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8 Dainty Lance and His 

 

Dainty Lance
 I—IIS PABD-

BY‘ JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR.,

AUTHOR or “YELLOWSTONE JACK," “mour—
nawx m,” “DAXNTY LANCE,” ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
“ nan) UP.”

“HALT that! you tworlegged ace of spades!
Hold up, stranger—try to pul a gun an slap!
[ let go a blue pill through the head 0' that gal
aside yel” ’

A startling summons enough, particularly
when backed up as was this emphatic speech,
by a cocked and leveled rifle, held bya man

whose head, arms and shoulders alone were vis»

ible among the reeks scarce a dozen yards dis—
- taut from those he 
The sun was low down in the west, hidden be-
hind thorough, rocky ridge, and the mountain
air, though the summer months were barely
nt, was cold and chillin in that narrow val-
is which might almost called a canyon.
-A 0113 this deflle a stout wagon covered with
canvas and drawn by two rough-looking mules.
had been hastening as ra id y as the natural
difficulties of the way won d admit. Its occu-
pants were three in number, One the driver,
was a huge, almost colossal negro, black as jet,
his head bare, save for its thick thatching of
wool. His features in themselves were good-
natured enough, like the nerality of his race,
but the style in which big ir was dressed, lent
- a fierce aspect to his countenance. By patient
" labor, the kinky wool had been drawn out and
wound with twine until it stood above each
temple like the horns of a bull buffalo. '
i ‘ "Behind him, but still yisible through the open
.’ from, 'of the canvas canopy, were a man and a
woman, both white. The former wo e his hair
and heard long. Both were white as newly
fallenshowubut the great age this would seem
to indicate—was contradicted by the burningr
firein the dark eyes that now flashed angrily
upon the ‘ bold disturber of their peaceful jour-

« no . '

fits companion was but little more thana girl,
in years, rarely beautiful despite her plain,
sober garb. She was pale, and her face and
as bore traces of recent care if not tears.
listlesst at the rough-looking teuow
who , halted them. She could see that the
rifle inhishand was bearing full upon her brain,

‘ v’bntfilhodid not flinch in the least.

To those who may have read the receding
volumes of this series, Hercules, t e negro

out, the Mad Hermit, and Sibyl, the Snow

prite, ml] for no more elaborate introduction,
newr readers will receive all necessary in—
formation as they proceed.

“Stest, thar!" menacineg cried the man
with the rifle. as the Mad Hermit instinctively
made a motion as though to shield his daughter
by the interposition of his own body. “None
0’ your tryin’ to doubledodge, old man, ’less

 

you want the lady fitted out for a graveyard.
mean business, an’ I kin snuff a candle as fur
as I kin see the glimmer.”

“ What do you want?” sharply demanded the
hermit. ‘1 '

“I ain’t used to answerin’ questions put in
that st 1e," ' ed the desperado, showing his
teeth t oug the hairy mask that almost cov—
ered his face. “ I’ve got the dead wood onto ye:
you know that as well as I do. I’ll handle you
gentle, at you don’t cut no rusty—" ,

“ Say de word, boss, an’ I’l] mash de critteri”
rumbled Hercula, dropping the lines and grasp—
ing the handle of his huge club. ‘

“ Drop that, nig, or you kick the bucket!”
cried the outlaw, sternly, shifting his aim.

The instant he did this, too Mad Hermit
pushed Siby] swiftly backward behind the seat,
where she was entirely hidden from View, but
before he could do more-before he could touch
one of the pistols at his waist, the desperado
emitted a sharp whistle.

As if by mug ‘ half a dozen men leaped out
from their ambus beside the trail and covered
the inmates of the wagon with rifles and pistols.
These were in front, and as the hermit cast a
glance over his shoulder, through the small
opening in the canvas behind, he could see as
many more armed men, thus completely cut-
ting off their retreat. This told him that re~
sistance would be worse than useless, and his
fingers dropped from the weapon they were
clasping. ,

Not so with Hercules. The giant negro was
absolutely ignorant of the meaning of personal
fear. He saw that his idolized master and This

tress were threatened. and he never paused to .

calcflato'the odds against him.

Snatching up the huge club which had carried
him safely through more than one scene of car-
nage and bloodshed, he leaped out of the wagon,
uttering his terrible rear, for the moment trans-
formed into a wild beast—like a huge gorilla
,detcnding its loved ones. 1 ‘v

Swift us were his motions, the rifle of the head
desperado follower] them, and scarcely had his
(323 giuched the ground when the weapon ex-
p e . , , ~

Without a cry or groan, Hercules sunk to the
ground in a uivering heap, the red. bleed trick-
ling over his lack face. - -

“Climb out 0’ that wagon, old man, unless
you want a close 0’ the some med’cine,” cried
the desperado sternly. “Tumble out!"

It was impossible to doubt his earnestness after
what had occurred, and the hermit prompt]
obeyed. As soon as his feet touched the ground:
the outlaw added:

“Hold up your hands—jine ’em above your
head, an‘ keep ’em thar cute] I tell you diflerent.
You, Greeny, takc that critter‘s opguns un’
sticker. Go through his ,clothes er any con-
cealed weapons, but don’t let any. 0’ his dust
stick atween your fingers.” - _

tall, raw-boned, gawky-loolung fellow
advanced and unbuckled the belt that contained
the weapons borne by the hermit. No other
weapons were discovered, and as the fellow
withdrew, leaving a heavy skin sack of gold in
the hermit’s pocket, a look of wonder deepened
in the old man’s eyes,

   

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'i‘hsla outlaw chief noted this, and laughed
1m . .
gr“ gn’t you worry ’bout that. You’ll hev to
pay toll eno _ h afore We let down the bars for
you topass t rough. We’ve beam tell 0’ how
you scattered the gold around down in thé‘
towns south 0' this— Look to that black imp,
some 0’ you I” he added abruptly, as Hercules
moved uneasily. “Tie his arms ahind him,
{niglhtty stout, or he’ll clean out the hull gang—
1ve y

As he. spoke, the desperado scrambled down
from the rocks, revealing himself as a tall, fine—
ly proportioned man, looking handsome even in
such rou h filise

“Than eaven your aim was imperfect!”
cried the old man, as the outlaws repulsed him
when he would have knelt beside the wounded
negro. “He will live!”

Ef it had bin imperfect, the dark would ’a’
bin in nigger heaven afore now,” laughed the
other. “A little lower, an’ I’d ’a’ split hll
skull, thick as it is. A little higher, au’ he’d ’a"
bin riddled by my boys to save tha’r own
hides." .

“ Then you did not intend to kill him?”

“ I shot to ‘crease’ the critter, an’ keep him
from makin’ more trouble. 0111055 I miss my
guess, thatnig er kin putt me on the track of
a payin’ spec ation. What did you pick him
up anyway?"

here was an ea or curiosity in the voice of
the desperado, the startled the hermit, and he
looked at him with anxious gaze.
moments their eyes met fairly, then a startlin
change came over the outlaw. His lips parted
and he seemed about to weak, but instead turn-
ed abru at‘liy away. 

The Hermit was even more deeply agi-
tated. There was a black secret in his past,
and ever since committing the crime that stained

his soul t redemption, he had lived ever in
dread of ving the veil of mystery tom aside.
It was this dread that had driven him far from

the usual haunts of mankind, and gradually un-
balanced his mind, making him the mere wreck
of what he once was.

Could it be that this man—this outlaw and
hi hway robber—had penetrated his secret?

e chief called two of his men and bade
them bind the hands of the old man behind him,
then strode toward the wagon, where Sibyl still
remained.~

“ Come out o’ thar, gal, onless you want me to
boost, ’ he cried coarsely, as he
is face into the opening. ‘ No nonsense—
The devil I” ’

Owing to circumstances which will be made
clear ere long, Sibyl had not been eatly
moved by this dramatic interru tion ogrtheir
journey. Youngl as she was, 'fe seemed a,
dreary blank to or, and she would hardly have
struggled to avert death, but there was some-
thing worse in the coarse tones of the outlaw,
and her crushed spiritsprung up anew.

The outlaw saw her pale face and flashing
eves—and he saw, too, that those e es were
looking at him over the polished barre of a re-
volver. with a glitter that meant shoot.

Swiftly he ducked his head and drew back as

theweapon exploded. The bullet knocked 91!

For a few-

his hat, but he had no spare time just then to
Examine whether the lead had done any other
arm. ‘

His foot slipped in his haste, and he fell back
against the haunches of the ofl’ mule, who
promptly resented the indignity, hurlin the
fellow end over end a dozen yards away. uck— ’
ily for him, the ruifian had been too close to the
animal to receive the full force of its kicks, else
broken bones might have followed. As it was
he arose his mouth full of dirt, his false wig and
beard all awry, his face and hands bleeding,
while his clothes bore testimony to the sharpness
of the rocks he had encountered.

With an angry snarl he leaped to the side of
the hermit, now bound, and threatening him
with a cocked pistol, cried aloud:

“ Make that gal come out, or
brains all over the count Y!"

Sibyl spared her father the trouble of makin
the appeal, emerging from the wagon, more
like her former self, for the little encounter had
bgoulght the soft flush once more into her pale
0 es s.

I’ll blow 

his meat—house l” add

“ Obey him, child; the odds are too great for
resistance. '

In silence Sibyl obeyed.

“ Now, sir." added the Mad Hermit, “let us
talk business. 1 have but little gold with me-—- 

taken. But I can command more. we the,

amount you demand for ransom, and if it is not

a sum beyond my means, you shall have it.”‘
“You take it for granted that we are com-

I not be an officer of justice, and these men the
posse I deemed necessary to efiect the arrest of
criminals?” , '

“ The (hily criminals here a yourself and
your fellow-radians!” indignant] cried Sibyl. r 

“ Look in his face, and then repeat that taunt ' "’
if you can, lady!” laughed the man, pointing at
the hermit.

The old man’s face was terribly oonvulsed,
and he’ shrunk away from the leveled finger.

Ho heard Sybyl’s cry of alarm—he sawthe ’
terrified look in her eyes, and muttered some,
thing about the old pain at his heart, co‘ntrollw
ing his face with a powerful efl'ort. But
desperado was not deceived. He knew that at,
last he had found the long-lost clew.

“ An idle jest of mine, lady, in return for the 
scare you gave me a bit ago,” he said, witha
light laugh.
and even if I was, I could have no object in
arresting this gentleman-410 you think so, Mr;
Howard Glenn 7” - ,

At the mention of this name, a wild cry’ burst
from the lips of the hermit, and striving to
raise his manacled hands to his throat, he
sunk to the ground, writhing and quivering. ,«

Sibyl strove to reach him, but theman who 
had done this, forcibly restrained her. .

“Look to the old feIIOW, nger.and bung 
him around. It’s onlgvfia fit, and he’ll soon by

none the worse for it”.
A youn , lithe—bui ncl  fellow
’ chmthalf-led, halt-

 

answered ' call,w

“Give up your p0 gun, gal, or down goes '
the ruflian, menacingly. . .

 

not enough to pay you for the trouble on have A "

 

mon thieves, then?” smiled the other, his tone_' . i:
and manner of speech entirely changing. “ May I. a

 
  

‘_‘ Of course I am no police oflicer, , 

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Dainty Lance mam. Pan-d.

 

forced Sibyl to the wagon. Here he glanced
somewhat dubiously over the span of mules,
then pointed out the best—appearing one.

"Strip off this harness, Greeny and rig up
something in the shape (I a saddle-blanket.
Only a fool uses his own legs when he can find
other limbs to carry him.”

His orders were quickly obeyed.

Sibyl, though restrained from lending her aid
in restoring her father to consciousness, had
eyes and thoughts for nothing else, until her
custody was momently transferred from the
leader to Greeny.

“ Hand her up before me,” said the former as
he settled himself comfortably on the blanket
saddle. “ Look out, clumsy brute! She‘ll give
you the slip!"

All at once Sibyl realized the peril that
threatened her, and as Green attempted to
obey the order of his chief, she suddenly re-
sisted, almost wresting herself free. Then the
{uflian’s grasp tightened and she was held help-

ess.

“ Don’t make a fool of yourself girl,” added
the man on the mule, coldly. “ 0 one means
to harm you, and {an shall be treated well if

rn. Go with me you must
either quietly or with your hands bound and
your lips gag ed. Take your choic nick."
’ “You she not tear me from im—my

fa ther I"

“ If that be your only fear, rest easy. I have

V nokthe slightest intention of parting company

with the old gentleman. He will follow us as
soon as he is able to walk. You hear, Kruger?”

= he cried aloud, addressing the young man who

acted as Bhysician. “ How long before the old
fellow wi be enabled to travel?
“ He can navigate now, if necessary, captain.

“But a few minutes more rest will make him

a

sound as even”.

“Very good. Bring him and nigger along
as soon as he is sufllciently recovered. Let the
boys take what they care for amongst the pl un-
.der. Now, are ou satisfied, girl?” he added,
turning) to ,Siby. “Will you act sensibly, or

undle you up?”

The maiden was absolutely helpless, and feel-
ing' that resistance could on y render the situa-
tion worse, sho quietly yielded to the force of

' circumstances.

~“If I must accompany you, let me ride by
myself. If you fear my attempting an escape,
you can hold the bridle-reins,” she said, cold .

Not a little to the surprise of his men, t e
chief shifted himself to the back of the.other
mule while Sihyl, disdaini assistance, sprung
llghti to the blanket be h vacated.

“T r’s’ somethiu’ more’n common in the
wind when a man like him let‘sa little gal

, twist him round her finger that-a-way,” mut-

tered Greeny. as he watched his captain ride
briskly away up the pass.

v The ride was not a long one. In a few min-

utes after leaving the captured wagon. the cap-

tain—for lack of a more definite name—entered
anal-row, winding trail, which turned abruptly
to the ht. The grbund was flinty and rc—
t’tined I a trace of their ge, but the rap-
tuiu mined Ezrfectly tam liar with his course.

Sibyl, than to her dauntless heart and pecu-

I \ '

 

liar training, carefully noted each turn in the
traifiand fixed all prominent landmarks in her
mln .

The trail wound ugward, reachin a level
plateau or shelf some fty yards in dth, back
of which the hill rose in, broken and irregu—
lar. Not far ahead Si yl noticadarude little
log cabin, nestlin beneath a huge, wide-spread-
ing tree, and rig tly guessed that their present
journey would end at that point.

“ Not very sumptuous uarters, lady," laughed
the captain, ali hting, but you maybe able
to spend a few ays here without pomfive (lis-
comfort.”

Sibyl slipped from her mule quickly enough
to avoid his assistance. then cast a swift glance
back over the course they had come. A little
cry esca her lips as she noticed a party of
human leings winding through the rocks far
awa . a

"‘ es; those are my boys, with your father
and the negro," said the man, answering her
unspoken question. “ You see I did not de-
ceive you when I said that he should follow.
But before he arrivesWe must have a few words
together. Who and what are you? Not his
wife?” v

"He is my father,” coldly replied Sibyl. “ In

return, tell me why you have taken somuch -

trouble to secure such unwilling guests?"

“ An 0 ning for a very neat compliment,"
laughed t e captain, “ but I prefer the truth in
this case. You must know that our father
has lately iven evidence of we th unusual
even in this ad of old, flingin awa money
broadcast as though I; were y no ing but
dust. He is old enough to know better and so
we resolved to read him a lesson. In brief, you
were ‘ held up,‘ sim ly for the sake of ransom."

“ And when that and, we can go free?”

“ Such was in in ntion. Whether I alter
it or not depen wholly on the result of my
little interview with your worthy parent. How-
ard Glenn—that is his name?"

“ I never heard it before to-day.” _

“ Of course not—that name belongs to a time
before your day," he mutton-2d to himself, rather

than Slbyl.

No more words between them. The
party having the ad Hermit and Hercules in
charge were climbing the devious trail which
led to the plateau, and a few minutes later they

reached the spot where the cabin

By this time it Was thlight, rapidly d pen- '

ing into night. One by one the stars we com-
ing out, and already there was a dim light in
the east which heralded the rising of the moon.

“ Take the lady and the he re into the den
Rubber,” said the captain, ad ressing a griuled
veteran who at once proceeded to obey. “ You,
sir,” turning to the hermit, “ will p ease bear
me company. There are a few points which we
had best settle at once. Come 1’

He led the way into the log cabin followed
by the hermit, whose hands were still bound.

Striking a match, he ignited a rude oil-lamp
that rested upon a still ruder table in the center
of the one room. Its feeble rays barely sumoed
to dispel the gloom, revealing, several, stools,
bare walls and  smoke-stained 00111118 or
rather inher- side of the low roof. - "

 

 

 

 

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Dainty Lance and His liard.

5

 

“ Seat yourself,” added the captain, indicating
/ one of the stools. “ If I am not mistaken, our
conversation will be a long one.”
“ There is no need of that. Name th
of ransom money and I will agree to it
“ Two hours ago, that h would have been
the most welcome of all _0 here to my ears; but
now—that girl says she is your daughter. Did
she speak the truth?”
The hermit bowed. He dared not trust his
ten ue just then.
“ en of course you married her mother.
give ,me the year, month and day of that wed,
n .
“ That cannot concern you—” .

“Allow me to be my own judge,” sharply
interru ted the captain. “ Answer me you
must; f not freely, then under persuamn,
You understand '1?”

His hearer must have been dull indeed if he
did not. There was a glittering devil in the
eyes of the speaker that lent signi cant emphasis
to his words.

“We will not duarrel about an insignificant
matter like that,’ slowly said the herxmt, “The
marriage took place August 6th, 1833. My
daughter was born the next year, and is now
seventeen years old."

The captain lau' bed softly.

“One more lit count against you in the
summing up. My dear sir, 0 you know you
are a bigamist?”

amount
.17

 

CHAPTER II.
'a BLACK RECORD,
Tm: hermit uttered an angry cry as he rose
my: his chair, but the captain motioned him

“ I say no more than I can prove, if necessa .
before the bar. If you married this gir '8
mother, as you say, t en you committed big—
amy, since your lawful wife was still living less
than three years ago."

With a sickly sneer on his thin lips, the old
man resumed his seat.

“Since you are so confident, it would be a
pity to disabuse you, especially as that point
can have nothing to do With your abducting us.
Admitting the crime, you have only my word
as proof. The other principals are ‘al dead.
There is no money in it. hence i know you have

. some other object in bringing me here."

“ My dear sir,” coolly retorted the captain,.
“ I have ample proof of everything. I can trace
out your etc from bo hood up; can tell you
all you have one—and 1 you have hired other
people to do, too!”

T ese last words concealed a shaft that clearly
struck home, though none but a cIOSe observer
could have noticed the fact, so admirabl had
the hermit his features under control. it); a
.faint laugh, he said:

“No doubt you are very wise, but would it
not be as well to come to business at once?"

‘x‘ I am not wasting a single word, my dear sir.
0“ y
revel us. I don‘t care to throw. you into
another fit like that back fyonder, when I called
you by our old name, or you looked ugly
enou to frighten the devil l”

“ am subject to them -— heart disease,”

tiéyiugto prepare you for some startling 0
a o

 

muttered the hermit. “ I heard no name—-
or if so, have forgotten What was it you
called me?”

“Howard Glenn, formerly of St. Louis and
vicinity. Bah! don't I tell you I know all about
you’l Sneer as much as you will, I am not to be
deceived. In proof—listen.

“Howard Glenn, twenty years ago, was
what men called a talented actor—certainly a
popular one. He could command his own
terms, even though his inordinate love of strong

liquor rendered him very uncertain and unre— - V

and a misplaced pamion,
the m_ ic 5mg " today without a peer on
1m e.

“Will you pardon me if I sa that I cannot
see the connection?" asked the ermit, wearily.
“I re t that I know nothing and care less
about this Howard Glenn of yours.”

“Have patience, and on may be more in-
terested anon," return the captain, with a
grim smile.

liable. But for whisk
he might have stoody

“In the hight of his favor, Howard Glenn » ‘

seemed an enviable man. He was rich, despite
his lavish expendituresfor luxm'ies and at the
table of the greencloth. He was the favorite of
the peoige, talented, handsome in both face and _ N
form. at above all, he was the betrothed
lover of a society belle, beautiful as an artist’s.
dream, rich as the most avaricious heart could '
wish, ‘ Shall I mention her name?”

“As on please—I. care not,” muttered the

hermit, ut his skin grew paler than ever, and 'r .

there was a strange look in his downcast eyes.
‘ ‘5 Mabel Kingstone,
father had made his fortune in the fur trade, I
believe, but that does not matter now. Enough
that this young lady was engagedtofloward
Glenn, and that the date set for their marriage
arrived. But there was to be no wedding that
days—the bride was waitin at the church and
the bridegroom was broug t there on time—so
beastl drunk that he could not stand alone, V
much esswalkto the altar." -  a I ;
“It was his workrcm‘se him!” ted the ,,
hermit, his eves aglow the veins of 

swelling. “ Pierce ou did it, because 
“ So you are, or were, Howard Glenn?" laugh
ed the captain, quickly nailng the admiwion‘ . ,‘
but the hermit only rowled forth a muttered ’
curse as he sunk bac upon his once more.
“ Never mind; I don’t ask you crimindfie
yourself. Let we finish my story. ' ~-
y .

“Of course the appearance of the be
m
Both the lady and her father were .

  

 

bridegroom in such guise, created a tre
sensation.
proud and high-spirited, and ,
all was over between them and Hows lean.
He sought by ever means to soften. is fair
one, but in vain. e was refused an interview,
and cut dead on the street. Worse than that
Miss Kin stone hastin accepted and’marrled
Pierce Ba on, an o] suitor who had been wt
out b the dashing .

“ oward Glenn, half-mad, attempted to in-
terrupt the wedding ceremmy, and was given
in charge, passing the night in a station-house,
bail being refused because
skull of a policeman. When he was set freer,
the happy couple were gone. no one seemed in
know where, on their wedding tour.

she was called. Her ' .

 

fl‘om that hour _ ,

he had broken the 

6 Dainty Lance and Kid Pard.

 

“ From that day the popular actor went rap- '

ill}r down hill, thou 'h e never wholly lost his
hold on the hearts 0 the people. But few mau-
agers cared to employ'him, since he was drunk
from one month‘s end to the other.
, “It was during this time that he met and
,, married a woman against whom could be said
- ' nothing worse than that she was a poor actress,
who had taken to the stage for a living when
her first husband died.
. “ There is no particular need of dwelling on
.i' this portion of the career of Howard Glenn.
- Enough that he su k lower and lower through
drink, until he cou no longer get employment
on the stage, being supported by his wife out of
her scanty earnings. '

“ Let us jump over the intervening years, and
come to the summer of 1886.

“Pierce Ballou and his wife had returned
and settled down in St. Louis, he succeeding to
the extensive fur and trading business of his
: father-in-law. They were very )caccful and
 rosperous. the parents of three no children.
' s . he oldest was named Henry, a fine, handsome
r lad, of five or six years. Tho others were twins,
1 a boy named Horace and a girl named Grace,
' . not uite two years old. -
H “ has matters stood with them when Biw-

ard Glenn cameka to St. Louis. Unlimited
whisky had not drowned his memory. and he
' began to plot for revenge. Poverty and drunk-
2, ,enness had brought him in contact with plenty
y 'of tools such as he needed now, and he did not
 103.- much time in dealing a terrible blow.

“ One dark and stormy night the Ballou man-
sion was broken into bya number of masked
men, and thoroughly gutted. All money and
plate was taken, am with that the three
children also disappeared. Pierce Ballou and
. his wife had been awakened, and he was terri-
;' lily beaten, left for dead. She, too, had re—

ce ved some injury—”

E‘No one touched her—if they had dared. I
would have torn them limb from limbl" cried the
. hermit, his 0 es aglow,his face terribly convulsed.
g» “ You a mit, then, that you are Howard
“ Glenn?” _

“ Yea—you seem to know all; who are you,
in the flenrl’s name?"

.13 _ . “Your host; for the present. My name does

' 5 not matter, just now. I have not yet finished

.1.“ my story."

 ' “ We only—I only intended stealing the
children, but there was some noise made in

- chloroforming one of the servants, and they
,2 ' awoke. The meu with me were desperate, and
it? I Weston nearly drunk to have much influence
n oVer them. They knocked Ballou down. and
;; she—she fainted when she saw him fall. None
if of us touched her. I was not so low—I could
not forget that I had loved and been beloved by
.her, once." ,

“ It may be as you say,” coldly resumed the
captain, as Howard Glenn—t0 giVe him his
1; rightful name—bowed'his head upon the table
i? with a hollow groan. “I only kn0w that Mrs.
+1 ‘- Ballou never recovered from that night's shock,
,' - though no doubt her death was hastened by the
3' receipt of an anonymous letter-J
"  .HowardGlenn raised his head from the table

.with a passionate cry. '

 

 

 

 
 

“Why do you torture me thus? Whv rake
up the horrible past in this manner? I admit it
all—I deny nothing. Then why not let it o?”

“ Perhaps I want to assure myself that do
know all—Jr it may-be that I have an old score
to settle with you—and sweeter raven than to
see you suffering as you now mfg; could
scarcely be imagined,” laughed the captain.

With a sudden suspicion, Howard Glenn
leaned forward and gazed keenly at his tor-
mentor. As thoughtoafford him full oppor-
tunity for the exercise of his memory, the cap-
itain 1pulled off his hairy disguise.

“ 0; you are too old—4:00 dark," slowly utr
tered Glenn. '

“ Then you fail to recognize me?”

“There is something familiar in your face,
but I cannot place it. Have we ever metbe-
fore?”

The captain laughed low and mocking] .

“ You have changed a vast deal more t an I
during these sixteen years, yet I recognized
Howard Glenn beneath that mask of white hair
—very white and venerable for a. man not yet
flft Vyears oldl”

“ hat I am, I am,” sullenly muttered the
hermit.

“And what you were, I have not yet finished
telling. Be patient, and correct me if I make
any mistakes in my narration.

“As I said, the three children were stolen,
and though Pierce Ballou poured out mone
like water, setting scores of detectives at worl;
and otIeriug great rewards, all eiforts at their
recovery were in vain for many fnonths. The
only [clew came in the shape of an anonymous
letter, posted in St. Louis stating that the
children had been abducted through revenge;
that the boys should be brought up as thieves
and taught every evil thing that children could
learn; that the girl should be reared as a child
of shame who should reflect credit on her sup-
posed origiu; and that, when their evil educa-
tion was com leted, they should be restored to
the arms of t eir loving parents. You wrote
that letter?”

“Yes I was mad then, as I have often been
since. I carried the children away and gave
the boyspto a man who was body and soul in
my power, with directions to make them as evil
as himself. The girl I kept. Iknow not why,
unless I saw the face ‘of her mother in her blue

'eyes. From that day we have never been
separated. And from the time that I saw the
notice of—of her death the child has been
sacred in my eyes.”

“Yes, Mrs. Ballou, worn down with grief
and the shock'of that night when she believed
her husband murdered before her eyes, took to
her bed when that malignant note was received,
and never left it alive.” I

“ I know—I heard it all,” muttered Glenn. his.
head bowed upon the table. “ I did not intend
that. I loved her still, with all my soul. I
would have died for her. But drink had crazed

Ivine—drink and brooding over all that I had lost
—made me a devil in human guise. And when
I heard that—when I knew Mabel was dead
slain by my hand as surely as though I had
drivenaknife to her pure heart~I believe I

 

went mad in reality. Years of my life were a 1

 

 

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‘ contents, growing more an

 

Dainty at... and His Paul. V , . v

 

blank. When my senses came back, I was as
on see me now. The child was nearly grown.

9 were living in the wilderness, where we
must have perished only for faithful Her-
cules—"

“ Your foster-brother. I remember him when
you were the popular actor, and before I recog-
nized you today, I meant to question him con-
cerning your fate, for I knew that he would never
have deserted you While you live.”

“You know so much—Who are you?” de—
manded Glenn, raising his head, remorse mo-
mentarily conquered by curiomty.

“ Your slave once-your master now,” stern-
ky replied the captain, his smboth-shorn cheek

ushing as with anger. “I will reveal myself
when I think fit. Until that time comes, keep a
bridle on our tongue."

“Mrs. allou died of a broken heart, and
was buried. As the only refuge from his grief,
Pierce Ballou searched far and wide for his
stolen children, and at length his diligence was
rewarded.

“A plan was laid to rob the house of a
wealthy merchant in New York. A boy was
to be sent throu h an opening cut in a pane of
‘ lass, after whic he could'o n the doors for

is master. Instead, the pluck y little fellow be—
trayed the plot, and the burglar, resisting ar~
rest was killed. That boy was the eldest son

‘ of 'erce Ballou. His story got into the news-

papers, and by that means his father found
1 . ~

in
“He could tell nothing concerning his brother
or sister. It seems that they had been separated
almost immediately after you left them, and he
had heard nothin of Horace since that day.
Nor did Pierce 139.] cu ever learn anything more
concernin the twins, and as the years sed
by he gra ually came to re ard them as end.
. “ He left St. Louis after isposing of his busi-
ness, and I only stumbled upon him by chance,
one day last year, living in a brisk little Mis—
souri town called Clayton, where he ran a

banking—house. v

“ Just how I aincd his favor, need not be
given in detail: here was a bit of sharp prac;
tice, and maybe a‘few neat lies. You see I do
not pretend to be a saint. Enough that when
Harry Ballou married Rose Herve and went
East on his bridal tour, I was insta ed in his
place as cashier, pro tem. 7- '

“’ From earliest childhood, I have been com-
pelled to look out for number one, or else go to
the wall. Such being the case, it became
second nature for me to look at each succeeding
change or incident out of the usual line of life
to see in what manner they might be she d to
my benefit. And so one day, when I c anced
upon a huge bundle of newspaper-clippings,
letters and the like, carefully arranged in the
vault of the bank, I took advantage of my
leisure moments to make in self master of their
more interested as
the memory of my boyish days grew clearer.
for these names in print were very familiar t9
me.

“ It was the whole story in detail which I have
given you in brief; the story of Howard Glenn
and Pierce Bauou. V For certain reagms I was
deeply interested in it, though I never expected

 

to profit any by my discovery then, but I stored

away the whole story in my memory, besides ‘

noting the more important points down in my ’

private register." '
“ Must I listen to this?” asked Howard Glenn,

wearily. “ It possessesnot the slightest interest
for me—”
“Then are you a most unnatural father,”

laughed the captain. “ You should be proud of
the exploits of your only son 1”

CHAPTER 111.

A VILLAINOUS COMPACT.

 

ONCE more Howard Glenn was terribly"

startled by the words of his strange host or
captor, and there was something very like ten
mingling with his astonishment as his eyes

fairly met the black, burning orbs ottbe self» ' 

confessed outlaw. But he spoke, slowly:

“ I had no son—” ‘

“The woman on married had—and I am
that boy. You
nearly dead, more times than I care to remain.

her, in your fits of drunken rage. And often / i
that ever‘

when my mother—the only bein
loved or cared aught for me—woul interfere in
my behalf, I have seen you turn your rage upon
her, beating her as cruelly as you did’me." r

“ It may be. I was mud in those days of bib . it"
fer degradation—an utter fiend, if such there he '

in human guise!” muttered Howard Glenn.
“ And your brutalit then mads’me but little
better than yourself,‘ bitterly Added the out-

law. “You remember how we- rted. Yon 
were flogging me, and I lun ' a knifeim‘o _ ,
your side. I fled, because believed you (1 ‘

and I did not care to hang even in such a
cause.
read in the pa rs that you were su

having stolen t e children of Pierce on, or I
would have returned to complete my work. As
it was, I swore then to kill
wherever I met you a sin.”

“ You have that c ance now. Keep your
oath. I am not overfond of life,”slowlysaid
Glenn. ‘
th“ N10 I 81'? oldegnd wiser now. th

at ave or ot my wrongs, or ewrongs
my mother suigered at your hands, but I have
learned that it is wiser to bleed an enemy's
pocket than todrain his heart. In 0
plainer words, you shall pay me a.
gold coin for each blow of those days.” .

“You have only to name your price-apro-
vided it bewithin reasonable bounds—and I will

pay it. Of course, the payment once made, we. ‘

are at liberty to go where and when we will!”

w

I never found out my mistake,  I H

ave beaten me until I was ; ' 7

you, when and - ~

I don’t say, 

or».

“Meaning yourself, the nigger, and your 

daughter?” r

Howard Glenn bowed, not liking the ugly light
that glittered in the eyes of his she , r

“ Bah! do you still think you can throw dust

in my eyes? Dodvlou still claim that girl as your r N’ a
e scornfully

daughter?” and ca min laughed
i‘ She’is Grace, the sin
01.]— '

“ She is my daughter in lava, it not in reality.
Do what you will with me, but you had holdu-

never been born than to a m 1; her hamwhfli ' 

Llivc," passionawa cried t e ermit.‘
C

/,'

child of new 

 

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8 Dainty Lance and His Pard. 

 

 

“ I mean her no worse harm than to make her

to wife.” coolly retorted the captain.
oward Glenn stared at the bold speaker for

r a. moment in mingled amazement and dis ust,
but this expression gradually changed. ter
all, would not this be the best and shortest
method of cutting the tangle his affairs had got-
ten into? -

g “I admit that this isa’ new idea,” resumed the
outlaw, keenly though covertly watching the
changes in the old man’s face, “ but, none the
less, one that I am determined shall be carried
out. Old Ballou is worth a’ snug fortune, and
of course would not allow his only daughter
to suffer from want, even though she brought

' him a rascal for a son-in-law. Nor would he
care to press that little forgetfulness of mine to

tremes. On the whole, I think the idea bril-
liant one. And ou?" he added, abruptly, lean-
ing across the ta le. “ Am I to have you with,
or ainst me in this little game?’

“‘ ere I to elp you, and the time come when
you were to misuse her I’d tear the very heart
out of our breast!” slowly, intensely uttered
the Ma Hermit.

“ Your blood does not flow in my veins,
though I once'bore your name and called you
father. There is little fear of me following in
your footste , so far as beating my wife is
concerned. he memor of those bitter, black
days is still too fresh. I I marry her, I’ll make
a model husband. Indeed, I am more than half
in love with the dainty little Spitfire already!”

' One word that the outlaw uttered then,
brought back to Howard Glenn the danger
from which he was fleeing when “held up” by
the road-agents, and his brow clouded.

“ Brilliant as you think that idea, you will
findit hard, if not im ossible, to bring about,”
he said, uneasil . “ ot only will you have to
conquer Sibyl, ut there is another who may
prove even more intractable.”

» “ A lover?” demanded the captain.

“ A lover almost a husband, yet a brother.”

l:ilfiflnexer had any stomach for riddles. Speak
P Y-

The brain of the Mad Hermit ha] been busily
working, and he had concluded that he could do

) , no better than enter into an alliance with this

man—W
Wilbur Mason as
callback Having thus decided, he now proceed
to ma 9 a clean breast of the affair.

He told how his daughter Sibyl made the
acquaintance of Lancelot Daintree and Zeph-
aniah Hardy. familiarly known as “ Dainty
lanes” and ‘ Hardy Zeph." He briefly sketc -
ed the exciting adventures which followed wit
the Mountain Vultures under Dirk Weeninx
and Earn Toplong—told how the young cougle
fell in love with each other and came to ask is

easing.

“It was a bitter blow to me,” he added,
V loomil . “ I had recognized the boy almost
from t e first, for he was a perfect image of

ilbur Glenn of the old days gone bgé
he may more prOperly ed

- his father when I first knew Pierce Bailou—

“What!” exclaimed Wilbur Mason, almost
leapi from his stool in his excitement. “ Not
the?” ‘er boy—not the twin brother to the

“ Yes, I am mire of that. I drew enough

o

from him by adroitly put uestirnsto be sure
there was no mistake. Att e first sight of his
fair face, all my hatred for his treacherous
father came back ’ with redoubled force,
and I would have killed him then only for the
interference of his friend, a keen, shrewd, faith—
ful fellow. L ' _

“ Day and night I watched my chance, and
at last it came. I pretended to yield tothe
wishes of the lovers, and even went so far as to
prepare a sortof betrothal feast. At the end,

bade them drink to the health of the bride- ,

elect. They obeyed. The liquor contained a
subtle dreulg that instantaneously did its work.
It chang them to stone-yet left them every
sense untrammEIed save those of motion and of
speech. They could see, hear, feel—no more.
And so I left them, to die as I so posed, taking
Sibyl far to the north where we ound a refuge
amen the Plain Crees, who looked upon me as
some in more than mortal.

“But must have made an error in the
strength of the drug, for six months later, be—
those two, boys in age, but men in experience
and daring*came upon us, stole Sibyl away
and was on the point of marrying her, when I
found them. There was a terrible fight, they
lay at my feet cbvered with blood and many
wounds. I felt sure that they were both dead
and so left them.

“ I brought Sibyl out here, trusting that
change of. scene would effect a cure, but'less
than a week ago, Hercules saw Lancelot Dain-
tree, alive and well! Most fortunately he did

.not see the negro, and so we once more gave

him the slip.”
“ You are sure it was the same fellow?"
“ Hercules seldom makes a mistake. I feel
zhat he has not, this time. Something tells me
but the avenger is on my trail. Not a night
passes, but what I see her in my dreams, and
each time she bids mgrepare for the end—that
my days are number , and that her death will
soon be avenged by the hand of her son.”
“ I never took much stock in dreams and
visions,” . cynically observed Wilbur Mason.
“ But this fellow—' young Horace Ballou—has be

any idea who he really is?”

“No unless he has learned something of‘the _

truth since we dwelt together in the ice cave.”

“Then he must never be any wiser. 01d
Ballou will cut up very well, but three claim-
ants are too much. It’s an easy matter to put a
man out of the way here—no questions asked,
or else the deed is laid at the door of the noto~
rious Joaquin Murieta. Master Horace may
find a bride. but if so. ’twill be old mother
Death. I only wish the other-his brother
Harry—-would also ut in an appearance.
Then I would marry the fair Grace and hasten
bacng earn the forgiveness of father Ballou."

“ ell, let them rest for the present. You
say you left the youn fellow for dead when
you took Grace, or Sibyl, if you prefer that
name. away. Does she know that he is still
living?" '

“ No. I have carefully kept that knowledge
from her. I do not know how she would take
it. There is one pointIomitted to mention.
My rage and fear were so great when I found

 

pm;

them When with the priest, that I said more

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Dainty Lance and His Purd.

 

than I should—more than I would had my brain
been cooler—"

Wilbur Mason uttered a. curse of annoyance
and disgust at this announcement.

“ You let out the truth, then—she knows you
are not her father?” he snarled.

“ Not that," hastily responded the hermit.
“ Tine, when I found them thus, I believed they
had been married, and I told her that Dainty
Lance was her brother. Then she fainted and
before she recovered sufficiently to question me,
I had it all arran , a plausible story.

“ It was a pain ul affair, I said; one on which
I could not bear to dwell. A fair and faithless
wife—a child that was hers, but not mine. It
was this, I said, that drove me from civilized
life. I took her, then a babe, and fled. But
never mind the details. Enough that she be-
lieved me. That she still loves the youth, I
have no doubt, but I know she would shrink
from him in horror were they to meet and he to
try to occupy his old position.”

“ Not qulte so bad as I feared,” mused Mason,
then addlng more briefly. “ Do you think her
love for you, as her supposed father, has been
killed? Would she be willing to sacrifice her
own inclinations if thereby she believed she
wohld be reservin 7you from shame and dis-
grace—per afis dent ’

“ I believe or affection is as strong as ever,
though ever since that day, she has shrunk from
rather than invited my caresses.”

“ Well, we can try that plan first; if it fails,
then some other must answer. I will not be
foiled now 1”

“ What plan? You forget that I are wholly
in the dark."

“ You remember what I said to you at the
wagon? about being a fugitive criminal? I was
only trying to pierce our mask and confirm my
suspicious when I spo e, but those words maybe
of service now. ,

“ I mean to assume the role of detective, come
clear from the States in uest of a. criminal, one
Howard Glenn. I’ll me. e it as easy on your
honor as possible; say you killed a man one de
while in one of your insane spells. Anyway,
have arrested you, and if I take you back With
me you must surely hang for the murdered
man s relatives are very rich, and influential.
I will pretend to be very sorry for both on and
her and when the roper pitch is gain , I will
sprin the trap. will avow my passionate
love or her, and swear that for her sweet sake
I am ready to forsake my duty, that I will pro-
nounce it all a mistake satisf my men, set you
at liberty—provided she wil consent to make
me the happiest of mortals by becoming Mrs.
Wilbur Mason.

“ There 1” exclaimed the rascal. drawin a
long breath and chuckling With self-admiration.
“ I fancy that plot would do credit to a profes-
sional author!"

Howard Glenn did not seem nearly so well
pleased. By such a scheme he must be still
more degraded in the estimation of Sin 1, the
only living bein whom he loved. But a had
by this time pro y accurately taken the auge
o Wilbur Meson. An unscrupulous rasca who
cared nothing for his fellows save so far as they
could of service to him. And he Was wholly

 

in his power. To refuse to play this part
would only produce some more disagreeable al-
ternative.

Mason was so thoroughly satisfied with him-
self that he did not notice the moody air of his
companion. Apparentl , the idea of rebe
on the part of the Mac Hermit never entered
his min .

“ Well, that point is settled for the present.
Now for this youn% fellow who has given you
so much trouble. ive me the closest deem-1p-
tion of him that you can put into words, and I
will set a couple of my best men on the lookout
for him. Once found, be sure the many-lived
rascal will never a sin turn 11 to trouble us.”

The Mad Hermit obeyed, esorib' Dainty
Lance very closely, his eyes closed the etter to
bring the young man before his memory.
for this he must have noticed the rapidlycih-

creasing amazement of Wilbur Mason, who now ‘

looked the ver picture of bewilderment.

“ Hold on I” e at length exclaimed, excited] .
“ There’s a. mistake somewhere! You’re e-
scribing—" '

A most startling occurrence cut short his .

speech.

CHAPTER IV.
AN sensuous ESPIAL.

THERE was one eye-witness to that “ holding .

up " process, more than either of the glues
more immediately concerned had any i of.
Just as the sharp report of Wilbur Mason's rifle

rung out upon the cool evening air, the bare 7

head of a white man podpped up rom behind a.
rocky ridge on the hillsi e and peered down up-
on the stirring scene.

He was young, mamntly but little  tag ‘

last stage of boyh H15 dress was fee
with an e e to comfort and service rather than
elegance, ing rt buckskin, part flannel. A
leather belt gir ed his waist, containing a knife
endeathrace of revolvers, navy size, and Colt’a
pa n .

In one hand he held a soft felt hat, thus mako
ing his head a less conspicuous object as he peer-
ed over the gray rock

“ If I was only a little closer !" fell almost un- r *

conscious] from his lips, as he estunated the
distance 1; at, on an air-hne, separated his cov-
ert from the w on below. ‘
Crack pistol—s ot though he was, the distance
was too great for eve bullet to tell its tale,
and less than that we 1 make an interference
at the present , of the game suicidal.
Hercules was own, apparently dead. The

9"

Only ‘

 

hermit was a prisoner—only Sibyl was yet at ' '

liberty. There were over a dozen of the road-
agents; and he only one man. Only a tool or
a madman would have thought twice of at—
tergpting a rescue just then.

et it was bitter hard work for the fly
trailer to lie (guiet and witness all that fo 0
deep as was
acters therein.

He looked and listened with a. painful interest
difficult to describe or explain. And great was
his excitement when, despite the distance be
heard Wilber Mason pronounce the name that
caused theMad Hermit totalltothegmund in
a writhing spasm, » ' ,

i

p

is interest in at leastoneotthe"

 

 

 

   
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

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10 Dainty Lance and His Para.

 

“Great heavensl can it be possible?” he ex-
claimed. “ It must—and yet it does not seem
possible!”

erly he watched. now resolved to follow
the a venture to the end, despite its danger, for
now he had a double incentive, each one power-
ful enough to lead him to risk his life on the
chance of success.

He heard the parting orders of Wilber Mason,
and saw the outlaw chief ride away with his
beautiful captive. He made a move as though
to follow them, and then paused and once more
resumed his crouching attitude behind the line
of rock. He sawfrom the course taken by the
outlaw that were he to follow now, he could
scarcely hope to escape discovery.

“ He bade them follow—-—they will brin up at
the same place,” he muttered, yet g ancing
uneasily at the receding forms of the two
Eiders, as though there centered his greatest in-

rest.

Luckily the patience of the young scout was
not tested by long delay. The outlaws quickly
overhauled the contents of the wagon, each
man securing whatever articles struck his fancy,
then kindling a fire among the rest, bent on de-
stroying all, thus leaving no clew to what had
transpired.

By this time the Mad Hermit had recovered
from his attack, and Hercules was upon his

' feet again, feeling but little the worse for the

“creasing” operation. A dozen turns of a

’stout'rawhide lariat enveloped his body and

arms, while the loo 3 of two other lassoes
were around his nec , the other ends being

1d by as many watchful outlaws, who seemed
resolved to run no risks with such a dangerous
prisoner. ,

In this manner they retreated from the spot
where the we. n and its contents blazed up
furiously, hea 'ng in the same direction taken

, bgWflbur Mason with Sibyl a o‘xptive. And at
a.

, le distance behind them, taking good advan-
tage of every cover, stole the young scout, on
what was fated t.) prove the most eventful enter-
prise of his life.

Not once did the outlaws glance behind them;
so lonely and desolate was that region they
never dreamed of being followed nr spied u on,
and so the cung trailer reached the orig, evcl
shelf on wh ch stood the lone cabin, just as the

. outlaw chief gave orders for old Rubber to take

3i 1 and Hercules to the “ den.”
, ough unable to hear the outlaw’s commands,

’ 'the young trailer saw the twain led away, van-

ishing amidst a clue: of vine-clad bushes lying
at the foot of the rec y hill, and rightly divined
that this was the masked entrance to a cave of
some sort. He saw the other outlaws disappear
at the same point, save one man who led the two

'   mules along the shelf cast the cabin. And then
he saw the Mad Hermit led by the road-agent
vA into the building.

The gloom was re idly increasing, but the
yuan scout restraine his impatience until he

i saw 9 outlaw returning without the mules,
- havi placed them income spot of concealment.

 lug) him pass the cabin and disappear

' , ashes, he then stole silently forward,
n his stomach as he neared the hut
t wide-spreading tree,

/

~

 

He could see several faint bars of 1i ht stream-
ing through the rickety door, and fe t that this

osition once gained, he could not onlyr overhear

Lit see all that transpired within. But he was
doomed to bitter disappointment.

He abruptly paused and flattened himself
against the ground like some alarmed serpent,
smothering a curse between his closed teeth,
for noiselessly creeping along those glimmering
shafts of light, he now detected a human figure!
And as he breathlessly watched, he saw the un—
known spy reach the door, and crouching there,
peer steadily into the room!

For a brief space the young scout was com-
pletely at a loss how to act. He believed that
words were being spoken in yonder cabin worth
more to him than untold gold, could he only
succeed in overbearing them. But how could
that be done, with yonder spy in the way? He
knew that the faintest sound of a struggle, even
an exclamation of surprise, would alarm the
outlaw chief, at whose call a dozen dangerous
foes would flock to the spot.

The spy yonder might be an enemy to the
outlaws—his conduct certainly was not that of
a friend—~but that did not insure a friendly
alliance between the eavesdroppers, even could
they come together without being overheard by
those inside t 9 building.

“ It’s too risky, and there’s too much depend—
ing upon it,” reflected the young trailer, re—
,jecting the idea almost as soon as formed.

‘There may be other loopholes—the shanty

looks old enough—but suppose that fellow takes
a notion to chanfie his base just the wron mo-
ment for me? ere’d be a rumpus, an We’d
both be bagged, either dead or alive. Ha! by
the Lord, I have it!" .

Hesitating no longer, the young scout stole
toward the hut, edging around so as to approach
it from the rear, movin inch by inch until
hidden from the spy who nclt at the door, then
increasing his pace until he stood beside the huge
old tree.

He listened, but only an indistinct, murmur—
ing sound came from within. To all appearance
the back wall was perfectly close, not the
faintest glimmer of light shining through it.
But for this our young friend did not seem to
care. He had another vantage point in view.

Quickly removing his boots, he grasped one
of the low-hangin boughs and dextemus]
swung himself up in o the tree. From there t
was no difficult task to reach the roof of the
cabin; but as ha gently and gradually lowercc
himself upon this, the scout recognized a fresh
pcri .

The roof was formed of rude, undressed shin-
gles split from the redwood. Time and exposure
to the storms of winter had rotted thein so much
that here and there he could see holes and cracks
through which the red 1i ht from within stream~
ed in fltful rays. The rail covering bent be-
neath his weight, and he feared to advance or
wholly release his hold upon thelimh above,
lest the shingles should give way beneath him.

More bitterly than ever did he curse the in-
quisitiveness of the spy at the door, who was

thus robbing him of what might well prove lit- I

erally priceless intelligence.

A few words, spoken more loudly than what

 

r ,3, . - .. ,

 

w.- »rmr ammum- outage“ ,

 

mace“; .,-.

. "Mm. .. ,_ ,._..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dainty Lance

and His Para. ' u

 

had gone before, came to his ears, among them
a name, and great as the peril was, the young
spy hesitated no longer. At all hazards he must
overhear this conversation.

Gently sinking down until he lay nearly flat
upon the roof, thus distributing his weight over
as much surface as possible, he crawled along
until he reached the ridge-pole. This reached,
he felt comparatively safe, and hitched along it
until he reached the wide-mouthed chimney.

Luckily there was no fire on the hearth be
low, and the spy smiled grimly as he settled
down to listen, for up the wide funnel each word
came as distinctly as though the speakers were
standing within arm’s length of him.

It would be waste of space to record all he
heard, since the conversation between Wilbur
Mason and Howard Glenn has already been
placed before the reader. Enough that the

oung scout, in hearing the strange and start-
ling revelations thus made, felt himself a thou-
sand-fold repaid for the risk he had run.

Each word was treasured up in his memory,
and so intense was his interest thai. at times he
fairly held his breath for fear of losing a single
sentence.

It was a diabolical plot which Wilbur Mason
was putting into words, and the eavesdropper
above mentally swore that it should be foiled.
even at the cost of his life. And then a bold,
desperate idea struck him.

“If ,1 can get a sight of him, I’ll knock him
over—crip le, not kill him, for he’s a valuable
witness. hey’ll see or hear that rascal down
yonder running away, and will naturally chase

im as the one who fired the shot. While they
do that, what’s to hinder me from getting her
clear, and making our escape?”

Truly a desperate, even foolhardy scheme, but
no sobner was it conceived than the young scout
set about putting it into execution.

He saw that only a short distance from where
he crouched, the hght from within streamed out
through a hole in the shingles as bread as his
palm. Once there, he could see all that was

oing on in the room below, and easnly send a
gullet to its mark.

Creeping silentl“ along the bold spy soon
reached the aperture and peering through it,
saw the two men seated at the table almost
directly beneath him.

Drawing back to smother the sound, he was
about to cook his revolver. when the rotten
shingles gave way beneath his weight and he
plunged own through the roof l

CHAPTER ‘V.
AN ELOPEMENT PROPOSED.

HAD the young spy on the roof—top been
aware of the full facts of the case, he might
have thought twice before resolving upon such a
bold step since almost his only hope of success
In in the mysterious spy at the door being
wholly taken by surprise when the shot was
fired, and on his drawing the startled outlaws
in pursuit when he fled. But the bold eaves—
dropper was in blissful ignorance of the fact
that his intended decoy had heard all he wanted
and had stolen noiselesst away from his place

, o espial.
Creeping silently along until at a safe dis»

 

\

tance from the log cabin, the spy arose to his
feet and glanced back. '

The full moon shone fairly upon his face and
figure both more than ordinarily handsome,
though his garb was rou h and travel-stained.
The broad-brimmed felt at was pushed but It
from his brow. Little curls of jetty black hair
fell carelessly over his temples. A pair of mus-
taches and imperial of the same hue adorned
his face. His eyes were large and lustrous.
just now filled with a strange lightthat match (I
the mocking smile which curled his lip until his

1Wth teeth were dimly visible.

Had the other spy not been so deeply inter-.
ested in the words of those in the room brL w
him, he could hardly have avoided noticing fl 0
man just described. Luckily for himself, lie
own position was shaded thoroughly by the
huge old tree, and his form blended with the
chimney-top. For the man who was now look-
ing in that direction, who had also been playing
ipy on the cavesdropper was none other than

rank Kruger, whom
his aid when Howard Glenn fell to the ground
in a fit at hearing his long-buried name spokcn

little band of outlaws.
With a short, mocking laugh that could reach
no ears save his own, Frank Kruger turned l’rom

passed behind them.

perfectly familiar with the way, and stooping
low, pressed on through a narrow, tunnel—like
passage in the rock.

dim light ahead became visible. Rounding a
short curve in the tunnel, Kruger emerged into
a spacious chamber. clearly the work of nature.
Here the outlaws were congregated, eating and
drinking as they layrsprawlcd at case 11 n
blankets and buffalo-robes. Chairs and ta lcs‘
there were none. The place looked ‘bleak and

fireplace, and the two foulasmelling grease-
to render darkness visible, as it were.

this part of the outlaw’s life. I
As Kruger’s footsteps rung upon the rocky
floor, all eyes were turned in his direction wiI

ers offered to arise.

“Mebbe you kiu settle it, Frank,” uttered
grizzled old Rubber. “Some thinks the job ’11
pa amoot big, others little. What’s your opin—
ion

“I know nothing whatever about it, boys.
The captain has kept a. close mouth. Ionly

blc on a fair divide.
here was nothing in these words that the

ject to, yet Rubber seemed to utter the senti-
ment of all when he replied: I
“ Thar’s got to be a fa’r divide!

only sufferers!” , <
‘ Careful, old man. Thirl what you plow-n.
but don’t talk too loud or plain. Remember, I

 

am bound to report any mutinous expressionsl

Wilbur Mason called to'

—Frank Kruger, the trusted lieutenant of the -

the lone hut, and reaching the screen of bushes,

lamps, the smoky glare from which but served .

Clearly there was not much romance about -

hope there’ll be enough to pay us for our trou—_

All was darkness the most intense, but he Wad ‘

This soon expanded, and after a few steps, a’ L

cheerless, despite the crackling fire in a natural  '

some little curiosity, though none of their own-  I

kecnest partisan of the outlaw chief could ob- " i

If he tries 
any skin game. boss or no boss, we won't be the :

 
 

 

 

«‘aiasst-fir‘“ ~ f” < ' " 

 

ysu par.
de ivel; to the girl, and will wait here until you
. . come back. Not that there’s any particular

 “A

r him the word, quickly cut his bonds.

'. and in ad
‘ a loaded revolver which she know well how to

‘ and tear him limb
“from the lips of his fair mistress.

 

‘ 18 4 baht: Lance

, wwflmwuvnu_ma¢w a

and His Pat-d. ‘ .

 

For this once I’ll let it pass.

may overhear.
I bring a message

Where did you put the girl?

from the ca tain.”
Considers 1 taken aback by the unusual

sternnoss wit which Kruger spoke, the old

robber replied:

' “ In yonder, 0’ course. Nigger’s thar too.”
Kruger turned away without speaking, leav—

ing the rock chamber by a passage similar to

' the one leading to the outer air. Ahead of him,

at no great distance shone a feeble light, and by
this he could see that two armed men guarded
the little cell in which the captives were con-

ed.

“Halt tharl” uttered a deep, threatening
voice ashe drew near. “Who comes? Spit it
out, or down you 0!”

“ A fellow nee s to get 112) early to catch you
us ing, Lambert,” said ruger with a soft.
me ow laugh. “And you too, Ikeeble. Good
boys, both; but I’ll relieve you long enough for
I have a message from the captain to

need of any guard, as far as I see.”

Such seemed to be the opinion of the two
guards, who, thoroughly deceived by the oil'-
and manner of the (young lieutenant, ladl
resigned their posts an hastened away tofiireal:

their fast.

Frank Kruger entered the stone chamber, but
paused abruptly, one hand instinctively grasp-
m a revolver butt.

ercules had been securely bound when

\ I firmed in the cell, but Sibyl, after first warning

m to be cautious and not stir unless she gave
Whether
by oversiglht or not, she had not been disarmed,

ition to a serviceable dagger carried

use.

She overheard the conversation between
Kruver and the two guards, and at a motion of
her and, the giant negro was upon his feet,
read to do battle in her behalf.

“ come as a friend, lady,” hastily uttered

' Kruger, as he saw the negro, every muscle

strained, crouching?r in readiness to leap upon
rom limb at a single word

“Keep your distance and you are safe

 enough," cried Sibyl, sternly, all her native
” spirit returning now that actual peril threatened

her. “ You can be no friend of mine. I recog-
nize your face. You were one of those who
brm§ht us here.”

“ et still 1 am your friend, whether you are

willin to acknowledge it or not," quietly re—
turn Kruger. “ You find me among rascals,
but not of them. In one word, I can assure you

that I am here now to serve you—you and my
friend Lancelot Daintreei”

A faint cry escaped Sibyl’s lips at the utter-
ance of that name —the name of one whom she

. had long mourned as dead. Kruger raised one

hand in warning. Hercules glanced doubtingly
fro n one to the other his suspicions clearly
a vw'cevmd by that forbidden name.

Khmer saw that he had made a mistake, and
ha :tviod to correct it.

“ {low I learned it, does not matter now, but

 

I know that you have seen my friend Dainty
Lance since I have, and can tell me much con-
cerning him. Please direct your black friend to
act as guard here, so that we can converse with-
out being overheard.”

Sibyl obeyed, her brain sadly bewildered.
The glad hope inspired by the first mention of
Dainty Lance was crushed by the second, and
yet there was something encouraging in the
manner of this stranger.

Slowly and doubtingly Hercules obeyed.

“I am sorry ou forced me to utter my
friend’s name, la y,” said Kruger softly, as he
drew Sibyl away from the entrance as far as
possible. “Lance told me the big fellow could
not be trusted to act against his master-”

“Then you have seen him—he is alive?”
gasped the maiden, almost suffocating with
strong emotion.

“I saw him last about a month ago, but I
have heard from him several times since. Be
brave, ladyl” he added, hurriedly, ntly sup-
porting the emotion—shaken girl w1t his arm.
“Time is ver precious now. If the dawn of
another day nds you here. no earthly power
can save you from a fate infinitely worse than
death!"

There was an intense eagerness in his tones
that plainly told he deemed the present emer-
gency a truly critical one, and with an heroic
effort Sibyl choked down her emotion. Yet so
often of late had she been dealt treacheroust
with, that there was doubt min led with the
eagerness in her eyes as she ga steadily into
the face of this stranger who appeared to feel
such a strong interest in her welfare.

“I see you still doubt me, lady,” said Kruger.
a slight trace of sorrowinhis soft tones. “I
do not complain—I do not even regret your
prudence, were it not for the loss 0 ]precious
time which a full explanation will entai .”

“ Such doubt is only common prudence, and
if you are an honest man, you will not take
offense,” said the maiden more coldly. “Re-
member what has . I saw on amon
those men who brought us here—so f—confesseg
thieves and outlaws. I heard the chief address
you as one in whom he placed full confldenoe-
so too the men whom you just now relieved
from guarding me."

“ Circumstances are against me, I admit,"
frankly responded Kruger, “but I trust there
will be time for me to convince you that I am
What I claim—an officer of justice, just at pre-
sent engaged by and working for a good friend
to us both—Lancelot Daintree.”

“ I saw him lying dead at my feet—”

“You saw him fainting from great loss of
blood, there in the Plain Cree country. He
was not dead. He recovered and trailed you
across the desert to the mines. He met me,
and we renewed the old friendship. I am a de-
tective by profession. out herein nest of a. no-
torious criminal. Knowing this, nee told me
his whole story—how you were torn apart by
your father justas the 01d riest was on the
point of marrying you tw — ow he had worn
to find you or spend his entire life in the search
——nnd I pledged myself to assist him as fares
lay in my power.

 

“He had no clew when we separated. I

 

 

1”. “M “ith'ii{*15"‘k’em51ddimsnE-Li‘  ‘ “N ‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1':
1;

(K.



Dainty Lance and Hi: Paul.

 

18.

 

joined this band, pretending to be as bad as the
worst because, sooner or later, I knew we
would come in contact with the man I was hunt-
ing down. Ever since I have been on the look-
out for some trace of you, but only found it to-
day. With more than a. dozen armed men
against me, I could do nothing by force—cun-
ningI alone could serve you.
“ saw—and so must you—that there was
some strange bond between the captain and the
man you call your father—”
Sibyl uttered an exclamation of wonder at
this speech, but Kruger checked her with a
meaning glance toward Hercules, who stood
watching them suspiciously.
“ Be more guarded—the negro is more the
old man’s friend than yours. I repeat—the
man who calls himself your father. I eaves-
dropped him and the captain just before I came
here, and learned that much. His whole life
has been a. lie—you are not his child—note. drop
of his blood runs in your veins. Even if his
own lips had not confessed as much, I would
have suspected it for surely no father would
consent to so cruelly sacrifice his own daughter
to aconscienoeless rascal like the ca tain—”
“ What do on mean?” gasped Sy il, pressing
her hands to or temples.
“ I wish I had more time, so I could break
this dreadful knowledge to you more gradually,"
replied Kruger, his nee full of strong sym~
pathy for her evident suffering. “ But there is
not—you must escape from here tonight, or you
are forever lost!”
“ Tell me—I um stroxlilg—I can bear it new”
“ This man, Wilbur ason, is the step-son of
him whom you have known as your father,
whose real name is Howard Glenn. When you
were a child, he stole. you from your parents
whom he hated. Your loot killed your mother,
— whom he, Glenn, loved after an insane fashion.

Drink and baffled love drove him crazy—but
never mind that. When we have escaped I will
tell you all. Enough for the present that he
knows Dainty Lance is on his track—it was that
knowledge that made him leave so suddenly——
andhe has lodged himself to ‘ve you to his
ste n as is wife, rovided ilbur Mason
WW and kill Lance 0t Daintree.”

Sibyl sunk down upon the cold floor, sobbing
bitterly. Hercules, with an angry and threat—
ening growl, strode toward Kruger, who might
have fared badly, had not the maiden suddenly
arisen, and motioned the norm back.

“ I can hardly bring myself to believe the ter-
rible words you have uttered." she said, only
smothering her strong agitation by the utmost
exercise of her will. “ But there must be some
truth in it, else why did my—did he show such
dreadful agitation when that man called him
Howard Glenn?”

“I swear that I have told you nothing but
the truth,” said Kruger, earnestly. “Trust in
me, and I wiil take you away from here—will
place you in the arms of Dainty Lance before
another sun sets. But whatever is done must be
done quickly or not at all.” _

"You forget him.” whispered Sibyl. thh a
glance in the direction of suspicious Hercules,
whose. eyes never, left them for a moment.
“Dearly as he loves me, he would never desert

 

my—his master: nor would he suffer me to go
without him.” l
“ He must be silenced, then!" muttered Kru—

er.

g “No-not that—I would abandon all hope of!
escape rather than seas him injured, much less
killed I” cried Sibyl.

Kruger shrugged his shoulders with a little
lau h.

“gYou mistake me, lady. A pistol-shot would
alarm the whole gang, and though I don’t think
I am much of a coward, I confess I wouldn’t
care to tackle the man with only a knife.

“No, by ‘silenced,’ Imeant drugged. Luckily .

I have the means about me—a fl of whisky
and opium enough to ut him to sleep for a fc w
hours. If you can on 7'y induce him to take it—
do you think you can.

“ Are on sure—1’” and Sibyl looked into Lia
eyes keen y.

“ On my honor there is not enough to harm
him," said Kru er, answering her unspoken
thought. “It w11 only make him sleep for a
few hours. But will he take it!”

“From my hand, yes."

“ Careful then—don’t let him see you take it
from my hands. Putin the opium and induce
him to empty the bottle as soon as possible. He
will feel the effects of the drug almost imme-
diately. As soon as he sleeps, come to the en—
trance yonder and cough twice, not too loud;
Be sure will hear you, and come at once." '

Sibyl concealed the flask and drug in afold  l

of her dress, then Kruger bade her good-night
in a tone loud enough for Hercules to hear,
adding:

“ I will give him your answer, lady. Rest as
easy as you can. No one shall disturb you
again to-night.”

Brushing past the giant negro, who looked as.
though he would dearly like to grasp and crush
him in his mighty arms, Kruger returned to the
outer chamber, where he found the outlaws
em
on is way to the stone cell.

The two guards looked up as he passed by
them, as if expecting tobe sent back to their
posts, but as the lieutenant said nothi , they
did the same, content to let well enough Ifiche.

Kru er assed outside, and glanced toward
the ca in; the red rays still streamed through
the cracks in the door, as though the two con-
spirators were yet engaged in conversation, but
he made no move in that direction.

For several minutes he remained gazing list— _

lessly around him, but then came a sudden
change over the beautiful stillness of the moon-
light night.

He heard a crashing sound come from the
direction of the cabin. and as his eyes turned
thither, he saw a sudden light stream upward,
as though a portion of the roof had been re—

moved, followed by loud cries of astonishment -

and alarm. A moment’s silence followed, then
came the loud voice of Captain Mason, sounding
thgdllm' th ht nge 1 ped to h
wi as oug, rec in to
bushes, just as the road-agents began rushing
forth from the cavern. V
' The an ry voice of Mason still came from the
cabin, an the outlawe flocked toward that spot.

loyed much as when he had passed through/ .

 

 

e. ,

 
  

 

- _. Horaton to throw of! his assailant.

 

Dainty Lance and Hi. Paul.

 

As they did so, Kruger entered the cave,
greatly excited.

" It’s now or neverl" lie muttered, whipping
forth a revolver. “If the nigger is not asleep

r yet, so much the worse for him! I’ll not be

foiled at this stage of the game——”

He said no more, for at that moment he heard
two coughs, the signal agreed upon with Sibyl
that Hercules sleptl

 

CHAPTER VI.
AN ATROCIOUS CRIME.

CRASH through the rotten roof and down into
the little room plunged the unlucky spy, striking
upon one comer of the rude table, then toppling
over upon the floor, bewildered and confused,
half-stunned by the shock and surpri ”

In amazement the two conspirators stared at
the human apparition, but the wits of men who
carry their lives in their hands are active, and
as the fallen spy began to struggle, Wilbur
Mason darted around the table and [lung him—
soli’ upon him.

“ Lend a hand, old man!” he snarled, as, p'Ir-
tially recovered from his paralyzing contact
With the table, the spy began to struggle des-
“ The devil
if he escapes, we are both

 

as heard all;
rui-iedl”
Until this appeal the Mad Hermit had stood

’ like one suddenly transformed into stone, but as

he realized the peril threatening them, he hast-
ened to the assistance of his site Him. His
hands were still bound behind him, )ut watch-
}ng his chance, he threw his weight upon the

, ower limbs of the spy, thus hampering his
movements so effectually that Mason freed one
arm and then dashed his tight—clinched fist
avainht thetcmple of the spy with all the force
a his command. -

No need for that blowtobe repeated. With
a faint roan the limbs of the s y relaxed, and
he lay ll 6 one dead as Wilbur h‘l’ason sprung to
his feet, crying:

“ Outside and look around—there ma be
more of! the daring devils about!” an he
sounded the signal-cry that told his men their
aid was used . bringing them on a run from
the cavern. woa ons drawn and ready.

‘ “ Scatter and nut close!” he shouted, leaping
worms the threshold and glaring fiercely around.
“ Kill or ca ture any one you find afoot, unless

.‘thgylssing t a note of the family—lively, ye
do l"

Actively the outlaws scattered, eager to find
a victim on whom to flesh their weapons, and
Mason would have joined them, only for a curi-
ous sound from within the cabin.

Remembering that the audacious spy was un—
bound, while oward Glenn’s arms were pin-

. ioned behind him, the outlaw chief hastily re-

,entered the cabin.

‘ He saw Howard Glenn, pale as a ghost, with
half-averted face undutrembling frame, staring

‘V at the upturned face of the young spy who was
list beginning to recover his senses. e rough-
v rasped the Mad Hermit by the shoulder,
aha Enhim contain uousl , as he cried;

r “ tareyon do,oldmani"

 

Even as he uttered these words his eyes fol-
lowed the direction of the hermit’s gaze, and an
oath escaped him.

“ Harry Ballau, by the Eternal!”

“I’I’mncelot Daintree—come back to haunt
me

Simultaneously the two names were uttered,
and with such deep emphasis that the anim-
ment of each was counteracted by that of the
other.

“ The fellow will escape us while we are won-
dering," exclaimed Wilbur Mason, his keen eye
detecting the hand of the half-conscious spy

roping at his belt for a weapon. “ Fetch yon—

er rope," he added, freein the Mad Hermit’s
arms with a single slash 0 his knife, and nod-
ding toward the further corner of the room.

Stooping, he unbuckled the belt of the spy,
threatening him with his long knifetoinsure
quiescence. Then unceremoniously rolling him
over upon his face be bound him hand an foot
with the lasso pr uced b Glenn.

“ Now we‘ll see who an what he is,” chuckled
the outlaw, grimly, dragging his captive over
the floor and propping him against the wall in a
sitting posture. ‘ Bring the light, old man.
Curse it! have you got the ague?"he snarled,
angrily, as a few drops of burnin grease fell
11 n is hands from the lamp t iat trembled
Violently in the grasp of the Mad Hermit.

“It is ho—Lancelot Daintreel” huskil whis-

red the hermit, powerfully agitated. ‘ Twice
ave I gazed upon him dead—this is the third
time, am now ’twill be my turnl”

Wilbur Mason laughed mockingly.

“Bah! your brain is softening. old man, and
you see specters where there is solid flesh and
blood. You mistake one for the other—this fol-
low is Harry Balloul”

“A lie!" cried the hermit, fiercely, his deep.
set eyes aglow. “ Do on think I can ever forget
him—his face so like t at of Pierce Ballou when
I called him my dearest friend? Millions of
curses forever rest on his head 1”

Despite the fact of his being armed to the
teeth, while the Mad Hermit had naught save
his naked hands, Wilbur Mason shrunk from
before that burning gaze.

“ Never mind; you may be right and I wrong.
Anyhow, there is no need of our ulling hau-
over it, when the matter can so easi y be settled
by asking him his name.”

During this stran e altercation the young up -
had quite recover his senses, and now had all
his Wits about him. He remembered all that he
had heard from his place of espial and from
that shaped his conduct. ‘

“Who are you, anyhow?” roughly demanded
Mason, touching him with the toe of his boot.
“What is your name——Harry Ballou, of Gigg-
ton, Missouri. or Lancelot Daintree, from a
devil knows where?” ' _

“ Take your choice; I’m not particular," was
the cool response.

“You are Dainty Lance—twice have I slain
you—twice have I seen you dead—yet still you
livel” said the hermit, hoarsely, touching the
young man’s face with the tip of his finger, then
startingh back with a convulsive shudder, as
thou h 8 had touched a. corpse.

“ ery Well,” wasthe easy response. “ Dainty

n

   
  
    
  
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
    
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
   
  
    
   
   
   
  
   
    
   
 

 

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Dainty Lance and His Para.

is

 

Lance I am, if you prefer that name. Any-
thing: to lease the children i”
" You ie, curse on!" cried Mason, in a rage.
“ You are Harry allou. son of Pierce Ballou l”
“ Now come: what‘s the use in getting up on
your ear about such a trifling matter?” placidly
uttered the prisoner. “Dont I say that I am

, perfectly willing to satisfy you both? When he

speaks, I am Dainty Lance. When you address
inc, I am Harry Bullou. Can mortal politeness
go any further?"

Despite his anger, Wilbur Mason burst into a
hvarty laugh, and the eyes of the captive bright-
ened, for he believed his object was at least
portly gained. But the next words of the out—

aW chief quickly undcceivcd him.

“ After all, us you say, what matter? Be you
Dainty Lance or llurl'y Ballou, you are worth
more to us dead than alive!”

“ You cannot kill him—the fates have said it!"
muttered the Mud Hermit gloomily, sinking upon
a. stool beside the table. ‘ He is the avenger—
I see the face of his murdered mother floating
before him—and I feel her icy finger touching
my heart! It is spoken] He will live and we
shall die-die by his hand!"

“ Prophesy for yourself, old fool—I'll none of
it!” sneered Mason.

“ You never knew a more accommodating
fellow than I am,” said the prisoner, easily. “ If
it is my name—or either of them—that you ob~
jcct to, I am ready to don another.”

“ Enough of this nonsense,” cried Mason,
stemly. “ Playing the bnifoon will not save
your hide, young fellow. Be you Dainty Lance,
Harry Ballou or the devil, you have heard too
much to live long.”

“ Bet you a hutful of dust that I live to see
you pull hemp, anyhow!” recklessly cried the
prisoner.

“ Possibly; but if so, you will be at the wrong
end of the rope,” sneered the road~agent. “ Yet
there ma be a chance for your life, if you are
sensible,’ he added, his tone changing. “ You
did not come here alone. Who and where are
your allies?”

A mocking laugh wasthe only response. The
pretense was too shallow. The spy knew that
his death was resolved upon, and though a cold
chill crept around his heart as he thought of the
one fair woman whose life was bound up in his,
naught save scornful defiance was suffered to
come into his face or voice.

“ Count your men when they come back, Sir
Robber—then go and repeat your question to
the dead curs that will never a sin bay honest
travelers. But keep a wary ookout, or you
may chance to meet men—and then there will
be an election for a fresh leader in your gang of
cut-throats!"

What answer Wilbur Mason might have
made to this bitter taunt, can only be surmised,
for at that juncture, there came the sound of

‘ trampling feet without, and the outlaw chief

sprungtothe door just as his men came up,
em tv—handed, as a single glance told him.

‘ We never see’d hide nur ha’r of nobody,
cep’n,” said old Rubber, acting as spokesman.
for his mates. “Thar couldut’a’ hin nobody
else around, or the moonlight would ’a’ showed
on: to us, sure.” ’

 

Wilbur Mason saw this much for himself.
The full moon flooded the hill and valley with
a silvery light, clear almost as the noonday sun.

“Very well; if you are satisfied, I am, since
you risk uitc as much by the escape of a spy as
myself. fortunately captured one—it may be
he was alone.”

Briefly he detailed the manner in which the
prisoner had fallen into his hands, addi :

“ He keeps a close tongue between his teeth,
but I believe he is a sort of amateur detective,
sent here to s y out our secrets. He must have
followed us rom where we took the wagon,

and if so, he has ferretcd out the secret of the ,

den.”

“ Better you had 'ven him the knife, ’stend
o7 takin’ him pris’ner, ’ owled old Rubber.

“ If I made a mista o, it is one easily recti-
fied,” responded the outlaw chief, with a. cruel
lau b.
He .
treat is—and if set free, no doubt' would hasten
back as guide to M01 an’s Rough-rider's, who
would almost as soon c can us out as to pick up
J oaquin."

“ He mustn’t go free—that’s flat!” growled
Rubber.

“ Just as the majority decides,” laughed Ma-
son. “ My voice is that only or one man,
no louder than any one of yours. Give your de-
cision—life or death?”

“ Death 1” uttered every man in chorus.

The word smote upon the ears of the ca tire
within, but the only evidencs he ave of ear-
ing it was in a gray shade that as tied over his
face. Otherwise not a muscle maved.

“ You have said it!” cried the outlaw chief
his eyes aglow with a ferocious joy. " Some 0!

you bring the fellow out. Take him to the lean-f

in cedar over yonder. " -
e prisoner was lifted from the floor and.
home along the shelf for several hundred yards

to a. point where a cedar tree, nearly a foot in x ' 

diameter, grew almost horizontally out over the
dizzy abyss.
At this

dicular for full two hundred feet. At t e

of the cliff lay nge rocks and t-owldm which“,

had from time to time fallen there from the hill,
loosened by the action of the elements.

Mason soon came up, hearing a stout raw-hide
lasso.
the tree—trunk, reachin
crouched down and ti
firmly
back to the cliff to

Mason retraced

the
one end of the‘ rope

his steps and bent over the

prostrate form of the doomed spy? slipping the; "

noose of the lasso over his feet an then taking
several turns of the rope around his ankles.

“The fellow is in yonder, a prisoner. "
nows what we are—where our snug ro-

point the descent was almost - “

Smiling cruelly. he stepggg lightly dual): . '
g , w ere

to the tree, then flung the noose end I

“Scatter now and collect fuel enough to'

make a fire," he cried, as the ropewu
ad 'usted to his satisfaction.

is order was promptly obe ed, and 

his ruflians were thus occupied, ason ad

his prisoner. ‘

“It is not yet toolate, youngrtellow. Ten" ’
are. be old man,
you are Lancelot Daintree—I am  .

me who and what you
swears
as positive you are
right?"

E‘s

 

 
  



   

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'18 Dainty Lance and His Pard.

 

'1'...

«Wu -‘

Not a. sound came from the tightly closed lips
of the spa; He knew that this was a false hope
held out him, and as the only ficssible reven e,
he would die with his lips s
enemy in doubt to the last.

“ Better speak I" hurriedly muttered Mason,
his eyes glowing viciously. “ It will be a hor-
rible doom-you will see death stealing upon
you. Quick! your name—too late now!”

The outlaws returned bearing armfuls of dry
fuel which they cast down at the root of the
H, cedar tree.

:T! Wilbur Mason arose, his face that of a verita-
 ble fiend.

-: “ Start a fire, somebody, and pile the wood
uplon the trunk of the tree. We are honest men,
w 0 would scorn to imbrue our hands in human
blood. We will not even gut an encmly out of
the way by hanging—for t at reason fasten
the noose aroun his ankles. If the rope breaks,
or the fire eats through the trunk of the tree be-
fore the stubborn fool makes confession who
can blame us or lay his death at our doori‘;

A ferocious cheer burst from the li of the
rufianly crew as they divined the iabolical
torture devised by their chief.

The helpless youth was dra god to the ed e of
the cliif and pushed over. 9 tree-top 5 00k
and uivered, beneath the shock, while the
crack ng fire at its base burned up brighter
than ever!

 CHAPTER v11.
4 FROM BAD T0 WORSE.

Nam more welcome sounds ever came to
mortal ear than that little cough twice repeated
as Frank Kruger was hastening along the nar-
‘ raw passage, his pistol drawn in readiness to
Iilence the at negro had all else failed.

, “ka eaven you have succeeded 1” he ex—
' claimed, as he entered the stone cell and beheld

‘Herculee lyiig in one corner, breathing heavily

. from the e ects of the powerfully drugged
liquor. “ Come! asingle moment lost now may
mean your ruin and my death I”

For the first time Sibyl felt a doubt that all
was not right. Perhafllscit was the burning fire
that flashed in the b k e es of Kruger. Be
that as it ma she wonder why this stranger
should risk is own life on the rail chance of

her from peril—one whom he had never
laid eyes on before that day.

“Because you are the friend of my friend,”
he breathed, hurriedly. seemin ly with the
; point to read her inmost though “ Because

. on are doomed to a fate worse than words can

{all union on swag from here, and that ri ht

. lpeedyi’ly. f you

ever
’ >Wfth intense earnestness he spoke, his hand
elosi upon the maiden’s arm as though he
won force her to hear him company in his
y flight' but this exercise of power was not
needed. That 8111131011 to Dainty Lance -to the
loved one for whose ill-timed death her eyes had
daily shed bitter tears of'heart breaking grief——
' nered her doubts, if doubts such vague,
~ I wy thou hts could be called and she
“  to the land, true or false, that Provi-
seemed to have raised up for her.

ut, leaving is

.; A a;  1.2

39.111 «was»: x

 

ter now, you are lost or-

 

“ Thanks!” murmured Kruger, softly. “ You
shall never” have cause to regret the trust you

are Elgcing in me.”

“ ad on—delay may be dangerous,” mur-
mured Sibyl, casting one lingering g1 anco at the
recumbent form of the giant negro.

Kruger blew out the dim light, then grasped
her hand.

“Now, lady, be bold. I well know the way,
and can follow it in the dark. Trust all to me.”

In silence Sibfyl followed him through the in-
tense darkness, or the course he took was not
that leading back to the large cavern. Instead.
he proceeded only a few yards in that direction,
then facing to the left, raised the maiden in his
arms above his head, resting her feet upon a
l e of rock.

‘ Careful, lady!” he cautioned. “Steady your-
self By the point of rock close to your left hand
—so

As he spoke he rung nimbly up beside her,
and once more c ping her wrist pressed on
through the intense, almost palpab e darkness,
as readily as though the way had been illumined
by the full power of the noonday sun.

Thus the proceeded for, what seemed to the
overwroug t senses of Sibyl, an immense dis-
tance before Kruger again came to a halt.

“ We are only a few steps now from the outer
world, lady,” he said, his lips bending close to
her ear as he breathed the words uardedly.
“ It is barely possible that there may be a guard
placed at the entrance, thou h that is not cus-
tomary. You will not be a raid to wait here
alone for a few moments?”

“ No; but avoid bloodshed if possible."

“ I have sworn to set {on at liberty, lady—to
place you in the arms 0 one who loves on s-
sionately—and I will keep that oath t oug I
have to pm over the bodies of a dozen men!”

There was an intensity in his tones that al-
most frightened Sibyl, and once more these
vague doubts came back to torture her. After
all, what proof had she that this stran er would
not prove an even worse enemy than t ose from
whom he was aiding her to flee? V

Mechanically her hand sought her weapons
and as her fingers closed ugon the lished butt
of her faithful revolver, lbyl fet that, in a
measure, she carried her future in her own
hand. And at this came a revulsion. She
realized the full extent of her injustice to the
man who was gallantly risking his life for the
sake of freeing her from the power of unscru-
pulous enemies. It was a sin to doubt his mo-
ives.

At this juncture Frank Kruger returned, to
receive a far more cordial hand clasp than
would have been his had he come one minute
earlier.

“The coast is clear I am happytosay,"he
whispered, while his fingers returned the pres-
sure of the little hand. But I must warn you
to be prudent, and not allow your surprise to
break forth in words above a whisper. You
can be brave—you can see, and yet not cry
aloud?”

Wondering at the poorly-concealed anxiety
in his tones, since he declared the coast was
clear for their flight, Bibyl declared that her
feelings were under good control.

‘

    
      
   
  
  
      
    
   
  
   
    
     
  
    
  
   
    
   
 
    
     
   
  
   
   

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dainty Lance and His fund. 1'?

 

L

‘i Come, then,” he added, briefly, drawing her
after him.

Inafew moments th reached a screen of

vineclad bushes, much same as that which
concealed the main entrance to the cave. Partr
ing this, Kruger bade Sibyl look forth, and she
obeyed.
Despite the warning she had received, a low
cry of wonder burst from the maiden’s lips,
checked midway by the de ective slipping his
palm over her mouth.

“ Remember!” he uttered, wamingly. “The
distance is not so great but that a single word
may draw the bloodhouuds upon us.”

“M father—«he is there, and at liberty!”
gas Sibyl, freeing her lips, and gazing al-
most fearfully into the dark face of her com-
panion. “ You are deceiving me!”

“Pray tell me how, lady ” softly returned
Kruger, a cold smile curling his 11 as he stood
with arms folded across his broad c est. “ Look
a sin, and tell me what you see?‘?

echanically Sibyl turned her gaze as di-
rooted.

Not far away , and only a few yards below
their present level, was spread a Wild, peculiar
scene.

A group of ruffianly-looking men were gath-
ered in a half-circle before the glowing fire.
Among those men Sibyl recognized the Mad

_ Hermit by his long beard and floating hair. the

snow white now givena ghastly blood—tin e
by t 9 red flames. She also distinguishedt e
outlaw chief—and at his feet lay a bound form,
the figure of a man, but whether living or dead,
she could only surmise.

Even as she gazed, ‘she saw the outlaw leader
cruelly Spurn the helpless form over the edge of
the chfl‘ with his foot, and heard the loud, devil-
ish laughter which greeted the inhuman action.

“ From that you can judg: the nature of the
bridegroom selected tor you,
in a cold, hard tone. “ You or poor wretch
was alive, a harmless miner whom those devils
in human shape captured as he was innocently

respecting for gold. They choose to consider
him a spylu n them, and you see the result."

Sibyl s u dered with horror.

“ And there stands the man you have been
tau ht to call father, a quiet spectator.”

“ trough—take me away,” gasped Sibyl,
trembling like a leaf tossed by the storm.

“I dare not until you have recovered your
self-control. A single false step would be fatal.
Corn yourself— _

“ nth—see!” and Sibyl held out her hand.

Exerting the full force of her remarkable
will, she steadied her nerves at once. Kru er
saw this, and in a hurried whisper bade her 01-
low him closely and carefully imitate his ac—
tions. v

Crouchin low down, he glided along the nar-
row shell.I ike some bodiless phantom of the
night. Close behind him pressed Sibyl, display-
ing an equal degree of skill and caution. And
one minute later they arose, the fire concealed
from view.

“ So far, nothing could be better,” exclaimed
Krugeré laughing shortly. “ A glorious begin-

‘ ning—i we can only keep on as well. There isa

hard night’s work before us, lady, I am sorry to

d ,” said Kruger,‘

 

say, for your sake. It cannot be long before
our flight is discovered, and then those human
bloodhounds will be on our trail Lotloot.”

“ I place my dependence wholly on you, sir,"
responded the maiden. “Whatever you think
best, I agree to without demur. Only~we are
losing precious time by lingering here'.”

“ I was only hesitating in douhtas to whether
you could endure the tell and fatigue—,”

“ I have wondered throu h worse hills than
these from dawn until dar without thinking
of fatigue, simply for pleasure. Su I can do
the same and more to escape the terr doom
you ictured."

“ cod 1” exclaimed Kruger, Lis eyes kindling.
“I see my friend Lance did not exaggerate ,,
when he said—" '

“You know where he is? You will take meto'

him?” interposed the maiden, her voice trun-
bling with stron emotion.

“ Yes, you she as him to-morrow, provided L
Mason and his rascals do not overtake us he- ‘

fore.”

“ Then let us be moving."

In silence Frank Kruger turned and led the
way through the thick-lying rocks, Sibyl keep—
ing close up with nimble steps, more than once

as the hours passed by, urging him on to res "

newed s .

On through the night they fled, lighted by the
round moon, twisting and turning as impassable
barriers reared themselves before them, until,
versed as she was in mountain lore, Sihyl lost

all knowledge of their whereabouts or the direc— ,

tion in which lay the outlaws’ retreah But

Kruger led the way like one perfectly familiar ' I

with every rod of their surroundings, and the
growing joy in her heart would not let her
oubt even for a moment. '
It was Kruger who first roposed a halt for the
remainder of the night, dpeclaring that he was
too wearied to go further. ' ‘
“How you have home up is a marvel to me,
lady; you look so frail and delicate l” he dechred,
in a tone that sounded half-provoked.

“ You forget in mountain life and training,” 1

she responded Mi: 3 low laugh. “ I could keep

on for hours. yet, it necessa . But “you know  i 

best, and I submit to your ju gment.

“We are twenty miles from the cave, and L

safe enough from those rascals. We can

the place where I agreed to meet Lance by noon

to—morrow, so there is no need of haste now.

He’ll not be there before nightfall” . .
A brief search resulted in findin a sheltered

spot Where a small fire could be kin led without g

fear of its light betraying their presence, should

any enemy chance to be near, and in a few min .

utes Sibyl was reclining on a soft conch of pine
and cedar twigs, while Kru r uatted onthe
opgosite side of the fire, smo ing is pipe. _
ibyl would have preferred hearing mafia
about Dainty Lance, but Kruger told her talk-
ing would be dangerous. ’
‘In the night time, among these rocks, flu

sound of the human voice travels far, and though ._
icular fear that any of those ru- .

I have no
cals have fled us this far, it is barely ponihlo
that some of them ma’yhchance along. Bette
lie down and aloe . are is hard traveling
ahead of us yet, la y.” ~ ~ .

,.i .,

 
 

 
  

18 Dainty 1...... and His Pal-d.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
 
   
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  

Flibyl recognized the wisdom of this advice
and was. soon lost in slumber, not awaking unti
the day had fairly dawned.

The small fire was still burning, and beyond it
sat Frank Kruger, just as though he had not
altered his position through the night. Sibyl
was about to reproach him with being too so-
licitous for her welfare, when she encountered
his gaze, burning, filled with a strange lire.

She now noticed a great change in him. His
face was haggard and deepl lined. There was
an evil smile on his Ii 3, an his eyes were blood-
shot. An empty flas lay beside him. He had
been drinkin —was half-drunk nowl

Instinctive y her hand sou ht her weapons,
but they were gone! And a co d chill of terror
seized her heart as the man whom until now she
had believed her true friend, said:

“ I removed those playthings while you slept
my dear, for fear you would hurt yourself," an

’ as he he he touched the weapons, now in his
belt. ‘ Come, give me a good-morning kiss, pet,
and say you forgive me for feeling you l”

CHAPTER VIII.
HARDY ZEPH ON DECK.

“A Two—mum: team, driv' by a nigger—an’
seek a nigger! That’s what they said. An’ so I
‘ reckon I’ve struck the right trail at last. For i
don‘t b’lieve this yer’ world is big enough to hold
two sech niggers. ’

These sentences were disjointed. being uttered
With a less or greater pause after each one as
. the speaker casts searching glance around and

before him, or else bent low in the saddle to

read the faint sign on the stony trail he was fol-
lowing.

A short, massive-built frame, broad shoulders
and long, muscular arms; a weather-beaten
face on which was just sprouting the fuzzy
down that marks the intermediate stage separ-
ating the boy from the man. Robed from head
to foot in soft-smoked buckskin, daintin em-
‘broiiered with beads and split quills, brightly
stviined, while here and there were flowers and
vines wrought by a cunning and patient band

v in silk floss. Even his head-covering was made
of the same liable material, and fitting over
his long locks ikea second scalp.

' . Such was Zephaniah Hardy, “ Hardy Zeph,”
inthosa who knew him best, tough and rugged
as a pine knot, but carrying in his broad bosom
a heart of gold that never yet failed friend or
quailed before a mortal foe. Very different in
outward appearance from when be last fl tired
before the reader of the LIBRARY, than to
Netstraka, the Wolf Queen, who presed this
magnificent suit upon him as a token of sisterly
regard when she found herself unable to be-
stow upon him what alone she coveted~her—

sel .

v’l‘lie trail he was following was that made
., less than two hours before by the train which
 contained the Mad Hermit, Sibyl and Her-

cules. .

v He and Dainty Lance, after many adven-

" \ tumtprivations and narrowesca from death

by the way, had reached California, and at once

. ntheir search for the lost maiden whom
lance regarded as his wife.

Thinly settled as the country was at that date,

;

 

 

 

it was not long before they heard news of the
fugitives. Two such peculiar characters as the
Mad Hermit and the giant negro could not long
escape particular notice. and once seen were not
likely to be forgotten. But still more frequent
were the allusnons to the marvelously beautiful
ladry who bore them company.

hough it was easy to hear of the fugitives,
fate seemed to frown upon the boy trailers, and
a month passed before they fairly struck the
trail. Only to quickly lose it again, and then
they separated, arranging a rendezvous, to
increase their chances of finding those they

sotEJjght.
arly that morning, the same day with which
this stor opens, Hardy Zeph recovered the lost
trail. ome prospectors had met the wagon,
and from their description of the three inmates,
the young scout knew there could be no mis—
take. Steadin he had followed the trail, grad—
ually gaining upon the fugitives, until now he
was momently expecting to come upon their
camp for the shades of evening were settlin
rapidly over the valley through which the trai
woun .

Suddenly he drew rein as he reached a curve
in the narrow valley, his eyes fixed upon a
column of dark smoke that rose high into the

air.

“ They’s a fire under that smoke, but it don’t

look right! Hes the old man an’ the nigger both
one crazy that they raise sech a almighty sign-
d to tell everybody whar they are?"

With his suspicwns fully aroused, Hard Zeph
dismounted and concealed his sturdy littl¥a mus-
tang among a clump of bushes and high rocks,
then looking to the caps on his rifle and revol—
vers, stole cautiously toward the smoke.

A few minutes sufficed to carry him within
full view and then his suspicions were con-
firmed. The smoke arms from the ruins of the
wagon and its contents, fired by the order of the
road—agent chief as already detailed.

A true-born scout, Hardy Zeph completely
circled the spot, kgcdping carefully under cover
until he was assur that no living being save
himself was lurking in the vicinity. Then he
arose, and standing close to the fire stared fix-
edly into the glowing mass as though strivingto
read the mystery.

“ Thar’s the tires an' the other iron-work—a
wagon, sure enough, an’ bound to be the same
one I‘ve been follerin’ " he muttered, barely
above his breath. “ if so, an’ it was them,
whar is the little lad -bird?”

Turning aside and .nding low, Hardy Zeph
read the “ sign " thick scattered about. He saw
the little pool of blood that marked the spot
where the giant negro had fallen, and the frown
deepened on his brow.

“ They‘s been deviltry a-doin’, though that
blood ain’t eno h to dreen the veins of a baby
in arms. A w een 0’ men hev trampled the
ground, but yer’goes the mule tracks, side by
side, at a walk. hey went fast, so they must
’a’ bin rid by some one. The men followed
after. I cain’t make out the track 0’ Lady-bird
anywhar—but I reckon she ain’t hurt. Devils
fresh from hell couldn‘t find the heart to hurt
such an angel as she is!”

Hardy Zéph felt sure that those whom he

A.......m,



 

 

 

‘:vm"‘. .:

 

‘  ‘Ij‘r'J

/

Dainty Lance and'His Paris 19 '

 

sought had encountered a bnnd of road-agents,
and his.resolution was quickly taken. He would
lollow the trail to the end, and if the betrothed
of his heart-brother wns in peril, he would res-
cue her, or die in the atl‘rmpt.

Returning to where he had left his horse, he
Sl‘t the well-trained animul free, bidding it fol-
l<).'.' him. Then, with the knowing mustang at
llls heels he once more passed the fire and fol-
lowed the trail over the stony ground as rapidly
as the increasin gloom won (1 permit.

“ The trail is rcsh, an’ they cnin’t hcv traveled
much furder. I don’t think,” he muttered, turn-
ing into the Side pass and gliding on.

But the gloom in the valley grew deeper, and
ere long he found it impossible to distinguish the
trail, the soil was so stony and barren of aught
to retain footprints.

For a While longer he kept on, but then paused
as he came to a point where there was a choice
of half a dozen trails. .Tn vain he sought for
something to show him which one of these had
been taken by the road-agents.

“ It’s p’iwen luck 2" he muttered, in disgust, as
he abandoned the effort. “ They may be almost
within reach 0’ my hand, yit I’ve got to lose the
hull night—and inebbe the only chaince of git-
tin’ the lady-bird free—blame it all!”

The thought was a bitter one, and Hardy
Z ‘ph felt sour and gloomy enough as he opened
his saddle-bags and began to munch some hard
dried meat.

The mustang found a spot where grew some
palatable bushes and scanty grass wher upon he
fell to work much better satisfied with the situa-
tion than was his master.

Exercising his jaws also seemed to sharpen
Hardy Zeph’s wits. for an idea struck him which
he at once set about carrying out.

He knew that it must have been nearly dark
when the party passed this point. Surely they
would not journey much further before going
into camp? And in hopes of catching sight of
their camp—fire, be resolved to explore each one
of the trails for a certain distance; leaving his
horse tethered at the point from which they di—
ycrged to guard against his losing his reckon-

mg.

Two of the openings be explored, only to find
them each ending in “no thoroughfare," but at
the third attempt he hit upon the right one,
starting along it at the precise moment that
the young spy was precipitated through the
rotten root into the hands of those he was eaves-
dropping.

Tie moon was shinin bright] now, but its
home: had not at reac ed the ttom of the
valley, and Hart y Zeph was forced to grope his
wav through the shadows. Much time had
boon consumed in his former explorations, but
the boy trailer felt amply replid for all the
pains he had taken when he saw, at no great dis-
tance in advance, a red glow that was momeutly
growing larger.

This star-like point of light was high above
the level of the valley, seemingly suspended in
mid-air, but as Hardy Zeph glided on. he saw
that it was kindled on the edge of a high clifl’.
He could distinguish a number of human forms
—and then an involuntary exclamation of hor-
ror parted his lips. ‘

 

 

That fire was the one kindled b order of Wil-
bur Mason,‘and Hardy Zcph be 1d the bound
form of the young spy hurled over the dizzy
depths by the brutal outlaw—saw the body
checked y the lasso around its feet, and, then
swing helplessly to and fro, bead downward,
greeted by the devilish laughterand coarse jeers
of those fiends in human shape.

Instinctively the boy trailer’s rifle was flung
forward, the double sights bearing full upon the
broad breast of \Vilbur Mason, who never stood
nearer death’s door than at that moment. at
then, though his finger fairly itched to ress he
trigger, Hardy Zeph lowered his ri e undis-
charged.

“ I’d do it of I wasn’t on duty,” he mut
hoai'sely, wiping away the cold sweat that ha
sprung out upon his forehead at the horrible
sight. “But one shot an' one man cain’t save
that poor devil. I’d only set ’em hotfoot after
me, an’ then who’d look out fer the little lady-
bird? Ef Dainty Lance only knowed—”

He ceased speaking as a truly horrible thought
struck him. It was possible that Dainty Lance
did know—that he also had struck the trail-—
and that yonder helpless wretch, dead or alive.

hanging to the tree whose trunk was slowly but _

surely bein eaten away by the flames, was none
other than is heart—brother!

It was a fearful thought, somewhat far
(etched and with but little probability of being
founded on fact, but it came to HardyZe

like a revelation. From that moment be firm i _

believed the swaying figure which he saw on

lined against those red flames was indeed hisv v l. '

chum, Lancelot Daintree.
“I’ll save him, or we’ll die

m~ w
. r .. V y ‘ _ a. m»....._v.m.. ._....»....,

etherl” came i' " "

gratineg through the lad’s tight 0 inched teeth, .. V.

as he glared around him in search of a path by
which he might reach the level above.

He ran hastily down the valley to where the,

ascent seemed less abrupt, and almost came in
contact with his mustang which had leisurely
followed him until now unsuspected.

Instanth liardy Zeph became cool and 601- l

lected and snatching the lasso from the poms
mel oiz his saddle, he slung it over his shoulder-
nnd began clambering up the steep hillside, in a

few moments striking the winding trail used by,

the road~agents. V
Reaching the level, he ran along it, keeping
us well covered as possible without '

speed. His only idea was to get within short}

range of the outlaws, so that every shot w
tell its tale then 0 11 fire, hopiu an unex-
pected attack of suc desperate us. me would

cow the enemy and drive them to cover long~

enough for him to rescue the hanging man.
'As Hardy Zeph drew near the point where

lay the hidden entrance to the cavernhlmsaw, » I,

a tall figure burst through the leafy screen,
and run with great bounds toward the fire,
shouting loudly in agonized tones. Instinc-

tively be crouched down under cover, believing ' ,
he had been discovered, for he at once 

nized the man. Few who had ever seen
Mad Hermit could have mistaken him (oran-
other—for that flying figure was that of Howud
Glenn. ,

As no other form followed, Hard Zeph gross, ‘ ' l
gabln. It,

and ran swiftly toward thd lone . he

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
 
   

 

£6  Dainty fiance and His Pun-d;

 

had been discovered, the enemy would natur-
ally look for him near the spot where he had
: been when the Mad Hermit emerged from cover,
.  and by this move he hoped to place himself he-
‘ 2' . tween them and their han ing victim.
fig » The dense shadows be ind the cabin were
f j reached not a moment too soon. for back came
‘ 2 s the enemy, Howard Glenn and Wilbur Mason in
‘ v the lead. both terribly excited.

“How could she Yget away? The nigger is
there yet (you say Hardy Zeph heard the
ouglawc e demand as they rushed past the
cu in.

He heard the Mad Hermit make reply, but
heeded not his words. Heknew that nearly if
not all of the outlaws had borne them com.
gang, and not knowing how long his oppor-

yn ty mi ht last, he drew arevolver and dashed
\ggwt ull speed for the point where the fire

 

 

Amle glance showed him that the ledge was
v dose , and replacing his revolver, he unslung

r his‘lssso as he ran.

Asiu lo thrust of his foot sent the blazing
ingots ying from the trunk of the tree, and he
almost groaned aloud as he saw how terribly
. near they.laad accorn lished their work. Five
minutes’more—even ess, would end all!

Crouching low on the ver verge of the dizzy
hight, he swung his coiled assotoand fro, then
made his cast. The feat was a peculiarly diffi-
cult one.

The body of the young 3 y hung head down—
r ward, fall a score feet be ow the tree-trunk,
' with hands and arms securely pinioned to his
sides. The lasso must be cast or s'vung down-
‘ ward with a. nick jerk in order to ass the
r ,nooseover the elpless youth’s head an shoul-
ders. The full difficulty of this feat can scarcely
be imagined, without ocular demonstration.

1 Twice Hardy Zeph made the cast, only to
:fail and each time he groaned in bitter agony
Jas’ hurriedly drew up the lasso for another
attem t. It was horrible—to bealmost within
arm's; ength of his loved friend yet unable to
whim—perhaps to witness his death-l

. “ E! he dies, so do I?” grated the boy trailer,
as he made his third attempt—and barely
smothered a glad shoot as he saw the pliant
noose catch upon the shoulders of the hanging
youth, then draw firm and snug!

, ' None too soon. The tree to was slowly
"be lower. The insidious re had eaten
,t the heart of the trunk. Should it give
[way—would he be able to withstand the strain?
No, no mortal man could. He would be d ged
down to death together with his heart-brat er!

Realism this peril, Hardy Zeph drew his
‘ lasso ta ringing the helpless youth close in
V t 9 face of the precipice, then wound
the slack around a. heavy rock.

I y n he drew his knife and hurled it through
, the air. True to its aim. the glittering steel
' "Mock the other lasso and out it through, then
‘ ', fall with a clatter upon the rocks below.

Once more aging his lariat, Hardy Ze h
3 exerted his stren to the utmost, raising t e
lifeless form foot by foot and dmwiufio‘ilt over
the escarpment. He knelt beside the y and

 

 

 

is
S

 

> into the fair young face, and as the full

rays of the moon lighted it up, he cried in great

JO :
XDainty Lance, thank Godl I got yere in
time!"

 

CHAPTER IX.

A TBAITOR UNMASKID.

As he 30km Frank Kruger arose unsteadin
and look at Sibyl with a maudlin smile upon
his face and the ugly fire of unholy passion
burning deeper in his bloodshot eyes. At a
glance she realized the full extent of her peril.

She knew now that she had been deceived by
this wretch with his smooth tongue and lau-
sible lies, that she had by that blind confl ence
placed herself wholly in his power—at the
mercy of a liquor-crazed ruflianl

Yet she faced him now with angry scorn
rather than fear, and whisky-drenched though
he was, Frank Kruger sh away from those
imperious eyes as she spoke:

‘ You have been making a beast of ourself
with liquor. Do not ad ress me a 11 until
you have recovered your Senses.”

It was a bold but risky ex rlment. For a
moment it seemed to Sibyl t at she had suc-
ceeded, for the drunken ruflian shrunk away
and a red flush covered his pale cheeks us his
eyes slowly drop abashed. But this was
only momen ; ruger raised his head and
flung1 back his ong looks with a defiant toss,
lau ing shortly.

‘ ou ride With a stifl curb, my dear, but it
won’t do,” he said, and as if by magic all traces
of drunkenness vanished, both from his face and
voice, though his eyes were still bloodshot.
“ The fact is, you have found your master at
last, and may as well yield gracefully astomake
a fuss about the matter, since that can’t help

on.

“Then all you told me was false—from first
to last on have lied to me—played the part of
a base aitorl”

“Hard words break no bones. my daint
bird of Paradise, and if you think a little scol -
in wil relieve your mind I’ll stand up and
ta 6 it like a. maul” laughed kmger.

Sibyl made no response. The reckless man-
nor in which the handsome radian spoke con-
firmed her worst fears. She knew that she had
been betrayed under the mask of friendship,
and that now she was wholl at his mercy.
Yet her coura e did not fail er. The heavy
sinking of her cart was not sufl'ered to betray
itself in her face, and with cold disdain she con-
fronted the unmasked traitor.

“ The world must be comingto an end when
a woman who has as good an excuse for railing
as I have given you holds her tongue in peace,
he said, with a mocking laugh, resenting him—
self and leisurely filling his pi “ But since
you disdain to ask questions, 11 answer them
anyway.

“Doubtless you have been told a thousand
times that you are an extraordinarily beautiful
and dainty package of flesh and blood. If not,
the men you have met were as blind as moles
an I tongue-tied in the b in.

“ Like many another t-hearted fool, I dare
say, I fell over head and ears in love with you

 

 

. ,wymx-

,..4. mm». . .v

fix,

in. ‘

an manhmwsMswsamwum.w ..__.-...

 

 

 

 

 

Dainty Lance and Hi. Paul.

   

,gi

 

the moment I beheld your face—and from that
instant I resolved that you should be mine, by
fair means or foul.

“ You see, I don’t to spare in self or to
glom the matter over y sggcious p ending. I
admit that I have been a ‘ (1 man,’ to use the
vernacular, in my earlier days, nor am I much
better now. I lied to you when I claimed to be
a detective—instead, I am a fugitive from
justice, an outlaw, a road—agent, and second in
command of the gang we gave the slip.

“In brief, a liar, villain and traitor to one
who”trusted her life and honor in your keep-
in".

laExactl ,” coolly retorted Kruger, looking
as thong: 0 really relished the stinging e ithets.
“ButI ad an unusually fair excuse or my
actions. And then you were really in danger
of me’etingafar worse fate than now awaits

on—
y He was interrupted by a low laugh, so scorn-
ful and full of skepticism that it pierced even
his tough skin, flushing his cheek hotly. But
his voice was calm and equable as ever when he
continued.

“ I anticipated your doubts but sober reflec-
tion will convince you that i am right. A111
told you last night was gospel truth, except that
about in bein a. detective and in the employ
of lance ot Da ntree.

“I never heard of that worthy before last
night, and the story I told you was s gested
by what I heard when eavesdropping t 8 man
who called himself your father, and Wilbur
Mason.

“ To be just to myself, the instant I saw you,
I resolved that you should come to no harm
while I could defend you, and I meant to set

ou and yours free, even at the risk of my life.

ot al other without selfishness I believed

ou woul be grateful, and as I am not abso-
utely hideous m face or person, I hoped to win
your love in return.

“ But then I saw there was some secretbetween
the captain and the old man, and so, when they
withdrew to the old but I eavesdroppod them,
overbearing what altered m plans.

“It was a strange story board then, and I
don’t know as I can blame you if ou refuse to
give it credence. But if you he heard their
tones and seen their faces as I heard and saw
them you must have been convinced.

" The old man‘s name is Howard Glenn, and
no more our father than I am. He loved your
mother, hey were betrothed and the wedding
day came. The bride was at the altar, and the
bridegroom came—but carried in, dead drunk
by his boon companions. There was a row, oi
course, ending in the marriage of ‘ the lady to
another gentleman—your father.

“Through revenge, as time went on, Howard
Glenn abducted you and your two brothers, the
youngest being our twm. The shock killed
your mother, an when he realized this, Glenn

went mad, and fled with you to the mountains. ,_

“ It would consume too much time to tell
you the whole story. Enough that your real
father still lives, a wealthy banker in Missouri;
that both of your brothers are alive, one of them
with his father and lately married, the other—

 

your Win—still ignorantof his. parentage and .

trugrglationship to you, though he and you have
me

Until this stage Sibzl had listened with an in-
credulous smile upon er lips, but now her face
turned a shade paler, and a wilder look came
into her eyes. She rt membered the words spoken
by the Mad Hermit concerning Dainty lance-
could it be possible that they were true!

“I see this part of in story is not wholly
strange to you," added ruger, smiling with a

certain satisfaction as he noted her changof
ve

countenance. “The young fellow you
known as Dainty Lance is really Horace Ballou,
your twin brother!”

“A very ingenious tale," said Sib 1, with a
scornful smile, her voice ringing wit unutter—
able contempt. “Could you not furnish me
with a sister or two, and make the whole more
com lets?”

“ ’11 do even better than that, and furnish you ‘_

with a husband,” coolly retorted the traitor,
showin his white teeth maliciously. “ Aymg,
not be -lookin nor wholly illiterate fellow who
only needs suc
choose, to become an honest and repan
ber of society—in other words, myself!”

Sib I laughed bitterly. There was a certain

a. wifeas you can be if you a.
mem- '

hzfim‘mhfifizrsuitgfiuvk

..-..=-;-.._. _—aI-:;z

granimnm.

grim umor in the matchless im udence of‘this ' 1,
scoundrel that, despite the perils e was then in, . '

almost amused her.
“ You see now wh

I changed my plans,”
continued Kruger, se -complaoently

yet all the

time keepin a close watch upon the maiden, ' .. 3

whose daunt es spirit and bearing rendered him
suspicious.
afford to give you a fine dowry, especially as

your husband will be the means of restoring his  7
orig-lost child to his will arms. You cannot V
use he is your brother. ’

marry Dainty Lance

“Your father is wealthy, and can 

You must marry me, because you cannothelp» r :

yourself."

“I would rather die, first!” indignantly cried ' '

the maiden.

“My dear,” and there was a horrible ‘ - ,.

canoe in his tones as he spoke, “ there are age
which foolish girls consider even worse than

death. I mean to watch over and guard you ' if

too closely for the last to claim yon—watt!»
other may be your fate if you remain obstinate-
ly blind to what is for your own good

“ Meet me half-way, and I will treat you with 5 I 
and reverence due the highest. . .

all the
lady in the land. But act likes foolish per-

verse child, and I will crush down your  V ‘

opposition without mercy.
“I ofler you my terms. Swear byall you

hold sacred—I will dictate an oath that I know '-

you will not dare to break—that you will marry
me as soon aswe can flndaministu'ora jub‘
tice of the peace, and I will be your slave, now

and forever. Refuse-but you Will not be so, 5 7

mad as to refuse.”

“If I refused? Go on,” coldly demanded g

Sib l.
“yWell, then Iwill serve you according. to
your folly. Before you leave these rocks-41y:

reaches the meridian—you shall bag and

before you leave this very spot—before magi ,

as the greatest possible favor, for that v. ' l. ‘ ~ .

ofier ofm ' This I swear to on by :1: :
heaven and be I” cried Kruger, his  .

 

38

Dainty Lance and His Par-d.

 

eyes once more aflame with an evil cruel light,

h 5 face flushing.

There could be no doubting either his meaning
or his earnestness.

Sibyl made no reply, but cast one swift glance
around them, then sunk down upon the stones
as if in despair.

" A mocking laugh broke from the lips of the
handsome ruflflan opposite as he saw this, for he
believed he had eon uered—that his horrible
threat had utterly bro en the spirit of the help-
less maiden—but he laughed too soon.

, Sibyl's hand closed upon a rough, jagged

, stone, and with a strength lent by the emor—
ency, she flung this missile fairly into the vil-
ain’s face, knocking him ever backward, then
leaping up and fleeing along the trail with the
swiftness of a terrified fawn.
~. Severe as had been that blow—and his shapely
nose was flattened almost to a level With his
cheeks while he spat out several teeth together
with blood and furious curses—Frank hruger
leaped to his feet and dashed after the flying

”‘- ‘ form of the maiden.

’  ‘ Btron and active though he was, the outlaw

’ saw the. he was radually losing ground, and

insane with rage, e drew the pistol and fired

two shots after the fugitive.

; As the last report rung out, Sibyl fell heavily
' ‘tothe ground, and with a mad yell of triumph
, ,, Kruger reached her side. But ere he could

‘ touch her with his eager rasp, a third report
smote upon the air, and wi bout a groan he fell.

     

    

i

. .. ..

 summery. {We 2.. »

.-<..=v

 

CHAPTER X.
salmon FOR THE MISSING.

, TERRIBLE as was the ordeal through which he
~I' had passed, the young sp had not entirely lost
his consciousness, and as e was drawn from his
riious position by Hardy Zeph and laid upon
- ‘ ground, his blue eyes opened when he heard
 the eartfelt than sgiving uttered above him.
Then his voice sti l husky, he muttered:
“Who age/you? Not one of those merciless

mndrels
. “It’s rue—Old Ze h—don’t you know?" half-
so , half-laugh the overjoyed boy trailer.
,‘ I never saw you before, but I thank ou all
the same. Only for you—another minu , and
I » would have been down there—a shapeless
,  upon these rocks! Ahl it was horrible!”
J,h_e added, with a sickenin shud ler, “to hang
there—4'40 see the rocks so ar below —to feel the
, tree giving way beneath my weight as the fire
V burned deeper—to feel that I was doomed to
. death! I wonder that I did not go mad!”
, It is doubtful if Hardy Zeph heard more than
V“ the first and last sentence of this speech. Never
saw him before—and for years they had been
inseparable companions, through good and evil,
~ through storms and sunshine, when death stared
,theman the face—had thov not stood shoulder
to shoulder like the true heart brothers they
were. through it all? Surely he had zone mad!
. . th trembling fingers Hardy Zeph unbound
. the'lasso that enveloped the youngr spy, not
rdflrmzt'ospeak again lest his worst fears shruid
’ be realized, and he find that his friend had in-
.deed gone crazy. And still in silence he helped

the partly paralyzed youth to regain his feet.

\

 

    
  

 

 

 

Bewildered and pained though he was, the
keen-witted boy trailer did not forget that great
danger still hung over them, and as soon as his
companion could stand alone, he hastily collect-
ed the still blazing £agots and replaced them
upon the burning tree-trunk.

“ Why take so much trouble?" asked the res—
cued scout, in a puzzled tone. “The tree will
soon fall of its own weight, and we are losing
time that had better be spent in getting away
from this dangerous  t.”

“ S’pose the tree shouldn’f full afore some 0’
them p’izen imps come back? They’d see 'at
you’d get loose, an’ then to keep thar bloody
secrets safe, wouldn’t they hunt us both down
without mercy? Let the tree burn through an’
they’ll think you’re down yonder with it; ong
enough, anyhow, fer us to clean break our truil
an’ we ’em the slip fer good.

“ on are right—there it goes!” he exclaimed,
as the eager flames ate through the remaining
fibers and the tree went crashing down the
precipice.

“ Kiver! by the Lord, they’re coming back!”
grated Hardy Zeph, grasping the oung spy by
the arm and darting back tow ere the shelf
ended in masses of rocks. “Take this pistol
—-lay low—but of they sight us, give 'em the
best you’ve got!" .

Crouching low in the dense shadow cast by
an overhanging rock, Hardy Zeph thrust a
revolver into his companion’s hand, and simi—
larly armed himself, waited in breathless silence
for the coniing"'of their foes. But several mo—
ments passed without further sound, and Hardy
Zeph was just beginning to believe his ears hud
deceived him, when the echo of footsteps was
heard among the rocks above their covert,
and the voice of a man came to their ears.

“ I could almost swear that I caught a glimpse
of some one moving by the tree!“ and the young
scout grated his teeth in rising rage, as he reco —
nized the cruel voice of Wilbur Mason. “ t
don’t seem sible that the young rascal can
have freed imself, and yet, if he should-«he
knows all our secrets!”

“Not now—the tree has fallen, and he with
it," came a voice that Hardy Zeph instantly
recognized. “ While we are wasting time here,
my child, my poor Sibyl—”

‘A minute more or less won’t make much
matter there, but if the rascal has got loose, and
chances to stumble across Morgan’s Man—hunt-
ers, we may find them awaiting us when we

return to the den,” responded Wilbur Mason,»
s

scrambling dawn the rec .

Hardy Zeph heard a faint click, and felt
rather than saw, that his companion, driven
nearly mad by the terrible torture this roman
had caused him to endure, was preparing to
shoot him down the instant be came in sight ‘of
their ambush.

It was a critical moment. There wasno time
for argument or reasoning, and even if that
was attempted, a single word above the breath
might be sufficient to reveal their presence to
the road-agent chief. at whose calla hrrde of
ruthless enemies would pounce down upon them.
Burning nowder then would kill more than one
at whom the bullet was aimed.

Knowing this, Hardy Zeph caught the hand

 

 

 

 

 n.

'f  r v. .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dainty Lance

and Hi: Paul.

 

of his friend and placed the pistol muzzle against
his own breast. It was a bold action, but its
purport could not be mistaken. And once more
that night did Wilbur Mason escape death by
barely a hair’s breadth.

He strode to where the stum of the cedar
tree was still blazing, and ben ing forward,
peered down the precipice. The base was still
in the shadow, but he could see- here and there
a scattered spark where a. living coal still
gleamed.

“ Come!" impatiently cried the Mad Hermit,
as Wilbur Mason straightened and began r-
ing into the shadows that lined the rear 0 the
shelf. “While we are dallying here, that
scoundrel is hearing my ploor child away ——ten
thousand curses rest upon is head!”

The reader will remember that the Mad Her-
mit was present when Wilbur Mason flung the
bound and helpless spy over the precipice, but
shortly afterward, he turned away from the
spot and went back to the cavern, his brain busy
with the plausible story he must tell his
daughter, as he had long ago learned to regard
Sib l, or Grace Ballou.

e found the main chamber wholly deserted,
every man having rushed out at their captain’s
danger signal, and all of them remaining to wit-
ness the punishment of the daring spy.

There was only one other passage leading from

the chamber, and taking one of the lamps, he

followed it in search of the maiden.

A few moments brought him to the little stone
cell in which the prisoners had been stowed
away, but now occu gicd only by the giant negro,
whose hea breat iug instantly aroused the
suspicious o the Mad Hermit. A single glance
showed him that Sihyl was not there, and he
saw, too, that this cell was the end of the pas-
sage he had followed, having passed b the ele-
vated entrance to the side tunnel wi hout ob-
serving it. ,

In an instant he was beside the unconscious
negro, vainly trying to arouse him. The scent
of whisky was ve strong, and the practiced
nose of the Mad ermit soon detected the pe-
culiar odor of opium.

His first thought was that Wilbur Mason had
been playing a double game, thus making sure
of his fair prize in case her father should defy
him, and it was with a fierce yearning for revenge
that the Mad Hermit rushed out of the cavern
before Hardy Zeph’s eyes. Luckily for Wilbur
Mason, some of his men into . and the
bitter surprise he could counter sit on hearing
the startling tidings, told Howard Glenn he was
as innocent as himself. _

Together they rushed back to the cavern, and
strove to restore the giant negro to conscious-
ness, but in vain. He had swallowed a. very
large dose of the drug, and it was doubtful
whether he would ever awaken. 1n this life.

After the first flurry of surprise and confusion,
Wilbur Mason mustered his men in the large
chamber, finding all answering to their names
but his lieutenant, Frank Kruger. This turned
suspicion upon him, and the statements made by
Lambert and Keeble, the two ards, sub-
stantiated as they were by the 0 er outlaws,
indicated the traitor without a doubt. /

“ He could not have brought her through here I

without be‘ detected " cried Mason, catch
up a lamp.m§ They fled through the back dooiix‘lfi

A brief examination of the seldom used side
passage confirmed this opinion. Here and there
in the dry dust could be distinguished two dif-
ferent—sized footprints, one unmistakably that of
a women. And hastening alon in vague he
of finding the fugitives still in t e tunnel, il«
bur Mason at length emerged from the ground
with an exclamation of angry disappointment.

It was this sound that came to the wary ears
of Hardy Zeph and sent him with his compan-
ion under cover.

The hot impatience of the Mad Hermit caused
the road-agent to cease his search among the
shadows for the form he had really caught a
glim se of through the leafy screen above, and

ery come, his would have been the first death in
the tra edy.

In si ence the two scouts listened until the
sound of footsteps died entire]
Hard Zeph, sti in fear for
frien ,finally ventured: '

“It was a mighty close call, Lance-"

e brain ofhis

that name,” interrupted the other. “Am I so

-—the old one, with white hair and beard—would
Daintree, and now you—”

anguish in is tones. “ Gone clean crazy—Lord
hel us both 1” H h In ghed 
mpite himse , t e youngsp u l ,

but as quickly checked his mirth
hurnin tear fell upon his hand. Then, deeply
touche , he said: '
Dainty Lance but it all I
be true, then lam Dainty Lance’s brother.”

Hardy Zeph stared at the speaker in mingled
umaZement and doubt. He did not talk like one
gone mad; and yet—this was Dainty Lanceor
else his spirit, his double!

“ M name is Harry Ballou. my home is Clay~
ton, issoun, and I came out here in quest of ‘ a

sum of mono .
caught on se f—for the thief is the man you just
kept me rom killing, Wilbur Mason, head devil
of this gang of road—agents!” ,

As he spoke, a flood of light burstnpontbe
bewildered mind of the boy trailer. He remem-

for his boom d, Dainty Lance, and the
memorv came back, too, of how generously
Harry Ballou had come forward at the end of

abled Dainty Lance to seen with his life!
“ I know ye now!” he cried, warmly flying

than you! I was nigh at the time when you
saved Lance that night when the pore gal slwt
herself—J

It was new young ,Ballou’s turn to besur-

 

132,

,_,

.23

away, then T

“That makes twice you have called meby

as he telt a but-

have it that I was Dainty Lance, or Lancelot _
“Clean one!” groaned Hardy Zeph, bitter,

“ My friend, I have not one crazy. lam not I *
ve heard this night ' "

villain who robbed my father of a very large 
Instead of catching him, 1 was

the speaker’s hand with both of his horny ma. 3
“ An‘ thar ain’t but one livin’ soul I’d rat er see ,

there y saved his worthless life, for bad discov— . 

 

much like your friend then? One of those men ‘ i:

.-: 

bored that name. remembered that once before, 
in the days gonefléy, he had mistaken this man ‘-
en

that unfortunate series of adventures. and. en- W:

t The reader :- referred to roam Linus! Hp.“ ‘ '

r4:«.....‘..w  ..

 re

".2,

 

as Dainty Lance and His Para;

 



prised. Hehad for tteu the great resemblance

which had enabled 'm to save the young bank-

robber, and until this moment he‘ never sus-

ted the identity of that person with Dainty

once, whom he now believed to be really his
brother.

“Can it be—was that man Dainty Lnnce?’
he e‘aculated.

” othin’ shorter—but I never hearu Lance
tell of a brother,” and Hardy‘Zeph’s inborn sus~

ioion showed itself. “ You look like two bul-
ets run in the same pa’r o’ molds—-"

“ It’s a long story—too long to tell now,” said
Harry, hurriedly, remembering the words
spoken by the Mud Hermit in urging the road-
agente to haste. “You heard what that man

- said? The child he s ke about. I believe is my
’ inter—Kite sister of ainty Lance, as you call
im-
~ ' e ‘V‘ Not the lady-bird—not Sibyli"

“Yes—they Were taken prisoners by the road-
agents. and now she must have fled, either alone
or with some one of the rascals who may be
slaying a double paxt, who may mean her evil!
, y your friendship for Lance, my brother, I ask

 your assistance—”

r “ It‘s yourn store you ax it. Not only fer her
sake—air she is a angel ou airth! but beca‘se of
Dance, He loves her more’n his own life. An’
well he may, for they was jest gittiu’ married to
‘each other—”
’ “They are brother and sister—thank God!
they were saved from that sin, even at the cost
of such bitter, pain.”

But there was no more time to waste to talk.
' ‘At any moment the road-agents might come

upon and capture the fair fugitive. They must
 ,‘ benear enough in such a case to see, if they were

‘ unable to act.
‘ This promised to be a dimcnlt as well as dan-
gerous piece of work, but neither of the young
a  , men hesitated. Both had powerful motives to
 leadthem on, and with Hardy Zeph in the lead,
they stole silently away in the direction taken
by the Mad Hermit and the outlaw chief.
, For some little distance the outlaw (pressed
f on rapidly, since, after leavingr the cave at tho
" ' {oint they had, the fugitives could only follow
 he one course, unless they had rloublel back
along the ledge, an impossible feat since it had
been occupied by the road-agents. But then
-~ the came too point where any one of a. dozen
di erent courses mi, ht have been taken, and
“there they were non used for the future. Even
by the light of tore es they found it impossible
‘ - to discover a trail upon that hard, stony soil.
and though with great reluctance, they settled
, down to await the dawn of day.
Both Hardy Zeph flpd Harry Ballou crept, up
close enough to this bivouac to overhear much
. of the talkthat pasaed between Mason and Glenn
_‘wh“° their 16} 0W8 slept. and from this they
, learned that Slbyl had fled with Frank Kruger,
‘ 101' Whom nothing Mason could say was too

‘ ’ “ The devil ain‘t never so bad as he’s painted.”
g .philosophioally observed Hardy Zenh, as he
 noted the gloomy foreboding of his new-found
friend. when they had retreated to a safe dis-
_ tonne. “The wuss that p‘izen critter ‘buses him

v thebetter ’pinionl hev of this Frank Kruger,

~3de.‘ infirm _ ‘_ m 

   
  

 

i
i
l,
.
, ,
r

 

 

 

  
    
  
    

’Course he ain’t a angel, or he’d never ’a’ com
sorted with sich orner imps as them. but for all
that, he may be a tol’able squar’ sort 0’ teller,
au' actin’ honest in helping lady-bird away from
the hawk’s nest. ’T any rate, nobody but aborn
devil could bring himself to hurt her I"

This was cold comfort, but it was better than
none, and reaching a point among the thick-
lying rocks where they could watch the move-
ments of the enemy without much risk of dis—
cover when day should come, the two scouts
passe away the remainder of the night.

With the first gleam of light above the eastern

. bills, the outlaws were afoot, but it was full an
hour later when a loud shout from old Rubber
announced the finding of the trail.

Even then their progress was very slow, the
nature of the soil requirln a careful examina—
tion, and in places even inc by inch, before the
trail once lost could be regained.

Thanks to this, the young trailers found little
difliculy in keeping close to the enemy, and at
the same time maintaining the necessary secrecy.
Nor were Hardy Zeph’sl eyes idle as the hours
wore on. He scanned the country around them,
hoping to discover the fugitives by this means
find join them before the enemy tracked them

ome.

At length a low exclamation from the boy
trailer’s li s attracted the attention of Harry
Ballou. ardy Ze h was gazing intently to-
ward a point sovera miles distant.

“ What is it? Do you see them?” eagerly de
mended Harry.

“ A dozen , tui‘key-buzzards—that’s what I
see ” responded the lad shortly, while there was
a s ade of uneasiness in his tones that Harry
could not help not.th

“ What of that? ou can see the filthy birds
almost anywhere, at all hours of the day.”

“ But when you see ’em actin' like them,
yender, then it means, somethin’. Come—we
want to git over thar as uick as we kin with-
out lettin them two-legg hounds see us, an’
store they notice how them birds is actin’.”

“ You don’t think anything has happened to
her——to my sister?” faltered Bollou, his cheeks
paling at t e dread thought.

“ I don’t think nothin’," shortly re nded
Zeph, backing out from his covert. “ know
that thar’s dead meat over yender whar them
buzzards is settlin’——but whether man or beast I
kin tell better when we git their.”

His blood chilling as his fancy ran riot, Ha
Ballou followed closely upon the heels of his
companion, and in a few minutes more they
were hidden from the enemy by a low, long
ridge of rocks. Behind this they hastened along,
both fearing the worst, yet eager to reach the
s t where the birds of oarrion had settled to
t oir unholy feast.

This was a work of time and precaution, for
should their movements benoted by the outlaws,
chase would be made, almost as a matter of
course. But Hardv Zeph was a born scout, and
as Harry Ballou closely imitated his actions, in
something less than an hour they succeeded in
reaching a point close to where the foul birds
had settled. and~from whence they could see

 

them at work,teari.ug andpicking at some Object,

 

 

 

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“new .
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Dainty Lance and Hi: Paul.

>

18,

 

fighting each other with wing and beak in their
greediness. '

Harry Ballou turned sick and ’faint, for he
recognized what had been a human being in that
muti oted object, but Hardy Zeph ran forward
and soon put the vultures to flight.

“ Come down,” he cried, a moment later, ifter
stunting over the loathsome mass. “It’s a man,
an' nobody we know, I don’t reckon."

At this Harry came forward, glancing around
fearfully in dread of seeing another shape, but
his dread was oundless’.

Meanwhile ardy Zeph was coolly examining
a brace of revolvers, one of .which he took from
the dead man’s belt, together with a knife, the
other from where it lay upon the blood-stained
ground. ’

“ Two loads gone out 0’ this one,” he said, as
Harry came up. “ Fresh fired—lenstways since
last night. Bin :1 fight, I reckon. Blame them

sky buzzardsi They’ll keep hoverin’ over this

it o’ carrion ontil some 0’ them p'izen imps
sight ’em an’ git tha’r cur‘osity up, of they hain’t
done it a’ready. Best climb up them rocks an’
take a look. ’Twould he mighty onhealthy for
us of they was to stumble onto us now.”

Herr promptly obeyed, and had scarcely
reach the point indicated before he turned and
came running back. ,

“ They’re coming!" he exclaimed, as Hardy
Zeph looked up from something that had brought
a. strange light into his eyes.

“See thar!" and he pointed down to a pool of
coagulaifid blood.

In the center of this was the perfect outline
of a woman’s foot.’ __ _

CHAPTER XI.

HOST OR JAILER.

A LOUD, angry shout accompanied the fatal
rifle-shot, and as Frank Kruger plunged for-
ward, falling across the prostrate form of the
maiden, a pellet of lead tearing its' way through
his brain, the skillful marksman rushed for-
ward at break-neck speed over the thick-lying
bowlders.

With a fierce cry that was half-anguish, half—
hatred, he gras the corgme and flung it vicious—
ly aside. then nelt besi e the maiden, raising
her in his arms and pressing passionate kisses
upon her pale face.

“ There is magic in a kiss "—50 the poet sings,
and this assertion seemed confirmed in the res-
ent case, for the native red quickly came ack
to the maiden’s cheeks, and her large blue eyes
opened, no longer filled with unutterable horror

but with the warm light of a pure and all- ,

absorbing love.

“ Lancelot—I knew you would come to save
me!” she murmured softly, her now red lips
touchin his.

“ Tha villain shot you—~you are. hurt—"

.“ No. I could hear his bullets, but they ssed
me in the air. I stumbled and fell, caug t my
foot in yonder crack, I believe. The fall skinned
me, I suppose, for I knew nothing more until I
felt your arms around me, your warm kisses
upon my face.”

“Tell me, darling. how came you here, and
with that cowardly rufliau?" he asked. “ I haw

...-'

 

"Q

searched for you so long, have followed your
trail so far, hopin against hope and fighting

'down despair, that can hardly realize the truth,

hardly bring myself to believe that this is in-
deed you I hold in my arms!” _

One more kiss, then Sibyl gently withdrew
herself from his encircling arms the warm flush
slowly dying out from her cheeks. A sad smile
came to her ii as she encountered Dainty
Lance’s wondering gaze.

“ It is a long and painful story, brother—"

“ No, no!” cried Dainty Lance, 1118 face ling
but his eyes growing brighter as he hear that »
title -— dear enou h under ordinary circum-
stances, but more itter than gall when it came
from her lips and addressed to him. “ That
was but a lie of his, concocted the more surely
to separate us. You are not my sister—you are
my wifei"

“ Lancelot," she said softl yet with a 1‘8le
tion he could not mistake, “ eaven knows how »'
hap y I would be if I only knew you were right
in is. I have freely confessed my love for
you—I do not deny that it has grown stronger
and more fervent with every ay of our en—
forced separation, despite the repeated assur-
ance given me by—by my father, that we are
brother and sister, both his offspring. Like you
I have hoped and. prayed the. there mighth
some mistake—that you could vanes un-
doubted proof that your parents were pot also ,
m‘fie‘" h ' fixed th in

eres epaused,hergane upon e cc
of her lover, as though hoping he could give her
the needed assurance. But this he was unable
to do. The days of his early childhood were
buried in obscurity which he was unable to
penetrate. Who his parents were or had been;
e could tell no more than if he had “ growed '
like Topsy. , '

“You see,” resumed the maiden, her voice
sounding sadder than ever, but none the 18S '
resolute “the strange stoma tells maybe '
true. rI‘hat, or what that man,” With a.-
shuddering glance toward the corpse of 
Kruger, “ asserted he overheard last night.”

Here Sibyl gave a brief 3 nopsis of what the, 1 

dead traitor told her when e induced her to flee
from the den of the outlaws, as his words of
that morning. / 
“ A foul lie I” cried Dainty Lane’s, impatient-1’ 6
1y. “Could such a treacherous wretch be  ‘
lieved ?" ‘

“ And yet he must have heard something, else
how came he to know ought 0! our 'I I
never met him before, and yon say be ml per— _
feet stranger to you.” ,

This was an unpleasant truth which Dainty
Lance himself had noticed andbeen d' bly
impressed by, thou h be had smothered it down
until Sib lspoke o it.

“ No, nee, I, like youLbope and pray that
it may all pnve false—e, cruel mistake; but
while there is any reasonable doubt, we must he
no more than brother and sister to each other.
You know those terrible Indians came upon us
before that good old priest completed the com 2
mony—we are not men and wife, evan if them,
be no bar between us." ' '

.“ You seem tobe glad of it!” grumbled Dainty

Lance, man-like.

 

:. «a 3“ mu ‘.m M

......... twigs . v w

 

86 DainZy Lance

and His Pard.

 

 

“ I am, and so will you be. when you bring
yourself to look at the matter calmly. So far,
there has been no shadow of sin in our love—let
it be so to the end, We are young, and can af-
ford to wait. The truth must come out some—
time, if we are only patient.”

This reasoning was more satisfactory to her
thanto Dainty Lance; for of all unreasonable
animals, a young man over head and ears in
love is the worst. But he knew Sibyl well
enough to realize the folly of trying to change
her mind when this was once fairly formed.

Before he had time to shape his reply, 9. sud-
den chan in the countenance of the maiden
startled him, and wheeling quickly in the direc-
tion of her startled glance, Dainty Lance con-
fronted a man; not twenty yards away.

His first thought was the same as that which
struck Sihyl. This man was one of .the outlaw
band who had discovered her flight, and scat-
tered insearch of her, and nick as a flush, his
revolver was drawn, cock and covering the
strangeras he cried in a low, stern voice:

“‘ Olfer to raise an alarm, and you are a dead
meal”

The intruder did not flinch, but stood as when
first discovered, his slender-built but lithe and
muscular (gm drawn up to its full lnght, his
arms cerele 1y folded across his swelling chest.
The 0 ly change that came over him at Dainty
Lauoes threatening action, was a quiet smile

‘that showed his white teeth beneath hi4 droop—

in, mustache. '

file was a model of manly grace and beauty as
he stood thus, his personaladvuntages admirably
displayed by the suit he wore—the national cos-
tume of a native Californian, of rich material
and profusely ornamented with gold law, but-
tons and virgin nuggets. The sash or China
crepe which girdled his waist hung heavy with
weapons, kuife-haft and pistol-butts being inlaid
With gold, but he made no attempt to touch
these, though the revolver of the boy trailomvns
lain; covering his heart. '

“ on threaten, but you will not fire, sir,” he
said, still smiling, his voxce soft and musical as
that of a woman.

“ Who and what are you?” demanded Lance,
sternly.

“One who could have slain you both long
before the’fair lady discovered me, had lheen
so inclined,” was the cool response. “Had I
meant you harm, you would never have. drawn
that weapon. Even now, secure as you deem

qyourself, a single sign from me would bring
death to you so suddenly that
‘ . have time to discharge even one 5 0t.” _
“Don’t be so sure,” retorted Dainty Lance.

on would not

keeping his weapon at a level. “A flash of
lightning could not slaym'e quick enough to
save you from m bullet.”
“ Let it no at t at. then,” smiled the stranger.
“Again I sly I come here as your friend."
“And I repeat, what and who are you?" re-
torted Lance.
“ Your host, and you are my guests for the
present.” -
“‘Not without our free consent—"
. “ With or without it. young sir,” and there
was a sterner ring to the stranger‘s voice. “ You
are surrounded by twenty men, any one, of

whom can plant a bullet in ii. man‘s eye as far as
they can see it.”

“ He speaks the truth, Lance," murmured
Sihyl. “ I can see their heads peering over the
rocks! Do not resist »”

Fearing for his life, more than her own, the
maiden swiftly passed around her lover aml in-
terposed her own form between his pistol and
the stranger, who promptly took advantage of
the opportunity thus offered. lie uttered a
Sharp whistle, and a‘ dozen fully-armed men
rose 11 ) from the rocks where they had found
concealment, their weapons covering the forms
of the lovers. ' '

Dainty Lance saw that all was lost, if these
men were indeed enemies, but he cried out reso-
lutely:

“Safety for this lady, on your honor, or we
both die here '”

“ i will give the pledge you ask,” cried ncleer,
musical voice, as a light form appeared behind
the stranger. “ No harm shall come to her, by
the thi'i-ne of our Holy Mother!"

Though clad in masculine habiliments, the sex
of the speaker could not be this concealed. A
woman, with skin and hair as fair as those of
Sibyl, with a face of rare beauty and a form
that was the perfection of voluptuous grace. and
symmetry.

A slight frown darkened the brow of the tall
stranger, but then a smile chased the ueg look
awa . .

“ ' ou hear, sir? You have a mn'e sacred
pledge than any I could give on. Be wise and
submit to the inevitable. v '10 resist would be
the worst of folly, and besides, we are acting
for your own good. The band of outlaws and
cut-throats from whom the lady made her es-
cape last night, are diligently searching for her,
and are working in this direction. Left alone,
you must sooner or later be taken. With us,
you are safe.” .

“ He speaks true, senor,” added the woman,
coming to Sibyl’s side and encircling her waist
with one arm. “ I promise the lady my protec-
tion.”

Dainty Lance lowered his pistol and returned
it to his belt. Though his suspicions of intended
evil were not wholly lulled, he knew that resist-
ance could end only in his own death, when
Sibyl would be left wholly at the mercy of these
persons. Better live and watch for a better
chan .‘6 to escape the toils.

“ to prove my Words, senor,” added the
stranger “ come with me to yonder point of
rocks. rem there you can see the searchers
for this lad ."

“ Then, i you are honest men, why not await
their coming?" demanded Dainty Lance. “From
ambush here, we could handle them .easy
enough, and thus rid these bills of one bitter,
black curse l’.’

“ We will leave a plain trail for them to fol-
low, and lead them into a trap from whence
escape will beim msible,"returned the stranger
with a smile. “ on will not a‘ccept my invita-
tion?”

“ Your word is uitesuflicientflrepliml Dainty
Innce determin not to be drawn away from
the side of Sibyl.

 

‘
“ Thanks, senor," bowed the gorgeou§ stmn~

 

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Dainty Lance

and His Paul.

37

 

gar. “Then we will retire. Will you assist
your lady friend? The trail is not long, but a
somewhat difficult one for dainty feet.”

Refusal could do no good, so Dainty Lance
and Sibyl bore their persistent host company
with the best grace they could summon. The
trail was indeed rough, which accounted for the
half—Centaur Californians being found on foot,
but in something less than an hour, the party
entered a low, beautiful and fertile valley sur-
rounded on all sides by frowning hills save at
the point where they emerged, a narrow defile.
Here were scattered a number of cosey white
tents, while fine horses were grazing near by.

During the walk, Dainty Lance was busy
thinking. From the first, he felt that he and
Sibyl were more captives than guests, and re—
flection did not clear away this sus icion.

Now, as he entered the little val ey and saw
the camp, a still more disagreeable suspicion
struck him. He saw that the leader and nearl
every ouaof the band was either native Cali-
fornians, Spaniards or Mexicans,

The 1e_:der smiled as he noticed the change
which swept over Dainty Lance’s countenance,
and said coolly:

“You are right, senor; I am Joaquin Mu-
rieta!”

.

 

CHAPTER XII.
To run VICTOR. THE sroms.

PROBABLY not one man in ten thousand living
at the present day, can fully appreciate the sick-
ening horror which Dainty Lance felt when the
notorious Joaquin Murieta avowed his identity.
Not on his own account. A more fearless heart
never beat in human breast. But because of
poor Sibyl. And, mentally, Dainty Lance
registered a solemn oath that if he could not
rescue her, before he himself died he would send
a merciful bullet home to her heart. Better
death than life in such hands.

The true, unprejudiced life of Joaquin Murieta
has never yet been given to the public, and it is
doubtful now whether this can ever be done. If
it were, few persons who were now living in
California at or soon after the years of his
career, could believe the terrible record. For
the three years ending in August, 1853, no one
A name was oftener uttered in the land of gold.
Durin that time, Joaquin Murieta wrote his
name in bloody letters in every county of the
State, and at least one hundred deaths were
traced back to his own hand, not counting those
rolled up by his band, including his lieutenant,
Manuel Garcia, or “ Three-fingered Jack,” a
merciless wretch who killed for the pure love of
bloodshed, and whose sanguinary record of mur—
ders is even longer than his master’s.

It is true that Joaquin had been given terrible
cause of provocation by the Americans before he
entered upon his bloody career; lils brother was
hung as a horse~thief; he himself was merciless—
ly flogged and left for dead; his young wife was
outraged and left for dead, as ho was, after
figh tin desperately in her dcfen so. Joaquin re—
cove only to receive her last sigh; then over
her body he swore a. bitter vengeance, not alone
upon the dastardly miscreants who had wronged

W

 

him, but on the entire race of English-speaking
people, and scores of nameless graves tell how
terribly he kept that oath.

Even after all this, the man was not all evil.
On more than one occasion he was known to
display qualities of honor and generomty such as
few had given him credit for possessing—bright
roses in a desert of crime.

Dainty Lance had been in California long
enough to hear all this and more about the Pi-
rate of the Placers. and like nearly every man
of American or English descent then in the
State, ‘he looked upon Joaquin Murieta as a
veritable fiend. Little wonder, then, that his
heart sunk low in his breast as he thought of
Sibyl in the power of such a merciless de-
mon.

His first impulse was to encircle Sibyl with
one arm, and fight his way through the enemy,
making sure of Joaquin with his first shot, but .
a single glance showed him that this desperate
project was impossible. The woman who had
)ledged her word for the safety of the maiden,
had led Sibyl away toward the tents. Dainty
Lance was surrounded by adozen thoroughly
armed men. He might shoot down J on uin and
possibly several more before being ki edhim-
self, but he could neyer have broken that circle
alive.

Joaquin smiled grimly, as though he divined
the desperate thoughts of the boy trailer.

“ You will not be so foolish, I am sure senor.
You and the lady need fear no harm.
our guests. If your enemies follow your trail,
we will fight for you, and that being the case,
discard your weapons. Their wei ht must for
tighe you, and you have no furt er need of
them. It would be a grievous sin against hos-
pitality were we to suffer danger to come so
near our guests as to require of them the use of
arms in self-defense.” _

If Dainty Lance had had any remainin doubts,
they would have been dispelled by this e aborate
speech. He and his loved one were deep in the
snare, and whipping forth arevolver he cowred
the mocking out w.

“Hold! let no one fire!” cried Joaquin, as his
men also braight their weapons to bear.
“Senor, look to where you lady friend stands.
You may kill me, but I will have fair company
on the long trai ." *

The warning was unnecessary. Even as he
raised his pistol, Dainty Lance saw the woman,
grasp Sibyl and hold a glittering dagger sus— ‘
pended over her heart.

“Beware, senor!" came the clear voice, still
musical, but now ringing out menaci l .
“Lower your weapon, or I drive 
to the hilt in your lady—love’s heart!”

Sibyl‘s danger did what naught else could
have accomplished. Dainty Lance lowered his
revolver, all unmanned, and Joaquin Min-iota
raise??? hifd' t b ‘

us at y 0 young soon was gras y a
dozen strong hands and disarmed more he
could offer the slightest resistance

“ Thnt will do—fall back!” cried the outlaw
chieftain sharply, as several keen wen hung
quivering above the youn man‘s cart, the
eyes of those who held them ooking Eagerly to-
ward their master for permission to ve their

 

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'  Dainty Lance

and His Pard.

 

steel home. “ Would you dishonor your leader’s
pledge?"

Instantly the cut-throats released their grasp
and retreated a few ste , their Weapons van-
ishing as if by magic. ut they still formed a
ring around the young American, keeping one
eye upon him the other on their chief.

The moment Dainty Lance obeyed her order,
the woman released Sibyl, and it was this fact
more than aught else that kept them from re-
newing the unequal struggle, unarmed though he
now was. . t

Dainty Lance heard the last words of
Mnrieta, and despite his critical situation,
laughed aloud in bitter derision. J oaquin’s
cheek flushed hotly, for, unless tradition great-
ly belied him he laced a very high value on
his ledge which e boasted not even death
Q0 d make him violate.

“ The pledge of a murderin thief~of a cow-
ardly assassin who wars on elpless women—
bah!" cried Dainty Lance, his eyes ablaze, his
voice ringin with utter scorn.

Joaquin’s ace became livid and his hand drop-

upon a weapon as he took one step toward

9 reckless scofier.

“ him. and doubtless the road-a ents one and all
expected to see him slay the 1d speaker of]!
hand; but instead, he removed his hand from
his weapon and motioned them to disperse.

Now as ever he was obeyed Without the

slightest hesitation.

Senor," said Murieta, in a calm tone when
they were alone together, “ you have a bitter

As a friend, I advise you, if only for

thesake of your lady, yonder, to hold it under

' ' better control in future." -

. "‘ So long as that tongue is mine, it shall
never hesitate to utter the thoughts my brain
conceives,” coldly responded Dainty Lan '0.
“And now, before your men I say this. You
are no infant, neither am I. We both are used
to handlin weapons. I challenge you to fight
me a duel, ow and where, I care not, so that
it be to—day, and if 1 prove the victor, yonder
lady is to go from here free and unharmed as
she came.”

“ And if you are defeatedi’l smiled Joaquin.
" Strange and improbable as it may seem to you,
such a contingency is barely possible."

“ Then Heaven will raise up another defender
for her—for myself I care little,” responded the
youn scout.

“ ever yet did Joaquin Murieta refuse to
accept a fair challenge,” a little proudly uttered

‘ the chief, but then again smiling his mOCking,

tantalizing smile he added: “Let us join the
ladies and see what they have to say to the mat-
ter. You must remember the lady is now the
guest and charge of Clarina, my wife."

The faint hope_which had sprung up in Dainty
Lance’s bosom died away at these words, for he
felt sure that Joaquin had no intention of accept-
1 his challenge.

I 9 said nothing. but moodin followed the
notorious outlaw across to where the women
stood, dark and desperate projects flitting
through his brain. .:

The nod with which he acknowledged the out
law’s, introduction to his wife was short and
hrusque enough, but apparently that lady exv

The ring parted before~

 

pected nothing better from an ignorant Ameri-
can. Her air was most gracious and rompli-
manta flowed freely from her nimble tongue.

Dainty Lance was watching for an opportu- V

nity to repeat his bold challenge, but before he
could find an o ning in Clarina s volu‘ole speech
one of the ban came up and respectfully saluted
his chief and queen.

“Speak Florence,” uttered Murieta.

“ I make hold to claim my rights, Senor
Capitan,” said the man firmly but respectfully.

“ To what do you allude? In what have you
been injured?" a little sharply demanded the
road-agent.

“ ’Tis to prevent the chance of wrong, Senor
Capitan, that I speak now. You have not for-
gotten the laws w ‘ch you made to nard against
trouble and disputes arisin in the amily. ’Tis
in turn now—and I claim his lady as my bride!”

ainty Lance had suspected some mischief
from the first word spoken by the outlaw, and
watched him keenli.

Youn , athletic, andsome in face and form
easy an graceful in his movements; over all
that indescribable air of one who has carried his
life in his band ever since he was old enough to
have fancies or opinions to defend. A native
born Mexican, but for all that, one whom a
good 'udge would set down as a “ bad man ”
and “ rd to handle."

Young though he was, Dainty Lance was a
good judge, and he behaved that this was a
champion set forward, perhaps by the chief him-
self, to prevent an encounter between himself
and Joaquin, or a dare back-down on the part
of the latter. An feeling confident that he
must meet the emergency half-way or fare
worse, Dainty Lance said:

“ This ladly is my wife-—”

“Then I’l make her your widow, first, after
which—J

The Mexican began his retort quickly eno h.
but it ended in amanner far different from w t
he intended.

Dainty Lance leaped forward, his right arm
shooting forth, his tight-clinched flst a ighting
fairly between the fellow’s eyes. The blow was
a tremendous one, almost incredible coming from
one of the young scout’s slight build, and the
Mexican’s head struck the ground first, ten feet
and more away. But his skull was a tough one,
and cat-like he leaped to his feet, flashing forth
a wicked-looking knife.

“ Peace, Florencia!" cried Clarina, gliding be—
tween them, her hand raised commandingly.
“ Put up your knife.” '

Sullenlv be obeyed, then said:

“I will have revenge—if not a coward, the,

senor will give me satisfaction for that blow.”

“On one condition, yes,” uickl responded
Dainty Lance. “If I prove he Victor, no one
else shall claim my wife.”

“Be it so—he accepts.” romfitly cried Joa-
quin, as though glad to flu suc asunple way
out of the dilemma. “To the victor belongs
the spoils, and may the best man win l"

CHAPTER XIII.
A nasu roa LIBERTY.
Damn Laser. turned to Joaquin and said:
“I would ask you to grant me two favors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a
{5
g,

 

 

 

a:
a
,,

 

nanny lance and m. any _ 2‘9

One is to furnish me with a good horse, the
other is permission to take leave of my wife.”

“Then on are not so confident of proving
the victorg’ and there was an ill-concealed sneer
in the tones of the outlaw. “Your country-
men are not generally so modest.”

“ It is well enough to guard against accidents,"
quietly replied Dainty Lance. “I have your
permission then?”

“ Certainl , senor. I never interfere between
man and ."

The answer was prompt enough, but Dainty
Lance saw several ofwthe outlaws handling their
weapons with apparent carelessness while
moving into such positions that the American,
should he attempt to esca by flight, would be
obliged to run the gant at of their fire—arms,
and he doubted not these movements were
made in obedience to some secret sign from
Joaquin. "

Hls lips curled slightly, for Dainty Lance
had not the slightest idea of evading the death
duel.

He drew Sibyl aside out of earshot as' he
spoke:

‘ “I saw only the one chance of saving you,
darling, and that I have taken," when the maid—
en inte :

“ You shall not risk your life for me. Even
were you to conquer that man, what better will
we be? His com _
submit quietly. Let the rascal lay claim to
me if he dare—”

“ I know what you would sag and do, darling,
but in this you must be guide by me. I have
not time to ex lain it all—Joaquin is moving
this way alr y——but when we take up our

‘tions for the duel, and all eyes are u 11 us,

0 you move out yonder and stand besi e that

tree. Be ready, for a moment’s delay .might
prove fatal to us both.”

He ceased abruptly, for the outlaw chief was
now close at hand, and fearing lest his keen
eyes should read the dangerous truth in Sib 1’s
face, Dainty Lance bent his head and kissed or
once then turned to meet Joaquin.

“ Do not cut short your interview on my ac-
count—"

“ Thanks we have spoken all that is neces-
nary ” said Dainty Lance, coldl .

'l'hen, if the lady will pa on me, perhaps
you will come and see the horse I have selected
or you—a truly magnificent animal," added
lMurieta, a peculiar smile playing upon his thin
I

Dainty Lance soon learned the meaning of
that smile, when he stood before the horse
whicha couple of Mexicans were ssddling for
his use. It was atruly magnificent creature, 'as
Joaquin said, young, high strung and full of
fire—a creature on whose speed and bottom a
'ockey would be willing to pit his life. but the

fist animal one would choose for such an en-
counter as the one impending. Already Flor-
encio was in the sad le, putting his mount

through its ces and displaying his thorough
traini to his admixing fellows. .

“ '31, how does the senor fancy his mount?”
asked Joaquin.

“I amnot hard to please about trifles," coolly
retorth the boy trailer. “If any fault, the

rades will murder you! No;

 

brute istoo sluggish and tame. With a little

more fire and spirit, he would make a tolerable
mount for a Gill (1 or a timid woman.”

Murieta stared at the lad in open-eyed amaze-
ment, for even now the vicious animal was fightr
ing its grooms with feet and teeth, the picture of
equine feroc1ty. Then, as he realized the ear-
casm, a glow of something akin to admiration
filled his eyes. No coward himself, Joaquin
loved a brave man.

“ Give me my weapons, and let yonder man- ’

monkey 1prepare himself for work,” briefly added
Dainty ance.

He carefully inspected his revolvers, removiélg
the ca 5 and seeing that the tubes were rim ,
then p aced fresh on s on the nipples. miss-
fire might be equiva ent to death.

When satisfied that his firearms had not. been
tampered with, Dainty Lance approached his
horse, and dextcrously avoi ‘ his teeth and
heels, leaped light] into the die.

As if by magic t two grooms were hurled
a dozen yards away by the furious glunge the
animal made, and then ensued a brief ut terrific
struggle between horse and rider to decide which
should be master.

Admirable horsemen though the 'were, Jo-
aquin and his band from highest to owe-st, they
watched the struggle with a rapidly growin
respect for the young American. Not one 0
their number could have m the head-
strong beast more skillfully or taught him more
mioughly the fact that a master bestrode his

Ten minutes was enough to conquer the horse
he rode, and then Dainty Lance looked toward
MurietaLWho said: ,

“ You will ride up the valley, senor. Pause
whenlopposite the b ack rock, and wait for the
ex a . .

ainty Lance bowed in silence and rode away,
his heart beating fast, for-n the next few
moments depended more than its.

,The outlaws, including Joaquin, had secured
elevated positions from whence they could ob—
serve every movement of the rivals withoth
danger to themselves, expecting itto be a pro—
lon ed exhibit-ion of equestrian skill befcre the
due could be terminated by a fatal shot or
thrust, and for that reason giving the antago~
nists a wide field in which to maneuver.

Dainty Lance saw this—saw that Sihyl was
alread at the t he had mentioned, and
with rawn revo ver‘he waited the signal for
the onset.

It was net long delayed and Dainty Lance
dashed at full speed direct y toward the Mexi~
can, sitting erect in the saddle, his right arm
extended as if about to fire:

This bold dash lainly disconcerth Floren-
cio. who had calcu ated on more maneuvering,
and he guided his animal in adiagonal course,
sinking low dov.n on the side opposite his ene-

discharging two shots from under his horse’s
necir, but without effect as m as his friends
could see. '

Then Dainty Lance fired—just the one shot, I

but as if stricken by a thunderbolt, the Mexi-

can’s horse plun ed headlong to the ground, tak-
ing its rider w olly by surprise, and crushing *'

him to e; shapelese mass as it rolled over.

 

 

‘iuthepass

E,
i,
g .
i”
, .-

   

30 I Dainty Lance and His  ‘

\

Swift as an arrow Dainty Lance sped on, and
as the eyes of the outlaws were naturally turned
upon their fallen companion, the bold Scout
reached Sibyl and raised her to the pommel of
his saddle, then thundered down the valley with
a defiant shout in response to the angry yells
which now burst from the road-agents as they

an to realize the truth.

ullets began to whistle around the fugitives,
but on they sped untouched, and nearing the
pass, Dainty Lance laughed aloud with defiant
Joy, for he saw that they were all but saved!

At that moment two men sprung up from
among the rocks, and as Dainty Lance leveled
his istol, a welleknown voice shouted:

“ ou’re runnin’ chuck into a trap, Lancel
TEES? kiver here with us, an’ we’ll beat ’em
0

It was Hardy Zeph who 5 ke, and Dainty
Lance instantly wrenched up is horse, knowing
that the warning must be true, .

Loud yells of exultation came from the Mexi-
cans,_and they came on with renewed speed

[until Hardy Zeph turned and dropped the fore—
mmt man dead with a bullet through his heart.
Then the outlaws {altered and came to a halt,
tearing to be drawn into an ambush hurriedly
seeking cover as the revolver of the boy trailer

emphasized the hint given by his rifle.

‘ Down and cover!" cried Harry Ballou, ex-
citedly, as Dainty Lance hesitated. “ The gang
from whom she escaped last night are even now
.. See—they come i”

It was only too truel

The narrow mouth of the pass was choked up
by a mass of men on foot, who were evidently

' taking a precautionary view of the state of

:affairs. At their head were Wilbur Mason and
the Mad Hermit, and as the latter caught sight
of those upon the black horse, a yell of mingled
gay and rage burst from his lips, then he rushed

orward With impetuous bounds.

.. Hardy Zeph saw and instantly recognized the
man. Like a flash, all that he and Dainty Lance
had suflered through the vengeful hatred of the

, Mad Hermit recurred to him, and with a yell

even more fierce than that of the old man, he
leveled his revolver and fired at the approaching

re.
e Mad Hermit stopped abruptly clas
V both hands to his breast, his head thrhwn mpg
as though he was choking—othen he fell heavily
upon his face, lying withoutsound or motion.

———a’

CHAPTER XIV. ‘
DAINTY LANCE'S SISTER.

JOAQUIN MURIETA, as soon as he beheld the
\pass blocked by the presence of an armed force.
ya’rose from his cover and uttered the signal of

’ ’reti‘eat. 'Swiftly the Mexicans scattered and
' fled,leav1ng their'horses and all else to seek

satet b scaling the rocky sides of the valley.

W‘th oaquiu fled Clarina.

Wilbur Mason saw them flee, but, i orent of
who they were, did not pursue. The all of the
Mad Her-nut drew his attention to the spot from
whence the shot was fired, an‘d he recognized the
form of Sibyl. His lips parted to order a charge,
but the words were never spoken, '

 

r e
I

From the narrow pass behind them, the road-

ents heard the clutter of iron-shod boots, and
high above all else came the loud, terrible roar
of the giant negro, who was in their midst the
next moment, his huge club dealing death at
every blow. And, close behind him rode Mor-
gan’s Man—hunters, their revolvers ringing
forth in death volleys. 1

Mason wheeled, in dealeration, to see the -
blood-drippingi club of ercules raised for his
destruction. is revolver exploded just as the
club fell, and both droppedto the ound, the
negro stunned, the outlaw dead, his s 1111 crush-
ed to atoms. ‘

That shot was the only one fired by the road‘
agents. Taken so terribly by surprise, they
thought not of resistance, and were butchered
without mercy. Few prisoners of their class
were ever taken, Merciless themselves, they
received no mercy.

“ On, and capture Joaquin Murietal” shouted
Dainty Lance. “ Yonder they go, over the rocks!
On, and take them I”

“ One or two of the fleeing Mexicans were still
visible, and realizing the truth, the man-hunters
ceased their work of slaughter and set of! after_
higher game.

 

The sun was setting over the blood-stained
valley. ‘

Three persons moved slowly away from where
lay a white-haired corpse, beside which, sobbing
audibly, still knelt a huge form—Hercules
mourning over his dead master" and foster-
brother.

Those three were Sibyl. Being Lance, and
Harry Ballou. They had heard oward Glenn
confess all, and now knew that they were
brothers and sister. Only one of the trio could
be said to be happi. It is not easy to accept a.
brother. where one as loved as a wife—a sister
instead of that nearest and dearest of all rela-
tionships. Not yet could these two feel resigned
to the mysterious working of fate.

Later, the Man hunters returned, baffled.
They had lost the trail of the outlaws, and came
back empty-handed for their horses, swearin to
hunt the country over inch by inch, but w at
they would have Joaquin Murieta, dead or
alive. It seems they came upon Hercules, Just
as he left the deserted cave._ after his drugged
sleep, and believing from his account that the
band was that of Joaquiii’s, they took the trail
at once, with the result here noted.

 

Two months later, a party of five stood upon
the deck of a ship about'to leave San Francisco.
They were Siby]. or Grace Ballou, her two
brothers, Hardy Zeph, and Hercules. She was
begging, with tears in her eyes, that Dainty
Lance would change. his determination, and re- ,
turn with them. 1

“ No, it is better not,” he said, with a sad, gen-
tle smile. “ If the time ever comes when I can
bring myself to look upon you as never more
than a very dear sister, then you will see me.
Until then—farewell!” - .

He pressed his lips to her cold brow, then
turned away and entered the boat, which rowed
him and Hardy Zeph hack‘to the shore.

' ma IND.
O

 

 

 

l .0 v 

  (/3, oonvorms. QEADLE,S\ mmmomrs.\
it POCKET LIBRARY.

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l Deadwood ltlclr, the Prince of the Road. By 51 Patent-leather locker, Old Butlunahl, the

Edward L. Whether. Charmer. By l’hlll S. me.
3 Kanaue King; or, The M nght mud. By 59 The Border Rob flood; or,ThePrnlrle Borax.
Buflnw Bill.‘ Bi Bumlo Bill.
8 The Flying Yankee! or, The Ocean Ontcul. By 58 60 d Rifle, the Shnrpshooler; or, The Bay may.
Col. Frontier lncrnham. 0r the Bleck Hille. By Edward L. Wheeler.
4 The Double [buggers By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Old le’a Cabin or, A Greenth in the Woodl.
5 The Two Beth-lives on. The Fortunu of a By (‘Allt-J4 F. C. A mu.
Bowery Glrl. Bv Albert . Aiken. 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By 0]] '
6 The l’rnlrie I’ilotl or, The Ph-nmm Spy. By Coomu.
llullnlo Bill. 56 Mad Tom “'eetern, the Tenn Renter. By W.
7 The Buffqu Demon: or, The Border Vulturu. J. Hamilton.
By Edward L. “'hoeler. 67 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or Cellmlly Jane,
8 Angelo (e Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomoa the Herome ol' Whoop-Hg: By E.  Wheeler.
9 Ned vlde. the Boy Scout. By “Tam Juk” 58 Hawkeye Harry, the quiz; Trapper Ranger. By
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C. H-rbnugh. 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy ram. By Edde 1..
18 Yellownone Jnclq or. Tapper: of the Enchanted “healer.
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14 Wild Ivnn Ihu Buy Claude Duval. By E. L.Whoelor. 63 80] Girl er, the Giant T119921. By A. . Aiken.
15 Diamond lurk; nr, Thu hlyuery o! the Yellow- 64 Rosehu Rob; OHQIIXKEQ‘ Ned, the Knlght of the
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18 Kecn-Knli'c, Prim-n ml the Prnlriel. By 01l Coomee. 65 LightnlnflJnc, the Terror 0! the Pralrle. By Cap-
17 Ore on Sol; or, Nlck Whllllrl'l Boy Spy. By Cnpt. tnln J. F. . Adm“.
Lg. C. Adam: 66 Kit llarei‘aat, the WoodJ-lawk. By T. 0. H»
18 Death-Face. the Detentlve. By E. L. Wheeler. I“ h. -
l9 Lav-no Jack the Ynmxg Mustang". B Q“ Coomu. 6? Hal 0, the Boy Ranger; w, The Helreaurllhe Golden
IO Roaring fknlph ll’oekwood, t a Recklm Horn. By 01 oomu.
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tucky. y Hurry . t. cargo. 73.1%. an”). Phlhthe Boy Sleuth; or, Mebud Rob'-
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/ 83 OCTAVO PAGES.

\ PRIOE,FIVE NT.
 CE s\

POCKET LIBRARY.

 

 

91 Hunt-n1 Sam, the King of the Plains. By Joe. E.
Bad or, r. ' '

9! The lute-n Bloodhound ar,The Rod l’inus or
the Cnrihbau. By Sunuei . l‘nrce.

9 Phll 11nd the Bonn Boy. By Chnrlen Morris.

9 Deudw od Dick noDcteot-lve. liy E.L.\‘Vlreeler.

95 Buck uekrlm or, Be". the Female Tmpper.
BI Cnptulu J. F. L. Adams.

96 GI t-Edged Dick, thrown Detective. By E. 1..

00 01'-
9? The Black Steed of the Pruirles. By Jnme-
. “.11-
9B The fienLSei-peng; or. Thu Boy Robin-on Crusoe.

1 J inn owls.
99 Bonunla Bill. the Man Trucker. By E. L. Wheeler.
By

100 NM: Todd or, The Fnle of the Sioux Cuptivo.
Edward S. E lis.

101 Dtarlng “Ivy: the Young Bear Klilor. By Hnrry

. reorze.

102 The Yellow Chief. By Capt. Mnyne Reid.

103 Chip, the Girl Sport. Edward L. “'hoeler.

104 The Black Behoon . By Roger Starbuck.

105 Handsome Hurry, tho Bootbinck Detective. By
Charles Morris.

106 Night-llowk Kit; or, the Daughter of the Ranch.
By on. E. Badger, Jr. '

107 J-ek lloyle‘n Lead; or, The Young Specu'ntor.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

3 'r. c. Hnrhnngh.

108 Rock Mountain Kit. .

109 The rnnded “and; or, no Man of Mystery.
RFl‘tnh Dnmnnt.

110 e Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By
George W. Brownu.

111 Ron Bob. lha King of Baotlflncht. By E. L.Whee‘er.

113 The Helpless "and. By Cunt. Mayne Reid.

118 flour-Firm: Raul the Silent Hunter. liy Oil Cnnmon.

114 Plney Paul. t a Mountain 80'; or. The Link.
Arrow of the Adlrnndnrks. By T. ‘. iiorhaugh.

115 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By. 2. L. \Vlloelor.

1.18 Julie: Uofln. Ski per; ur, Lott int 8 Polar Regions.
By Capt. F. \t ‘ er.

11'! Fan? Frank, of Cniorado. By Ron. W. F. Cody.
“ l'ln nln Bil ."

118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Cline. lllnrrin.

119 Blonde Bill' or. Deadwood Diuk’I Home Base.
By Edwurd L. Whnlar.

150 Gopher aid, the Boy Trap or. By T. C. llarbaugh.

181 llarry Arum-tron , the 'npinin nithu Club. By
Brreebrldgo Hem ng. .luék Hnrknway.)

12. The Hunted unter. ‘By Eriwnr S. Ellie.

138 Solid Sosa, the 150 Road-Agent. By E. L. Wheeler.

134 Judge Lynch. 1-,; or. The Boy Vigilante. By
T. C. Hfli'hflll h. l

195 The Land f’lrnten. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

1’6 Blue Blazes; or, The Brenk 0’ Day Boys 0! Rocky
Bar. Bv Frank Dumont.

127 Tony Fox she-Farret; or, Ban Bob’s Boos Jub. iiy
Edvard L. Whooior.

198 Black Bean, Will Wildfire’l Racer. By 0. Morris.

129 Eagle Kit, the Roy Damon. Hy Oll (700mm.

1“) Gold Trlxn’er, the Sport. By T. C. Harbough.

181 h lllle of Gold; or, Dandwond Dick‘l BI:

By Edward L. Wheeler. .

Lance, the Boy 3 art. ByJ.E.nmmr,Jr.

re. the lions ol'the

Strih.
183 “flintfi
1138 WI]!!-
184 Mike Me" the Harbor Polireliny. By (7. Murrii.
186 Deadwood

ick of Deadwood.
1;. Who

,elar.
18“ "id Rube, the Hunter. 13y Cu t. Hamilton llnlnn-n.
187 Dandy Rock, the Man from mu. By (5. “'ullin

Brown.
18 Bob Roekeu, the Boy Dodger. l'iy Chas. Mv rrls.
15 The Rink Giant: or. Dainty Lnuoo in Jeopardy.
By .1030 h E. Badger, Jr.
1&9 Cl tails Arizona. tin King Pin of Road-Agents.
By hlli 5. Warm. '
141 New ork Nell, the Bay-Girl Detective. By
Edvard L. Wheeler.
14% Little Texomtha Young Muntnngrr. By Oil Coomol.
148 Deedl Dual” 01’, Fighting Flro with Fire. By

Jon. . ulnar, Jr. .
144 Little Grit, ths Wild Rider; or Bessie,thestock
'l'cudor'u Dough: . By Col. Punt u lngrnhnm.
1“ The T136! of M5 By Geo. Waldo Brown.
140 The Nttlojflng. By Funk Dumont.

 

oad. By ank Duumnt. ‘
By Eiwmd
i

 

«hwhbbuhwbmmaahpammonium!»mmwmmmmmwmmmmwmmwwwwumm

147 Nnbby Nick ofNevudn. By Edward L. Wheeler.

148 Thunder-bolt Tam. By “MW- Sl- Geoma-

149 110]: Roekett the Bank Runner; or, The Rond to
lium. By Charles lllorrlu.

150 The Mud Miner; onDnndy Rock’s Doom. By
G. Vt'nldu Browne.

151 The Hon Trailer. By (10]. l’rentims lugrnhum.

152 Dandy Burke: or, Tim ’l'lgrrs ul'liigli Pine. By
\Vllllunl ll. Eyslor.

158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By Edward L.

“'luzeier.
154 The Buy Truilcru- or. Dainty Lanes on the
WM -Patli. liy Jox. E. liluluur, Jr.
155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bunriit: or, The Kill-Glove
an)”. Hy Col. Pry-mien: liigruhuiu.
156 ‘Ill “'lldilre ill the \l'umlfl. By C. Morris.
15'? Ned Temple, tlin Bowler liny. By ’1'. C llurhuuglr.
158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By E. L. Vt'lruwler.
159 Potent-Leather Joe’s Defcut. By Philip. . .

\\ urine.

160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Buiiwhnckcr. By Col. 1’.
lngrnlmxn.

161 "Oil Rockcit, the Crnchmnun. By C. Morris.

162 {little llllrrlenne, the Boy Captain. By 011

"(lllu‘fi-

163 Deadwood Dir-k”: Dream: or, The Rivnll of
the Road. By Eil‘Vfll’d L- “'iieciar.

16—1: Tornado Tom: or, lujuu Junk from Red Core.
iiy '1'. c. llurhnugli.

165 Hurtful!) Bill’s Bet. By Col. Prentiss lnzmhnm.

166 Will “'lldilre “'inn and Lawn. By Clmrlés

. arms.

16’? Dnmly Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Brownc.

188 Deadwood Dick’s “'urd; or, The llluck )iills
Jon-Ml. By Ellll‘ill‘ll L. Wheeler.

169 The Boy Champion; ur Dutch llermun of the
)iuakingmn. By Edward “’iileit.

1'?!) Igloh Rockett‘u Fight for Life. By Charla»

orm. ‘

171 Frank Morton. the Boy Harculn. By Oil Ccomol.

172 The Yunch Ranger. 15y Edwin Emu-on.

1'23 Dick Dingle, Scout; or, The Frontier Angel. By
Edward 5. Ellis.

174 Dandy Rot-Wu Scheme. By G. W. Brnwno.

1 5 The Arnl’r 111 teolive. By Edwnrrl L. Wiir-oii-r.

1 6 “‘ill “'lldilre’n Pluck. ByCharlus \lorr-J.‘

1 t 7 The Boy Commander. linnIJ’reutm lngrnlmui.

1’33 'l‘lu- Mnnliw Hunter. By Burton Snxo.

179111" . Lulu-u; or. Tho Mystic .\.nri<snmn. By

mi. . Badger, Jr. .

180 The Boy Gold-llunter. By T. C. l-lnrhnugh.

ISI The Scorn-grace Son. By Chnrle- Morris.

182 The Dark - Skinned Scout. By Licut. Cob
Him‘ltlmr. .

188 Jahez Dart. Detective. By Oll Cnomel.

1 R4 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willsth

185 "loan Bill. the Ovltl'llllld Prince. 11y Col. I’m-nth.»
lngrnhiun.

186 Dainty Lance and Ill! Purd. By Joseph E.
Burignr, Jr.

187 The Trapped Tiger King. By Chnrlwn Morril.
Renrly August 10.

188 The Ventrlloqllnt Detective. By Edward L.
Win-cicr Rm dy August 17.

189 Old Rock "A “031‘ or. Bruit" the Yonn Mu-
mmy-urean By Mn.’s.un.s.Ha’u. “
lieudy August. 24.

190 film Simpklrsu, Smut. By James 1.. Bowen.

Ready August 31.
1.91 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By 080- Waldo Browne.
Ready September 1.
Innued Every Wednesday.
Beadle’o Pocket Library is Ior sale by all Nev"-
deolcrr, five cont: our copy, or lent by mail on receipt of all

can to mix .

BEADLE a; ADAMS. Pnbllnhera,
98 Willlom Street, New York.