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Copyrighted. 1886, by BlAnLR AND ADAMS. Entered at the P09: Office at New York. N. Y., as Second Clan Mall Manor.
Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams Prlee,
’ Five Cents. N0. 

$2.50
No. 98 WILLIAM ST.. NEW YORK.

V01: XI: 0 Year.

AWAY THROUGH THE NIGHT.

 

8 Deadly Dash. _ , '

 

Deadly Dash;

FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE.

BY JOB. E. BADGER, JR,
AUTHOR or “YELLowsroun JACK,” “HURRI-
CANE sum,” “MUSTANG SAM,” are.

 

I , CHAPTER I.
- DOOMED TO THE ROPE.

“DOWN with him, too!”

“Ef he’s so fi’izen fond o’ boss-thieves an’
man-killers, let im pull hemp ’long with t’other
critter!”

These and a score of kindred ies, some jeer—

ing, but the great majority ster and threaten-v

ing, came from the hot lips of an angry mob,
and were directed toward the stout constable
who stood with drawn knife and cocked revol-
ver before the closed door of the log jail.

“Hold yer bosses fer a bit, boys!” cried a
grizzly-haired, hooked-nosed veteran, standing
almost within reach of that heavy bowie-knife.
“ The p’izen critter cain’t git away, an’ it‘d be a
monstrous pit to rub out a old fri’nd an7 neigh-
bor like Rose ere, all through a mistake.”

“ It is a mistake if you think you can make
me prove false to my duty,” said the officer,
with a faint yet defiant smile. “I like the
breed of boss-thieves no better than the rest of
you, but the man was laced in my charge for
safe-keeping, and I’ll efend him as long as I
can pull a trigger or play a knife!” _

It called for more than ordinary courage to
utter such words in the bared teeth of a mob of
such men, thirsting for blood, their worst pas~
sious all afire; but there was no drop of coward
blood in the veins of William Rose, and not one
of his auditors but knew full well that this was
no empty boast. ‘

Still, no single man could long hold them in
check, and though they all felt that their ends
could be obtained only by bloodshed, each mem—
ber of the mob was ready to run the risk of be-
ing singled out rather than own to being cowed
by a 5111 16 man.

Thong read to defend his charge Rose
could not yet lieve that these men, friends
and neighbors, would crowd him to the last ex-
tremity. Least of all did'he suspect treachery
(in the part of old Tom Mason,.who was almost
imperceptibly edging closer to him until, with a
swift motion and a strength that would not be
denied, the veteran inned both arms to his
side, dexterously kic ing his feet from under
him. Both fell to the ground together, and al-
most before William Rose realized his defeat,
he gins bound hand and foot by the triumphant
mo .

“ I’ll drain your heart for this, Tom Mason!”
‘ lie-gasped, almost breathless from his struggles.

' Mebbe yes, mebbe no,” grinned the veteran,
exiting. ft’Twas the only way to save your
bones. You --wouldn’t hear to reason, you was
bound to fight for the boss-thief. You’d ’a’ shot
down your fri’nds in defense of a murderer.

 

An’ ef you‘d ’a’ bin let do that, salt couldn’t ’a.
saved ye! So, though you mayn’t think so Jest
now, when our made up, it was the part of a
true fri'nd played—” . .

“ Too much talk !" cried one of the men, With
a bloodthirsty impatience. “ Has he got the key,
or must we burst open the door?”

“You kin come to the fore, now, ’Race Har—
court, but you was keerful enough  play rear

ard long as Rose was on his pins With a barker.
in his fistl” retorted Mason, grinning at the
speaker, a heavily-built, flashily-dressed young
fellow with a red, bloated face.

A low laugh ran through the crowd, asthough
this home-thrust was fully apprec1ated and. en-
joyed, but then the old cries were renewed—-
cries that went to the hearts of those unfortu-
nates then within the rude log jail, for they_/
knew that the sounds meant death.

A dozen of the mob rushed to a lot of heavy
timbers lying scattered around a house under
process of erection, and raising along beam in
their brawny arms, charged down .11 on the
door, clearing the way with their W11. shouts
that echoed from one end of the little Village to
the other. ‘ .

Swift and sure the heavy battering-ram was
hurled against the thick puncheon door, .causm
the log fabric to tremble in every Jomt. an
sounding like the trump of doom to the unfortu-
nate beings inside.

Once more and still again was the assault re-
peated, until the door was shivered before the
enormous strain, and torn from its stout hinges,
leaving no barrier between the, bloodthirsty
mob and its victim. _

So at least they believed, as, with hoarse cries
for vengeance they dropped the battering-ram
and rushed across the threshold.

But, a barrier there was, such as they had
little suspected, and despite their raging pas-
sions those stern men paused as though abashed
—be€0re a woman!

“ Mercy—for the love of Heaven!” burst from
her pale lips as, with one arm flung around the
neck of the doomed man, she sought to shield
his form with her own, making an appealing
gesture with the hand that was still at liberty.
“ He is innocent—he never committed that ter-
rible crime. He was at home, peacefully sleep-
ing in his bed, at the very time that bad man
swore he fired the fatal shot. I tell you so—and
never yet did you know me to speak falsely. He
is innocent—as innocent as the babe unborn!”

The words dropped swiftly, passionately from

her lips, and her distended eyes roved restlessly

from one face to another in the vain hope of
ali hting upon a friendly countenance.
ss terribly interested eyes than hers could
not possibly have mistaken the deadly resolve
which was written upon one and all of those
stern. flushed countenances. _Each Sincwy hand
was tinglin and twitching With the longing to
close upon t e person of the man who had sore—
oently been regarded as an honest, law-abiding
friend and nei hbor, but upon whose brow they
could now read the bloody mark of Cain. .
There could be no possible doubt. Thepiroot
was so clear and distinct in inst him. For
many months they’had been 1: e helpless sufler-
ers. This man and his kind had ridden over

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deadly Dash. ' 8

 

them rough-shod; and now that an opportunity
was given them of tasting revenge none but a
fool or a madman would even think of robbing
them of their just dues.

For nearly a year that county had been
scourged by a. band of outlaws, horse-thieves,
counterfeiters, and even highway robbers or
roadegents, to use the vernacular. And, as
month after month passed by, the criminals in-
creased in boldness and audacity, though never
yet had they been found when searched for.

A Vigilance Committee was formed, but either
there was a traitor among them, who betrayed
all their plans, or else the scouts of the enem
were most wondrous skillful. All schemes fail ,
and while the settlers were expecting to entrap
the outlaws in one quarter, they were plying
their nefarious trade in quite a different spot,
striking a blow that some one of the Vigilantes
would eel to the bottom of his pocket.

The man whose blood they were now thirsting
for, Joshua Bedell, had been one of the first to
join the Vigilantes, and had always been re-
garded by his comrades as true as steel, until
the night before this record of wild life opens.

A descent was made upon the stock of a far~
mer living a short distance out of town, and, in
the brief fi ht which followed discovery, two
men were 5 ct. Farmer Heywood was slain
outright, and one of the horse-thieves was crip-
pled beyond the power of escape.

His life was spared, that he might give infor-
mation concerning his fellow-criminals, and
while rendered partly delirious—in seeming, if
not reality—by excitement and the pain .conse—
quent upon his injuries. be divulged two impor-
tant facts—that Seth Hovev was chief of the
robbers, and that Joshua Bedell had fired the
shot that laid Farmer Heywood low in death.

This much he sufi’ered to escape him, then
swooned.

For reasons which will be made clear in due
time, Edwin Harcourt, father of the young man
whom old Tom Mason publicly reproved, caused
the wounded outlaw to be removed to his own
house, and spared no pains to effect his restora-
tion to comiousness.

Not until then did Harcourt permit the
Vigilantes to see and question the fellow.

He repeated that Seth Hovey was the chief of
the outlaws—that Bedell belonged to the band,
and was the one who kept them informed of the
m0vements of the Vigilance Committee, and
sullenly uwone that he, the prisoner, saw him
fire the shot that killed Farmer Heywood.

That was enough. A. force volunteered to
arrest the supposed traitor and assassin. They
found him In bed. asleep. Both himself and
daughter Sally declared that he had not been
absent from home that night.

Their protestatlons robably saved Bedell
from being hung out of _ nd, but he was taken
and lodged in the log Jail, his daughter being
refused permission tobear him company_

Thanks to the kindness of the jailer she was
permitted to visit him, later 111 the d
thus it came that, when the mob, thirsting for
the blood of the supposed assassin, forced their
way into the building, they found her con-
fronting them. . .

Sally Bedell saw that there was little or noth-

ey, and .

 

ing to hope for from the men whom she con-
fronted, and in (1 air she found a courage,
the existence of whic she had never before sus-
pected.

With a wild idea of clearing a passage for

the escape of her dearly beloved father—the
only human being in whose veins flowed a dr
of kindred blood—she sprung forward an
snatched the revolver that hung against the
hip of old Tom Mason, cocked and thrust the
weapon almost against the [ace of the veteran
as she pulled the trigger! I

This action was so sudden and unexpected——
so adroitly executed, that, wary old Indian-
fighter as the man was, he could not wholly
avoid the bullet. As it was, his flinching was
rather mechanical than from any degree of {ore-
thought, and when the weapon exploded be-
fore his eyes, and he felt the burning powder
the tearing of the lead through the muscles of
his face, he believed that he had received his
death wound, nor did he fully realize from
whose hand the wholly unlocked-for blow had
come.

To return blow for blow, is the natural in— .
stinct of the class of men to whom Mason be- ,

longed, and, just as unconsciously as he had
jerked his head aside from the pistol muzzle, so
he struck out fiercely with his unarmed hand.
But his fist was clinched, and its bony wei ht
fell full upon the face of the agonized, half is-
tructed maiden, felling her to the floor Where
she Ia without sense or motion.

Wit 3. hoarse cry of furious rage, Joshua
Bedell, bound though his arms were, hurled
himself bodily upon the old man, and as they
both fell heavily to the floor, sought to fasten
his teeth upon the throat of the one who he
believed had brutally slain his daughter.

For a few moments all was the wildest con-
fusion, and had the accused man been able to
use his hands, or other weapons than his teeth,
it would have gone hard Wltll Tom Mason, ere
they were torn forcibly apart.

As it was, there was a confused fight over the
prostrate forms, that for a few moments threat-
ened to end in bloodshed, for the two Hey-
woods were burning to avenge the death of

their father upon his su posed assassin while ’

the majority, only less ceEly interested, were
resolved to save Bedell for t e hangman’s noose.

Numbers finally prevailed. and even the young
Heywoods reluctantly assented when it was de-
clared that the rope was the only fitting reward
for the traitorous murderer.

But little time was cut to waste when this
agreement was finally reached, and with the
doomed man in their midst, half-led, half-
drngged by the rope which was already fitted
amund his throat in a suffocating noose, the
mob left the jail behind them, containing only
the poor girl who lay there hke a corpse, the
blood slowly oozing from the livid bruise which
had followed the fierce blow that felled her, and
marched out of the little village.

They did not need to go far before finding a
fit spot for the termination of the tragedy.

The village was situated in one of the bottoms
bordering upon the Missouri river, and bee,
timber closed in upon the hamlet in ev d .
rection. One of these trees, a wide-sp ng

\

  

 
 
   
  
 
    
  

 
 

' 0’ his brow. Beyond that, you‘ve

vhze 0

Deadly Dash.

 

white elm, seemed peculiarly fitted for their
dread purpose by the mob, and indeed had at
least once orne fruit of the some description.

Now that the end was fairly before them, the,
mob proceeded orderly enough but with a terri-
ble earnestness that snowed on the surface how
little hope there was for the doomed man through
only mercy or relenting on their part.

team and wagon that chanced in be stand-

ing idle as they passed out of the village, was
pressed into service. <

“It’ll save some tough pullin’ on the t’other
end 0’ the mac,” mumbled Tom Mason, through
the handkerchief he had hastily bound around
his lacerated jaw.

This vehicle was drawn up under the horizon-
tal limb which was to serve as a gallows, and

‘ the prisoner was rudely bundled into the wagon.

By general consent, as being the parties most
seriously injured, the Heywoods and Tom Mason
were allowed to conduct the ceremonies, after
their own fashion.

Under their directions, one of the younger
men present, climbed the elm tree, and working
his way out on the limb that stretched over the
wagon, caught the rope that was tomed up to
him, firmly knotting one end around the bouzh,
so that the rope was drawn nearly taut when
the noose was about the neck of Joshua Bedell
as he stood erect in the wagon-bed.

’Mason and Simon Heywood stood beside the
doomed men, while the other brother, Mark,
was stationed at the heads of the horses ready
to lead them away when the signal was given.

This would have been uttered immediately

, after the rope was fastened and the noose ad-

justed, only for Mason. ~

The veteran was a great stickler for forms,
and feelina that he was only vindicating the
majesty of the law, was determined that the
ceremony should not he slurred over.

“ We ain’t doin‘ nothiu’ we need be ashamed

L on ” he said, seriously, despite his injured jaw.
r “’ ain’t only to hang a man as deserves the

death, but we’re dom’ this to be a solemn warn-
in’ to them as follers the same crooked trails

as he hes bin travelin’. Them’s the reasons why

Era want to go ’cordin’ to the law as nigh as we
in.

“ Joshua Bedell, you’ve bin found guilty 0’
murderin’ a honest old man, who was only do-
fondin’ the pronerfy he had aimed by) the sweat

in playin’
the spy an’ traitor on an’ to them as yo swore
to help an’ be true to. A man that’d be guilty
of tech p’izen doin’s ain’t flt fer to be let
live, an’ ’cordin’ly we’re goin‘ to ham; ye by the
neck ontel you’re deader’n Benedict Arnold's
ghost! ,

‘r‘ E! ye got an hin’ to say, now’s your time.
Tell us who all ’longs to the p’izen gang yc’ve

‘ bin consortln’ with, an’ mebbo it’ll be counted

in your favor when ye come to answer for your

,' sins in the great Herea’ter—amen!”

The veteran ceased speaking and cast a. leis-
urely lance around upon the upturned faces,

, with t 8 air of one who feels that he has done

his whole duty, and done it well.
The fprisoner did not in: mediater take advan-
, I the opportunity thus generously afford-
ed him, but stared around upon the upturned

 

faces of his one-time friends, now his bitterest
enemies, like one half dazed.

He stood thus until an impatient murmur agi-
tated the crowd, then, as though just compre-
hending What was expected of him, he moisten-
ed his parched and cracked lips and spoke:

“It’s all a lie—a black. base-hearted lie! I
never killed a man—why should I? He was my
friend—as gooda friend as man need ask for.
And I was at home, in my bed sleeping as only
an honest man can sleep, at the very moment
when you say I murdered him. Sally can tell
you-but no! you murdered her, just as you
mean to murder me! She was innocent—"

“She ain’t dead,” hastily interposed Mason.
“I didn’t mean to strike her—I didn’t know
who it was. I felt the bullet te'ariu’ through
my face, an’ the fire an’ smoke blinded me. I
thought I was killed—thought you done it, an’
so Igtruck out, thinkin’ it was you I was hit-
tin

    
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
  
    
  
  
 

“.Better if she was dead! She only had me— '

and you say you mean to hang me—hang me
Skis a”dog for the black deed which another man
1‘. --

“ Tell who your comrades were, or we start
up the wagon!” impatiently cried Mark Hey-
wood, from the head of the team.

But there came an interruption as sudden as
itrvgs unsuspected a moment before it trans—

1 .

The form of a woman darted through the
crowd, and before a band could be put forth to.
stop her, she sprun into the wagon, and with a
vigorous mush, disp aying a degree of s'rength
that was naturally foreign to her nature. sent
both Tom Mason and Simon Heywood headlong
over the ,side. I

There was no need to ask who the new-comer
was. She was recognized by every one then
present, at the first glance.

Until now the pride and boast of the village—
the belle of all the rustic festivities—fair Sally
Bedelll

“ You must hang us both together, for he is as
innocent of crime as I?" she cried, facing thean-
gry crowd without flinching.

 

CHAPTER II.
A name DEED.

THERE were two eye-witnesses to all that has
been narrated. apart and distinct from the mob.
Both were well-mounted on horsebiick, and arm-
ed to the teeth with rifles, pistols and knives.
Both were plainly of European blood, but with
these points the resemblance wholl ceased

One was tall, broad-shoulde , gaunt and
muscular in the extreme. Eis lon .Welther-
stained hair and board were of a filly gray
that declared the wearer had crossed the men-
dian of life at no very recent day. He Wore
trowsers of homespun» 0910’“ mm bumemllt.
the lower portions or which were enveloped in
[gather leggings—not or the ster which appears
to be the ideal of so {TIme artists, the buttoned
and strapped a Ities, suoh as no frontiers-
man in his sober Senses would think of wearing
——but square pieces of leather, wrapped twice or
more around the calf, then tied with a single

m

 

 

      
   
   
   
        
        
         
   
     
       
       
           
       
        
      
   
       
       
 
  
 

 

 

41,. si,..:,.g,,.,4 '- v

 

 

Deadly Dash. * ‘ 5

 

thong just below the knee. A loose woolen
hunting-shirt. open nearly to the waist, and a
slouched hat of well-worn felt.

Such was the costume of the elder stranger,
careless, comfortable, free and easy, in admir—
able keeping with his person. i

The second rider was only a boy in ears,
though there was something in his dark, and—
some features that told of an experience far be-
yond his actual age, as though the cares and
responsibilities of manhood had come upon
him in the very heyday of boyhood. a ‘ g his
“heart and making a. man of him far he ore his

me.

His dress was after the same pattern as that
already described, but of finer materials and
neater workmanship.

They were strangers in that part of the
country, though the sleek skins of the animals
they bestrode, showed that they had not jour-
neyed for since the sun last rose.

The crowd gathered before the log jail arrest-
ed their attention. and dismounting, hitching
their animals hard by, they drew nearer the spot,
curiously listening to the outcries, and the brief
dialo e which took place between Tom Mason
and 'illiam Rose.

The younger stranger quickly w interested,
to the evident uneasiness of t a veteran, and
when Tom Mason turned upon the flashin

‘ dressed, red—faced man, calling him by name, a

low, grating sound escaped his lips, his brows
contracted fiercely, and he would have plunged
into the midst of the crowd bent on some desper-
ate purpose, had not his comrade grasped his
arm with a force that would not be enied.

" Great club 0' Hercules! boy, don’t be so
brash!” he hissed in the ear of the youngster.
“ ’Tain‘t in acrowd like this that ye kin do your
work, even if that should prove to be one of the
p’izen breed. They’d climb up our backs an’
serve us wuss than the dragon’s teeth that chew-
ed the heel off 0’ Jason.” ~

It was fortunate for the strangers, perhaps,
that the members of the mob had eyes, ears and
thoughts only for the one end in view, else the
singular agitation of the young man could
hardly have escaped observation, and that
woul have been dangerous at such a time.
With their minds so full of the recent events,
they would surel have connected the two, and
the chances are t at there would have been more
candidates for hanging, unless the strangers
could give a most satisfactory account of them-
selves.

The elder of the twain full realized this peril,
and With hidden but resist ess force drew his
rash companion out of immediate danger.

“You-kin see fer yourself, cf on only open
your eyes. Dudley,” he mutter , reproachl’ul-
ly, asthe cr0wd scattered to procure a batter-
ing—ram with which to force the door.‘ “ Pullin'
the tail 0’ the three-headed dog that howls a’ore
Pur tory ’d be a. wiser job than to stir u yon-
der ornet’s nest, which their stings are getter
then ef they‘d bin heated in the furnace 0’ old
Vulcan for a thousan‘ years i” '

“You heard him—calling for blood, just as
his father did, when another such a cruel

“ I know—4t may be the boy, as you say, but

 

even so, that’s another reason why we should
lay low an’ kee our tongue atween our teeth
ontel‘we kin ma e sure of our grip. Ef we was
to break loose now, them cantankerous var-
mints ’d think we was fri’nds of the man they’re
bent on lynchin’, an’ they’d string us up along-
side, jes’ to make good measure. Then whar’d
your revenge be?”

“It all comes back to "me, just as though I
had been an eyewitness of the terrible scene of
years agonel” buskil uttered the led, his dark
eyes g10wing with a igbt that was little short of
maniacal, as he saw the yelling crowd press
forward with the heavy timber and hurl it
against the prison door. “ A Harcourt led
then-a Harcourt is leading now!”

“The name ain’t so strange, an’ it may be '
that they ain’t no kinship atween the two, Any-
way, we oain’t do nothin‘ now, an’ it’s the ’
father we want, not the son. Say.you’ll hold
down your mad, or durned of I don’t fut. k is
onder my arm an’ run away with ye like t e
white bull did the gal Europyl”

“See! the door is down! God help the poor ,
wrth now I”  ,

“Lend me our gun, mister, an’ I’ll take one V
crack for the USS!” suddenly exclaimeda shrill,
tearful voice that formed a strange contrast to -
the bold words.

The old man wheeled with great nimbleness,
and his bony hand closed upon the shoulder of
the speaker; a. ragged, tow—headed ho of some
ten or twelve ears of age, downw osedirty
ch‘eeks repeats tears had worn a clean furrow.

“ You le’ me go!” he whined, wincing beneath
that powerful gri “ I didn’t know but you ,
was some 0’ his friends—-”

At this moment the voice of the daughter ‘

pleading for the life of her father, came to their, ‘

ears, and the trio stood as though transfixed by
the unexpected sounds nor stirred until the pis '
tol—. hot rung out sharply. _ '

“ They’vemurdered her, an’ new they’ll hang
him!" howled the boy, clinching his fists in im~
Egbent rage. “ If I was only a man—if I only

d a gun—I’d kill ’em—liill em all l” _

The older man opened his lips to k, but ‘
the words never found utterance, for is young
pard turned toward him, his voice low and
calm, but with a stern-set countenance and a V
cold, steely glitter in his eyes that could notha ,
mistaken. '

“ Sampson, that man shall not be murdered if
I can help it. You fought against a mob of
Iynchers onccbl ask you to do so again. If you
refuse, I will make the attempt alone."

“I know how to shoot," ea _rly interposed
the boy, a courage far beyond lS_ tender years
glowing throuph his tears. “Give me a gun '
or a pistol, an’ I’ll help you i" ,_ ‘ .

The veteran stared from one to the other, in
ludicrous dismay, evidently sorely pound what
answer to make. \

He could not doubt the sincerity of either of f'
the speakers. A single glance into their earnest, r
eyes convinced him that the words he board
were not idly spoken, but came from the heart.
But, another glance toward the log building,
out of which the exultant mob was now pour~
ing. with the panting, breathless prisoner in
their midst, the degrading noose even then

' quick response.

’.‘I

’ ed in a small clum

6 Deadly Dash.

 

bein:r fitth around his throat, furnished him
with an answer.

“ Forty meh, at the least cackelation, and not
one amonv the lot but what kerries monstrous
sharp teeth for use at both short an' long range.
An’ we only two men, not countin’ the lad!
Don't it look redic’lous, sech a idea?”

“ The odds were greater once, but you didn’t
stop to count them then,” quietly responded the
younger stranger, no more than a boy, since he
could hardly have numbered more than seven-
teen years.

“That was fer a fri’nd—almost a brother.
This is a perfect stranger to us both.”

“But a fellow—being, nevertheless,” was the
“I should be false to my oath
were I to remain idle, not lifting hand or voice
in defense of a human creature in such extrem-
ity. Even if he be guilty of the crimes laid at
his door—”

“ Which he ain’t!” uickly interposed the
ragged lad, speakin wit a strong earnestness.

e neverkilled t e man—he never stole no
horses-Jaimie he was in bed an’ asleep. An’
then, what did he want or need to hire that
boss-thief to sw’ar to his lies, if it was the
truth?” ,

The boy ceased speaking and cast a trembling
anxious glance around him, as though fearful
he had already said more than was Wise to men
who were utter strangers.

But the curiosity of the youth called Dudley
was now aroused, and with gentle force he drew
the lad to where the two horses had been hitch-
of trees, and where they
would not form we a conspicuous group as in

‘ the open.

Once under cover, Dudley closely questioned
the led, his tones soft and encouraging, leading
him on to tell ail that he knew or suspected con—
cerning the matter.

Sampson stood moodin by, listening intently
and with interest, yet inwardly praiing that
the l nchers might make speedy wor 0 their
hang ng, and get it over with before his hot—
brlained companion could carry out his rash re-
so ve. - .

r The substance of the information extracted
from the boy may be briefly summed up.

His name was Dick Dado, an orphan boy,
whom Joshua Bedell had given a home in re-
turn for such chores as the lad could do upon
the farm. He appeared to love his benefactor,
and to fairly ido ize the daughter.

He was positive that Bedell had not been out
side of his house on the past night, after the sun
set. until the angry mob dragged him forth as

an. blood-dyed criminal.

“They ve only got the word 0‘ Black Dan

L ,Boller for it, an’ hain’t he swore he’d be even

“with ’em both—she ’cause she wouldn’t hev none
0’ his comp’ny, an’ him for lickin’ of him the
day he was drunk an’ ’sulted Miss Sally?” ‘

, ‘ You said some one hired him to swear to his

“lies,” prompted Dudley, not losing sight of the

passage of time.

On this point the boy was reluctant to speak,
but admit uestioning finally drew from him
that, after t e wounded outlaw had been taken
to the house of Edwin Harcourt, father of the
young man whom Tom Mason had silenced,

 

and the mention of whose name had so deeply
agitated Dudley, he, Dick Dado, had hung
around and managed to overhear a conversa-
tion between the wounded man and the auto-
crat of the village, in which the latter promised
the former a free pardon and a. large sum of
money in case the crime could be fastened upon
Joshua Bedell.

It me be doubted whether Dudley heard any
part of his after the mention of the elder Har-
court’s name, for now he knew' that his long
and for a time apparently hopeless search, was
neav ing its end.

Nor was Sam son much less interested, though
he questioned ick still further, gleanin one
important bit of information: that Sally edell
had a favored lover, whpm Dick had warned
as quickly as possible after the arrest, and who
had set oil! at once on horseback, swearin he
would either rescue the father of his betrot ed,
or else most bitterly avenge his death upon his
destroyers.

This, added to a few points which Dick had
unconsciously let drop, gave Sampson a shrewd
idea that, though Joshua Bedell might be inno-
cent ot thls rticular crime, he knew more
about the ban of outlaws than a strictly honest
man should.

“ You hear 3” abruptly uttered Dudley, looking
to the caps upon his revolvers with the care of
one who expects to shortly flnd use for them.
“ He says that Edwin Harcourt is the enemy of
the man they are about to hang. That should
be reason enough for us to interfere, even
though he had murdered a dozen men I“

“ It’s easy to talk,” muttered the veteran, un-,

easily, though, to do him justice. his forebod-
ings were rincipally on account of his young
comrade, ‘ but twenty to one is powerful long
odds. even with a surprise throwed in.”

“ I don’t ask you to help—” began the young-

her.

“That goes without axin’,” quietly interrupt—
ed Sampson,

“ See! Miss Sally—they didn’t kill her 1” cried
Dick, as he caught a glimpse of the girl leaving
the log jail, her steps as yet feeble and uncer-
tain, her bruised face slowly dropping blood
upon the bosom of her li ht calico dress.

He would have star to join his loved mis-
tress, had not Sampson grasped his arm in the
nick of time. »

“ Let her {go—she’s found out whar they’ve
tuck her father. She’ll make a. fuss an’ give
them some trouble, or she ain’t no true woman
~an’ it’s time We need most now.”

“ I leave the planning to you—my brain is in
such a whirl that I cannot think clearly. Only
—we must save the man.”

_“‘Twon‘t be much of a job—we only'g'Ol3 *0
kill ’bont thirty—nine men an’ cripple the rest—
onriy boy’s play l”

{113 .may have been intended for sarcasm, or
an indirect protest a ainst the fonlhardv if not
imposmble resolution ormed by the hot-headed
youth but Dick Dado acce ted it as Gospel, and
henceforth looked up to ggmpson as to a demi-
god. The veteran was his master from that
time on.

'This one fling was all that Sampson allowed
hlmself, then, knowing how utterly, vain would

 

 

 

 

 

 

.‘l'fl‘

 

 

 

Deadly bash. ‘ 9

 

be any attempt to alter the determination of
Dudley, when once fairly formed he quickly
arranged his plans, giving Dick Dado an im-
portant part to play, as well as themselves.

rl‘here is no especial need to dwell upon this
paint. What the veteran’s plans were will be
shown by the sequel.

The bold action of the half—crazed maiden,
fairly nonplused the lynchers, and gained the
time needed by Sampson.

With the noose still around her own as well
as parent‘s neck, Sally Bedell made a passionate
ap al for mercy.

er words were eloquent, well deserving per-
manent record. but an idle pen like this is not
the one to perform the task. She was pleading
for the life of her father—for the only relative
cruel death had left her—and her pitiful speech
should be sacred.

Intenser excited, the mob crowded around
the wagon, unnoticing the near advance of two
horsemen, and seeing that no more favorable
opportunity was likely to occur, Sampson cast
a glance of deep meaning into the eyes of his
comrade.

They moved forward to within a dozen paces
of the wagon, and less than half that far from
the nearest members of the mob. And then
Sampson raised his hand high in the air, mak—
ingta swift gesture that bade Dick Dado play his
pa .

Promptly the lad made his appearance, com-
ing from the direction of the village, screaming
at the top of his voice:

“The boss—thieves is comin’—a thousan’ of
’em! They’re in the town, killin’ the wimmen
311’ children I”

Instantly all was the wildest confusion. For
the moment no one paused to reflect what a
highly improbable statement this was; they
on y thought of their dear ones left helpless at
the mercy of the hated enemy. All else was
for otten by all who had families, and like
ma men they rushed toward town.

Thus the majority, but others stood firm,

among them the two Heywood brothers and
Tom Mason, who were determined to make sure
of their ven eance though the heavens fell.
‘ Still, the ld ruse succeeded far better than
its sanguine originator dared hope, and he hast-
ened to seize the golden opportunity, he taking
one Iside of the we on and Dudley the other,
leaning forward an striking out heavily with
their E18301 butts as they charged home.

Bot an and Heywood went down before
the wholly unexpected assault, and then Samp-
son, With an apparent degree of ease that went
far to ‘ustify his name, grasped Joshua Bedell
aroun the waist, slinging him across the sad-
dle before him, and then dashing away for the
fnfindlgitzimbegéd t red 1

ar eyw ut e a and e11 of an
alarm, and drew a revolver, but yere he will-a
raise the hammer Dudley lifted his horse and
hurled him heavily against the young farmer
knocking him senseless to the ground. ’

But that cry reached the ears of the settlers,
and like a flash the truth burst upon them.

I With furious cries and curses they 0 ened fire

upon the dauntless youth, but his 0 y answer

l

 

was a mocking laugh as he rode awn. , shak-
ing his long black curls in scornful de ca 01
the humming bullets.

CHAPTER III.
FLIGHT AND PURSUIT.

Tim very audacity of this attempt went far
toward making it a success, since the settlers
could not at first believe that these two horsemen
were the on] ones concerned in the bold rescue.

Fortunate y for the fugitives, those more
deeply interested in the death of the recent
prisoner, were thrown out of the race for the
time being. Had Tom Mason or either one of
the Heywood brothers been in serviceable con-
dition, the pursuit would have been hotly press-
ed and the fugitivm overhauled, thanks to their
almost utter ignorance of the ground which lay
before them.

After striking down the guardians of the
prisoner, as already related, the youthful Dud-

ey devoted himself to covering the retreat of

 

Sampson, who steadied the form of the rescued - 

man before him, heading direct for the nearest
cover, having no special desire to stop a bullet
with his back on account of a perfect stranger.

This wish to reach shelter hindered Sampson
from taking the traveled road which ran straight
as an arrow for near] half a mile, hemmed in
by growing trees and ushes, riding along which
the flying target would practically be station-
ary as long as within range. Divining this un-

lcasant truth, be preferred taking to the tim-,
ger, thus arousing the suspicions of the settlers
that danger lay before them.

Dudley turned in his saddle as he reached the
line of undergrowth through which Sampson
had plunged, and shook his clinched fist toward
the confused crowd, uttering a taunting yell,
then plied his spurs briskly and dashed on in
pursuit of his old friend.

J oshua Bedell was not the one least surprised
by the bold deed that snatched him from out the
very jaws of death.

It is true that his daughter told him, while in
the jail, that Seth Hovey was gone for a force
with which to rescue him, but, as no further
word or sign came, and the de ading noose was
drawn close around his neck, e abandoned all

earthly hope, feeling that his death was inevit- .

able. ,
Thus the desperate dash, together with the
unceremonious manner in which he was han-

dled by the muscular veteran, caused his '

brain to whirl and almost deprived him of his
senses.

But the sound of pistol-shots, the whistling
bullets, and then the spiteful strokes of the
twigs and brambles as he was borne reckless]
through the undergrowth, quickly recalled his
wandering wits, and he glanced up to see the
face of an utter stran r. _

At this moment Du ley forged alongside, and
dextrously cut the stout thongs that confined his
ankles, knees and arms. 1

“I’m the lightest weight,” he cried, hastily.
“ Mount him behind my saddle.
the country better than we do. and can guideus
out of this tangle. Those yelping hounds will
soon recover from the surprise, and will press
us close.”

He must know '

4.1:is. r - use-u; .-. :"15:}<

.. has.

the . ‘ -

a ,. beadly flash;

This feat Sampson performed without any a
grant difliculty, and a few well-chosen wo

armed Bedell of the real condition of affairs.

Time enough for asking and answering ques-
tions when we can do so without the danger of
havin the tpunctuation done with bullets,” im-
patien 1y a ded Dudley.

‘This was enou h. Bedell choked down his
wonder at finding imself served so gallantly by
perfect strangers, and under his guidance, the
rescuers ressed rapidly through the wood,
heading or the road by a course that would
gain them rather than lose dist ince.

Meantime, Tom Mason and Simon Heywood
hadrecovered from the stout blow which had
hurled them headlong from the wagon, and
while the ormer headed a ortion of t e crowd
backto t e village in use of horses on which
to chase the fugitives, e wood led the remain-
der in hot pursuit along 1: e broad trail through
the timber.

Thanks to the nature of the ground, the pur~
suers, though upon foot, could make nearly if
not quite as ragid progress through the timber
and undergrowt , as the horsemen in front.

The fugitives were less than an eighth of a.
mile in advance of the footmen, when they
came 11 n the road, but that was enough to
shield t em from a fusilade, and as they could
see no mounted men in pursuit. they felt no ap-
prehension as to the ultimate result. ‘

“ By the hairy britches 0’ old Paul” exclaimed
Sam on, as, with heard on shoulder, he watch-
ed t 6 rapid charge of the footmen, led by Si-
mon Heywood, now irregularly strung out like
the links of an enormous joint snake. as those
lighter of foot forged ahead of their more slug-

‘gish comrades. “ Er they was only red-skins,

or it was only lawful to pull trigger onto white
men, what a. gay old time we mought hev, pick-
in’ oil the critters one by one!”

“ We must not burn owder unless at the last
extremity,” said Dud ey, seriously. “They
have never injured us—"

“Thev would have hung me like a dog!”
grated Bedell, his eyes glowing fiercely, his fists
clinching convulsively.

“ You know best whether you deserved such
a \fate,” coldly returned the youth. “It may
save words if you understand at once that we
did not risk our lives to rescue you from the rope
because we believed your unjustly condemned.
Had we knowu you to be a tenfold murderer.
our action would have been the same. You
Were in the hands of amob—that was enough
to insure our assistance.”

Joshua Bedell was silenced and not a little
perplexed by this strange speech. Never a very
fluent speaker, he attempted no reply, but silent-
ly pointed out the route to ursue.

This change of course too them at an abrupt
angle from the high-road alongr a narrow trail
through the timber, where they were forced to
ride in single file.

After progressing thus for a few hundred
rods, the fugitives came upon the edge of a
1025, not very wide prairie-like expanse, cov—
er with a thick growth of rank grass. Half
a mile ahead lay more timber, over the top
of which .rose the distant hills bordering the

 

Straight across the inter-vale dashed the fugi-
tives but just as the pursuers came to the edge
of the timber recently abandoned by their
coveted ame, Sampson. who was in advance,
wrench up his horse with a grating curse.

There was no necessity for s eh. One and
each of the fugitives caught sig t of the a1arm~
ing object at the same moment—a horseman
Just pressing his way through the line of bushes.
And behind him could be seen others—evident-
ly a considerable force.

Their animals were turned to flee at right
angles, but then a glad cry broke from the lips
of oshua Bedell:

“ They are friends—it is Seth Hovey and his
men!” ‘

Joshua Bedell raised his voice in a loud, glad
shout of recognition. and as Seth Hovey real-
ized the truth, he bade his men remain under
cover.

The purSuers witnessed this meetin , and
seemed to scent danger ahead. for all 0 them
abruptly halted and seemed rather inclined to
retreat to the friendly shelter they had so re-
cently left. All save Heywood, and his pace
slackened when he found himself utterly de~
serted, and halted sullenly when Sampson un-
slinging his rifle from his saddle-bow raised the
tweapon to his shoulder with a menacing ges-

ure.

_Hasty but comprehensive explanations were
given on both sides, and Seth Hovey, a finc-
looking young fellow, who was evidently born
for better things than to be the leader of an out—
lawed band of desperadoes, warmly greeted the
twa men who had dared so much on behalf of
his loved one’s father.

His advances were rather coldly received by
Dudley, but Sampson more than made amends
for this. interlarding his speech with so many

. ueer and—to them—incomprehensible expres-

s1ons, that it was little wonder the majority of
his hearers at once set him down as “cracked.”

By this time the horsemen led by Tom Meson
reached the miniature prairie, and thus re—en-
forced, the settlers gave unmistakable signs of
an intention to charge.

Sampson appeared delighted at the prospect

of a free fight, but Dudley shook hishead nega-
tively, and the immense influence he had over
the veteran was strikineg made manifest by
the prompt obedience yielded him.
' He saw that the outlaws were outnumbered,
nearly two to one, but believed that cunning
could shift the odds, where the cover was so fa-
vorable for maneuvering, and in a few words
explained his idea to Seth Hovey. '

That worthy fully approved of the plan. and
at once set his men to carrying it into the execu-
PIOD. causing each man to show himself for an
instantuas though accidentally, in taking up the
posmon assigned him, then. to withdraw care-
fully and repeat the same maneuver in a differ-
ent snot. _

The good edect of this ruse was soon made
manifest in the irresolute demeanor of the one—
my. and Sampson put the cap—sheaf on when he

‘led forth the entire force, each man drOPPi“

down into the rank grass. but allowing “alum
glimpses to be caught of their persons as they
advanced. For, if the advance guard of skirm-

Mimi: .

 

 

 

Vw'l‘

 

  
    
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
 
    
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
 

 

 
   

Deadly Dash. 9

 

ishers numbered a round score, what must be
the strength of the main force?

The settlers rapidly beat a retreat to the line
of timber, and satisfied with the impression he
had made, Sampson passed the word for his
allies to retreat, using every 'ble care to hide
their movements and leave t e enemy under the
impression that they were still holding their posi-
tions in the grass.

Reachin the timber unobserved, he made an-
other brie show of his men, then yielded the
commandto Seth Hovey.

“ I’ll eat ever man Jack of that lot that ven-
tures to cross t at openin’ afore the sun goes
down! But mebbe it d be best to leave a man or
two on the watch, to bring ye word how the old
thing works.”

Before Hovey could make any reply, Tom
Mason was seen to leave the opposite line of
timber and advance across the invervale, bear—
ing a handkerchief tied to the end of a ramrod,
his evident purpose being a parley.

“ Better go out an’ meet him hate way.
’Twon’t do fer him to cross the skirmish line, or
come nigh enough to count noses,” hastily ad~
vised Sampson.

Apparently Hovey entertained the same idea,
for he sallied forth and crossed the ' ‘nary
line of skirmishers, then halted to await t e de-
liberate veteran.

The latter wasted no time in reliminaries,
but at once fell to business. e said that
Joshua Bedell had committed a wanton murder,
and demanded his immedate surrender, to-
gether with the two strangers who had assisted
him to escape from the rope to which his life
was 'ustly forfeited.

“ hey're not so far ofl—why don’t you come
and take them?" retorted Hovey with a short,
hard laugh. “ We are waiting for you to make
the first move, to strike the first blow. But,
let us tell you this much: If it comes to the
pinch, all who come will not go back on their
own feet. When we burn powder, it will be to
kill—mind that 1”

“Then thar’ll be so much the more hemp ull-
ed. You’ve run this country mighty mg as
long as ou kin—fer sense you come out as the
mouth-piece, I reckon what Black Dan Boller
said must be true; that you’re the headone 0’ this
devil‘s g—"

“ Ras words for a man whose heart is cover-
ed by twenty good rifles!” exclaimed Hovey,
with a gesture toward the imaginary skirmish-
ing line behind him “ Best bridle your tongue,
or it will need a stifle:- shield than a white rag
to save your carcass from some of my hot-
heads 1" '

“ Say the word, boss, an’ I’ll make the critter
look sinker then the hoesfly that Hercules
hu’sted l” cried a shrill voice, and Sampson arose
from the grass, his rifle leveled.

Hovey was but little less surprised than Tom
Mason, at this significant addition to his own
threat, but he managed to control his features,
and as he waved his and, Sampson Slmk down
in the rank grass again.

“ Go back and to 1 your friends this. Say that
Joshua Bedell is ready and even eager to submit
for trial to any legal tribunal, but not to a mob
who would hang an angel on the bare word of a

 

 

devil. If the want him, let them come and
take him—if ey can 1"

Mason made no reply, but turned and strode
hastily away, no doubt relieved when he was
beyond range of those twanty dead shots.

Hovey found Sampson back to the timber be-
fore him, and gave him due credit for his keen
forethought.

The party held their ground for nearly an hour
longer, closely watching the movement of the
enemy, who appeared equally reluctant to either
advance or retreat.

During this interval, Dudley and Sampson had
an earnest conversation, only the import of which
need be given; their reasons for so deciding will
apfiear in the proper place.

9 concluded to accept the cordial offer of
Bedell and Hovey, to bear them company until
the present storm should blow over, or until
they could be escorted beyond danger. '_

Leaving two men behind, with orders to
watch the enemgeand show themselves upon the
edge of the tim r from time to time, the re-
mainder, including our two friends, carefully
led their horses back until out of sight, then
mounted and rode rapidly away toward the
distant hills. '

There is no particular mity for closely
describing their movements, beyond saying that
they shortly reached a windin creek, where it
made an abrupt bend; crossed the stream once
and entered it again at the further arm of the
bow, following back in the watery bed and
going down-stream. A simple but cunnt—
pedient, as a little reflection will show. y
were forced to travel a quarter of a mile further '
in the water than if they had taken to it at the
first crossing, but that very fact would make
any pursuers naturally conclude they had gone
up—stream instead of down.

The rocky bed was followed for more than a
mile, then a. gravell spot was chosen, blankets
were laid down an by repeated shifting from
rear to front, the trail was broken to a distance
of several hundred ards from the water.

All this consum time, and the sun was set-
ting when it was accomplished A further ride
of several miles through the woods carried them
to another stream, where the same tactic: were

repeated.
his stream was followed for a few rods,
when Hovey drew rein, and turning toward our
two friends, with a pleasant laugh and a wave
oath: hand, said: , d t 1 gm, W!
tour journevs en a en gen

Be so kind as to alight and honor our mansion
by entering l”

Dudley and Sampon stared around th
but keen though their eyes were, no trace 0
the “ mansion‘ could they discover.

CHAPTER IV.
DEADLY DASH m OLD mower.

A ROCKY clifl! rose almost rpendicularl
from the edge of the stream. face or
was dotted here and there with shrubs and
stunted trees, while wild vines and creepers
grew in rank rofusion.

The first an most natural thou htof our two
friends was that the “ mansion " ughingly al-
luded to by the outlaw chief, must be a cave cg

 

  

  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
   
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
    
   
    
   
    
    
    
   
   
   
    
       
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
      

10 ' Deadly Dash.

      

 

some sort but look as closely as they might,
they failed to discover the entrance.

‘ It would be the same were you to make the
search in the broad light of noonda ,” said
Hovey, with an accent of gratifle pride.
“Dame Nature wrought the greatest portion
but human skill did the most delicate work, an
formed the mask that has kept our secret safe
locked in the band until now. You are the
first—1’ ,

“ I will answer for them with my liver, Seth,”
cried Bedell.

“ There is no guarantee needed,” prom tly re-
sponded the young chief, dismounting an grasp-
ing a small projection of the rock, swung open
a. door high and wide enough to permit the
passage of a horse, without any seeming exer~
tion.

“ We generally leave this closed and fastened,
with some one on guard to open only when the
regular signal is given," added Hovey, “ but I
exgected every arm would be needed on this ex—
pe ition. As you see, no harm was done.”

Well might the outlaw chief be proud of his
hidden workmanship. ‘

At first, the entrance to the cave had been
but a small, irre ular hole, but this had been
broken and chise ed out until of the dimensions
before mentioned. A door of hewn logs was
made, and one side of this was covered with
flakes and bunches of rock, so that, when the
door was closed, the keenest eye would have
failed to discover the cheat.

Dudley and Samg‘son followed Hovey into the
cave suffering the horses to guide themselves,
for all within was dark as Erebus itself.

Presently the animals came to a pause of
their own accord, and ere long a waving tongue
of fire became visible through the darkness,
gradually expanding into a broad sheet‘of flame
as the pile of lightwood ignited, revealing a
wonderful sight to the eyes of the two strangers.

It is now a well—known fact that a portion of
Southwest Missouri is blessed with a wonderful
number of caves under and in its hundreds of
limestone ridges, varying in size from the den
barely large enou h to afford accommodations
to a bear or wol family, to mammoth caves
where the curious sight-seer may wander for

l , miles, feasting his eyes upon the fantastic freaks

of nature.

In one of these caves our friends now found

themselv and/as the ruddy flames leaped
higher an ‘.shone forth with greater brilliancy,
an involuntary cry of Wondering admiration
parted. their lips.
‘ They were in a vast and almost circular
chamber, the dome of which would have been
invisible but for the firelight being reflected
from the glistening points of thousands of snow-
white stalactites.

All around them were numberless stalagmites
which, in the course of countless ages had as-
sumed a remarkable variety of shapes, weird
and fanciful, now rendered doubly so by the
dancing light of the crackling fire.

Here were clusters of snow-white columns,
of every conceivable shape and size, carved as
by the cunning chisel of some expert artist, ris-
ing from the floor to the roof, like pillars in
some vast cathedral. Just beyond t ey take

 

new shapes, rising from two to twenty feet in
hight, and with a very slight draft upon fancy
forming statues of beasts and fishes, birds an

reptiles, curtains and pulpits, here all snowy-
white there all tinged with orange-

Still further on could be heard the musical
ripple of water, falling several yards in a min-
iature cascade, and a small stream of ice-cold
water wound through the stalagmites.

“ It looks prettier to the eye then the golden
hair 0’ Venus,” uttered Sampson, but with a
littleegrimace and shrug of the shoulders as he
sniflc‘ the damp air. “But ’ rs to me it’d
be rather rough on sech poor evils as kerries
rheumaticky bones ’bout with them.”

Hovey laughed, and taking up a blazing brand
led them to another chamber, where the floor
was covered with white sand, and the air was
p'ire and dry. To do so they passed through a
natural gateway, formed by the dripping lime-
stone, snowy w ite and fancifully festooned at
the sides, while overhead the beautifully curved
and fluted drapery was colored a deep orange.

.This chamber, where their guide hastened to
kindle another fire, was much smaller, and bore
cVidcnce of steady use. A semi-circle of bunks,
tilled With dry leaves and grass; 8. flre—pl ace and
a number of cooking utensils; skins, blankets,
horse furniture, clothes and weapons hanging
upon the walls, all went to prove this.

“ It was a trace of pardonable vanit that led
me to show you our curiosity—chain or first,”
laughed Hovey. “There is much more beyond
-——indeed I do not believe the cave has ever been

wholly) explored—but, after all 3. 00d hot sup-
pfilrw on one is hungry, is the t of good
1. 'n

l,
“ fiould eat mouthful fer mouthful with the
cannibal king of Arcady, an‘ never stop to ax
what kind 0 bones I was pickin’ either!” (Ze-
clared Sampson, smacking his lips.

That the others were hungry, was proved b
the alacrity displayed in preparing a hot men ,
and ere many minutes passed away, all were
busily satisfying their hunger.

Hovey was one of the first through. and draw-
ing Joshua Bedcll aside. he spoke earnestly for a.
few minutes, then led forth a. fresh horse from
an inner chamber, which served as a stable, and
started toward the entrance.

Directly afterward, Bedell approached Dudle
and gravely asked fora. brief interview. A litt e
coldly, but with no apparent reluctance, the
youth followed the man whom his daring had
preserved from an ignominious death. Sampson,
like a faithful watch dog, was quickly at their
heels, plainly i'esnlved not to lose sight of his
young friend for a single moment.

“ I don‘t suppose it matters much to you,” be-
gan Bedcll, speaking rapidly, as though fearful
of being interrupted before he could have his say
out, “ but for my own satisfaction, I wish to ex-
plain why and how I came to be in such a. pain-
ful and degrading situation."

This he proceeded to do, but at greater length
than we would be justified in devoting to the
inattor. Condensed, his narrative ran as fol-
ows:

His daughter had three suitors more perfina‘
cious than the rest; Seth Hovey, BlaCk Dan
Boller and Horace Harcourt,

 

 

 

 

 

Deadly Dash. 1 1

 

The former, who finally won the prize in
'love’s race, was a. young farmer, liked and
esteemed by everybody save his defeated rivals,
bearing a good reputation among the neighbors,
‘who little suspected he was in reality the chief
of the band which had laid them under enforced
contributions for several years. Nor did Bedell
himself suspect this until after the engagement,
when his efforts to wean his daughter from her
reckless love were all in vain.

Black Dan was also a member of the band,
and when his suit was rejected he “ cut up rus-
ty," insulted Sally, and received a sound thrash-
ing at the hands of her father.

Horace Harcourt was the son of the richest
man in the village—storekeeper, banker and
money-lender. His suit had been rejected time
and again, but since the discovery of a, valuable
vein of coal on the Bedell farm he had been par-
ticularly persistent.

The elder Harcourt had tried hard to buy the
farm at his own price, but Bedell refused to
sell, saying he meant to Work the coal vein as
soon as he could raise the necessary funds. and
from that day Edwin Harcourt was his bitter
enemy, doing him all the harm he could.

By some means, Harcourtmust have obtained
a powerful influence over Black Dan, since the
latter, when wounded in the luckiess affray of
the night before on the Heywood place, swore
to a lie black as his own heart when he declared
that Bedell fired the fatal shot.

Though carefully guarding Hovey’s secret,
for his daughter‘s sake, Bedell had never mixed
himself with the outlaw’s affairs, and this was
his first visit to the retreat. ‘

“ It is all a plot to gain possesmon of my
place,” the farmer added, passionately. “ They
thought to hang me out of the way, and doubt—
less would have treated Sally in much the same
manner. if they couldn’t frighten her into mar-
rying Harry, or into selling the farm at a. nomi-
nal price. For that they bought up Dan Boller,
to swear away my life. ’

“ Tell me What you know of this Edwin Hap
court,” said Dudley, with a. voice of studied
calmness, though the fire that burned in his
large, dark eyes could not be as well controlled.

, “If he is the man I suspect, it may be that I
can be of some service to you in this matter.”

“He came here from the South, as I under—
stand, some three cars ago. He had plenty of
money. and, by t e arts of a usurer he has
grown wonderfully rich in that time. he would
lend money  those in need of it, taking mort—
gages on their stock and farms, then foreclose,
and so gain possession for a mere tithe of what
the articles were wort .”

Dudley iplied Bedell with question after ues—
tion, and nally became convince that E win
Farcourt was indeed the man he was searching

or.

In the end his passions, until now suppressed
by an iron will, burst their bonds, and.‘ asping
the Willing hand or the farmer, he cri :

“I believe your story—I feel that you are
more sinned against than sinning. We are firm
friends from this moment. I will make your
cause in cause. We will work together n 3111513
this devxl in the garb of a saint. We wi deal
hm! blow for b Ollde Show him no more

 

mercy than he has ever shown to his unfortu-
nate victims!”

“You are a. stranger, but I believe you are
sincere—”

“ You have been frank; I will be equally so.
My name-”

“ Is Deadly Dash, an’ yer sten’s Old Mythol-
ogy very much at your sarvice. Shake!”

The speaker was Sampson, and pushing his
bony frame between the twain, he grasped Be-

dell by the hand, working his own arm like a.‘

pump—handle, a broad, henignant smile upon his
countenance, even While he thrust out one foot
behind him and gate Dudley a warning kick on
the shin.

Bedell was not so blind but what he saw and

divined the meaning) of this action, but so far V

from bein oifended y the evident lack of con-
fidence in im, he laughed softly. ,

“ The names are sufficient, and possess
merit of being especially appropriate. Your,
dash, I hope, will prove a deadly one to the
hopes of our mutual enemy. So keepyourse-
cret until We are better acquainted."

“ There is no great secret,” said Dudley, cane-
lessly, “ but, as you say, the moms de m‘cque fit
well enough, and as those gentlemen over yonder
are eying us curiously, you may introduce us as,
such, in due form.”

This ceremony was performed and the curious
names accepted fwithout a. comment.» Where
nearly every man had his “ pet title " no fault
could be found, and then, as Bedel said, the
deeds of the new recruits spoke for themselves.

Old Mythology made a characteristic speech,
relished none 1: e less because his auditors could

not understand his classical allusions, them.

worn out by the fatigue and excitements of the
day, he and his master tonk possession of the

bunks assigned them, and were soon wrapped in

slumber. ' .
This example was soon followed by a mayon-
ty of the outlaws, only those who were on spe.
cial duty remaining awake.
The hours passed by without alarm or inci-
dent deserving comment, nntil the night was
far spent, when the man on guard at the rock-

- covered door received the signal that demanded

admittance.
As the heavy door swung silently upon its
carefully oiled hinges, Seth Hovey remed in-
side, the door closing quickly behind im.
When he reached the chamber where the fire
still glowed, his sharp cry awoke every sleeper,
And they saw that the chief had brought most
important tidings, for his iace was
death, and a fierce, deadly light glow
eyes.

CHAPTER V.
'rwo PRECIOUS mammals.
WHEN young Heywood tore the self—ad"

noose from around the fair throat of Sal y Be- ‘ '

dell, though he made use of no more force than,
rhaps, was really necessary, the maiden lost
er balance and fell from the wagon seat 11
which she had been standing in order tobring
her head level with that of her father’s. ,
It was at this moment that Sampson, or Old

the a

.e as-
'mhi‘s

18 Deadly Dash.

 

Mythology, seized u n for giving the signal
that brought Dick Bido forth with his truly
startling outcry.

Sally heard the cries and shouts. saw the ex-
citement and confusion that seized upon the
mob, and hope was renewed in her breast as she
behaved her true love had kept his vow to rescue
the parent of his betrothed Wife.

She heard the quick rush of horses’ feet she
saw the riders as they closed up on each side of
the wagon, and saw heavy blows that left her
father an un uarded man swe for the thongs
that still con had his limbs. Saw him raised
aloft in the arms of a heavily-bearded man,
whose weather-beaten features looked to her like
the face and front of a veritable angel.

She uttered a sharp cry and arose to her feet.
her arms outstretched as though in a mute a
peel-but then the team no longer guard ,
since Mark Heywood went down before the
fierce rush of the horse ri lden by Deadly Dash,
grew terrified by the wild uproar—the yelling,
cursing, and rapid fire of the rifles and pistols—
and set off as though bound to play a little “ cir-
cus” all on their own hook. But at the third
jump, our interest in their doings ceases, for the
hub of one wheel struck violently against a tree,
and Sally was thrown out of the wagon, fortu—
nately alighting upon a dense but yielding bush
which broke the force of her fall.

Horace Harcourt saw her fall. and at once
hastened to her assistance, finding her senseless,
but apparently with no bones broken.

Sluggish and slow-witted though he was, as a
eueral rule, Horace felt such a dreal of flying
ullets, any one of which might easily cut him

of! in the flower of his youth. that the dread ni-
ternativs of either facin the deadly weapons in
the «hands of unscrup cus foemen or of ac-
knowledging himself a rank coward, spurrel

‘ , his wits to unusual activity, and they showed

him a. way out of the unpleasant dilemma.

He lifted the form of the unconscious maiden
in his arms. and took the back track to the vil-
lage calling out as he did so:

‘ he’s badly hurt—I must take her to the
doctor i"

It may well be doubted whether anybody heard
or heeded his first cry, for they were busily en-
gaged in throwinz away gool powder and lead

' after the bold foemen they did not dare press

too closely.

Horace hastened toward thevillage, his bodily
fear still so great that at first he did not feel the
burden he bore in his arms, but as he found that
there were no more bullets whistling around his
ears, he realized that one hundred and twentV
pounds of lifeless humanity, even if it be in the
guise of a. fair maiden whom one hopes to hen
come sole master of, tells on the wind of the
bearer, especially if he is addicted to late hours.
strong cigars and still stron 291' liquor.

More than once he was obliged to pause for
breath. and to lower the insensible maiden to
her own feet, are he had won his wav through
the timber but when he met Tom Mason. “rid-
ing with bloody spur,” noon n conflscn.t"d horse,
he loudly shouted forth the information that the
girl was no better than dead unless skillful aid
was speedily found.

' . This formula was repeated as often as he met

 

a rider, and as none of them used in their mad

race to question his motives, orace felt that his

courage, or rather lack of courage, would never

be suspected, and gave vent to a wheezy gasp of

fielief as he finally entered the gate of his father’s
ouse.

The senior Harcourt met him at the door,
with an agitation such as rarel found 0 11 ex-
pression in his usually admire 1y schoo ed fea-
tures, drawing Horace and the girl into the
house, closing and locking the door swiftly be-
hind them. Then he caught the girl up in his
own arms and bore her hastily up—stairs, where
he placed her in the hands of an ugly. fat ne-
gress, with many particular instructions.

On his return he found Horace in his shirt-
sleeves, cooling himself by pouring liquid fire
down his throat.

Accustomed as he was to seeing the conven-
tional musk dropped from the oily, sanctimo-
nious face of his parents, when they were alone
together, and free from other observation,
Horace was startled by the look which he now

saw.
“The work is done—and thoroughly? I saw
the beginning but it would not do for me to
have joined the mob. The man is hung, of
course—but all that firing?”
Horace swallowed another glass of liquor,
and uttered a sonorous curse before he made

eply.
b ‘ Ibo, Work is not done, nor is the man
ung—'

Those simple villagers who looked upon the
rich man as only a shade lower than the saints
in glory—who loved to look upon him as he sat
in church, and who were ever so powerfully
impressal by his deep, solemn, confirmation of
the prayers there put lip—would have thought
the world was coming to an end, could they
have sum and hoard the outburst which inter-
rupted Horace Harcourt.

The rage-distorted face that of a satyr. the
words that flowed in a torrent from his lips, a
series of awful curses and blasphemy that ended
only when his breath failed him, and he sunk
back into a chair, purple in the face, quivering
and gasping like some loathsome jelly-fish in the
last throes of death on being deprived of its
native element. '

Horace shifted his chair round to the other
side of the table, and wear‘ly watched his hon-
ored progenitor, still drinking, but on the de-
fensive and clearly ready tobeata hasty retreat
in case the necessity should arise.

He knew from experience that the old man
was doubly dangerous when he gave way to
one of these fits of awful passion: dangerous to
those who might be near him, and dangerousto
himself. But he knew, too, that any attempt to
check the paroxysm would only make matters
worse.

‘* Some 0‘ these days you’ll kick the bucket
whenyou are playing circus after that style,”
he said with scant reverence as he filled a glass
with liquor and pushed it across the table,
righth interpreting the fluttering motion of the
old man’s hand. “Why couldn’t you wait to
hear me out. instead of going oil at half-cook,
like an old fool ?"

“ You said enough—all our trouble and plot-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deadly Dash.

,-.. .

ting gone for nothing!” gasped Harcourt, senior,
setting down his glass.

“ I may not be as bright as some, but I don’t
see how you make that out. The man, even if
he escalpes—and there are forty stout fellows on
his bee s—will never dare to show his head in
this section again. And the farm can’t run
away. Then we have got the girl safe
enough—” '

“ Then no one knows—nobody saw you bring
her here?” eagerly questioned the old sinner,
his eyes sparkling again.

Horace looked puzzled, but admitted that
nearly a score of men had seen him bearin
Sally thither, to say nothing of the terrifieg
women and children who may have been pee
ing forth from the cracks of their doors as 9
passed.

His father uttered a groan and a curse at the
same time.

“ You are no son of mine! You had your
chance, and let a fortune slip through your fin-
gers] Why did you not hide with the girl in
the woods until dark then bring her here, as
gay opne but a dnnk-besotted fool would have

one

“ What difference does it make?” growled the
son.

“All the difierence between success and
failure. If no one knew that she was here we
could take our time and the devil‘s in it if we
couldn’t have married her to you, safe and
sound. Then, if Bedell was dead—don’t you
see?

“ There’s more ways than one to skin a cat,”
leered Horace, and then the two precious scoun-
drels leaned forward and clasped hands across
the table.

By this time the old man appeared to have
gotten his mad temper fairly under control,
and prompted by him, Horace detailed the
events already laid before the reader, and told
how the precious morsel was snatched from
between heir very teeth by two audacious
stran ers.

“ on say it was Dick Dado that gave the
alarm?” asked the elder, thoughtfully, but be-
fore the son could reply he hastily added, point-
ing throu h the win ow, “ There the little devil
is now! §hey say that he fairly worships the
'girl, so he must have followed and seen you

rin her here.

“ _ out and fetch him in. Tell him his mis
tress is ill, and wishes to see him, or he’ll run
away from you.”

Wonderin at this new whim, but accustomed
to defcr to e stronger will and far acuter wits
of hisfather, Horace put on his hat and obeyed,
know-mg that the reason would not be lacking
at the prover time.

Led iy his love for his young mistress, whom
he knew to be inside the house, for the supposi-
tion that he had followed Horace with his pre~
cious burden was a correct ’one, Dick Dado fol-
lowed the young man into the house, to find
himself confronted by a very diflerent person
from the (me he expected to see.

Edwin Harcourt assumed his customary pom-

us look, and closely questioned the lad as to

part in the recent strange afl'air, and as to
who the two men were with whom he was plain-

, was as good as

 

13

ration, but in this game Dick
'3 master, and held his tongue.

Not a word could they make him utter, nor
did he flinch when Horace caught up a riding-
whi from the table and swore he would score
his ack until he dropped. Nor is there much
doubt but what this threat would have been
put into execution, for the fellow was brave as
a lion when only feeble women or little boys
gonefdronted him, but Edwin Harcourt inter.
er .

“Suffer me to deal with the little man, son.
You are too harsh, and only make matters
worse by terrifying him.

“Now, Dick, hearken unto me. You have
helped to commit an awful crime against the
law, and I should not wonder but what some of
the townsmen will be all for hanging you in the
place of the man whom you aided to escape the
punishment due his terrible crime. But if ou
will promise to obey my instructions, I wil in-
tercetle with them for you, and think I may
promise you shall not be hung for this grave
offense.

“Now mark me well. I You know that Miss
Sally Bedcll is here, brought in order that her
injuries may be properly attended to. You
know, too, that Seth Hovey, whom men now
say is the leader of the outlaws that infest this
county, is her lover. And he helped the men
to escape, too, didn't he?” in a sharp, perempj
tory tone. ‘

But the trap failed to catch its expected prize,
for Dick uttered no word made no motion, only

1y acting in co-o

stared fixedly into the r , oily face of his pom-
pous inquisitor.
“ At an rate, you must know where to find

him,” ad ed Harcourt, as blandly as before.
“and you must hasten to tell him this. Say
that it has been decided in council—mind, in
council—that Miss Sally shall be sent under an
armed escort to the country seat, there to re-
main a prisoner. as a hostage, until Joshua Be-
dell yields himself, or is surrendered by his mis-
guided friends, to meet the just reward of his
crime. You can remember this? You will not
forget?”

Dick nodded assent, for the first time since \
his entrance, giving an answer to a question, by
word or sign.

“ Very good. You may go now. Deliver
our mcssage correctly, and I will persuade the
men not to hang you this time.”

Dick turned and left the house as though glad
to escape so easily, running1 through the Villa
until he was hidden from t e sight of the watc ~
ers at the window.

“ Now perhaps You’ll let me know what under
the sun you are riving at, with all this min.
sense,” muttered Horace.

“First. we et rid of an inconvenient spy and
witness, for. dgespite his sullen, stupid demeanor
while here, that imp is as keen as a brier. Next,
we may so work u n the fears of the lover that
he will turn overt e father for the sake of the
daughter, but at any rate we will put him on a
false scent, and by sending him to the country
seat in quest of her, gain the time necessary for

rfecting our plans, and transforming Miss
‘all Bedell into Mrs. Horace Harcourt."

“ here’s no doubt about the coal? I mean

 

trembling with a deep

14 Deadly Dash.

you are sure it is a heavy enough vein to pay for
the working?”

“ It is worth hundreds where he asks dollars,
but I mean to get the place for my own price—
curse the covetous dogji”

This ending struck orace as extremely comi-
cal, and be nearly suffocated in ’trying to
smothera Laugh by swallowing a glass of raw
brandy.

But the next words uttered by his father de-
manded his whole attention, and with their
heads almost touching over the table, the two
precious scoundrels consulted together and con-
cocted a most diabolical plot against their ene-
miss.

 

CHAPTER VI.
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE.

BOTH Deadly Dash and Old Mytholo were
awakened by the sharp cry with whic Seth
Hovey burst into the chamber, and though they
both grasped their weapons as they arose from
their hunks, they had time to observe and ad-
mire the perfuct diScipline displayed by the out-
law hand.

There was no bustle, no confusion, but each
man quickly fell into line, weapons in hand, ap—

rently ready for anything that might be be.

cre them.

“Boot and saddle!” cried Hovey, his voice
and bitter passion.
“ There’s hard riding and hot fighting before us!
Boot and saddle!”

Not a question asked the men, but as though
fully confident that their leader would utter no

' unnecessary order, they hastened at once to the

inner chamber where the horses were kept
stabled when not under the saddle.

But Joshua Bedell was not so qluietly submis-
sive, and plied his would-be son-in- aw with ques-
tion after uestion.

“ The chi d—it is no bad news about Sally, I
hope Seth?”

“ It could hardly be worse,” growled the out
law chief. stamping 'furiously as he strode to
and fro, while awaiting the coming of his men.
“She’s n lzirnb in the wolf-den—for those ac-
cursed Harcourts have got possession of her."

“ So long as she is alive—they will not dare
work her any harm, Seth," said Bedell. in a tone
of relief. “High and mighty as Edwin Har-
court holds himself, it would be a black day’s
work for him when he wronged my child—the
very women and children would rise up and
lynch him.”

“The' devil may trust him, but I’ll not,”
growled Hovey.

“ And it is for that that you are ordering out
the men?” inquired Deadly Dash, stepping a lit-
tle forward.

“ What is that to you?” snapped the outlaw,

souigy. .

“ imply this,” responded the youth, speaking
quietly, but with a. flash deepening upon his
smooth, rlish cheek. “ I have become strange-
ly mixe up with your affairs, and when I
found that your worst enemy and mine were
one and the same person. 1 pledged myself to
see the fight to an end. But this was under the
supposition that you were a man who would
contest every point of vantage, and not ruin all

\_ ,

 

s

thi'ou h a rash impulse. Now, as I see the mis
take made, I beg leave to withdraw niy-—”

“ Withdraw and be hanged!” rudely inter-
rupted Hovey.

“ Remain and be hanged sounds but little bot.—
for; and that is what the whole thing will
amount to, if you set forth in Iyour present
mood,” coolly retorted Deadly Das .

Here Joshua Bedell interfered, addressing his
dau hter’s lover.

“ ur friend is right, Seth, Sal] is in no dan-
ger, and after what has occurr , it would be

olly for you t) lead the baud forth now. Who
knows but there may be spies on the watch,
and if the secret of this place is discovered, you
will be ambushed as you go or come.”

“If you had seen what I have—if you knew
what they have already done this night, you
would not be so cool,” said Hovcy. but visibly
cooling down. “ While you were sleeping, they
were at work—and a black night’s work it shall
be to those that had a hand in it, that I swear,
by the eternal!”

“ So lon as Sall'y is safe, I care little for the
rest. said edell.

“ Even if your house, your stables were burned
to the ground, and the old place laid as bare as
the back of your hand—”

“ But they would not dare—"

“ The would—they have! I saw the light
above t 9 trees before I had left you half an
hour, but though it came from the direction of
your place, I never once suspected the truth—
not until I rode on further and saw another red
glare coming from my own house. Even then I
could hardly believe my eyesight, and gallo
on to convince myself of my error. Instea —I
saw the dear old home that had sheltered me
from boyhood a mass of blazing ruins!”

“Heaven’s vengeance alight upon the cow-
ardly scoundrels!” cried Bedell, his face flushed,
his breath coming quick and hot.

“And I mean to be one of the instruments
through which that vengeance is administered!"
added Hovey with a hard, unpleasant laugh.
“I struck the first blow then and there, for I
caught sight of that coward, ’Raco Harcourt,
battering down the railing around the graves of
my mother and father, and I drew a bead upon
his black heart. But the red light fooled me, and
I missed my mark, thou ,h one of his mates-I
could not see his face—ts l in his stead. v

“Of eourse I had to run for it, but they
didn’t follow me far. Afraid of an ambush, I
suppose.”

” And my place was destroyed too, you'sa i”

“Every stick and plant. but was pai a
visit first, for nothing was left but a. pile of
glowing embers when I got there. They did
their foul work thoroughly, curse them.”

“ No wonder you were half-wild with rage,"
said Deadly Dash, all traces of offense banished
by the story he had just heard. “Believe me
I feel for you to the bottom of my heart, and I
will help you to your ravage as far as lies in
my power. Now may I ask what your plans
werc! how you intended to act?”

“ To char '9 into and carry the town—to roast
old Harcou and his precious son in their own
kennel !" was the fierce reply. .

“ The words are easily spoken, and po’sSibly

..,.

 

j


 

fxzzt‘c'vf'V-hv ,.,,,.

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
 

 

  

 

Deadly

Dash. 15

 

the bold plan might prove successful, but not 1
without paying a high price. You must realize ;
the truth of what I say, if you look at the mat
ter calmly. -

“A surprise is now impossible. because you ,
warned the enemy by shooting that man. I
don’t blame you I would have done the same
thing myself, under the provocation. But that
shot will tell them there is a time of reckoning
at hand, and they will beiupon their guard.
They can bring two armed men into the field
for each one of yours, and though they may not
be so well disciplined, they could be defeated
only at a heavy sacrifice on your part.

‘ Another point; while you were fighting
your way into the village would not the Ear-
courts take the alarm and either seek safety in
flight, or at least dispose of Miss Bedell so that
you could not find her?”

Eovey was convinced that he had been going
the wrong way to work, but he had been in the
habit of commanding so long, that it was no
eas task for him to own himself in the wrong,
an be muttered, sullenly eno h:

“ It’s easy to say what one s ouldn’t do, but
it would be more to the point were you to point
out a better p .”

“Bid your men return their horses to the
stable, and I think I can satisfy you, even on
that score,” smfled Deadl Dash, with a quiet
confidence that enforced o ience.

The outlaw chief vs the desired command,
gen flung himsel moodin dawn beside the

e.

“ In the first place,” added the youth. “I
am a believer in the old law of fighting fire
with fire. Since our enemies—for mine they
are as much as yours—have set us the example,
we Will show t em that two can play at the
same game.

“ As we can act better under cover of night,
let them have one day in which to get over
their first flurry of vigilance. Then we will
set to work.

“You say that the young lady is held a pris-
oner in the house of Edwin Harcourt—”

“Yes. I took a round throu h the town,
after visiting the ruins on Bede ’s place, and
while there I met Dick Dado—but he must be
somewhere in here. I brought him with me be-
hind my saddle— ou Dick!”

In response to t is call, a little ragged figure
came out from one shadowy corner, and drew
“aviar- 1 i

e e ent eman he same stor 11
me," ordci Hovey. y yo mm

The lad obeyed,butas the first and greater
portion of the tidings he had to communicate
would be no news to the reader, it would be a
waste of time and space tore rt him in fulL

After telling them What 1111; said, he
give his reasons for not at once seeking out

ovey. His mistress was all in all to him, and
when he believed he had thrown his enemies off
the scent, he crept back and found a snug but
uneasy lodgment under the open window, in the
heart of a particularly thorny rosebush.

From this ambush he overheard the whole
conversation of the two recious scoundrels.

 

They agreed to blind t e neighbors by sending
ofl' aisovei'ed wagon to the country seat, giving

     

out that its inmate was Mia Bedell, but instead
she was to be kept a close prisoner upstairs until
they could frighten or force her into marrying
Horace Harcourt. This would give them ‘
session of the coveted farm with its rich ‘coa de—
posits, for they meant to urge on the pursuit un-
til Joshua Bedell was either killed or else cap-
tured and hung.

Edwin Harcourt bade his son, as soon as any
of the pursuers should come back, if the were
not successful, ply them with liquor until they
should be ripe for any work, however dastardly,
and then set them up to burning the houses of
both Hovey and Bedell.

Thus far Dick overheard their conversation
but then the negro man-servant returned, an
fearing discovery, the lad_ crept away, though
still hovering around until he saw the close car-
rialge brought out. ,

his was nearly; at sundown, and while it was
being prepared, e ran around and lay in wait
along the road it must follow. When it came,
he managed to jum up behind, and cutting a.
hole through the bac curtain, found it empty.
Thus assured that his mistress was still kept a
prisoner in the house, Dick hung around until he
saw and recognized Seth Hovey, to whom he
made known his discoveries.

“And from this on, you are my little brother,
Dickl” cried the grateful outlaw, hiégflng the
lad warmly. “ You shall live with ly and I
when we are married, as long as we have a root
to cover our heads!”

And little Dick Dado was made perfectly

hap .

“Riw, this is my plan," resumed Deadly
Dash, “and if not quite so full of brilliant
daring as the one you preposed, I think you will
confess it can be more easily carried out.

“ Dick shall return and see the Harcourts tell
them that he delivered his mwge, but say
that Joshua Bedell and the two stran ers had
given the band the slip. Say that Set Hovey
swore he would find them, and deliver the fa-
ther up to justice for the sake of saving the
daughter. Tell them this, and not a word more.
Then meet us when it grows dark at the spot
where we first cross the creek and tell us how
the villagers are working. 'Keep your eyes
open, and let nothing escape them.” .

Dick nodded his cofimhension and ‘ -
ness, and being provid with a supply of 1 ,
was let out into the world once more. '

“Of course our plans may have to be modi-
fied somewhat, by the word Dick brings us,”
resumed Deadly Dash, “ but in its essential
points will remain much the same. You, or
some of your men, will start a fire, not too
close to the house—”

“ Harcourt’s store will be the very thing!” ex-
claimed Hovey. _ .

“ That will draw theattention of the Villagers.
We--my friend and I—will hold the Harco
in check, while you carry off Miss Bedell. With
11 r once in safe , we Will show these fellows
Wilat is meant by hting fire with fire!”

Hovey and Bed both began to express their
thanks and gratitude to the strangers for the
trouble and risk tins-y were so read to under-
take on their be f, but. Deadly ash inter:
rupted them with an impatient gesture.

      
  

 

~ on it, the

176 , Deadly Dash.

 

“ Spare your words—in serving you, I am
serving myself. What I do, and am willing to
do, is not through love for you, but because I
hate the Harcourt family root and branch, with
a hatred that will not end even in the grave!”

 

CHAPTER VII.
ammo THE ENEMY.

DICK DADO was as good as his word, and met
the company at the creek crossing, soon after
the sun had sunk to rest and the shades of ni ht

settled down over the earth. He had done is

work equally well, and gave in his report with
a deliberate distinctness that carried Conviction
with it.

He said that Edwin Harcourt ap arently be-
lieved the tale he told him, since e had pur-
suaded the leading men among the settlers that
it would be rank folly for them to set out in
quest of the outlaw hand, without having the
odds on their side, and to do this would be to
leave the village and its weaker inmates help-
less at the mercy of the enemy, should they
meditate a sudden descent upon the town to
takleltrevenge for the buildings burnt on the past

mile repeated the message brought by Dick

0, and advised them to wait and see. what
truth there was in it. And in the mean time for
each man to keep his arms and wits about him,
read for use in case the emergency arose.

“ e’s got four men planted round his house,
with uns an’ pistils an’ sech like,” added Dick.
“ on he counts on a visit from you, he‘s so
mighty keerf .”

‘ Nor shall he be disappointed, though I
doubt his being able to entertain company for
many another day, when once we say good-by
to him!" cried Hovey, grimly.

In his eagerness to insure the rescue of Sally
Bedell, the outlaw chief had brought .Wlth him
all of his ferce, only leaving one man inside the
cave to work the secret door.

Both Deadly Dash and Sampson thought this
an unwise proceedin , when it was remembered
that Black Dan Bel er was in the hands of the
enem .

“ 9 has shown himself the enemy of you
both,” added Deadl Dash. “What security

' have you that he wil not betray all the secrets

of the company and we find them in possession
of the retreat when we return?" _

“ No man could find the entrance from Simple
description or even if they should stumble up-

door would not open since we have
chan our pass-word," laughed Hovey.

0n y a short consultation was necessary in
order to perfect their plans in those slight alter-
ations rendered necessary by the report of this
young spy. _ I

The expected to accomplish their purpose
more y cunning than by force, where some
valuable lives might be sacrificed, though they
meant to fight fire with fire, and deal their
worst enemy a blow that would not soon be for-
gotten. _

The majority of the band were to halt in the
timber near the s ot where Joshua Bedell came
so near finishing is earthly career in the hang-
man's hands, and to remain there until the re-

 

turn of the others unless they should be called
forward by a shrill blast from a horn.

Deadly Dash and Old Mythology were to steal
into the village and as near to Edwin Har-
court’s house as they could without discovery,
then wait for the alarm of fire, which would be
kindled by Seth Hovey.

It was believed that this alarm would draw
the guards, as well as all others, at once to the
scene, when the two adventurers were to rush
in and hold the Harcourts, father and son, in
(élfifk, until Seth cquld effect the rescue of

y.

The men were stationed in the timber, and
the three adventurers stole forward on foot,
leavmg their horses with the band, Hovey hear-
ing a bundle of wellogreased hemp and a ju of
turpentine determined on making sure wor .

Dick Dado bore the two friends corn ny, and
soon pointed out to them the house w ere their
enemy lived, a two-story frame building, the
most retentious in the village.

Lig ts were burning on the first and second
floors. and as they crept nearer, the forms of the
two Harcourts were visible through the open
Windows, seated at a table well supplied with
decanter and glasses.

“ We’ve made a mistake,” muttered Old My—
thology. “ At the fu’st alarm, them imps’ll be
out, fer the old man ain’t no coward. We could
only stop ’em by force. an’ the noise would be
heard. A crowd would come an’ then how kin
we git away the gall Better let me go fu‘st an’
open the road."

Deadly Dash could not mistake his meaning,
but he could see no other way b which the
oversight could be overcome, an taking his
silence for consent, the old man drew his knife,
hiding the blade in his sleeve, and stole forward,
silent as some phantom of the night.

He had made but a few steps before he saw a
man seated upon the lower step of the short
flight leading to the front door, and thus guid-
ed, taking advantage of the deeper shadows,
Old Mytholo y stole nearer and nearer, then
rose up at t e very side of the unsuspicious
wretch.

He flung one arm around the luckiess fellow’s
throat, holding him as in a vise, cutting oif all
outcry—there came a flash of steel in the lamp
light. and then a lifeless body was gently low-
ered to the ground and shoved under the steps.

“ It was hard." uttered a low voice at his
shoulder, and Deadly Dash arose from the
ground, “ but they began the fight, and should
have counted the cost. Come, let us get inside
and finish our rtion of the work. "

“ S’pose the 001' is locked?” asked the veteran.

“ The windows are not. Give me a back, and
while I hold them in check, do you see that none
of the servants escape by the door,” quietly de-
cided Deadly Dash.

And this was the first intimation the Har-
courts had of the trouble that was brewing for
them—a slender but resolute form standing be-
fore them, a cooked and leveled revolver in each
hand, while a low, stern voice uttered:

“Raise so much as a Slllgle finger, or utter a.
sound above a whisper, and that moment you
die like dogs l"

They saw that the speaker was in deadly

ww-ww r34 "


i
,V
l

 

    

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Deadly Dash. “ i V

 

earnest, and they saw, too, that they were
wholly in his power. Though there were weapons
in the room, they had none upon their persons
Eeltcing full confidence in the (our men who ha

n stationed around the house as its particular
guards. Though they knew they were playing
a des rate game, with desperate men, they be-
lieve their precautions would insure their re—
ceivmg ample warning, and so they now found
themselves h: lpless iu the toils.

But hope flashed up in their hearts as they
heard the hall door open, followed by the tramp-
ing of heavy feet, but Deadly Dash cast down
the frail fabric almost ore it was built.

“ Remember my warning! Those are not
your friends, but mine. Even if the contrary
was the case, What would that avail you?
Though an army rushed to your aid, I could
and ,would kill you both before they could reach
you.

Father and son cowered there, beneath the
cold yet blazing orbs that were fixed upon them
above the polished tubes of the leveled weapons,
for they knew that this stripling held their lives
at the tips of his fingers.

A few moments thus, then the door which led
into the hall was opened, and a tall, not un-
plcturesque figure entered—the form of a man
whom one at least of the twain recognized, and
as he did so, his heart seemed to sink clear
down into his boots, for he knew that the (load
past had come back to wreak its retribution
upon him, the criminal!

“Shut the windows and Bull down the blinds,
Sampson,” uttered Deadly ash, never once ro—
movmg his eyes from tho trembling figures at
the tables. “It is near time for the music to
begin outside, and I care not to have any curi-
ous e es upon us just at present.”

01 Mythology promptly obeyed these orders,
then stood behind the two men at another signal.

“ If they attempt any outcry, ou know what
to do,” coldly uttered Deadly Das , drawinzhim-
self forward a chair and confronting Edwin
Harcourt, adding with mock civility:

“ My name is Dudley Dashwood, Edwin Har-
court, and I am the only son of Beverley Dash-
wood, of Virginia—the man whom you basely
murdered nearly five years ago."

At. that moment, just when the old man was
opening his 1i 5 to answer this observation, the
Wlld alarm 0 fire rung (ut clear and distinct
upon tits air, the cry being caught up and re-
ge‘ated Ey ascore of sturdy voices, while therapid

m 0 heavy feet upon the street told how
ra lI t1y the sham was spreadin .

‘ is your s re. that is burmn Edwin Har-
court.” said Deadly Dash, with Edward laugh.
“ You began the work, and we have determined
to lit/ht fire with fire.”

“ The building and contents are fully in-
sured,” retorted the old man, with a steadiness
of voice that showed he was no coward, what-
ever else he might be. “Trade is dull, and
sales slow. If this is your work, I owe you
man thanks!"

“ he insurance money mav benefit your heirs,
if you leave any, but you will never collect it—
ot that rest assured. have sworn a solemn oath
above the grave of my murdered father to kill

 

 

you,asyou killed him. I would keep my vow

 

 
  

noxfi, but that I have other interests to serve as
we .

“ Seth Hovey will be here soon, in quest of his
betrothed, who is now a prisoner upstairs. As
soon as he has (19 rted with her, then will come
our reckoning. 01: that I mean to kill you at
a single blow. Instant death would be too mer-
ciful a fate for such a prime sinner. But limb
by limb—wherevmryou can feel a blow—and
when naught else is left, the trunk I"

“I ask no favurs," sullenly muttered the old
man, still defiant, while his craven son trembled
like a leaf in his chair. “I know the breed of
ye too well for that. The father a murderer
for gold—the son an incendiary—”

The bony hands of Old Mythology closed
around the throat with a vicious mar-what
would soon have ended in death had not dly '
Dash sharply commanded his release. '

“ He’s too p’izen to be let live 1” muttered the
veteran, sulkily, but obeying the order of his
young master.

Though half insensible, the old man lanced
toward the door eagerly, as aquick ootstep
sounded there, but Dead y Dash laughed.

“ ’Tis a lover hastening to the side of his mis-
tress,” and adding, a (cw moments later, as a
sharp, loud scream came from the upper re-
gions, “nor need you build any hopes on that
score. Your guards have all gone to help put
out the fire: they and all others whom you can
call your friends. Onlykour ears heard that
scream."

The old man’s courage began to quail as he
realized how hopelessly he was in the power of
one who he knew had terrible cause to hate
him, and Deadly Dash laughed aloud as he
notfd the pallor that crept over the face of his
VlC 1m. .

“ Listen!” and he paused while the sound bf
foolste 5 came down the stairs and stopped in
the ha 1 just long enough to utter a short whis-
tle, then hasten out of doors. “ There vanishes
one of your h First the parent and now
the daughter escapes on! And thus shall
perish each and every on] or iair dream you
may have entertained. Not until them—not
until you are lowered down below the level of
the very—”

From without ca me the loud shouts of excited
men. Then several pistol-shots in nick suc-
cession. And after them a wild, wailing shriek
asof a woman in mortal agony or grief.

One and all recognized the voice—what of
Sally Bedcll.

Not only that, but even more startling sounds
came to their ears. The tumultuous rush of
many feet, and above that, the sound at a
stentorian voice shouting out the’words: \

“Surround the house, boys! lull all who at-
tempt to come out!” _

There could be only one meaning attached to
this sr eech. Their presence had been discovered,
and their lives hung in the balance.

Both Deadly Dash and Old Mythology had
turned toward the window, and Horace Har-
court leaped to his feet, mteaming for help.

In an instant Sampson was upon him, and
lifting the craven by neck and hips, he hurled
him as from a catapult, headlong through cur-
tains and window, out of the house!

  

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' to the leaping,

18 Deadly Dash.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE EXPLOITS OF A LOVER.
AUTHOUGH a man who had played a double
art for years, who had many sins to answur
or, both of commission and omission, Seth

'Hove , only a few hours earlier in his life,

woul have turned in scorn and utter abhor-
rence from the mere idea. of becoming an in-
cendiary even to injure his most bitter enemy;
but now he set about his nefarious work with a
grim satisfaction that was a foretaste of re-

vefige.

6 had seen his own house in flaming ruins-
houses, barns outbuildings and all. The house
where he had dwelt from childhood, where his
parents had lived and died. He had seen his
enemies even desecrating the neat railing which
had been kept in repair around the graves,where
his father and mother lay, buried beneath the
trees in one corner of the yard—for when they
died there was no graveyard, and only one or
two houses to mark where the village now stood
—-tearing it down and hurling the fragments in-
ncing flames.

He would have known who was the prime
author of this destruction and desecration, even
without the lim as he caught of Horace Har-
court on the ma t, without the report made by
Dick Dado of t o couve satiou overheard b
him, and now that he was about to pay bac
the injuries and insults in like coin, he experi-
ence]? a strong and peculiar satisfaction in the
wor .

The night was dark, both moon and stars be-
ing shut out from human sight by a thick veil
of hazy mist that filled the upper re ions though
scarce] making its dampness felt elnw. But
Seth ovey did not need the aid of light, and
could have wrought his work almost as well had
he been blindfolded. Every foot of the ground
was familiar to him.

He soon found cause to be thankful for the
darkness and gloom. He could tell that the
men of the village were afoot, restless and full
of motion, as though scouting evil in the air.
Perhaps they began to regret the work of the
past night. Such of: them as owned property
similar to that destroyed, may have had time
to reflect that fire is n. two—edged weapon, and
to dread the moment when the red crow should
perch upon their own roof—tree.

Be that as it may, Seth Hove found many
of the villagers astir, and more t an once came
into such close contact with one or another,
that only the friendly darkness preserved him
from recognition, or from having the suspicious
bundles which he carried, recognized, either of
which would have meant an instant fight for
life or death.

He found that, while the building which he
intended to fire was not actually under guard,
the street was regularly patrolled, and lost his
work should be discovered too soon, when it
might be extinguished before he could accom-

lishv‘ his‘other and more important missmn,
goth saw that he must consume much more time
than he hadvallowed himself.

‘It is not necessary for us to follow his steps
one by (me; enough that his intimate knowledge
of his surroundings now stood him in stead
and after some difficulty he manag to cifect

 

an entrance into the lower cellar below the build—
ing proper, where he found an abundance of
fuel in old boards and boxes and waste rubbish
that had collected there.

Over this he s rinkled his turpentine plenti~
fully, and drew t e well-greased henip out into
a long loose rope, one end of which he coiled
around amen the boxes, the other leading to
the narrow ole by which he entered and
which he was prepared to close up with a board
as soon as he could touch off his train.

This he soon did, and only pausing long
enough to assure himself that the conflagration
was fairly started, he adjusted the board and
stole away toward Edwin 1Harcourt’s house,
knowing that five minutes more would insure
the utter destruction of the store and its con-
tents, for of fire engines the village had none.

He felt confident that his allies had been
equally successful with himself, since all was
quiet around the house, and there had been no
alarm given. He could see the faint light
which came from the chamber designated by
Dick Dado as the one where his true~love was
confined, and could hardly restrain his impatient
longing to hasten thither and bear away his bo-
trothed bride. ,

It was lucky, perha s, that Dick Dado ‘camo
upon him then, and to d him that Deadly Dash
and Old Mythology had effected their entrance,
for he had been an eye-witness of all until the
blinds and windows were closed by Sampson.

At this moment a loud cry of fire came from
up the street, and with a happy thought, Seth
bade Dick re t the alarm, and tell the guards,
when they 5 ‘lOllld make their appearance, that
Edwin Harcourt said for them to follow and aid
him in saving his property.

Dick obeyed, Seth meanwhile hiding himself
among the shrubhery in the front yard, and
when the three guards, unnoticing the absence
of one of their number in the confusion of the
moment, or else thinkin he hid home Mr.
Harcourt company, rush through the gate and
up the street toward the momentarily growing
light, he hastened up the steps and entered the
wide hall.

In his ea mess to reach and bear away his
persecuted ride. Hovey never noticed a dark
form lying near the door, else much of what
followed mi ht have been averted.

He rushe up the stairs followed by Dick
Dado, who took the lead when the second floor
was reached, and was quickly at the door of the
chamber where Sally Bedell was confined.

Lover-like, her face and form was all that he
could see, as the look of terror upon her poor,
bruised features changed into an ex ression of
joy when she recognized a. dear frien instead of
an enemy.

One swift leap, and he had her folded tightly
to his breast, raining passionate kisses upon her
upturned face, forgetful of all else in that mo-
ment of blissful reunion.

But not so little Dick Dado.

He saw another being-fa huge, fat negress,
hideous in features as sin itself—and he saw that
she recognized the outlaw chief—that she was
preparing to make her escape in order to give
the alarm, apparently not having seen him.

If not seen, Dick very speedily made himself

3' .fl
,. 4“» ~ r

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fieadly Dash. 19

 

felt, for he darted in front; of the negress, clasp-

ing her huge knees, and making his keen teeth

meet in the mountain of flesh that overhung

him, drawing a loud scram of pain from her

lips, and awakening Seth Hovey to a sense of
' the imprudence he had been ilty of.

Grasping her by the shou dcrs and pressing
one knee into her back as he exerted his strength,
Hoveyfluickly overturned the huge animal, and
with ick’s assistance, soon contrived to bind

'her hand and foot, thrusting a towel into her
mouth and binding it fast.

“ God bless you, lad!” he cried, impulsively.

“ Only for you, there would have been the devil
to pay, all throuth my thoughtlessness. We
must get out of ere—Sally, dear, wrap that
shawl around you. The night air is cool and
damp, and there is a long ride before you.
Hastcn, dearest.”
g Yet even while bidding her thus, lover-like,
he was hindering rather than helping her. But
that was only natural. And there was only lit—
tle Dick to see them, for the hideous old negross
was too badly frightened for her own self to
take notes, and he had run a great risk in order
to rescue her-- and lovers will be lovers though
the heavens fall!

But at length the fair one was bundled up
:suificxently to satisfy; his tener solicitude, and
With Dick leading t 0 way, and Sally hanging
upon his arm, the outlaw chief descended the
stairs. While Dick opened the door and peered
forth in order to make sure that the coast was
clear, Hovcy uttered the whistle that told Dead-
ly Dash and Old Mytholgy that he had succeed—
ed in his purpose.

And then they left the building, ignorant that
the dark form was no longer lying there in the
shadow—ignorant of all the peril and injury that
its disappearance was to work them!

T: explain this, a brief retrospection must be
ma e.

After aiding Deadly Dash. to enter the open
window, from ofl’ his bowed shoulders, Old M ~
thology hastened to the front door, cautious y
trying the knob, finding it turn freely. He
opened the door and entered, the first object his
e es resting on being a stout negro, seated in a
0 air, asleep, his duty evidently being to answer
the door.

Sampson had come prepared for some such
emergency, and his muscular fingers closed
around the throat of the negro. checking all out;-
cry, and drag mg him out of the chair, he soon
had him boun and gagged. It; was the sounds
attending the operation that aroused the hopes
of the Harcourts, only to be dashed by the ap—
pearance of one whom he recognized as a bitter
and relentless enemy.

The veteran had performed his work well, but
as the fates would have it, there was a weak
spot in the thong that bound the wrists of the
negro together. and by a desperate effort, this
was snapped, a. brief time before Seth Hovey
and Dick Dado entered the building. The negro
recognized them just as he had recognized Old
Mythology, for it will be remembered that he
was at the frustrated lynching, Since his return
frightened Dick Dado from his lurking-place in
the rose-bush.

He was a shrewd fellow, faithful to his master,

 

and as soon as he could free his feet, he hastened
away for hel . And when Seth Hovey left the
house with is betrothed, the alarm had been
given, and a score of armed men were hiistcnmg
to the rescue of the Village autocrat.

The one broad street was brilliantly illumin-
ated by the'red glare of the burning building,
and Hovey thItatcd for a moment at the gate
before emerging, but then, biddi Sally en-
velop her face in the shawl while he ouched his
hat far down over his brows, he made the adven-
ture.

And there is little doubt but what he would
have effected his escape Lei ore the settlers whom
the negro alarmed could have reached the spot,
had not a. man turning the corner of the yard
ran violently against him, knocking the hat
from his head with the force of their collision,
and turning him half-way around, so that the
red glow fell full upon his countenance.

The man was a farmer who lived a short ways
out of town, who had made all haste to the vil-
lage as soon as the Conflagration became visible,
but be was one of those who had been engaged
in the lynching affair, and immediately recog-
nized the outlaw chief.

He utteer a cry of surprise, then, bein no
cowarl, sprung at Hovey‘s throat, taking im
at a disadvantage, since the right arm of the
outlaw became entangled in the shawl of the
maiden, and before he could free it, his throat
was tightly compressed, and his heels kicked
from under him.

All the time the settler was shouting loudly
for help, and this guided the alarmed men to the
spot, shouting as they ran.

Hovcy knew that capture now would be but
another name for death, and managing to free
one of his revolvers, he thrust it against the
ribs of his assailant and fired.

Instantly that vicious gri relaxed, and cast—
ing off the body-for the s at had been a. fatal
one—the outlaw arose.

For the moment he was blinded, and moved
away rather than toward Sally, who stood as
though petrified, and before he could rectin
his mistake the enemy was upon him, the re-
volvers cracking venomously, and with a short,
half-stdiflcd cry, he reeled and fell heavily to the
groun .

The fall of her lover broke the spell that was
11 on the maiden, and with a shrill shriek of
bitter grief, she sunk on his body, shielding him
from further harm with her own person.

 

CHAPTER IX.
DEADLY DASH TO THE RESCUE.

EDWIN HARCOURT also sprung to his feet,
but whether it was to aid his son or to attempt
making his escape, will never be known, for
Deadly Dash instantly realized the imprudence
he had been ilty of, and turning upon the old
sinner be shifted the heavy revolver in his hand
then dealt him a crushing blow upon the skull
that knocked him senseless and uivering in his
tracks. And even as he dealt e sturdy blow,
his other hand swept the lam from the table,
leaving the room in almost tote darkness.

A faint red glow came in through the broken
window, strong enough for the twain to distin-

i

 

90 ' Deadly Dash.

guish each other and act in concert, but not re-
vealing the objects within to those outside with
sufficient clearness to render their position in-
stantly dangerous.

Those few moments had been well employed
by the settlers, who were close upon the building
when Horace Harcourt uttered a wild cry for
help, and when that worthy was hurled head-
long through the window, carrying both blind
and sash with him, he was pounced upon by the
excited villagers, who believed him to be one of
the outlaws, making a desperate attempt at es-

ca . .
flair excitement was intense and each man
burned to deal at least one blow upon the
match. None of them wished or thought of
slaying, since the victim was helpless in their
hands, for that would only be to cheat the hang-
man’s noose, and so only the weapons bestowed
upon them by nature were brought into play.

Deadly Dash heard the fierce tumult, and had
no diifl :ulty in divining its cause. Even in that
moment of extreme peril, when their lives hung
as it were by a thread, he could not help laugh-
ing aloud at the singular error his enemies had
fallen into. -

“Brass prison 0’ Mars, an’ winged heels of
Mercury!” exclaimed Old Mythology in a re-
proachnt undertone, as this sound came to his
ears. “ Is this a monkey show or a circus whar
you come to laugh at the clownl Better wo
git out 0’ here in a hurry, ’stead o’ laughin’.”

“ That we may do now, and without 'much
danger, I believe." responded Deadly Dash, in
the same uaried tone of voice. “This side of
the house is in the shadow, and the fools are so
bus pmnding that cowardly rascal that they
wil not he very apt to see us as we drop out of

’ the window.”

While speaking, Deadly Dash was not idle.
He cautiously 5le d behind the blind that
covered the one, Window on the south side of
the room, and quietly raised the sash.

The burning building was to the north, or up
the principal street, and this fact cast that side
of the house into the deepest shadow, rendering
(tibjects invisible at the distance of a very few

13

ee .

As he listened to hear if any of their enemies
were lurking near, Old Mythology anticipate).
him, and thrust himself throu :h the opening, to
hear the first brunt. if danger there should be.
But there came back only a faint hiss. that tol 1
Deadly Dash the mast was clear, and the next
moment the youth alighted beside his faithful
friend. '

With weapons ready for use in case they
shoull be intercepted, the two adventurers crept
along in the deeper shadows, where the shrub-
bery was densest, and quickly gained the fence,
without having encountered any foemen, thonqu
loud cries and excited shots seemed to come
from every spot save the particular one they oc-
cupied. ‘

Their danger would begin in earnest, as soon
as they should cross the fence and enter the fire—
lighted street, but as he caught sight of a con—
fused group only a few rods before him—as be
distinguished the prostrate form of a man, with
arwoman bending over him, being forcibly torn
from the body by half a. dozen arms, she scream-

 

ing and begging for mercy-not for herself, but
for the one whom she was trying to protect from
their weapons—Deadly Dash forgot this, and
leaping over the barrier, he ran swiftly to the
rescue.

Old Mythology made one ineffectual map at,
the youth, then followed swiftly, to s are his
fate for weal or woe.

Deadly Dash did not pause to count the odds.
He onl saw that the man whose friend and ally
be b so strangely become, was in trouble;
that, and heard the appealing cries of a. woman
in distress. '

Yet he acted with a degree of coolness far be-
yond his ears, uttering no sound. retaining his
fire unti so near that every shot should count
tvgithout running any risk of striking the wfimg

rget.

Then he opened fire, and every shot was aimed
to kill or disable, for he knew that the rescue
must be speedy and complete, for the sounds of
flr ng w0uld turn all eyes upon them, and lead
to a united charge of the enemy in that direc-
tiou.

Only a few feet behind, Old Mythology ably
seconded the actions of his oung master, and
almost before she or they ran .zed the truth, the
maiden was free, and three of the assailants were
writhing upon the ground.

“Pick him up—make for the shadows l” cried
Deadly Dash, hurling himself upon the two set-
tlers still afoot, felling one with a swift stroke
from his pistol-butt, and causing the other to
turn and flee as though the foul fiend and all his
imps were at his heels. ,

Old Mythology grasped the form of the out-
law chief and flung it across his broad shouldersi
while Deadly Dash, with one arm flung aroun
the waist of the half—fainting girl, led the way
toward a portion of the villege where a clump
of densely-leaved trees cast a deep gloom over
the earth.

All this had transpired with far greater ra-
pidity than it can be read, and the rescue was
effected before any of the settlers within eye-
sight could fairly comprehend what was the ex-
act situation ot' affairs.

But now as our friends turned to flee, the
spell seemed broken, and a few hast shots were
discharged after them, while with end and an-
gry rallying cries, the settlers rushed forward in
wt pursuit. ~

With a backward glance Deadly Dash saw
this. and s etched away the horn worn by Seth
Hovev. clapped itto his lips and sent forth the
shrill blast that would tell the outlaw band that
their services Wore needed.

At this sound the settlers slackened their pace
and finally paused. evidently afraid of being
drawn into an ambush.

As he noticed this welcome fact. Deadly Dash
pressed on with increased speed, in a few mo-
ments gaining the desired refuge.

In the thickest of the shadow stood a stable,
Md near it were several large piles of cordwood.
Without the aid of a light, it would require very
close searching to discover those in hiding here,
unless they were willing to be found.

“ Lay low here. and guard them until I can
send horses and help,” said Deadly Dash, hurried-
ly addressing Old Mythology. “ I must go and

 

 

 

 
 

, «m:

 

   
 

 

  

  
    
  
    
    
 
  
  
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  

Deadly Dash.

21

 

meet the hand or they‘ll only mix up matters
worse than they are."

Without pausing for a reply, he darted away
through the loom, heading so as to intercept
his allies, an as soon as he had to a safe
distance from the hiding-place, e again sound—
ed his horn, repeating this at brief intervals,
both to guide the horsemen, andto guard against
their riding over him or treating him as one of
the enemy.

A few moments later he was among them
and hastily mounting his own Lorse, briefly told
them what had occurred; that their Chit t was
slightly wounded, and the spot where he was in
waiting with Miss Bedell and Old Mythology,
for the spare horses, was quickly described.

Two men were dispatched thither with the ex—

, tra horses, and then Deadly Dash briefly ad-

dressed the outlaw hand.
“ Were we to retreat now, it would give these

_ rascals fresh courage, and they would follow

us hotly. Besides. we have been able toonly
partially accomplish our purpose. If you will
trusWourselves under my command—’ '
“ e’ll follow wherever you lead,” cried a
sturdy voice.
“ Then enough is saidl and'we will give these
fellows something to talk about. Spread out. and

, sweep the stree clean as we go I” cried Deadly

'Dash, all afire, he a young tiger that has just
taken its first ta: to of human blood.

These orders were greeted with a wild, exult—
nnt yell, for Seth Hovey had ever kept a stifl!
curb on his men and now that they were bid-
den to give to vent to their reckless nature,
they were like boys fresh loosed from school.

That tumultuous yell told the startled settlers
what was coming, and completed the demoral-
ization begun by the shrill trumpet blast.

They had no acknowled leader. were ig-
norant of all discipline, an thought not of reso-
lute co-operation, but each man looked after his
own safety, as the yelling troop came thundering
down the street, their weapons flashing in the
ruddy glow, for two buildings adjoining the
one first fired were now all ablaze.

The outlaws made good use of the privilege
accorded them, and wherever a iootman was
seen scuttling along in mad t rror. a dozen pis-
tol balls were sent whistling after him.

For the most part these went wide of the
mark. for night firing is but uncertain work at
the best, and when the marksman is riding a
spirited horse at full gallop, the difficulty, of
bringing down a movingtarget is increased a
thousand-fold. Nevertheless, more than one
bullet found its billet.

Clear through the village swept the reckless
riders, none enjoying the mad race more than
the stripling who rode at the head, his long curl
floating in the breeze caused by his own swift
passage his taco gloriously beautiful as that of
an archangel.

As they turned and swept their way back
again, they were met by Old Mythology, who
fell in alongside his young master.

In a few hasty words he said that they had
been found by the men sent forward, that Seth

, Hovey was not seriously hurt, but that be de-

siredhim, Deadly Dash, to leave the majority

f I (it his men to keep up the excitement, while he

 

Sfiécllil‘ed both Edwin Harcourt and Black Dan
0 er.

“That was In intention at first. but in the
mad excitement had forgotten all about them ”
admitted Deadly Dash. with a short laugh.
“ We’ll not need men men for the work. B011
ler is wounded and arcourt knocked senseless.
I only hope f did not kill him—such a death
would be too great a mercy for one guilty of his
crimesl” .

“ Better send what men we don’t want back
to the boss, then,” said Sampson, in a guarded
tone. “ You’ve woke the devil up in ’em, an’
it’s no two to one they won’t cut loose ’mong the
women an’ children.’

This was good advice and Deadly Dash acted
upon it, leading the entire band over to where
Seth Hovey, a little stiff and sore from a bullet-
wound in his shoulder, added to the rough
handling he received before he was rescued,
and acefully resigned his command.

“ hree men to bring Boller here are all I will
need ” he said. “ My old friend and I can han-
dle fiarcourt.”

Hovey detailed the three men requested, and
bidding them make what haste was compatible
with due prudence, dismissed them on their im-
portant mission.

The five men rode direct up to the Harcourt
mansion, dismounting at the steps, and leaving
their horses in charge of one of their number
rushed into the house, two of them running u
stairs in quest of the wounded traitor, whi 0'
Deadly Dash and Old Mythology entered the
room wh‘ re they had left the old man insensio

ble.
But the room was empty—Edwin Harcourt
was gone]

 

CHAPTER X.
A BILLETED BULLET.

THIS was a balk totally unexpected, and for
the first few moments our two adventurers
could not brin themselves to believe that Ed-
win Harcourt ad indeed escaped them Only
such a very short time had elapsed since Deadly
Dash struck him down with a blow' from his
heavy revolver—butt full upon his unprotected
head, that it did not seem possible for him to
have recovered sufficiently to escape from the
room, much less the house.

Under this impression, not yet forgetting pru-
dence so far as to bring the hall lamp into the
room, to yield their rsons a plain target for
some steadier nerve than common among: the
villagers, Deadly Dash and Old Mythology
groped their way around the room, feeling in
every corner. until fully convinced that Edwm
Harcourt had certainly made his escape, either
alone or aided.

“The devil’s claimed his own—that's my
idee !” muttered Old Mythologyin a tone of utter
disgust. “While we was playin’. the fool out
yonder. he slipped in an’ kerried him 011—”

“ It mav be that he is still in the house,” in-
terposed Deadly Dash. not exactly relishing this
left-handed ship, for he knew now that he had
indeed acted foolishly, in ” playing circus "
through the town. instead of at once securing
the advantage he had gained and making sure
of the second object of their bold raid—the cap-

  

gg ’ Deadly Dash.

 

ture of Edwin Harcourt and Black Dan Boiler.
“ If u stairs, the boys will rout him out; let us
look t rou h the rooms below."

Deadly ash, no longer thinking of an am-
hushed shot, took down the hall lamp and made
a hasty but thorough search through the other
three rooms of the ground floor. only desistiug
when satisfied that Edwin Harcourt was not
hidden in in any place in those regions.

As they returned to the hell, they were met
by the two men who had been dispatched up-
stairs after Black Dan Boller, returned as they
went empty-handed.

“'llhar’s not a livin‘ soul up thar, ’less you
call a big, fat nigger wench one; an" she’s truss-
ed up like a hog ready for roastin’,” was the
terse report made by them.

Deadly Dash looked sorely perplexed. He
could account for the escape of Edwin Har-
court b allowing him an unusually thick and
tough s all, since his limls were left sound and
unfettered, but how the traitorous outlaw, who
was su posed to be seriously wounded, could
have 1e t his bed, much less the house, was be-
yond his comprehension.

He was unwilling to return wholly empty~
handed, and though he knew that delay might
be dangerous, he led the way up the broad
flight of stairs, followed by the three men, and
by the aid of the lamp he still carried, insti-
tuteda careful and thorough search for the lost
game.

But at length even he was obliged to admit
that it was lost-that if either of those men for
whom they were searching was under that
roof, they had stowed themselves away in hid—
ing lac as unusually snug.

“ hey’s more days a~comin’, an’ by the sar-
pint 0‘ Minervyl we’ll ketch the slip ry coons
whar the wool’s short, yit!” was t e consola—
tory remark made by Old M thology, as they
descended the stairs, extinguis ed the lamp and
emerged from the building, where the man left
in charge of the horses greeted them with ill-
concealed anxiet .

“Thar’s trouble a-hrewin’ down yender!” he
exclaimed. “ Somehody‘s takin’ the lead ’mong
the critters we skeei'ed so bad, an’ rallyin‘ ’em
right smart, I should reckon.”

This was clearly evident from the sounds
which came from the direction indicated; near
_ the lower end of the street, where the lessening

glardof the fire hardly penetrated.

The sounds, shouts and cheers of men, min-
gled with clear, sharp words in an authorita-
tive voice, were not such as would be made by
persons in a panic, but told the hearers that
some master-spirit was at work busily rallying
the villagers in numbers that might speedily be-
come dangerous. .

“Follow—on to where we left the captain!”
cried Deadly Dash, leaping into the saddle and
riding rapidly across the fire—lighted street

As he did so, from the dark shadows that lay
on the south side of the building, there become
visible two bright flashes, and a. brace of bullets
Whistlod past his person, fortunately Without
inflicting any injury. But the incident showed
them all that with the brief lull in the attack,
the enemy were rapidly regaining their natural
courage.

 

 

A few moments carried them to where the
outlaw leader and the remainder of his hand
were awaiting their arrival.

Deadly Dash coldly delivered his report, his
stiffness increased by the knowledge that he
was mainly to blame for the escape of Edwin
Harcourt, if not of both the persons they were
so desirous of securing, but if Seth Hovey en-
tertained the same belief, he showed it not by
word or gesture. I

He would have been less than human could he
have forgotten so soon the intrepid manner in
which this youth had rescued him from almost
certain death.

“The sooner we leave the place, then, the
better," he said. “ We will soon have a hornet‘s
nest about our ears—”

“Mebbe I’m a old fool,” bluntly interrupted
Old Mythology, “ but yer’s the way I look at it.
Ef we run now, they’ll foller us red-hotter then
Orion when he chased the gal—pigeons. That’d
be jist the one thing they want to make 'em as
bold as the giants that built a ladder o’ moun-
tains for to scale heaven itself! But one good
chargeha heap o’ loud yells, an’ a few bitin"
bullets ’11 set ’em wild ag’in.”

Tho outlaw chief hesitated. He believed that.
a charge would bring on a fight, in which some-
of his men. mi ht be killed or injured, but Old.

Mythology ad ed :

“ Better 21 little scrimmage now, when the:

odds is on our side, then wait until they git a
good ready. lVe kin scatter ’em now, but when

they all git together, it’llbe a boss of a diflerent.

color. They’ll foller us to the hole in the wall,

an’ mebbe cut in ahead 0’ us, while we’re break-‘

in" the trail—"

“ He is right," interposed Deadly Dash. “ You
are wound
charge in addition. Take several of the men,
and strike for the Retreat. I will lead the rest,

charge down and scatter those fellows, then.

swing around and overtake you.”

The majority of the outlaws, reckless of per-
sonal danger, like all of their class, were eager
for the ad Ienture, and Seth Hovey reluctantly
gave his consent.

Ho, Sally, Joshua Bedell, and several of the
men, started on the retreat, while Deadl, Dash,
at the head of the main force, with Old ytho-v
logy at his’side, walked their horses toward the.
lower eui of the town, where the settlers were:
being rallied. hoping to get near enough before
being discovered to override all opposition and
effectually put a stop to all further movements
of t‘ie sort, at least for that night.

dBut in this they were fated to be disappoint-

e .
From out the darkness came several pistol-
shots and one of the outlaws fell from his sad-
dle like a log of wood. shot stone dead, while
another uttered a curse of rage and pain as a
bullet tore through his cheek.

Instantly Deadly Dash was beside the fallen
man, but found him beyond all earthly aid, and
leaping into the saddle again, he gave the word
to charge down the street.

It was a wild, impetuous rush, such as few
trained troops could have withstood, and the
settlers scattered before them like chair hem“;
a gust of wind,

ed, and have a lady under your'

    

   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
 

he

i .1 out“. . 
>mefiV—Iy-7' .

.i
if
i,
i

 

    

 

 

a.
I

 

 

u

 

Deadly Dash. 23

 

Still, a number of show were fired as they
were swallowed u by the darkness, and one of
the bullets was bi leted.

Old Mythology felt his left arm swing pow~
erless, while a thousand red-hot needles seemed
piercing the flesh above his elbow, but no sound
save a hissmg curse passed his lips and Deadly
Dash never suspected how seriously his old friend
was wounded.

- Old Mythology had his reasons for acting thus.

He knew that were Deadly Dash to learn how
severe was his injury, the impulsive youth
would insist upon givin it the proper attention,
no matter what the ris incurred by so doing,
and the safety of his young companion was of
infinime more importance to him than his own
comfort, or even life.

So, saying nothing of the wound, though the
pain as the shattered bones ground together
with every motion, was exquisite, the tough old
fellow loosened his belt a hole or two, poked his
am through it, than drew it tight again, thus
pinning his arm firmly to'his side.

Sweeping around as intended, after scattering
the enemy. Deadly Dash led his men at a swift
trot until Seth Hovey and companions were
overtaken, then resigned his temporary com-
mand, falling back alongside his old friend.

It was fortunate for the secret which the lat-
ter was determined to keep, if it lay Within the
limits of human endurance, until the Retreat
was reached, that Deadly Dash did not feel in
the humor for conversation. The pain pro—
duced by the grinding of the shattered bones
was so great that he must have betrayed him-
self were he forced to speak.

As it was, the blood was flowing freely from
the wound, thanks to the motion of the horse he
bestrode, despite the handkerchief which he had
contrived to bind tightly around it, and as they
put mile after mile behind them, this loss of

lood began to tell even upon his iron frame.
He fall that he was grewing receptiny weak.
er, turning faint and sick at e stomach from
this and the in tense pain.

But he made no sign, gave no moan, until
they reached the point where the creek was to
be crossed. And then, but for the keen eyes
of Deadly Dash, he would have lain as he sunk,
upon the neck of his home.

Alarmed, Deadly Dash grasped at him, and
felt that one side of his friend was literally satu-
rated with blood.

He instantly gave the alarm, and though Old
Mythology. rousing himself as he heard the
words, feeny declared, that he was good for a
ride of a thousand miles further, a halt was
called, he was lifted from the saddle and gently
deposited under a tree.

Fortunately there was one among the out-
law band who had been a surgeon in good prac-
tice before liquor degraded him to the level he
now occupied, and Seth Havey bade him do the
best he could for the wounded man.

It was Old M thologv himself that urged
Hovey to push on or the Retreat at full speed.
lest the enemy should get ahead of and ambush
them.

There was sound sense in this observation, and
all rode on save the surgeon, Joshua Baden, two
outlaws and the two friends,

 

Though there might be danger in it, a fire
was clearly a necessity before the wound could
be properly attended to, and movin some dis
tance from the road, one was kind] in a se-
cluded spot.

Not a little to his gratification, since he was
unprovided with instruments. the surgeon found
that the bullet had passed entirely through the
arm, and after being cleansed, there was noth-
ing to do but bandage and put the broken mem-
ber in splints, until it could receive more careful
treatment when the cave was reached.

Still, this consumed more time than any, un-
less it was the patient, realized; time that was
far more precious than gold.

For, just as the surgeon was putting the final
touches to his work, with a complacency truly
professmnal, the sharp crackling of a decayed
stick came to their ears, causing them one and
all to glance in that direction, intuitively feeling
that there was trouble brewing of some sort. ,

And a moment later these suspicions were
fully verified, in a manner that was truly ap-
palling!

 

CHAPTER XI.

WHAT AN EVIL MAN CAN DO.

DEADLY DASH was quite right in concluding
that Edwin Harcout was endowed by nature
with an uncommonly hard head, for in fact he
was upon his feet and looking out of the ruined
window, a witness of the daring manner in
which two of his enemies rescued other two out
of the clutch of the settlers. And he saw their
further retreat until tho black shadows swal-
lowed them up. .

A bitter curse broke from his lips, and that
sound attracted the attention of the men who
were gathered around the luckless wretch whom
the powerful arms of Old Mythology had flung
headlong through the window.

The red glow from the crumbling buildings
shone upon his face with sufficient strength for
it to be instantly reco ized, despitc the blood
which trickled over it from a scralp wound
among his gray hairs, and one of their number
called out in a rather uncertain tone of consola-
tion:
“ W'e’ve got one of ’em safe enough, anyhow
—'the one you knocked endlong through the
window!”

“ Ye blind fools!” snarled Harcourt, fairly
gnashing his teeth, so intense was his rage and
disappointment. “ That is my son Horace. If
you have done him any injury, by the hand
that made me! I‘ll hang every mother’s son of

ell?
y This outburst gave the men their first suspi-
cion of the truth—that they had been expending
their blows upon a friend instead of an enemy-—
and before Edwin Harcourt could makehis way
out of the building, they had made the discovery
and fled in hot haste.

So Edwin Harcourt found the body of his son
wholly deserted when he reached the spot, the
bruised and battered face upturned in the red
li ht, looking.r horrible enough.

gm; am. glance told him all, yet he knelt be-
side what had once been his son, and only ceased
his unavailing efforts to detect some lingering

.v

____._..__s..._..._m

 

24 ' Deadly Dash.

 

trace of life. when the clear blast of the horn
sounded by Deadly Dash told him that the stir-
 events of that night were not yet over.

hen came the longing for revenge, and
warned of the necessity for haste by the repeated
blasts of the horn, Edwin Harcourt only paused
to drag the corpse of his son under a rosebush,
» where it would escape casual observation, then
entered the house, secured his weapons and set
of! to rally the villa ers.

He could effect litt e until after that headlong
charge down and up the street by the reckless
outlaws, for the villagers were too thoroughly
alarmed for his undeniably great influence over
them to make itself felt at once, but during the
lull that followed, his efforts were better rc-
warded. ,

Naturally the villagers had fled toward the
lower end of their town, since there the shadows
were deepest. affording them a better chance of
eluding the enemy, and it was there that Edwin
Harcourt put forth his greatest endeavors, while
precious time was being; lost by the enemy in
vainly searching the house, under guidance of
Deadly Dash.

He told those whom be had co‘lecterl together,
that the odds were all on their side, if they only
chose, to think so.

“The entire hand does not number above
twenty,” he cried, earnestly. f‘ Black Dan
Boiler told me so. Then why do you let them
scatter you. like a flock of timid sheep, when
there are nearly fifty good, stout men and hen-
est, within the sound of my voice? Bah! you
can crush them at a single blow, it you only
think sol”

Much more to the same purport he said, and
one by one the village flocked around him.

Their courage and confidence, too, were rally-
ing in a like ratio, and had the final charge led
by Deadly Dash and Old Mythology been do—
layerl for a few minutes longer, the result would
certain] have been more disastrous, and the
outlaw and have encountered a more vigorous
defense.

As it was, the settlers scattered even while
delivering their first and only volley, and with
them went Edwin Harcourt. ‘

It was his hand that discharged the bullet
which crippled Old Mythology, but which had
been intended for the heart of Deadly Dash,
whom the old man quickly recognized.

The outlaws had scarcely passed before Har-
court was once more rallying hi; fellow-towns-
men, more determined than before to carry the
war into the enemy’s country. .

“It is either they or us.” he cried, earnestly.
“ One party or the other must perish. And un—
less we turn upon them before long, we will
have nothing left to fight for but our are lives

“They have shown us a specimen of their
work to-night. They have shot down our men
and burned our houses. They have caused the
death of my sen-he lies murdered yonder in my
door-yard. And if we meekly sit down beneath
this sore infliction, before another week passes,
there will not be a single family in our town
but what will be called upon to mourn as I am
mourning! '

“We must kill or be killed. There is no mid-
dle course: Then look to: your Weapons and

\

 

place yourselves hnZler my guidance. I promise
you both revenge and success.

“I could lead you direct to the cave where
the assassins hide from justice. I can tell you
their secret signals and passwords, for I learned
them all from Black Dan Bollcr on promising to
i156 my influence in saving him from the gal-
ows.

“ If we are prompt, we can reach the rendez-
vous before the enemy, for while we can ride
direct thither, they are oblirred to conceal their
trail by following the winding bed of the creek
and taking many other precautions that will
consume much time. Thus we can get ahead of
them, and placing ourselves in ambush, kill or
capture the entire gang without giving them
the chance to fire a single shot ere all is over,”
and half an hour after that last charge. full
a score and a half of wellardied men were inthe
saddle, ready for the adventure.

Erlwin Harcourt led them out of town at a
rapid trot, Tom Mason riding at his side and
acting as general adviser. By his advice they
were to follow the main road until at the point
where the creek was first struck, then take a
beelino for the hills in which the cave was
situated. And it was his prudence that sent
him, as scout, nhcad of the part , on foot. when
they neared the stream, lest t e outlaws, sus-
pecting pursuit, should have laid an ambush at
or near the crossing.

His keen eye, unimpaired by his wound, and
trained by many an encounter of skill with the
wily red—skins during his long career as trapper,
quickly discovered a small fire kindled in a
secluded spot. and stealing forward he took in
the peculiar scene at a glance, then retreated as
silently and hastened to report to Harcourt.

“’Tain‘t no trap or ambuscade,” he said,
positively, “or they wouldn’t hev started a fire.
They’s only six. nn’ one 0’ them is wounded.
They’re a—dressin’ of his arm.” ‘

“ Who are. they? Any one of importance
among them?”

“The cripple is the big gray teller that rid
of with J osh Bedell. jest when we thought the
rope was sure 0’ him. Then the young teller
that kep’ him comp’ny is thar. So is Josh
Bedell himself—"

A fierce snarl of exultation came from the
parted lips of Edwin Harcourt at this informa-
tion, and he started forward a pace as though
about to rush singlehanded upon his enemies,
but Mason checked him.

“They ain’t no sech hurry, an’ ye may lose
some on 'em onless you take it cool an’ easy.
They’ve got a nasty hurt to do up—broken
bones, I reckon—air it’ll take time.”

By a violent effort Harcourt subdued his
strong emotions, and became once more the
cool, clear-headed man of business.

“ We must kill or capture them all, but there
must be no mistakes,“ he said. his manner in
startling contrast to the excitement that he had
so recently exhibited. “Joshua Bodell, the
wounded man and the young fellow who calls
himself Deadly Dash, are one and all murderers.
but they must not be injured, if We can possibly
take them alive. As for the others. they deserve
death. and you will shoot them down without
mercy,

 

 
 

  

 

.371,

   
   
  
 
    
   
   
    
  
 

 

 
   
   
  
   
    
  
  
    

  

 

«a

 

 

 

w“:

’ fact that his young master was still upon his

-- that was admost pathetic, for none could know

Deadly

 

“ Remember, hour, the three men whom I
have named, must be captured, not shot; for
the rope is their just portion.”

A general assent was given, and a dozen men
were selected by Tom Mason, including Har-
court and himself. Toni led the way, and in a
few moments they were within sight of the tell—
tale fire, where the surgeon was just putting the
finishing touches to his work.

Stealthin they crept forward upon their un-
suspecting prey and succeeded in gaining a
position from whence they could command each
one of the party with full certainty, before
making a sound that hinted of their presence.

Then a dried branch snapped under the pres-
sure of Edwin Harcourt’s knee. as he sought
thus to render his aim more certain, and as the
eyes of the outlaws turned instinctively in that
direction, Harcourt cried out:

“ Fire! death to the outlawed assassins!”

And as though forgetful of his particular
charge to his men, the villain wi h a steady
aim, sent the contents of his shot-gun directly
to the heart of Joshua Bedell.

CHAPTER XII.
DEADLY DASH PLAYS A LONE HAND.

WITH only that brief warning—that one sus-
picious sound as of a dried stick snapping be«
neath the trend of an approaching enemy—then
came the cruel voice, dr0wncd by the uni‘ed ex-
plosion of a dozen rifles or shotguns. And then
Deadly Dash found himself the onl living per-
son standing erect and unharm beside that
fatal fire!

Eager to make sure of their prey, the man-
hunters, as soon as their deadly volley was
fired, rushed forward with loud shouts, to seize
upon and overpower the survivors who were
doomed to the rope, before they could recover
from the terrible surprise sufficiently to make
any troublesome resistance.

Butin this they counted without their host.

Two of the enemies were alive, the oldest and

oungest of the party, and both were men who
{new not the meaning of personal fear.

The instant that the enemy showed them-
selves, Old Mythology. who lay, his back sup—
ported against a treetrunk. and Deadly Dash,
who stood erect in the full glow of the small fire,
opened fire upon them with their revolvers.

Sudden and terrible as the ambuscade had
been, it had not affected the nerves of those two
dauntless spirits. for SWift as were their mo-
tions, shot follovving shot in rapid succession,
each bullet was billeted and went straight home
to its mark.

The surprisers were surprised now, and their
charge was checked momentarily.

That brief breathing space gave Old Mythol—
ogy time to realize what had occurred, and the

 

feet. to all appearance unharmed.

The rare strength of his affection was made
manifest then. .

“Make a break fer it. lad!” he Whispered
hears 1v. “Be lively an’ you kin git away
onder kiver o’ the darkness Make haste to the
cave, an’ fetch back help—gomquickl”

 

The last words were added with a cunning

better than the speaker that lon before such a
race could be made, he would far beyond
human aid. But he also knew that no purely
Bersonal consideration would induce Deadly
ash to abandon his side in that crisis of peril.

The enemy recoiled, but it was only for a mm
ment.

“ Rush in and take them alive if you can—if
not, kill them I” shouted a fierce voice which
Deadly Dash had no difficulty in recognizing as
that of Edwin Harcourt.

It was this rather than the cunning appeal of
his old friend that influenced the youth. He
tried to catch a. glimpse of the speaker, but at
that moment a bush intervened, and he failed.
Then, despite the command, several shots were
hastily dischar by the enemy, one grazing
the temple of t 6 young man, while others out
hisgarments, but as if he bore a charmed life,
blood Was not drawn nor skin broken. as he
made a swift. cat-like leap and passed beyond
the limited circle of light.

Old Mythology believed Deadly Dash was actr
ing on his advice, and holding his own life as of
no value in comparison, he did all he could toin-
sure the supposed fu 'tive a fair start.

As the enemy bro e cover. be raised hisre-

volver and sent a bullet through the breast of '

the foremost man, and would have added an-
other victim to the price demanded for his life,
had not Torn Mason swiftly swung around his
rifle and shattered its stock over the dauntless
fellow’s head. doubling him over sideways, ap-
parent] dead.

But cadly Dash had-not taken to flight. He
only sought to more nearly equalize the odds by
taking advantage of the darkness, and he saw
the stroke that ended the stubborn resistance of
Old Mythology.

Quick as thought his revolver was leveled, but
he was a moment too late to check the blow,
and his bullet, strikinga stout twig in its course,
was diverted from its aim, whistling harmless-
ly past the trapper’s ear.

“Scatter and surround him!” howled rather
than shouted Edwin Harcourt, then he uttered
a low cry that he knew would\ bring on the
remainder of his men, and listened eagerly.

Deadly Dash heard all as recorded above.
He fully realized his peril. and knew that little
short of a miracle could carry him safely
through.

Bringing all his skill into play, helay flat upon
his stomach and crawled along like a human ser-
pent. not in retreat, but seeking to gain a View
of his enemy, Edwin Harcourt. ‘

In afew moments he made out the position

of Edwin Harcourt, when the latter, as the
horsemen came up, called out his order. biddm
them dismount and form a Wide circle cream
the fire, then gradually contract their lines,
beating every bush and covert until their game
was found. ‘

The plan was one that seemed to promuse al-
most certain success, but Deadly Dash was
nothing daunted; he knew that he could have
his revenge long era the cordon was drawn
closely about him.

Foot by foot, yard by yard hecrept around,

not the faintest noiso or rustle betraying his

progress, until finally he gained a point

5"!“ .

an _. h

26

Deadly Dash.

 

whence he could obtain a clear view of his bit-
ter enemy, outlined against the faint glow of the
dying fire.

Steadily his revolver was raised until the
sights drew full upon the head of Edwin Har-
court, who was kneeling at the foot of a tree,
his gun ti htly grasped really for use when the
game shou d break cover. is right elbow be-
came clearly defined against the firelight, Dead-
ly Dash quickly shifted his aim and fired, cry-
ing out:

‘ Limb by limb—a thousand deaths in one!”

A wild yell of bitter agony burst from the
wounded man, and was answered by a general
rush on the part of the enemy toward the spot.

But Deadly Dash was prepared for this, and
striking down Tom Mason, who chanced to be
the man nearest him, leaving the knife sheathed
in the trapper’s heart, he broke through the line,
lea upon one of the horses and sped away.

or nearly a mile he rode at full speed, then,

knowin that he was followed, he' alighted,

struck ‘s confiscated horse a fierce blow that

- sent it at a mad gallop along the road, then
plunged into the woods.

All that has been detailed here passed with
great rapidity, not more than ten minutes elaps-
mg between the first and last shot around that
fatal fire, and so it came to pass that Deadly
Dash, having shaken of! his pursuers, was far
on his way to the cave when he heard sounds
that told him the outlaws were hastening back
to the rescue.

In fact, the band had nearly reached the
cave when they heard the sounds of that deadly
volley, and Seth Hovey divining the truth,
only paused to send Sally ,Bcdell on in charge of
:Wcfi trusty men, then turned and took the back

ra .

Deadly Dash intercepted them, and quickly
made known the tern‘ble truth. The tidings
were received with fierce curses of rage, and
the men demanded to be led upon the enemy,
that they might avenge their comrades.

Deadl Dash pushed ahead on foot to guard
against heir running into an ambush, or of giv-
in the alarm prematurely.

ith Edwin Harcourt wounded and Tom
Mason dead, the settlers had no one to take com-
mand in whom they could place full confidence,
and so had beaten a retreat, but not without
leaving their work behind them.

A percing cry from their scout called the
outlaws on, and as they rode up to the dying

» fire they looked upon a blood—curdling sight.

Four blood-stained bodies hung dangling from
the branches above, and beside them the sever-
ed end of a fifth rope.

Beneath this lay 01d Mythology, with Deadly
Dash pouring forth a fearful vow of Vengeance

‘ upon the destroyers.

Before leaving. the settlersrhad hung both

their dead and livmg enemies!

CHAPTER XIII.

“ N0 QUARTER!”
Ar, their approach, Deadly Dash arose, his face
pale as that of a corpse, but with a fire in his
dark eyes such as no man ever beheld there be—

fore.
He stood quietly aside while the other bodies

 

, neck.

 

were being cut down, but then, as though actu~
ated by a sudden thought, he nimbly climbed
up the tree and unfastened the rope which had
been used to silspend Old Mythology by the
This he coiled methodically around the
horn of his saddle.

The hot rage of the outlaws did not easily
cool. The brutal outrage—for it was Jlflln that
the majority of the victims had been utchered
before being hanged—was regarded as a taunt-
ing challenge which they were eager to accept,
regardless of the odds being a ainst them.

“ They are right,” cried eadly Dash, his
voice sounding strangely cold and hard, coming
so soon after the terribly strong burst of emotion
which the body of his old friend had drawn
forth. “ Eye for eye, tooth for tooth! The
struggle has begun, and can only end in the ut—
ter extermination of “one side or the other. If
we bow meekly under this bitter blow, they will
be encouraged to deal us another and another.

“ Let us charge in and pay them back in their
own coin. Let us burn every building in the
place. IV e can do it.”

A guarded but hearty cheer greeted these
words. Deadly Dash saw that his words had
taken effect, and knew that he would have stout
aid in avenging the death of his own friend, but
the reflection only served to render his brain
clearer, and he addressed the company bricfl 7:

“ To two persons, even more than the mm
whose hands applied these ropes, we owe the
murder of our friends, and those are Black Dan
Boller and Edward Harcourt.

“ The first may have escaped us since we
failed to find him when we searched ,Hnrcourt‘s
house, but the other and greater criminal, we
can easily put our hands on.

“He is badly wounded. I put a bullet throu h
his right elbow. I could have slain him, but 0
had wronged me and mmo too deeply for such
a merelful death.

“ He was the head one of the gang. No doubt
his fall discouraged them, and his wound would
afford a good excuse for a retreat to the village,
where his arm could be attended to,

“ They will not dream our daring to make
another attack this night. We may find them
on guard, though, and for this reason we must
take certain precautions.

“ Edwin Harcourt must be taken prisoner. I
have sworn by the grave of my murdered par-
ents—-for murdered they were, and their death
lies at his doorl—that I will hang him by the
same rope he hung my old friend. In order to
keep this oath, I must make sure of him before
the general alarm is raised.”

“ That will not be difficult, if we are prudent,”
said Seth Hovey. “Naturally they will look
for us, if at all, from this side of the village, but
we can make a circuit and approach from the
south side. You and I, with one or two more,
can steal ahead, and see if Harcourt isat his own
house. If yes, we can make a dash surround
the building, take him prisoner, then burn down
the cursed town!”

This was the general plan finally agreed to.
though, of course, subject to certain modifica-
tions according to circumstances.

The dead were first to be disposed of for the
time being.

r._.4-.w:,,. ..~,;_ . M1- . . ,. My... 4»

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Deadly Dash. 2’!

 

It was now quite midni ht, and time was
precious. For that reason t ey could not take
them on to the Retreat.

, “ They ain't much resk o’ the hogs findin’ ’em
afore we git back, an' them’s the only critters
plenty enough fer us to be afeard of,” said our

rizzled veteran, bluntl . “Leave ’em in the

ashes yender, an’ le’s git down to business!”

No better plan could be devised under the
circumstances, and the five bodies were ranged
side by side under cover, and a blanket spread
above them. This was ke t in place by a small
quantity of brush, and t en, with hearts that
were on fire with a ficrcelust for vengeance,
the party took 13) the route with no quarter for

' their watchwor

Deadly Dash was mounted now, one of the
outlaws, a good scout and Woodsman, being dis-
mounted to 've him place, and sent on in ad-
vance to ma e sure the way u as open. -

Before the drew dangerous] near the vil-
lage. the gui e led them by another road around
so they could enter the place from the south
as less liable to discovery from that uarter.

The night was dark, but they con (1 see from
the lights in nearly every house that the vil-
lagers had been too greatly excited and alarmed
to readily compose t ll‘niSOlVQS to sleep.

“So much the better,” uttered Deadly Dash,
with a short. hard laugh. “If we should be
seen as we enter town on foot, we will be taken
for some of the townsmen, keeping our anxious
vigils.”

The horsemen were halted, and Seth Hovey
briefly gave them their instructions.

They were to patiently await the signal, the
majority of them were to charge through the
streets, shooting any and all who got in their
way or attempted to interfere with the others,
who were to use the blazing brands furnished in
abundance by the glowing ruins, to set other
buildings afire. They were to make a clean
sweep. The village was to be obliterated.

This understood, he. with Deadly Dash and
two trusty men, stole forward in single file, and
soon reached the fence which surrounded the
Harcourt mansion.

All was utter silence around the place. The
lower story of the buildings wasin darkness, and
above, light streamed forth from only one win-
dow in the south side of the house.

“No doubt our bird is up there," muttered

Hovey, in a. guardedvtone of voice. “ We can

{ take a. look around, and if there is not a guard

stationed here, we can burst in the door, rush
tip-stairs, and make him prisoner before help
can come.”

“ Look for the guard, first," was all that Dead-
ly Dash replied.

The glowing light had given him an idea. ro-
vided it could be put into execution, and gli ing
along on that side of the house, he nimbly
climbed up a broad-spreading white elm tree,
that grew opposite the windo , -

From among the hram-hes of this tree, he be-
lieved he could look in at the open window and
find out who were inmates of the chamber.
Though he felt tolerath confident that he would
see Edwin Harcourt there, there was ’ust a pos-
sibility of his havmg stopped elsew ere—per-
haps at the house of a doctor or surgeon where

 

his wound could be more speedin attended

This doubt, however, was shortly dissipated
and crouching there upon a gnarled and twisted
limb, Deadly Dash looked in through the open
window upon the bitterest enemy the wide earth
contained for him.

Edwin Harcourt was half—sitting up, half—ly-
ing, upon a bed, facing the win ow, while a
short, dumpy little man, evidently a doctor,
was putting the last touches upon the bandages
which enveloped the wounded arm.

Deadly Dash saw that there was another bed
in the chamber, and though he could only catch
a faint glimpse of the cccu ant, something told
him that it was Black Dan oller.

One other fact he noticed, then hastily de-
scended to the ground.

He quickly rejoined Seth Hovey, and made
known his discoveries, then listened attentively
to the report of his comrades.

“ There is no one in the grounds besides our-
selves, as far as I can discover,” said the out-
law chief, speaking in a guarded tone, “but
there is some one in the hall, awake and appar-
ently on duty, for as I listened at the key-hole,
I could make out the sounds of breathing, and
heard the click of a hammer being raised and
lowered, as if he or they were making sure their
weapons were in working condition.’

“ It may he that he has stationed a force in
there, to make sure,” said Deadly Dash, Cool] ,
“but even so, we can circumvent him. 0

you steal up close to the door, and wait for my _

signal. I will enter the buildicg by a route 1
know, and make sure of our game. Thin. if
needs be, I can hold my Own against the guard
until you can bring 11 the boys. One stout
charge on their part w‘ settle it. I fancy.”

Though their acquaintance had been but of
brief duration, Seth Hovey had already learn-
ed the utter uselessness of argument when once
Deadly Dash had made up his mind to any cer-
tain course, and as the youth glided away, he
and his two men returned to the front of the
building. ’

Deadly Dash returned to the white-elm tree,
and once more scaled it, working his way along
the stout limb that stretched out toward the
end of the house, nearl on a level with the
window through which one the bright lamp-

lig t.

Steadying himself by the side limbs. Deadly
Dash rose erect, and measured the brief space
between himself and the windows. The dis-
tance would have been nothing under ordinary
circumstances, but the feat which he contain
plated was one of ril sufiicienttodaunt ninety
nine men out of a undred. .

He meant to leap from the limb through the
open window.

Were his foot to slip—were he to make the
least miscalculation and strike his head or fer (3
against the sash above or the casing below, he
would he hurled down full twenty feet, and he-
sides alarming the enemy, almost certainly Crip-
ple himself.

But the reckless youth never hesitated for a
moment—only paused long enough to study
himself, then shot across the intervening space,
more like an india-ruhber ball than a Luman

Deadly Duh.

 

being, forced thus to double himself up in order
to ass in at the narrow, contracted space.

me to his intention, Deadly Dash passed
_ through the space left by the raised sash, and
' alighted fairly upon his feet in the room.
Quickly recovering his balance, before even a
cry of terror or surprise could come from the
lips of either of the three men, he whipped
forth a revolver in each hand, uttering i=1 a
sharp, resolute tone that carried conviction with
it.

“Utter a sound above a whisper, and I will
kill you. Doctor, tear up one of those sheets
and bind these two men hand and foot. Refuse
and you are a dead man!”

CHAPTER XIV.
OVERTAKEN AT LAST.

THE medical man was good enough student
of human nature to see that these words were
not idle ones. and that unless he wished to leave
a deplorable vacanc in the bosom of his family,
he had better obeyt e stern command and ap-
ply bandages to his patients after quite another

ashion.

Elwin Harcourt cursed, and oil’cre'l some
slight resistance: but his severe woun'l had
weakened him and be was quickly quieted when
Deadly D Lsh leveled his revolver, not at his
brains, but at his sound elbow, saying sternly: .

“Silence! or I will cripple you so that you
cannot struggle. Remember—limb after limb!"

The little doctor, never inten'lod by nature
for a here. was terribly agitate'l, but finally
managed to complete his task with tolerable neat
1185‘; then Deadly Dash said:

“ Lead the way down-stairs. If any person at-
tempts to bar our passage, convince them that I
am a friend. If you fail to open or have opened
the front door, I will do myself the pleasure of
opening one through your body—large enou'zh
to give your soul free exit. You comprehen l?”

Luckily for the worthy doctor there was no
occasion for Deadly Dash to put his throat into
execution.

The negro servant to Whom allusion has been
repeatedly male, was the sole occupant of the
hall. an'l as he turned at the sound of descentl-
ing foot;tens. he recognized the white face which
overtoopc i the little physician, and half besile
himself with terror, be discharged one barrclpf
his revolver without any attempt at taking aim,
than flung open the door with a yell of terror—
only to be knocksl down by a swift and sure
firoke of the heavy revolver wielded by Seth

ove .

At); 18 word from Deadly Drish, the outlaw
chief sounded the signil that set his band to wor‘r,
and while the youth returned uw—stairs, the
other: hound the doctor hand and foot and un—
cere noniouily pitched him into a dense clump of
shrubber at a safe distance from the house.

The ec 093 of that shrill blast had not died
away before the wild yells of the outlawci, thirst—
lug for revenge, carried consternation to the
hearts of the villagers for the second time that
n' ht. And then the spiteful reports of their re-
vo vers came more and more runidlv as they
thundered up the street. bent on literally carry-
ing out the stern orders they had received—4,0
llay and spare not—to give no quarter save to

 

the women and children—to ly the firebrand
until every building in the vil age was aglowl '

Satisfied that the dread work which he had
sworn to complete was well begun, Seth Hovey
bade his two men follow him, and hastened up-
stairs, where he found that the second prisoner
was indeed Black Dan Boller. .

As was afterward learned, when the first
alarm was given, the wounded traitor, imagin-
ing the attack was for the purpose of obtaining
possession of his person, had left his bed, crawl-
ed through aback window and concealed him-
self upon the roof of the kitchen until all was
quiet again.

There was no outburst of any sort on the partf
of the outlaws when they recognized and took
possession of the traitor. He would have had
more hope if there had been more eagerness
displayed; for his recent comrades treated him
as though he was already a dead man.

Deadly Dash drew his knife and severed the L ’

bonds that confined the feet of Edwin Harcourt,
whom he seemed to regard as his especial cap—
tive, then forced the wounded man to arise and
grecede him down-stairs. The others followed,
earin g Boiler between them, like a corpse.

Out of doors, the youth still led the way, but
paused at the gate.

:1 {ct me see his house illuminated," he said,
co y.

The hint was quite sufficient. Leaving their
chief in charge of the (prisoner, the two men
rctraced their steps, an working with a will,
bid the red flames shining through every win-
dow in the house in less than ten minutes, add
ing its share to the ruddy glare that was turn-
in;r night into  -

“ Your son is ead, your property destroyed,
you are a cr'pple' there is nothing but your life
left, an] that forfeit will be claimed before tne
sun rises,” said Deadly Dash, in a. hard, mono-
tonous tone, his hand closin upon the shoulder
of Elwin Harcourt and pus ing him toward the
spot where the horses had been left.

When these were reached, Deadly Dash, aid-
el bv Seth Hovey, lifted Harcourt into the sad-
dle that bore the coil of rope, and then the
youth spruu lightly up behind him, saying to
the outlaw c ief:

“ You will find me where we left our murder-
ed friends.” ,

This was all, and without pausing for a rep] ,
the young avenger, his arms around the b
of his bitter enemy, rode rapidly away through
the night.

He pail no attention to the will yells of the
blood-and-fire intoxicated outlaws, nor did he
seem to hear the constant, dropping fire of pis— .
tols, followed now and then by a loud scream
of agonv, which denoted yet another tragedy to
bA added to the dread record of that terrible
ni'r t. ’

One by one fresh points of flame sprung up
telling of another home being sacrificed to the
manes of the murdered.

Once or tWice Edwin Harcourt attempted to
speak. but as often Deadly Dash would clasp
his throat with fingers rigid as steel, on] relax-
ing his grasp when his captive relapsed nto sul-
len silence as preferable to strangulation.

And thus that strange ride continued until the , ‘ ‘ ~ 1

 

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Deadly Dash.

29

 

lace of the ambushment was reached, Deadly
Bash drawing rein beside the nearly extinguish-
ed coals. directly beneath the stout limb from
which still dangled four ropes like sable ser-

nts.
peDismounting, Deadly Dash tied the horse to a
stout bush, then renewed the fire until it flamed
up brightly, knowing that Edwin Harcourt was
unable to make a succwsl‘ul flight on foot.

Then closely watched all the while by the
doom criminal, the youth removed the rope
from the saddle—bow, and formed a running
noose in one end, saying, in a slow, monotonous
tone:

“ You used this rope to hang the only true
friend 1 had left u n earth, Gilbert Sampson.
When I cut him own, I swore never to eat,
sleep or know rest until I had fitted the noose
around your neck and witnessed your dying
st glee-hanged by the same rope you mur-
deri‘uefi him with.

“Say your prayers, Edwin Harcourt, for
your time has come I” .

The tone was so quiet, his actions so gentle
and deliberate that Harcourt could not believe
in the truth of the words uttered.

Instead of prayers. bitter curses came from
his lips in a flood. He even laughed, declaring
that it would take more than the empty vapor-
ings of a. crack-brained boy to frighten him.

“ Tell me what you want, in so many words,”
he added. “ You can’t scare me with your non-
sense, but I may conclude to tell you What you
are tryin to find out. Something about that
Madden, suppose?" .

“You can tell me nothing new about that
black deed,” said Deadly Dash, in the same
strangely calm voice. “ I know you follow ed
him from the gambling-table, where he and my
father quarreled; that you murdered him for
the large sum of money he on his person;
that you and your tools. swore the crime upon
my father and had him arrested; that you
were afraid the evidence would not convict him,

' or that something damaging to yourself might

come out at the trial, and so ]you and yours
raised a mob that tore my fat er from jail—
that hung him like a sheep-stealing cur, Without
even the mockery of a trial. An I know, too,
that in con uence of this terrible blow,
my mother sic ened and died of a broken
 All this I know; what more can you tell
me .

“ The name of the man who murdered Fred
Madden—”

“I know it; Edwin Harcourt!” giteously in-
terrupted Deadly Dash, With a itter laugh.
“You are tried, found guilty and sentenced.

‘ Say your prayers, and may the Lord have mercy

on your sinful soul! for I will show none to

your body.” _
‘Even as he spoke, Deadly Dash mounted behind

his victim and knotted his rope to one of those

dangling above his head, then fitted the noose
" mound the neck of Edwin Harcourt.

For the first time the old sinner began to he.

I have that his life was really in danger, and with
, a sudden change of tone, he oondescended to beg

for time to ask for mercy.
“Such may as you showed my father—my
mother~my tride Your crimes have made

 

me adevil without a heart. Though you had
ten thousand lives, I could and would take
them one by one, and laugh joyfully as your
groans and shrieks made sweet music in my
ears!

“Think not of mercy—of life, but of death.
Five minutes I give you—no more. I am more
merciful than you. They were hung without
time for a single prayer. Five minutes—no
more!”

Watch in hand the youth stood beside his
horse, the prayers and pleadings of the wounded
wretch falling upon st: ny ears.

The time was up—Deadly Dash struck the
horse a sharp blow with his hand—it leaped for-
word with an afi‘righted snort.

The rope was stretched taut—the body of Ed-
win Harcourt hung swaying to and fro, slowly
revolving.

And Deadly Dash stood coldly looking upon
his awful work. __

CHAPTER XV.
THE TRUTH FROM EVIL LIPS.

SITTING beside the faintly glowing fire, his
elbows upon his knees and chin supported on his ,
hands, watching the dark, motionless figure
that hung before him—thus it was that eth
Hovey found Deadly Dash where he and his
men. ‘their Work of death and desolation tho-
roughly accomplished, returned from the [ruin
ed Village whose fires still lighted up the
heavens for many a mile around.

Black Dan Bollcr turned sick and faint at
heart as he was brought into close contact with
what had once been the man to whom he was
fast linked in the bonds of mutual crimes, for
he knew that he was none the less doomed to
death, unless he could find some. one to snatch
him from the hands of the comrades whom he
had betrayed.

During his ride thither Hove had decided
upon his course of. procedure. e knew that
Sally Bedell would be on the,lookorut for their
return, and fearing lest she should discover the
death of her father before he could gain time to
break the dreadful tidings. he resolved to leave
a few men behind to bring on the bodies, while
he and the others pressed on in advance. Then,
were Sally to ask for her father, he could truth-
fully tell her that he was coming, and then,
when alone with her, gradually and tenderly
prepare her mind.

Among the other plunder brought from the
village, were a goodly number of horses, and
Deadly Dan accepted one of these in the place
of the one he had rmitted to go free.

“ Leave this y as it hangs.” he said to the
men who were to remain behind, “ as a sample
of how Dudley Dashwood avenges his wrongs.”

Following the bed of the creek, as once before
described, Seth Hovey pressed steadily on until
the cave-retreat was reached, wheie as he an-
ticipated, he found his betrothed awake and on
the alert with a tearful greeting—tears of joy
at his safe return, but the poor irl was doomed
to shed tears of bitter grief eret use of gladness
were dry upon her cheeks.

Deadly Dash entered the chamber into which
the prisoner was led, though barely aware of
his presence or even eXistence when, while mood-

30‘

Deadly Dash.

 

 

ily pacing to and fro, he chanced to encounter
the anxious, terrified gaze which never once
shifted from his face. Even that made only a

momentary impression upon his mind, for the
Itaerrihle past was coming up before him. bit by
it

There was his happy childhood in a sunny
Southern home. A lovmg, beautiful but delicate
mother. A proud, handsome, indulgent father,
who thought nothing too good for his dear ones.
And there was the quaint old hunter who taught
him the wonders of the field and forest, and set
his brain on fire with strange, thrilling tales of
wild life toward the setting sun.

Then came a season of travel, for the health
ofythe mother. The father remained behind.
And while they were in Europe, a letter came
to her bearing terrible tidings.

. beyon the one fact that his father was dead,
he, Dudley, did not learn for years afterward.
But it was dreadful enough to wring the wife’s
heart dr , and she never lived to reach her
home. he placed Dudley at school in the
North, then died of a. broken heart.

There, was a guardian whom Dudley never
saw, who paid all bills, and for three years the
lad remained at school. At the end of that
time, he fled, because, in a boylsh quarrel, one
of his mates let out the fearful truth—Beverley
Dashwood had been lynched for the murder-of a
man with whom he had quarreled over the
gambling-table.

Straight to his old home the youth went, and
finding Gilbert Sampson, learned the black
truth. He—Sampson—had fought hard for his
old master, but was nearly killed, and could do
nothin%

The arcourts, father and son, had been the
moving spirits in the lynching, and though they
had tried to live down the odium following that
act, finally were forced to flee from the ban of
public opinion.

From that day Dudley Dashwood was a boy
no longer. He set cunning men to work to find
out whither the Harcourts had fled, and mean-
While, with Old Mythology for a tutor, unceas-
ingly practiced with rifle, pistol and knife, until
he was master of the different weapons.

Time and again he started out on some fancied
clew, but not until the day on which this record
opens, did he succeed in finding the man whom
he had sworn to kill.

Believing his father had been innocent of the
crime for which he was lynched, was reason
sufficient for him to risk what he did in the at-
;empt‘ to preserve Joshua Bedell from a like

ate.

This far his reflectionshad wandered, when

Black Dan B_)ller hesitatingly pronounced his

full name, adding: '

“ I saw your father murdered, and that for a
crime he was innocent of. If I can prove this—-
if I can clear his name from every suspicion-—
will you—" '

“ He can’t do nothin’ for you, even of he
wanted, ever so much,” bluntly interposed one
of the men placed as guards upon the traitor.
“ As soon as the boss comes in, you’ll be tried,
an’ you know what that means to one as plays
the traitor to his solemn oath. You’re nobetter
than a dead man!”

\

Just what, '

 

“ Save me from them, and I swear to reveal
the name of the man who murdered Fred Mad-
den!” cried Boller, clinging to the hope of a
respite, even though death should still be "his
reward.

Just then Seth Hovey came in, and to him
Deadly Dash turned. _

As briefly as possible he related his past his.
tory, as faintly shadowed forth here, then re—
peated what Boiler said.

“ I know that by the laws which govern your
band, he has justly forfeited his life, but if he
speaks true—if he can clear the name of m
murdered father by revealing the actual crimi-
nal and bringing the deed home to him, you
must allow me to take him back to Virginia,
or else to kill me too.”

“Threats can gain you nothing that good-
will or a sense of justice on our part would re<
fuse you,” replied Hovey, in the some cold
tone. “Let him tell his story. If justice can
be done in no other way, he may 0 with you.
But our eye and hand will hear him company,
and at the pro r time will claim our own.”

Black Dan esitated, but he knew that cer-
tain death would be his portion here, and he
wisely concluded, to’ run the risk of a full
confession. At worst, he could but be killed;
at best, during his long journey to Virginia he
might affect his escape, or even get clear with
his life, after trial.

There is no need to follow his words one by
one. He was wary, trying to soften and excuse
the part he had played in the tragedy of the

ast.
p He was a gambler by profession, though for
the most part an unlucky one, always in need of
a friend to “ stake him,” and so a fitting tool for
those who were more lucky, or kecner witted
than himself.

On the night of the murder, he was in the
gambling hall where, among others, Beverle '
Dashwood, Edwin Harcourt and Frederic
Madden were playing.

The betting ran high. and all three of those
named were winners. Between them, the prin-
cipal fare-table was forced tosnspeud, and then
the three successful gamblers sat down together
to play draw-poker. They agreed to play
freeze-out, or continue the game until one was
the winner of all. ‘

From the outset, fortune favored Madden, and
in an hour, Harcourt retired, completely cleaned
out. The other two continued, both drinking
freely, but fortune still smiled upon Madden,
and as he swept down the last stake, Dashwood,
heated by liquor, insinuated that he, Madden,
was more indebted to his fingers than his head,
for his unbroken good fortune.

The lie was given, blows passed, and when the
players were separated, both men uttered bitter
threats toward the other.

Madden, with nearly fifty thousand dollars in
his pockets. was followed and murdered, by
Black Dan Boller. ‘

Edwin Harcourt found him robbing the dead . '
man, and by threats of exposure, induced‘Bol—
ler to conspire with him against Dashwood, '
Bhom he bated for some cause unknown 'to

an.

The murderer had no choice. The charge was A

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deadly Dash. 31

 

made, sworn to, Dashwood was arrested and
committed for trial. Then came the lynching,
and that over, Harcourt, defying his ally, kept
all of the money so bloodin earned.

There were many more details in the confes-
sion, but enough has been said for the under-
standin of the reader. .

Seth ovey listened intently, and at the con—
clusion said:

“ All of the hand must be here when the deci-
sion is given, but I think I can promise you what
you ask. In clearing the memory of your fa-
ther, Boller will seal his own death-warrant and
if he graces the gallows, our laws will be aveng—
ed also.”

While he was speaking, the signal from with-
out heralded the coming of the outlaws with the
bodies of their comrades, and Deadly Dash me-
chanically moved forward with the rest, to re-
ceive the ghastly cortege.

But what a, surprise awaited him!

A pale, tottering man entered the cave on
foot, and with a. faint laugh, fell forward into
the arms of the youth.

fl It}:1 was Old Mythology, still alive and in the
cs 1

 

CHAPTER XVI.
CONCLUSION.

THE escape of Old Mythology was little short
of a miracle.

As the reader is aware he had been knocked
senseless by Tom Mason, with the butt end of a.
rifle. This, added to the excessive loss of blood
du ing the ride from the village, rendered his
pulse so faint that the fact of his still being
alive, escaped the notice of the excited settlers,
and only for the malignancy of Edwin Har-
court, by no means lessened with the excrucia-
ting pain of his shattered elbow, he would have
been left where he lay, among his slaughtered
companions. But Harcourt bade his men hang
the carcasses up as a warning to the rest of the
outlaws of the fate the future had in store for
them, and this command was carried out.

Among the others, Old Mythology was drawn
a couple of feet from the ground, but as all were
believed dead, no especial care was taken to see
that the nooses fitted snug, and that around his
throat failed to draw tight.

No doubt had the proper precautions been
taken, he could have been restored to conscious-
ness long before he awoke to life again, but every
body believed him dead, and it was not until
Deadly Dash and the main force of the outlaws
were at the cave, and those left as a guard were

reparing the horses to receive their ghastly
burden, that be game Signs of returning sensi-

'bility.

As soon as they could realize the truth, the
outlaws did what they could to assist him, and
thanks to their liquor and care, Old Mytholo-
gy was just able to walk when the cave retreat
was reached.

That morning a vote was taken among the

 

outlaws, and when they were satisfied that
Black Dan Boller would almost certainly end
his career upon the gallows for the murder of

Frederick Madden, they agreed to yield him up
to Deadly Dash.

That same day Dick Dado made his appear-
ance with startling news.

The entire county was aroused by the destruc-
tion of the Village, and measures were being
taken for the utter extermination of the band of
outlaws. They were to be hunted night and
dege until the outrage was avenged.

‘ th Hovey collected his men and placed the
situation fairly before them. That their occu-
pation was gone in that rt of the State all
could see as well as himse .

“All are absolved from the oath that has
bound us together," he added. “Those who
wish to do so, may leave the cave, with their
share from the treasury, on pledging themselves .
to take every possible precaution to leave no
trace by which our enemies can find the secret
entrance. But if you will take my advice, you
will do as I do—remain in here until the first
fury of the hunt is over,

“We have water in plenty, and there is no
dan er of our starving while there are nearly a”
bun red horses in the stable.”

To a man the Outlaws remained, snug and
safe, while the whole country was scoured by
hundreds of enraged enemies. No living man
outside of the cave was in possession of the se-
cret of their hiding-place.

For nearly a month they lay there, then em-
erged one by one and sought other more healthy
regions for the exercise of their particular ta -
ents.

Some were recognized, captured and hung,
but the majority succeeded in escaping from the
State.

Among the successful ones were Seth Hovey,
Sally Bedell, and with them little Dick Dado.

‘ They crossed the river into Illinois, and at
the first favorable opportumty were made man
and wife.

‘Setn Hovey, partly because he was sick of
such a life, but mainly throu h the persuasion
of his wife, never more sinneif against the laws
of the country he lived in, but preempted a
homestead and settled down as a steady-going
granger, having Dick Dado to assist him.

Deadly Dash and Old Mythology—his arm
nearly cured during that month of seclusion—
procured aflat—boat and in it cecaped all un-
pleasant questions, as Well as safely conveyed
their prisoner to the scene of his past crimes.

Black Dan Boller was duly hungefor the mur-
der of Frederick Madden, and the, clouded mem-
ory of Beverley Dashwood was cleared from all

stain.

But Deadly Dash could not long remain where
all spoke so loudl of his innocent childhood,
and in compan With faithful Old. Mythology
he turned his ace toward the setting sun, an
left the home of his youth forever.

THE END

 

 

 

/ 32 ocuvo mans.

 

Deadwood Dick. BE Ellwnrd L. Wheeler.
(am a Kin . Bv uflh 0 Bill.
"I on. Bv Col. Pronliss incmhmn.
‘ Dag: 5y l-Jrlwiml L. W h eler.
Flue Two Dom-our . By Aibm‘t W. Alkali.
“he l’rlirlo l'ilnt. 15y Buffalo Bill.
ile Bulfnlo Demon. By Edwnrd L. Wliaeier.
ntelo e Abe, the Boy Guide. liy Oil Comm-l.
ed vlde. the flu Smut. By “Tam! Jack”
lliifnlo Ben, Priman the fish»). By E. L.\V|Ieelvr.
{ulvh Roy. the E v luccnnwr. lir C l. lngmhum.
lick o‘ the Ni ht. By T. lim'hnlmh.
'cilowatonc uek. ii_\' Jr roll E. l'iliiill‘r, .ir.
l'lld Ivan. the. Buy Claude Durnl. By E. l,.\’\’heeier.
linmond lllrk. lly Culnnel l’rentisn lugmlmm.
Keen-Knife, Prince ml the l’rnllirr. By UllCoumnn.
lrezon Sol. By Carl J. F. C. Ailnma
Death-Face, the Du - n v . By E. L. Wheeler.
] n-no Jack. liy nil Canines.
mrlug Ralph Rockwood By 11. St. George.
Roy Clown. liy Frnnn S. Finn.
_ Phantom Miner. Bv Eiiwlll‘li L. “'hpeler.
' u; (‘nplalu Frederick Whittaker.
» . l' y. liy Oil ‘0 Ines.
n Ru e. By Harry Si. Genvgc.
n unehe. the! Grrui Annihilniur. llvVtheler.
Gin fl Aye. Grant. Shut oi'lhe \\'enl. linnpt. Ailnnni.
The Boy Cnptnlu. ii anrr SLurhuclI.
Dir-k Darling. By Capt. Frederick \\'hiii.ul:er.
Bob Woolf. the Burdwr iiuiliun. liy E. L. Wheeler.
Nightiumule Nat. liy '1‘. C. ilnrbnuuh.
Black John. the anl Agent. ll J. E. Bndirar, Jr.
(llnnlm Oil, sh: Musk d 'l‘errar. ly E. L. Win-«in.
Burt Bunker. the Trnplver. iiy George E. Lksnlie.
The Boy Riflel. By A. C. irons.
Th: \Vhlce ll fl'nlo. By Gehrgo E. Lnsnile.
Jinn Bind-0e, J r. liy Edward i. \‘i’luwlu.
Ned Hazel. r'ne Boy 'i'rnmver. By caps, Arum,
Dcnxll" Eve. llm Unknonn Smut. Br Imil‘ul Bill.
Nick Whine-m PM. u,- c..,.i. J. r. 0. Adams.
Deadwood Dick’s Enzlol. lly E. L. Wheeler.
The Border King. Ily Oil Connie...
(lid Hickory. By llurrv St. George.
The Whlte Indian. 3; Curl. J. F. C. Adams.
Buckhorn Bill. 13v Erin-m L. “'huelrr.
The Shadow Ship. By Col. Fri-nuns ingrnhnm.
Th1: Red Brotherhood. by W. J. Hmniiwn.
ll-nd Jock. By T. C. iinrhnngh.
“uni;qu Bill. ii_\- .i mph E. liniizer, Jr.
By W'. J. Hamilton.
I’ntent-lenbhcr Joe. By Philip 5. Warm.
2 The Border Robin Hood. My lluti'ulu hill.
5 loll] Rifle the Slur Iliooter. lh' Ed. |:. Wheeler.
4 Old zuv- (:nbln. y VIM. J. in c. Adm...
Delaware Dick. By Oll CI-omes.

6 Mad Tom Western. By W. J. llnmlltnn.
Deadwood Dink on Deck. By E. L. Whealer.
llnwkeye llnrry. My Oil Pannier.

The “0V lluclllt. ll ' Col. ’runiiu lnzrnhnm.
Abe Colt, the (yaw-K in. y Alhari w. Aiken.
Corduroy Charlie. By \vnrli L.‘Vllcr~ier.
“'lli boluers. Lhu Iiuy Dnecilve. By Chm. Morris.
Sol Gin or, the Giani’rmunm. in A. w. Am...
Ro-ehn Rob. By Eilwnrd 1.. ’i‘healnr.
hixhtningaoc. nycupi. J. F. c. Adni
kit llarci’nol. By T. if. ilnrhnugh.
Rollo, ihu Boy Ranger. By ()li Gnomes.
Idyi. the Girl Miner. B Edward L. Wheeler.
Detective Dick. By alludes Morris.
iiure Shot Seth. the Tiny Riflenmn. By 011 Comm.
1 Shar Sum. RyJ. Alexandr! l'nllun.
79 ’ he .lon oft-he Sen. By Alli-n \i’. Aiken.
78 Photograph l’hll.tlm Bm‘Slmiih. By E. L.Whe~iler.
74 Picayune l’etc. By Cllnrlvs Mnrr a.
15 Inland Jim: or.le Pet of tho quily.
brlalgu Hemyng (Jnrk ileuwuy'l.
76 Watch-E 'e Lhu Slmh » By Edward 1.. Wheeler.
7‘! Dick Dent)! lilye. Bv Cnl. l’reuiisa iugmhmu.
7B Deadwood Dick’s Device. iiy Ed. i.. Wheel".
79 The Black Mustnnxer. liry (‘ni-l. .\ln:.'ne Rtli’i.
30 old From. . the Guide. By T. C‘. lixrbsngh.
81 'l‘ho- Sea incr. By Col. menu.- ingrnhsun.
62 Seth Jonon. By Edward S. liliix.
88 (‘annda Chet. tin Counuri‘eimif‘liief. By Wheeler.
84 The Dumb Page. ByCflpi. Frederick Wlmmier.

1
2

 

 

 

Gwlflafiibir‘uG-‘G‘I'l ampwa—acmaaawwn—aamwaéwaw‘o 3’ O‘IGU‘h“

Single "and.

0‘?
..

fly Erin a-

 

 

535 The Boy Miners. Ryitnlw l’ll .‘i. Fills.
86 ank llurkuwny in New York. lly Brue—
’ _l>rx-|;:e llrinyiiL’.

R7 lhc Ilnnnr Cuptnln. By Pal. Pro: 1'

RS llcndwood Dick ill Lonnhiile. '

89 ill" Bidlion Trapper.

90 lippy. the '1 ohm. H ' Geurue Glam-n.
Al Multan"; Sum. H)" F

9% l he (leenu Bloodho-

S'K l’hil llurdr, the is»: ii”). ii)

3’11 Dumiwooul Dick In Detective. B ' . l..\\'|x«eier.

:2» llnck‘lfiuvkrum. liy t'npruin J. C, Adnnll.

uG guilt-1:411:26 lliek. liy Erin-uni L “'heclx-r.

97 l‘ho lilac-i. Him-d oi’the l’ J. L. Bowen.

98 'l he hon Serpent. liy Juan Leno.

By E. L. Wheeler.

:5 lnthmu.
. \\ ii .

- ’l W. i‘mrze.
llnrris.

99 Bonanza Bill, the Man 'l‘rnclu-r.
By Eiiwflrvi S.
liy ll

Eiliu.

i110 Nni Todd.
10] liming,r Ilin
102 1 ho Yciluw ( Moi;
3 Chip, llh‘ (.‘irl 3pm. bf :Iil\!|l(i l.. \\'hreler.
The Blank Schooner. By linger Siurlmck.
llnmlI-mno Ilflrry. iiy Clmrles Morris.
Night-Hawk Hit. By J E. llllliflrl’, Jr.

.lm‘L' llovle’n lend. l l'I-iu-nrd L. Wheeler.
Honky .‘lonntnln Kit. By T. C. Harbnugh.
'1 he )irnnuod Luna. liv Frxrl: Dulmvni.

The Druid Rider. in’vnrg: I [gr-mm,
Bun-n lhilh. llir liiu: ui’ilmiblm-LI. liv L'. L.\\‘liea'er.
The lielplu- llnnd. By (Sam. Siziynr Reid.
Emir-Furohnnl, livesili-iizlivmiur. BrOilt‘uomrs.
Fluoy Paul, Ilm Mount in. my. iiy'l ‘
llvndu'ooil lliuk’n Double.

Juhcz Collin. 5. imvn-r. liy Curl. Whitinker.

'Ilnvv FranL. ol'L‘nl‘ rndn. iiy Builnln liiil.

w ill Wildfire. «h.- 'I Imrmxghhrrvl. By Hinze. Mon-m

9 Bioniie liill' or. Dumlwuud Dick’s liunw Basu.
liy i'lilwnrd 1.. \ who".

0 Gopher “Id. the liny 'i'rnpper. By T. C. llarbnngh.

l llurry Armstrong. “Iv (‘nylnin ol' the Club. By
ilritrhririgi- livlnvnngJnih u." nwny.)

123 The Hunted Hunter. By Elwin-r] S. Ellis.

123 Sollil Sam, the Bay Rum . liy E. L. Wheeler.

1924 Juch Lynch. Jr. 1;}, F. llnrimuuli.

195 The anl l‘lrntc-I. Bv Furl. )liwn; Reid.

i26 llllle Hinton. iy Frank i‘nun‘ ni. ‘

127 'l ony l‘jox. ihe Frrrei. liy Edwin-d L. “'lmeler.

128 “'lll “ ildilre’l Rucer. Br (‘lmriel )lurrll.

9 tingle is n, the by Drum“. In 01] Comm.

l Gold '1 rlnror. the Sim”. By iinrbnugh.

A Home of Gold. ly Eliwilrd
llnlllly Lulu-o, (ha Boy Sport. i,
\" lid-fire, the lion oi [hr anl. [h
3» Mike Merry, rim linrlmr Pnl‘u-cl v.
8 Dominant] Diek of Dendu ood.

L. Wheeler.
36 Hill Kuhn, thei‘luninr. Bnd L linmilion Holmes.
137 Dandy Rock, the Mun from an. By G. Wnlilo
ill-mum.
By Chnu. Murrin.

138 Bull Ruukctl. the Boy Dodger.

139 The Block Giant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

140 Ouptuln Arizona. By Philip 5. Warm.

141 New York Nell. fly EdWILYd l.. Wheeler.

143 Little Tcxnnfihe Ynunq .ilzw‘nngur. l;_»- Oil ('rmmen.

143 llt‘ntlly lint-h: or, Finhiin: Fire With Fire. liy
.105. E. Bmlgur, .lr. iluuu. Our. 6.

141} Little Grit. lhe mm ML...
1. graham. Really on. is.

145 The Tlgor oi'Tnon. lly Gen. \‘i'nldo Browne.
ix'omiy on. 20.

146 (‘orilnn‘n Right Bower.
{cm} a. 1'7.

147 Nuhhy Kick ochvndn.
lcumiy NW. 3.

Ilsned Every “'ednmulny.

Bondle‘n Pocket Librnry is fur ml: i._\- ,m x.
«lvuleus. the cells per uopv, or hunlhylunii"unwell-1.4.“
cullLS Ulik'il.

BEADLE & ADAMS. I’ublinhcrn,
98 “'illium Street, New‘ Yorki

"pl. my... mm.

an;

zaawp

zapwnucé° A c

an HHflHHHHHHHHHHHflu-‘H
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"I; p..~_i_-n-.“_.—

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BV C. Morris.

By Luin

a nuauuui
9‘

T" Fnl. l‘renlin

Ry i’rnnk Dumoni.

By E. L. “mm”.

_ /9EADLE’SM‘
POCKET LIBRARY.

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97.