behold you."

'. ,“This seems incredible," said Sir Harry, shaking

his head doubtfully. “There is no such a thing as

' i" ‘ gests and specters, you know—a fact which plainly

.T_‘_fi_ _ ‘



  

   
    
 
   
   

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' “ oes to show that you were deceived. Mother. dear,
you know I have sometimes been forced to doubt
91‘ 'our entire sanity, when you rsist in venturing
, nto this wild and howling Wilderness, merely for

the sake ot’ gathering the bones of my poor lost
‘ tether?" ‘ ‘ ’

1

4 L‘ V  .l

“Among, 3,, a I) . .\ ,,.

 

Lady Milburn azed at her noble-looking and man-
ly son, sorrowfu ly.

“ I Har . are you, too, losing faith in me—you
too turning rom me in this hour of need?“ she
groaned, piteous tears standing in her eyo.

“ No, dearest, sweetest mother, noi” he cried,
clasping her impulsively to his breast. “I will not
desert or disbeheve in you. I will do all ason can
do, to aid in the last sad rites due my poor lost
father. If it be within the power of man, I will re-
cover the bones that have been bleaching in Death
Gulch those twenty years. and inter them in the
ancient vaults of Lynnwood."

“ Do this, to own true son,“ sobbed her lad shi
°‘ and I will b ess ou—God will bless you. she.
then be ready t. e.“ .

‘The remainder of the night passed away rapid] :
Sir Fleming and his confidant. Sir Bruce. were tali—
iug, apart, to themselves, as also were Lady Mil-
burn and her two children.

About day—dawn, old Dan returned and reported
that there were no signs of Indian intruders to be
discovered iyet. The canyon was clear as far as he
had been a le to penetrate.

When Sir Harry related to him the story told by
Lady Miiburn, he nodded his old shaggy head com-
firehensiveiy, and went on about preparing the

reakfast. making no comment on it.

After breakfast he took an ax and bade Sir Harry
follow him. He led the way down the canyon for
about a mile, after which he came to a halt and
pointed upward into the precipitous wall of melt, on
the northern side of the orge. Far up. there was
just discernible a. round lack hole in the rock,
scarce] ' large enough to admit of the passage of a
man s .

“Ye perceive et eh?" grinned the uide.

“ch," re lied ir Harry. “But w iat of it? 'Tis
twenty feet igh."

“lEkactly, an‘ thar’s a big fat b‘ar in thet same
09 .'

“How know you that i"

“I see’d him, ias‘ nite. He war standin‘ at ther
entrance, up thar, an‘ grinnin’ down at me as if he’d
like ter ann int his jaws on me. ‘Sn,’ sez I 'my fine
feiler, I’m goin’ ter ’n‘iut mine on ye,‘ an’ hyar I am
redd t'cr t ier job."

“ ow, in the name of wonder, could a bear get so
high up as that, With this smooth face of rock to
climb?’

“Dunno. Think
’ere gulch, ’iong
washed up thar.”

“ But how could he live and he fat without food?"

“ Mouglit’ve hcd cubs, vc observe, barrin' et ain't
a 715 b'ar, an‘ sich bein' the case she’s chewed 'em

robably tiiar’s bin a flood in thes
ack, an' ther pesky critter got

“Eat her own young?“

“ Why, yas. het‘s nothin’ new. Now. ye git yer
’pcatcr rcddy. an’ when I git thcr ax ter choppin‘
‘g‘in‘ ther rock, Mr. B‘ar will show his head, u

under. You must then lug erway at him, tn 1

ilt. Ef ye don‘t tumble im over most like's not
he’ll bounce down at ve.. When he do, ye turn tail
an’ light fer camp, an‘ I‘ll knock thcr star spany‘iel
banners out 0‘ him wi‘ my little hatchet."

“ Very well. Go ahead."

Advancing to the rock, the guide gave three or
four resounding whacks upon it with the ax; then
scampered back from beneath the hole.

The next instant there was a savage growl, and
Bruin came lumbering to the mouth of his retreat,
to ascortain the cause of the disturbance.

Sir Harry fired simultaneously with his appear-
?nftée, and sent a well-directed bullet square into the

e c e.

“ oodl" cried Dan, as the monster came tumb-
ling down to the ground ignite dead.

“ Thet was a fine shot.

The bear proved to be a male, and as soon as he
could be conveyed back to camp, Dan analyzed hi:

stomach, and found sufficient evidence to “flat!

0

  

him that the mountain cave was furnished with
both water, grassnnd bushes. hearing green food.

About noon, Wild Edna was seen coming down
the. canyon at a leisurely gallop, and drew up at the
camp-fire around which all of the occupants were
sitting.

As they gazed at the fresh young benuty-so per-
fect in face and form, and so easy of carriage and
speech, not one could deny that she was the most
magnificent type. of woman they had ever seen.

She was attired in a superb silk riding-habit, re-
lieved here and there. by lace and sparkling
diamonds, and confessedly. she looked more like a
countess or a ueen than did either of the ladies
Milburn, for al thcyhad been born, bred and cul-
tured in royal society,

Her smile was like a burst of sunshine, her bow of
recognition a model of sauciness and her general
manner. vivacious and pleasing—fascinating

“ Good-morning,” she said, as she surveyed the
group critically, while her fair hand toyed with her

orse‘s mane. “ I hope this sunrise“ finds you all
well and enjoying yourselves."

“ All wel‘," replied Sir Harry. smiling rather
grimly. " but hardly in a. mood for enjoyment, Our
situation is not conducive to pleasure."

“ Probably not. That, however, is not my fault.
You should pay your: toll and leave for parts more
agreeable."

“ We should not submit to such an imposition—
more, will notl" \

“on! of course you have a perfect right to con-
sult your own notion about that. If you value the
superfluous stock of money you have. and the dia-
monds you wear. more. than you do your life, so be
it. [would not sell my life, l'm sure. for all the
wealth on the continent!"

"Yet you are periling it for mone

“ No. am not. I am just as free from danger of
death as can be imagined “

“ How so?"

“ Because no one will dare to insure their own
death, by taking my life!"

"SO? Well, for instance. suppose that I were to
shoot you, now, or otherwise make way with you,
what would be the result?"

“ If I did not return to my home inside of an hour,
my men are 'ven to understand that harm has
befallen me. hey would mount. stvsep down upon
you, and hack you to pieces—tear you limb from

mb. They would not even stop to question you as
to what had become of me, so great would be their
r e.

‘ They must be a pack of demons, then!"

“ I hope they will never have cause to attack you
and thereby prove themselves such." -

"Probably they never will have."

After a little further talk, Wild Edm said:

“ You then still refuse to pay the toll?”

" Yes—a thousand times. yes. Understand me,
lady, that it is not the greed for gold that causes
this refusal, but a sense of honor and proper regard
for what is due to law and princxplc. As gentlemen
we must refuse!“

“ Ve well. Permit me to say, however, that no
matter ow keen your sense of honor and justice
may be, now, I am confident that the ‘eleventh
£10111}: ;mn bring you around to admit our demands

u y. ’

“ Entertain no hopes in that direction. You will
be doomed to disappointment, I fear.”

“I! I am doomed to disappointment, sir," said
Wild Edna, as she gathered up her bridle-reins,
" on will be doomrrl to death J”

'K’hen she wheeled her horse, and galloped off up
the ravine.

Sir Harry’s eyes followed her with such a yearn-
ing gazethat vivacious little Lady Maude whispered
to Lady Milbum:

" Do 1001: at him, mammal I really believe that
Harry is infatuated with that singular woman."

"In this so, my son?" asked. Lady Milburn, turn-

 

 

. .._ . -,,_ _s

16 - Old Avalanche.

 

ing an anxious and inquiring glance upon him. “ Is
it possible you can entertain the slightest. degree of
admiration for that shameless creature?"

“Quite possible. madam," he replied, a trifle Ht-
terly. while a faint flush of anger stole. owr his face.

116 failed to admire or appreciate the appellation
her ladyship nestowwl upon the Girl Bandit.

“Then I beg you smother any such feeling at
once. It is both absurd and mnrtifyin :. I am sur-
prised at such an exhibition of your taste. l am
sure none of your ancestors ever deigned to look so
low as to bestow admiration upon a confessed out-
law and outcast."

“ Not? Well. I do not care a whit whether they
did or no. I am my own judge in such matters, you
must know, mother, and shall permit no abuse of
this maiden, in my presence. [‘0 me she is some-
thing strangely sweet and pure."

And having thus delivered himself, Sir Harry rose
and sauntered away.

“ There is whore the young) serpent stung its
giver," sneered Sir Fleming; ut his words were
wasted on Lady Milburn, who was plunged into a
deep reverie.

The afternoon dragged slowly on, and all except
Sir Harry drowsed away, before the camp-lire.
There was nothing they could do to better their
situation, so they concluded it policy to take things
as easy as circumstances would permit. In all
probability, Old Avalanche had deserted them, and

hey had nothing to hope for from any quarter.

About an hour before sunset, all were aroused by
the sound of a voice, singing a jangling snatch of
outlandish song, and the tramp of horses‘ feet: then,
gazing up the canyon toward the banditti's retreat,
it at once was perceivable that they were about to
have a visitor—and such a visitor!

A scrawny, vicious-looking mule was leisurely ap-
proaching camp, on whose bonv back sat a ong,
ank and lean individual, whose general appearance
might have provoked a smile among the most sober
crowd of spectators.

He was undt niahlv a mixture of the old school of
Yankees and Kentuckians, with a sprinkling of both
Texas‘and Missouri in his make-up. His exceedm
length and lankiness, to which was adzlwl a face 9
grim, humorous and angular contour. adorned by
tallow-hued Burnsides, and tanned and freckled
shockingly. His hair was not unlike the Burnsides
in color, and, since Some ancient date, had apparent-
ly not made the acquaintance of a Comb. His eyes
were decidedly “ auburn,“ and his nose as decidedly
Roman. His attire consisted. of a variety of gar-
ments, ranging all the way from .the soiled checker-
ed antaloons and heavy brogans to the untanned -
wo f—skin shirt and squirrel-skin cap. A flaming
yellow neck-tie encircled his throat, and a gay red,- .
white-and-blue sash about his waist contained at)
enormous pair of horse-pistols and a bowie of for- _»
midable dimensions. These, with a huge musket
strapned to his back, were his only weapons.
he jogged a on: he was gazing at the mammoth?
walls on either side of him, while be sung, in a loud,
cracked voice: ’ .’

He had ap arently not seen the camp yet, for   ' r ‘

 

 

'!

.42. ,

 
 

 

 

 

‘ Said I ter Sally Hotchkiss, . '
Said Sally untor me—
Said Sally‘s dad an‘ Sally‘s mam.
Said all ther tribe ter me—
‘ Bill, ye ar‘ a great ’un;
Ter fame's pinnerkle ye‘ll risen
Ye'll be er whoppin’ poet,
A'n‘ great at gospel truth.’

“Whoa up, Prudence, thar; w'ot’s ahead i"

The latter exclamation, as the eccentric traveler ,

caught sight of the camp.

“ Great cow-bells 0' Milton an' Longfeller. E!
thar ain’t a camp rite yar, ye kin shave me wi’ yer
Eta-nails Ha—a—a-y. thayr, strangers, hello! Howdy

o.’

   

  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 

  

     
    
      
      
     
        
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
      
      
   
     
      
    
   
   
     
      
    
      
       
         
   
    
    
    
     
    
    
    
   
   
    
     
      
         
       
   
    
    
    
       
     
      
       
  
        
   
     
   
 

 
 

1 Purty hevy, at yer service. How’s yerscl‘, Chris-
tian?" re lied old Dan.
_ " Wan , I‘m on em average. Judge ye hnin’t got
no ‘jeetion of u. teller war tor squat down among yc.
,.

. y .
~ “ Nury a. ’jection. Cum along up nn‘let‘s lnspeck
. ye... I
“ 0h! gallant nito o” chivalry
I‘ll hasten ter

__ Embrace this oppertunitchy,"
sung the stranger. and giving the mule a dig in the
ties, he continued:
“ On, Prudence, onl

Charge, Cordelia, charge!"

"preached ther eer saloon :—
“ Our toilsome jernney ar’ ended I"

In a moment more the camp was reachr-d, and
raising a long leg over the mule‘s back the stranger
stood upon the ground. .

.When standing he was about SIX feet six, and as
comical it. looking human. as the spectators had ever
been so unlucky as to meet.

“ By thunder. ye’re a sight, you are!" sunl Dan, as
he finished his inspection. “ Who in Cum are ye,
ole boss?"

' “ That. in Christian friend. I am fortunately able
. l ourish undertheigolt o’ JtIJSifllll‘ William
H‘ E-s- .. at yer sax-v ce— egg spc t w tew “s
afgtg’d jes‘q’s l'eve."

' An‘ why wl’ two G‘s?“

"r llecawse et hes hin’ thor privelodgos o' my nu-
cehtois ter call themselves Kong, for w’ich I ain't
Mr blame. Fustly they spclt it II-n-g‘. Hog. But,
(2!. of a feller's goin‘ ter he a hog at tall he may‘s
\1'. go et “ hull hog or none," I konkluded tcw
L , t 1er G's!“

" e‘re travelin" or iroln‘ sumwhnr. I take it.”

_. " Yas. I guess so. Mv protlessyuu lceds me every-
. whar. Sir. i am a. poet—a. descendant from ther
.1 rimt un‘ hnmortail Shakespeer—a secont cuzzin o‘
Inngfeller an‘ an out tor Byron o_‘ Linn; Ium Josiah
tillifnu Hogg, esquire. ntyur survxce;—Hogg wl’ tWO

 

‘ ' CHAPTER 1x.
' me POET 0‘ 'mm NOR'WEST—GONIEI

A GENERAL laugh followed. and Josiah H egg was
forthwith made welcome to the camp.
 “ Much ‘quainted ’hout these (lizgm‘s‘r' asked Old
‘ Dan, as he helped the visitor to a. huge silice of
bear-meat.
;_ “Waal,y-a-s;—‘bout on an average. Ye recom-
‘ member this ‘(‘re division 0’ ih-‘r cl'qualtor In“ re-
V nowued fur eta poetry o‘grnce an‘ motion, so I’ve
tuk more‘n ordlna pains ter cultyvale althorough
' knowled 60’ ct. ve darn thing ye see or met-t
Wi’. out ayr is chock- ull 0‘ poetry. Now, fur in-
stance, hayr‘s these big heep 0’ rock, vulgnrly
c'alled mounting. Thur‘s sumthin’ sublime nn‘ cow-
-lnspiring erbout thet upheevyalo' granite an‘ luvy.
'As Milton sed tew old Jonas Snutcher, w‘en they
v-‘ar klllln’ hogs;-not. H-o-g-g-s—hut H-o-g-s; as
Milton war saylu':

‘V ' “ Friend, thee, 0' Jonas Snatcher
Vi ilt thou ber‘um u, watcher?

Jist behold thot grandfinn’e

Ther poetry in thet porkcr’s tail."

f'Wharkln e beet thct, now? Jist observe ther
path-hoes in bet riue. Inllus red Milton war three
lrl ' a. slab-fence on composm‘ poetry, but w'on
bbled them lines, I war reddy tor sw’ar for

 
 

  
  

  

at is thm- this sid) 0' tlzcr Rivcr Jordan more-
0 than the vibrating un’ graoeful motion 0’ a

er’s tail? Echo ans’ers what?"

' ou are a. brainless idiot!" grunted Sir Fleming‘
I t, while the others were laughing, heartily.

    

.a I
H‘
'.r

Old Avalanche.

“As Shakes oer srd to ther preecher as they‘

 

I"?

L g ,a-‘

“You have no more poetry about you than a
crow. '
‘ “ACrow lnjun? Wan]. thet’s jes' as one flggom
1t._ Darn my socks, cf Ialn‘t smarter nor a. Crow
thmt‘. yo can baptize me in 11 Ho trough—not n
Il-o-{r-g. ling-trough, tho‘. l min tfit-r boss pm" 0‘ -
tlmr Nur‘wvst.——tlim~ grout sublime rmnnncor 0‘ til-mt
Powder l‘in'l‘ range. ankecn Miller ’huin‘t a
durum] snrcumstunce tor me. I‘m a dt‘HCt‘htluht 0'
0111 Jim Shakespcer,u secont cuzzino’ Longfeller
an' a maiden u‘nt 0' Byron O‘Lynn, say nuthlnt
’bout m inter-relushun ter M: or Burns nn' Jim
Fisk-DJ on ’em shinin’ lights u‘ ther purfesslon.
l‘m sum ther lme’icnl Iuysel‘, of l do say et. Thar
wur thcr time that Sully Marin" Bills-on ‘ shuke ' me.
heomvs I wouldn’t truer her tl-r lummonude, at the
picknick down in Bill Tlllilr~:' lvi chard. fer instance.
Oh, creation! wnrn‘tl b‘ilin‘ m. d thcnl
" I jist’guv my overalls a hitch, un’ lit out (er hum.
two—forty on thcr hum stretch.
“ ' Rewengel’ cried 1, un‘ zl'nhhin’ up a pon I wrlt
ter ther editor 0‘ ther Duck Holler EJ‘flfll nm, 311'
told him 0' Sally’s per/My, an‘ nrter soribblin’ sum
octry. I set down un‘ wcpt tours o’ shugrin an‘ do-
out
“ Wanl, in ther next number 0‘ ther Emmimr at
cum out—right {ihun on ther lust page. Ohl boiled
‘tutors nn‘ baker beans! warn't I nearly run over
wi‘ joy! I'll jes‘ guv yo a. few lines
“Thou art so false. nn‘ yet so fickle.
Yer enough site souror’n (Anny pickle:
No to.ch adown my check do trickle.
Because ye ain't wu'th a counteflut nickle."

“Very suggestive poetry, that.” said Sir Bruce:
“ but us you have favored us with quite enough for
the present, suppose you tell us how you got past the
handitti.“

“ The bantlmer r"

“ Exactly; the outlaws thnt infest this canyon.‘

“ ‘Fpect yc‘re crnz . ain‘t ye?“

“ Certainly not! v do you ask i"

“ Sure ye ain‘t n 9;: behind yer compass—thet ye
ain‘t out 0’ 'er he’t ?"

“ l‘osltiw y sure fit
through the canyon. o
tliiows."

“ No, ye didn‘t. nuthcr."

“I say I did!"

“I say yo didn‘t l“

“ What did I say, thon ‘2"

“ Wan]. fustly yo axed tor tell ye how I got thr n
thcr bantlittcr, nu‘ then, thcr out aws."

“ Well?"

“ Ward. ye didn’t say nuthin' ‘bout mountnln
theows, did v0?"

" I meant it, all the sumo."

“ Ye did? Wnnl, Um Ill" 0. dlfl’er‘nt side 0‘ 1t hon-
koop. Ye shed allus stink tvr ther truth. As Duuytl
\‘i'cbster sod to the settin‘ goose:

“ ‘ Yo shod nevyor disgrest
While confined tor yer nest.‘
That's tho case it? you. Ye shed nevyer disgrese
nor diversify.
“ Divrrsiflcntion is the
('uss o‘ creushunl"

“But you haven‘t answered my question yet. Haw
dirl you gct through the lines of the outlaws?"

“ ’urty flood b‘or-mect. this." replied the Nor‘west
Foot evasively, taking a. huge mouthful of the doli-
cious food. a

“ See herol" now yelled Sir Bruce, as, thoroughly
cxm'pernted ho clutched his vi ‘itor savagely by the
shoulder; “ want no more of this trifling, Tell me
(u‘ickly how you passed through the lines of Wild
Ldnn’S‘bandittl.”

Josiah scratched his shaggy head for a. moment,
thourzhtfully.

“ Ye‘re sure ye ain’t rone cl‘nr crazy. eh'" he
vcnturcd making another unblushing dlve at the

bear-steak '

I
x

I asked you how you
without encountering

18

Sir Bruce grew fairly livid, and those around
the fire burst into another (it of immoderate laugh-
(er.

“ Curse you!” he howled, imprisoning J osiah’s
long, crane-like neck in his two hands: “ do you
want me to choke the life out of you? If not, answer
me at once.“

“ Ye wanter kno’ ef I kim thr’u' ther canyon an’
see'd a banditter?"

” Yes; go on!"

"Waal, I didn‘t see a livin‘ banditter—shave me
wi‘ a barn shovel ef I didl” '

" impossxblel You could not have come through
the can on without having been stopped by them."

“ I di< n‘t cum thr‘u’." .

“ Didn‘t come through 1’ How then i"

“ I slid over!"

“ How do you make that out?”

“Why, I an' Prudence Cordelia thar rid down on
a streak o' greased lightnin’."

Sir Bruce turned away in dis ust. He had ex'-
hausted his patience and failed With a man, who, it
was plain to see, was “ nobody‘s fool." it began
to be pretty evident that the visitor was not so
“ green ” as he appeared.

Accordingly, no more efforts were made to ry
into his secrets. all trusting that he would exp ain
whenever he felt in the right mood.

The night came on and during the evening Josiah
kept the camp in a continual titter with his horrible
efforts at poetry, he (5 oting bad Shakespeare and
Longfellow by the yar . When time arrived to turn
’n Dan was posted on guard, and the rest lay down
about the fir nd went to sleep with the exception
of the ladies, w o retired to their tent.

The night passed without incident, and morning
dawned once more. ~

Josiah was up with the camp, and appeared per-
fectly at home. ‘

Breakfast had been done away with and all were
lounging around on the grass. hen a. horseman was
seen coming down the canyon -om the direction of
the bandits’ retreat. A single glance sufficed to
show that it was not Wild Edna, but instead, a hand-
some young fellow of two-and-twenty, who resem.
bled her somewhat. He was lithe and graceful of
form, with a purely Spanish complexion. hair of the
raven’s hue. and drooping mustache of the same
shade. His attire was semi-Mexican, and fitted him
neatly, his head being crowned by a jaunty som-
brero, while a sash at his waist contained a. small
arsenal of olished weapons. _

As he re e up he doffed his hat politely.

“ You come in the lace of Wild Edna, if I mis-
tallcjlnot." said Sir arry, returning the salutation,
co y.

“ I do, senor. The Girl Bandit being a trifle indis-
posed this morning, she commissioned me to wait
quon you in her absence, to learn if ou have
c anged your decision in regard to the tol ."

“ Then you can return to your Girl mistress, and
tell her that we shall nevvr come to her termsi“

“ As you like, senor. To-morrow you will receive
the last visit from us, and if you ose that chance
of acceding to our terms, your fate will be sealed.
On the eleventh day, then, after to-morrow—which
will be the thirt -first of this month—the flood-gates
of Lake Tice will be raisei, and a deluge of water
will sweep through Devil Canyon. If you are in it
your fate you can well imagine. We shall not hol
ourselves responsible for your death, having given
you these chances for life and liberty, and ten days
to effect our escape in.”

" But will, young fellow,” put in Josiah, im-
pressively. " As Jim Shakesneer sed to Sam Skin-
ner, w’en Sam got boozy on hard cider, an‘ blamed
ther cider-maker fer it—as Shakespeer sed:_‘

“ f Doan’t use the name 0’ God in vain
In tippsiness or pain.
Fer yer own misdeeds yer ter blame——
God ’11 hold ye responsiblqall ther same.‘

Old Avalanche.

 

“ Now thar's dubble distilled essence 0’ truth’an'
relig 1m in them varses, ther is.

n ’s ther time I've heard Shakespeer say'
logical t ings, but he new-r put ther reel truth an'
path-hose inter figgers like he did in thnm lines.
Another o"his antidotes o‘ wisdom wart‘ ’ : ‘ -

“ ‘ Allus hold yerself responsible for all y .
an‘ then ef yo‘re counted out at ther grc .i i ; , .m,
ye won‘t be much disapp‘inred 1' ”

“ You are truly n. great ill ralizcr.” said 1'2“ but
(lit, with a shrug. “but we feel justified in demand-
ing toll, and enforcnr.,r its pa man. Consequently
we cannot keep as close wit iin the law as would
perhaps be consistent with regard to our welfare 1.)
the great Hereafter.”

“ Your name—what is it?” said Sir Fleming, who
had ordered Dan and Sir Bruce to cover the outlaw
with their rifles.

“ Nevada Sam, at your service.”

“Very well, Nevada Sam; please consider yourself
my prisoner. Dismount,and deliver up your arms."

evada Sam smiled, but did not oifer to obey.

” You are a fool," he said coolly. “ Di 1 not my sis
ter tell you what would befall you should you offer
to molest her, on her former visit?" ~

“ Your sister!”

“ My sister. or Wild Edna, as you know her."

“ Yes, I believe she threatened us with some non-
sense about what might happen."

“ Very well. I reply likewise. Offer me the least
hindrance and you will hasten your own death 1"

“ What! do you dare to threaten me? Have a care
sir knavel She was a woman but you are not, and
do not fear to shoot you. Dismountl"

“ I will dismount. if you so order," replied Nevada.
Sam, grimly; “but, recollect that if I r. a, your death
is a certainty within an hour.”

Sir Fleming quailed a trifle, and hesitated.

“ You are at gierfect liberty to go and come as you
pleasel” cried ir Harry at this juncture. " That
man does not command, here; consequently he Has
no authority, where I hold sway.“

“ Thanks,” smiled the bandit.
see. No good could possibly come of holding me a.
prisoner.’ ,

Then, nodding to the men and raising his hat
courteously to the ladies— particularly to Lady
Maude, he wheelrd his horse and dashed-away.

“Now, sir," cried Sir Fleming, quite infuriated, as
he confronted Sir Harry, “ what have you to say for
your insulting conduct, just now?"

Sir Harry laughed—laughed in his cool, tantalizing

 

 

wav.
“ Because I thought your wings needed cropping
again.” he replied.

“ You were getting on too fast,
and quite ignoring the fact that was mastM'."

“You are wise, I

“ But you are not masterl" shrieked Sir Fleming, ‘

white With passion, while his tremendous corporosity
seemed to swell to twice its customary size, with in-
dignation. “You are not, i say, and to teach you
that I will endure your insolence no longer. I‘ll teach
you who 7's, after this fashion l"

And raising a stout, gold-headed can“, which;
since their camping in the canyon, had been his
constant companion, he struck Sir Harry a heavy
blow upon the head, felling him to the ground, in-
sensible.

Ladies Milburn
alarm, and while Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce assumed
a defensive posirion, old Dan Coegsweil and Josiah
Hogg sprung forward in an offensive attitude.

instantly began to scream in .

“Ye durned skunk!” yelled the guide, “ ain‘t ye‘ ‘
ashamed 0‘ this? I’ve half a noshun tew knocka.

star-Spangled banyer out 0’ ye."

“ Bully fer you, pardl" chimed Josiah, flourishing

his long arms rapidly. “ Let’s Eiv‘ ‘em a tannin',
the ornery heethun. As Jim Sha '
“A knockin’ sort 0’ skrimmage
At punchin’ uther‘s image,
Ar’ only justy-ilable—
v Et makes the body pliable.

cspeer uster say: ’51“

 

 

 

i;

g:

 

 

 

Old Avalanche.

‘19

 

   
   

,- "And as I feel kinder stiff, now. I propose we

nILiut :er j'ints by walloppiu‘ them ondecent

n crs.‘

“ No! no I" cried Sir Harry, crawling to his feet, at

.a isjuncture—“letthcm alone. 1'“ settle both of

em h~ fore I am many suns older."

" .5 in tin"! a flashing eye, the youn nobleman

, me (1 off to the little stream to was I the blood
in? “nursed cranium; for the cane had cut open

 

 

' the m a I. .

‘ SDurirfitiie remainder of the (lay, Sir Fleming and
‘ all s )t aloof from the rest, and whiled away
, elr lime lll conversation and smoking.

Ni t foil dark and threatening. Masses of black
cluu ' find the heavens, and the atmosphere was
decidcdl miny.

After he eveninfi meal had been prepared and
dispatched, Josiah o g volunteered to stand guard,
and so leaving liimto is lonely vigil, the rest ‘turn-
ed in," to sleep.

About an hour before midnight the storm burst
down in all its fury, and so great was its volume that
the bottom of the canyon was quite submerged,
, thercb ' precluding the possibility of repose. There-
'~ fore, t w ladies were bundled in the blankets, and all
' - stood m i took the pcltiug storm with good, bad or
' inllitl'cn tr grace, as the case might be.

 For an hour the war of the storm- ods waged fu-
' riously. did a perfcct torrent of mu dy water came
dashing down the gorge.

Iiut at last the ruin ceased. as quickly as it had
I come, and the bottom became less submerged by de-
. I green, mm] the site of the old camp was once more
.  above water.
 But so intense was the gloom that one could not
'9 ‘ tee a tins“ 1‘ before an eye, and i! was only by a sense
 of groping and the interchange of words, that the

’ ' part could be collected. And, as there was no dry
wwoo to be had, it looked very probable that there
i' would be no fire, or light on the subject till day~

 

    
  
   
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
    
  
  
  
     
  
 
  
 
 
 

 

reek.
“ Are all here?" called Sir Harry, with a shiver, as
he endeavored to peer around.
‘ l gut-«s so,” replied the familiar tones of Coggs—
wcll——“ i am, at least. Mouglit call ther roll, ter
 moke sm 2.”
“Good. I will do 50. Sir Fleming and Bruce, are
; u here?"
“Ay! rv vi" re lied the two noblemen.
- “And Ladies lilhurn?"
" I am here," replied Lady Milburn; “but I do not
see Maud a "
"" “ Lad y .YIaude and Josiah Hoggl" called Sir Harry.
" There r as no reply. Again the call was repeated,
" but no on awer.
 . 1-. hurried and close search was then made but
. hout I :sult. One thing was only too plain‘iady
" ' ((e (we! thepoet were gone!

CHAPTER X.
A mama ACT—“AN EAR. FOR AN EAR."

1: . An left Old Avalanche out in the. open savanna,
& his just having discovered the factthat he was
,conipletvly surrounded by the bowling Sioux.
’ ($23le they seen him?

’ " ' Yell, vw'y probably, or else why were they closing
inaroun-l h m? Faintly through the pail of inky
. darkness he could distinguish the shadowy outlines
of approaching horsemen. and by them, and the
mu ed - ounds of their hoofs, he knew they were all
. - im; 'oward one center, and that center was just

Mn- . :v . he as now standing;
' , ' .Humphl" he gruntcd, for a moment unresolved
“r , .to act, “I rec’on ther grate N’orwoegjan ava-
‘ 3. m" in ‘n ort’ul dit'ilkilitv. Ye kin skin me wi'
"-  h- ick, of I kno’ w’ot‘s est ter do.“

' et lng certainly must be done. The savages
v approaching nearer and nearer, and in a mo-
' would be upon him.

‘ alt their coming and give himself 11
_ (the initial
;. ‘ i

. a,

w 9.
. 1.,

 

 

would
step toward a horrible dea h.

 

 

“I‘ll spill atrifle more 0’ lujun blood. fu‘st enn -
how," was the flna’conclusion, and gripinghl’sknige
he threw himself ilat upon the ground.

Florence did likewise, and the two lay assilentnud
motionless as death. 0n came the savages and Old
Avalanche could feel the. ground jar as tho cuvnlcado
dashed up). Nearer and ncurcr they drew, and for
fear of elm: trampled upon, the goat crawled
closer to his master’s side.

At last there was a shout, and the Indians dicw
rein in u small circle. Avalanche and Florence were
lying inside qf‘ that circle .’

Fortunately the grass was so tall that they were
screened from view.

“The white do ' has escaprd i“ sung out the grul‘l’
voice of Idaho ill. “The Sioux are on a wrong
scent.“

“The pale chief errs," replied Ruln-ln-tho-Faco,
who commanded a portion of the party. “1’qu
squaw come dis way.

“Ugh!” cried Scarlet Blade, 9. young chief, who
had but recently won his spurs of cliloftnincy. “ Mo
flee uni here—stand erect—lock at Sioux—den he

re

“ ut he not here!" grunted Crazy Horse.
let Blade young brave.
Horse."

“Scarlet Blade look!" cried the eager chief. and
sgringlng from his saddle be commenced beating
u out in the grass. wiggl ng about on his hands am
knees. “If white do here, Scarlet Blade ilnd um.“

0n around the clrc e be crawled, and on account
of the darkness, the mounted savages were unable
to keep track of his whereabouts, except when they
would catch a sound to guide them.

Presently it was inferred by the deep silence that
Scarlet Blade iind halted in his search.

“Hey!” shouted Idaho Bill. with an oath, “w‘ar
ye goin’, ye red imp? w‘at ar’ ye at so long?“

“What difference it make to you?“ leered Crazy'
Horse. “Let lujun alone." -

“Ugh!” cried the rough voice of Scarlet Blade,
from the center of the circle, " lujun kccp much
still. Scarlet Blade found trail, Injun sit still on
boss. Scarlet Blade trail white dog under hOSSLs
belly!" - ‘

A moment later Crazy Horse was conscious that
somebody or something was near him, and he made
a vain attempt to peer down into the grass.

“Who dart" he demanded, suspiciously. “Dot
you Scarlet Blade?"

“ bin 1" was the brief reply. and the rustling in the
rass proclaimed that the c icf was creeping away.
ull ten moments passed; then a figure leaped from

the grass, and onto the back of the rideiless horse
of Scnrlet Blade.

“ White dog no dnr," said the disa pointed voice of
the chief. “He gone, an‘ Scarlet B nde it up!”

’ Adcl‘isivc yell went up from the In ions in gen-

“Scur-
He no wise like Crazy

eral.

“ Scarlet Blade is a dog!" cried Crazy Horse. with
contempt. Then turning in his saddle, he shouted,
in Sioux:

“ Away! away! all of you. except a hundred, who
will go to the canyon mouth. where the others are!
Wait for us: Scatter!"

The order was insta tl obeyed. All of the swarm-
ing gang. except Crazy was, immediately spread
out over the prairie. and began to scour about for
the esca ed Annihilator.

The 0 def then set out for the entrance to Devil‘s
Canyon, followed by his detachment of braves.

Under the command of Idaho Bill, the savanna
was thorough] searched for a distance of four or
five miles, in ei her direction ;_ but not a trace of the
Enuchi-feared and more hated Avalanche was to be

oun .

He had undoubtedly made good his escape into
the mountains.

At last the blare of a. trumpet caused the savages
to relin uish the search, and turn back toward
camp. daho Bill was among the last to do this.

\

 

90

Old Avalanche.

' ‘

 

and as he turned his animal’s head he saw the horse
of Scarlet Blade passin to his rifllt.
“Ilallo. there! ‘ he s outed. “is that you. Injun

lui i"

‘PUghl dis Scarlet Blade." was the reply. and the
horse came forward. “ Y-ni ldnho Bill?‘

“ Yes, et’s me. Cum alongsel’ you‘re a-goin’ inter
camp.“

The outlaw gave his horse the spur. and was about
dashin away. when a lasso, one end of which was
Secure to Scarlet Blade‘s saddle, fell gracefully
around him and drew taut, thereby pinioniug his
arms to his side.

The next instant he was jerked from his saddle,
andno sooner did he reach the ground than the
figure of 0M Avalanche. the Annihilalor. was upon

in.

Scarlet Blade had perished in that circle search,
and the alert scout had donned his head-dress,
transferred some of the Sioux‘s paint to his own
face. and took possession of the horse. ‘ I

It was a daring act. but his desperate position had
inspired him with the determination to accomplish
it. and he had succeeded admirably.

Thither and hither over the savanna he had
dashed among the other savages hunting /or him.-
arlf. as it were. and, whenever he could obtain a
suitable chance, driving his knife into the heart of
a red companion. And only by chance) was it that
he had fallen in with Idaho Bill.

Old Avalanche was unon himi To choke of? the
outlaw‘s yells was but the work of a moment. and
in short order he lay upon the green carpet of the
savanna, a helpless prisoner. bound hand and foot,
and agged.

“ arl" granted the Annihilator. as he finished
his work. and hoistei the outlaw up onto the sad-
dle, after which he himself mounted; "(liar ’ I ob-
serve et allus takes tew an' sometimes three, tew
make a barg‘in. Heyulderho Billiam. ain't them
yerldees? Don't ’preeshate ther virtues o‘ ther grate,
roarin’Norweeb'an Avalanche? Wal,i ken‘t help
thet, my bulrus o‘ M )scs. I‘m's owerless to re-
leev ye o’ yer amixyuns, as a cat ar tew let go outer
a rat, arter she‘s fixed her fangs inter his rib-steak.
Axident threw ye inter ther.way o‘ my lassy, an‘
new nuthin‘s moar established than thet yo've got
her ackumpenny a veritageble whirlyglg o rantank-
erousness tew hes stopping‘place—thet ye've got ter
alssloshate wi’ a ginnywine Norweegjau snow-
Si 6. ’

A groan from Idaho Bill was the only answer. He
had sufficient cause to dread the Avalanche—to fear
his vengeance.

01‘} Avalanche headed toward the northwest. and
struck off intoa gallop. carrying his prisoner with
him. For hours he rode on. and at the blush of
dawn. drew rein close in under cover of the tower-
ing mountains. at as t where shade. water and
grass were plenty. T e outlaw was placed upon
the ground, and tethering his horse out to graze, he
set about finding food for himself and prisoner.

He soon succeeded in catchinga few fat frogs
from a. stagnant buffalo wallow. and building a
fire of buffalo“ chips.” he roasted the luscious hind
legs thereby procuring a very palatable meal.

As soon as all was in readiness. the Annihilator
removed the gag from the outlaw's mouth, and ten-
dered him a portion of the food, which was readily
acceptei and devoured before the scout had
scarcely begun on his. The breakfast was dis-
patched in silence. and when he had finished, Old
Avalanche climbed up into a neighboring crag to
take observations. As nearashe could judge. he
was something more than ten miles distant from
the Sioux camp. and by the clear light of the morn-
ing that had now fully dawned, he could see that the
camp was astir. -

Smoke from many camp-fires rose in spiral col-

' umns toward the smiling blue skies. and a general

activity and bustle were noticeable. A score or
more of horses were being led from the corral, and

 

this told the scout that the Indians, or at least a
portion of them, were going on the trail.

l‘hat tmil was his own, and ashe had taken no

ains to hide it, he was aware how easy it would he
or them to hunt him down.

“ Yas, that ar' w‘at they‘re a—going tew do. or tew
try to do.” he muttvred.

“ Part on ’cm‘s took perscssion o‘ ther orga-
mouth. an‘ t'othcr psi-t ar' sceriously rcflccktin‘ on
takin' erseSSinn o‘ ther grate Avalanche. They've

0t it indcntyurcd inter the‘r uoddlcs. thct they’d
ilce ter interview a v.1‘ilagealil: c )1))‘(lil.‘.nlc 0' ex-
tarminashcn; but socm‘s Ihar moug t be a terrnfeck
exploshen 0’ confinezl ti-rrificossity. ef they war tow
encounter Ine. snyin' nutliin‘ crbmit an arl'ul loss 0‘
Injuu population.  deem it tlier nataheral conse-
quence o' fulPhlll‘dlileSS to tarry here; so I‘ll per-
ceed to abscorchulute.“

The smut turned and clambcred down toward his
own camp .

As he di 1 so his ears were greeted with hoarse and
frightened yells. evidently coming from Idaho Bill.
This quickened his movements. and in a few mo-
ments, he had gained the level ground. close to the
camp. Here his eyes fell upon a scene both unex-
pected and ludicrous.

During the Annihilator‘s absence the prisoner;-

evidently had been tr ing to climb to the back of
the horse and make is escape, but had been sur-
prised by an unexpected enemv. This was no ther
than the scout’s wonderful "j‘iut.“ Florence izht-
ingale, who had opportunely arrived, and attacked
the outlaw.

At the time of the Annihilator‘s entree upon the
scene. the goat had succeeded in downing his victim,
and was bunting him without mercy. rolling him
over and over at every lunge. while Idaho Bill's
shrieks of sin and rage made the welkin ring.

Old Ava anche gave a veil of ecstasy and sat .

down to watclythe snort. Idaho Bill now saw him.
and a torrent of blasphemous curses and oaths.
broke from his lips.

Still Old Avalanche sat upon the ound, watch-
ing. and with a grim smile upon his urrowed counv
tenance. This was sweet revenge for him—ven-
geance for previous injuries At last, however. he
perceived that the outlaw was nearly insensible, and
with a whistle he called the vicious bi’ly from his
work of torture.

“ Thct’ll do fer the present, boyee," was the An-
nihilator’s ejaculation as he patted the animal.
nt‘fectlonatr-ly. " Ye stud ter ysr work nobly as’ar‘
desarvin’ 0’ thanks for et. 1 think, tho‘ l‘ll tend tew
Mn Idaho Billiam. myxelf. now.“

With these words he rose to his feet. drew his
knife, and approached the outlaw. who lay groan ,
ing upon the grass.

Assisting him to a sitting osirion. he seated him
self directly opnosite and t e two implacable foes
eved each other for some time. with belligerent
glances. Old Avalanche was the first to speak.

“ Young man," he said, slowly whetting the blood-
stained knife in the palm of his hand, “ l1er ye got.

enn rcekelex un o' evyer heviu‘ seen me erfore
y V

this peeriodica minnit?“ .
A grim smile homered about the des rado’s lips.
“Ireckon,” was the laconic reply; ‘ tho‘ i‘ve not

seen ye for years. 1 were a young pappoose when

you were first brought to the Sioux mnifi. So was

Crakzyglorse. We cut your ears off at t e torture

sta e.

*‘ True," replied Old Avalanche. a twinge of pain
visible on his wrinkled ~.brow—“ shaved ‘em of!
clusser nor ther beerd frum a boyee's face. But,
the best o‘et all. Bill. ye ken‘t brag that I even
fiinched." .

“ No. old man. ye stud at like a lamb, an‘ I’ll guv
ye credit fur it.” ‘

“What became of them flappers?" asked the A:
nihilator, huskily. .

"Don‘t kno‘ what Crazy Horse done wi' his'n. U
wore mine fur a charm, on a stringo beads. till.

 

 

.: 1:53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
   

  
  
  

.,..

lt:$ried up, like a piece of pasteboard, when I
ed it awn ."
Tears stood in the old scout’s eyes.
“Too hot ." he sighed. “1 war in hopes o‘ gettin‘
them Ipoor souse back sumtlme or other, an‘ gottin'
'em astcred on erg'in. 'l‘oo ba( ." Then, as if he
and only recollected himself, he began to sharpen
his knife faster n on his moccasin-top.“
Idaho Bill wa clied him somewhat nervously,
growing a shade paler each moment. He could not
misunderstand the meaning in this.
It meant death to him!
' Attora whilethe edge of the weapon seemed sat-
isfactorily sharp to the touch of the. Avalanche‘s
.thumb, for he said:
“ Do ye kno‘ ther border code, Billiam?“ he asked,
slowly,
“I 'now " was the shuddering reply, “ an eye for
an eve, am a tooth for a tooth."

,’ “ es. thet‘s it—eye fer eye an‘ tooth fer tooth.
But thet haiu‘t the code I shell ‘dopt tew this sar-
cuinsiance. This ‘11 be art-ear fer an ear, and a knife
fer 0 Mia!!!"

The outlaw grew very white, and perspiration
broke out all over his face.
‘ “\i'iil ye show no mercy?" he gasped.
“N0! yo didn't show Inc none. As ye did, 30‘” I

n

  
  
  
  
    
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
    
   
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
   

  

o.
“ But hold! Is there no service I kin do ye that‘ll
saVeJny life? 1 do mt want to die—I am not pro-
re y

 

. 3‘ ‘

 

Tho Annihilator shook his head

“I jcrige not. I‘ve sworn by ullthcr cheruhimms
o' Aurory Borey Alice to stave out on that some all
. ther lnjun race, yerscl‘ included. So yo mought as

' well say yer catty-kiss-‘euis. Nuthin“ short 0’ ycr
life will do mei"

   
 
   
  
 

Jdaho Bill grew desperate _

. The light that burned in his enemy‘s eye was

i' \ stern and cold.

“I‘ll make a proposal,” he at last managed to
Y). “ Take my ears and spare my life!“

Old Avalanche reil ‘cted.

“ I‘ll make ye an offgr." he said slowly, “and yer

. Ills depends upon ycr decision."

    
    
    
 

(l .
’“Wal. I’ll cut oil? both of ycr ears, and then, ef
ou'll show me the ( id Inx‘inn path that leads thr'u’
hose mountains, or ovv-r ’cin rmliei‘, tew ther Flat
Butte peak, an' te-w ther Death Gulch, ye shall hev
llb'ert nn‘ yer dcca imtedcers,“
Ida )0 Bill I'Ofllli‘i and shuddercd.
, “ Go on E" 1e gas or], white as a corpse: “ I agree.
. ake my ears and mve it over,“
.. «" You know the over-mountain way 9"
NW. ayt" . -
“And will go thr‘u‘ wi' yer Jab \vi’out attemptin‘
no shenannigan !“ .
‘ “ Yes—I swear it!“
, Without further words. in less time than it takes
to tell it. the cor wretcli was deprived of his ears.
;, which were c uckcd into tho avengcr’s )ocket.
' ‘ He has said. since the transaction of bat terrible
'; deed. that he nightly dreams of ears, and could not
$4.1. be hired to attempt another like amputation.
’ As for idaho‘ Bill, he fainted; hut while he was in-
’nn.<ible, Old Avalanche dressed the wounds, and an
hour later the two earicss men were on their journey
fiver the vast mountain wilderness.

  
   
   
   
    
 
    
 
  

 

   
      
  
   

 

   
 

 

 

CHAPTER Xi.
'rnn annn DAY.

. Wnnms were Josiah and Lady Maude? was the
.. ,-' . uestion that agitated the minds of our friends, as
" ~ " giey mndc the alarming discovery that they were
gone. Had the overflowing of the waters swept
‘ - «them away?
34,3 . No, that could not be, for the bottom of the can-
V Tyon had not been covered to more than a. knce‘s
* depth, and no erson would have been carried away
by such an ins gniflcant flood,

     
  
  
 
   
  
 

 

ash-4...
... _ ‘

  

  

01d Avalanche.

 

81

“P‘raps ther pod keerricd ofl ther gal " sug-
gested old Dan, as they all stood in the étygian
gloom. undecided what to do. “ I've had a premonit-
shun as he warn‘t ’buve sirspeckshnn “

" Yes; but whither has he gone?" cried Sir Harry,
angrily. “Oh! the dastard. the traitor! How my
fingers achn to get at his throat!"

‘ i opine he‘s gone back ther we
vidin‘ he ain‘t gone t‘othcr wa .
he‘s interlinked with the canyon ¥mndiis.

“Good heaven! you don't mean to say that my
darling sister is in the power of those heartless
wretches?"

{‘Wotildn‘t want for ter sw’ar tow et; but I'm
thinkin' et smells strongly thet way.”

“ Look to the horses. nick, and see if the mule is
gone. then! That will te l the story.“

Dan obeyed, with alacrity, and soon returned with
the intelligence that the mule and Lady Maude‘s
horse were both missing.

“Oh! God!“ groaned Lady liiilburn, who had all
the time been weeping violently, “I shall never sce
my child again.“

“Yas ye will. mum," re lied the guide. dofflng
his hat. res ectfuily. "Ta '6 old Dan (.‘0 gswell‘s
word fer it .ady Maude will not he hnrme . and ‘ll
be restored tew ew afore long. I‘ve heerd consid-
er‘blc of this irl Bandit. an‘ believe her tew be
‘bout as fuir-tew-avcrn go sort 0‘ felian as ev or did-
n't chow terbm'ccr. S )e won’t hurt yer da er. an‘.
More the big flood comes. I shouldn‘t wonder much
of ye war hawked away out o‘ danger jes‘. like Lady

Maude was!"
“is this your candid opinion, iide?" asked Sir
“ Do you real y imagine it is

he kim. r-
y iii-e ar‘ at

Harry. eagerly.
Wild Edna‘s plan to save us from the flood which is
impending?”

Old Dan smiled grimly.

"Not us. I six-speck.“ he replied with a chuckle—
“ not us, but the ladies—Lady Milburn and her
dauwhterl“

“ he it so. then. If they only safely escape, I shall
not so much hate to meet the worst."

Morning dawned over the giant alts of the
mountains, and as soon as it was 11g tenough for
his purpose the guide built a. fire out of a few rtly~
dried limbs and cones which had been wash down
from the mountains, and then easily found the
tracks of the two horses in the clayey refuse, on
which the act had home away his prize.

“Thar kin be no doubt o‘ the case now,“ he said
to Sir Han-v. “The bandits hev got the gal.et‘s
purr probn le." ‘

“ es: 1 have no doubts about it now. But what
can we do?“

*‘ Nuthin’. as I kno‘ on. All we kin do nr' tew sit
on our thumbs au‘ rin an‘ bear er. I‘m staveu sorry
we over him intcr .is canyon tho‘. an‘ of i war as
rich as ye be. I‘m Jedgin‘ I'd not be tardy in gittin‘
out 0‘ et.“

“What! would you disgrace yourself by yielding
to these accursod fiends? I am truly sorry for you
then. My sense 0! honor forbids that I should vs
11?) to them, and thereby be considered a grove! ng.

o! I will die first—die as a brave man should die.
A true Englishman of noble blood does not bow
down to an American outlaw."

“As ya like. bass. Ef ye or” goin' ter die. aforo
guffen up a poultry sum 0’ sponduiicks. why, i
hain't no ’jeckshuns. As fer this de osit o‘ hoomon
cla . he'd not stay long in [hes on ealthy climate
cf ,1? bed ernuff gold or elbow grease ter git him
out. .

Breakfast was dispatched, and about an hour later
a body of masked horsemen were seen coming leis~
urely down the canyon. They were the banditti,
and Wild Edna, beauteous flower of the wilderness.
rode at their head. afipearin . it anything, more
lovely and bewitching t on be ore, and as the caval-
cade came to a halt in front or the camp. all eyes
were riveted upon her.

Sir Harry was from his seat and dolled his hat

  
 

22

Old Avalanche.

 

poliltely, to which Wild Edna. responded with a
sun e.

“ You have come, I perceive, for the third time,“
said Sir Harry “to re ucst the toll payment."

"Exactly! 'l‘his is t o lrst wall. You now still
have a chance for life and liberty. and if you do not
once t, your fate be on your own heads. Would to
God could aid you, or avert the impending doom,
but i cannot. Did any of you see an apparition on
the .top of the Flat Butte at midnight two nights
ago.‘

“I did! I didl" screamed Lady Millmrn, rushing
forward and clasping the Girl Bandit‘s jeweled
hand, “I saw it. Oh! girl, tell Inc—tle me for the
love of God, was that an apparition, or was it
ILMM’UL?" She trembled in every limb, and her eyes
burned an unnatural fire—a yearning, half-expec-
tant glare

“Tell me. tell mei“ she. continued, as Wild Edna
hesitated, “ for i must know!”

“lcan tell on nothinz, my lady," was the pity-
ing reply. “ am bound by a. so emn pledge to re
veal nothing beyond the limits of our band. Th:
specter 0n the Flat Butte will appear again, just be
fore daybreak of the eleventh day from now, as you
saw him, my lady. His appearance will be the sig-
nal to raise the flood-gates of the terrible Lake Tico.
Fear not, however, dear lady. for you will not be
allowed to perish with the rest!”

“But, my daughter—Maude, where is she?"

“ Safe and sound, and enjoying a refreshing sleep
when we left her. it was out of iity. that I had
her spirited away. You will soon Hollow heri"

“ Girl!" cried Sir Fleming, advancing, “ are you a
perfect demoncss? Will you see us men, who have
lieii'ler'raised a finger to harm you, murderel out—
ri'.r '?

Wild Edna flushed, an rilv.

“ I will seenoihing of t 1e kind. As I have told you
once before, I cannot avert the flood. I have tried
to pcrsuadeyou to pay the toll, but you have re-
fused. Here my work ceases. On my return to the
bandit retreat. I will be cast into a strong cell, b
the orders of another, and confined there one mont
for my failure in cxtorting the toll from you."

“ Who is this other?—yonr gay Nevada Sam?

“ No—indeerl, no. He is my brother, and as true
and brave a man as any of you. Like myself, he
too will be confined, and suffer on your account!"

She spoke so bittery that Sir Harry’s susceptible
heart at once went out toward her.

“ I am sorry for you," he said, walking no to her
animal‘s side—“really. truly sorry but I do not
care to yield. Maybe when I see Lake Tico‘s waters
bowling down upon me, I’ll hasten to change
my mind 1“ And he made an attempt to laugh

gayly.

“ it will be too lafe, then!“ said Wild Edna, sadly;
‘" once the flood-gates are raised, nothing possessed
of life, except trees, can live in Devil's Canyon.”

“ Well. if this b : the case, I can consider myself a
doomed man."

“ You refuse to pay the toll, then?"

“I do, most emphaticallyl" .

“ Alas! then you are indeed doomodl" She shot
him a glance from her beautiful eyes—a glance in
which was mingled pity, sorrow and—what?

The fast-beating heart of the young nobleman told
him itwas more than the light and glow and interest
of a common nature—and his own face flushed at
the thought —(iid this beanteous vision of the wilder-
ness [mm him? It was a thought that filled him with
- expressionless joy; r '

The Girl Bandit, however, quickly interrupted his
suddenly conceived ho es.

“ Will the others pay their toll, and be allowed to
go on in freedom?"

“I think not," replied Sir Fleming, who had been
conferring \v'th Sir Bruce; “ or, at least, not at
present. If we decide to pay the toll for ourselves
will it not be enou h to advance to your guards, an
tell them so when hey can inform you?"

 

“ I don't know," replied Wild Edna, doubtfflly
“ However, I can soon ascertain."

Slu- turned to one of the masked men beside her,
and said a few words in an undertone. He then
turned his horse's head and galloped rapidly off up
the canyon. 1

“Icon soon answer your question, sir,” said .the
maidcn to Sir Fleming; “in the mean time do not
lfct tus hinder you, or dctcr you from your break-

as r.'

“ We ate an hour ago.“ answered Harry, “and
mm presence is most agreeable, under the very em-

arrassing circumstances under which we meet.”

“ You are slightly addicted to flattery, I perceive "
she laughed, at the same time ordering her men 0 -
ratire to a proper distance, whither she also followed
t em.

Sir Harry did likewise. He was scarcely aware of
it, but he soon found himself in the lnaidcn’s fus-
cinating presence, and was gazing up into her face,
thoughtfully, adiniringly.

“ You are a queen among women," he said, his
eyes burning with unwontcd light. “l have iravvl-
ed nearly around the world, hnv can safely say I
never beheld one of your sex more beautiful.
are too precious a flower to live and die here in this
desert Wild."

She drooped her eyes, and a blush stole. ovm- llf‘l‘
purely chiseled features—a blush more of pleasure
than confusion. ,

“ You must not flatter,” rho said. quickly releasing
the hand he had talccn. “ I am not used to it—I am
not used to the great world you live in, or its people.
I should not listen to praises from those who could
never be anght to me." '

Sir Harry felt his heart bound in a suspiciously ox~ _
cited manner, but he refrained from speaking the
words of passionate love that rose to his lips.

What did all this mean? Was he actually in love
with this flower of the mountain—this female brl-
gand?

How else could he accou nt for that danced bobbing
about of his heart? 15-”. bahl the idea of wedding
such a bride—he, an aristocratic nobleman, of a no-
ble house, and the possessor of a title. it could not
be—ncver.

He was thus reflecting and ransacking his brain for
something to say, when the masked courier return-
ed, and spoke a few words in Spanish to Wild Edna.

“ Very well.” she said; then turning to Sir Harr ,
she continued. "It will be all right. If any of you
conclude to pay the toll, between now and three
o‘clock of the eleventh morning, you can so notify a
guard, who will be posted a few hundred yards up
the gorge. He will be authorized to receive six thou-
sand dollars from you, and furnish you with an es-
cort to the outer world i"

“Very well, I will tell them!“

“Now, good-by, sir, and goo l luck."

“ Good-by," replied Sir Harry, huskily, a tear
standin in either eye—“good-by.” The next mo-
ment is 5 horses‘ heads were turned, and the ban-
ditti dashed away. -

CHAPTER XiI.
A NEW ENEMY—FIGHTING SIOUX-THE
norn"—rnn sPErTEn SIGNAL.

Two days and a hip number of gloomy nights
passed, and still matters in Devil’s Canyon remained
unchanged. The camp could but await the issue of
impending events.

Escape was impossible, for old Dan had ascertain-
ed that the savages had taken possession of the
eastern termination of the canyon, although they
seemed in no hurry to advance.

“ I think," said Sir Harry to Sir Fleming, on the
third morning, as all sat. around the cam dire—“I
think that between us we had better pay t to toll. at -
leest for mother. and restore her, along with y
Maude, to freedom. It will not be right to let her
surfer death just because we are obstinate and re-
fuse to pay the toll," . .

“ ELEVENTH '

\

 

Ynu _

Old Avalanche.

 

Fleming sneered.
‘I quite disagree with you,"he replied, sarcas-
ly “I am of the opinion that self-preservation
first to be considered before looking to the wel-
fare of others. Lady lIetty will probably be re-
leased b the banditti: but, even if she is not, Ican-
not see t iat her life so preciously valuable to e."
“To you—nol”cri l Sir Harry. steriily. “ \ere
she dead. you accursed plotter, lm- rich estate of
Ferndale, you. as a husband, could claim. Were I
and Lady Maude dead, all of the old family posses-
sions of the great name of Arriscourt would be
ours. Think not, Sir Fleming Milburii, that I am
lind to our schemes and machinations. I can
rendyyou ikc a book.

' “ ears ago, ni father, Sir Henry, came to
. America to explore this wilderness. By some means

unknown to us. you, an outlawed relation, joined
. him in his expedition, and traveled with him until

'  his death—from the top of yonder peak.

"‘ “No sooner was he dead than you retumcd to

England with the sad intelligence, bearing papers

purporting to have been given you by Sir lenry,
'previoustohis death, which bade my )oor mother

marry ou, in case my father should die during any
of his angerous adventures. You had been a suitor
for Lady Betty’s hand, rcvious Io her union with

' myl father, and, under he circumstances, she felt

it er duty to obey the mandate of one whom death
had overtaken ina remote land.

“ So, after making you promise to bi ing her here
to thiswild Country, that she might at least recover
the bones of Sir Henry, she wedded you—wedded a

' very demon. This was many years ago, when
Maude and I were both children. Since then you
have been a very cruel master to us, and it is only
since I attained my majority, that you could be in-

.;. digcednto visit this place, according to your pro-
’ msc.

“This 2'8 not the Flat Butte in question i" growled

n81!- Fleming, wincing pcl'ccptibly under the young
man‘s accusing gaze.

“ You lie!” cried Sir Harry, hotly”. “This is the
place where my father ended his days: or—more
pigfierly, perhaps—where his life was emlr d J”

., 9 tone as well as the words of the speaker

, .u'caused Sir Fleming to grow a trifle pale, and ex-

r clflgge a glance with Sir Bruce.

' “ e will not continue this conversation. at pre-
,, sent," he said, flushing with rage, as he rose and
. sauntsred awa . “You will tempt me to kill you,

some oathese lines, by puisuing this insulting bee

.a,i-.

.. " ffear you not!" retorted Sir Harry. “You
have alreadly made half a score of attempts upon

my life. wit our success and I believe I shall live to
see the justice you deserve meted out to you."
The morning dragged away, and a hot noon-day
sun at last shone straight down into Devil's Canyon.
It was about this time that old Dan Coggswell
came striding hurriedly into camp. He had gone
down the canyon, a few hours revious, in nest of
game, and had promised to be ack b. sunse . Con-
. sequently, his early return warned tir Harry that
‘ something of importance had occurred.
“What is it?" he asked, anxiously,
fl you back so soon i" . I
"I jedge thar‘s need on’t," reghed the guide
with a dubious shake of his hea . “El we don
fiétch Jessie 0‘ ther shirt store this time, ter-morrer
vl’m er bod-carrier.”
, "‘Indeedl What is wrong?"
_ “ Iiijuns—copperous-cullor’d Soos. Thar‘s more‘n
Na. thousan‘ kcuii'imin' up this derection, to pay us
cc ‘5!

“ Why are

~ . Is this true? Then we must pre-

pare to fight them I”

‘ ,'.‘I rather guess so, ef we‘ve ther least inclinashun

. keepiu’ our kerpillery persesshuns. Go wake

the'suther tellers. an’ git yer popsguns in reddyr

gr use. I’m goin' ter throj up er obstickel tow
P.0gress'n ' ' ~

.

I.

 

Sir Harry immediately hurried off, while the guide
proceeded to perform his part of the work.

Among the effects in the outfit were a pick and
show], articles which every wise western traveler is
not without.

Taking these he proceeded a short distance down
the canyon, to a spot where the bottom was torm-
ed of soft sandy soil. Here. he paused, and began
to throw up a barricade of dirt from wall to wall, oc-
casionally dislodgini.r large flakes of rock from
above and adding this to the ile.

For hours the guide labor steadily. and at last,
he paused and surveyed his completed work. The
barricade, constructed mainly of dirt, was breast-
high across the canyon, the top being covered with
heavy rocks that Dan had detached from the mighty
walls, while an abatis of sharpened limbs protruded
beyond as a defense against scaling the parapet.
Altogether. it was an admirable piece of work, and
in case of attack, would, while it concealed the de-
fenders, prevent a rush from the enemy.

The barricade done, Dan proceeded to call Sir
Harry. As, soon as the baroiiet beheld the result
of the afternoon's labor, he uttered an exclamation
of surprise.

“Just the thing!" be exclaimed. as hecaret'ully
examined the defense. “ With our re. eating rifles
and revolvers, I am confident we can old our own
for awhile, at least."

“Yes,” replied Dan, grimly. “I speculate we kin
guv 'em a purty big rub, of ther Lord's willin‘.
Now, then, ye git back tew camp. an‘ snatch w‘at
grub an’ morph‘us gs kin, an’ l’ll stand guard. Ef
ye heer me screec ‘Soos.‘ye jist kim a-hoopin'
down hayr, fcr thar‘ll be need 0’ ye. Bring yer fel-
lers tool”

There was no call from Coggswell until about
midnight, when he skulked into camp and aroused
the sleepers with the news that the reds were com-
ing. Leaving Lady Miibui'n alone, the four men
crept down to the barricade, rifles in band, and
posted themselves on the defensive.

“ I do not see any savages!" said Sir Harry, peer-
ing over into the canyon beyond, “and I doubt if—
thunde) /“

An arrow lgrazed the young nobleman's cheek, as
he was spea ing.

“ Ye'll feel ’em, ef ye don’ are ‘em i" said old Dan
with a grim chuckle, “ perwiden’ ye make yer pate
a targit for their arrers. But look l—ready andfire ."‘

A motley gang of savages could now be distin-
guished, through the pail of ink darkness, as they
came skurrying silent y toward he barricade.

“Ere—once, two, an‘ three times!” hisscd the
guide, and four rifles cracked. sending sha echoes
up the mountain-side, while deadly missi es went
hurtling into the Sioux ranks, causing sbrieks of
pain and death.

Again and again the terrible repeating rifles belch-
ed forth streams of lurid flame, and, taken wholly
by surprise the savages turned and fled.

“Quick! Now’s yer time ter reloadl" cried old
Dan, and the discharged cartridges were quickly
re laced with fresh ones.

at no red-skins put in an appearance again that
night, although all of the defenders watched till the
sunlight kissed the peak of Flat Butte.

Sir Harry volunteered to stand guard while the
others went inside camp and pr! pared breakfast.
So Dan, accompanied by Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce,
set out, leaving the young nobleman alone, Ar-
riving at camp, it was discovered that Lad Miiburn

- and one of the horses were missing. N o ears were

entertained by the guide, however for he rightly
guessed that the banditti had come to remove her
to a place of safety. .

That da passed, but no further demonstration
was made y the red-skins; in fact, not a glimpse
of them had been gained. ’

As soon as night fell over the mountain, Sir Bruce
was posted on sentinel duty, to be relieved by Sip
Fleming at midnight, ‘ '

 

84k

Another—the fifth-morning dawned,!and still no
sign of the Sioux.

‘ It’s curi’us," said Coggswell, as he and Sir
Harry stood at the bari~ica(le-—“ dazned curi‘us. I
never kuew’d Soos ter act up in this shape afore,
sure as I‘m a masticater o’ tenderl’ins. Ef thar
ain’t sum oncommon devilment ahind all 0’ this
holdin' off, et's be ant my cumpass 0’ reckonin’."

“ It does seem s range. From what little I have
heard and seen, these red rascals are not generally
so tardy in attacking a foe,” replied Sir Harry.

“ Right. But I jedge I’ve snatched thvir ijee this
time. Knowin‘ we‘re sum on shootin‘, an‘ not
keerln‘ tew lose enny more braves than possybul,
they're goin’ terr clim’ us.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Why. e see sum 0’ ’em hesgone over the mount-
ings, an' ‘ l sooner or later git down inter ther (‘llll-
yon atween us an‘ ther banditters, arter w’ich both
divisions ’11 give us a nudge frum each eend, at thei-
same time."

“ You believe that is their plan ?"

“ I don’ make much doubt 0‘ et. Ye see, Soos kin
climb like all natur‘, an' et‘ll be no sarcumstance
filer ’em tew scoot these mountings, ef yell] give 'om
t me. '

That night the savages in the canyon made a rush
down on the barricade in large numbers, but Dan
was quite ready for them, and the incessant and
ideally fire from the four repealing rules made such
fearful havoc, that the red-skins again retreated,
much decreased in numbers, and bowling with
rage. .

The succeeding day passrd, and the next, and the
next, and still the next, without further develop-
ments

At last the night of the tenth day fell over the
mountains, but it disclosed only two figures in the
Devil‘s Canyon at the camp. Sir Fleming and Sir
Bruce had lon since ri'lden off up the gorge to pay
their toll, and e saved from the flood.

Sir Harry and old Dan chgswell were left to
themselves, and their dooml

“N0 ' I will not yield in this, thu eleventh hour I” the
young nronet had said, with wonderful firmness,
when questioned by ,the others, previous to their
departure. “Dan can go if he wishes, and I will fur-
nish him with the re uisite toll money.”

“ No!“ cried the 013 guide, “ not much, Mary Ann,

ef I kno’ in self. I ain’t ther coon as will desart a
teller in a "

So the two had remained, and it was with wildly-
beating hearts that they watched the night wear
away], toward another day-dawn.

At ast Sir Harry exclaimed, as he pointed toward
the summit of the Flat Butte, where that terrible
specter had suddenly appeared-the same awful
Sight which Lady Milburn had seen:

‘ Look out forit, now, Dan, and say your pra ers,
for that signal has opened the flood-gates of he
Tico. Good-by, old boy!”

CHAPTER XIII.
JUST A MO’ZENT 'roo LATE—WILD nnnn’s mun.

FAR up among the mighty, hoary crags beyond
Flat Butte, nestling in a deep and gloomy basin. lay
the cold green waters of Lake Tico—or Lake Airy,
as it has since been christened. A silent, nninviting
sheet of water, suspended, as it were, midway be-
tween heaven and earth, and formed in a natural
square, each corner beinga towering peak, and the
sides or shores forming a brink to an awful abyss
that yawned on every side.

One side of this remarkable mountain-lake over-
looked Devil’s Ca‘nyon. and the other that awful
abyss into which Sir Henry had been hurled, years
before. The lake shore was accessible from three

ints, but the hand of m in, not of nature, had made
t so. On the northeastern side, a long bridge of
Indian network stretched across a yawning preci-

 

Old Avalanche.

‘

ice, and made connection with a. lower air, which
in itself connected with other gigantic ne ghbors that _
formed the chain stretching away of! to the great“ .'
green savannas to the east. 7 '

Directly east from tlr- lake shore was asimilar
bridge, and this connected with the towering Flat
Butte at its summit. The third mode of reaching
the shore was by means of a .vpir rlo‘l H'7'wa7 which,
commencing at the southern corner, woun its way
gradually up the mighty mountain, until, when
reaching a level with the lake, it had made a com-
plete circle around the gray deposit of rock. This,
too, had been the handiwork of man, as was readily
evidenced by the unmistakable xix-marks and blast-
ing holes. The banks of the lake were very narrow
—so narrow that only a. s‘eady-nerved person would
dare attempt to wait on themrfor fear of fallinF
off into the lake on the one side or over the prec -
piec on the other. In some places the water drooled
and dripped over the edge, thereby making the
rocks slippery.

At the side overlooking Devil’s Canyon were the
“ fiend-gates " mentioned. ’1‘th had been con-
structcd by the banditti, and when lifted from their
rocky fastenings, the waters of the lake could easi-
ly pour out in a mammoth volume into the gorge
below. These gates were raised out of a groove
in the rock by a great wooden lever, which could
only be moved by a score of men, and were so
deeply sunken that the whole of Lake Tico’s
waters (1 muld be plunged into the canyon in ten sec-
onds' time.

The retreat of the banditti was in such a position
that the flood could not reach it, although dashing
directly by.

Half a mile above the base of the Flat Butte,
where the camp of our party had been. was a
break in the might wall of the can on. At this
post two armed sen inels always stoo . The break
in question was a round black hole in the wall, some-
what resembling a sewer outlet, only not'so small.
A horse could easily pass through this aperture
with a person sitting erect on its back. This natural
tunnel ran in a semi-curving and zig-zag shape for
perhaps a quarter of a mile, descending a trifling
grade, when it made an abrupt turn in the bowels
of the mountains, and proceeded due east. where, -
before its course lay in a north by easterly di -
tion. At the place where occurred the brea in Iire
walls of the canyon, the-little stream which ran.
down its entire length had its source, the flood- ates
of Lake 'I‘ico being directly overhead, and emitt a
confitant wastage of water, through crevices in 5:9
roe . ’~ '

By following the tunnel beyond the turn, for an-
other quarter of a mile, '01: debouchcd from Sty-
gian darkness into semi-ight. You were at the
bottom of Death's Gulch, and on a level with the
Great Lakes.*

You are a: the bottom of Death Gulch. And such
a bottom!

it is a natural garden of paradise—an oasis in a
vast mountain desert. 'l‘wo acres area. in all,
fenced in by those majestic rocky monsters, the
mountains: green with velvety grass and redolent
with perfume from a hundred flowering trees and
plants, it is a most astonishing and wondrous sight.

Water from a cascade a thousand feet above is
transformed into a mist that trickles down the rug-
ged wall, until it gathers into a little rivulet in the
rocky yet grassy bottom. ,

In the center of the gulch is a large, barn-like edi-
fice, thatched with fir-branches and sod, and built of
rock. Around this, numerous beds of wild-flowers
nr in a state of careful cultivation; here and there ‘
are scattered rude settees on which men are reclin-
ing, indolently, and smoking.

Although the hour is past midnight, they are thus I

* The remarkable tunnel under the mountains  "

an existing freak of nature personall e lored
the author. ’ ‘ y xp by

 

Old Avalanche.

25

 

for there is work for them to do, presently,
e Iwould be, awake.
e gulch is lit dimly with flaring torches, thrust
elg boring crevices.

Soon a door of the edifice is opened, and four
armed men issue forth, followed by a tall, ghastly
flgure,- clad in a trailing robe of snowy white. His
hair sweeps his waist, as does an immense board of
silvery hue, and in his eyes burns the unnatural fire
of insanity—a tire that might causc any brave man
to tremble.

As he ste s from the door a figure. attempted to
follow, but e hurled her back with an enraged
shriek.

“ vauntl accursed fool! Dost think to evade my
vigilance? Back with you, or by the Royal Scopter,
I'll cast thee into the dungeon, from whence thy
pleadings for liberty caused me to fetch you."

He seemed convulsed with an overpowering pas-
sion, while he spoke, and glowercd down upon the
shrinking figure in the doorway, savagely.

“Oh! my father!” cried the Girl Bandit, wildly,
plteousl , ‘do not open the terrible flood—gates to-
night: ostpone the awful crime until to-morrow,
or next day, that those two deserted men may have
a chance more for life 1"

"Halglial ha! hal" yelled the other, shrieking
and gesticulating with mad laughtcr, "Hal ha!
‘You would have me spare my sacrificial ofierings to
the Royal Mountain God and his Divine Powers.
Hal hal thou art a fool, Zerama—a blind, idiotic
fool. Back to thy virgin couch, before I curse

jtheel",
' H _ raised his baton as if to strike, but with a
frl toned cry she darted back into the cabin.
4 , ummoning all of those men who were loungin
“fonthe settces, by a. wave of his hand, the man crie
In tones of anger:

""“ Awake, you drowsy fools. awakel Dost not

. of destruction through tho canyon of the
‘ r' l? Awake, I say I“
" , 3 The men sprung to their feet obedient to his call,
:1 and. rifle in and, formed in line.
“Yes, your greatness" said one. who was evident-
ly.alieutenant, “ we are quite ready."
‘ Good! That is well. Now, away to the flood-
gatiatgnd’ prepare to answer my signal from the
- l

" member that this is the hour of sacrifice—the
‘%ous hour when the waters of Tico shall sweep a
.4

' 'The men bowed low, then turned on their heel
 and filed away to the tunnel. As soon as they had
“ gone. the strange commander turned to the four
armed men who had remained behind.
' " Now, Valquero, is my balloon ready?"
- “Yes, your greatness,“ was the reply, “all ready.
'fliis wa , sir."

They ed the way to the wall in the rear of the
cabin, where, upon the ground, was a. small wicker-
basket to which was attached a rope. This ran hke
-a diminutive serpent up through the. darkness
through a pulley on the top of the Flat Butte, an
Qbaek down to the bottom of Death Gulch, again.

" Stoppin into the basket the commander gave the
signal. an the men sprung to and pulled down on
‘ the return rope, thereby drawing the basket up out
or night in the darkness. For some time they pulled
.away manfully. and were at last rewarded by feel-

!n the rope tighten and cease to draw further.

» §be baa et had reached the top.
' “the mean time the other banditti had passed
through the tunnel, and by way of the l‘ucky stair-
' reached the shore of the lake, and grasped the
’ fatal lever that was to be the means of carrying
death and destruction down through Devil’s Can-
you; There were full three—score of them. and it
Erwould be no feat of strength for them to hoist the
- tea;- All that was now wanting was the signal
- the Flat Butte, whither all eyes were turned in
1 tion.

ten minutes passed when a faint flash red.
e the sky, then followed a pistol report. and a

 

fire whose color was bloodred flared fiercely on high
from the top of the peak.

In the bright light stood that tall, spectral, white-
enveloped figure, whose beard swept the gleaming
girdle at his waist, and in-whose hand waved to
and fro the terrible. baton.

First. he approached the gortion of the plateau
overlooking the canyon, an glaring down into its
depths, gave vent to a series of wild, horrible
sln'ivks; then, he wheeled abrupt] and advanced
to the edge, overlooking the Death ulch, and Lake
Tico, far beyond. Halting on the brink of the
frightful precipice he raised both arms aloft. In
acoordance with plans understood among them, one
of tho bandits thensprinkled asack of some strange
smelling powder on the shore near to the great
lover, and applied a match to it. Instantly a flame
similar to the one on the Flat Butte sprung up and
illumined the scene. '

Every surrounding object was plainly revealed,

All eyes were turned upon the s ectral figure—for
the fatal signal. Once he raised t e baton on high,
swung it around his head and let it fall back by his
Slt G. .

Once!

Then aftera lapse. of several moments of dead
silence, he repeated the movement.

'l‘wicel
Only once more and then the fatal gates would he
raiser . Eagerly and impatiently the banditti
watched.

Finally the long bony arm with the baton began
to rise t e third time.

But harkl There is the faintly audible re rt 0!
a rifle, heard from the distant peak with wh ch the
northeastern bridge of rope communicates; the
fixing arm of the s cctral chief falls to his side; he
staggers back, an with a wild, horrible yell, Sinks
upon the plateau.

“Stop! stop!" shrieks a voice, as a wiry figure
comes bounding across the rope-bridge—“stopl in
ther cognomen 0‘ ther Jehoover. Hayr 1 him, ther
grate O‘Rory Borey Alice 0’ ther north—ther howlin'
hailstorm 0’ devastation, ther orful sky-rocket 0‘
demolishun."

But the banditti paid no heed. With a wild
vengeful scream they 5 rung the mighty lever, and
the great waters masse in Lake ’I‘ico went roaring
and pouring into the Devil‘s Canyon.

At this identical juncture Wild Edna and the four
guards stood in the mouth of the tunnel where it
opened into the canyon. As the water came dash-
ing downward in a grand, awful volume, she turned
to them and said:

“I am ready, Josh!" and she sprung into aflat
boat lying near.

“Quick, uuwl uusb me out before the torrent
grows too fierce. 'Tis a fearful venture, I'll admit,
but I must save those men. If I never come back,
fiends. God pro per youl" -

As of one accord, they kissed her hand in silent
devotion, then gathering the frail craft in their
arms, they plunged it forcibly through the sheet of
falling waters, and into the mad rapids be end.

The boat neither swamped nor on sized, ut danc-
ed down over the fury-lashed do With startling

velocity. The depth of the seething waters could 

safe] estimated at twenty feet.

Onion—on—dashed the little tempest-tossed craft
with wild-eyed Edna at the steering-earl

At last. she knew by surrounding landmarks that
she was directly over the place where 811' Harry‘s
camp had been. In v9.2... here. did she peer around,
with hope struggling against hope in her breast that
by some strange chance she would see the young
nobleman and his guide still clinging to a project-
ing crevice or spur.
' Alas! she was doomed to, disappointment. Noth-
ing but the forbidding gray wa ls met her gaze——
nothing but; the awful roaring tumult of the furious
flood greeted her hearing. A

34' Harry and Dan had been wept away!

 

26

01:! Avalanche.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
RETURN TO DEATH Gums.

Swnr’r away!

A sudden wave of sadness stole over the bean-
tcous face of the Girl'Bandit as she realized this,
and tears filled her eyes—tears of bitter anguish,
for she loved Sir Harry. this wild flower of the
mountain-loved him with all the intense power of
her maiden nature—had loved him from the mo-
ment of her first meeting with him.

He seemed so upright and royally grand to her,
and she could not help it that her loyal little heart
had gone out to him in its great wealth of all'eclion.
And could she doubt that; he too held her in high
esteem? Nol

He had mid she was. the nearest to womanly er-
fection, or to that effect, and he had looke so
earnestly, so ywrningly and pleadingly into her
face, with his wondrous eyes, that her untutored
heart had leaped and throbbed in her bosom for
very jog.

Now a was zonel

Gone in the devastating and merciless flood, and if
she ever saw his face again it would be when the
features so well loved were pale in death.

Oh! how hitter was the pain that now pierced her
heart: how silent and torturing the anguish that
convulsed her whole being] Her hands clutched
tightly to the steering-sweep, but she made no effort
to guide the craft, as it plunged along with the mad
waters.

It kept near the center of the swift current, and
escaped being wrecked on the foam-lashed wall of
the canyon.

Why care if it did go to pieces? All of the sun-
shin : of her young life had gone out; she was indif-
ferent to all dangers; she wanted to die.

Why not end her da 5 here in these green seeth-
ing waters, that row and boomed along li (a con-
tinuous thunder? Why not thus end her distasteful
and aimless life, and join him, in that great and
better land, where all was perpetual sunshine and
eternal love?

Ah! lifu. had been a sad experience in the dark
.past. For years she had lived among a lawless
gang of men, who, though bandits they were, had
never by touch or word done a wronF l0 their fair,
sweet-tempered mistress, for they oved her as a
ministering angel; and not to see Wild Edna. hover-
ing about with words of gentle re roof at any bad
action, or words of cheor to the ownheartcd, was
like depriving a flower of its morning dew.

True she had had a mother, once—a. wild, gi sy-
like mother, who had died years ago, and since t on
the life of Wild Edna had can but a mockery, as it

were.

She had none or her own sex LU luvo and commune
with—no one to love, in fact, save it were her follow—
ers or that demented old man of the Flat Butte, with
whom she had been left at her mother‘s death, by
whom she had since been ruled.

To be sure, he was kind, when not in one of his
insane spells, and loving, too; but it was a rare
hour that ever saw him wholly free from these
ravings.

Tue banditti were also kind and courteous, and
h'ir brother, Nevada Sam, was as kind and loving as
a brother could be. But, for all this, there had been
a blank in her life—a vacant spot in her pure virgin
heart, that had onl been the more vividly disclosed
to her after she ha met b‘ir Harry.

Never had she permittedaho e to take root in
her he Lrt—a hope that she con (1 ever be Einght or
anything to him; but it had stolen there despite her
call! ion, and she was secretly longing and yearning,
Pudding air-castles and hoping for his company, his
ove.

Now all-was gone—hope, expectation, all.

She: imagined she could see his lifeless corpse be-
ing born: ruthlessly along on the crest of the angry
waves.

She too, though scarcely conscious of the fact,

\,._

 

was being borne aloniswiftly, her little craft seem-
ing to have adopted 1; e sole responsibility of keep

ing in the middle of the stream.

On—on, ovr-r the thundering flood, and then she
was startled by a loud, rinsing hallo.
'hip, ahoyl Whar ye goin', an’d’ye

“ H-a-y, thn -
ship passvnja

The voice. was that of Dan Coggswell.
staut. all her hopes revived.

With almost l'runzivd energy she directed the
headlong craft into a near eddy, where, with skill-
ful hand, she managed to hold it.

“ Where are you?" she criwl. '

" Hayrl hayrl on'the starboard side 0’ yo, in a big
black-b‘ar hoe! up in tlicr sides 0’ tln-rrocks. Hurry
up aforc ycr skoonyer gits too f-ir down-stream!”

With a strenoth that surprised her. Wild Edna gave
a few powerful strokes at the paddle that sent the
boat spinning across toward the aperture, whose
month she couid now just define, ahead in the
curve.

Nearer and nearer she approached, and at last, as
the boat went crashingr against the rocky wall she
made a leap and Old Dan Coggswell caught 1 ' in
his arms and pulled lwr int) the bear‘s cave! It
was the same one from which the guide and Sir
Harry had tuinblcd the big Bruin, a few days
previous.

“ Thar yo nr’, daisy,” he said, depositingxhebrave
girl on her fert, “safe an’ sonzrl’s a shell-bark."

“ But, the on her!" g :spcd \\ ill Edna, shivering
with apprehension—“ where i‘; ll: .3”

“ Yo mean ther boss, Sir Hart-J ’2 Yas, I see‘d you
leant that way. Wal, miss, I’m darnashnn sorry,
but I‘m afcard Sir Harry hos gone undor, for good.
Ye kin see for yersr'l', howovcr, as he lays over thar
i1111 thor corner, limp an’ loose as an unsturchcd
s irt.‘ .. - e

The Girl Bandit did not wait for him to finish th
sentence but hastily firoprd her way 10 where the
body of bir Harry lay insensibln, with a ragged gash
over his temple.  _..

Wild Edna took his hoad in hnr lap, and with _
skillful hand drcsmd the wound, old Dan assisting‘
as well as he knew how. ' _,

“ I think ’tain’t no hinder use tow,” ho said, shak-
ing his grizzled head as the moments fled bypnd
still the harenet lay like one in death.

“On the contrary, I think be u ill recover," was .
the reply. “ This is an ugly bruise, but I believe it has ’
only stunned him.
hat, and I will pour it down the back of his nook.
That will bring him to when nothing else will.”

Dan hastened to obey, and scooped his hat full of
Water out of a trickling little sprint: inside their re-
treat. Then leaving the girl to heract of restoration,
as rpturned to the mouth of the cave to watch the -

oo: . ’

The waters had now gone down, and it was plain .
that Lake Tico was nearly drained. ‘

“ Did Sir Fleming and Sir hruce come up and
pay their ransom ?" asked Dan. turning abrupt!
from the mad waters below him.

“Yes,” was the reply. “ but not with very good "
grace. They, with the two ladle-S, are now lodged
in the bandits’ cabin in Death Gulch. Day after t0<
morrow, they will be conducted on through the can;
yon, to an Indian fort beyond the mountains, where
they can easily catch an overland train."

" An‘ w'at 0’ us; hev we got tor stay behind?"

“ I cannot answer you that question yet, sir. I
have made up in
my brotlwr and —an(1if I cannot arrange it so you
can go with your partv. I will take on both along,
when I go. have a few trusted ollowers among
the banditti, who are as eager as I to quit this wild, .
lawless life." '

Sir Harry now began to show signs of returning
COHWIOUSHESQ, and soon, to the Joy of both, he gave
a grasp and opened his eyes. ‘

‘ Ughl" he groaned, staring around, until his '
eyes ht upon the sweetly beautiful face of Wild,

In an in-

 

ltring me a little water in your. , 

mind to leave these mountains.— . .'

Old Avalanche.

8’?

 

“features.
Where am I? I have been wounded-had a.
. "for life—Dan and I. How camel here, and you,

1
,‘ A few words explained all.

“But you, fair Edna—why did you peril so much
_to try to save us?" .

A red flush mantled her face—her eyes tilled wrtb
tears but her lips retused to speak.

" All, sweet girl," he murmured, drmvinglicrhend
down to his own, “it‘ my oor life is worth so much
to you, let me here pav t re, recompense of so much
love, by giving: mysel to you."

,, She attempted to rise and leave; he pulled her
.hack, and caught her in a loving, pllSSlUlllltO em-
brace, while be ruined kissus on her rosy lips and
crimsonin cheek.

_ ' ‘ Edna/— arling,“ he murmured, “ do not he fright-
ened nor tremble thus. I love you, sweetest—love
-V0u as man never loved before. You are not indif-

- ' erent to me: I know itz—and therefore in all
earnestnesss. and in the hone-sly of atruo loveI

4 ask Kori, darling—will you love me, if it be only a
tent part as much asllove you, and change tho
name of Wild Edna to that Lady Edna?"

“_But—-but——" she faltcroil, though she did not

_ shrink from his manly embrace, “you know noth-

’ ing, absolutely nothing of me or my antecedents."

‘ 'Nor do I care, darling. lwed you and love you

. for yourself, not for your antecedents. True, I
*know nothing of them, but I am positive that you
are as pure as you are beautiful—a fit mate for any
man. no matter what his name or lineage."

“My parentage is respectable. My father was a

' ~ punish-Mexican ranchero, who, ere his death, roso
ohe a distinguished man in 'l‘exan history. My
; ' mother was an Englishwoman. and after mv
’v-x father’s death, when I aid my hrotherwero but
'-’-\ children, she l amc North, intendin : to settle in Min-

' ‘ hesota, where her brother resided.

"But Indians drovg her train into this vicinity.
from whom they w re rescued by our hand of
mountain outlaws, headed by the all man you saw
.011 the Flat Butte. .

“ We were all held captives for years, and, in fact,

yer since our capture. The second year of our
warm. mother married the wild chief, but dieda
worth after her bridal."

r “That. is enough." cried Sir Harry, kissing: her
rapturously. “I am 11mpr satisfied, my low my
(Ween. No son of our noble, old house will have

yer won a brighter, more priceless gem than lucky
Say ms, Edna darling; ohl say yes, that I may
gr douhlv assured that you love me, and are miuol'“
{She did not answer, but nestled contentedly In his
, . and their lips met in a. long, passronatc kiss,
ttold better than could have words, the truth.
L ,

In the mean time, the flood had gone down. and
~Devil's Canyon was free from the destroying ele-
"want.

When he could at last see the bottom, old Dan ap-

rlsed the lovers of the fact. and Wild Edna sprung
1, her feet.

‘ "I Inl‘st go, now," she said, ns Sir Harry would

have detained hrr, “ an'l sec how thinnrs have shaped

the retreat. Do not fear for me, for I shall risk
nothing "

'- '".Very well; I will try to endure your absence,

I filmith it seems hard to part so soon. Are we to re-,

Julian?"
I es, ‘until I return, and that will be just as soon
c n i

a .
, Vaid ot' a, lasso, the maiden was soon lowered
,2 ‘m the hour‘s cave, and soon disappeared up the

~, n o .
 8 day assed slowly to the two men.
‘“ lit at 11st fell over the land, and both Don and
“in ' sought rest in repose, for they had not
a. wink the revious nirrl-t,
V'iu the to owing r.:c rring, they heard a call

 

 

 

 

from below. in the anyon. and rushing to the en-
trance. beheld Wild dna there.

“Come!” she said, excitedly, “hurry and slide
down the rope, and follow me to the Death Gulch.
Something has happened that demands your imme-
diate presence there."

They obeyed, by quickly scrambling down the ,
lasso, after which \\'ild Edna led the way up the cun-
yon, to the mouth of the tunnel. Hcren squad of
four masked men'took thvm in churce, and con-
ducted them through and into the cabin in Death

, Gulch.

CHAPTER XV.
LAST SCENE nuronn TUE CURTAIN FALLS.

Hum, a. strange tableau was presented. The
room was some thirty feet long by twenty wide. and
was the main compartment of the cabin. lt was
furnished in the primitive style of the Far West, and
with appointments of the rudest description.

On the floor in one corner was a couch of shins. on
which lay a figure apparently in great mental or
physical pain: for his groans were loud and horrible
to rear. By his bedside knelt Lady Milhurn and her
daughter, sobbing in the depths of their handker-
chicfs, while at their side stood the tall commanding
figure of Nevada Sum.

In another corner of the room lay two more figures,
bound hem! and hot, whom the reader will have no
dimeulty in recognizin as the redoubtnble Old Ava.-
lanche, and Idaho Bil. It was old Avalanche who
lad fired the unerring bullet which (lro lped the
Epccllml figure on the Flat Butte, tho nig it of the

00( .

After days of tortuous climbing throuch a wild.
awful mountain wildcrncss, hc hud arrived too late
to avert the tlood.

At the cprosite side of the room, all the bandits
were formed in a compact line. and diH‘l'll)’ before
them stood two prisoners~sir Fleming and Sir
Bruce‘

On the further side of the bed from Nevada Sum.
stood a, rough old box'dcri-r, whom vov'iuiou it was to
deal out medicine and pills to any who might require
his services.

This was the situation of affairs as Wild Elna en-
tr‘rcd the room, accompanied by Sir Hurry Dun, and
the guards. The latter remained near the door, with‘
the guide, and Eduulcd hcrbctrothcd forward to the
couch. -

“Sir Harry,“ said Nevada. Sam. touching: his som-
brero ros eett’ully, “you have arrived too lute to
hear the tying story of the man lying before you,
but I am so well acquainted with i', and with his
past life, that, if you will listen. I will tell you nll."

Sir Harr inclined his head, as he studied the
features o the bandit-chief, and Nevada Sam went
on: .

“ Twenty years ago Sir Henry Arriscorsrt, 9. great
explorer, came to America to tran in this wr- Lem
wildcrucss, and brim: to light the features of un-
known parts of the New World.

“ He was the Sole surviving.r son of an old house,
and a man of great knowledge and culture. In
leaving: England, his native land, l 0 also left ht hitzd
him u'wil'c and two infant Children, who were the
pride of his posses::ions. .

“ Years before, Lu'l Hoitv had had (another
suitor, in the per on of one of Sir Henry‘s relatives,
Sir Fleming,r Milburn by name, but. in CDTISCQIIVICB
v-t’ some disgrace he lied born form (1 to quit Eng—
land and relin uish the field to Sir IIcnry, who soon
after wedded t ie ladv of his choice.

“No sooner did S‘r Henry rem-h American soil,
than, securely disguised, his rivul offered him his
Services for a small consideration, and an engage
ment was cfi’ectcd, aitcr w1.ich the two travelcd
westward.

“It was Sir Henry‘s highest. ambition to do the
lofticst eak in this section, on he proceeded fur-
ther, an for that purpose he secured 0. Canadian

w

 

28

guide, but he proving incapable, another fellow was
added to the staff."

“Thet war ma I” shouted Old Avalanche, from his
corner—“ me, ther great snow-slide o’ destruction;
ther horeal breeze o‘ demolishen, an’ ther whirly-
gigto’vannihilationl Thet war me, by all ther ele‘

an s

"Darn my socks!" eg‘aculatovl a voice, and a man
leaped from among he banvlitti: “ see yere, ole
hoss, kinder ’pears ter me I‘ve heerd ther squeek o’
yer vocality afore, ain‘t I? I onc't lied a bruther wi‘
that precise same wahble in his v’ice, but tber Sooks
got him, w'ile 1 war, as Shakespeer sed,

" Grafted inter ther army.

, “Now, I say. my Christ on fr‘end. hain’t yer
name Hogg—s elt wi‘ tew ’s? ’Peers ter me ye
luke a power ul measure like the old family 0‘
Hoggs. w'ot uster live over in Slinktown, afore ther
inhooman red-skins burnt et?"

“Yas, my appellaterve ar” Hogv," replied Old
Avalanche, excitedly—“Alva Lanch Hugg, sure’s
beavers hev twins.”

“ Then allow me ter interdooce myself as yer bru—
ther, Josiah Billiam Hogg—Hogg spelt wi’ two G‘s
—the grate Poet o‘ thor Nor’west. an” ther famuse
romancer o‘ ther Powder River Range."

There was a glad or of delight; the Annihilator’s
bonds were cut, and t e next instant the two long
lost brothers Were locked in a bear-like hug.

All this time Nevada Sim was speaking.

“After the second guide was added, the expedi-
tion plunged deep into the wilderness, and after
many davs‘ toilsune climbing reached the top of
the Flat Butte, above us, only to find that other ex-
plorers had been there.

“ While camping on the But'e, Sir Fleming and
his Secret accomplice, Raleigh, the Canadian guide,
formed a hellish plan, and executed it.

“The elder guide was sent down the mountain-
side for cones, and during his absence Sir Henry
was lowered over the recipice and dropped down
into this, the Death Gu ch."

Sir Harry uttered a horrified cry.

“The fall did not kill your father," resumed
Nevada, " for the rope by which they lowered him
reached within ten feet of the bottom, but in drop-
ping his head struck a rocky spur and fractured the
skull. thereby causing insanity from which he has
never recovered. In Death Gu ch he found a band
of outlaws, and ever since that night, twenty years
ago. he has been their chief. Sir Fleming Milburn
returned to England, I have learned from your mo-
ther. and —well, you know the rest.

“Now, one more matter and I have dme. On
the night of the flood, this dying man received
his death-wound at the hand of you scout, Old
Avalanche—the man who is the on! one now
living and capable of speech who can ear witness
that Sir Fleming Milburn is guilty of an attempt on
your father‘s life. The question is: is punishment
to be indicted on the scout? He says he fired the
fatal shot to prevent the signal from being given
that was intended to cause the raising of the flood-
gates of Lake Tico."

' Sir Harry was about to reply, when, by a mighty
effort, the dying man sat up on his couch of skins.

“Set Alva Lanch freel" he said, in a husky whis-

er. “ He is not guilty of intentional murder, and I
hank him for relieving me from a life of pain,
mental torture and misery. I freely forgiVe him as
I hope God will forgive me. Sam—where is he?’

N ,rvada Sam advanced to the side of the couch,
with bowed head and tearful e es.

“Good,” said Sir Henry. ‘M boy. you have
been as good as a son to me. an I would see you
he py. To Place you on equal terms with your
fel ow-men. will you the result of my years of out-
lawry—one hundre thousand dollars, which you
will find beneath t scouch, and, moreover, I give
my consent to your union with Maude, here; for

 

Old Avalanche.

my eyes have a prised me that you two are not in‘
di erent to eac other. I '

“ Harry, my son, in you I see a noble man 0
whom I am justly proud. You are the last male
representative of my own noble house. It therefore
devolves upon you to support my dear wife and
your mother, in her declining path through life, and
also to marry, that the family name may be handed
down to future generations. I have selected for
you a beautiful bride whom :tst lil‘v- lrts been one
of purity and goodness, and w ose pedigree is of the
best in our American land.’

“ You mean Wild Edna?”

“ I do, my son, I do.”

“Then rest easy on that point. She and I have
learned the lesson of love, and she is to be mine."

“ Thank God. I am how satisfied and would be
content to die were it not for parting from thee, my
dearl loved wife.”

“ cop not for me, husband,” sohbcd Lady Hetty,
“ for perhaps God will soon summon me to join you
in that great and better world 1"

He kissed her, then sunk back on the couch, a
smile of glory overs reading his bearded face and
ere long he ceased to reathc.

A few hours later Sir Bruce and Sir Fleming were
conducted to the mouth of the tunnel by a s uad of
the banditti, and placed upon strong, swift- 'mbed
mustan s.

Nevai a Sam told them that half an hour‘s start
would be given them down the canyon, and then
the flood-gates of Lake Tico would be. opened.

Accordingly, the two fugitives {)lun Ni their'spurs
into their steeds' flesh. and this led uriously away
down the canyon. .

When the half-hour was up, the flood-gates well '
raised, and Tico’s waters again flew down the
Devil‘s Canyon on its mission of death and destruc-
tionl

 

CHAPTER XVI.
coucwsxbx.

THE body of Sir Henry was boxed and pre red
for transportation, but at the last moment, twas
decided to bur him in the gulch, rather than to at-
llzem t the di culty of bearing him back to Eng-
an . ‘

Accordingly Nevada read an Episcopal funeral
service over his command the lifeless clay of the
once great explorer, was consigned to a rocky grave
in the Death Gulch. v

After this last sad rite was over. a consultation
was held with t *e brigands. which resulted in a re‘
solve on their part to quit the scene of theirlats »
operations, and to enter the Black Hills country. ,,

For a small comgensation they agreed to com!
our friends out t rough the canyon, to the Indian
fort, where they could join a train via the Upper
Gap to Fort Dakota. \

The start was made on the followingmorning, and
all except Old Avalanche and Josiah Hogg left, the
Devil’s Canyon, for the time being—undoubtedly
forever. '

The latter shouldered their rifles and took an op-
posite course, down the canyon. where soon to the
Annihilator’s surprise, he was joined by Florence
Nightingale, who had been faithfully searching for
his master since having lost him. during the perilous .

over the mountains.

tri  j
It’daho Bill went with the banditti, having decided .

to‘ioin them. Vi
he party whose adventures we have been picture
ing, reached Dakota fort. in due 891150“, and remain-
ed there until September, 1876. when they started
for England. During the sojurn at the fort. Nevada
and Sir Harry, armed with proof-papers, found on
Sir Henry‘s rson, took a trip down across the
country into exico, where they succeeded in

ing a valuable
and the proc
sister.

ro art which wasdu disafsedég
s ivi ed between théy bro or

9.3 

“0..., -‘ a

‘ l ’ u A
“(’83 a.

 

 

 

  
   
 

 

- mi? For Four Months. . . . .  . . . . . , . . . . . . . . ..

Old Avalanche.

 

ha
Lady Milburn died on the v0 age to England. and
I was he py in the knowledge t Int she was going to
her bus and. in heaven.

Old Avalanche and Josiah Hofig still make the far
Nor’west their home, and it is t e sole ambition of
the former to get even with the Sioux demon, Crazy
Horse. who. 1 am sorry to say. yet. lives. .

Nevada and his vivacious wxfe have returned to
American soil. to reside. and Sir Hurry and Lady
Edna are at present doing the West in search of a
beautiful spot to build themselves a. home on.

Dan Coggswrll guide was shot and killed, in a
late skirmish with the Sioux, and his remains were
interred in the prairie, a mile out from Chcvenne.

THE END.

 

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6 GEORGE THE CHAEMER and 56 other Songs.

7 THE BELLE or ROOKAWAY and 52 other Songs.

8 YOUNG FELLAR. YOU’RE Too FRESH and 60 otths
9 SIIY YOUNG GIRL and 65 other Songs.

10 I’M THE GOVERNOR’S ONLY SON and 58 other Songl.
11 MY FAN and 65 other Songs.

12 COMIN‘ Tnno‘ TIIE RYE and 55 other Songs.

13 THE ROLLICKING IRISHMAN and 59 other Songs.

14 OLD Doe TRAY and 62 other Songs.

15 WHoA. CHARLIE and 59 other Songs.

16 IN THIS WHEAT BY AND BY and 62 other Songs.
17 NANCY LEE and 58 other Songs.

18 i‘n THE BOY THAT‘S BOUND ’1‘0 BLAZE and 67 others.
19 THE Two OanANs and 59 other Songs.

'20 WHAT ARE THE WILD WAVES SAYING. SISTER?
and 59 other Songs.

21 lNDIoNANT POLLY Woo and 59 other Songs.

‘32 ' ‘IIE ULD ARM-CHAIR. and 58 other Songs.

23 ON CoNEY ISLAND BEACH and 58 other Songs.
24‘ OLD SIMON, THE HOT-CORN MAN and 60 others.
25 I’M IN LOVE and 56 other Songs.

26 PARADE OF‘ THE GUARDS and 56 other Songs.

27 Yo, HEAVE, Ho! and 60 other Songs.

23 ‘TwILL NEVER Do To Gm IT or SO and 60 others.
29 BLUE BONNETs OVER THE BORDER and 54 others.
30 THE MERRY LAUGHING MAN and 56 other Songs.
31 SWEET FORGET-HE-No'r and 55 other Songs.

82 LEETLE BAnY MINE and 53 other Songs.

83 DE BANJO AM on INSTRUMENT roR ME and 58 others.
34 TAFF‘Y and 50 other Songs.

35 JUST To PLEASE THE BOYS and 52 other Songs.

36 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GUTTER and 52 others.

37 KOLORED KRANKS and 59 other Songs.

as NIL DEspENANDUM and 5‘3 other Songs.

39 THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME and 50 other Songs
:10 "l‘Is BUT A LITTLE FADED FLOWER and 50 others
41 PRETTY WHILIIELMINA and 60 other Songs.

42 DANCING IN THE BARN and 63 other Songs. ‘
43 H. M. S. PINAran. COMPLETE, and 17 0 er Songs.

Sold everywhere by Newsdealers. at live cents
per copy, or sent past-paid. to any address. on re
ceipt of Six cents per number. '

BEADLE AND ADAMS. PUBLISHERS.
9% WILLIAM STREET. NEW Your.

The Dime Dialogues No. 3|.

Containing twenty Minor Dramas. Extravaganza.-
Burlesques. Fumes, Dress and Humorous Pieces. for
the AmateurStage, Parlors. Schools and Exhibitions.
All original and by favorite authors. professors.
teachers and amateurs.

For sale by all newsdealers. or sent. post-paid. on
receipt of price—ten cents.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. PUBLISHER];
98 William Street, New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

32 Octave Pages.

LE

VER

’S
D
BBB  .ARY.
Q DE YSATU?»

80 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Cuacadel. 15y
Ru vor Stun-hunk.
The Kit Curnnn Club. lin. f). linrhuugh.
Llule Buck. the It v Guide. uy linrn' Rummmi.
Pony “0]., the, Re: 1mm liitlvr. Iiy Hi]. 1'. lngruhmu.
Kr} (‘nptuln Flyby-Night. llmfllill E. linngur, Jr,
85 ('nptulu Ihilph. [he Yuuu‘; in rim-er. Iiyi‘. 1|.(Jlurir.
Little Dun Rovkfi. My Mun-is ltmiw g.
The Hounzerlc Hunters. My Maj. ii. lv'rpllvilli‘.
Thr- Buy 'l‘rmnpn; ur,LiI‘e Among nus Uipsies. By
.1. Xi. H. 'mnu.
’lmnyzuhm-i- Lije. By". D Clurk.
' {"le inn-rm l.ir.l|eScnnt. lly'l'. C. linrlmugh.
Jo-‘h, (In: \\ 'z .I Rilxin.‘ lSy Rugur Sturbnck.
n t

nu Kit. Ii) .
v June, the Cu nnuin Circus Buy. By liryuut
[H.‘lu't'. tho lirmlilhnru Buy. liy Ed. \Villutt.
"W In Silveriu; hr, A Yuukeu liuy to [liu ltugpua.
Hy i‘lnu'lux Mun-u.
Fighting Fred. iiy ’I‘. (7. llurhuuuh.
Crlllu- ut'tho Flyuu'uy, iv 17. Dunnng ('lurk.
Thi- Roy Vigilante.» My Mu}. ll. l5. Sunni-n41.
99 The ‘1'hltc Thu. 1. ' ‘ hurlv-s linuurd.
100 The Slum ut- 'l‘rnll. ‘ t
101 “urlnnu,t )Ituwn Girl.
102 The Flynn n)’ Allunl.
108 i’ut .ViullmIL-y’u .vhlu- “'0!” ur, Silver Tongue
tlm Din-null- qiwu. Ii_\‘(‘,. 1., Imiwurlls.
104 The Buy l’ronm-otor. 11y l’mzvr Sturhuch.
105 \lluuuou, tlm \Vmul Wituh. l-Jilwiu Emerson.
106 The Buy (‘ruliorm’ li_\' Ell ll \Vllln‘it.
107 The Murder Rovers. M Miltnu llnil‘umn.
ION .\In~ku. the \\'uii'rlzuuvu. |5\‘ ('u] . llO‘VllI'il Liueru.
109 (' 'Miluu Jlm, tin: White Muu's Friuml. By Edwurd
.100, the i ' Avr-Ilzor. liyJ. M. lllrlriliilll.
.ei’t- lnmleil i’otc.
’ ‘lu- Iilyer lilliou. liy (£111.
{y
{lilu Fin-uluuth.

1
2
8
4 .\ll)lll‘ uu the I'lullw.
Silver llnru, uml liiu
Sturhut‘k.

116 Explain ol'lli-zokluh Smith, Ihu liiu-lmnmianiuu.

H ' t"

Hum-lun—
_—__-_i

5' By Roger

"Ir-rum lemlul.
liy (‘. Dunning i‘lnrh.
“y Hurry languid.
liv 'l'. ('. llnrhuuuh.
20 .\ "of 1 I‘ll”: Ur, (Tinrh {‘iuwriy Among the 'i'urlura.
:y Mm]... uni-m.
2| Iluutvr I’Ill‘ll Run.
122 The I‘quul uux‘ Qlu
123 Thu; |h-: lim' .‘\rruhni. 1
12—1 Queen Bonnie, tln- Bur.
125 Turn 'l‘nhun lin- 1‘...)-
120 “Inl. (‘ Ii 1in [)unth.
127' The "(1 r
12‘ “‘ulf-l‘uu:
lh- Him. 1‘ 15.
129 fielvvrnpur; or,
.~ L.
130 Kcn-lnou. Quwu n tlh- l‘luins. By Percy B. St...luhn.
ml “'Inlnh. llh- ('MM Spy. 1;): (y'curge Ull'ilsun.
132 The, Inluull Trupm-r. liv ('hurlvu iiuwunl.
i315 Thi- Ful'vnl. Sum-Ion ' iwurd \Villuit.
18»! “'lld Nut. “iv '1' Wm. IL Eynm.
l8?) ’l‘he Slim-r . -uL. (‘uL lumliun.
1303 The nlrlu ’I‘rumu-r. _\~ ‘ Dunning Clnrk.
137‘ The All dupe Buy. it} Hm. '
I33 Lung Mu 'T.'l'|u: Ihvuri'miinlu.
139 (‘uluuel l'ruvkott, th.- ' ' I
141 Ind I’t‘gn, lhv .\iuunruim~ . Hy Luwi< \
1-“ The (Hunt Hunter. liyllurry ll: fl.
1‘12 “lurk l’uuther. the lluit‘Jilumi. _ E lhuigur.
1415 (‘rurmnh the l-‘uidu. -li_\' Liv-ut .l. ll.‘1{.‘il|iltllltl1.
144 KQ‘IH, the llnnuur. By Eilu’ill'll S. Elli“.
1—1"- Blll Rubhhm, ihum-r. By lwuul Wine”,
146 The llulF-Iirceil “hill. 5.‘ Jim. E. nuigur, Jr.
147 The Mil-lied Avenger. liy (‘ni. Prentiss iuuruinun.
148 Nut, the 'l‘mpl-er um! irniiun Fighter. iiy i’uul J.

By Rum-r sunbuvk.
(3. Wind“ Bruwne.

4 Ringgul'l.
. . limlgur, .lr.
ll . . Murslmll.
ur. 'I'h - Night liuwhs of the Fire-lmuds.
' liuwzml.
Thu Ninuntuin lluroiue. ByEdwurd

ue.

. Unison.

Prescull.
149 The Elk Demon; on'flie Giant Bruthoni. By T.
C. Hnrbaugh.

Price, Five Cents

//

150 The Boy Mustang-“unto” or, Euuinlie, the
lienuliiul Alllii’ n. My l-‘rwlrrirk Vi'hlttuknr.

151 Frnu 'uteu, the Yuuu: Trumier; or, Mountain

I Kulr'~; \vill'nlliu. 15y .lum‘ph E. liudubr, Jr.

152 “'lld Hm I. tho Smut. My ()1) I 1")an

15‘ LN'PL-fiup: ury li'uur ’l‘i‘uppurs‘ Amuug tln- Siuux. By
‘ ||| i )DS.
’Jhe (‘hnlnplon Toxun Hider; or, Ri'd Buiiulo,
and u..- nun-u]... l‘iuutvr. liy Hurry i. um“...
I! Flky lilt-k‘n Doom. Bme E. Bmigi-r, Jr.
Frnnk lit-ll, llH‘ Buy Spy. By ()11 Cuunmu.
Nick Doyle. the, Gold llunh-r. liyl’.ll. Myers.
le'ldnnvpcd Div ' ; or, The Fate of the Fire Fly. By

. uh-y llvmlvmuu.
SI; 'ln Long- 'l‘rull; or, The Twin Scouts. By W. J.
nun lull.

l
llnnl. Triplot‘n Vow. By Hurry anmd,
l The Mad Skipper. By R. blurhuuk.
T he Trnppl-r King. lly Muj. Mux Mi rtiue.
Slmuu Konlun. liuuter. Hy Elm-mun leumn.
The "03' Chief: or, Frunk Bull‘s Cnxnpuct. liy Oli
(hvnllwu. '
165 The Trudor Truilor. liy J. Hunky Henderson.
11m Old Jum-‘n (‘lcw By Mr OI'I'III Ilinril
167 The Young Trul u-
ltFt-i The Epoch-r spy.
169 Lunk Lute, the Old Cuinrmiu Hunter.
Archer.
70 The “'hllc “'oli'. By Edward Wi
71 The fiu'uuln Guide. By W. N. Mr Ml.
2 The Tn kt-e l’vthllcr. By C. Dunning ()lnrir.
' t ulld “In Your": Chum. By Wurren

174 Blnohnulith Tom’s Muuk. By Gen. D. Gillmrt.

175 The Blu-knklu Rider. By Guyawvnwnml.

176 Thu: Suuutter’u finrprluc. By Mrs. H. J. ThOlImA.

177 Four Fellow Fr‘outn. liy J. Stanley lluuih-nun.

1'28 011! Kll nnd Ills (,‘ulnrmlcu. By Jon. E. Budgrr, Jr,

179 [Int-lo Grill'n "haul-c. liy llurry iluzurd.

150 The Mnrlu-d Miner. Hy Livut. (‘01. Hum-Itiue.

I?” The “'lld "Illltrcm‘. liy Cunt. lh‘uiu Admins.

l82 The Dwuri’ Dot-Ivy. By Mum 0. ltuli'u.

183 Jul» lNun'u Tlu‘ilt'N. liy lxlunhlahy Nurth.

1H4 Ynnkee i‘iph’!I llllcnunn. By J. R. Worcester.

185 The “'lly “'itrh‘n “'urd. liy Edwin E. Ewing.

"(6 Frank, the Furrier. By J. Slilnlry liondersuu.

187 Diunu, the Fair Mouutuiim-r. By Capt. F. Whitluliur.

13" Jurk‘u Hnure. liy Mrs. Ann E. Porter.

1189 Sum, thu Swump Smut. By W. J. Huiuillon.

190 The Dunhlmg Troupor. liy Fruit-rink ll. Dewey.

191 The Boy “runs. My JIIIHK‘H L. limwu.

192 Sandy Bill, of Texus. 15y Eilwnhl Vl'illutt.

198 r Irry “’inklc’n Lon): Chm-c. By Wm.
up; .L-r.

194 (trooper Onto, the Shadow Swamp Trailer.
i‘rmlz-ru:k Dvwry.

The Ranger llctu-th‘e.

lh-mly Junumy 7.

196 (iypny Mug. tlu- )luuntnln “'itch. By C. Dunning
Clnrk. llmnly Juuuury H.

19’? The Brnmloll Captain.
[{umly .luuuury 2i.

198 Old Cronnflre’u Crlnll.
Rmdy Jnuuury 78.

199 Zchru Zuek, the Turin. By W. J. liumilton.
anly Fuhruury 5. ’

. i.) .J. “mum”...
Ry Muj. Luwis W. (‘arsnm
By E. W.



~
.1
t

R.
ny
195 By Hurry ilnznnl.
By W. J. llnmlltnn.

By Capt. (.‘hurles Howard.

Bemile's Boy’s Library is for sale by all Newmhsllen,‘
five cvnts per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ofsix rénu ouch.
BEADLE. AN]! AI) 9, l’uhllnheu,
98 “'llllam Street, New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/3’B ocuvo PAGES.

 

 

«amt/30.1

 

 

mwm_:rnm'm<{gmmmm

 

Deadwood 1’11 , tha Prince of t
,. \\'h

Vllwnld

   

'1'.
kn 4 ’- lx'lng; hr, The Ill-d Rixh
Ismh. .. llill.‘
The Flying Yu ‘3 1-0.
The Douth [Morgen-n. ll)
The Two thu-lhcn: nr.
Buwmyfilrl. m

The
.\ll»url \\'. Allwn.

     
   
 

     

    

  

    

 
    
 

 

 

     

 

   

   

  
      

 

 

  
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

ullv \(‘. lln- llnlmmvu.

 

 

      

   

    
 

     

     

Dandy Jock; ur. 'l'hc 0|”le ul‘ the
Ih' '1' C. Hmhuuuh.

  
 
   
   

 
  
   
 

‘mll. I:

 

   

€0_fl.3'

h.- Rmul. lly
c Ilmld. 1;;

By (' 1. Prvnliss Ingrulmul.
' \‘m‘d 1.. my “I”.

l‘urluhua «l u

    

 

l
2
3
4
5
6 Tlu- l’rull'lo I’llut ll; Mu ‘llill.
7 The Bull’qu IM-l \' . “nrd l4. Wherll-r.
8 Anuclnpc Mm. lhu “m. 1H UII «mm.
9 Ned “'vldo. 'lw h3- 
10 Bull'ulo “on. |'rmw.- ul’llu-mqnl. ‘ . \ hm-Irr.
11 Rulph Ito). tlw ll \' . um-muur. l. lngmhmn.
12 Nlck o’thc \‘lght. lh 'l'. A . llm
13 Yollownnmt lurk. l5\ .1. lyh
14 “'Ild Ivuu, (Ill' n -;- l‘l;u..1.- I)u\'u|. 51.,
15 Illa-L: ~r.'l‘hu \l_ h - ' um nun“.
.- My 1', m l l‘mnlm l u.
'16 Kcvu-Knil'o. l ‘1‘“l‘1-llll-‘l .i‘ , llyOllComm-q.
17 oregou Nu hr. Ml; v. mm s a l’myfilxy. :5, «MW
. . l“ 1‘. ll
18 "euth-l' - . Hy.- Im... lh'v. 17y E. L. “'hm'lvr.
l9 Lin-«o .Iau-h, mu Y I)“: \[usLnIul-r. lh ull l'........,,;,
20 Rom-lug: Ralph Ih ‘hu'ood, lhu Ruchlma
Ihmuvr. \‘ [Imly m.
21 The Boy Clown. I ll: S. Finn.
22 The. l’huulolu \l ; ur, ledwnod Ilirk's
Bonanza. By I‘M“. l . \\'ln~ul<-I.
23 T (- s .(‘..l; r. h.‘ Wurlhnl Durh-u. ByCzIpt.
_ l‘v'mll-ru \\'hil run
24 Thu Il uh Sp). By UH " mpg.
25 Rnllllllg Hulw. By llm . mange.
26 “Id \vuhuuvhl- um Anmhi lnr. In l‘;,1,_\\'h....]m_
2 GI: lvlyo, lhc (hunt Shwlol' 1hr: um. 15y Cum. .1.
,. Allums.
28 The Boy (‘uuluim ll linuwu-Stuu-lmrh.
29 lllck "ul'lluu‘. tho l’mn' Hum-as llldur. By Cupluin
ll’udlel‘irk \leill. lhrx'.
30 “oh “'ooll', llu- l‘v'l’lll‘l Rnlllzm. , \\'],..‘.]..,.
Bl nghllnuuh- .an- My '1'.“
2 Bhu-k John. l'w l’wml u'I'H'
83 lhuuhu 011. ll ' -
31 Burl Iiuulu h‘ ' .
3:) The Boy Kuhn-4; or, Ilnlclgxullnd (Hump. l
A. (I. lronsl>
3!: Tim “'hito Hull'ulu. [Lu-run E Lusulle.
37 Jlln "Ind-loo. .II'. In I. \\'h.‘..1
S (-d lluzemm mm 'I'|:||-) I'._\ (Hm. JR“. Allums,

\ hummmh.
.r. Mum.

'l'hu 1mm. “r
1... By Hurry

uf “In Yellow~

1:.le um.- Team). m-

lngmhmu.
Hnlniltnn.
Urugon '1 mil.

'k “' ITHION" I’m. 1‘- t‘wlul. .l
41 Doullnuod Dirk‘n Cu]; w; wr,
Floml l'nll‘. H_\ I' ‘llTll [ \‘hl‘rll'l'.
42 The “order K 12‘. 5 Ull “noun-x,
48 ("d llh-kory; or, l’uunl. Cllis‘s Sm
' St. :mrgn.
4-1 The “'hllo Indluu- nr. 'l‘hu Remus
s ' lh' ‘- J . \1 :uns
4.! B ('l‘l I‘ll "III. uI
' . “'hn-hr.
46 ’l‘ o hudow Ship. lly Uh]. I‘rwuli
47 The Red Brotherhood. lly \‘l'

"(Indemm mu; onMuwl-lng Sum nml Hi5“1':lrd."

By .l mu h E. “Mum-“Ir.
Slnglc
“llllllllull.
l’un-m-louthor Joe. My l'hilip S.
The “order Robin Ilood; ur,’lhu
By “Il|rl|ll) Bill.
Gold nine, llu Slim'pshunlur. 1y E.
("d le‘n ‘ Mn; or, .\ Ul‘vellhnrn
By (mm. .1. I-‘ 1‘. Adam“.
Dvluu‘ure DIuL', le Yuung Rangur

Cumuca. _
Mud Tom “'ontcrn. l‘w W J. lln

 

 

land; or. A Lil}: fur a Llfu.

By W. J.

“'nruc.
l’nxriu Hour.

1.. wmh-r.
in m.- \\'....a.».
Spy. By 011

miltnn.

Deadwood "lck on Duck, m, l'nlunnly June,

lhu llvl'olue 1\[\\'ll(ml>7['l~. Ih

ve Harry, the You“;
fill (mums. ‘

The 13o Ducllut. R-V Col. Prentlss

Abe Curls, the Crow-Kl r. lly Alhm

Corduroy Chm-lie. lha Boy Bruvo.
“'hcalcl’.

 

L. “'hrrlcr.
lmppc

r Knngcr. Isy

Ingmhmu.

'1. W. Aiken.

lly 12.1w lml L.

l
100 Not.

 

v. /BEADLE’SWW_%1
JEQCKET LIBRARY.

wjyélw.’ was :1: trio; 9: comm oa'cn'w’oT'aB’m {US$757}: to g; f

     

  

  

62 ‘1'!" Smut-rut. the lluy “me-Mina. Ily Cluu. Mania.
63 Ho G “or, lthinnl'l'rupm-l. In A. \\'.Ail.w.
' Heblld Roh. By linlwurul l.. \\'h -lvr.

t uyculmnuJ. l".( Adnum.

lghlnlug Joe.
I t Plum-foul, lhu “'uudrllnwk.
mug I.
67 Rollo, lhu Buy Ranger. By 0]] (Tunmes.
ldyl, «hp lu‘irl Miner; or, Rosclmd 1m. on llluul.
l‘dwm‘d L. “'hm-lrr.
'H .k: or,'I'he Hero ln Rugs.

{sy '1'. C. “ar-

By
113- Clmrlel

 

Furl.- hhol 80th, the Boy Rillvnum. By (lll Champs.

l Mmrp Mun; or, ’l‘lm A-.lvcnluI--s urn Friendllsa Buy.
By .I. Almuum- I’lltlell.

2 The Lh ol'thc Ken. By Alhrrt \‘l'. Ail: n.

Photons: uph l’hll.l|w I‘m Slvnlh; or, Rosebud Rob's
llvnypwlrum'e By E. 1.. mm .-r,

74 Plan unc Pete; ur, Nicudemuu, lha Dog Dulettive.
lh‘ Churl. s Morr a.

lulund :r.’l‘he Pol of Um Fumily. By Bruce—
lu-Mge Han Ig(.]:u'k Hurkumh). '

‘1'“1011-1‘13'0, lln- Sluulww. ISA Ellwnl'd L. “'hwlor.

¢ t I’ll-k Dem] Eye. the Buy Smuggler. Hy 0.1.1).

Ingmhmn.

7 Dl-udwood DIok’M Dcheo.

The Blue]; )1 “Hunger. ‘

N0 old Fronly, Hm linnlv. By 1' '. Hurlvnuuh.

RI The Sun \ llu-r. lay (‘uL l’u um lngruluun.

both . onen' or, Thu ('uplhcs of line 1"runllrr. By
V .

 

     

 

By m. 1.. “'hvrler.
mm. Muyne KNIT.

 

 

 
  

(‘1;‘(119Cunn‘el‘lblh'l’ Chief. By 1-2.1“ urd

 

. “’hm-h-r
84 The Dumb l’ugo; or. The Dogc’s Duughlvr. By
mm. Frwlvrirh “mummy.
The Roy ,‘llnorn. H_\ l-‘ulw nl S. Ellis.
86 .lm-k lllll'LllWlI)‘ lu Sew \‘0r . lly llrnce-
bridge Ilvluynu.

 

 
           

  
  
 

N? The] HHIII‘ (‘n lulu. lly ('v-l. l'n-ntihn hlmnlmm.

$8 In (In od Dh- ln IA l\l m" A Slrnngu
til I-kv lnr I. hu-r ' I?) I‘:|1\\‘l|[ll L. \Hu-rII-r.

H9 Blll Blddou. upper; or, Lila in nu: .\urlhw..-sl..

 

90 TI]; u . lly George fill-“sun.
l .‘1 I , 111:: King ol lhu l'lnins ll)- .lns. E.
g . r.

Tlu- (Du-nu Bloodhound. Ry Smmhl \\'. l‘mrce.

I’hll llau'd), lllv I'm-3.x Hwy. ll) ('l lrhW \lux'ri>.

lk-udu‘ood llh-k m4 Duh-«(Inn P7. l..\\'hrnlur.

nu“. nm-lu-xun. ll; (hymn J. l< . Adams.

“Ill-Edged D . Il)’ l‘lllwnul 1.. “'1. |

Tllu- B u-k hltvd ol' the l’rulrlcn.
. u.

The Hon Serpent. Il.\ Ilmn l.p\\'i:_

Ihmu "I". [luv Mun IK‘LFL ll) E. L. \Vheeler.

'odd; or, 'I'hv lv'nlc of [In- Siuux ('nplhc. lly

I‘len'u'll S. Ellix‘.

g Dan-y; the Yuung lluur Killer.

   

       

Jumel

 

     

 

 

n,» Hurry

I .. nrut‘.
IH' Yellow ('hlol'. lly (‘an Mayne Reid.

  

102

1m 1]., n... um Sport. My Edwunl 1.. m. ,1".
104 he “huh Srhoouor. lly Roger-Smrhurk.
105 und-oluov Hurry, tho Buulhluch Unldt‘lh'u. By

('hm hm .\ on us.

  

My .1. IlndL’u-r. r.
107 Juvk Iloyl(~’n1.oud. “3'
103 kooky Mollnlnlu Kit.
[09 The Brunch-d lluud. By

   
  

d L. Wheeler.
0. Hnrbuugh.
‘mm. Dunan

  
        

      

 

110 The Ilrcud Hldcr. By Genrgv W. Hrownz‘.
I 11 1!!»in “0b llu- Kim; ul' lhmlhlm‘ks. By E. L \Vhealer.
112 'I'Iu- I ml By ('upl. Mnyne Rx-id.
“3 M r-l m ‘uul, the. ilentllunv.» ByUII ('nomes.
ll~l l’lnoy Paul. the Moullhir. ll.» or. The Lima
Arrow nl'llm [\nlirundnrks. I; 'l. ('. Hurhuuull.
115 Deadwood "101. Double. l, . l.. \"Ileelel’.
llll Juhez Collin. 5 rr. 8‘ Cum. l“. Whittnker.
117‘ Fancy Frank, of l‘nlurudo. My “ llulfulo Bill.”

Innned Every “'cdnoldny.
Bundle’n l’m'kot Llhrury is for sale by all Nun.
dvnll'l’s, five mus per copy, or sent by nmil on receipt of m
cents cllL'll.

BEADLE & ADAMS. I’ubllshern,
98 “1111811: Street, New York.

3
l

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_P

 

113 \"ill \vlldllre, liw 'l‘lu-rnu:hirl‘wi. l§_\' ('hus. )lm'x'ls.
119 Bionde lilli‘
iiy I‘ldnnrd 1.. \i'hreiur.

120 Gopher Gill, lilc ii“) ’l'rnppl-r.
121 Harry Arnmlromz, tin- (‘np'mn :d'lhu Club.

lil'ntehl'ldgu lielllyllu, (.Izu'l. I’idi’ii‘l‘Vi .)
128 The Hunted Hunter. liy l‘ldwm‘d S. Ellis.
128 Solid Sum, mu iiuy iinnlAgunt. in 1. L. Whudicr.
124 Judge Ly! 4.. Jr. By T. (f. i ..
125 The. Land l’iraien. “V l'npl. .\|:I)‘n> Rvid.

:26 "Inc mm...“ hr, The mud. .1 Day my. “ruddy
ndr. iiy i<'rnnk lmlnunt.

12? Tony Fox. n... Furrrt. By Edward L. Win-him.
128 Black In»... Will \\'ildlir.,-'>i R .m. m C. Mums.
129 Eagle..th tin: lmy llvnmn. Iiy rm ('unlllcfl.
180 Gold Trlmgcr, the Spnrl. liy 'r. (2 llnrhnugh.
181 A Gnme or Gold ‘ “r, DI‘JIIiWUlni iiirk's uh;
Strike. liy Edwnrd l.. “'hurh-r.
133 Dainty Lam-e, the liny Sport. Ily J. E. Bridger, Jr.
183 Wild-"re. the 1m. duh. Rimd. My lv‘nmk lmnmnt.
134 Nuke. NTerry. ill" ilnrbdr i'uii4'e llny. By (7. Murris.
135 Deadwood Dick 01' Deadwood. By Eiwnrd
L. \Vimeier.
136 Old Rube, the Hunter. ily (‘npt. iinlniltun Iinhncs.

187 Dame Roeig, tile Mnn from Tuna. lly G. Wu dd
Browne.

138 Bob Roekeu, the Buy Dudger. Ry ('hds. Maria.

189 The Him-i. (:iun - r, Dainty lmnau in Jeopardy.
iiy Jum-ph r1. linulgi-r, Jr.

140 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. \Vnnn:.

141 New York Neil, thu BuyJHx-l Dam-tine.
Edward 1.. Wheeler.

142 Little ’1‘ -xan,Lhe Young Mnsinngor. liyi)” ('mnnen.

148 Deadly I'lluh; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. liy
JumE. iimigui‘, .lr. '

144 Little (:rll, the Wild [Hill-nor, |ln>sniv,lln-,Stm:k
rand.“ i)anL'r m. 1y(‘01.l’n-ntinaillurnilmn.

145 The Tiger oi‘Tnm‘. lly Hon Wnldu liruwue.

146 The Cattle King. By Frnnh humour.

147 Nnbby Nick oi'N -vadn. Hy Edward L.

148 Thunderbolt Tom. iiy Hurry St. George.

149 Bob Ruekett. tho Bunk Rnnnn-r. liv C. Morris.

150 The Mad }Ilncr. ii)‘ (1'. \andn iirnwnu.

151 The Sea Trailer. By Cu]. i‘rentim iiifli‘llililln.

152 Dandy Du : or, Thu Tigers ui'lllgh Pine. Ry
“Viiillllll R. H r.

158 “'ild Frank, thd Buvimkin Brnvu. R. L. \thaier.

154 The Boy Trailern. liy 105. E. llnducr, Jr.

155 “Old Plume, the llny linndit; or,'l'hu Kid.Gluw
Sport. ny (fol. mum. illgmilmn.

156 “'lil “'Ildiire In the “'oodn. By C. Morris.

15? Ned Temple, the Burddr Buy. By 1'." :x-hnngh.

158 Deadwood Dii-k’n Doom. By E. L. “'hceirr.

159 Patent-Leather Joe's Del'eut. By Philip. S.
Wnrne.

180 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhdcker.
ingrnhum.

161 Bob Roekett, the Crnchanmn.

163 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain.
Coomes.

168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By E. L. Wheeler.

164 Tornado Tom. By T. C. iinrbuugh.

165 Bulfan Bill’s Bet. By Col. Prentiss ingrnhnm.

166 Will Wildfire Wim- onlllLoneu. By C. Morris.

16? Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne-

).3 'r. r. llvn‘hnngh.
By

By

Iiy Col. P.

By C. Morris.
iiy Uil

OCKETIJBRAR

.n 3 H7 m‘cgimjjhwg. 7. v: m'mfinfv. ‘1: v; M u:

4.x, lN-miu‘nml 1mm “1...... ins...

Win-rlcr f

\\PRICE, FIVE CENT§._ *

I
,ga'igi;
'.

“p4 Deadwood Diel’n “'ard; or, The iiiuck iiili.
.il‘zei-el. is} mudhx 1.. \\'hvvl«er.

iiiilThr Buy Champion. By Edward Vl'illult.

th) linh linel.ett'.~ Fight for Life. lly C. Morris.

lTl Franl. )lurlon. tiw ill-y llmnh-x. lly ()llCmnnes.

172 The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Ennd'aun.

l78 Diek Ding-Io, Swill. By Eduard 8. Ellis.

174 Dandy Roelflu Seheme. By M. W, Brnwnn.

175 The Arab Drteetlve. liy Edwnrd L, \«Vheeivl‘.

176 “'Ili \"ildilre'u I’luek. By (Ihnrlus hldml.

[77 The'iioy (ionlnlander. iyanIJ’rrntilulngrnhnm.i

17$ ’i‘he Jianlae llunter. By iiurlun Snxe.

179D“! tv Lanee: ur, The Mystic .‘.?nri(snmn. By
.11... “miller, .ir. . .

180 The Boy Gold-"unier. By T. C. Hnrhnngh.

iii! The Seupem'aee Son. lly Charles Mdrrls.

182 The Dark- Hkinncd Heout. By Lil-lit. Col;
iinzvltinv.

133 Jabez Dari. Dvlvcliw. By 011 Cmnnl-s.

1341 Featherweight, the llny Spy. liy Edwnrd Willem

135 Iii-on Hill, lilo Own-hind l'i‘incd. 15y Col. Prentisl
ingrnhnln.

186 Dnlnty Lance and "in I’nrd.
lindgvr, r.

JR? The Trapped Tiller King.

188 The Ventriloquint Deteeth e.
\Vluwiu-r.

189 Old Roeky’n B031.

190 film Simphlnn, Swut. Dy Jnnn-s L. Bum-n.

191 Dnndy Rock‘s Rival. lly (ion. \ando Brnwno'.‘

192 llleknry llnrry. B) Hurry St. Genrgu.

193 Detective JIMII Grim. lly Hdwnrd L. Whnelerfli

191 i’rtmpeet Pete, lhu i’my Miner. liyl)“ Cnmnulr '

195 The Tendevl'oot Trailer. 3y 'i‘. C. ilnrlmngh.

196 The Dandy Deleelh'e. By Cilnrlrn Murviu.

197 “03’, lhv Young (‘nlllc King. linnl. P.1ngrnhnin.

l9.“ Ebony Dan‘n “ask. iiy Frank immont.

. 199 Dietionary Nat, l)"h‘i3ti\'t'. liy’i‘. (‘. iinrhungh.

200 The Twin lloruelnen. ii_\' ('npt. F. Whittnker.

20] Dandy Dal-Le‘n l'ardn. By \\'m. it. Eyslur.

202 tile Tmun Tiger. By “ii Cumm-s.

20:; the uni... lSuy. lly Charles Mnrria.

201 The Young Cowboy. iiy Col. l‘. lngmhnln.

205 The Fr "tier Deter-live. By E. L. thriur.‘

206 “'hite Light ink: 0r,'l'hu Buy Ally. By T. C.
ilnrh ugh.

207 Re ' Taibot'u Band; ur, Thu Red Lasso.
Iiy 4 up. Mdrk u'nmn.

208 Trapper Tolu’n (‘antfe Myntery. By Oil
(funnies. andy .innudry 1.

i 209 The )‘leunenger-liny Deteetivc.
Mun 5 Re dy .lnnunry ii.

210 The Ilunehbaek ofthc Mines. By Jusdph E.
limlzu‘, Jr. Ruddy January 18.

211 Little Giant and "is “and. By P. S. Warns.
Ready Jnnnnry a.

212 The Jimth Sport.
Randy Fuhrnnry l. r

Impaled Every “'cdnemdlu’.

Beadie‘n Pocket Library in for sale by all Nev/l-
deniera, five cenle pur copy, or sent by inuii on recuipt of six n
van is each. ‘

BEADLE & ADAMS. Publishers,
98 “’lliinm Street, New York.

Vac/{m

mm'uz'mwinznchm_wm

By Joseph 3.} '

liy Chnrlen Morris.
By Edward L.

By Maj. Fnln. S. Hall.

 

By Cimrirs

By E. L. Wheeler.