02.5o Published Weekly by Beadle and Adsms,
‘ "‘3'"- No. 98 VVlLLIAM S12. NEW YORK.

 

‘ «5%

WITH A STARTLED CRY BESSIE GAME TO A SUDDEN ELI/1‘, WHILE WITH UTARW I“. III Gm
UPON AN OBJECT THAT BT00!) IN HER PATE-

 

 

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

* Little Grit,
THE WILD RIDER;

:

Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter.

A Romance of Pony Express Days.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR OF “ THE HUSSAR CAPTAIN,” “ THE
SEA DEVIL,” “ 1)ch DEAD-EYE,” “THE
BOY DUELIsr,” are, ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE WILD RIDER.

THE bright moonlight streamed down
upon an excitintr scene, and a strange one,
for over the prairie three horses were going
at break-neck speed, two running side by
side. and one a few rods in advance.

Upon the former were two men. and their
cruel spurs were laceratiug the sides of their
straining animals

Upon the latter horse. the one a short dis—
tance ahead of the others, was mounted a
woman, and her keen whip fell with sting-
ing blows upon the splendid animal she
rode, and which was striving so hard to
leave his pursuers behind, yet seemingly
with little hope, for slowly but surely they
gained.

“Gal, ef er don’t halt, I’ll shoot yer,”
yelled one o the men, as for an instant the
flying animal ahead, seemed gaining.

But the maiden made no reply, and
simply glanced over her shoulder, the act
showing that she was young and very lovely,
though her face was white with dread, and
her lips were quivering with nervous excite.
ment.

But the man did not carry out his threat of
shooting the irl, though he fired in the air
as though to righten her.

But though she started at the ringing re-
port, she did not check her speed, and urged
her struggling mare on more rapidly, while
from her lips came the words:

“I would rather die than fall into their
hands.” ,

And again and again the pistol flashed, but
the girl would not halt, yet she believed her
pursuers were really firing upon her.

Before her was a slope. that after a short
distance rose into the fcothills of the moun-
tains beyond; yet where was succor for her
in all that vast solitude around, for nowhere
was visible the habitation of man?

“Come, Princess, they are gaining upon
you; come, my beauty,” said the girl, en-
couragingly, and cheered by her voice the

 

,. , ....‘

noble beast made another effort to drop her
pursuers; but in vain, for they were mounted
upon hardy prairie horses, which, though
Princess might easily run away from in a
short race, when it came to mile after mile of
hot chase over plain, hill and dale, they held
the power of endurance that the blooded an-
imal had to succumb to.

“ Poor, poor Princessl” cried the maiden,
as up the hill her mare staggered with
fatigue.

“ Ha! ha! my gal,we has you now,” cried
one of the men in great glee, as their horses
now gained rapidly, and they knew that a
few moments more would bring them along-
side of their victim.

But, just as their steeds were within a
length of Princess, and they were stretching
forth their hands to capture the prize for
which they were struggling, there was heard
the rapid clatter of hoofs ahead, and instant-
ly there dashed into sight 3 horseman.

He was going by like the wind, as if un-
mindful of whom he met, when from the
lips of the maiden broke a cry for help, and
a glance showed him the situation of affairs.

Instantly, with a word to his horse. he
wheeled. and charged directly upon the two
pursuers of the maiden, who quickly turned
to meet him, for from one had come the
warning cry:

“ The Wild Rider !”

Then came several pistol-shots in rapid
succession, the shriek of a wounded horse. a
fall, and, as the dust and smoke drifted
away. the maitlen, Whose tired mare had
halted, beheld a horse and a rider prostrate
upon the ground, and two horsemen close
together, one holding a revolver to the head
of the other.

“ Thank God! he has saved me!” came
in fervent tones from the maiden’s lips, for,
in the victor in the short but fierce combat,
she recognized by the bright light of the
goon, the one who had been called The Mid

ider.

CHAPTER II.
THE THREAT.

“ LITTLE GRIT, yer has got me squar’.”

“ I am sorry I did not kill you, as I did
that fellow lying there.”

“I am glad, for I don't want ter hand in
my cheeks yet; but what are you going to
do with me? ' .

“ That depends entirely upon what this
lady wishes me to do with you; if she says
kill you, I‘ll do so with pleasure. Will you
please come here, miss, for this dog won’t
bite now?” and the horseman turned to the
maiden, who sat on her panting horse a short
distance away, gazing with intense interest
upon the scene. , '

 

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

At his words she rode nearer, and the
moonlight showed her a mere boy, splendid-
ly mounted, as her rescuer.

His form was slender but wiry and his
small waist, broad shoulders and square
chest, denoted strength and endurance in a
marked degree.

His face, as the moon shone upon it, was
that of a youth of seventeen, and the fea-
tures were clear—cut, handsome and full of
determination, while his dark eyes had a flash
in them that showed he would dare anything
that a man would attempt.

He was attired in a black velvet jacket,
white corduroy pants, stuck in handsome
boots, the heels of which were armed with
spurs of silver, and wore a gray sombrero
with broad brim, and in a belt around his
waist a pair of revolvers.

His horse was a longvbodied, small-legged
black, and had no bridle on, while the saddle
was excoedingly small, for the limbs of the
rider hid it, and seemed more to be used to
strap a. pair of leather pockets to, than for
the comfort of the horseman. ~

The man who had been in pursuit of th
maiden was a rough, uncouth specimen of
humanity, heavily armed, and dressed as a
plainsman, and evidently a dangerous char-
actei

As the maiden drew near the two, the
youth noticed that she was a mere girl, scarce-
ly more than sixteen, and that her face was
very beautiful, and form exquisitely graceful
in the dark riding habit she were.

Shaken down by her hard ride, her hair
hung down upon the back of her horse, and
looked like strands of gold in the moonlight.

“ Now, miss, if you say the word, I’ll send
a bullet through this fellow's brain,“ said the
youth, who held the ruflian under cover of
his revolver.

“No. no, sir, I would not wish that,
though he is a very bad man, and with his
companion there, decnyed me away from
the train, under an excuse thatmy father had
sent for me,” said the maiden, in a sweet
voice

“ You then belong to a train; I wondered
how it was I found you here."

“My father commands a train of supplies
going to Fort Aspen, sir, and these men be-
longed to the party, and of course, I did not
expect harmfrom them, and when they said
my father Wished me to go on ahead 3. mile
or two and join him, I accompanied them,
until I saw that they were deceiving me, and
they told me that they would hold me until
Well aid for taking me back.”

“ hat that is your game, is it, Hank
Hawkins, for you see I know you? Well.
I‘ll report your conduct along the line, and
the boys will make it hot for you—got"

 

“ Does yer mean it, Little Grit?" asked the
man. eagerly.

“ Yes—no, remain here and look a‘lter your
dead pard; and I will see you back to the
train, miss, but you must ride fast. as I am
riding Pony Express. and wouldn’t have
stopped if I hadn't seen that it was a lady in
trouble; come, miss, please. and you, Hank
Hawkins, remember that I'll keep my eye on

on. ’

“And I know somebody ez hez the’r eyes
on you, Little Grit," said the man, threaten-
ingly
“ Eahl what dol care for you?"

“ ‘Tisn’t me, altho' 1 doesn't intend to for-
git you."

“ Who is it then?"

“ Thor Boy Bandit.”

“ So be it; I fear that fellow and his gang
of horse-thieves as little as I do you; come,
miss, we must be off, and you’ll have to
drive your horse hard to keep up with Fire-
fl -"
yAs he spoke he wheeled his splendid horse
alongside of Princess, and the two animals
started off at a rapid gallop back toward the
plains from whence the maiden had come.

CHAPTER III.
THE RED navmn.

“YOUR horse seems used up. miss,” said
the youth, after they had been ridinfr along
together for a few minutes. and rincess
showed increased signs of failing.

“ Yes. she seems to feel her long and rapid
run, and lam sorry that I detain you, sir,"
replied the maiden.

“ Oh, don‘t mind me— IIoldl”

The sudden ejaculation of the young horse-
man had bccn occasioned by the appearance,
over a ridge ahead_of them, of half a dozen
horsemen.

Suiting his action with his words, he had
quickly seized the rein of his fair companion‘s
horse, and the two animals had come to a
sudden halt.

" Who are they?" asked the maiden anx-
iously, seeing the youth gazing earnestly at
the approaching horsemen.

“They are fellows that, under the circum-
stances, I do not care to meet; the same ones
whom Hank Hawkins threatened me with;
but fortunately they do not yet see us, and
we‘ll see if we can get away unseen."

Still holding the bridle-rein of the maiden's
horse, and guiding his own b a movement
of his knees, the youth wheele short 011’ of
the trail. and endeavored to reach a.thicket
of scrub pines not far away.

At first he believed he would escape the
observation of the horsemen, as they were

laughing and talking together, and not very

 

t  Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

watchful; but a sudden shout warned him

that he was discovered, and he said quickly:

“Come, you must ride behind me, for
your horse is useless.”

As he spoke he threw his arm around the
maiden‘s waist, and with an exhibition of
strength that surprised her. quickly raised
her from the saddle and set her down he-
hind him.

“ Firefly will lead those fellows a long
race, even if he does carry a double load;
come. old fellow.”

“But my poor Princess," cried the maiden,
‘ as the splendid black bounded away at the

word of his master.

“Must fall to the enemy. unless she can
keep up without your weight.”

And it was evident that Princess, at the
call of her mistress, determined to make a
desperate elfort to keep along with the black
, that was carrying her load for her; but a few
hundred feet were sufficient to show her that
Firefly would soon drop her behind.

As the black boun led away the horsemen,
whom the youth had said were dangeroui
foes to meet, started in rapid pursuit. and in
a minute the chase began across the moonlit
plain, for a short run brought the pursued
free of the foothills. and the rolling prairie
stretched before them for miles.

I "It is ten miles to the next station, miss,
and we can hold our own, I think,” said the
youth hopefully. as Firefly ran along like
the wind. while his pursuers, seven in num-
ber. stretched out in hot chase.

- “ But they may fire upon you and wound

your horse," she said. with dread.

“ No. they are the band of the de Ban-
dit, and they wish to catch me alive.”

“The Boy Binrlitl I have heard the
scouts in the train tell strange, wild stories
about him at night around the camp-fires;
but is he really a boy, sir?"

“ Yes; their leader. Captain Firebrand. is

I said to be but fifteen; see! that is he in ad-

vance. upon the white horse, and he is gain-

ing upon us.” '

“And they would harm us if they captur-
ed us?" v

“ They would kill me and demand ransom
of your father for you, miss; but don‘t be
frightened. for Firefly holds up well, and if
’ he falls under his double load, you are a
splendid rider. and he can easily arry you
on to the station on my saddle."

";And you?” quickly asked the young

1r . 4
g ‘,‘ I'll drop off at the Red Ravine, and they
can never find me.”

“No. no, let them take me. and father

will pay the ransom. for you have said “my

wii kill you it‘ they capture you.” '

’ I 'y‘ You are a brave girl, but don’t feel wer-

v\
.’ \

 

ried, for they won’t get either one of us,-.I
promise you.” _

The maiden hoped that her brave compan-
ion spoke truly, but glancing behind her she
saw that the white horse was steadily gain-
ing. and was now but fifty yards away.

A look behind showed the youth that, al-
though Firefly was doing splendidly, he had
a horse on his trail that, with his double
weight. was more than a match for him, and
he said: ,

“ Do you see that lone tree ahead, miss?”

a Yes.” ‘

“ Well, that stands at the head of the Red
Ravine, and there I shall drop ofi, while you ‘
go on to the station.”

“ No, no. I will not allow you to do this;
put me off and your horse will carry you
rapidly out of danger."

The youth turned and looked the maiden
squarely in the face and replied:

“ You are a plucky girl; but I’d rather
haul up and fight the whole band of the Boy
Bandit, than do it. 1 tell you Ihnow the
Red Ravine well. and can easily dodge them
in it. while Firefly will carry you on to the
station and save you and the express and let-
ters, and you can tell Handy, the agent, that
I’m coming, but won't be on time."

” Are you sure you can escape?"

“ I know it, for I’ve gotten out of man
a worse scrape; now, I‘ll change places wit

on.”
y As he spoke he again put his arm around
her slender waist, and raising her easily. \
brought her round in front of him. while he
slid back into the place she had occupied ‘

Leaning over then, he hastily shortened
the stirrup and placed her foot in it, and said:

“ Now hold hard to Firefly's mane, for
you see I use no bridle, and he will carry
you safe; here is the tree; good-by, miss."

Ere she was aware. he had suddenly leaped
lightly to the ground. just as Firefly ran un- .
der the shadow of the huge. low tree, and
glancing back as the horse bounded on. she
saw that the youth had mysteriously disap- I
peered. while, relieved of his extra burden,
the noble animal sue rode was rapidly drop- .
ping the Boy Bandit behind him. ,2 7

And still anxiously looking back over her . ,
shoulder, she discovered that but three con- '
tinued in pursuit of her, the others having
halted at the tree. I‘

“ They saw him spring from his horse, and
he will surely be killed- Oh!" '

The cry broke from her lips as several pis- .
tel-shots rung out in rapid succession, and . ‘
greath terrified, she looked back over her ,
shoulder, to see a horseman dart out from
under the shadow of the tree, and come on '
glitzy-afterlthe three who Were pursuing '

r. ‘ ' "‘ )

 

  
   

 

 

. f.‘ I '» “pad of him, he held on, confident that his

was Grit, the was his“.

 

CHAPTER IV.
was: WILD mama’s ansn.

Wm the Wild Rider slipped off of Fire-
fly at the lone tree, growing at the head of
the Red Ravine his first intention seemed to
spring down into the gully and run for his
life; but. a second thought seized upon him
suddenly, and changing his first impulse, he
sprung back into the shelter of the trunk
and broken limbs piled up around it, and
muttered:

“ There’s the ravine for refuge, if mylittla
plan fails."

Hardly had he gained a hiding-place in the
shadow of the foliage, and drawn a revolver,
when he saw the white horse almost upon
him, and he looked straight into the face of
the Boy Bandit.

One glance. by the bright moonlight,
showed him that the rider of the snow-white
steed was certainly a most youthful person-
age, with long, golden curls hanging upon
his shoulders, a suit of buckskin, fringed and
beaded, a broad, black sombrero, and belt-of-
arms.

He sat his horse, a splendid animal, like
one born in the saddle, and his 6 es were
fixed intently on the flying black an his fair
burden in front.

“ I could kill him, and—but I won’t,” and
the Wild Rider lowered his revolver, which
he had half-raised, and the Boy Bandit swept
on, little dreaming of danger, for he saw not
the dark form crouching in the shadow.

“ No, another time we will meet on fairer
terms, and then one of us must die,” mut-
tered the youth, and he crouched still closer
as two of the band, large, bearded men,
swept by on the heels of their young chief.

A few seconds more and up dashed an

‘other of the band and halted. and the remain-

ing three did the same, one of them, the first-
comer, calling out:

“ We‘ll await the chief here, pards."

But, as the words left his lips, out of the
shadow around the trunk of the tree came a
flash, another. and another. and down from
his horse fell one of the bandits, and to the
ground dropped the steeds of the balance.
while out from his hiding-place darted the
Pony Ex ress Rider, and ere the startled
outlaws new what had happened, and
could extricate themselves from their fallen
animals. the Wild Rider had thrown him-
self into the saddle of the man he had slain.
and with a ringing laugh, rode away like
the wind follmved by a few scattering
shots. and bitter curses from his discom-
flted foes, whom his unerring aim had dis-
mounted.

The Boy Bandit heard the shots and look-
ed back. but intent on the wished-for prize

\

 

 

men would not be defeated by anything they
had found at the head of the ravine. an
little dreaming that it was the one he sought,
that had so cleverly mounted himself and
dismounted the outlaws. ’

And thus the chase continued. with the
maiden mounted on the bridlelcss horse of
the Wild Rider. dashing along in advance,
and steadily gaining, and the white steed
pressing on hard in pursuit, urged by the Boy
Bandit, while behind half a hundred yards,
came his two men, who rode side by side,
their horses seeming of equal speed.

About a like distance in the rear of these
two, came a gallant bay, evidently held in
check by his rider, upon Whose face was a
triumphant smile.

Presently over a roll in the prairie ap-
peared a band of horsemen, and they were a
score in number, while at their head rode a
large man in undress military uniform.

At a glance he saw the coming black, and
instantly was on the gut tire, and fluttering
in the moonlight was visible a skirt, which
caused him to cry out:

“ Thank Godl it is my child I" and raising
his voice he cried in ringing tones:

“ Helen! Ilclenl my child. come to me!"

Back on the wind came the response:

“Father, I am safe, comet ’

But the black swerved from his course.
and increasing. rather than diminishing his
speed, sped on like the very wind, to the
amusement of all who saw him. '

“In heaven‘s name! what does it mean i"
cried the father, and raising his voice again,
he called out:

“Helen, stopl wait for me!”

” I cannot! come!” .

Back to their ears came her reply and all
stood an instant gazing into each other's
faces in wonder, until one quick eye caught
sightof three horsemen flying back over the
prairie.

" See! they were in pursuit of herl" cried
the man, and from several lips broke the
words:

" he Boy Bandit and his menl”

“Then after them. a dozen of you. while
I follow my child." and calling to a half a

dozen of his followers to accompany him, I r

the officer sped away in chase of Firefly.
while the remainder of the party, with wild
shouts, rode ofi in pursuit of the snow-white
steeld. so well known along the Overland
trai .

But on went the flying black, straight to

the station, where soon after he drew up, '

panting from his long run.

It was but half a dozen shanties, Rocky
Glen Station, besides the stables and public
house, which a wonderful stretch of imagi-

nation called a hotel, and as the rapid clat- ‘.

 
  
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
   
    
      
      

I pearl-handled pistols.

  

 
 

man; «in. the was may;

 
  

 

 

.ter of hoofs told the idlers within that the
Pony Exoress Rider was coming, nearly two
score of rough-looking men stepped out of
the bar-room to greet Wild Rider, who wasa
great favorite along the line.

 

CHAPTER V.
AT THE nInEns’ REST.

" THE'I‘ festive youth are half a hour late,
pards, an’ it's sure suthin’ is gone wrong, for
he are allus on time, an' a leetle ahead,” and
Trumps, a large-bodied, frank-faced fron-
tiersman, who had been trapper, guide,
teamster and miner, and gambler through
all, threw down his last card, a trump, and
raked the winnings into his capacious pock-
et, while he gazed around upon the motley
crowd in Judge Hunter‘s Riders’ Rest Tav-
ern, to get‘some one to contradict his state-
ment that something had gone wrong with
Wild Rider of the Pony Express.

“ I fears you is right. Trump. fer ther boy
isn't one ter tarry on his run, of it do be a
leetle ride 0‘ ninety miles and but seven
hosses ter do it with, an' it up hill an’ down
dale an’ over pararer too," replied Bony Bob,
another border character, who had just lost
half a pound of gold-dust to Trumps, who,
had won his lucky name from always hold-
ing a trump card to defeat an adversary
with.

“Oh, the boy will turn up all right; the
devil takes care of, his own, and that youth
seems to be one of his especial pets,” re-
~ marked a person sitting at another table
playing cards, and winning heavily, too,
with that nonchalant manner that betokens
the professional gambler and the cool
sport.

He had been known at the different stage.
coach and pony-riders’ stations along the
Overland as Gambler Grey. and yet was
more frequently called the Kid Glove Sport,
from the fact that he always wore a pair of
kid loves upon his shapely hands, no one
ever aving seen him without them, asleep
or awake. ' ,

‘ He was dressed in a suit of Mexican cava-'
lier costume, trimmed with solid gold but-
, ,tons. gold braid. and with the inner adorn-

ments of the slashes in the sleeves and pants
of silk and fine lace.

A white, blue or red silk shirt, with the
"wide collar turned back over his shoulders,
‘ and a cravat of fine lace he also wore, as suit-

ed his fancy. and a pair of patent-leather
. boots and black sombrero completed his very
fancy costume, if I except one important fea-
ture in the shape of a belt of fancy leather,
in which was a jewel-hilted knife and two

 

His, face was dark, always wore a sinis-

  
 
 

ter smile, and yet was strikingly handsome, ‘
as far as regularit of features went, and his ‘
hair was long an curling, and the ends of
his black silken mustache rented upon his

shoulders. '

The days he generally passed in the saddle,
going no one knew where; but his evenings
he spent in the saloon of the Riders' Rest,
where he had a room. and nightly he added
’{3 his winnings, for he was a skillful gam-

er.

In answer to his remark about the Pony
Express Rider, ‘Trumps responded:

"You ought ter know, Kid Glove, who
ther devil fancies, fer you is said ter be kin
ter him.”

The dark eyes of Gambler Grey flashed for»
an instant in anger, but checking aquick
reply, he said:

“ if you and I should ever quarrel,
Trl‘lfimps, you would think me Satan him—
se .”

“ Oh! I knows er has grit, fer I has seen
yer tried; but I oesn't fear yer. Gambler
Gre , an’ we will llev more’n a uarrel ef er
don t quit throwin’ slurs at thet ony Ri er,
when he hain‘t round ter hit back, as he
Would do if you insulted him.” ~

“I did not insult Wild Rider, Trumps. I
know that he is, although a boy in years, the
inferior of few men as regards stren h, en—
durance and pluck; but I think t ere is
something wrong about him.” ; «»

“What does yer mean by wrong, pard?" =8
asked Bony Bob. . , I

“ Oh, it matters not what I mean; I have 3 ~-; if.
my opinion about him, and I’ll keep it until '
the right time to make it known." ,

“Ef it’s a bad opinyun yer’d better keep I
it dark, Pard Grey, or er'll git inter trouble, y
fer I loves thet boy; e’s grit to ther back- a A
bone, an' it were I who gave him ther name /
o”’Little Grit, arter ther three duels he fought
up at Sweetwater with ther galoots thet
picked him up fer a baby ’canse no ha‘r don't
grow on his face,”

“ I heard of that one he fought with a
knife and killed him; the/second heshot, and
the third he thrashed in a fair fist fight,” said
Gambler Grey. ’ -

“ Fact! I seen ther rackits, an’ it were ‘
done prime; but I hears a rattle o’ hoofs ,
without. an’ it’s ther Wild Rider hisse’f."

Out of the saloon then Trump the miner I ,
led the way, followed by all the others, and’
from the lips of the crowd broke a shout. as
the black steed of the Wild Rider was recog-
nized. coming up to the station at a full run. '

But the next moment up he dashed to the
door, and an exclamation of amazement was 4
heard, as, instead of the Wild Rider, they
saw upon the Firefly’s back the_slender form '
of a young girl, whose beautiful face was

  

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turned upon them with a look of surprise, if
not of alarm. _

“ Satan has metamor hosed the boy into a
beautiful girl,” said ambler Grey, as he
forced his way to the side of the horse, just
88 Judge Hunter, the proprietor of Riders'
Rest cried in astonishment;

“ Well, miss, has Wild Rider given up the
Express to you?” _

“For the run into this station, yes, sir; he
rescued me from two men who had captured
me, and being hard pressed by the Boy Ban-
dit and his band, he sent me on alone on his
horse, while he sought refuge in the Red lia-
vine," was the maiden’s reply, in a distinct
tone that reached every car.

" I hope no harm has befallcn the boy; but
it’s just like him to be doing some brave ac-
tion, and he cares little for the consequenc-
es.”

“I do hope, sir, that he has escaped; but
I heard pistol-shots as I rode on, and—”

“ Pards, does yer heur‘? Ther Wild Rider
are in trouble, an’ I wants men tcr go with
me ter help him out,” cried Trumps, inter-
ruptinw the maiden, and his words were an-
sweretf with a shout from the crowd, while
Gambler Grey asked quickly:

“ But who comes here?”

All eyes turned in the direction in which
he looked, and nearly every hand dropped
on a revolver butt, for a party of horsemen
were seen coming toward the station at a
rapid pace.

“ Hold, gentlemcni it is my father, Colonel
Hewlett, who has been searching for me; 1
passed him several miles back, but this horse
would not stop, and they. followed me here,”
said the maiden quickly.

“ It’s just like Firefly, miss; the Wild
Rider to him' to bring you on to the sta-
tion, and c has done it;but dismount, miss,
and come into my hotel and rest.”

The kind-hearted proprietor of the Riders’
Rest lifted the maiden from the saddle and
led her into the house, just as Colonel I-Iad-
le Hewlett and his followers dashed up, the
0 car in evident alarm.

“ My daughter! have you seen her?” he
'cried. eagerly, as he threw himself from the
saddle.

“Yes. sir, she is here,” answered Gambler
Grey, and he led the officer into the tavern,
and with a cry of joy the maiden Ithrew her-
self into her father’s arms.

“My child. what has happened to you?"

cried Colonel Hewlett, anxiously.

“ Two of the train men were traitors, fa-

 ,ther, and they led me away, with the ex—

, case that you were on ahead and wished me

 
   

 

V ‘  It

'to join you there, when their intention was

to..mske you pays. large sum for~ my re—

 

h“ I'I‘he seoundreisl they shall suffer for
t is "

“ One of them is dead, sir, for I escaped
from them, and was only saved from reca -
ture by a young man they call the Wi d
Rider, 9. Pony Express Rider.

“ He killed Red Fred and made Hank
Hawkins a prisoner. but released him and
came on with me until we were chased by the
Boy Bandit and his men, and he left me to
come on alone on his horse, while he jumped
ofi at a ravine.”

“And there you left him, Helen?”

“Yes, sir; he sent his horse on, and I
could not stop him.” ‘

“Ah, now I understand why on did not
stop for me; I hope no harm has fallen the
brave lad.”

As Colonel Hewlett spoke a loud shout was
heard without, and then followed the clatter
of hoofs, and a cry from TrumpS'

“ Hooray! hooray ./ flwr boy are coming I”

 

CHAPTER VI.
THE DEATH TRAIL.

HARDLY had the cheering ceased, when the
door of the hotel sitting-room opened, and in
stepped Little Grit, the Wild Rider, his face
calm, and no‘ trace of excitement in his man- ‘
her, though it was evident that he had sat
passed through some scene of thrilling an-

er.

“Ah, my boy, I am delighted to see yod,
for I had my fears about your safety as this .
young lady told me where she left you,” and '
Judge IIunter stepped forward and warmly
grasped the hand of the youth, who answered
quietly, and modestly:

“ It was a dangerous situation, judge; but
Imanaged to rid the border of an outlaw,
get his horse. and prevent the otliers‘follow~
ing me by dropping the animals they rode,
though I think it would have been better to
have shot the riders."

“ Then it was you, sir, that I saw dash out
from the shadow of the tree after the firing?"
said the maiden, in surprise.

“ Yes, miss, and when your friends, as I
believed them, put the Boy Bandit to fli ht,
I followed him, hoping to ret-a close loo at
him; but I dashed sudden y into the midst.
of his band, enoamped over a rise in the
prairie, and I tell you it was a hard run to
get awa ; but here I am, you see," .

“ An I am glad to thank you. sir, for all

you have done for me; this is my father. and V _

he will prove his appreciation of your service
to his daughter.” '

“ Boy, who are you I” .

The uestion came as ‘a demand, and in

tones o excitement, from the lips of Colonel‘ ‘ 
Hewlett, as he turned his eyes full upon the

  

 

  

 

Little Grit; the Wild Rider.

 

youth, who colored at the peremptory al-
most rude address, and answered:

“I am called Little Grit along the Over-
land. sir.”

“But you have another name?" was the
stern rejoinder.

" Yes, I am also known at the stations as
the Wild Rider.”

“And he deserves the title, colonel, for he
is the best horseman on the trail, and can get
more out of an animal than any one else on
the border,” said Judge Hunter with enthu-
siasm.

“Nonsense! I am not speaking of his
prowess or ability, but his name, and again I
ask you, boy, what it is?” said the colonel,
pettishly.

Evidently nettled by the officer’s manner,
the youth replied:

“ I have given you two, sir, and you add
that of Boy, and I think the three should an-
swer you."

“Hal that is your answer, is it? But I
will know, boy, the name you refuse to tell
me, even if you are ashamed of it.”

“ Father! you forget what I owe this
young man; what matters it to you what
may be his name ?” said Helen Hewlett hotly,
while the judge put in:

“Out here, colonel. hardly any man oes
by his own name, and I do not see why it-
tle Grit should tell you what his is, if he pre-
fers not to.”

“ He doubtless hides it from the cause that
other men conceal their identity under false
names; but I know his face. and have mz-t it
under no very pleasant circumstances, I’ll
warrant, and for that reason wish to know
who he is, but it is a matter of indifference,
I assure you; come, Helen, we will return to
camgi”

:i‘ y horse you know, father, is lost,
an —-”

“ Take the horse you rode here—”

“ Father, that one belonged to this young
gentleman, and I have already received
more kindness at his hands than I can repay,
and which you do not seem to appreciate.”

“ Pardon me, miss, but your horse gallop-
ed into the station just ahead of me, and she
will readily last you to your camp: Iwill
bring her to the door for you,” and Little
Grit left the room, while Colonel Hewlett.
with a clouded face, turned to Judge Hunter
and said:

“Can you tell me, sir, the name of that
youthl’f

“ If 1 could. sir, seeing that he does not
wish you to know it. I would not; but the
truth is, no one here knows it. and he is en
tered on the Pony Express books simply as
the Boy Rider. You think you have met him
before?"

 

“I am convinced of it; how long has he
been on the Overland route? ’

“About a year, I believe; he was riding
when I came here, six months ago, and is
known as the most daring rider on the road,
while he has rendered valuable service on
many occasions, and is the particular dread
of the Boy Bandit and his band."

“Yes, I have heard of that curse of the
border, too—in fact, I met him six months
ago when I came west on special duty, for
he robbed the stage-coach in which I was a
passenger, and to be frank, I really thought
that boy, Little Grit, as you call him, was
one and the same.”

“ That is impossible, Colonel Hewlett.
Little Grit is a most honorable youth, and
the Boy Bandit‘s implacable foe. I am sor-
ry to have you hold such a suspicion against
my young friend," said the judge, warmly.

“ Well, it was only a suspicion; but I in‘
tend now to have command of this border,
and Boy Bandits, desperadoes and all will
have to look out, for I shall put down all
outlawry, I assure you," and ere more was
said, Little Grit entered the room and stated
that Helen Hewlett’s horse had been caught
and awaited her.

In spite of the maiden's low request to her
father, to thank the youth for what he had
done for her, the colonel did not do so, but
placing her in her saddle, mounted his own
horse, and followed by the men who had ac-
companied him to Rocky Glen Station, rode
off to the encampment of his train, some half-
dozen miles distant. ‘

Hardly had they disappeared from sight
when there came the rapzd clatter of hoofs,
and out of the timber, some hundred yards
away, came a horseman at full speed.

“ It is Jockey Jack coming back,” cried
Judge Hunter, referring to the Pony Rider
who rode between Rocky Glen Station and
the point seventy-five miles beyond, and who
had darted away with Little Grit's bag, as
soon as Firefly had come in with Helen Hew-
lett mounted upon him.

" It are Jockey Jack for sure,” said Bony
Bob, and all glanced anxiously upon the
coming horse and rider.

Another instant and the animal with aloud
neigh halted at the door of the tavern, and
all crowded around the rider, who sat bolt
upright in his saddle

“ Great God! he is dead I”

The cry came from Judge Hunter, and in
amazement all recognized the truth of his
words, for strapped in his saddle and held up
by stout sticks upon either side, that were
firmly fastened around him, was Jockey Jack
the Pony Express Rider, with a bullet in his
brain.

“Here are a piece of paper with writin’;

i

   
    

  
   
    
  
  
  
 

    
  
  
 
  

     

  

 
 

   
  

,‘v
,J
pg

 

 

  
 

     
   
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
 

Little Grit, the Wild Rider. 9

 

some 0’ you as has better eyes for rcadin’,
spit out what is writ on it," and Trumps took
from the man’s breast. where it was pinned,
a card on which was written a line in a bold
hand.

Taking it, Little Grit read aloud:

“Death lies in wait on the Overland. Your turn

' next, Little Grit the Wild Rider."

\

A hush fell upon the crowd, and it was
broken by the one who had 'ust read this
fearful threat against him, an he said:

"Jud e, if you will let Hook bring round
Flash, Iii] ride poor Jockey Jack‘s run, and
iet them know along this line why he did not
bring the Express. ”

“ But you start back on your ride to-mor-
row night, thtlc Grit.”

‘7‘VTrue, judge; and I shall be back to ride
it ’

“A. hundred and fifty miles by dark to-
morrow night, my boy, and then your own
run? it is impossible.”

“ I shall make it, judge;
Flash.” was the firm reply, an
who was station agent, reluctant] obeyed.

Ten minutes after, Little rit sprung
upon the back of his splendid bay, that, like
Firefly, was ridden without a. bridle, and a
rousing cheer greeted the daring Wild Rider
as he sped away like the wind, regardless of
the threat against his life. I

CHAPTER VII.
THE masons.

WHILE poor Jockey Jack was receiving a
decent burial. at the hands of his friends at
Rocky Glen Station. Little Grit was flying
along the moonlit trail, the clatter of the
iron-shod boots of his horse the only sound
that broke the deathlike stillness that. rested
upon the scenes through which he flitted like
a hantom rider.

ile after mile was cast behind by the
swift and tireless Flash, who ran with neck
stretched out and at a pace that few horses
could equal, while his master sat like a
statue in his small saddle, his eyes peering
into the misty distance ahead, to spy out any
danger that might be lurking in his path-
wav. .
At length Flash swept over the ridge of a
low bill, that marked fifteen miles from
Rock Glen, and before him a sh0rt distance,

lease order
the judge,

 

. lay me lonely cabin of the stock-tender,
w e

re Little Grit expected to change horses

_for the next ride, 1.1 dash across prairie-land

'. of six leagues.

V “99

“ Why, Benton is up late to-pight; doubt.
less havmg a game of cards With somebody

 that has dropped in," said Little Grit. as 9.
~ light in the cabin window caught his eye.

be next minute he dashed up to the low
9 to find the half-score of horses

”\

 

 

kept there for‘ the Pony Riders, standing
hitched outside, while angry voices were
heard within.

As he came to a halt, a loud cry was
heard within, and then came in piercing
tones: ‘

“Jockey Jack, help me! save mel"

I “Jockey Jack are dead, gal, an’ yer yells
in vain. ”

This last was said in a gruff voice, and the
one who called for help Little Grit knew to
be the stock-tender’s daughter, a pgetty girl
of eighteen. “

In an instant he had dismounted, and re-
volver in hand, was advancing to the cabin
entrance, when he again heard, in the same
rude tone:

“ I knows yer has gold-dust heur, gal, so
give it, or yer'll suffer as did yer dadd ."

“ I tell you I know not of any goldyhere,
and my father would have given it up,
gather than be murdered; oh! what shall I

0?”

With the last word Little 'Grit stepped
into thc room, and a thrilling scene met his
gaze, for two rough-looking men held in
their grasp Bessie Benton, the pretty
daughter of the stock-tender, and in front of
her stood a burly ruflian with a ro e end in
his hand, and which was passe over a
heal? in the cabin, and around the girl’s
nee .

To the same beam, swinging to and fro,
and with blackened and ghastly face, hung
the form of a man, whom the youth reco -
nized as Dan Benton, the stock-tender, whi e
ransacking someboxes and chests in the

humble cabin, were four more of the band,

whom Little Grit knew to be outlaws.

“ We has kilt Jockey Jack, gal, strun
yer father up, an’ you'll go, ef er don’t te
us what ther gold—dust are hid, or we is go-
in’ ter work ther whole line 0’ trail now,”
and the apparent leader of the outlaws gave
the re e a pull, until it tightened pain ully V
aroun the neck of the maiden.

But it was the last act of his life, for, re-
gardless of consequences. Little Grit drew
trigger and the man sprung into the air with
a shriek, and fell upon the floor a corpse. .

But quickly followed two more shots, and
down went one of the men who were hold-
ing Bessie Benton. while the other let 0 his
hold and clapped his hands to his hen with
a how] of rage and pain.

“ Come, Bessie, here!" shouted Little Grit,
and in the dense smoke the girl saw a slen-
der form glide to her side, and though the
other outlaws now fired at random from I
their corner. lhe felt herself borne to the '
door, and the next instant was out in the
pure air.

" Quic' M9, lyrics on the best hows

i \

   

    

  

   

10 ' Littlé Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

of your lot and ride like the wind and warn
them at Rocky Glen,” cried Little Grit, as he
forced the maiden through the stockade gate
and out amon the horses.

“And you, ittle Grit?" asked the young

rl.

“ I’ll go on Jockey J ack’s run; quick, for
those devils are coming, ” and he almost
threw Bessie upon the nearest horse, and cut-
ting loose the halter gave her the end.

"Hold on, tharl we is coming,” came in
stem tones from the cabin, and the door,
which Little Grit had closed behind him,
ins thrown open, and out dashed four out.

awa.

“ Go, for God’s sake, Bessie!” shouted the

‘ Wild Rider.

“I will not leave you in danger, Little
Grit," was the determined response.

“ I am going, now!" and the youth struck

, her horse a violent blow, just as several
shots came from the outlaws, and startled
the frightened animals fastened to the fence.

Away darted the horse with Bessie, and
with a shot in response, Little Grit threw
himself upon the back of Flash, and with a
defiant shout darted away.

"It's the Wild Rider! foller him, pards,”
yelled an outlaw.

“No, let him go, for he’s a-ridin’ toward
ther river; come, cotch ther girl, or she’ll
rouse ’em at Rocky Glen,” replied another,
and two men rushed out and mounting in hot
haste rode after Bessie Benton.

Instantly Little Grit halted, and gazinrr
back watched the chase for an instant, and
then said in a joyous tone:

. "As luck would have it, I mounted her
upon a fleet horse. for she is dropping them;
now, Flash, old fellow, there is double work
ahead of you, but I cannot spare you; come,
show your mettle.” ,

As if understanding the words of his young

. master, Flash darted oif like abird, and once
more the Wild Rider was dashing along the
moonlit trail, having lost just five minutes at
Dan Benton‘s stockade; but are he had gone
a dozen rods, he halted and turned back,

sayin-g‘fl rml y :
u  risk a,"

CHAPTER VIII.

TIE PHANTOM ma.

(WHEN Little Grit struck the horse, upon
which Bessie Benton was mounted. she was
compelled to go and leave the brave youth,

cred that she was pursued, and at once she
felt anxiety for her personal safety, as she
knew how cruel had been her foes, and the
hanging form of her father was before her
eyes, in all its horrid ghastliness.

Encouraging her horse to greater speed she
soon felt assured that she was mistress of the
situation, as he ran along easily and gained
steadily, although her pursuers were pressing
their steeds with whip, spur and shout.

As if seeing how utterly useless the chase
was the two men gave it up. but yet Bessie
Benton continued her rapid flight until she
came to a narrow canyon, where shelessened
the speed of her horse for an instant, and
then, with a startled cry came to a sudden
halt, while with staring eyes she gazed be-
fore her upon an object that stood in her
path.

were a. horse and rider, or phantoms.

A snow-white steed, standing as motionless
as though carved in marble, and a rider that
was clad in a gauzy material sat in her sad-
dlc, for it was a woman, and seemed gazing
intently at the maiden who had invaded the
dark retreat.

“It is the Phantom Rider! the Spirit of
the Canyonl” cried Bessie in dismay. and in
terror she turned to fly, and, as if also star-
tled at the strange apparition, her horse sped
away at fearful speed, and, unguided by his
rider, turned into a trail running along the
ridge of the hill.

As she gained the path, where the few
straggling trees did «not obstruct the view,
Bessie Benton glanced over her shoulder with

a shudder to see if she was followed, and a

cold chill seemed creeping over her heart. as
she beheld the Spirit of the Canyon coming
rapidlv on in chase.

“ Fly! oh fly! good horse!" she cried anx-
iously, and the long end of the halter serving
as a whip. she lashed the flying animal sav-
agely, and smarting with pain he increased
his speed, and bounded along at a pace that
was dangerous in the extreme, considering
the nature of the trail.

hear the hoof-falls,” said Bessie. and she
strained her ears to catch the sound; but her'

. own horse made shch a loud clatter as his

iron shoes struck the loose rocks and flinty
ground, that it seemed to drown all other
noise, and she felt that it was her imagina-
tion only that caused her to think that the

 

whether she ,cared to or not, and realizing
that he knew best what she fltould do, and
'that he was fully cagable of taking care of
himself, she urged t 6 animal on rapidly up

along rather than running. , .
At last, unable to stand this suspense any
longer, she suddenly drew hard on the halter

 

the trail leading to Rock Glen.
But she had not gone \sr More she discov-

I

    

Just where a few moonbeams struggled I
through the foliage and fell into the canyon ‘

 

 

“ She is gaining upon me, and yet I cannot .

 

white horse behind her was gliding silently 

and brought her horse to a standstill.  ~ . 
Then, nervously “My she listened, 1" ‘

    

  
  

  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

  

  
   
  

  
 

   

   
 

 

 

  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
   
    
   
   
  

   

. l
E

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‘5
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"l

Jri 

_x;.1.,.;és*" 5m .1... . 4.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 

t /

 

‘while her e es were riveted upon the coming
phantom-1i e steed and rider.

No, not a sound did she hear. not the ring
of iron, or heavy stroke of a hoof; the strange
animal was coming silently and swiftly on.

Once more, with renewed terror, Bessie
rode on, almost reeling from her seat as she
felt that she was being pursued by creatures
of a supernatural nature, and at last she be-
came so unnerved that her horse took his own
course. and unguided by her. fled down hill-
side, through valley, and over level plateaus
at his own free will.

But as he ran each moment his speed de-
creased, and the maiden felt that ere long he
would fail her.

And what then?

Alone in tl osc‘ \rild solitudes with a being
she felt assured was not of the earth, what
would be her fate?

She feared she would go mad with terror,
for already there was an icy chill at her
heart, and her brain was on fire.

Another glance behind her she gave, just
as her horse staggered out of the waters of a
shallow creek, and then she felt herself fall-
ing, and down upon the soft sward went
steed and rider. and behind them came si-
lently on the Spirit of the Canyon. |

One piercing shriek broke from Bessie’s
lips and she knew no more.

CHAPTER IX.

, J U s '1' I N 'r I M E .

WHEN Little Grit turned back from his
run on the Express route, he suddenly gave
a series of wild yells, repeating them so rap-
idly, and so changin his voice, that one
who heard them woul have believed half a
score of men were coming.

And so the two outlaws that were pillaging
the cabin of the man the had hanged did
believe. for they hastily too their departure,
and were mounting their horses. just as the
two who had pursued Bessie Benton rode up.

“ They has wind 0’ our doin's, pards, so
we'd better levant.” said One. and as the
yells now resounded nearer. and there came
the echoes back from a cliff not far away,
they departed in haste. each man carrying
with him a led horse from the station.

But hardly had they disappeared in the
' spruce thicket, when Little Grit dashed up
to the cabin, having been watching their
departure.

“Thank goodness they did not overtake
Bessie, for she’ll soon reach Rocky Glen and
the boys will make it hot for the outlaws.
Now to see if it was imagination on my
part." and the youth entered the cabin and
walked straight up to the suspended form of
Dan Benton, the stock-tender.

Pressing his head against his breast. he

 

1

 

 

listened for an instant, and then said,
quickly: , '
“l was right—he lives I”

Quickly he cut the stock~tender down,"
unbound his hands from behind his back,~

and commenced rubbing him to create circu-
lation.

But life seemed hard to bring back. and
pkg sign of returning consciousness was vis-
l e -
But the outh did not despair, and pour-
ing a few
a time, and bathing and rubbing the swollen
neck untiringly, he was at last «rejoiced to
see the breast heave and the eyes open, while
in hoarse tones the stock—tender said:

“ Devilsl you may kill me, but you shall
not have my gold.” -

“ Mr. Benton, your enemies have
and I am here, so have no dread,” said
Grit, kindly.

The eyes opened again and turned slowly
upon the speaker, and then beamed with
recognition, while with an effort the man
said:

“What, Wild Rider, you here?" ‘

one,
ittle

“Yes; I came up and found you in tron--

ble, and so sailed in.” ~
“But there were a number of men.”

" Well, they have all one new, and Bessie \
has ridden to Rocky G en to carry the news.
to the judge, that the Boy Bandits gang is.
tapping the stations and stealing the stock.”

“ Bessie is a good, brave girl; but how is it.

I find you here. Wild Rider?"
“Jockey J aek started with my Express

sachel. and came back dead in his saddle, ‘
and I am riding his trip, though I‘m an hours
behind time now. so will leave you, if you:

are all ri ht again.”

rops of water into the mouth at >

Little Grit, the was Rider. 7 11 '

“ Ohl 'm all right;see, I can sit up,” and. ‘

with an eflort he arose to his feet.

Ile was a fine-looking man, with long
beard and hair, and dressed in a miner‘s suit
of red shirt, black pants. top-boots and som-
brero.

His face was strangely sad, but intelligent;

and one seeing that he was a man of refine-'

ment and education, would wonder why he

had sought that wild land, and held the posi-‘

tion of stock-tender to the Pony Express .

Com any.
0y, I owe you my life, foryou saved
me from death, and it is no idle boast for me

to say that if necessaryl would give itup’ I,

to serve you; I am a man of a few words, but

I feel deeplyé and Dan Benton will not for- 7 ”

get this mg

“ They strung you up because you would
not tell where your gold was hidden; they
must think the company pegs stock~tenders a
high salary," said ittle
that you could get rich here."

Fit. " to suspect7

 

 

    
 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

L .12" I 1 Little Granite was Rider.

 

Dan Benton gave a piercing look into the
oy’s face, and a strange expression hovered
about his mouth. bul he said quietly:

“They did not get gold, that is certain;
but do not let me detain you, Little Grit, for
I know how you love to be punctual.

“ I will remain here until Bessie returns
with the boys. but don’t you be rash and meet
poor Jockey J ack’s fate."

“I’ll be careful; there’s some stifl’s to
show the boys when they come.” and point-
ing to the dead outlaws he had slain. Little
Grit, with a light laugh, left the cabin, and
once more throwing himself into the saddle,
darted away at the full speed of his noble
horse, leaving Dan Benton standing before
his door gazing earnestly after him.

CHAPTER X.
nunnsnnn.

Rnsnnsmsn by his rest at the cabin. Flash
sped swiftly along over the stretch of level
plain that the trail led over after leaving
Dan Benton's station, and at last went over

Ia rise in the prairie that would have given
his rider a view of the next halting—place had
it been visible. /

But a disappointed neigb from Flash and
an exclamation of surprise from Little Grit
came in chorus, as instead of the cabin with
its stockmde walls surrounding it, but a heap
of smoldering ruins was visible.

“ They have been here too, and poor Mus-
tang Pete has doubtless been killed; yes.
there he lies,” and drawing rein. Little Grit
sprung to the ground and bent over a human
form that lay motionless in his path“

It was a man clad half in buckskin, half
in Mexican costume, and the moanlight
showed several bullet wounds in his head,
while a pistol was clasped with a death-gripe
’in his hand, showing that he had not died
tamely. ’

“ Yes, it is 'Mnstang Pete. and they have
run the horses off, so, Flash. old by, you
will have to make fifteen miles more, and
over bad country too." and Little Grit patted
his horse aflectionately, but a sudden start
of the animal caused him tobe on his guard
at once. and instantly be was in his saddle,

 

' his revolver in hand.

This sudden move saved his life, for there

‘ came a flash from behind a part of the stock-

ade that had not been burned, and a bullet
whistlcd uncaml’ortahly near.

“ Coward! that’s your game, is it? Come
out from your shelter and fight me like a

'; man." cried Little Grit, and; as he spoke,

again over the stockade appeared a dark ob-
ject, and once more came the flash and report
of a rifle.

But that instant had been enough for the

.1 quick eye of the youth, whose revolver also.

 

rung forth, the two reports sounding as one,
and a cry of pain following uickly.

But the cry came not from ittle Grit. who
spurred forward, unhurt by the bullet of his
foe, to suddenly go down to the earth‘. as his
noble horse staggered and fell. the shot hav-
ing struck him instead of his rider.

" Curse you! I knew I had not missed
you," cried a hoarse voice. and a man sprun
from behind the stockade and rushed tower
the prostrate youth.

But as he bent above his sup osed victims
revolver was suddenly thrust nto his face
and he heard the unwelcome words:

“ You did miss me, you accursed assassin,
so up with your handsl”

Up went one hand quickly above the head
of the man. and again came the stern order:

“ The other hand, sir!”

“ Pard, I can’t do it; yer broke it with yer
shot.” came the whining response.

” Then I did not miss you. I am glad to
see," and still covering the outlaw, Wild
Rider arose from where he lay on his back
and confronted the now frightened prisoner,
who cried out suddenly:

“ Lordyl you is ther Wild Riderl”

" Yes, so men call me: why did you seek
my life 'i"

“ Didn’t seek yer life, pard. but ther life 0'
Jockey Jack. should he escape ther lads back
on ther trail.”

“ He did not escape them, but 1 did.”

“ But this hain’t your run, Wild Rider.”

“ Yes, it is for to-night; so you wanted to
rob the Express. did dyou?”

“ Ther captain tol me to lay for him."

“ Captain who?”

“ Captain Firebrand."

“The Boy Bandit?"

“ That’s ther rooster. Lordy! but my arm
do hurt," and the man winced with pain.

“ You should have been saved suflering by
a bullet through your heart.”

“ Now, pard. don’t talk thet way.”

“ I'll act, not talk, sir; now tell me, where
is Mustang Pete?"

“ Gone. '

” Where?"

“ Cashed in his cheeks."

“ You killed him?"

“ Oh. no, not me. fer I am too tenderfoot-
ed. pard, ter hurt anybody."

“So you just proved by firing twice It
me. Who killed him?” '

“ Ther boys." ,

“ Some of your men 7"

“ Yas. leetle ar ."

'" Ani burne the station and ran 01! the
stock?"

(. a” .0 mud-n

sis

‘ ‘1 were left here i0 “mi 3119 I. I "

.. “ML..- %.

    

     
    
 

A. .m... . V

'«~r-rm

 

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

“ Yer has it down flue.”

“ Well. you've been caught in your own
trap. but as I’ve left my mark on you I Will
not kill you as you deserve." , ‘

“ I are bleeding free. pard.”

“I don't wish you to bleed todeath; here,
let me see your wound.”

The youth drew the sleeve from the arm.
the man groaning with pain. and saw that
the bullet had cut an ugly wound in the flesh
just below the shoulder, and that the bone
was broken. I

“ I will bandage your arm, and then
you can hasten to your stronghold; and let
your comrades care for you; where is your

om?3, .

“ Over in the timber. pard."

“ Is he a ood animal?”

"He are or a fact.”

“ Then I shall tat e him and continue on
my run- "

‘;Lordy, pard, what is yer goin’ ter give
me ’

” Your lays.”

“T‘ankee; I’m obleeged to yer: I has no
cause ter grumble." '

“I am glad you are tpleased." and having
bound up the wounde arm he continued:
" Now come and show me where your horse
is, and then. it you value life, you had bet-
ter make tracks, for the boys from Rocky
Glen will be along this way soon.”

“ You don't say! then our pards hain’t
been makiu’ such a big thing 0’ the strike
alon ther line ter-night. ’

“ hey have done enough to keep them in
remembrance, you can be assured.” and un-
strapping his saddle and leather Express
cache from his dead horse. and patting him
aflectionately. Little Grit turned to go with
the outlaw. when he looked squarely into
the muzzle of a revolver, and heard in tri-
umphant tones:

“Leetle pard I’m guessin’ I’ll keep my
boss, an’ trouble yer fer them ’spress bags."

CHAPTER XI.
'rnE LEAP son LIFE.

“ I was a fool to trust a wounded snake!"
said Little Grit. with an air of almost reck-
less indiflerence at the position he found
himself in.

" You takes it coolly; but when I tells yer

' thet thar is a rice oflered for ou. an’ 1 in-
tends ter win t, I guesses you‘l wilt."

“ Well, what are you going to do with
met"

“ Carry yer ter ther Bo

 

Bandit, our chief,

who fer some reason 0' is own, wants ter
lee er darned bad.” ,

" ell. let us be off; what shall I do?" .
” “' March ahead 0’ me, leetle pard, fer close
‘0 m comp'ny are mighty dangersome."

 

 

Little Grit turned. as if to obey. and the
outlaw half-lowered his revolver; but it was
an unlucky move on his part. for with the
spring of a tiger the youth was upon him,
and his gripe of iron held the Weapon, while
he said, In the same tone of seeming indifier—
ence which he had before used:

" Turn about is fair play; now make
tracks, sir, or I'll repent and break your
head as I have your arm.”

“ Which way. leetle pard ‘2" asked the tho-
roughly alarmed man.

” North, south. east or west, but gel"

“Jist watch me!" and away the outlaw
darted. most anxious to get out of range of
the youth‘s pistol. and expecting a shot in
his back, for he felt that he deserved it.

With a light laugh at the man's haste, and
regoicing at having so cleverly turned the
ta les against his foe, Little Grit took up his
saddle once more and started at a quick trot

for the thicket, in which he found a long-, ~

bodied white horse hitched to a sapling

“ Holy smoke! it is my Own horse. Prairie
Gull. they. stole from me some months ago;
ha! hal old horse. have I got you once more,”
and the boy threw his arms afiectionately
around the neck of the truly splendid ani-
mal. who recognized his young master with
low neighs of delight.

Unhitching him, and taking off the accou-
terments of the outlaw, Little Grit threw his
own light saddle upon the back of Prairie
Gull, and sprung upon his back, and away
dashed the bridleless horse. spinning along
from the scene of the burned station. and
proving to his young rider that he had not
been injured by his short change of masters.

“One hour and forty-five minutes benind
Jockey Jack‘s schedule time.” he said. draw-
ingta small gold watch from his pocket. and
glancing at the time by the moonlight. while

i splendid horse, seemingly rejoicing to be
again flying along under the Express sachels,
ran with a speed that hurled the miles rap-
idl behind him. .

t was a rough piece of road between Mus-
tang Pete‘s station and the one fifteen miles
beyond, but Prairie Gull seemed worthy of
his name, and over hill. lowland, and down
dale he ran with the same ease and swiftnesa,
his boots seeming hardly to touch the
ground.

Presently there arose a bill before them
that the Wild Rider knew would
view of the station ahead. and—’ e peered
anxiously forward, while a shout broke from
his llps as he saw that it still stond, and that
the outlaws had not yet visited it.

But. as he looked. he saw far down in the
lmvlands on his right. a group. of horsemen
coming on at a gallop, the station evidently

being their destination.

  

 
  

ive him a ‘

  
  

 

Little can, the was Rider.

 

D
" On, Gull. on! we must save old Barne ,”
he cried, and encouraged by the words of‘liis
rider Prairie Gull seemed to fairly fly, andin
a few moments dashed up to the srockade.

“ Quick, Barneyl the outlaws are striking
the stations, so get out your stock and strike
for the hills,” shouted Little Grit, as he dis-
mounted from his panting horse, and seized
upon one of the animals in the pen, and which
he knew to be a fast runner.

“ Waal. waall {what’s ther matther afther
bein’?" cried a voice. with a tinge of the Em-
erald Isle in it. and Barney the stock-tender
came hustling out of the cabin, his rifle in

I hand.

“The Outlaws are raiding the Pon Sta-
tions; Jockey Jack's been killed an I’m
riding for him; Mustang Pete’s dead, and
his cabin in ashes, and yonder up the valley
come a gang for you, Barney," said the Wild
Rider rapidly.

“I’m damned if they gets me, my foine
boy. or ther critters either, for I’m off with
ther four legs ter onst,” answered the old
Irishman, and throwing his saddle and bridle
on his favorite nag. and taking a few things
out of his cabin. be mounted and rode out of
the stockade, just as the half-dozen horsemen
came in sight, not two hundred yards awa .

“ How’s Leatherlegs‘s wind, Barney?” call-
ed out Little Grit.

“ Good as 'a hr und‘s, youngster."

“ Then I‘ll give those fellows a check, and
you’ll have more time to escape."

“ You’re a brave young ’un, mavonrneen,”
said Barney, and he dashed up the canyon
near the cabin, while Little Grit, with loud
cries darted directly toward the advancing
horsemen.

Instantly they came to a halt, and then
quickly sought the cover of a clump of trees,
until they saw that the boy was alone. and
then they charged forth to meet him, firing
their revolvers as they came.

Little Grit would have wheeled and ridden
on up the pony trail, but he suddenly realiz-
ed that he did not have one of his own well-
trained horses under him, that he had taught
to run without» a bridle. and with regret he
saw that Leatherlegs would. not turn back at
his command.”

“ Well, go right through, brute.” he cried,

, and with a revolver in each hand and a loud

vell, he spurred right into the midst of the
nrsemen.

There were rapid shots fired, a fall of a
man and a horse, loud curses. shouts, and
then a ringing cry, as the Wild Rider, un-
hurt. dashed on.

“ The Wild Rider!" ,

The,cry rung out loud from the lips of an
outlaw. who had recognized him, and un-
mindful of their fallencomrade, the party

 

started in pursuit, a dismounted man, whose
horse had been killed. following on the steed
of his slain companion.

"NOW show your heels, you devill" said
Little Grit, grimly, and he sunk his spurs
into Lcatherlegs in no pleasant humor, and
after hard work turned him in the direction
he wished to go, though he was now far off
the regular Pony Express Trail. _

But Leatherlegs, from sheer fright, seemed
stubborn, and darted up a mountain path,
that Little Grit knew terminated abruptly at
a clifi‘ that overhung the deep river, fifty feet
beneath,

“ Great God! he’ll kill us both," cried Wild
Rider; but looking behind and seeing that his
pursuers were pressing him hard, be con-
tinued on up the hillside.

“ I was a fool not to bridle him, that I
might break his few,” muttered the youth, as
the flying anima , having gained the summit.
sped along the rocky ridge with frightful
rapidity.

To spring 011' among the rocks would result
in broken limbs, if not instant death, and the
youth knew that there was but one way to
get down the mountain, and that was by the
path he had come. and behind him, not sixty
yards, came the outlaws in hot chase.

No. there was another way—of the clip" to
the river below.”

“ It is fifty good feet. but I’ll risk it,” he
muttered, through his teeth.

But as he settled himself well for the leap
Leatherlegs began to slacken his pace, as if
well knowing what was before him. "

“ On! on! you brute! you shall not fail
me again," cried the boy, and he drove the
spurs into the flanks of the steed, and with
shouts urged him again into a full run.

But again the frightened horse slackened
his speed to once more spring forward with
a snort of rage and pain. as he felt the keen
point of the youth's knife pricking his back.

“Aha! lam master now, if I drive you
to kill us both.” said the youth, and as the
cliff barren of trees and jutting out over the
river. came in view, he added:

“Our trail lies on the other bank. old
horse, and you'll have saved ten miles by
the jump; tfyou do not take us both to death "

And again the horse slackened. but again
did knife, spur and shout urge him on. and
with a frantic snort he bounded into the air
and took the mighty leap, while, horrified at ,,
the act. the outlaws drew rein suddenly and
uttered loud exclamations of amazement and
admiration.

Once free from the cllfl, and Leatherlegs
drew himself up in aheap and with his fear-
less rider sitting upright in the saddle went

down like a rock. and the outlaws heard the . -

loud report as he struck the river.

 

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Little Grit. the Wild Rider.

 

Down beneath the dark waters sunk steed

"and rider, and for what seemed a long time

the river closed above them; but then up
above the surface they came, and as the splen-
did animal, unhurt, but frantic with fright,

V struck out for the shore the outlaws heard

the ringing shout that came from the trium-
phant youth, and hastening to the clifli‘ gazed
upon him as he sped along on the trail, his
mocking laughter reboun ing With many an

, echo from the rocks.

 

CHAPTER XII.
m srmrr on THE CANYON.

I WILL now return to the heroine of my
stor , pretty Bessie Benton. who, my kind
rea er will remember, was thrown heavily to
the ground, and who lay unconscious on the
green sward, as the Spirit of the Canyon rode
up.

Had Bessie not been insensible, she would
have seen a slender form, graceflrl and lithe,
spring quickly from the back of her snow-
lwhite steed, and approaching her, bend above

er.

" Poor girl, I hope she is not injured; but
I was determined to capture her,” said a soft
V0106. and, as she passed her hands rapid]
carer the form of the prostrate girl, she ad -
e :

“ No bones are broken, and I will soon re-
store her to consciousness.”

‘ Diligentl she set to work, and presently
Bessie awo e from insensibility to find hen -
mg OVer her a face of rare beauty, yet with a
stern look that seemed out of place upon the
fair features.

She was clad in white, her robe was loose
and flowing, and a vail of gauzy material, en-
circled her head, and could be drawn at will
across her face, giving her a ghastly appear-
ance.

Noticing Bessie start and shrink from her,
she said quickly:

“ Do not fear me, for I will not harm
you.” I ,

“ Who are you?" asked Bessre, In a low
tone.

“ An outcast.” '

The tone was bitter, the word had a di-
.agreeable sound, and it brought pity rather
than fear from the stock-tender‘s daughter,
for she said earnestly, while now fully recov-
ered, she arose to her feet:

“ I am sorry for you.” ‘ .

, ” Don' ity me, for I deserve not the pity
of the good and pure; you are Bessie Benton
I believe?" ‘

' a Yes; n

"Your father is Daniel Benton, a stock-
tender for the Pony Express Company?”

 

“ Why does he remain in this Wild land?

“He is poor, and sought here to make a
livin for himself and child.”

“ living on the poor pittance he receives
as stock-tender?”

“ It is sufficient for our wants."

“ Is he not a miner, too?"

“ Yes.”

“And has found gold?"

“ No, he has been particularlyunfortunate
in his gold-diggin .”

“ Are you certain ?”

“ Yes. ’

“ Girl! would

arm. ,
“ How dare you, because you\ are false

’ourself, accuse me of wrong?’ said Bessie,

indi‘ nantly. ‘

" I’ardon me—I deserve your rebuke, and
I believe you; but it is strange that a man of
education, such as I know your father to be,
and who has a daughter whose beaut would
make her a belle in any land, shoul remain
in this wild country, throwing away his
time for a few dollars a month.”

“ You know him, then?” asked Bessie,
quickly.

“ Yes, I have met him.”

“ He hopes to find gold, which will enable
him to return home again and live in com-
fort.” *

“ Why came be here?”

Bessie did not reply, and the woman again
asked:

“ Wh did he come to this land?"

“ Mis ortune brought him here."

“ Are you sure?”

“ Yes. ’

" It was not crime that drove him here?" .

“Do you insult me because you have the
power?’

"Forgive me again; if your father is not
the pauper he seems, and if he is a criminal,
hiding from justice, I believe on do not
know it; but I am forced to ta e you with

e.

“ Whither?"

“ Where do you think?" 1

After a moment of hesitation, Bessie re-

plied: .
“ Itis said that you are the ghost of a lady

who was murdered in the Haunted Canyon, -»

some years ago; but my good sense causes
me to laugh at the Superstition.’

“ Then wh do you fly from me?"

“ I will telilyou—the bandits came to my
father’s house, and because he would not give

his gold, Which they said he had, up to

them. they hanged him, and——

“Do you mean this?" quickly asked the I

woman.
“ Yes.”

'I

on lie to me?” and the ~
strange woman laid her hand upon Bessie’s -

 

 
 

  

 

 

. 1 6
" He was hanged before your eyes?”
"Yes."

“ And is dead?”

" Alas] I left him hanging to a beam in
our cabin, while I started for Rocky Glen
Station."

" For what purpose?”

“ To rouse the miners to avenge him,” was
the almost savage reply,

“And you were there alone with your
father when the bandits came?"

“ Yes "

" Who led them?”

/ “A man they called Pet. ”

“ Ah, he is a pet of Satan.”

“ You know him then?”

“ Yes; but how did you escape from him?"

"£11116 Wild Rider dashed up —”

‘g I?!

“ Just as the man, Pet, ordered his follow-
ers to hang me. as they had my father, for
they had the rope around my neck.”

"And this Wild Rider rescued you?"

“ He came into the cabin, and sin le hand-
ed attacked them, released me, an putting
me on a horse sent me to Rocky Glen Station
for help.”

" Your station is not on his line of run '3”

“ No, not now, that he has taken the
longer run which broke the other riders
down.”

“ Were they not a little afraid of me, the
Spirit of the Canyon?" '

“I think so;lbut Little Grit did not fear

on."

“ He fears nothing; and he has gone on
alon the trail?"

6‘ es.”

“ If he esca as death he bears a charmed
life, for I tel you frankly the stations for
fifty miles are to be raided to-night.”

“ How know you this?"

“I have away of finding out,” was the
significant reply.

“ And yet, being a woman. you did not
warn them of danger?" indignantly asked
Bessie.

“ It was not in my interest to do so,” was
the uiet response.

" ow mean you?”

. “I am a member of the Mountain Ban-
dits!” ’

H  I"

” Yes; am I not vile enough to be any-
thing?" was the bitter question. .

“ I had not suspected you of this; I have

i heard of the Spirit of the Canyon for a long

time, but believed the Pony Riders were

figverned by their superstitious fancies until

ild Rider said he saw you.”

“ Yes, I tried to frighten him one night,

but he gave chase at once, and I barely

escaped him."

 

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

 

vs

“ But I cannot believe you belong to the V

Mountain Bandits.”

“How else could I live in this wild,

region?"

“ I know not; but I had not believed that
of you.”

" I told you I was wicked; but come, you
are my prisoner ”

“A prisoner to the bandits?" asked Bessie,
in alarm.

” Yes; but I pledge you no harm shall be-
fall on."

“ on are but a woman, and what will
they care for your word of command?”

“ You shall see; comel"

“ Oh, do let me go, for Oh! I am so very
wretched."

" You entreat in vain; you are a rize that ,

may be found most valuable to me, ut again
I pledge you my word that no harm shall be-
fail you.” ,

Bessie buried her face in her hands and
burst into .tears, and looked up only when
she felt a light touch upon her arm.

It was the Spirit of the Canyon, and by
her side stood her snowy steed, and then the
maiden saw the secret of the noiseless hoof-
falls among the rocks.

His hoofa were mufied, and his tread gave
back no sound.

CHAPTER XIII.
TEE srocx-vnnnna’s s'ronr.

ROCKY GLEN was a scene of considerable
excitement, shortly after noon on the day
following the eventful night that opens my
story. for much had transpired. even in the
land of wild adventure and strange scene, to
arouse the rude denizens of that border re-
treat.

Knowing by long and frequent experience
that it would be impossible to overtake the

Boy Bandit and his men, after Little Grit'

had come in and reported the pursuit of him-
self and Helen Hewlett. the miners had
passed the night in gambling and discussing
the advisability of raising a force of Vigil-
antes to hunt to death the curses of the Over:
land ‘9 '.

Had poor Bessie Benton arrived with her
sad story the entire population of Rocky
Glen would have been up in arms. and over
a hundred horsemen would have taken the
trail at once; but the reader will remember,
that the maiden had been run doxvn by the
Spirit of the Canvon. and could not bear the
tidings to the station. “

At dawn the gamblers sought rest, but a
few hours after they were up again. when
the news flew around that a train was com-
ing into the hamlet, and Colonel Hewlett

 

 

 

 

and his party, found a curious crowd k,

   

      

 
    

. «NM.._._,~.._- , .a,_. k-y.

    
  
 

 
   
  
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

‘ of the Boy _
Glove Sport. TemOVmE 'I Cigar from between

s

,fir‘ect them, as they rode up to the Riders’
st. '

“ Ah. colonel, glad to see you back, sir,”
said the hospitable host of the tavern.

“Thank you, sir; I have come to ask for
guarters for myself and daughter for a few

8 s, as a courier has just overtaken me with
or ers to establish a new post, or fort, _in this
vicinity, and I shall at once select a Site, for
I am anxious to put down the lawlessness on
this border."

“ You will find it no easy task, colonel.
as crime is deep-rooted here; but 1 can give
you fair accommodations, and plenty to
eat, as long as yourself and daughter are my
guests.

“You look a little pale after your adven.

ture last night, Miss Hewlett, and the judge‘

ushered his guests into their rooms, the best
two in the rambling, one—storied tavern.
Half an hour after the wagons were cor-
raled on a piece of meadow-land, the sol-
diers. a small battalion, were encamped on
the banks of a pleasant stream, and with
the few emigrants that had come West with
the train. to find new homes, the settlement

Vof Rocky Glen presented a most stirring

scene, and the gamblin element. at the
head of whom was the id Glove Sport,
flattered themselves that they would now
have some pigeons to pluck of their golden
feathers.

After the noonday dinner at the Riders’
Rest. the idle denizens of Rocky Glen were
wont to assemble upon the natural lawn in
front of the tavern for a smoke and gossip,
and as many had not gone to work that day,
in the mines and at their various other duties,
there consequently bad gathereda large crowd
to discuss the late arrivals, the building of
the new post, and other topics in which the
settlers were interested. . .

“ I tell yer, pards, thet Boy Bandit an’ his
gang itlgoing to find it interestin’ fer ’em now
ther sogers hes cnmed, an’ we hes a larger
community 0’ folks," said Trump5.1‘€mOV}Dg
his Indian pipe from his mouth and lookin
around upon the crowd as though he be
just made some very wise remark.

“I dunno, Trumps, if be are or not, for
he’s a screamer. an' nobody’s got clutch on
him yet, an’ it”s seldom any 0’ his pards is
tuke in out 0 ther Wet,” responded Bony
Bob.

“ They does say nobody knows who’s ther

rig, for it can turn out at times over half 8

undred men, .831 11188 allus noticed when
they was raldm "1 force thet fellows round

’ heur were mighty scarce."

“You don’t mean to assert, Trumps, that
any of our citizens here are secret members
Bandit s band i” said the Kid

Little Grit. the  Rider.

 

    

his lips with his daintin gloved hand. and
looking fixedly into the miner’s face.

“ I does say as h0w the: ther were a thin-
nin’ out 0‘ folks in Rocky Glen both times
the Boy Bandit made a grand raid on ther
southern trails; why, you wasn’t heur yer-
self, Kid Gloves, ary time." -

“Am I to understand that you mean to
imply that I. being absent from here at the
times you speak of, am a secret member of
the Boy Bandit's band?” and the Kid Glove
iSport arose, and his eyes burned menacing-
y“If ther shoe I gi’n yer fits, my festive
pard. yer can jis put it on an’ wear it,” was .
Trump’s cool reply, but before an angry re-
tort could be made by the Kid Glove Sport,
a man suddenly appeared in their midst,
and from his lips came the trembling words:

“ Men—my child—have you seen her?”

It was Daniel Benton, and his face was
haggard, white, and stamped with both men-
tal and bodily pain, While around his neck
were the cruel maiks of the lariat with
Phich he had been strung up the night be-v

orc.

“Yer child, yer al, Dan—whar is she?”
asked Trumps, quic 1y turning to the stock-
tender, who was well nown at Rock Glen.

“Yes, Trumps, she started for this place
last night to te 1 you all of the rutrages the
bandits were committing along the line—-
where is she?” eagerly said the sorrowing
father.

“Yes; they captured Miss Hewlett, the
daughter of the officer who has come to build
the new fort, and Little Grit had a brush
with them, and then started to ride Jockey
Jack's run, as they had killed that poor fe -
low," said Judge Hunter. coming forward.

“Alas! that is not all they have done, I
tell you. Little Grit came to my cabin to
find me strung up to a beam, and my daugh-
ter about to be served the same way, be-
cause we would not tell where we, bid our
gold; but that brave lad boldly attacked the
half-dozen bandits, rescued Bessie, and sent
her here to give warning, and frightening off
the outlaws he cut me down ere I died, and
I owe him my life. i

"I waited, my friends, a long time, and
then. as none of you came, I grew anxious
about my child, and have come on foot all
the way to seek her, for, alas! what has be-
befallen her?" and the stock tender gazed
anxiously around the crowd. ' ‘ ’

“ 1 our pretty daughter has not come here,
Benton, so harm must have befallen her, and
I will lead to her rescue. if the boys will fol-
low. Hol pards. to the rescue of pretty Bes-
sie Benton,” and the Kid Glove Sport waved
his hat around his head and a hundred voices
shouted a glad response to followhirn.

  

   
 
    
  
    
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
 
    
    
  
 
 
   
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
  

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
m IMPORTANT ARRIVAL.

THE excitement of the Rocky Glen settlers
at the story of the stock-tender was intense
fora few moments, for Bessie Benton was
well known there, and her bright eyes had
pierced many a brave heart with love arrows,
and one and all were most anxious to aid in
her capture. for. if she had not fallen into
the hands of the bandits, what had befallen
her?

Forgetting his angry words with Trumps.
the Kid Glove Sport asked that big-hearted
miner to aid him in forming a search party,
and within half an hour’s time fifty men had

assembled before the Riders’ Rest all of ,
' them mounted and well armed, and at their

head was Gambler Grey, Trumps, and
/Dauiel Benton, who. in spite of his long run
on foot, and his sufierings, insisted upon
going, and had been furnished with one of
the Pony Express horses by Judge Hunter.

Just as they were about to start, a young
and handsome lieutenant of cavalry rode up,
and said politely: '

“ Gentlemen. Colonel Hewlett has learned
of your proposed expedition, and has ordered
me to take thirty men and accompany you,
and 1 would advise that half of my cavalry-
men go with your leader, and half of your
party with me.”

The Kid Glove Sport frowned a little at
this proposition; but seemingly thinking it
bestdnot to act against the military, he re»

lie :
p “ I command this ,party, sir, and will ac‘
cede to the colonel’s wishes, though I do not
think such a large forde necessary, as the
bandits cannot possibly number over thirty

. men.”

7 “You know best, sir, as (I am a stranger
here; but I have heard that the outlaw or-
ganization is a large one, and is commanded
by a boy who is a remarkable leader; here
come my men, and the sergeant and fifteen

, men can accompany you, and you can assign

me those you think best,” said the lieutenant
politely, though it was evident that he did
not like the gambler, for his manner and
look said as much.

The parties were then divided, Trumps and
twenty-five miners being assigned to the
command of the young and dashing lieuten-
ant. and the two squadrons Were about to

, start on their separate trails of search, when
the clatter of hoofs resounded in the timber
that covered a distant hill and the next in-
stant there swept into view a horseman com-
ing at full speed.

' . “ Old Barney, the stock-tender!” cried
Daniel Benton, and all eyes were upon him

L  as he came flying along the trail, and the

 

 

next instant drew rein before the tavern i

door.

“Howly Moses! is it a wake yez is either ~ ,

going to?” he cried. gazing around him.

“Yes, Barney, if you will find us the
corpse and the whisky," answered the Kid
GlOVe Sport.

” Faith and I will find yez the corpus, but
divil a bit 0’ poteen do yez get out 0' me, for
me throat is failin’ now as though I’d swal-
lowed a eat an‘ drug him out by ther tail. an’
it's a wee drop I nade before I can say a
wurrud.”

"‘ And what have you to say, Barney?”
asked Judge Hunter, coming forward with
a bottle and tin cup in his hand.

“ I’ll be afther sp‘akin’ in a minute, joodge;
ah! blissid drap o’ the critter, thet refrishes
me 1,in’ards, now I kin find the tongue 0'

“ Well, speak quick, for there are stirring
rumors abroad. and the men are anxious to
start on the trail of the bandits,” aid the
judge.

“ Stirring rumors! well, I’d be afther say-
in’ that same mesilf, fer ther bandits is pre-
paring corpses fer a dozen wakes; yer see,
gintlemin, I'm a stock-tinder three stations
beyant here, an’ I was a-wonderin’ last night
regardin’ thcr dela o’ Jockey Jack, wh'in up
dashed thet Wild ider 0’ Satin, Little Grit,
an’ he shouts out thet I‘d better skip to ther
mountains, as ther bandits was afther comin’,
an’ I till yez, gintlemin, I did thet same with
my stock, while thet yoong divil a-hosshack,
jumped on thet Satin 0’ ther crib, Litherligs,
an' char ed thcr bandits.

“ Wil . I says, from ther narrer path av ' ' I

ther hill. thet he wint right over thim—an'
somewint down, an’ thin he turned Lither-
ligs fer ther hill, an’ says I to mesilf. says I,
‘thet boy is after bein’ gone now, Wild Rid-
er thet he is.’

“Will, gintlemin, I was a liar, fer he wint
along ther cliff pathway, as I seen from ther
mountain above, an’ when Litherligs wanted
ter stop, knowin’ what was afore him, he jist
lit upon ther haste with spur an’ yill, an’
over thet clifi he wint!”

“ Great Godi Little Grit dead?" cried
Judge Hunter, while exclamations of horror
and regret arose on all sides. .

“Di'dl who said the boy was di’d?" asked
Barney.

"He rode over the Jacob’s Ladder cliff,
you said,” remarked the Kid Glove Sport.

“And so did he, but he's not di’d, nor even
hurted." /

“ Hoorah! Hoorah! for Little Grit.” yelled
Tramps, and the cheers were given with a
W) .

 

 

XWI'W'JITV Ii

“"3” ' -' ._

«n

M

“No, gintlemin. the Litherligs struclf- the,
wather same asef he bu’st-open, an! they

2.

      
    
   

 
   
 

 

 
   
         
    
      
    

  

   

 

 

 

    
  
  
  
  
  
 

?' r,va my“, 
-_,> \ -‘  a.

Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

»,-..._....._.... “a. . . » /

Wiht under thergither, ‘an’ says I to mesilf,

) says I, ‘They hes gone to ther divil, now.”

"But it was afther bein’ a lie 1 will have to

i ask fergiveness for. as they comed up beauti-

ful. ther Wild Rider gived a yill, an’ thin
laughed as at he’d enj‘yed the bath, an’ away
wint Litherligs along ther trail, having cut
012 many7 a mile by the joomp.

“Wll , gintlemin, I hid ther stock in ther
mountains till nixt day, an’ thin corned back
ter find my home burnt, an’l corrals ther
horses an’ coomes on here, ter find Mustang
Pate did at his burnt cabin, an’ ther home 0’
Dan Binton there deserted 0’ human anz crit-
ter, ’ceptin’ a few dead corpuses.” \

“And you have seen no bandits on the
way?” asked Gambler Grey.

“Not the divil 0‘ one, ‘ceptin’ ther di’d
ones.”

“ And no nuthin’ of the Wild Rider?”

“Divil a bit 0’ that ridin‘ imp, savin' what
I was afther tellin’ yez,lbedadl listen to thim
huffsl"

All listened. and again came the clatter of

_ hoofs coming along the rocky, path through

the timber, and the next instant a wild yell
burst from every throat, hats were waved,
and pistols discharged. for into full View
came Little am, the Wild Rider!

..___.

CHAPTER xv.
THE DEPARTURES.

HAVING given vent to theirwild enthusiasm
at the return of Little Grit. a silence fell upon
all as he came toward them, Prairie Gull
reeking with foam, the flanks red, and the
panting nostrils showing how hard had been
the race. .

“ How in thunder was he afther gittin’
thet hoss 0‘ his?” cried Barney; but before
reply could be made Little Grit drew rein in
their midst, and sprung to the ground at the
tavern door, While another ringing cheer
greeted him.

“ Weleome back, my boy : Barney has told
us of the lean from the cliff, and on are in-
deed the Wild Rider of the Bor vr,” cried

'. ‘ Judge Hunter, grasping the youth by the
' ,hand. \

Thou h haggard-looking. dust-covered and
evidenty greatly fatigued, Little Grit had
not lost his nerve, and said. pleasantly:

I “ I thank you. in friends. for the greeting

you give me. and am glad to see that 'you

are ready for the trail, for the tenders and

stock have been driven from three of the

stations, and the bandits are abroad in force,

as I sent you word by Bessie Benton last
' t. ’

“But my child never came, Little Grit;
she has been captured \or killed," said Dan

, \K r '

 

 

Benton, riding forward and addressing the
youth. who exclaimed:
“She (lid not reach Rocky Glen, you
say?" ,
“No.”
“Then she has been taken, and it is the
duty of all men here to go to her rescue.”
“ We were about setting forth on that duty

when your arrival detained us, boy,” said the ’

Kid Glove Sport, and Trumps spoke up
quickly:

“Don’t call Little Grit bog, Kid Gloves,
for he are a man clear through.” I

“ He’s-a boy who has too much to say for
one of his y. ars," rctorted the Gambler.

“And one day I'll have something to sa
to you, Grey,” said Little Grit, with a ties
in his eyes. and turning to the young lieu-
tenant he continued. unnoticingthe hum that
went around at his words to the Gambler.

“ I' have ridden Jockey Jack’s circuit, sir,
and shall at once start on my own and re—
port what harm, if any. has been done to the
north; now three Pony, Stations. are with-
out stock, but I went to the hills. where
Barney’s horses are and got Prairie Gull, or
I could not have made the run as I did.”

“ Do on mean, Little Grit, that you

have me e Jockey J aek's full run there and ,.

back?” asked the judge.

“Yes, sir. and am on'time, though I met
with considerable detention,” answered the
youth, with a quiet smile of triumph.

“I should think so,” and turning to the
oflicer, the judge continued:

“ Lieutenant. this young man left here
thirty-six hours ago on his run, ninety miles
and back, and when he arrived last night,
and Jockey Jack was killed, he made his
trip, and is back on time, and you have heard
what he has gone through with.” . .

“He deserves ,rthe greatest credit, and I
should advise that he seek rcst now,” re-
sponded Lieutenant Harold Trask.

“ I must start out at once. sir, on my run,"
replied Little Grit, modestly.

“ But you cannot stand it.” ~

“Ah, sir, we pony riders are hardy fel-
lows and can stand a great deal, and I must
stand this one, for there is no one to take my
place; but. boys. let me hear on my return

that Bessie Benton has been rescued and her

captors punished.”

“We’ll string ’em up, Rider,” shouted
Trumps.

“Then good by; come. Firefly. we must
be 03." and the stable boy having led his

  
 
 

splendid black around, and changed the sfid- '
die from Pr'airie Gull to his back, the youth ‘

mounted, and waving his hand. sped away
on his long run, while, the cheer that went

after him having died away,‘Judge Hunter
said in enthusiastic tones;   

   

  

 

 

 

 

  

"If Wild Rider comes back on time to-
morrow he Will have ridden nearly five hun-
dred miles infifty hours. and rid en thirty-
flve horses in doing so "*

"Come, we have no time to discuss the
powers Of endurance of boys; let us be off,"
said the Kid Glove Sport, evidently annoyed
at the praise bestowed upon the daring youth
and he rode on, followed by. his squadron,
while Lieutenant Harold Tra‘sk and his par-
ty struck off on another trail, which Trumps
who acted as guide, thought best for them to
take.
“ God ant they be successful.”

The sag: sweet voice caused Judge Hunter
to turn quickly, and he beheld by his side
Helen Hewlett. wno, from her window in the
tavern, had heard all that passed, and seeing
the rescue party ride away, came out an
joined her host.

“ So I say. Miss Hewlett, for Bessie Ben-
ton is as lowly in face and form as you are,
and I know possesses a noble character," re-
plied the blunt judge. and his outspoken
compliment, though not intended to flatter,
brought the rich color to Helenis lips, while
she replied:

‘ Then I pitv her from my inmost heart,
in the po .ver 01’ those wretchcs. who I heard

her father say would have hanged her, had it
not been for—for the young man you call
Little Grit, and who so nobly served me.”

“ Yes, they are a had set of men, and their
boy leader shows no mercy to men or wom-
en, I have head. and know, Miss Hewlett,
and I fear yonder men go to her rescue in
vain, and will have to leave her to another to
brino‘ back." ‘

“ 1nd that other is—”

" The Wild Rider.”

d “ Then why did he not go with them to-

“ T” /

'3: Because his duty called him to make the
ride, J ocke Jack being dead and Tiny Tim
sick abed; ut at the other end of the line he
will report the affairs, and the agent will
send other riders here, as Little Grit told me
he intended to lay oft for a couple of weeks,
and egad, he deserves to.”

f‘I should think so; but when will he re-
turn, judge?”

“ To morrow at ten he is due, miss."

‘ “ And will he make the marvelous run?"

,“He will, or die in his saddle, for 1 know

the boy."

“ Then tell me, please, who he is.”

‘ ‘ Eon. ‘V. F. Cody, Buflalo Bill. when a bov. and
riding Pony Ex teas. one . und ‘r a pr ssure of cir-
oumsr woes r s the run of t lIo riders without rust»

v --trom Rad Buttes to Three Crossing, and thence on
to B eky Ridge' rhen imme ‘latelv back again to
Bed But'es—a distance of 824 miles, over a wild
country. in thirty hours, and using twenty four
horses—Tan Amos. . ,

   

Little Grit. the Wild Rider.

 

  

     

“ Little Grit. the Wild Rider, is all I can.
tell you, Miss Hewlett,” and the judge turn-
ed away, leaving Helen with a look of dilap-
pointment upon her fair face.

CHAPTER XVI.
'rnr: PHANTOMS.

MOUNTED on his favorite Firefly, the fleet-
est of his stable of twenty horses, for Little
Grit owned the animals he rode, the Wild
Rider went along like the wind.

First down into the lowlands he W at,
then over a ridge of foothills, and out ugou
the prairie; past the tree at the head of the
Red Ravine, where a human body and the
horses he had killed still lay unburied, .md- ‘
serving for food for wolves and vultures, and
then on to the spot where he had rescued
Helen Hewlett, and where another body and
another steed lay dead as a feast for wild
beasts.

" The fellow had not the heart to bury his
own friend," muttered the youth, as he
turned his face away from the sickening
sight of hungry coyotes feeding upon a hu-
man being.

But not once did he slacken his speed, un-
til he ran into the station where he changed
horses. *

But no animal stood at the stockade-gatc
awaiting him, and the stock-tender was not
visible. '

“Ho, Bart! where are you?” cried the
youth. ,

But no answer came to his cry, and dis-
mounting. he drew his revolver and entering
the. stockade, slowly apprcached the cabin,
the door of which was 3 ar. ‘

As he was about to t rust the door open
and enter, a sudden impulse caused him
to stop. and removing his sombrero, he plac- V
ed it on the muzzle of his revolver and held
it around the post, as though he were peep- . '\-
in in. "

nstantly there came a ringing report and
the hat fell to the ground, pierced by a bul-r
let, while with a groan Wild Rider sprung
back to the corner of the but. I v ;

The feigned groan of agon did the work, ' ‘

a uman form, to j »«

 

for out of the cabin darte
fall dead with a bullet in his heart.
“ It is Hank Hawkins; now I'll see what
devil's work he hits been at,” muttered Wild
Rider, as he recognized the man whom the .
Fight before he had rescued Helen Hewlett .,
rom. . , ,
Cautiously entering the cabin, the yohth, '
saw Bartthe stock-tender. and an old, gray- " ' ,
haired man lying dead by the hearth and ~ _ ‘
knew that Hank Hawkins had killed him to , ‘ *
rob him, and then drive the pony horses oil
to the hills. v ’ , rs
Spriuging‘ upon Firefly, he followed the ' v
t ,

   

  

'_ J \ Little Grit, the was Rider.

2“. .; .9..-

.u. -. .

{ha ‘

 

  

,h'ail of the animals for half a mile and found
a them hitched in a small growth of timber.
1" “fie thou ht he had it all his own way;
but he should have been more particular to
find out if my head was under that hat

_"Come, Arrow. we must be 011’. and you
will have to make up half an hour of lost
time." and throwing his saddle and Express
'fld saehel upon a thoroughbred-looking bay,

Wild Rider drove Firefly and the other horses
back to the stoekade.

“ ow to bury poor old Bart." he said.
and e set to work with pick and spade.
and quickly made a grave back of the cavern
and 'n it deposited the body of the old stock-
ten er.

“ Guess you’ll make prime eating for coy-
otes," he muttered. as he threw the bodv of
the outlaw outside of the stockade, and fast-
ening the gate, sprun upon Arrow, who
shot away as though be ad been sent from a
5 how.

Urging the red bay hard. Little Grit arrived
at the next station only a quarter of an hour
behind time. and to his delight learned from
the stock-tender that the bandits had not paid
him a visit. ‘

“You are lucky, Bond, for they have hit
‘ the line hard below Rocky Glen, run Barney

w ofl, slain Mustang Pete, captured Bessie Ben-
ton, and nearly killed her father, while the
shot cpoor Jockey Jack on the run. and’l
burie Bart at the back station,” he said to
the man, who helda fiery mare in readiness
for him.

“ Guess your time will come next. Little
'Grit. for you is awful venturesome," said
Bend the stock-tender.

"Somehow I don't think sonBond: I‘ll
not say die as longkas I can show my claws.
“ Good-b . and eep a good lookout."

“ I will, ittle Grit; but hain’t yer a leetle
stifl, and lookin’ bad?"
“I should think so, for I‘ve done treble
‘ work; but I’ll be back on time. if the lamp
of life holds out to burn. Come, Satha-
nessl” . .
The last was said to the really VlClOuB
mare, who bounded away with an angry
'- snort, and at a speed that threatened to make
up the twenty minutes lost. 4 .
, rBond stood watching Little Grit until he
disap eared from sight and then muttered:

” e are rightl named. for be are a Wild
, Rider fer a fact; ut ther end 0‘ his road \\'lll

' come yet, I'm thinking. though I hopes not,
as he are a better man than ary boy I_ever
, see afore‘; I wonder ef he’ll be back on time?

't'l'm thinkin’ not, an' I’m bettin' myself
thetleetlo drop 0‘ rum I has left in ther bot-
‘tle, thet he don’t make it: ef he does, I'll Jlst
it out on ther ground, fer he don t.
l W of he don’t make it, I’ll drink ther

Ix

fink. ~

“messages
.‘

.Nw,

‘ “‘9‘ i4;

   

-yer eyes seems rol

 

last drop; thet‘s ther way I has 0‘ bettin’
ag’in’ myself,” and Bond,‘ the stock-tender.
went in and looked to his arms, for he was a
cautious man. ‘

But no bandits paid him a visit that night,
and the next morning, after his lonelybreak-
fast, he led Arrow out to the stockade. and
then went into the cabin and brought out
his old clock and a bottle.

" Thar’s ther time as ther sun sets an’ rises
by. an’ hour are a drink 0' rum in this bottle
thet are wu’th a pound o‘ yaller gold-dust ter
me.

“ Let me see; ther boy hes jist five min-
utes ter come in an” be on time; but I won’t
be mean. so will give him, another- minute.

“ Then comes my drink. an‘ it are a good
one too, el‘ar four fingers in a tin cup; but
I’ll suck it out o’ ther bottle, fer it are
sw‘ater.”

A while he was silent. and then said aloud,

while his eyes glanced at the bottle long- ,

ingly, and his fingers moved nervously, as
though anxious to clutch it with lovmg em-
brace:

“ 1t are four minutes gone—only one and
one-half minute now; yas, only one minute
n0“'-—

“ Holy Sierras! but thar he comes!"

The man sprung to his feet. and turning
his eyes up the trail saw the roan mare com-
ing on at full speed for the station. and upon
her back was the Wild Rider; but he was
not riding, as was his wont. upright and
free, but crouching in his seat, and seemed
holding to the mane of the fairly flying ani-

ma .
“Hold hard. Leetle Grit! heur yer is. or I

are a liar, an’ my rum hes ter be drunk up.

by ther ‘arth; but what in 'tasnal thunder
are ther matter with yer, b0 i"

“I‘m dead beat, Bond; ’ve had a hard
run of it; there. let me down eas , and help
me on Firefly,” said the youth, in almost a
Whis er. '

" ou is nigh played. Leetle Grit. fer yer
face looks ten years older than usual. on yer
is stiff as though yer had rheumatiz, while

in' ag'in' ther back part 0’
yer head; let me run in with ther bags, boy,
an' you ate heur an‘ rest."

“ No; must go myself, thank you,
Bond."

“ Then take this wee drop 0’ mount’m-dew,
pararer tanglefeot, miner‘s henzine, or what-
ever er call it. fer I has lost it, havin’ bet
ag‘in myself that yer wouldn't make ther
run, but yer has, an' half a minute to spare.

" Take it. boy, an’ it‘ll ile yer j’ints, fetch"

yer eyes in place ag‘in. warm ther cockles on
yer heart, an’ fill yer full o'-lg_llory, fer it are
prime mater‘al, from Jud unter’s stock.”

“I will drink it, Boa ,, and thank you,-

  
  
   
    
  

 

 

 

 

   
    
       
     
   
   
   
          

  

  

Little Gr it. the Wild Rider.

   

 

for I need it; there, I feel better, and there
is some left for you; now help me on, an’,
Firefly, go easy at first, or you’ll shake me
in pieces.”

The next instant the Wild Rider was again

, mounted and speeding along swiftly, Firefly
hurling the miles behind him until a word
from the Wild Rider brought him to a sud-
den halt.

And no wonder, for in the road ahead of
him. 'ust under the tree at the head of the
Red avine were a horse and rider, who,
even in the glare of day. looked like spectral
forms from another, world.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
THE COMPACT.

THE first act of the Wild Rider, after
bringing his horse to a halt, was to draw his
revolver, and then take a close survey of the
phantom-like horse and rider in his path-
way. ‘

“It is the one they call the Spirit of the
Canyon, anda woman; come, Firefly, let us
have a closer look at the pair,” muttered
Little Grit, who was greatly strengthened by
the liquor he had been given by Bond.

The horse slowly moved forward, and yet
like statues, the white horse and its rider re-
mained, until Little Grit had approached
within thirty feet, still holding his revolver
in his hand.

Then the white steed faced him, and the
rider said, in a clear, musical tone:

“Put‘ up your weapon, for I mean you no
harm.” '

“ I do not fear you; only you are uncom-
fortably near the ravine, which might con-
ceal a company of cavalry/3 replied Wild
Rider.

“ Then I will come to you, and I trust

. you, as I Wish you to trust me; see. [show
no arms,” and with her hands held above her
head the woman known as the Spirit of the
Canyon, advanced slowly to where the youth
had halted.

“ Who are you?” he asked, gazing fixedly
upon her white-robed form and partially
vailed face.

“ I am called the Spirit of the Canyon.”

“True. and as such frighten the super-

. stitious fearfully.

“ Yet you do not fear me?"

“Why should I when I have no belief in
the supernatural? It is that pistol in your
belt. that I stand in awe of.”

/ “ Ah!" and the woman drew her robe over
the tell-tale weapon, while Little Grit. at the

movement of her hand to her waist, quickly

drop ed his upon his revolver.

“ ou doubt me, I see.” a

trail I ride?”

“You are abrave youth not to draw ofl '
the Pony Line at the threats you have re-
ceived." ‘

“Why should I? as long as there is life
there is hope. and I take my chances."

“ And fearful chances they are.”

“I care not; I came to. ride this line for a.
certain time and I shall do it," was the bold
remark of Little Grit.

“ If Death does not catch you.”

“ Yes, but I have ridden in company
wits Qeath so often we have become good
par s.’

“ Why do you ride Pony Express?" sud~
denly asked the woman.

“ My reasons hold no interest for you.”

“You are mistaken; but we will not
argue that now, as I wish you to do me a
favor.” ,

“Wish me to do you a favor?" asked the
youth, in surprise.

((  ))

“ How can I?”

“ I will tell you. ‘ You know Bessie Ben.
ton. the stock-tender’s daughter, I believe?"

“ Yes, what know you of her?” asked Wild
Rider, with eagerness. ' ‘

“ She is a prisoner.”

have not rescued her?”

their attempt to capture the B0 Bandit.”

“I do not know but that essie can be
rescued and the Boy Bandit captured, too,"
said Little Grit, confidently.

“ N o, neither can be done unless I wish it,”
said the woman, solemnly.

“ Youl What have you to do with it 7”

“Much. I will prove it by saying that
you can accomplish what the Vigilantes
End’soldiers from Rocky Glen lave failed to

o.’

“ And what is that?”

" Rescue Bessie Benton.”

“ I intend to try, at least."

“’You can accomplish it with ease through
me. ’ r

“ How?"

" You have just come from a long ride,
and your face shows that you suffer, so go
on to Rocky Glen and seek rest until to-
angow night, when the Vigilantes Will be

ac . - ‘

“Then go to the cabin of Daniel Benton,
and tell him that if he is willing to' give ten
thousand dollars for the restoration of his
dau hter you will bring her to him,” ' .

“ b y, he has not a hundred dollars tohis
name." ‘ '
“ You do as

 

’i-‘Why shouldl do otherwise,_when you

 

   

 

, Isay, and he will give youthq :
money.’ ' ~ _

 
  

 

go masquerading by day and night along the% h

1"

 
 

 

Add 1-

“That I feared; then the Rocky Glen boys , ’7

“Hal ha! ha! their errand is as futile as . 

  
   
   
   

 

 

   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
  

  
  

 

 

 

 

 
 

   
    
  
   
  
  

 
   

 ., Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

 

" I say he has no money.”

"An I say he will give you the amount
I‘name, and I wish you to bring it to the
Pilot Tree in the middle of the Sweetbrier
Prairie."

‘,‘1 know the spot; but why there?”

~ “ That you may not be treacherously dealt
With; as you leave the foot-hills on the north
I will leave the timber on the south, and Bes-
sie Benton shall accompany me.”

"You promise this?”

“ Yes. ”

“At what time to—morrow night ‘2”

"‘ Meet me at midnight.”

“The Pilot Tree will conceal a dozen

men.”
'; “True, but if you doubt me get the money
' _ before night and go there by daylight though
I cannot come until midnight; then you can
see that an ambush is not intended.”

"So be it; I will trust you; but if I do
not bring the money?”

“You cannot have the girl.”

" I‘ll risk that.”

"Then our arrangement ends here, unless
you pledge yourself not to attempt the res-
cue of Bessie Benton if you do not get the
monzy."h

“ t t at time, es. I led e in self- but
look out for squall§ afterv’vard’?” y ,

“ I ll be on my guard; now we Understand
each other?” -

“ Yes; but how did you get possession of
Bess1e?”

“I captured her.”

"And who are you?”

_“ The Spirit of the Canyon I told you; but
mind you, do not speak 0 my meeting you
to any one, nor tell how you rescued Bessie;
will on promise this?"

 

iot
9 a

he;

a»

n- it

 

 

  

-mbinp—gwij; ‘

   
   
  
 

. es. '
"Then, good-by,” and wheeling her white
horse the woman rode down into the Red
Ravine, while Little Grit went skimming
along once more on his way to Rocky Glen,
deeply impressed by his meeting with the
strange creature and what he had heard, and
determined to keep his word and engagemept
with her, though every bone and muscle. in
his body ached, and he was almost blind
'from loss of sleep.

   
   
  
 
   
 

 

. CHAPTER XVII..
_..’ WILD RIDER ON TIME.
“ BY Heaven! there comes the boy, and on
’ ‘ ‘time, or I am a sinnerl". and Judge Hunter,
' Who had been anxiously .gazmg down the
trail, danced around in hlS glee. as he saw
'Firefly come bounding along toward. the

-‘ tavern. ' _ . -
His ’words brought to the rude piazza both

     
    
    
  
 

 

golonel Hewlett and Helen, besides all who

were looting in the bar-room, and every eye
was upon the Wild Rider as he came in on
the home stretch. ,

“ He's not riding in his old easy style, and,
no wonder,” said the judge. as he called to
the stable man to call up Tiny Tim to send
on the next run. ,,

“ No wonder, sir, if he has made the four
hundred and sixt odd miles, you say, in
fifty hours,” said olonel Hewlett.

“ My life that he‘s made the clean run. and
of all the‘ gamblers here, there [are not three
bets against him,” cried the judge, as he
sprung down from the steps and rasped the
hand of the Wild Rider, just as irefly came
to a halt.

“Great God! what a change!" cried the
colonel aloud, while Judge Hunter said, anx-
iouslv:

“ You made it, my boy?”

“ Yes; but can Tiny Tim go on?”

“ Oh, yes, though he’s not well; any
news?”

“ Poor Bart is dead; killed by Hank Haw-
kins, Colonel Hewlett, from whom I saved
your daughter: but I avenged him.

“ Here, judge, lift me down lightly, please i ; ' I

for I am worse heat than a stove-up govern:
ment mule.”

“You are game to the backbone, Little
Grit. Steady, boys, for don‘t on see him
wince with pain, and he's no chi d to cry out
at an ache; there, now take him into my
room."

The two men who had lifted Little Grit
from his saddle, obeyed.‘ gust as Tiny Tim, a
small. wiry man with a c ean-shaven. deter-
mined face, came out to mount an iron-gray
that the stable-boy was holding for him.

“Look out for squalls, Tim. and ride
hgrhd,” called out Little Grit, catching sight
0 1m. -

“All ri ht, lad, and the whole line shall . , '

hear of w at you have done; good-by all!”
and awe went the iron-gray With Tin Tim
and the ‘xpress bags on his back, whi e the

»Wild Rider was carried into the hotel an

cared for by willing hands. ‘

“ Helen, that boy’s face haunts me by day -
and night. and recalls memories from the
past, that I had hoped were forever buried,”
said Colonel Hewlett, as himself and daughc
ter returned to their room.

“ I felt that something must have influg
encedgou deeply, father, to have seemed so
unkin to him as you were the other night,"
replied the maiden. '

" Something did influence me. my child; '
something I never expected to speak to you‘
about, but which I will now tell you of, as I '
must speak to some one about it, must find
out who that boy is. . >

“You “a .ware that in early life, a yet}: ' -

,1

 
  

     

84

before-you were born, I was engaged in a
duel?”

“ Yes, father, there were plenty of busy
tongues to tell me of it at school, though you
never spoue to me of the painful circum-
stance, and if it is unpleasant to you to re-
call, do not tell me now.”

“I say I must, Helen, for I am deeply
troubled.

“Before I met your mother I loved a
younr.r and beautiful» girl that I had fairly
idolized from her childhood, for our families
were on most intimate terms, and in Virginia,
where I lived, our estates adjoincd.

“When she was but sixteen we became
engaged. and were to have been married
upon my return from the West, where I was
ordered for a year’s service among the In-
dians.

“A young man I met in service in the
West, a surgeon of my regiment, had a for-
tune left him, and s ortly after my arrival
at the command, resigned and was to start
home, when my horse fell w1th me one day,
and my arm being broken, he remained to
set it, and kindly cared for me for several
weeks.

“ I was so attached to him that I gave him
aletter to my family, and to Corinne, for
his home was on the Maryland side of the
Potomac, not far above where I lived.

“Alas! my child, he usedithat letter of
introduction so well, that he won m in-
tended bride from me, with stories 0 my
, wild life and gambling, and more, be per-
suaded Corinne to run away with him and
become his wife.

“My child, I am, as you know, of a hot-
headed nature. and I did not allow this false
friend's treachery to go unpunished, but two
years after tracked him down, and he fell in
a duel with me.

“ What became of Corinne “I never knew,
or cared. for some months after I saved from
drowning in the surf at Newport. a young
girl who afterward became my .wife, and
your mother. Helen, and the image of that
treacherous woman I took out of my heart

’ ~-forever.

"Now, my child. up from the grave, as
then b it was Lester Lamdell himself, comes
this oy they call Wild Rider. and when I
look at him, the image of false Corinne rises
before me, and I would take my oath that he
“their 007p." and, as though to shut out the
phantoms of the'past from before his eyes
Colonel Hewlett buried his face in his hands

’ and leaned on the table before him, while

Helen, with deep sympathy. said: .

" Father. I hope that such may not he the
case, that it is only a fancied resemblance;
but I will solve the mystery for you. as to
who .  Wild Rider really is. and if he be

Little Grit. the Wild Rider.

 

‘i.-,I‘:I=‘»WM$“. ‘ I L

I

.1

their m,” then let us go from here; get order-
ed elsewhere, where constantly before you
will not he one to call up only bitterest
memories.”

“ No, Helen, as I have sown so will I reap:
I was unkind to him, and I will not be again,
for if I have much much to forgive,he hasten,
and he has heaped coals of fire upon my head
by saving you from what I now know would
have been worse than death.

“ I will go now and see if I cannot help
the boy, and you send to the Hospital ste-
ward and sutler for all that he may need,”
and having determined upon the course he
would pursue Colonel Hewlett went to the
room where Wild Rider had been taken;

/ but at the door Judge Hunter met him with

the report that he had been well cared for
and was fast asleep.

CHAPTER XIX.
ON THE TRAIL:

In Little Grit had seemed completely used
up, upon his arrival at Rocky Glen, after his
marvelous ride, he certainly did not look so
when the next afternoon he came out on the
piazza to welcome the parties back who had
gone in search of Bessie Benton.

A little pale and haggard, a trifle stifl he
seemed, but withal a dangerous person to
grapple with in a close encounter, for his
wiry frame had recuperated rapidly from the
fearful strain put upon it.

“ Couldn’t find hair nor hide 0' her, or ther
bandits, Leetle Grit. tho’ we seen your work'
lying round, an’ a number 0' us rode to ther
clifi' ter see ther leap yer tuk. J ewilikinsl
but it were a flyer! \

"‘ An’ they tells me yer made ther big run?
Waal yer is ther boss rider an' leetle one in
this hour sinful airth. an’ no mistake," and
Trumps warmly grasped the boy’s hand, and
then continued:

“ We’ll hev a leetle game 0’ keerds ter-
night. Grit, my boy, an’ I wants yer round,
fer thar is a row endin’ atween me and thet
Kid Glove Gamb er, an‘ it are all about you.”

“ I am sorry I cannot be with you to-night,
Trumps, but I have an important engage-
ment on hand."

“ Why. you isn’t goin‘ fer ter' ride ag'in I
right off?"

“No. but I have something to attend to
that I cannot neglect, and the nature of
which'l hope you will know to-morrow; by
the way, where did you leave Daniel Ben-
ton ?" '

“0n! poor .feller, he left us as soon as ho
c’u’dn’t find his darter. an’ he’s gone back to

her lonely cabing: I tell, yer, Leetle Grit. I ‘ ' '
feels durned sorry fer thet man,,an"more sor-. j"

tier fer his setter, an’yw and. me will set

 

 

nm. em; a. we ms.

r.’ l

‘. f out ‘ter‘morrer an’ look her up, at yer kin

spare time. "

"Oh yes, for there will be several riders
sent down here to-niglht, to take J ocke
Jack’s place, and give iny Tim and mgse f
a rest for a few days; now I must be 0 .”

“Don‘t want no comp’ny, does yer?"

“ Not this time, thank you, my good
friends; I shall ride Firefly, and these will

0 with me,” and Little Grit smilingly patted
is belt of arms. .

“The is durned good comp‘ny fer yer
too, or are a liar; waal. er knows my
shant , so look me up when kin sarve er,
and. eetle Grit. keep yer eyes on thet ic‘.
Glove gerloot, fer he hes it In him ter give
yer trouble.”

“ I believe with you. Trumps, that he
needs watching, and I'll keep an eye upon
him, ” and Little Grit went into the tavern to
get ready for his ride.

Ten minutes after he came out on the pine-
boa'rd piazza, looking exceedingly trim in ap-
pearance, for he had donned a new suit, and
Helen Hewlett, who sat at the window, men-
tally observed that she never saw a hand-
somer youth.

“ You are not going on another ride, Mr.
Little Grit," she said pleasantly.

“ Yes, but I am not riding on time this af-
ternoon. Miss Hewlett.”

“ I feared (you would be very ill, when I
saw you lifte from your horse yesterday,
and my father was anxious to serve you in
some way; but you look well this after-
noon.”

, es, Miss Hewlett, I am all right
now, an a short ride will limber me up;
but I have to thank you and your father for
being very kind to me; here comes Firefly
now. and I must be off,” and bowing polite-
ly, Little Grit walked out to where the stable
boy held his horse, and mounting, set ofi at
a canter, greatly to the surprise of his steed,
who seemed anxious to go at once into the
flying gait he was used to. _

Increasing his speed after awhile, Little
Grit soon had Firefly dashing along, as
though he were carrying Express, and it was
not very long before he came in sight of Dan
Benton’s cabin.

Hearing the clatter of hoofs the stock-ten-
der came out to see who it was, for it Was
not Pon Rider time, and beholding the
Wild Ri er he said sadly:

“ Well, my boy, you come to a sad home
now, for my Bessie has one, and I almost

'wish you had allowed t ose devris to hang
us both.” , -

“ Cheer up. Mr. Benton, for I have come
- to have a talk with you," said the youth,

.choerily. *
 ":1 am glad to see you,'Wild Rider, but

38

talking will not bring my child back, but I
come in.” .

“ I am not so sure of that, Mr. Benton, to
talking does a great deal sometimes.”

“ Little Grit, your words mean something,”
eagerly said the sorrowing father, grasping
the youth by the arm.

“ True, they do mean something, but loan
offer no explanation, only ask you if you
have confidence in me?"

“ Yes. to the endpmy boy."

“Well, I believe I can restore you your
daughter ere sunrise.”

“ How? For Heaven‘s sake tell me how.
boy?” ,

“ By paying a ransom for her.”

“ A. ransom! anything will I do to get back
my child.”

“ A large sum is asked, Mr. Benton."

“My child is worth it, be it what it may.”

“But you are poor, and—”

“ Name the sum. Little Grit.”

“Ten thousand dollars.”

" Im'llpay it."

CHAPTER XX.
WILD moan KEEPS ms PLEDGE.

LITTLE GRIT fairly started at the words of
the stock tender.

“Iwillpay it!” '

He glanced into the man’s face and read
there determination and truth. and no sign-
that he had made an idle assertion. \

But then, how could a poor stock-tender '
pay so large a sum? was in his thou hts.

“You pa ten thousand dollars, r. Ben-
ton?" he as ed in surprise.

“ Yes, I will ay it, my boy, for the restor- ‘
ation of my aughtcr; I do not wonder

ou look surprised, for‘ you know just what

have received as a stoe -tender, and cannot
understand how I could lay up such a. sum.

“But tell me to whom is this money to be
paid. and by whom, and when ?” '

" You are to give me the gold-dust, and. I
pledge myself to return you pyour daughter,
or the metal, unless I am killed."

“ When do you want it?”

“ Now, if I can get it.”

“ You will wait until dark?”

“Yes, for the sun is setting now.”

“Then you shall have it."

“?And you really have that sum, Mr. Ben-
 Y! ,

“Yes, and far more; listen, my boy, and
while we are waiting for darkness to come
will tell you a secret that my child even does
not know. -

“ Having seen better days yourself. you
can see that I have been educated, and I will
tell you that I came of good stock, and "my /

 

parents were rich. ‘ ..
‘ _ “There were but two of us, a brother, ten ' '

' ti,“

 

  

 

 

  

26

5 Little Grit, the Wild Rider.

 

 

years younger than mvsclf, and whom my
parents idolized, and was devotedly at-
tached to, although he grew up very wild.

“At the death of my parents my brother
and myself were left equal shares in the
property. and all was left in my control, for
he was not of age. .

“ But alasl I was no restraint upon him,
and he ran through with his inheritance,
and, knowing my love for him, did all man—
ner of things that got him into trouble, well
knowing that I would help him out.

“The result of all this was that he beg-
gared me, and to raise money committed
forger and fled.

“ ell, I paid his debts, but the officers
of the law were after him, and I knew that if
taken I could not save him, and almost
broken-hearted and completely ruined by
fortune I sought another home.

“But misfortune dogged me. and my wife
dying, I drifted westward year by year,
earning just money enough to educate my
daughter at agood school where I had left
her.

“At length I became what I am now,
having failed in the mines to find gold and
despairing of ever getting rich, I sent for
my daughter to come and live with me here,
and the very day after her arrival luck
changed, for I struck a rich lead of gold in
my old mine back in the mountain.

“ Well. my boy, I determined to remain
here as stock-tender until I had back all of
my old fortune to give my Basic, and I
have secretly bought back the old home
stead, and in a few months expected to go
East with my child and my diggings in gold
dust.

“Now I have duo out and hidden away
some fifty thousancf dollars, and you may
know that it all should go to get my child
back.

“ The secret I have told to no one, except-
ing you, and I feel that you will never be
tray me; but those devils that strung me
up hinted that I had gold hidden some-
where.”

“But how should they know, Mr. Ben-

ton ?" asked Little Grit.

“ There is but one way; mybrother is out
here and he may know, having found out in
some way that I had bought back the old
homestead.”

“ Your brother out here, you say, sir?"

“Yes, and you know him, and I know
him, too, though we have seemed not to
recognize each other, yet I feel confident
that he is feigning ignorance of who I am,
though it has been fifteen years since we
met.”

“ Ha! Gambler Grey, the Kid Glove
Sport.”

“ Yes, my boy, you know him now, and
you know no good of him.”

“ True. sir, and I do not like him," said
Little Grit, frankly.

“ I cannot blame you, for he is a very evil
man; but come, it is dark now, and I will get
you the gold, and should aught befall me,
you will know where my treasure is hidden,
so that you can give it to Bessie,” and rising,
Daniel Benton led the way from the cabin,
and diving into the bushes back ofthe stock-
ade, halted on the bank of a small stream.

“ Do you see this rock, my boy?”

“ Yes."

“ llind yonder large tree in a line with it?”

“ Yes.”

“ Well, watch me," and so saying Daniel
Benton waded into the stream, and with a
sharp hook scraped the bottom until it
caught in something heavy.

“ Here is my treasure—box, Little Grit,"
and out of the sand he dragged a rudely-
madc box, and opening it, counted out sulli-
eient loose gold to make up the amount de-
manded, and then returned the chest to its
secure hiding-place, while Little Grit wrap-
ped up that which he had left out.

“ You know the secret now, boy, and you
have the ransom gold, so go, and for the love
of God, bring me back my child. and breathe
to no one What I have told you,” said Daniel
Benton, with deep feeling.

“I will never betray you, Dan Benton,
and will ever be the friend of you and your
daughter,” and shouldering his weighty load
of precious metal, Little Grit returned to the
cabin, and mounting Firefly, rode away in

 

the direction of his rendezvous with the
Spirit of the Canyon, the moon lighting his
pathway over hill and through valley, and
then acress the prairie to the Pilot Tree,

 

which he fearlessly approached to find no
human being near.

CHAPTER XXI.
THE MEETING.

“I BELIEVE the woman meant what she
said, and I will wait,” said Little Grit, as the
moon soared high into the heavens, and yet
he saw no sign of the coming woman and her
captive.

“ It is strange that she knew that Dan Ben-
ton had money, for he believed his secret
unknown; well. my advice to him is to leave
these parts, or his wicked brother, if he finds
out he has gold, will commit a greater crime
than forgery.

“ Ah me! I should hate to give Bessie up,
for if I am but nineteen I love her dearly;

 

 

 

 

 

“ I cannot imagine what he can be, sir.”
“ Grey Benton is his name.’

 

but does she care for me, whom everybody
calls a boy?"

   

  
    

   
   
  
 
 
 
  
    
  
 

 

 

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time Grit, the was Rider. 2?

 

  

“That I will have to find out by asking
her, and I will, if she refuses me— Ah!
there comes some one now—yes, it is the
Spirit of the Canyon. and she is not alone.

"Ido Wish I could find out the mystery
about that woman, and also about that Boy
Bandit, who seems to hate me so, for he
persistently threatens me and dogs my

rat .

“ If it were not that I wanted to take him
alive, I could have killed him on a score of
occasions.

h “Perhaps she may know, and I will ask
er.

“ She approaches cautiously, so I will ride
out into the moonlight so that she can recog-
nize me,” and Little Grit rode from be-
neath the thick foliage of the tree, and in-
stantly the two persons approaching came to
a halt.

But, after an instant‘s scrutiny, as thoth
satisfied, they came on once more, and soon
drew rein not ten feet from where the youth
sat on his horse.

“Well, I have kept my word, Wild Rid-
er," said the woman calmly. and she laid her
hand upon the shoulder of Bessie Benton,
who had not spoken a word.

G ‘ftAnd I have kept mine," answered Little

r1 .

“ You have the gold?"

1‘ Yes}?

“The amount 1 demanded?”

“ As near as it could be guessed at.”

“Enough! I return you the maiden, who
has been in my charge only; but there is one
demand I make.”

“ Well?”

"Bid her father take her far from here, or
if you love her,. and she loves you, make her

our wife. and stay no longer here, for your
ives are in danger.”

“ My life is always in danger,” was the
reckless reply.

“Then protect her life and her honor, for
I tell you frankly that there is one who
would harm her, and what I now do will
cause him bitter anger against me, and that
is why I asked the gold as ransom, to ap-
pease his wrath."

“ Hal and that person is—"

“ The Boy Bandit.”

“What is that boy to you ‘2”

“It matters not what he is to me, or I
to him, only do not disregard my warnlng,
or death and sorrow will follow, I assure
you."

“ Sa you will go. please, say you will go.
Little rit," pleaded Bessie Benton, speaking

for the first time since the meeting.

” If you will go with me, yes," b01d13’ 311'
swered the youth. ,

u 

 

“ As my wife?”

“ Yes."

" I am not two years your senior, Besie,
but I am a man in feeling, and I love you,
and for your sake I will leave here, and give
up the wild lite I lead. where otherwise I
would glory in remaining and braving the
Boy Bandit and his whole band."

“ Boy, you are reckless, brave to fool-
hardiness, but I warn you to beware of
1Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, for he is merci~
ess.

“Crime has made h’m what he is, and he
revels in danger and combat, and is merci-
less toward those he hates.”

“And he hates me?"

“ He has been told to hunt you down!"

“ By whom?"

“By an enemy of yours; it matters not
who he. is, for you have foes as well as
friends; but take the girl and go, and when
you are happy remember that a poor outcast
Woman, one whom men fly from as they
would from :1 ghost, risked her life to give
you happiness." .

“ But you must have some motive for tlns,
other than a. desire to serve this maiden and
mysrlf.”

“ Ihave; it is a motive that is a curse to
man and woman—jealousyJ”

She spoke the word with intense feeling,
and having taken the gold, simply waved her
hand in farewell and rode away.

Both Little Grit and llCSSie watched her
until she was out of sight, and then the lat-
ter said, sadly:

“ Poor thing, she seems to sufl‘er from
some great sorrow in the past; but he she
what she may, I cannot but regard her most
kindly, for she carried me to a cavern re-
treat in the mountains, cared for me most
tenderly, and pledged herself that no harm
should befall me; but I was kept under guard,
and I feel confident that she holds great in-
fluence with the bandits."

“And 1 shall love her, for giving you to
me, Bessie ” said Little Grit softly, and the
two turned the heads of their horses home-
ward, and 'ust at dawn Daniel Benton
clasped his daughter in lllStllHlH, and three
happy people sat down to the frugal break-
fast that morning in the humble cabin of the
stock-tender.

CHAPTER XXII.
THE DunLrsT’s SON.

“YOU asked to see me, Colonel'Hewlett,”
and Little Grit entered the temporary quar~
tors of the cavalry officer, the morning,r fol-
lowing the restoration of Bessie Benton to
her father.

The colonel was seated in an easy enmp~
chair, and before him were some ofiicial-

 

‘ngafigwi.

’ ‘ Little Grit, the Wild Riders

looking papers, while at the window sat
Helen engaged in embroidering a sofa
cushion.

“ Yes. young gentleman, I do wish to see
you: I have learned this morning that you
rescued Bessie Benton from the bandits.”

“ I did little in the matter, sir, other than
bringing her back to her home.”

“You are modest, sir; but I also learn
that the stock-tender, Benton, leaves the
country to-day with his daughter, and that
you accompan them?"

“ I do, 811'; will give up this wild life at
once."

" May I ask why you have come to this
sudden determination, young man?”

A flush passed over the face of the youth;
but after an instant of hesitation, he an-
swered: 4
. “ Colonel Hewlett, I Will frankly tell you,
sir. ’

“ Up to the day when I completed my
long ride, I had but one main object in view,
one I had been trained up to, and one which
I cherished most fondly.”

“And that was—?“ asked the colonel, as
the youth paused. and Helen looked up
quickly from her work.

“I will tell you, sir; it was to one day
meet; you in personal encounter, and kill
you. "

The eyes of Little Grit never wavered as
he spoke, but he looked squaralyinto the
face of the man whom he had made such a
startling declaration, and who asked quick-

y“ To kill me?”

" Yes, Colonel Hewlett, and I will tell you
wh .

“yme my earliest boyhood I have been
taught by one person to believe that my fa-
ther was pursued through life and cruelly
murdered by one who was supposed to be
his friend, and I was educated to one aim.
and that was to one day avenge him by kill-
ing his slayer.

“ Three years ago the person who had so
urged me on was murdered. with others of a
train. by Indians, and in looking over the

apers left for my perusal. I discovered that
I’was perhaps wrong to seek redress, as they
implicated my father. ’

“But I had taken a solemn oath to one day
hold you responsible, and I set to work to ac-
complish it.

“ When you were on the Southern border,
I sought you there, but arrived to find that
you had just been sent abroad by the Gov-
ernment. so 1 determined to bide my time
until your return, and. to keep myself in
practice with lire-arms, and inured to dan-
ger, I came here and enlisted, as a Pen Ex-
press Riden, for, an oflicer whom I now

/
r

 

well, told me that you would be ordered int
this art of the country.

“ waited long, but at last you came, and 
I saved your daughter from a cruel fate, and
that broke down the barrier of hatred I felt
for you; but my oath stared me in the face,
and I was determined to keep it, up to the
day I accomplished my long ride. , ‘

"I was carried, not to my room. but to
Judge Hunter‘s. that adjoins this one, and as
the wall is frail. I heard your confession to
your daughter, and then knew that you too
had been wronged, not only by my father,
but by the woman you had loved, the one
who had so persistently trained me for one
purpose—to kill you.

“That person was my mother, Colonel .
Hewlett. and though I loved her dearly, I'
now know that she became a monomaniac on
the subject of revenging the death of my fa-

ther, the man who had stolen from you your , r

bride.

“ Then it was, Colonel Hewlett, that I de-
termined to bury in my heart the secret, to ‘
break the oath forced upon me in childhood,
and give up the red trail that has warped my
whole life. "

Little Grit paused. his face very pale, and
down the fair cheeks of Helen Hewlett rolled
pearly tear-drops, as she gazed upon him, ‘
while Colonel Hewlett arose, and said in a
voilce that quivered, in spite of his self-con-
tro :

“ And

on, then, are the son of Lester and
Corinne - ‘

amdell?"

"I am, sir, and a strange freak of my, "

mother. after my father’s death, was to chris-
ten me Hewlett Lamdell.” ’

“Great Godl Corinne did this, and yet  I

inade you take oath to one day take my
ife‘l” t
“ Yes, sir; it was to keep you ever in my

,1

mind. by your name; but do not misunders. 

stand me. sir—I had no idea of playing the
assassin. but intended to meet you, as my
father met you, in the duelb." I

“I believe you. my boy. for you are as
noble as you are brave; but now.let us bury
the grim phantoms of the bygone. and, for
getting the shadows between us, I ofler you
my hand—and more. as, the President has,
given me permission to select from these-
gallant frontier youths, one upon whom to
confer a lieutenancy in the army, I here ofle ,
you this commission of a second lieutenant,
of cavalry, and appoint you chief of scouts
of my command " , r ‘

The youth rasped the outstretched hand.
but said, calm y: '

" 1 thank you, Colonel Hewlett, more than
I can express in words: but it is best that'f
remain not here, and duty to one who is to
be my wife calls me away from scenes where

 

Little Grit. the was Rider.

 

I _ her life, and the life of her father are in

den er."

“ ou refer to Bessie Benton?” quietly
asked Helen, without raising her eyes from
her work. -

“ Yes. she has promised to be my wife.”

“And you have nobly won her, my boy;
but I do wish that you would reconsider my

, otfer.” said the colonel.

" Icannot, sir, I thank you, and will say
farewell, for we leave within the hour,'.’ and
as the youth spoke there came a wailing
-c from without, and hearing his name
ca led. Little Grit bounded from the room,
followed by the colonel and Helen in alarm,
for it was evident from the excited cries
in front of the Riders‘ Rest that some dire
calamity had happened.

CHAPTER XXIII.
was: MOUNTAIN CABIN.

THE scene changes now, from the Riders’
Blast at Rocky Glen to the mountains, leagues
' away where. in a stout cabin. built against a
clifl. sat a woman of rare beauty and strange
costume, for she was attired in a robe more
like a shroud for the dead than adress for
the living.

She was pacing the floor to and fro, with
nervous step, and her darkly bronzed face
was clouded with thoughts of no pleasant
nature, while she clinched her little hands
together spasmodically.

The cabin containe two rooms, was stout-
ly built and not uncomfortably furnished,
,and upon the wall, each side of the door,
hung arms ready for instant use.

Presently there came the ring of iron
‘ against rock without. and the woman start~
ed, while the next moment a man of com-
manding form. but with face closely masked,
entered the cabin.

He was dressed in buckskin, Wore moc-
casins upon his feet. and a wildcat skin cap.
and was armed with a belt of revolvers and
a long knife.

“ Well. Clotilde, my visit seems unexpect-
ed to on,” he said, in a deep voice.

“ 0, you are welcome. as you know. al-
though a storm must follow your coming,”
replied the woman.

.,, » ‘ ‘ And why? are you jealous alreadypf the
- fair maiden you so cleverly captured?’

“1 was jealous: I am not now.” _

“ Once 'ealous, with a woman, is always

wli have you changed, mayI ask‘l':

“There is no one to excite my jealousy,‘
“the calm reply. but it startled the man
into “M ory: I ,

" MGM! have you killed her?“

7 31",“? not» toadoftskinzlite even after ,
;.‘ “ ‘ , ’ i ,: ‘

 

my contact with you. as to kill one that can
be otherwise removed from your path." and
there was a sneer in the woman's tone.

“ gou have gotten rid of this girl, then?"

“ cs.”

“ How ?” and the man’s voice trembled
with passion.

“ I simply released her for ransom.”

“For ransom! what mean on. Clotilde?”

“ I captured the girl, and nding her very
beautiful, and knowing that she would win
you from me, for, in spite of what you are,
I love you, I asked for her ten thousand dol-
lars in gold-dust, and it was paid.”

“ By whom?”

“ Her father.” '

“ Hal then you found his mine?”

“No. he sent me the gold and I gave the
girl into the charge of the one who brought,
it."

“And Who was that?"

“ Little Grit."

“ Curses! had you that boy in your power
and allowed him to escape?”

“Beware. Clotilde. for you may go too
far; the girl's going I pardon you for, as I
get the gold for her, ant? I can easily get her
into my power again; at don’t try me be-
yond endurance.”

“ The girl you cannot get, for ere this she
has left with the man she is to marry."

The man sprung forward and seized the
woman’s shoulder with a grip that made her
cry out with pain. whi‘e he hissed forth:

“ Clotilde, I give you forty’elg‘ht hours to .
return that girl to me. or place her father in '
my power, for with him lean bring her back
if she has gone to the end of the earth.”

“ 1f I refuse?”

“ Then your punishment for thwarting ma
shall be worse than death.”

The woman turned deadly pale, but, after
a moment’s thought, said:

“ I will obey.” I

“Enough, and beware of how you trifle
with me in the future, for if I get Daniel Ben-
ton into my power, Iwill be worth millions,
or he shall die, if he gives not up the secret '
of his mine."

“ 1 will obey.” repeated the woman, and.
as the man turned from the cabin he can-
tinned:

“ Remember. Iwant both the father and
daughter, and if she is married 1 will make
her a widow and then marry her."

The woman’s eyes flashed dangerously,but
she looked up and asked quietly: '

“ And I?" '

“ Shall go the way of her husband. so as
make the marriage binding: now got” " ' ‘
The man strode from the cabin. and ten
Inan attorthe woman was riding dwa— r

«'

 

     
 

 

‘\

  

Little Grit. the Wild Rider.

  

 

the mountain-side. mounted upon her white
horse, and at her back came half a score of
villainous-looking men, armed to the teeth.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE FATAL LETTERS. .

WHEN Little Grit heard the wailing cry,
and his name called in leading tones, he
rushed out of Colonel I ewlett‘s room, to
discover Bessie Benton lying unconscious
upon a bench, and Judge Hunter supporting
her, while near by stood a tall, handsome
young man, dressed as aPony Express Rider
Elm}: gazing upon the maiden swith anxious
oo . '

Early that inorning Little Grit and Bessie

, had come on to the Riders’ Rest together, and

were to be joined there soon after by Daniel
Benton. when they were to at once depart
from that portion of the country, the stock-
tender carryinghis treasure with him on a
pack-horse.

When summoned to the room of Colonel
Hewlett. Little Grit had left Bessie out on
the porch, and he was greatly startled to find
her in a swoon, and feared some fearful cal-
amity had befallen her.

“ In God‘s name! what is it?” he asked.

“ Ah, my boy, there has been devilish
work done, and poor Bessie heard this young
gentleman tell me of it,” and Judge Hunter
nodded toward the Pony Rider, whom none
seemed to know, and who, seeing Little Grit’s
anxiety, said:

“Permit me to explain: I am the Pony
Rider who has taken your place, sir. if you
are the Wild Rider. as I believe, and when I
arrived at Dan Benton’s station. I found the
door closed, the stock gone, and two letters
tacked upon the post.

“ I came right on here, and gave the let-
ters to this gentleman. Judge Hunter. and he
read them aloud, and this young lady over-
heard them.”

“ And where are the letters?” asked Little

Grit, calmly. while I-Ielcn had Bessie borne
into her room.
. “Here they are. my boy.” and the judge
handed Little Grit a sheet of paper on which
was some writing in a bold hand, and an-
other piecc folded, and addressed to Bessie
Benton. .

“ I took the liberty of reading them, Wild
Rider, not knowing what ill~tidings they
might contain.”

3‘ You did right, judge,” and aloud Little
Grit read the unfolded sheet first.

/' , It was as follows:

“A PLACABD.
“1'0 nuns ears. THE WILD amiss.

‘ “Wmsss you did not at once follow the advice

9 S lrlt ot the Canyon, and depart

van you by t
gum. _ this wild with her you love, and 1393‘ Sir

 

.chances.” was the indifferent reply, while

 

  
  
    
  
  
    
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
    
 
    
  
    
 
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 

ther, Fate has been hot on your footsteps and
taken from this world Daniel Benton. who loved his ’ . , ,
gold more than his life, and whose grave shall be u ‘ '
unfindable as the treasure he refuses to give up.

“It you would save your life, and the life of her
you love. go. and at once, from this land, or. over
upon your trail will be “ Geno Pnnun,

“TEE Ber Bum."

That are plain talk, leetle pard,” said
Trumps, who was standing near; but Little
Grit made no reply and opened the letter,
which was addressed to Bessie Benton, and
was as follows:

“ MY Prion CHILD:—

“ When your eyes read these lines, I will be dead,
for my time has come. and my toes show no mercy,
and will slay me becauseI will not divulge the secret
of where my gold is buried.

" That secret. Wild Rider. the noble onth to whom
you must now look for protect: on, news, and he
will give you the gold your father leaves you.

“More. I cannot now write to you, and only the ,
mercy of a woman per its me to write these few
lines, and that woman is he Spirit of the Canyon.

“Death stares me in the face, and with my last
breath 1 bid you farewell, and ask God to bless you
and the one you love, forever.

“ Your dying father,
‘DsNiisi. Eamon."

When Little Grit ceased reading, with stem
lip and flashing eye. he glanced up and saw
Colonel Hewlett gazing fixedly at him, and
said:

“ Colonel Hewlett, if you will allow me to
retract my decision, sir. I shall do so and se-
cept your very kind ofier, for I remain here
now. as there is work for me to do.:’ '

“ Willingly. sir, but you Will he in deadly I
danger at all/times.” > ‘

“ I will risk that, sir."

” Then the commission is yours, sir.”

“ Thank you, sir; now on are to ride
my run, I believe?” and Little Grit turned
to the new Pony Rider, who answered. plea- _ .
santlIy: .
“ was ordered here for that purpose."

“ It is one of fearful dan er.”
" So be it. like you will take the

Trumps steppin forward. said. as he gazed
fixedly into the ony Rider’s face:

“ ‘Pears ter me. we hes met store. pard, for
if I mistakes not. you is ther youth as is'
knoivn as Buffalo Bill, south 0‘ here?" _

“ What! Bufialo Bill the Boy Guide, Scout ‘
and Hunter?” asked Judge Hunter. while all
present crowded nearer, having often heard
the, name in connection with many a thrill-
ing story of life on the plains.

“ Yes, I am Bufialo Bill. now Pony Ex-
press Rider,” was the modest reply, while
Trumps shouted: r ‘ v ,

“Give us yer hand, pard. fer I knows yer j~
now, an' yer is chained lightnin’ on a. jam, 
boree an' no mistake. - i -

“ Wild Rider andanflalo Bill. apair at“ ‘*
twins that will make this country howl; look -
out for 'emgvgerloots. an? of Gold Plains don’t

    
     
  

  

  
       
     
   

 

 
   
  

    

    

mm. Grit. the was Rider.

 

-. take in his horns afore long, he'll get ’em
sowed off.

T“Come one, come all. an’ let’s drink ter
ther lads, 'fer they is white clea’n through un‘
grit to ther jaw-bone," and Trumps led the
Wily to the bar, eagerly followed by the
thirsty ones of the crowd, while Little Grit
turned to the host of the Riders‘ Rest, and
said:

“Judge Hunter, I have often heard you
speak of your daughter whom you lost years
ago, and I ask you to love in her place Bes-
sie Benton, and be as a father to her.”

“My boy, with In whole heart, I will be
a father to her, an to you too. and here
shall be your home,” and the judge spoke
feelingly, while Colonel Hewlett said:

‘ “ My friends, this young gentleman is no

. longer Little Grit, the. Wild Rider of the
Pony Express, but Lieutenant Hewlett Larn-
dell of my staff, and Chief of Scouts, and his
duty shall be to free this border of the out—
laws who infest it.” .

“And I will do that duty. or die in the
attempt—1 mean it!” said Hewlett Lamdell,
firmly. ‘ .

[Thus ends the career of Little Grit, the
Wild Rider; but.‘should my kind reader de-
sire to follow him as an officer of the arm ,
and know of the daring explorts of Buffs 0
Bill as Pony Express Rider. and the career
of other personages who have figured in my
romance of the Far West, he will find it in

GOLD PLUME,
THE BOY BANDIT;
on,
Tim Km GLOVE GAMBLEB.]
THE mm.

 

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POCKET LIBRARY.

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l Deadwood! Dick. B ' Edward L. Wheeler. {35 The. Boy Mlnern. By Edw rd S. Ellln.
2 K‘unl I Kln . Bv huff“ 0 Bill. _ 86 Junk llnrknwny In New York. By Bruce-
8 The l‘lylnir 3 cc. Bv qu. Premier lpzriihnm. brid '8 Hemyn r.
4 'I he ’ID‘ouble Dazfers. lly btlwnrd L. \} lirelar. 87 The Ins-al- haploln. By (‘01. l’relllils lnzrahnm.
The l W» Iii-tom. veg. By Albert. W. Aiken. 85 Deadwood Dick In Lendvllle. By E. L.\Nlie¢l:r.
The Prairie l'llui. By lining" BI”. 89 Bill Blddon. 'l‘rnp er. By Edwud 5. Eu...
The Bufl'iilo Demon. By Edward L. ‘VVheeIEP. 90 'l‘lppy. the Texan. 33- George Glenlon.
Antelwe Abe, Ilia Boy Guide, By Ull (.oomra. 91 Minion: Earn. M ' JUL. E. Badger. .lr.
Ned vldc. Ill}! “W 5t”“‘- BY “T€X*8_J'Wk" 92 The ocean Bloodhound. By Snmuel W. Puree.
Bulfillo Ben. I’TIHNWT ""5 Pm“. BYE-In“ lleélt‘h 98 Pllll Hard ', the Bull Buy. By Churlzl Morris.
Ralvll “01" 9‘" B 'Y ‘ “'-‘C““"1"- “" C 'v lugrflhiflh- 94 Deadwood Mck as Deteetlve. By E. L.Wheeler.
Nick 0' the hlfh . By T- L- Harbnuuh. 9-”) Buck Buekrnnu. B ' (‘n lulu J. F. C. Adams.
l'ellowntone nck- 15x Jnseph 5- Madmen-Jr- 96 Gilt-Edited Dick. h hdwnril L. Wirruirr.
‘Vlld Ivan “'6 B")’ Chm” D“"“l~ 33’ 1‘" In“ ""195 97 The Black Steed oft e Pralrlen. J. L. Bowen.
Glamor-ll l‘lrk. By C-rluuul lfrgniiu Ingrnhmn. 93 ’l he Fen For cut. lly Juan Lewis.
Keeii-Knlfe, Prlllfie '4 the PYIIII'N'P. By 011000113“ 99 Bonnnzu Bu , ihu Mp" 'l‘rnckrr. By E. L. Wheeler.
Dre on fish By ("l"'.J- E C Adflm' , 100 NM. Todd. M Edwards. Ellll.
Jen h-Fnce. the Drlertlve. By L. i.. Wheeler. 101 During "In. -. 3 v "my 51, 6.3M”,
Juno Jack. ".V 0“ CO‘W'ICS- I 102 ’l he ‘ allow i‘hle ’. By Capt. Mnwa Ruld.
sourlnir lgnlph Redwood Br 11. St- George- 103 Chin. m.- Girl 5w». By Edwnrd L. Wheeler.
' e Boy CIUWII- U)‘ “""k 5; FIN“ , 104 The lllm-k Schooner. By Rnger Smrhuck.
l‘he Phantom Mlner. B 1 blwiird L. Vl healer. 1th llnndnmnc llurry. By Clmrles hloi-rin.
The 593431“, By Cupmlu ‘l‘edt‘l‘lck Whluukzr. 106 lehhunwk kn." 3’10”. E. 3mm") Jr.
The “ulllb 5 Y- B." 0“ 0° "‘3‘; ~ 'i" .Inuk llm le’n I cud. l'y Edward L. “ducal”.
Battling Ru e. ‘ 3); Hurry 5h .0”th . ' Maul-lulu Kit. By 7.0. Hurbnugh.
oldAvulnnehe.WWI}!Almlhllmh 3"“hN’lfin 1 handed hand. R Frank Duinniilr
Gln prrjye, Grunt Slur! ol lhu \‘l art. Cupl. Addma. The “rend “men B). “rm, w. BMW“.
The Boy Captain. n was!" k: 1;“... mm. in.Ki...»ri¢...nb1mr. By a. i..\vhe.--r.
I'lek I’m-“un- “i‘ Capt WNW“ “ mmlser- ’Tlu- ileipicrr llnnd. By Cum. . luyim Reid.
"oh Woolf. the 307d” “"31"?” B)‘ E- In “ he‘s“?- Si-iirJ‘iii-e Emil. thes‘ilent Huntrr. ByOll Cnmnrl.
:Fhfiln ale 3: na. IfiT-  llgrbsmgi B I 1 I’Ine 'l’llllli llwkymil,” ii. 113..» By’l'.(‘. Hui'bnugh.
I" o n, m nan gr-n . v . .. in gen. r. , . i Q ~ 3. B . E‘ L_ Wham“
omnim on, m. Mask d’l‘grror. By E. L. wmm. 1"" “°°“ L -“ “"b ‘
Hurt Bunker. the Trapper. By George E. Lusulle. pmuw Frnuk, or ‘iiln-riido. By Biill'nlo Bill.
RlfleI- By A- 0- "mm A Will “'llilllre, the 'l'lmmughhrerl. lly «in... Mnrrll.
B Eulo- B)’GE"FW E'Ll‘lnll3‘ ll!) Blonde lilll‘ or. Deadwood chk’: Home. Bums.
o‘lm Blndnoe, ,lr. By Edwnrd L \\ heeler. By Edwuril L. V 'lu-elur.
8 Ned lluze], me Boy 'l'l'flppel'. By Cnpt. Adnrrin. 120 Gopher Gld, the Boy Trapper. By'l‘. C. Hli'bniiizh. '
Domllv Eve, Hm Unknown Smut. Br hufnt HIll.‘ 121 “any Arnn‘h‘onfl'. the (‘u mun ui'ihe Club. By
Nick “'lilfllen’n PM. By Cuifit- J. I". C-‘Arlnmu. Irricebridgr Hrmvng.(dinkanmwny.)
4| ,lMadwood Dick’s Elln‘lel- y E: L- “ Mulch 122 The lllinlcd lunlor. lly Edward S. Elm.
The Border Klnix. By Qll (‘oumen 12}: solid Sitni, iha Buy Ruml—Auem. By E. L. Whaler.
01d lllukorfi- 3." HM?“ M- 690m” 124 Judge Lynch. Jr. BET C. Hurlmuzh.
44 The Whlte nrll n. lly 0",... .l.'F. c. Aduml. 12:; The Land l‘lraler. y t apt. my... Reid.
3 Buckhorn Blll. lh' Edward l.. \l h lvr. ‘26 Blue Bliizen. My Frank hum-mi.
The Shadow (fihlp. By (,‘ul. Pi't‘llllsfi lllflrl'lllilm. 'I'ouy Fox. llu! Frrnl. By Edward L. \‘l'hmeler.
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Dnnd Jock. By T- Q Hm‘lmgwh- «‘uule K“, the ny Dmuon. Bv Oll Cnomea.
Ilurr cane Bl“. B“ J W h  lludgar, Jr. :old Trliflter. the S W". By T. C. Hurbiuigli.
Single “and. B W. J. i illni'lt'vn. ' flame of Gold, y Eiiwmd L_ “1.9.4...
Putenhlenther 01:. By l'lllllll 8- V! mm .Ininiy Lam-o, i'ue Bny S'mi't. By J. E. Biiduer,.lr.
The Border [Robin Hood. "y 33mm" P'll- \‘lld.l|re. the In.“ 47: [hr Road. By Frank Dmnom.
Guild Rifle the Shur llloimer. Bi; lad. L. \\ hauler. . "5“. Merry. llll' llllrlmr Pull“ Bny. BvC. Mums.
0” le’" éfllllno 5' ‘ *Pl- 3- ~ (4- Ad“”{" Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By Edward
6 “913??” R’lekt. By 03“ %?°‘l""n m L y'” "' B c r l i l
. [1 ‘mn e! or". .V - r “I” T“ 1 6 01d Rube, the llnnur. y n l. liunl ion In mrs.
Deadwood Dlek on Deck. _ By E- L- W “WIN- 1§z Diniin Rock, the Mun from emu. By G. Waldo
'Iih'lwl‘ienill“li"€ ll), gnl‘lgmml’l. l l “mun”. B D d 3 c M
e of Me n - y ‘0 . ran H mm mm- 133 Bob “Miran, in» a)- o ger. y hiu. -rrll.
lhe CrnwAK llrr. Bv Alherl W. Allied.
é‘aedsgovcmirlle. By Edw'nrd L.\’\'l|arlci'. mi) The Black (Mont. BV Janet“! E. Badger. Jr.
“'{lllllfimnermhlha llIU'1l)v'eCliV¢-B 15.x CJ‘MANF'T‘S- 140 Captain Arlzonn. By Philip S. ane.
50 ‘ n or 0. a ‘iaut mimfl. v . '. i’un. . y y _ . .
Rona-hula B’nb. By Edward L. Wheeler. 141 1“” ‘Mk 1““- "5 “Wm 1" “ "M";
Lightnhm Joe. snifnrifi. F. C.‘Adunu. 142 Lune Tcxnhlho Young Mullnnger. llyoll (,oomeu.
Mt llurefoot- .v - 7- "M"! I- i v .1 or Fizhllnz Flro wad: Fire. 3'
Rollo. 1hr. Buy Ranger. By Oll Gunmen. 148  Jr. 'llmuly Oct. 6. )
Idyl. the Girl Miner. llv Edward L. Wheeler. ‘ v m . ,
Detecilvc nick. Dy charm Morris. 144 Little (nit. the \ I Rlder- By 001- Premis-
h‘n’re Shot Eel'h. IllneAlllny Rifleni’nn. ByOllCoomeI. I gruhdm. Ready 01:1. 1.5.
lihnr Sum. iy . exm-drr «in 'y. . 45 The T1 u- of’l‘nop. By Geo. Waldo Browne.
3:". ""‘ “l: 9:53.“); B’éx“?£"‘a“"r‘£k$i x r 1 “W “5' ‘2“-
corn .Im o\.eu . y.. 880.
7‘ Flt-“ylllmeppfle. By Chm“ Mm, I. 146 gorglrgi’trglght Bower. By Funk human.
75 [glam] Jhm or.The Pet the anlly. By Brnca- ‘“ l. L ' ‘ ' '
bridge Hrmynu (-lm'l! Hul'knwnyl- 14'? Nobby NIL-k ofhcvado. By E. L. Wheeler.
70 “'uteh- ie this 51;“!th 3y Edwulrd L.lWlieeler. Ready Nov. 3.
1‘: nluk I)“; Eye. u . remiss IVE"! min. 7 r
78 "andwm‘d mew- ¥,euee. By Ed, I“ v. heel". quod Every Vl eiln why.
Ii Black Muntnnger. By Capt. Mar“. Mid. Beadle’u Pocket lerury u fnr gala by an low.-
0 0 t , lhi Guide. By T. C. Hurlmuxh. dmleu. fiva Cuull pur copv,qr wt l-y mml on Yucalpl, «1’ M;
l The S3.   42mli gniii‘illu Ingruhum. cent: each.
Seth on“ ly I warn . '. ll.
33 (‘anadn‘ Chet Ill! Counhrl‘eiwr Chlol. By Wluelar. BEADLE & nus Fulfihhcy"
34 who mm. 15.... By om. Fxodorlck wmuaker. 95 wan-nu Street, Lew \ wk

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