_ _ h \ 1|an Min-1.mIm-I'mmmlumun-i, \ ,xvnmxmxkfi HI] IIIMWMI 1L. .JILUUIIWI lIllHlm .‘ u IMIMHII‘I‘» m.“ ‘ Copyrighted. 1881, by BnDLI AND Alum. Enwred at me Poul Oflice u Nuw York, N. Y., n Second Clan Mull Manor. Mar. 23. 1887. . Publisde kl b B (11 d (1 Vol. XIII. 3?}53. 1°30, flfinfimysfgmgéfimf “m” F1333“. No.167. I 11 l“. ‘1 “A [l 1‘ «WW I, M. “‘\“‘I;1u‘§”‘“‘$“‘“"“ K A ~ I Infill flawflflm ‘ u fifi‘i‘fi’im. ‘ \ I '. 11r\\}'|u\.‘,\l\{“‘x{{."v:§§:fi.x h '1 “MM- HALF CARRYING THE MAI .‘N. HE ASKED A ER OCK, WHO CLEAR 4 1 WAY THROUGH 030“ mg FIERCE SWEEPS OF HIS STRONG ARMS, SENDING 'lHE RUFFIAES HEADLONG RIGHT AND I‘m" bones ’ State, though he was equally B Dandy Rock’l Pledge. Dandy Rock’s Pledge; HUNTED TO DEATH. BY G. WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR. on .“THE DnnAD RIDER,” “THE TIGER 01" 'ers." “DANDY ROCK," “ THE MAD MINER,” “ THE GOLDEN HAND," ETC. CHAPTER I. DANDY Rocx‘s PLEDGE. “STRANGER, as true as I tramp from Old Texas, I‘ll hunt that coyote to his den and save your child, or dig the end 0‘ my own trail. Rock Randcl swears it, and hyar‘s my hand. In a valley of the Sierras the speaker was the central figure of an impressive scene. . Upon either hand the towering mountain- sides shut out the light of the fast setting sun, so that the gloom of twilight hung about the place. He was a tall. commandinglooking per- son. with long, raven hair and heavy mus- tache. a clear, piercing eye, and a form ca- pable of great endurance. Having spent his earlier years on the plains of the Lone Star “at home ” amid the wilds of California as on the savannas/of his native land. he had carried with him to the mountains the sobriquet of Dandy Rock, The-man-from-Texas. At the moment we introduce him to the reader, he was standing with his left hand restin uponohe muzzle of his long rifle; he held t e weapon upright; in his right hand he clutched a heavy revolver, while he gazed upon the motionless form of a man lying at his feet as he spoke. The prostrate person turned slightly, with a moan of pain, to give utterance to some request. though in so low a tone that the other could not understand it. Dropping UDOn his knees, Rock cried: “Is thar anything more, old beaver? Speak quick. ef thar am, fer I reckon ye ar‘ ’bout done fer. Don‘t be afeerd to say it. Rock Randal has given you the pledge of his life, and may the hungry coyotes pick his at he ever goes back on a friend. We h!" “ ay God bless you!” said the other, with at difliculty, as he pressed his hands upon is side where a great pool of blood was already forming upon the earth, telling that he had received a fearful wound in some encounter. “Once more, let me hear your promise to save my child.” “I swear it. old coon, or may the var- mints dig my funeral!" . “Tell my child how I died. and you Will not go unrewarded. I can die easier now that I know that there is some one to carry out the work I have begun. But it is dreadful to realize—” Here the speaker choked and broke com- pletely down. Rock raised his head tenderly, feeling that the other‘s race was nearly run. “Anything more to ask, old pard?" queried the Texan, as his companion breath- ed easier aftcr a moment. “Give my body proper burial, and— and remember your pledge—save my child!” _ Sinking back with a groan, the gaze of the wounded man became fixed upon the blue sky above, and his lips ceased to move. “ Rubbed out!“ muttered Rock, as he laid his friend’s head back upon the ground. “But, it's a long trail as has no end, and that coyote shall pay dearly for—" The sound of footsteps arrested his at- tention, and springing to his feet, he half raised his rifle as he looked around. In an instant he saw a. dozen roughly- dressed men approaching, all armed to the teeth. “Ha! ha!” laughed the foremost, as he beheld Randel's defiant attitude, “ put down that shooter. We mean you no harm." “What do you want?" asked The-Mau- from-Texas. doggedly, fixing his gaze upon the leader without lowering his weapon. “We have come for the body of the den man by your side.” v' “What is he to you 7" . “Enough that it is not for you to inter- fere in our purpose. Will you let us re- move it peacefully?” . “Not till I know you better. I have promised to see that he is properl buried." “Bah! you are a fool! We wi 1 save you that trouble. So stand aside.” He was only one against twelve, but he faced them coolly, as he said: . “Hold on till you prove your claim. What was this man's name?” “ Roland Maxcy." “ Sho!" “And he was my brother,” the speaker continued. , , “Jeems Stopple! who'd ’a thought it! Look 'bout as much alike as awhite boss and a kickin’ mule!" _ “That makes nary dlflerence. We have, come for his body, and if you give us any of your tomfoolery we’ll take you, too.” . “.l'es‘ so! Reckon I don't savor of your company. Ef you want to help me bury the body I sha’n't object; but 1 pronused_ r " III: .i-;V‘M>.,mw. — A~ . U I “.1". Dandy Rock's Pledge. 8 ‘- to see that ’twas done to order, and Rock Randel ain’t going to sneak out 0’ his talk.” “Then you are Rock Randell" exclaimed the other, in ear rise. “Thank you, for telling us of it. ou can go with us and see that the carcass is earthed to order. Come, men, fetch it along. We have fooled away time enough." The speaker‘s followers started forward to obey his command, when Rock ex- claimed: “I have not the time to go with you. Why not dig his funeral hyar?” “'Cos it’s ’gainst our orders. hev got nothin’ to work with.” “I don't know ye,” declared The-Man- from-Texas, as he still looked the leader straight in the eye. “ Go 'bout your bizness, and I promise—” ’Sides, we “Enough has been said,” broke in the. other. “ We’ll have the carcass ef we have to kill you in doing it. But, you can go with us if you wish." Without further opposition, Rock allowed the party to take up the body and start to bear it away, while he followed them in silence. “I may it corraled like a smoked eel!” he muttere to himself, “but I’m ’tarnal anxious to know what 'em varmints are driviu’ at, so I’ll jess keep with ’em a spell.” With apparent carelessness, though really never more on his guard in his life, the Texan accompanied the gang down the val- ley for perhaps half a mile, when the leader ordered a pause. “ It‘s no use to go any further,” he said. “The Cap promised to meet us here; and while he is coming, boys, you had better dig the grave. Get the tools, Robie.” To the surprise of Randei, one of the number brought from a clump of bushes near at hand a spade and pick, both of which bore the appearance of recent use. Selecting a spot near the center of the open- ing the men soon began to throw up the loose earth, so that in a few minutes quite a pit was excavated, Rock all the while watching the workmen in silence. “A little deeper, boys; and if the chief don’t come b that time we will chuck the carrion in an cover it up." Ten minutes later and the task was done. “Lend a hand, Sir Texan, and help bury the caress. ” ‘ Rock helped bear the form to the brink of the grave, and as they laid it down upon the earth for a moment, preparatory to lowering it into the pit, he cried: “He is not dead! See! he moves!” The corpse indeed did show signs of life. The lockers-on started in amazement, but their leader quickly said: \ ‘ to the leader. “It don‘t matter. I’ll warrant he won’t kick long with two feet of earth above him. Let him down, boys, as quick as possible." Rock Randel sprung to his feet like a tiger at bay, and seizing his rifle faced them, crying: “Look hysr! would you bury that man alive?” " Stand back, and let us do our work!" “N ever! I reckon this coon will fill that funeral afore ye shall bury his pard alive!” There was an unmistakable ring to the Texan’s voice which told that he was fear- fully in earnest, while his nervous hold upon his rifle warned his foes of deadly peril. “Very well," replied the leader of the party, as he boldly defied The-man-from- exas, “ tlw grave is big enough to hold two!" CHAPTER II. BURIED ALIVE. Fan a moment the amazed horde stared upon The-Man-from-Texas in silence, while he faced them calmly. ' The wounded man continued to show signs of returning consciousness. How this strange tableau would have end- ed it would be hard to tell had not a new ar- rival suddenly appeared upon the scene. Advancing with a quick. nervous step, a medium-sized man dressed in a plain suit of black, and his face hidden by a dark mask, paused before. the wondering crowd. “Ho, Curlew!" he cried, in a sharp voice “ What means this?” “Nothing,” was the sullen reply; “only that dog of a Texan is trying to poke his nose into our funeral. bur this carrion." The first speaker had, ere this, fixed his arte eyes, that glowed from ’neath their ock, concealment like balls of fire, upon to meet the other’s gaze unflinchingly. I “Who are you, sir, to meddle in our affairs?" he asked, with an attempt at arro- gance. “ This coon hyar.” replied Randel, point- ing to the form of the prostrate man, “was my pard, and these chaps are going to bury him alive, when I tells em to o ahead at they want a double funcra . See, he moves!" “The Rocky Mountains move!" exclaimed the new-comer, with a laugh, as he looked at the body. “Pshaw, men, throw it into the hole and cover it up as quickly as possi- ble.” « The words had barely left his lips. when the sharp click of Rock Randel’s rifle-lock was heard, and the others fell back inac- tive. ' . _ ~ “The first man who touches him dies!" gritted ThaMan-from-Texas, fiercely. r ,,. . v1, , y,' .i.‘“'.u. I lf-i He says we sha’n‘t _ . v 1 s1" 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By this time night had fairly settled upon the scene, but it was still light enough for the foes to see each other distinctly. The masked man trembled with rage. “Put down your weapon,” he said after a moment, “and we will see if your friend lives." “ ’Tls all I ask,” replied Rock, and for an instant be relaxed his vigilance, for once thrown ofi his guard. Quick as thought the other, who had been watching for this chance, gave his cori- mand, when his followers, to a man, hurled themselves upon the brave Texan. Not till the span!) of Rock’s rifle, however, had rung out, and one of the horde fell to the earth. Then, as they closed upon him, he clubbed the weapon, to sweep down another before they could seize him. A sharp struggle followed; but, assailed by such overpowering numbers, The-man- from-Texas was borne to the ground, when, despite his almost superhuman resistance, he was a prisoner. “Bind him, boys. so that he can’t escape, and we will look after him as soon as we bury these bodies. He is a prize we little dreamed of," In less time than it takes us to relate it, Rock was secured, hands and feet. As this was done the masked leader turned to the wounded and dead, and without hesi- tation cast the bodies of those Rock had slain into the pit, and with a kick of his foot sent the living form of the Texan’s friend into the . grave with them. How the honest heart of TheMan-from- ‘Texas throbbed as he saw his companion about to be buried alive! True, his wounds had seemed fatal, but the inhumanity of the horde caused him to wrestle with his bonds ' in frantic energy. As the rufiians began to cover the bodies ; with the loose earth that had been thrown out, a fierce growl suddenl startled them from their task, and before t 10y could hardly gain breath, as heavy body came tearing through the undergrowth. ’“ Injuns!” shouted one, and they seized their firearms to meet the unexpected attack, not knowing whether to flee or stand their ground. It was not Indians, but proved to be a huge cinnamon bear that had been aroused from its lair near at hand b the scent of blood. Before the terrific men had time to see more the furious brute was in their midst. In too close proximity to discharge their rifles, they tried to heat back the monster by clubbing their weapons, but the bear scat tered them like chad before a strong wind. The maskedman alone retained anything like self-possession. Quickly bringing his rifle to his shoulder, he was in the act of pulling the trigger, when the brute seized the muzzle in its mouth, to receive the fatal shot, and staggered one side, stricken with death. It was some time, however, before it final- ly ceased its stru gles. A knifewoun inflicted by one of the men, as the animal tossed‘ to and fro, served to hasten its end. The attack of the bear seemed providential to Rock, for, as his captors all joined in the fight, leaving him momentarily alone, he be- gan to try and gain his freedom. In the brief interval he so far succeeded that he found his hands at liberty. The fight was over though, and his spirits fell as he felt that he had labored in vain. for his efforts would now be discovered and frustrated. But to his joy, while a part be- gan to finish filling the grave, the rest pre- pared to dress the bear. Just as the last of the dirt was shoveled upon the grave, be freed his feet. He had no time to spare, and seeing his rifle lying a short distance 011?, his first move was to spring to the spot, and catching up his trusty weapon, he swung it about his head with a triumphant whoop; and with another yell of defiance be bounded away down the valley. Taken completely by surprise he disap- peared from view behind a tree before his captors recovered enough to start in pursuit: “Quick, men !" yelled the masked leader. “ A hundred dollars to the one who will cap‘ ture him dead or alive." The eleven men rushed madly forward through the growth, and soon clearing the coppice in front came into full Sight of the fleeing Texan. _ Then their firearms spoke, and for an m- stant the blinding discharge filled the air. CHAPTER III. . A SLEEPING STRANGER. As the smoke from their rifles cleared away the pursuers saw Rock still running for dear life and apparently unhurt. “ He will escape.” cried the masked leader. “ Forward, men, for your lives." Fleet of foot almost as the deer, The-Man- from-Texas bounded down the valley, glanc- ing back ever and anon to note the progress of his foes. As yet he had formed no definite course. but was scanning the country right and left for a way of eluding the horde behind him as be rushed onward. X Still clinging to his rind/he found be W113. / Dandy Rock's Pledge. 5 at least holding his own with them. By the aid of the increasing darkness he hoped to evade them. Thus, occasionall making the woods re- sound with his wiiId cries of defiance, the intrepid Texan gave his enemies a life and death race. As he kept on the land grew more broken, though here and there a stunted tree spread out its scraggy branches. Again disappearing from his pursuers, as he dodged around the huge rocks, or darted behind the low-limde growth, he became silent, and then looked for a place of concealment. “I don’t savor of pufiin’ it like a scart redskin,” he muttered. “ Reckon I must kiver.” In the midst of his speculation he sudden- ly found himself upon the edge of an open- ing in the growth, and extending fora couple of rods was a white ledge, its smooth surface shining like glass. Beyond that he could gaze into a ravine that yawncd full fifty feet below, like an enormous pit sunk in the ground with nearly perpendicular sides. Rock's breath came quick and short, as he saw his fix. ’I‘o descend the declivity seem- ed like certain death, and to turn trade was on tivity, or to be shot by his foes. 0 time was to be lost,ln hesitatibn. A shout from his enemies told him that they were still close upon his heels. With an answering cry of defiance the daring Texan ran down the slippery surface of the ledge, until he stood upon the brink of the chasm, barely saving himself from falling down the steep declivity by dropping upon his hands and knees. He saw at a single glance the impossibilit of going further, and he momentarily fet that his race was run. About to regain his course to a place where he could meet his foes in astand- up tight, he saw to his right, and lower down on the bank, what looked to him like an opening in the cliff large enough for him to hide in. Without delay he crawled toward the spot, and by dint of hard work let himself down upon a narrow projection or shelf in the rock, that was within reach of the crevice. To‘his joy he saw that the place promised him ample concealment, and holding upon the jagged surface with all his strength he succeeded, after repeated attempts and some severe gashes upon his hands, in gaining its (fiover, just as he heard his pursuers above 1m. Crawling in out of sight, he lay at full length upon the rocky surface. with scarcely room to move, and listened to the gang of mm above. “He has fell ofl into the bottom.” Rock heard one declare. “It must be so, for he can’t have gone around this,” said the sharp voice of the ' masked leader. I After this a short consultation Was held, every word of which was heard by The-Man- from-Texas, and then by the sounds he knew that they were moving away. “ It has saved us considerable trouble, and we will go back to our retreat,” were the last words borne to his ears. Waiting until he was satisfied that he had nothing to fear from his foes, Rock cautious- ly left his hidingplace. When at last. he reached the top of the cliff, and stood again upon the glassy sur- face of the ledge, he peeped around to see if there was any indication of his enemies lin- gering near. “ Nary a sign,” he muttered, “but that war a elus rub. Howsumever, old Rock is good for more work. I dcclar’ to blazes, old black-face, we’ll meet ag’in, and Ireckon ’t'll be your turn to heel it then. I sha’n't forget ’em stars of yours or that voice.” While s eaking thus to himself, The- Man-from- exas hastened toward the growth and reachin it followed along its edge. steering for t e base of the mountain range to the west. l 1 . It was clear starlight, but there was no I ‘ moon to lighten the scenes of night. He paused once, as he fancied he heard his foes further down the valley; but after listening a few minutes without causefor alarm he concluded that he must have been mistaken, and moved on again. “ I wonder what their den am?" he mused. “I reckon they must hev a stopping-place somewhar in this kentry, though I have never heerd of sich a gang. They didn’t look like miners. Howsumever,‘l mustn’t bother with ’em, for I must look arter the coyote as wiped out that stranger. Yes; I’ll keep my pled e to him; and then I’ll strike the trail 0’ t ese varmints. Wagh! I see fun ahead.” ‘ _ While thinkin thus the Texan was still hurrying forwar , and had soon passed over: half a mile. . ‘ Ashe was thus cautiously advancing. he suddenly discovered the form of a man e ing against a tree just ahead of him. “Jeems Stopple! of that ain’t ueer, may I be blowed like a north wind! ’ ears so he is snoozing!" . . Approaching as silentl as possible, he. an- - " i went within a‘few rods an _ paused again, to, 3‘ 1 watch him closely. ' , He was a yout of not more than twenty, - with a smooth. fair face and slender form, though its symmetry showed that he poi.” \. ‘.;' \ . r , ,\ > v “my..- 3 If.“ «a . “ your paw, Alt." 6 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. fsessed strength beyond the average of his age. His left hand was resting lightly upon the barrel of a highly-polished rifle, while the other steadied him in his position by holding upon a branch of the tree just over his head. “Thar may be other chaps round!" said Rock, mentally, “ but I am going to risk and spoke at the boy." Suiting the action to the thought, The- Man-t‘rom-Texas gave a low whistle that in- stantly caused the young stranger to start and look wildly around, while he grasped his firearm more firmly. “ Hyar I am, old beaver,” exclaimed Rock, lowly, at the same time raising his rifle half- way to his shoulder; “ but ye needn’t call your pards, ’cause it might make a little hard feeling.” “ I am alone,” replied the other, quickly, “ so you have nothing to fear, as I am peace- fully dis osed,” and he gazed upon the Texan With the utmost unconcern. “ Who are ye, all alone in these heathenish diggin’s?” ' “M name is Alfred Howe, and I have come rom Crosstree Corner. 1 was on my way to Ridley’s Blufi, and in trying to save a little distance in going across the lower range I got lost, and have traveled I know not where, until I am nearly tired out." " Jess like these younkers! But ye appear honest, and ef yc’ll promise to never snooze on your post ag‘in, I reckon we’ll be larfln’ coons on the same trail. My get-up is Rock Randal. and I hail from old Texas. Gi’n us CHAPTER IV. “wn’ma: 0N run saw: TRAIL." “.ARE you Rock Randel?” asked the oung man in sur rise, as be grasped the onest Texan’s han . “Every pop, old cha . es true es e’ll see stars a-runnin’ down hi1 backward. eckon ye hev read ’bout me. I know‘d a chap onc‘t (res wanted to write up my doin‘s, an’ I told him to hold up till 1 had tramped my last .trail, but he may hev gone back on my idee, .and ve hev seen the book.” “I have heard of on man times; and I have wanted to fin you a ove all other «men." “ Shot Jeems Stopplei Do I look nat- reral?” “ About as I expected,” replied Howe, with :a light laugh. “Only they said you were . cross-eyed l" ‘ ‘ Cross'eyed? me cross eyed?” asked Rock. in amazement. “Where am the chap as said so? [Jess show him to me—quickl I’ll show him what ’tis to be cross-eyed and cross-cared and cross-nosed. tool” “Are you alone in this uncivilized coun- try?" “Yes. But that puts me in mind of my bizness. Hev you seen a lot of coyotes pass this way?” “ No," was the surprised answer. “ ’I‘het is ’cause ye hev been snoozing. Eleven 0' ’em hev gone by." “ Whar can the animals have gone? But they are not very dangerous I believe?" “ Animulest Are you asleep now? I mean a pack 0’ varmints—menl I hed a regular skrimmage with ’em and rubbed out two!” “ That accounts for the firing that I heard.” “Jes-so. But kem, let‘s toe and heel, and While we trot along we ken keep time with our tongues." Rock then led the way down the valley, closely followed by his new-found compan- lon. “ Ye said ye war looking for me, what do you want?” asked The-Man-from-Texas. “ I have got into trouble, and I must have some one to help me out.” “Rock Randel is jess the beaver for you if you run an honest hand.” “I will tell you my story, and then you can judge for yourself." “All right. Spot the trail. And while on talk, I’ll keep my\ peepers spread, for em coyotes may be hiding ’round for us.” “ To begin my story then, I have been in the employ of one Lemuel Divons, the fore- most man of business in Cross-tree City. He has ever treated me well and l have tried to discharge my duty faithfully. “About one month ago he sent me to Springvale with a considerable sum of money to pay up a share he had purchased in the mine there. “I started on my trip in company with one other. But while making our way on horseback we were attacked by a band of masked men; my companion was killed, and Iwas robbed of every dollar I had, and left b the road-agents for dead as I suppose, for w en 1 came to m senses I was alone, so confused that I coul hardly tell what had happened. “ In the struggle, however, I had managed to tear the mask from the face of one of the gang, and I shall never forget how he looked. “As soon as I could I returned to Cross- tree and told Divons what had occurred. He raved and swore that it was a scheme gotten up by me to rob him of his money; Of course I denied it, which only served to make him fiercer. Finally he declared that \ . - 23'. mum; H Dandy Rock's Pledge. )3 unless I gave up the mone within ten hours he would have me arreste for robbery. In vainl e'xpostulated with him, and told of how frequent occurrence these robberies had become, and that I was innocent. “ Promptly. at the end of the time, he sent for the vigilance officers, and, unable to escape had [so desired, 1 was arrested and thrown into the jail. The very next da my trial came ofi, and [was not only trie but condemned as an outlaw and a road-agent. 1 had a narrow escape from being lynched on the spot, but aided by a few friends, for all did not desert me, my execution was delayed until the next day, and I was again placed in confinement with a double guard over me to see that I did not get away. “Perhaps I should have said ere this that my employer and persecutor, Lemuel Div- ons. had a den hter whom I learned to love most dearly, who had given me the full affection of her generous heart, my condemnation was a fearful blow. AndI sufiered more on her account than my own. Her father had not looked upon our union with favor, and I think he was glad that it was likely to bfigoken off, no matter what the cost to his 0 1 . “To cut my stor short, that night, Lilla bought off one of t e guards who was sweet on her, and though nobl risking her own life, she efiected my free om. “Of course I was forced to flee, and ever since I have been hunted like a beast of prey. A price is set upon m head, and if I dared to show myself I shou d be shot down like a dog. ' “I have seen my beautiful preserver but once, and then only for a moment’s talk. She gave me a false beard and wig to wear, so that I should not be recognized so quickly iian one should see me. I removed the whis ers at dark, as the cord which holds them on hurts my face, so that you found me without them. But-I will replace them now,” and as he spoke he slipped the false beard upon its place, which made him an- iear at least ten years older than before. “Jeems Stopplel it don’t take much to make an old man 0’ you!” “,It does change my looks some. But to resume my story; for the past three weeks I have done nothln but hunt for the men that robbed me. Until find them, and bring them to justice, thus showing my innocence of crime, I am an outlaw before the world, and cannot gain the hand of her whom I love better than my own life, though she believes I am not guilty. I have heard of you, Mr. Randel. and have wished to find you, be ing that you would assist me in my need. on are an old woodman and just the one to fee, 0 the sweet Lilla Divons,_ I ret out these robbers, while I know nothing of wildwood life. Rock Randel, you have my story, and now will you help me?” The speaker had turned his dark eyes upon the Texan with an imploring light, and he clutched the ranger’s hand in a firm grasp. . “ You said you had seen the face of one of ‘em road-agents; what did he look like?" asked Randel without replying to the other’s question. , “He was rather good-looking; though his skin was a little shallow, and he seemed about forty years old. His eyes were dark and he wore a full brown beard. What struck me as a little singular, and a mark 1 shall never forget, his mustache where it parted under the nostrils was completely white, though I saw no other gra hair.” , Stopping abruptly, Rock face his com- panion. crying with more than common ex- citemcnt: “Did he have a red spot under his right 0 e?” y“ Yes, a birth-mark upon his cheek." “Randel Rock! he’s my man! Yes, Alf Howe, I chip in with you. We are on the same trail 1" CHAPTER V. nocx’s sncnn'r. , “ I DON’T understand you,” declared youn Howe, as be grasped the extended palm o The-Man-from-Texas. “That is because you have not heard my secret. I have a stranger storyto tell than you have spun; but, es I live, we are out on the stage-road frum Cross-tree t Ridley’s Bluff. ’l‘he ‘ Wayside Home’ is on yaleetle furder up hyar, and I reckon Wed better stop that to-night; I ain’t had grub since sunrise, and I feel purty gaunt. Mebbe you’re in the same predicomonyfl” ‘ “ I, have scarcely tasted food since yester- ny, “Shel Wal, I reckon Granny Sloan 'll hev a bone for us to ick. So kem arter me. and I’ll tell ye my 'p ans afore we sleep. I don’t want any pesky ears ’round when I’m talking, for 1 hev got sum ticklish doin’s ahead.” . Relapsing into silence, the two hurried forward a quarter of a mile or so, when they r came in sight of a light, and a moment later reached a large, rambling log building with others of smaller dimensions closely con- nected. » ~ “ ’Tis the Wayside Home, kept by Granny Sloan.” said Rock. “I remember of sto ing hvar a year ago, and I found good pic -. ng. Guess they won't know, me, though, now, ’cause I was on a leetle partickler biz- mes then, and was rigged up like a whoopin’ , ~ l v‘. .>,_.',, , .w ,:__ : (LL‘ .‘-v:vvl-.'«: .. 9.. 2:. an.-. 4- -‘ .74 2 ‘.r as). ,‘x‘a‘l: aw:- zww.’ v Kai-sand ' = w.; —‘\=L"-;;"-A . A_ r' can hear. / redskin. Jeeman, how things will change, and we trot arter them!" By this time they had gained the entrance of the only door visible to the rude struct- ure, and as it stood invitingly open, they en- tered without hesitation. The apartment within was quite large, but devoid of any furniture, save a few boxes and benches, and a miserable excuse for atable. , A low fire was slumbering in a huge stone fire-place, and a single occupant of the room was seated upon a box, seeming fast asleep. “ Wonder where the old woman is? she don’t know company has ’riv." As if still unconscious of their presence the solitary man in the room remained mo- tionless. “Perhaps he can tell,“ whispered Alf, nod- ding to the silent individual. “Reckon not,” declared Rock. with a smile. “Ye mought as well talk to the moon arter it had been through asassage grater! He is deaf and dumb ! “ Guess Before Howe could express his surprise, the . opposite door opened, and a tall, weazen- faced. slatternly-dressed female of uncertain age entered the apartment at a shambling pace. “Ho, strangers!" she greeted, in a shrill tone, as her small, restless eyes looked our friends close in the face; “make yerselves at hum, fer I s’pose ye’ll stop with us to- night?” " I reckon,” affirmed Rock; ” and we are as hungry as a pack of whoopin' wolves in sight o‘a pile o’ venison. So pack out com- bustibles, an’ we’ll pitch in," “ Waal, do say! 'Moose yerselfs as much as you can till my old man comes, and he’ll keep yer spirits up then till I set things to right. Ye see my poor boy hynr, ‘tain’t any use to talk to him, ’cause he‘s lost the use of his walkin' limbs by the rheumatiz, and he can't hear hisself speak. nor speak so he Poor boy, I feel powerful ’bout him.” Mumbling over something to herself, she left the room. Rock and his companion were not left alone long, however, as a seedy specimen of a man long since past the prime of life en- tered/with a cordial “ How d’ye pull up?" “Reckon ye are strangers ’round hyar,” ., said the new-comer, as he pulled a dry-goods box up in front of the adventurers, and stuck an old, greasy-looking pipe into his mouth. " Did you kem up from Cross tree?” “Reckon not," re lied Rock. ,“ Hufled it cross the mount’ins rom Dry Towu.” . . " Wa’al; I declare to gracious! Ye s’prlse . me! An’ ye are purty kinky yit?” 42:, . (l ' Dandy Rock’s Pledge. “ Kick the hind sights right off any mule this side 0’ B’ilin’ Spring. We're frisky as young colts turned out to grass. anh!” “Wonderful! S’pose ye hev heerd o’ the robbery?” “What one, old coon?" “ Why, the road-agents o’ Cross-tree Holler stopped the stage last night, bu'sted the driver, scart the passengers all to death, and carried off every ounce 0’ dust they could clap their paws on. I tell ye, strangers, these are gettin’ to be awful times. My old woman is ‘bout frightened to pieces. Warn’t she afeerd 0' ye?” “Nary a chip. I war afeerd—that is, I thought to J eems Stople she’d give me a left- hand buss in spite 0’ all 1 could do!" “ Queer! and she had the hi—hi—histeers this morniu’ when I only told her that the stage had been bu‘sted.” Then followed a detailed account of the robbery, after which Rock and Alf did full justice to the coarse food Granny Sloan had prepared for them. A smoke, another talk, and The~Man- from-Texas, with his companion, was guided up-stairs into an apartment allotted them for the night. “ By Randel Rock!” exclaimed the Texan. as he dropped squat upon the floor and crossed his legs in true mountain style, “there am fun ahead, or ye may use my head for a snuff-pouch. D’ye ’member what the old man sed ’bout ’em road- agents?” “Yes; and I’ll venture they are the gang that robbed me.” “Es true es blowin’ up destruction with saltpeter. But, my old coon-eye, we hev got to work.” “ Tell me what I can do, and you will find me there.” “ That‘s the jaw for me. Now, hear my leetle chin-music, and then we will 19. our plans. When ye know my hand ye’l take the trick easy.” “ Yesterday afternoon as I war trailing it up the valler, all to onc’t I heard a rifle-shot, and then another. They kem from no great way off, so I started up thet way, expentin to find friends. I hadn’t gone far when see’d a man a-scooting it down the mountain as if the old Harry war arter him a-throwing hot ashes in his face. I ’spected mischief war ’round big es yer left foot in spring- time, so pulled that way to soon hear sum dreadful cries. “Wal, I found a white man who was shot, and it didn’t take me long to corral him as pe'g 'n’ out like summer bar]. I fixed him up a it, but I knowed it war 't any use. He sed that his name was oland ’Maxcy, and that he had been shot by the i y , GEL \ Dandy Rock’s Pledge. 9 . \ coyote I had seen huflip' it so much like a scart buflier. “Then, knowin’ he was turnin’ up his toes fast, he told me the chap, Whose name was Hiram Lore, had hunted him like a pefcary ever since he had married t‘other’s ga . “Soon after he had got hitched to the woman he had to go away from hum, and when he got back ag’in he found that his wife had gone off with this old sweetheart 0’ hern, though a child had been born to her. “All that he could learn of her was that she had gone to California, and so he took the trail. t‘ That war nigh onto eighteen years ago. and he had followed the varmint’s lead till then, but he had never seen him. Before the coyote shot him he told him his wife and child war livin’, though they had not seen each other for over fifteen years. Of course Maxcy begged to see them, but be war shot instead, and without finding where they lived, or even knowing whether his child was a boy or girl. Queer, Wa’n‘t it? “ He made me promise I would take the trail, and hunt the coyote down, to find his wife and child, Then he gi’n out, and I war goin‘ to dig his funeral, when up kem a gang 0’ cusses and sed they would help me. “When we had dug the grave, Maxcy showed signs of returning to life and 0’ course I warn’t for plantin him. But the varmints war, so we fit for it. I wiped out two, and then they corraled me. “I see’d ’em bury my poor friend alive, and ye may reckon, I did some tall thinkin’ ef I didn’t spit ’em out. “Howsumever, I managed to work my strings off, and I lit out on my own book, to ive ’em the slip es true as I am hyar. But ’m in for bizness now. “ Hiram Lore, ’cording to Roland Maxcy's descripture, is the road-agent chief who bu'sted ou." , "Her 1" warned Alf Howe. “What is ’to pay below?" “ J eems Stopple l" exclaimed Rock, spring- ing to his feet, “the hull Mexican armyis at the door!” CHAPTER VI. “HELP! HELP! sAVE—” A GREAT commotion was going on at the outer door below, but in a moment some one opened it, and our listeners heard a body of men enter the apartment. “ Guess they have n'ot callers," said Howe, as he stood by The-mn-from-Texss. " I reckon. But open yer ears, and mebbe we shall git a leetle l’arning.” " Ho, there, Cap; what’s the word?” asked one in an excited tone. “ Hold up, Rube, and be more careful how you speak. We have company upstairs." “ Company?" “Yes; that infernal Man-from-Texas has turned up ag'in. He and another chap are up-stairs now. We mUSt look after them as soon as they git quiet. Anything new down along?" “Not a bit. That confounded Alf Howe has given us the slip ag’in. I tell you, Cap, he means mischief." “PshaW! We are good for that boy, or I’ll sell out. Besides, old Divons shells out more liberal. He offers now three hundred if we will capture the fool, I tell you we must get him.” . “Histl” exclaimed a shrill voice at this juncture, “I heerd the Texan and his psrd a-talkin‘ a minute ago, and they‘ll be hearing 9.” Then, though the conversation went on, Rock and Alf could only hear the indistinct sound of the speakers’ voices. “Itandel Rock!" said the Texan, “ we are in a purty pickle. I’m pesky anxious to know what is going on." “ Can‘t we go down the stairs?" “Jess what popped into my numb head. I am goin to try it." “I wi 1 go with ou." “ Nary a chip, 0 d coon. D’ye jess stand at the door, and if I give the signal be ready fer work. Hyar I crawl down the step." After looking to the priming of his revol- vers, and seein that they were in good order. The-Man-from— exas stepped lightly out into the hall. Then noiseless as a shadow, he he an to descend the stairs. 11? followed him as far as the top and there waited the adventure of his com- panion. ' With the utmost care Rock succeeded in reaching the door below . without having caused any disturbance. He looked in vain for some crevice where he might gain a view of the adjoining spart- ment. But he could still hear the men with- in. and applying his ear close to the thin partition, he could distinguish quite plainly the talk which was than continuing. “I tell ye, Cap, it war a bold pus ,” were the first words he heard. I “That don’t matter. We must try agam." ” When i” ‘ “ To—morrow ni ht. The Dry Town stage is ‘due then, an it will be well loaded with—” Here the s eaker’s tone was lowered so much that he-Man-from-Texas failed to catch the remainder that was said. , He had heard enough; however, to cause him to start a trifle. as collected as he gen- erally was. . - ' A 3-33 ‘ .- €:-.v.::. 10 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. "Jeems Stopple!" he muttered to himself, V “ ef that chap talkinizl ain't the black-faced varmint as chucked oland Maxcy into his grave alive, may I be smoked into a p‘izen rattler without any music!” Hearing the sound of voices again he once more bent his whole attention to listening. ~“ Then it will be a big haul, Cap?” “The biggest yet. But come; that Texan is snoozin’ before this, so I propose we at- tend to him now. After that we will take a little rest.” “ ’Greed,” came the hearty response of at least a dozen voices. “ All right then. Look to your weapons, . boys, and have a steady hand, for you know .jt\ we are after more than common game. That Texan dog don’t die easy. Follow me like shadows, and we will deal him a cold hand before he wakes up. I will look after him if on will take that covey with him.” ock waited to hear no more. With a grim smile upon his sun—bronzed counte- nance he cautiously returned to his com- panion. “.What‘s up?" asked Alf in surprise. "Nothing! only ’em pesky coyotes are comin’ up to lift our skulps. Is your hand stead , my beaver? Thar am comin‘ fun.” “I- ow many are there?” “At least a dozen. And they are led by the varmint es buried poor Maxcy alive. know him by his voice. but all I ask is one lifter at him, and I’ll fix his funeral.” “Hark! what is that?” cried Alf half aloud as an excited movement was suddenly heard down-stairs. Motioning for his companion to be silent, Rock bent anxiously forward in a listening attitude. ' Adoor was heard to be flung violently fpen and some one rushed into the room be- ow. - “ Save me! I am pursued by a lot of ruf- flans!" cried a clear voice with womanly sharpnesl in it. ' The reply of the men was not heard, but loud cries and oaths were borne to their ears. “My faith!" exclaimed Rock, “it is a woman!” . Then, hi h above the confusion came the sharp, quic tones of the masked man say- mg: ‘1‘ Where in the world did you come from, gir ?" “ I was carried off by/ a lot of bad men, 'sir; and,only this evening succeeding in escaping. Surely you will befriend me?” A 'n the reply was unheard. 'A f Howe moved uneasily. “ My God, Rock, can it be possible?" “There they come!” exclaimed the fright- ened female. “ Oh save me!” ' Rock and Alf hurried down the stairs as quietly and as swiftly as possible. Pausing at the bottom they heard the fierce retort: “We'll save you, girl. Seize her, men. and see that she don‘t get away from you!" A fierce rush followed, and then the build- ing rung with the wild appeal: “Ilelpl helpl helpl” “ Quick, men, don’t, for mercy‘s sake, let the jade arouse the whole housel Secure her! Bind herl Quick, for your lives!” “Save me! help! hel-p!” “My God!” cried Alfred Howe, in wild excitement, “ it is Lilla‘s voice! Where is the door? Quick! we must save her!” By this time the whole building rung with the sound of the mad scene enacted within. CHAPTER VII. A STARTLING SITUATION. ROCK had reached the door, and with one wrench of his powerful arm he sent it flying from its hinges, and closely followed by his companion, he sprung into the midst of the amazed rufllans. With a revolver in either hand the daring twain faced the excited mob.‘ “Back!” fairly Texas, as he levele his weapons at the foremost. “or I’ll shoot you down like coyotes!" Alf had bounded to the side of the de- fenseless girl, just as a couple of despera< does had seized her fiercely by the arms. Felling them to the floor with a couple of well-directed blows, he drew her to his side, and turned to meet the mad assailants in conjunction with Rock. “I-Iave courage, my darling,” he whis- pered, " and you shall be saved." “ Fire and furies!” hissed one of the desperadoes, “ what means this?” “ That you sha’n’t make war upon unarmed women!” retorted Rock Randal, as he calmly faced the speaker. There were twelve men in the room, and all armed to the teeth, but not one familiar face to The-Man-from-Texas among them, The deaf-mute was still sitting in the corner, apparently unheeding the exciting scene sur. rounding him. The furious horde, for the instant too much surprised to offer assault, glared upon the defiant twain in silence. “ Dog of a Texan!” growled the chief spokesman, “if you value your worthless life. begone, ere we riddle you with bullets l" “ Pepper away, old coon. This beaver ain‘t up for sassage-meat yet. But the first man who moves a hair dies!” elled The-Man-from- _ . x‘. “3‘21 ups x : Dandy Rock's Pledge. 11 By their sudden and prompt action the two heroes held the others at odds for the mo- ment. In the midst of the strange tableau, Granny Sloan came rushing into the room, crying: “ 0h, merch what do you dreadful men mean? You will kill and murder us all!" Rock and Alf dared not for an instant turn from those in front. Had they done so, it would have been certain death. As it was, the crisis came quickly. Loud shouts were heard outside, and three »or four coarsely-dressed rul‘fians appeared in the doorway. Comprehending at a glance the situation, they prepared to assist their allies. But, quick as was their movement, The-Man-from- Texas was even quicker. Seeing that it was impossible to escape by the outer door. which was blocked by their foes, he turned back toward the stairway, crying: “This way, Alf! quick. for your life!" Howe was not slow in following him. Half-carrying the maiden, he dashed after Rock, who cleared their way through the crowd with fierce sweeps of lllS strong arms, sending the ruflians headlong right and left. Before the desperadoes could realize the movement, Rock and Alf, with their charge, hlad disappeared, and the door closed with a s am. “ Come on, old tearers,” cried The-Man- from-Texas exultantly, as he braced himself against the stout oaken frame. ~ The baffled horde uttered fierce threats and hurled themselves against the door. “ Can’t you tind a timber up there to put up here so to keep the old thing in its place?” panted Randel. “I can hold it, while you hunt one up.” Alf sprung up-stairs, and tearing ups part .of the floor he succeeded in removmg one of the spit slabs, when he carried it to Rock. By fplacing one end against the opposite side 0 the hallway they soon formed a bar- ricade that promised to withstand a great pressure from the other side. “Hammer away, old cronies, but let us know when ye force an entrance. By the way. the first head that comes into sight shall be made into a pepper-box! So look out. Rock Randel don‘t carry wet powder, nor he don't burn it for nothing." Finding that the door could not be readily forced open, The-Man-trom-Texas suggested that they go above where they would be prepared to meet an attack from any di- rection. Bang, whang came the furious blows from ' the enraged assailants below. “ Oh, those dreadful men, we shall all b0 \ \ killed I” said Lilla, as she trembled at the sounds of their foes. “ Never fear, dearest." replied Alf encour- agingly. “We may yet escape.” “Do you think so, sir?" she asked, ap- pealing to Rock. “Of course, purty one. We ain’t agoin' to let ’em varmints wi e us out while we can stand ag‘in’ ’om. So out giv' up, but lend us a helping hand." Lilla Divons was a fair. sweet-faced girl, with a brave heart. Gaining strength from her companions’ words she tried to appear calm. as she said: ' “What can I do?" “Nothin’ yet; but we will give you a chance soon. Hark! as I live, the coyotes are surrounding the building." From the sounds there was no doubt of it. “Let ’em work. I reckon we can stand ’em a siege." The noise in the room below gradually grew less, until but little was heard. “The are hatching up some game," do- clared ock. “Wal, all is we must keep our peepers wide open and be ready for ’em.” Five minutes wore away without any fur~ ther indication of danger to the beleaguered friends. By that time Rock’s quick ear caught the I sound of some one trying to force an entrance into another pant of the chamber. “ You stand hynr and don’t let a varmint outwit ye; I must see what is up over there." Crossing the floor as silentl as a cat about to spring upon its prey, Roc hurried to the ' spot. As he came near the place he sawa light suddenly shine through a new opening in the floor, and as the flame grew brighter. he saw ’ that the rulflans were trying to raise one of the boards. Crouching back in the darkness, he saw the flooring pushed up higher and higher, until quite a. space was opened. Then. after a moment’s silence, a man's head was thrust up through the aperture, speedily followed by his body. Others would quickly succeed him; and Rock knew his time for action had come. Springing lightly forward before the in. truder was aware of his presence, he seized him in his vise-like grip, to hurl him upon the floor senseless. Then deftly dislodging the prop that held it in its place, the board fel back with a crash. and a sin all was darkness. A few hal -smothered curses came up from the baflled horde below. as Rock drugged his prisoner toward the stairs, where he had left Alf and Lilla. -“ It’s all right," he said, in answer to their . .‘ii‘i’f‘ f" "33;. issue. r- :' ;<§g;~:,-;-.;_.. 18 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. anxious inquiries. “I thought we should like a little more company. If I could only find a piece of rope, I would show you some fun, or my name ain‘t Rock Randel. Hyar, - look out for the cuss while I hunt round a leetle and sec of I can’t find a string to suit me. Hoot away, there, of you want to, I’m comin’ to help you out in a minute.” Soliloquizin thus he searched about in the dark for a cor to carry out the designs that had entered his fertile brain. All the while the half-savage mob kept up their fearful Babe] of sounds, and were try- ing to devise some scheme by which they could drive the fugitives from their retreat, as they circled about the building. CHAPTER VIII. ROCK PLAYS A DARING GAME. ROCK had been gone so long that Alf and Lillie were getting uneasy when he rejoined them. “I hev found something that will an-. swer,” he said. “Now if you will stand at your post hyar and not let the tarnal imps fool ye, I‘ll bring ‘em round to the west end 0’ the building. The minute I give the word, Alf, ye hurry down the stairs with the gal, open the door and git for the horses the coyotes left at the door. Mount one on ‘em and ride for Ridley's Blufi like blazes.” “But, what will become of you? Ican—” “Never mind me. I am too old acoon to be ketched napping. Look sharp and mind what I have told you.” With the last injunction The-Man-from Texas lifted the still unconscious outlaw in his arms and bore him to the further end of the building, where a solitary window was to be seen as the pale starlight glimmered through the dust and cobwcbs. Laying his victim down upon the floor, Rock quickly secured the cord around his body under the arms. Then he fastened the other end to one of the rafters overhead. This done, he removed the window, and his intentions were instantly apparent. Though the desperado was a man of medium size, it cost the strong Texan no glfiaat eflort to place him upon the window 51 . This last movement partially aroused the fellow and he be an to kick lustily. “ Tear away, 0 d rattler; the more the bet- ter!" chuckled Randel, as he held him there for a moment. The watchers outside caught sight of the dangling figure, and in an instant the cry went up: “Here they come! out of the window!” ’ With a smile of satisfaction. Rock let his prisoner down the side of the building, just as the crowd began to gather beneath. “ Quick, Alf! now‘s your time!" he warn- ed his companion, as the excitement increas- ed among their foes. The-Man-from-Texas slowly lowered the frantic outlaw down, until he was suspend- ed upon the rope, when he dodged back out of sight with a chuckle of triumph. In the brief interval the ruflians to a man had flocked to the end of the house, and stood ready to seize their supposed victim as soon as he came within reach. Ay, as he dangled in mid-air some grew impatient, and the sharp report of their rifles rung out, mingling with the cries of the unfortunate ruifiau. Meanwhile Alf had not been inactive. With Lilla he dashed down the stairs, and throwing aside the barrier he and the Texan had placed against it, flung open the door, to enter the room below and rushed out into the night. He found the horses of the outlaws secured near by, and it took but an instant for him to assist Lilla upon the back of one, while he sprung into the saddle of another. Just as the rode out of the yard and took « the road for idley‘s Bluff, Rock appeared in the tavern doorway. V “ Hooray for Texas!” he cried. half-aloud. “Now fer fun!" and he bounded among the animals hitched near at hand. The outlaws at the end of the tavern had discovered Alf and Lilla as they rode away, and instantly comprehended that they had been duped, when, with yells of rage, they rushed for their steeds. Whipping out his long knife, The-Man- from-Texas began cutting them loose, and as the hafiied desperadoes came round the corner of the tavern. they saw their animals galloping off at the top of their speed. All but one, and the intrepid Texan was just springing upon his back. “Shoot him!" yelled the excited leader, but before the volley of shot that followed reached the spot, Rock had gained the high- way. and waving his sombrero above his head, disappeared down the road. “Furies and destruction!” yelled tlre maddened outlaw; “that dog will escape l” Before they could recover their horses to give pursuit, he was indeed beyond their reach. r, Riding at his breakneck speed, it took Rock but a few moments to overtake his friends. “Are you ,unhurt?" asked Lilla, anxious- ly, as after a few minutes they slackened their ace somewhat. “ es; and as lively as a cricket in dog days. I reckon the coyotes won’t hold us very hard, so that we needn’t kill our homes fer fast driving.” _ , {a}; Dandy Rock's Pledge. Thus they moved at a. more moderate gait. “I guess we had better go to Sanford’s. He keeps the post-oflice, you know; and a better Inan ain‘t in the country. He and I are regular pards, too, and no sideshow. Ye’ll be at hum there, Miss Lilla, and Alf and I can trot round and look arter things." Miss Divons started in surprise as the Texan spoke her lover’s name. “Never fear, Lilla,” he said; “Mr. Ran- del knows my secret and it is safe with him.” “ But is it safe for you to be seen? I fear you will be recognized, and if you should.— ohl I tremble to think of what would be ‘ your fate. " “ Have courage, dearest; I will leave it with our friend to say what we had better do. He has seen me with my disguise off and knows how much it changes me.” “I say the Old Harry won’t know ye. ButI must give ye a new handle. So- ye must answer to—let me see—yes, that’ll do— Tom Smith.” “ All right, Rock; I will remember.” “ Don't ve forget, either, Miss Lilla. So it’s all fixed. We’ll go to Sanford‘s to-night; and tomorrow to Cross-tree City by way of Dry Town." The next hour passed in comparative silence, when they suddenly came in sight of a small mining settlement, which lay at the base of the mountain range. Ridley’s Bluff, for such was its name, was a thriving lace though of but a few months’ growth. lready it had its duly elected authorities and c aimed the dignity of being called a “ city.” An occasional light was seen glimmering from some of the rude huts that were crowd- ed in upon either side as our party rode down the main street; and when they reached “Central Square” they found it nearly as bright as day from the lights of a neighbor- ing building that bore the inscription 1n gilt lettering: '“ LION’S REST." “ The big shebang o’ the city," said Rock, with a nod of the head. “ The post-office is just below.” Turning the street corner they came upon a two—story dwelling bearing the Sign: ,“ POST-OFFICE. ” “Hyar’s whar we’ll put up,” said Book, as he pounded upon the door after finding it fastened. CHAPTER IX. ROCK IN TIGHT QUARTERS. l ' “ Wno’s there?” asked a deep base voice, as The-Man-from-Texas repeated his thump- ing ,. ' “ Rack Randel and a couple 0‘ friends.” “Good! You shall come in," and the door was quickly opened, when a stout, pleasant-faced man in middle life greeted the Texan with a cordial welcome. “ We have had a first-class row this after- noon and to please the women-folks, I caused the doors to be bolted, as I hardly dreamed of callers at this late hour. However, you are heartil welcome.” We nee not dwell upon the explanations that followed, but Lilla was happ to know that she had found friends, an both Mr. Sanford and his wife were both deeply inter- ested in her story, as well as her own frank‘ manner. “You shall stay here with us until the danger is over,” declared ood Mrs. San- ford. “1 do hope theywxll destroy that gang of road-agents or it will not be safe for any one to go out after dark. And, don’t ' you think, no less than ten men have been shot and robbed in the city within three days?” ' “Never mind, wife," said her husband; “now that .Colonel Ridley has been made mayor we may hope for better times. They are holding a celebration at the Lion’s Rest tonight in honor of the event. He keeps the tavern, you know, and is our leading man, and who gave his name to the place. ” “So I hev heerd,” replied The-Man-from- Texas, “and as I hev never seen him, I have an idee o' trotting over to his shelelng. giant to go, Tom ‘2” he continued, addressing » “Don’t go to that dreadful place!” cried Lilla; “ you will both he killed.” “Never fear for that, purty one; but Tom needn’t go unless he wants to. Iam going because I hev pertic’ler him. as. Reckon e’ll let me in bimeby‘?” he said to Mr. San 0rd. “ Certainly. But you can’t be too careful, Rock.” “I reckon. So hyar I scoot. ye don’t see me ag‘in look out for the gal, Tom,” and the last having decided to remain in safer quarters, The-Man-from-Texas went out alone. “ Now I ain’t got only this coon to look arter, and I fee better,” he mused as he gained the street. V Had Rock realized the danger he was run- ning into he might have hesitated before do- in as he did. eaching the square he passed up the street for a short distance, and then crossed over to go down a corresponding space when he paused in front of the “ Lion‘s Rest.” The truth was he did not care for any one to know that he had come from Sanford‘s for reasons of his own. , . . Within, highest excrtement_was rife, but 18- “1--.! 2-." l 1-. ‘ . "Jr's-.2... . ‘ Wis. "V‘flk:fi :- 1». . . wees“: 14‘ away Rock’s Pledge. utter assurin himself that his fire-arms were in readiness gar use in case of need, he pulled his sombrero down over his face and boldly entered. His entrance was greeted with a solid store from a score or more of heavily-beard- ed. coarsely-dressed niiners.who had gathered around the bar, drinking and carousing. Rock was but a. little acquainted in the place, and he hoped no one would recognize him. “Ho. stranger!" cried a tall. weather- heaten individual who savored strongly of the mountains as well of the mines. “ye are jess in season; so pony up. and lift a bumper to our new mayor. Hurray fer Colonel Ridley, futer guv’ner 0’ all Californy and the Pacificker sea with Mexico throwed in !" Asif one throat had uttered the cry the buildin rung with the shout of every spec- tator, T ie-Man-from Texas pitching his voice to the highest key. “ Now, death and destruction to the road- ngents and highway varmints o’ the kentry, and ten foot 0’ rope for Alf Ilowe, their leader!" cried the tall miner, when again the applause was defeaning. ~ " Now for a bu'ster o' p'izen! My swal- lower is as raw as a pepper plaster on the north side 0’ a rock. Kem. old hosses, shank up hyar and the mayor ’ll paythe bill. Kenn, stranger. yer turn to lead off. Gi’n us yer handle and we'll toss to yer health." “ Whoop! hurray! I‘m the Coon from vLive Oak, I am!” exclaimed Rock, as he sprung forward and brought his fist down I] on the bar with a crash that sent the gasses flying in every direction. “Turn out yer benzine! Heap it up high as the Rocker Mount‘ins!" In an instant the bartender came forward and filled the glasses to their brim. Then. midst the wild confusion, the nois drinkers drained them at a single gulp. A. l - save Rock, who had learned long before that to keep a steady hand he must have a level head, and seldom, if ever, drank an liquor. Thus, while the others were drin ing, he tossed his upon the floor unnoticed. “ Ain’t the colonel kem yet?” asked one. . “ Queer," said another, as they received a ne tive answer. “ Wonder how he will loo with his whiskers off. ’Tain‘t every chap as would lose his heard to pay a bet." “ Right. But the mayor is true blue, every time. When he says a thing he means it." “ Yes; and when he oflered an extra two hundred for the outlawed Alf Howe he meant bizness. I tell ye. he’ll make it warm for the boy when he leads the Vigilantes down thar to-morrer." “ Where do ye s’pose the chap is hiding?” “Why, bless ye, he war seen only this arternoon down in Cross-tree hollow." “ Shot” “You bet! and he‘ll hev to kem, too. I tell ye, boys. I wouldn't give a goat's ear for his chance. That Man-from-Texas ’ll hev to stretch a bit 0' rope afore another morn. mark me for that." “Shovel up the coyote, and we’ll dig his funeral!" broke in Rock. “ ‘Rah for the Coon from Live Oak!” “Hyar kems the mayor!" cried one, and in an instant all was quiet. Randel fell back among the majority of the crowd toward the door. To speak the truth, he thought it best to be on the look- out for an escape. If an there should recog- nize him his game woul be up. At the moment a ringing footstep was heard coming from the interior of the build- ing, 31nd then a nervous appearing man up— pearcd from behind the bar. At sight of him aloud shout went up from from the crowd. but Rock was so much ab- sorbed by the looks of the new-comer that he failed to join in the cry. He saw ara‘herprepossessing-looking man of middle age, with a smile upon his florid countenance. More he failed to notice, for his gaze suddenly rested upon a crimson scar or birth-mark upon the right cheek just below the eye. In an instant he thought of the murderer of Roland Maxcy. and had not the person before him had a cleanly-shaven face he would have felt certain that it was re! . “ Jeems Stopple!" he muttered, under his breath, “can it be him?" “ Then ye hev kept yer wager, colonel?" said a red-faced miner, as the mayor greeted the crowd. "Yes," he replied, in a quick tone that made Rock start in unfeigned surprise. “ When I bet whiskerswith a gentleman and I lose, they must come off," and he stroked his smooth face with another smile. “Hooray fer ye. mayor! But. hyar’s a new man fer ye. Kern up, Coon from Live Oak, and show yer mug," and half-a-dozen of the throng seized Rock in high glee and pulled him forward to face Ridley. Randel’s keen vision saw that the “ mayor ” started back with a look of terror, but, quickly recovering himself he said, calmly enough: “ 1 am glad to meet you. my friend, for I trust I can call you such,” and he grasped Rock’s hand. “ The Coon from Live Oak knows his pards every time and no side-show.” replied the Texan as he beat his gaze upon the man be-' fore him. feeling that he was in close quarn ters. Dandy Rock's Pledge, L13 As Ridlcy seized him b the hand he hurled himself ui‘on ’l‘he-Man- rom-Texas to throw him to the floor as he cried: “Quick, menl Help me! ’Tis Rock Ran— del, leader of the road-agents!” CHAPTER X. ROCK “STRIKES THE TRAIL." HAD a thunderbolt fallen among them the spectators could not have been more surprised. Rock Randel was not easily caught. Divining on the instant ,the intentions of Colonel Ridley, that person had bare] ut- tered his command for help, when {ock dealt him a blow with his left hand that sent him reeling to the floor. Then, before the amazed crowd could offer any assistance he bounded toward the door reaching it at a leap, sending the spectators right and left headlong. “ Hyar’s the beaver! Kem and trap him!” he shouted, defiantly, as he flung open the door and dashed out. “Don’t let him escape!” roared‘ the dis- comfited mayor as he regained his feet. “ Blockheads, why don’t you capture him?" Aroused at last the half-drunken miners rushed out in noisy pursuit of The-Man-from- Texas. ‘ The foremost caught sight of a form fleeing 'round the corner of an adjacent street, but when they reached the spot their man was nowhere to be seen. “"I‘ain’t any use,” declared one, when they had spent fifteen minutes in a fruitless search; “we mought es Well tr'to keteh chain-lightning as that long-haire Texan ” “ Ef ye hadn‘t been a set of wooden-heads we mig t have captured him,” affirmed the crestfa len mayor. “ I had him once." “ But I reckon ye were glad enough to let go. Reckon ye didn’t keep him along spell, enn way.” astering the thoughts of. his defeat as best he could, Ridley led the way back into the Lion's Rest. “We must be warned by this and lay our plans with more care in the future. He must be got out of the way or we can look for no peace.” Meanwhile Rock had gained one of the cross streets, and following down in the darkness for a short distance, kept shady, as he would have said, until he could hear no more of his foes, when he cautiously made his wa toward the est-office. Fina ly he reache it in safet , and was ushered nto the presence of Mr. Syanford and Alf, who were anxiously waiting for his re- turn. - “Then you have come back without a scratch ?" said the genial postmaster. “ We were etting anxious about you.” my a scratch, old beaver. But, J eems on a kie 'in' mule, ye ought to hev seen me git up and git!" . “ What? did you get into trouble?" asked Howe, in alarm. “ I reckon! We got up a tearin’ old side- ' , show, I tell ye. Ye oughter seen me floor the mayor.” In answer to his friends’ inquiries, he told of his adventure, windin up with: “ That are Coon from ive Oak didn't fool the mayor, ‘cause he ‘membered like a book. Howsumever, I hev l’arned sumthin’ that is worth a pile. Alf Howe—I mean ‘Tom Smith, but, as long as Dan knows our biz it is all right—ye hev got to keep yer peepers, open. But we hev got the varmints we are arter or ye may tote me off fer kindlin‘s for the Old Boy. hev struck a trail, and ’tis fresh as a p’izen snake! Wagh! Later that same night, when the last loafer had left the Lion’s Rest, and all the hubbub : and excitement of the evening had died away. a solitary, dust-laden traveler paused at the door. .. 4 A glimmering light still/shone from with- in, but he hesitated as if afraid to enter. “ I must risk it,” he muttered, as he lanccd uneasily around. .“ Stay; I wonder if I can see him from that, window?” and while he spoke thus to himself he advanced toward the spot from whence the light was seen. Being careful to keep back in the shadows, he peered into the room, his gaze becoming fixed upon some object with an intensity that held him in his position for several minutes like a statue. ,“Yes; it is he!" he said at last. “And‘ he moves. He is about to shut up for the night, and I must 0 in or he will refuse me admittance,” and e shook his threadbare garments, with a low chuckle. , Seeking the door again he pushed it open and boldly entered the a artment. Colonel Ridley starte to his feet insur- prise. and turned upon the new-comer with a look of anger at his intrusion, ‘ - Now that he came before the light, he presented a sorry-looking spectacle. His ill-fitting garb hungI in tatters, while well coated with dirt. is long hair fell about his neck, and a goodly portion of it over his face in tangled masses, while a struggling beard nearly covered the remainder 0 his ' face, that evidently had not been washed for man a day. ~- “ hat will on have?” asked the mayor. . as he shamble arcoss the floor and sunk into a seat near him. i \ / 16 Dandy Rock’s Pledg a. “ Something to eat, squire, and a place to lay these Weary limbs.” “ Have you come far?” “Well, yes; I have been tramping nigh onto fifty yearsi" Biting his lip to keep back his vexation, Ridley said: “I think you must be a stranger in these parts.” “I don’t know. I find my fellow-men whereverIgo, and I always feel that my wants will be seen to among my kind.” Again the tavern-keeper came near show- ing his anger at the man‘s singular conduct. “But we have never met before and are therefore strangers." ‘ _ “I am not so certain,” replied the other, staggering to his feet and facing the amazed‘mayor. “ I have not forgotten that scar. You are Hiram Lore, and we have met before!" Had the floor opened at his feet Colonel Ridley could not have shown greater as- tonishment. Ay, we might say conster- nation. “ Who are you?” he asped. "Where is Roland axcy?” came the rep] . “Thad.” "Hal you know, then? You do not de—" “I deny everything!” shrieked Ridley with an oath. "Who in the flend’s name are you?” " His friend. “ ’Tis madness for you to V deny what 1 already know. But where is Roland Mach’s wife and child?” “Dog! I’ll hear no more! Out of my—” “ Not so fast. my old chap. or I'll dig your funeral. Come! Where are the woman and child? Tell me quick!" and the speaker had placed a muzzle to the trembling man’s tern le.I II _ __ “ Fire! fire! fire!” 1) CHAPTER XI. THE Doouan cr'rr "FIRE! fire! flrel’" . With awful distinctness the alarm rung upon the night air. Already the tramp of feet could be heard as the frightened inhabitants of the place finished toward the scene of the conflagra- t on. Rock Bands] with the muzzle of his revolver at the temple of his foe, for it was none other than the Texan in disguise rigged out for him by Sanford to force from Co onel Ridle the secret he imagined the mayor had . poke in his heart, instinctively turned for 7 one instant aside. For one moment he relaxed his vigilance, when theather saw his chance, an ‘, quick as a flash. sprung to his feet, at the movement hurling The-Man from-'I‘exaf back against the bar with a fear- ful shock. “ Lie there, dog!" cried Ridley, as he bounded toward the door. Before he could reach it, though Rock was by his side, the Texan’s strong grasp was on his shoulder; and finding escape impossible the man turned, and the two were locked in each other‘s arms. Both were powerful men and no novices in the Work they had undertaken. For the time they forgot—in fact, they could not well use their weapons, and thus they fought With main strength, each trying to overpower his antagonist. ’ Rock‘s vise-like gripe clutched Ridley by the throat, and the mayor exerted his utmost to hurl the Texan to the floor. Still the wild cries outside increased, and the terrified people rushed blindly to and fro as the oncoming flames seemed to laugh at their futile efforts to stay their ravages, and drove them back toward the mountain. The fire had caught at the upper end of the village and a strong north wind was sweeping it forward at the speed of a race-horse, the lines of wooden buildings that stood on either side the street burning like tinder. Little thought was given to the saving of property, for if all escaped with their lives they would indeed have cause to be thank- u . Unmindful of this fearful scene, and the terrible death they were courting by hazard- ing their existence in the building that was already marked with the fiery touch of the elements, Rock Randel and his foe fought on. Now struggling down upon their knees and anon staggering to their feet, the carried on the contest which was so square y pitted that for a time it seemed beyond the power of either to gain a victory without the help of a friend. At last, however, The-Man-fromoTexas be- gan to show greater power of endurance, and as his adversary commenced to pant for breath, he threw back his body to give more farce to his action, and concentratin his strength for the decisive move, he suddenly hurled Ridley to the floor with a crash that‘ ' made the building fairly tremble. “ Randel Rock! Won't ye give up now ?” he cried, as he planted his knee upon the fallen man’s breast, and held down the strug ling mayor. “ Ireckon this coon ain’t play out yet, but ye held out game.” d “fiIlercyl let me up! I am strangling to eat " Dandy Rock’l Pledge. ; 1'? “ Not yet, old coyote! Ye don't git on yer pins till ye answer my questions! Where am— “ Don'tl For God‘s sake let me up! Help! hc—l—" “ None 0‘ thet, ye varmint l” hissed Rock, as he pressed his hand upon the prostrate s eaker's throat. “Tell me, quick, is Roland ll a.'cv’s wife living?" “ I don’t kn—o—l" “ You lie! Kern, speak quick! This building is on fire! You haven’t a minute to spare!” “Yes; she lives!" “ Where am she?” “Quick! the fire is coming nearer!" and again the Texan’s gripe closed upon the wretch’s throat. _ “ 1 don‘t knowl Help!” The crackling of the flames at this moment was plainly heard, and glancing up Rock saw that the fire had burned through upon the buildinnr overhead. Already the Cinders be- gan to fall by his side. “ Do you hear?” he cried, fiercely glaring upon the cowering Ridley like an enraged tiger. “ I will die here with you in these flames, unless you tell me where she is. Speak, quick!” ‘ Mentally Rock had measured the distance to the door, and was gathering his strength to spring into the open airas soon as he heard the desired answer. “ Where am she?” he repeated. “ The last I knew, she was at Granny Sloan’s.” “And the child—what of that?" “ I don't. 1—" “Hold! Is it living?" “Yes.” “ Tell me if it is a boy’or a girl.” Before an answer could be‘ given the door was burst open, and half a dozen men sprung in upon the exciting scene, which was lit to the brightness of midda by the fire. “ Help!" groaned Rid ey, and, as the crowd saw the combatants, to understand the peril of their leader, they hastened to his rescue. Without stopping to see whether Rock was friend or foe, the foremost dealt him a fu- rious blow upon the head, anti the others pulled him back into the further corner of the room, where he fell senseless. Then, seizing Ridley by the shoulders they dragged him out of the burning building just as the roof fell with a crash. By this time the crowd had been driven from the street by the heat of the flames, and all that could be seen of Ridley’s City was one living sreet of fire! Women and children shrieking in anguish. and roughly-clad men rushing hither and l I thither with bitter curses made an awful Babel of sounds. Many were missing who it was supposed must have perished in the conflagration. Colonel Ridley came to his senses to find himself surrounded by the excited throng, but safe from the fire! “ Where is he who came so near taking my life—Rock ltandel?” were his first words. “He has not come out of the burning building, and must have died in the flames!” “Then I am satisfied, though half of California is destroyed!” There was one who, hearing the fate of Rock, turned pale. ’Twas Alf Howe. After the alarm of the tire he, with San- ford, had looked to the safety of their loved ones; and then, While the other remained with the frightened ladies who had been carri- cd to a place of safety he had sought for his friend. ' “Rock dead?” he repeated to himself. “Noble fellow. it is too bad. And, to have died in that fearful manner—burned to. death! What shall I do now?" And feeling the keenest pangs for the fate of his gener- ous-hearted friend he returned to his com- panions, to make another discovery more heart-rending than the first. Lilla was missing—could not be found! Mr. Sanford had left his wife and Lilla together for a ‘moment to assist an un- fortunate miner in escaping from the fire, when he was struck by a falling timber. His wife had rushed to his side, in grief, and when he was borne to a safe distance, though but a few minutes had elapsed, Lilla was nowhere to be found. Alf renewed the search at once. and others readily joined in the undertaking, but no trace af her could be found. No one had known her, or remembered of seeing her, which of course was not a Evonder considering the excitement of the our. , llad she perished in the flames? Some- how he could not think so, and intuitively he felt that she had met with a fate even worse—become perhaps the prey of max-and. - V‘ ’ in r demons in human forml il‘he night were away and the morrow’s sun looked down upon a haggard people at Ridley's Blufl, while all that was left of their homes was a pile of smoldering ashes' ‘ CHAPTER XII. THROUGH .FI‘RE. Tm: gray light of morning was just ting- in the east, as the solitary figure of a man mtht have been seen standing at the base of, the ‘olufl which overhung the doomed settle meat ~ I i t grant-fr? “Nt‘h-‘(Se‘r vats}: *3.“ “1“ :2; w- 18 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. He had just arisen from the earth where he had been lying, evidently sleeping after great fati ue. e was a tall, powerful framed person, but so wild and strange did he appear that had any one seen him they must have started in amazement. Ay, even his most intimate friends would not have recognized him as the dashing Rock Randel—Dandy Rock, the beam ideal of a plainsman. The remnant of his clothing, forhis person was scarcely covered, hung in tatters, burned and blaqkened by the fire. His long hair , was all gone and even his dark mustache and eyebrows had been burned to the skin, while his whole face was scorched and blis- tered. Truly he had been through a fiery furnace. "‘Jeems Stopplel” he muttered, with a grim smile, as he moved his hand over his bared head. “ I reckon this am a purty go. Hyar I am burnt up like a scrumpted moc- casin! Went in there slick as a trapped beaver, and kem out bald as a drowned rat, wagh! N ary a weapon, top-knot a goner. Rock Randel, ye are no better than a sneak- in' ’possum a—shinnin' a cottonwood by star- light!” The sound of hoof-strokes caused The- Man—from-Texas to pause and gaze anxiously ' down the road which lay at his feet. “Sum one is comin’,” he said, “and ef I don’t want to scare ’em to death I’d better git back into the brush. ’Sides Iar’n’t perticuler about everybody seein’ me in this predici- mon Reckon I‘d look well side a picked goosel’ Soliloquizing thus. he drew back into a thicket near at hand, just as a party of horse- men came into sight. From his position he commanded but a limited view of the highway; and the riders were passing him before e discovered a woman in their midst. “My gracious!" he muttered, as he parted the bushes so as to get a better view, “ it that ain’t Miss Lilla may I he shot! ar'u't there; and ’em chaps don‘t look very - clever toward her. S’pose that am misa chief in ther game," and he stepped from his concealment, to catch a last glimpse of them as they rode around a curve in the way “I hev half a mind to foller. but ’twouldn’t be any use as I am now. Time enough by— :fmd-b . Reckon I’ll look for Alf and Dan u’st. With the words Rock started down the road and knowing that Sanford had friends just below the city where he would be the most likely to find him,‘he shaped his course in that direction. I «fry-s1 But, Alf, The postmaster was indeed there, though lying in a critical situation. Rock’s appearance was hailed with un- bounded delight. "‘Hyar I am, all thar ar’ left 0‘ me," he said. “Reckon 1 look like a peeled onion, but I tell ye this coon arn’t smoked out yet. Whar’s Alf?" Then he was told of the m sterious disap- pearance of Lilla and that If was still in search of her. “Gi’n me a shooter,” he cried. “I hev seen the trail. ’Em coyotes have toted her Alfred came back from his fruitless or- rand soon afterward, and his surprise can be well imagined when he met Rock altve and as jovial as ever. “D'ye see, my beaver, my top-knot is a goner. I hev been skulped alive, and I ’pect I look wuss nor a dead Injin.” “ Better so than not at all Rock. But, how did you escape? Every one thinks you are dead.” “ J essol Wal. I scooted jess as sick es a greased forkintine! Reckon I 1Lem to myself when I did mighty suddint, and finding thar no one to look arter me, I up and tore for the back door, seein’ es how the fire had al- ready ketched a purty smart grip on the front one. When I got out, which was onl by the smallest chance es my looks show, I see’d that the folks war all in front, and not perticuler 'bout ’em seein' me I kept shady, and hyar I am." / “A narrow escape truly, Rock. If Lilla. were only safe I should not care." “Alf, I hev struck her trail," and Rock continued with a description of what he had witnessed that morning. “ We must go to her rescue at once,” cried the young man. “ Don’t be too fast, my coon-deer. I reckon I hev a plan I want to try fu’st. Ef we start off blind-like, we may git corraled in spite of ten rows of live-oaks. Now I smell a bait at the Wayside Home, and I think we had better set our toes for that shebang. Thar ar’n’t nary a boss we can git this side 0’ Dry Town, so let’s rig up like we were strangers, and take the stage this arter- noon, to poke our noses up round that way. ' Ef we don’t smell the coyotes out and hev sum fun, ye may stuff my head full of powder and tech off kerbang.” " But, what will become of Lilla while we dally here?” “ Thar now, don’t git so pesky oneasy es ef ye war steppin’ on a nest of yaller jack- ets. We shall git round as quick as we should in any other way and twice as sart’in. I sha'n't be surprised ef we find her at Granny . . Sloan's." \ v. Dandy Rock's Pledge. ' i 19 Alf yiehh d to Rock‘s superior judgment, and preparations were begun at once to carry the plan into (:[l('(rt. In order to escape recognition it was decided that Rock should wear Alf’s false wig and heard, while another was made for him. They decided to pass themselves 03 as sporting gentlemen, which would allow them to go well armed without creating sus- plclon. Alf, who was to be called Ned Armstrong by his companion, wore a full red beard and gair, which the ingenious Rock had pre- are . - I) The-Man-from—Texas, somewhat agreeable to nature, aspired to be more of a swell, and wore a light-colored suit of dandy'pattern, while he stuck upon his nose 9. pair of green goggles. No one could have recognized him, not even his most intimate friends, and if he acted his part well he seemed certain of deceiving his foes. He answered to the “ handle" of Dick Bandy. “There, Ned, 01d peeper, we are up in style, and of we don’t miss a pull we'll flax ’em. Say, how does these lockers shine on my picter, my boy! They feel tarnal queer,” and he adjusted his glasses for at least the hundredth time. if Oh, they’ll do well enough if you will let them alone, Rock." ” Rock? Did I hyar ye say that, old pard? Ye may call me stone, gravel, pitchknot— anything but Rockl D’ye hyar'. ' “Pardon me, I will be more careful in the future.” “All right. Let‘s go down to Arlin’s to meet the stage. ‘Tis time 'twas thar." Leaving their friend, Dan Sanford. with the hope that he would be well when they 'came back from their perilous expedition, if they ever did return, Rock and Alf took a cross-cut down to a small settlement a couple of miles below where the Dry Town stage passed daily. ' They were barely in season, for it was about to start as they got there; but, spring- ing aboard, they were soon being borne back to Ridleiy’s Bluff, and thence the driver soon whippe on toward Cross-tree City by the way of the Wayside Home. Besides Rock and Alf there were four pas- sengers, all of them apparently middle-aged men. While two of them sat back in the corner in almost total silence, the others were very profuse in their remarks, and after discussing the late fire, ventured to make a few inquiries in regard to the affairs of ‘ our friends, which were met with evasive replies upon the part of Rock. who began to “Smell fun,” as he whispered to his companion. It was nearly dark, and the Texan knew they must be near the W9. side Home, which was the stopping-place or the stage on its route. ‘ Outwardly The-Man-from-Texas calm as usual, but his mind was fille conflicting thoughts. Instinctivel he felt' they were running into danger. or was he far from right. v “That‘s a splendid-looking rifle you have there,” remarked one of the talking twain, speaking to Alf. “I used to have one of that pattern. Will you let me see it for a moment, please? Without thinking of what was coming, Alf handed his weapon ' to the other, just as the stage came to a sudden stand-still, and a sharp, imperative voice was heard to say: “Hold up, driver, or you are a dead as as with I! ‘ man! . CHAPTER XIII. ROCK IN A new ROLE. THE stage had stopped so abruptly that the shock threw the passengers from their seats. As they sta gored forward, the two nearest men threw tlemselvcs upon Rock and Alf, intending beyond doubt to overpower them in season to meet the dthers if they offered opposition, and at the same moment the door ' was flun open. “Quic , men, throw them!”- exclaimed the man outside. The desperadoes had counted without knowin their odds. Rock andcl had calculated‘their me. and as he saw them spring for himsel and com anion a quick, sharp blow to the right, anot er to the left, and they fell spraw ing upon the bottom of the coach! As he turned to meet the others, he was seized from behind and pulled outside the vehicle, where he fell upon the ground. Alf had been too bewildered to move un- til he saw his companion fall. and then as the two silent men sprung out to'meet the road-agents he followed. A con le of men had sprung out from.un- der the river’s box, and the robbers found themselves met by an unexpected force of armed men. “Down with them!” yelled the masked leader; but, taken so completely’by surprise, his followers drew hack. and as two of their number fell, retreated in dismay. Seeing that inevitable capture awaited them the chief cried: - “ To the woods for your lives!" “Don’t let the do a esca e!" shouted one. of the stage’s defen are. at it was useless to follow them up, andjhus the outlaws got ' away, save the two who had been shot and the _ .‘fi. ‘ ii. .zl -.-. 2.. . ....;.:-: ;.'...:. _~o:..a. - -. -'.. ‘:&..W‘.Q.'LZ'.A‘-—hm'~.¥.‘usf—§-v-29JL-aL-m:_ 20 . Dandy Rock’s Pledge. precious twain who lay senseless in the coach. ~ “It’s too bad to let that leader get away after we have come ’way up here to capture him. But our plan hasn’t failed entirely for .we have a part of the gang. and I’m think- ing the rest have learned a lesson they won’t forget soon. Go on, driver, for Cross-tree, and we will bind the pair we have inside. Guess they are worth carrying home." Rock, who had done more work really than all the others, was now writhing in the ditch in greatest agony. “ What is the trouble, my good fellow?” asked the officer, compassionately. “I am done for!" he groaned. “ That black faced one hit me an orful sockdolleger, and I’m wiped out!” " Oh, have courage, my man. It may not 'be as bad as you think.” " Oh—ohl I can’t keep my wind-mill goin’l I’m going under fast!” “Is there nothin’ we can do for on, Rock?” asked Alf, anxiously, as he ent over his friend. “ Laying on a rock! Yes; it me into the wagon, but be keerfull hat varmint smashed my inards all into sassage meat!” The others willingly lent their help. and, amid the roans and supplications of the wounded exan, he was placed inside the stage. “Oh, Ned, my boy, this is orfull” he said, as Alf stood by with all the tenderness of a brother. ‘ “ Don’t (you feel any better, Dick?” ‘ “ Woul 'you feel any better, old pard, ef you had your liver and lights and everything else all fiammed into a last year’s snake’s skin? ut let ’em trot along with their mules. They mus’n’t mind my hollerin’. Mebbe [can stand it to git up to Granny Sloan's.” Cracking‘his whip the driver urged his team forward, and once more the old stage went rumbling on its‘way. ‘ Rock tossed to and fro by the lurehing of the stage complained most bitterly. "It’s no use, Ned, old boy,” he said. as Alf did all in his power to alleviate his pain. “ I hev got my check for—ah !—ohl that pain in my side! Ain't we got most to Granny " Sloan’s? I. can‘t go any further without makin’ this team into a funeral l" “ We are sorry for you, poor fellow,” said the officer, kind] , “and we will see that on are left at t e Wa 'side in good hands. ' e shouldn‘t have fare so well but for you. What .is your name?” “ Dick——oh—Bandy, I guess that varmint 3 has fixed in breathing machine! Do I .r grow white, ed? I feel like amop-rag in y/ 03 days!” ' ~ 1 At this moment the stage stopped, when it was announced that the Wayside Home was reached. “ Can’t you ride on to Cross-tree?" asked the oflicer. “No; I feel awful antics cut up by ‘em quirks and twists in my inardsl I ain‘t lon fer enuything. Git me inter the house an mebbe a pepper sling will start me dozing. Handle me like eggs fer I’m well worn through.” Alf assisted by two others careful] lifted the sufiering Texan from the coac , and bore him to the house. “He has been badly hurt," said the ofli~ cer, who had preceded them, to Grann Sloan as she met him at the door with anx1ous in- quiries, “and we must leave him in your are. , “ All right, sir. Here. bring him inter the next room and I‘ll fix a buflier-hide for him to rest on.” Rock was made as comfortable as possible, and seeing that no more could be done, the officer with his followers went out to resume their journey to Cross-tree, Alf having sig- nified his intention of staying with his friend. Suddenly Rock, who had laid back upon his couch apparently feeling easier started up crying: “ Randel—goatl whar’s my shooter? Hev 'em coyotes toted it off? I want to go under ef they hev. Look quick, Ned!" Alf hastened out in season to get the Texan’s coveted weapon as well as his owu, which he had forgotten in his excitement, as the stage was starting off. 4 “Thanks, old pard," replied Rock, as be grasped his trusty rifle once more. “ Of course I never expect to use him ag‘in, but, when I go under I want ye to send him home to my old dad and ma as a part of their boy! D’ye hyar, Ned?" ‘I sha’n‘t for at you. Dick.”. “ Jesso. Wa ,‘ stand the shooter right u hyar in the corner whar I can look at him. know it will make me feel better." After this The-Man-from-Texas settled ba'ck, seeming more comfortable. “ How did it happen ?” ‘asked the old man Sloan, a few minutes later. : Alf was about to answer when Rock inter- posed: “ Let me dig it out, my pard, ’cause I know nearer whar the shot struck. Ye see, stran- ger. me and my friend war off on a bu‘st, and a-comin' up in the stage with four t'other chaps. All ter onc‘t the wagin stopped to rest mighty suddint, and not tellin‘ me o’ the fact I kept right on, and the 'fu’st I knowed I war dancing on my head. . The next I knowed ’em are chaps war poundin’ me pro-‘ 1 . “we. is...“ . , Dandy Rock's Pledge. 21 misseussum, and I war pulled out o’ the cart, and if it hadn’t ’a’ been for ’a’ big chap with a dirty cloth on his face I‘d ’a’ been no more than a tumble-bug with his jacked- bu’sted! As ’tis I reckon I am a p’izen goned coon. Ain‘t ye got alittle pepper-sling for me? It would be ’mazing good ’bout pining way this pain. I feel holler, too!” Rock’s story elicited some sympathy, and the host set himself about preparing the “ slin .” “ I can’t help shuddering, Rock,” said Alf, as he and the Texan were left alone for a brief interval, “ as I think of the fate of poor Lilla while we are here wlth no way to aid her. I must start alone in the morning if you are no better.” CHAPTER XIV. nocx‘s ausn. “ DON‘T git narvous, my boy,” replied The- Man—from-Texas; “ this may be all for the best. Thar kems my sling, and I know that’ll do me a heap 0’ git—up.” Old Sloan, followed by his deaf-mute son, entered the room at this juncture, and of- fered Rock the “sling” he had prepared, which the latter drained with apparent eager- ness. “Reckon I'll hev another swig. I feel a hea sight brighter ’ready.” filus between his aches and groans Rock sipped his " pepper sling,” and seemed bet- ter. In fact, it wasn’t long before he broke out into snatches of song. Alf, unable to understand his friends ae- tious, grew nervous. Was the Texan losing his mind from the efiect of his injuries? “Whoop-la! Iii—hi—oh—huml I‘m lpesky—my peepers are tired, old pard. Ye ad better git to snoozing young to-night, ’cause we ant to start the sun with us in the mornin . Snooze sound, but look out for rats! 1 see—yah, I‘m a goneri” and mut- tering something about “coons, beavers and pper sling ” he became motionless as a 0g, though his heavy breath proclaimethat he was “still thar." Completely puzzled. Alf showed his un- easiness so much that the others noticed it when Granny Sloan said: 1 “0h, never fear for him, Mr. Armstrong; I reckon he'll be all right in the mornin’. Guess the old man fixed his hitters alittle too stout. Hadn’t you better spread yer bones fer the night? Ye must be tired arter all ye hev done. ’ Alt saw that they were anxious to get rid of him. and his first thought was to request to remain With Rock. but while he hesitated he went to his friends side, ostensibly to see iff nothing more could be done for his com- Oit. r " Git to bed. but sleep with our as open I" hissed Randel, as he bent ovgr big Trusting the Texas fully Alf delayed no longer. “We will ‘* call you if your friend is worse," said Sloan, as he showed Howe in- to the same chambe’ he and The-Man- from-Texas had occupied but a few nights before. “I would like to know the myster of Rock’s conduct,” thought Alf, as he t rew himself upon the rude couch, andimpatiently waited for the hours to drag themselves away. As time passed on nothing occurred to arouse his suspicious or excite his fears, and he gradually began to grow sleepy until he fell into a doze. ‘ Meanwhile Rock lay like one in a drunken stupor, apparently unconscious of all that was transpiring around him. ‘ By and by the inmates of the house ceased their bustling about and the three gathered in the room where the Texan was resting. “Time he was here,” said the old man, arising and going to the window. “ Ah. as I live, he has come and two others with him," whereupon the speaker hurriedly left the apartment. Left alone with the deaf-mute the old woman began to travel the floor uneasily. “When will these doings end?" she mut- tered, half-aloud. ‘I’m tired and sick 0’ this way 0‘ living, and do wish Jack would go back to the East. We were fools for ever comin’ into this heathen land!” and she wrung her hands as if her thoughts were far from being pleasant. Dumb Dick arose and hobbled out of the room. a “ Gol" exclaimed the 0] l hag, shaking her fist after him. “You have caused us all this trouble! If it hadn’t been—” The entrance of her husband and three others checked her speech, and she sunk down into a seat in the corner of the room in silence. “Is the girl all right?” asked the tallest of the men, as he drew a seat up by the side 0; Sloan. ' “She was, half an hour ago, replied a second. in that uick, sharp voice which Rock Randel wou d have recognized as be- longing to him who wore the dark mask, but whose rather-good-looking face was now seen. He was a blonde-haired man, in the prime of life. “Good! And the woman?’ As he spake he turned his face toward the li ht. when the countenance of Mayor Ridley oi; Ridley’s Blufl was to be seen! Yes; the birthmark was there. and the speaker was none other than the mast * ” 1.}..- < ,.5-:., . t. a: yin-Lg 2... 4‘ smite : §T~fixm.L—=m. . . i. ' k ‘ ,i—zir. <1 - avgvg “at: 333;: rat‘s—am WJhw—m Dandy Rock’s Pledge. “We sent her to the hollow, when fife girl came. as you ordered. It won‘t do to have too many here at once." “ Right. But who have you here?" And he started in alarm, as he saw for the first time Rock Randel. . “Only a traveler, who was wounded on the'stage to-day.” . “ A traveler? Why, in the name of com- mon safety have you allowed him to remain here? And he has heard all we have said l" “ Never fear; he is dead drunk, and can- not harm us." ‘ “ Better kill him! Dead men tell no tales!” And drawing a knife, the speaker advanced to the unconscious Texan, to carry his words into efiect. “Better let him alone,” admonished old Sloan. " He has a friend up-stairs who might give us.trouble. l‘ll warrant this one m not disturb us.” ' “Oh well, if you’ll risk it. of course I will. But you can’t be too careful how you take in strangers, for the officers are hunting us down like hounds." “And there ain't one half so dangerous as that Man‘from-Texas. I verily believe he would go through fire and water to carry out his purpose!” “He has, too much for him last night. in it.” “ Is he—Ronk Randal—dead ‘2” “He is, beyond doubt.” “Then we have reason to rejoice. But wasn‘t that ilk more than you intended?" I“It was more than we bargained for. Bagster found that the Vigilantes were so close upon him that he must burn his she- bang to hide his work. But the wind was so strong that it drove the fire down the r whole city. All is for the best, after all, I '1 guess. for Bagster made a big thing in buy- ing up the damaged quartz mill." " Oh ‘it's an ill wind that blows nobody good,’ you know.” “ I believe it. But come, we have a long ride before us. and it 18 time we were, movgig. Bring out the girl, Sloan, and we‘ll 0 'Il Arnold; but that fire was He perished “ You can go with him Joe and Devins,” said the owner of the sharp voice. who had been called Arnold by his confederate. . “ We will bring her out this way,” said Sloan as he moved away “ That stage job to- ay was a bad aflair, Arnold.” ,“Worse than that. But, look , here, - Bill, it ar’n't best for that gal to see our faces.” “ You are ri ht. Let’s put on our masks. " .The dupe oes had barel adjusted their disguises, when Rock' Ran at, who had not moved for the past halfhonr, suddenly sprung to his feet with the agility of a pan- ther, and bounding before the startled men ere they could comprehend the movement, and leveling a revolver at the face of either, cried: “ Move an inch and you are dead men i” CHAPTER XV. EXCITING SCENES. NEVER were men more completely sur- prised than the desperadoes confronted so suddenly by Rock Randel. In a moment it became evident that he had been playing a deep scheme. Truly what could not the fertile brain of The~Man-from—Texas devise or carry out? The moment he uttered the words given he succeeded them with a sharp whistle. “ Dog, what does this mean?" gasped Ridley the first to speak. “That you are a dead man if you move!” An oath escaped the man's lips. Granny Sloan started to her feet in un~ speakable terror. All this passed as it were in the flash of a second's time, and then the doors were thrown open, and a trio of armed men bounded into the apartment. , The foremost was the officer of the stage and the others two of his assistants. “Take ’eml” said Rock coolly, “if ye want the leaders of the Cross-tree road- agents.” “Never!” yelled Ridley fiercely, and, un- mindful now of the Texan‘s firearm he sprung to one side to escape. His confederate. too, followed his example. Lively times ensued. The four found it no easy task to over- power the desperate men brought so fearfully at bay. . In the twinkling of an eye the latter had drawn their weapons, and shot succeeded shot with startling rapidity. - Leaping to and fro to escape the fire of their assailants they tried to gain the door. Rock saw and understood the move. At the moment the light was extinguished, and the combatants were left in darkness. But 'l‘he-Man-from-Texas had “ spotted " his victim. ' Ridley was on the threshold when Randel felled him to the floor like a stricken 0x. Arnold had received a bullet-wound which was bleeding profusely, and he was fast los- ing his strength. As his confederate fell he, too, was over- powered. " Have ye got him?” asked Rock. H n “ Then blaze up that pitch-knot. I want .1 to see how the coyotes look.” .. .24“... ..,-~,r4.. .11, .. .-‘. \‘ri‘ ’- "- "«.-‘.— . Dandy Rock's Pledge. as A light was quickly procured and brought forward “First of all make ’em fast,” cautioned thc Texan. This done—they were still unconscious from the blows they had received—Rock tore the masks from their faces. “ Good powers!” ejaculated the officer. as he saw the features of the larger; “ ’tis Dan Ridle , Mayor of Ridley’s Blufl‘!" “ rue as preachin’, old beaver.” “But he can’t be one of the road-agents! You have made a fearful mistake.” “Not much! Didn’t he fought like one on ’em? Let‘s see how his pard looks.” The other was a stranger to all. “Whelping hound!” exclaimed The—Man- from-Texas. “ I reckon ’twns ye who buried Roland Maxey alive! Don’t kalkilate ye’ll do it ag’in.” As if aroused b the speech the man began to move and slow y opened his eyes. “What means this?” he asked, hoarsely. “ Reckon ye have played out," declared Rock, grimly. “But, boys,” turning to his associates, “ our fun ain‘t over, Three of these chaps‘ pardshev gone fora female the hev got stowed away hyar, and ’we must lco for her.” At this juncture Alf, who had been aroused by the noise of the conflict, appeared upon the scene. His surprise cannot well be told. He saw Rock before him, well and active; and of the others? “Kem, old pard.” cried Rock, “don’t stand there looking like a turkey peeking in a jug. I hev found yer peppermint! Yer sugar-heart, I mean, and we must resky her from the coyotes.” “ Have you found Lilla, Rock? Is she safe?” “Hark! thar she kemsl Hyar, two on ye stand one side the door, and Alf, ye stand on t’other with me. Let the varmints get fairly in the room, and then go for ’em, rough-and-tumble. But, don’t hurt the gal. Hist! (fickv’ uic ly taking the positions assigned them by he-Man-from-Texas. they waited for the appearance of the expected rufllans. They were not kept in suspense long. The door was jerked open by the old man Sloan, and his confederates came into the room. drag .ing Lilla with them. “ We be ahard tussle to get the she—” The sentence was never finished. Before ' they could understand the danger the three were prisoners. “ Are you hurt. my darling?" asked Alf, as he clasped Lilla in his arms. . " No. But, Alf..I hardly know you in this disguise. How did you come here?” “ “I will tell you all by and by. Are you sure ou are unhurt?" “ erfectly. But what won’t those dread- ful men do next?” “ N o more harm, I trust. prisoners now.” “ Wal, I declar‘, party one, e look .as sweet as ever. But ’11 bet ye ev had a tough time. Hev ye been to supper?” asked Rock. “ I have had what will pass for that. I do not know you, sir.” “Don’t know me? Jeems Stopple! look ag’in. Oh! I ’member now; I have changed since you see‘d me afore. These ’ere pee - llllg lights make me look like somebo y e se.” “ But, how is it, Rock? I see you alive and well, whan you seemed so near gone only a short time ago." “ Ki—yi! ’bout gone under, wasn’t I?" “I thought so, truly.” “Old coon, ye must ‘seuse me for playin‘ ’possum on ye. I smelt what war up h ar, from what I hed heard, and so I trappe to ketch the game. I told the officers what I See, they are war goin‘ to do, and instead of keepin’ on'to ' Cross-tree to kem back and be ready to help meout. I thought ’twa’n't best to gttye‘ inter the muddle, ’canse ye are oung and don’t know much ’bout war. on’t think hard on me for it, will ye? Remember, in a long run 1 am your friend to the last.” “ You have done nobly, and here is my hand.” “ And hyar is mine, old beaver.” While the conversation recorded was tak- ing place, the others were binding their last prisoners. ‘ _ . Granny Sloan had remained 1n the corner, speechless. In the midst of the lull in aflairs one of the ca tives sudden] sprung to his feet. t was Dan idley, who had undone the bungling knot tied in his ligatures, and he was free. ‘ Before any one could stop him he had leaped through the open door and was gone. “Randel Rock!” cried The-Man-from- . Texas, the first to move, “ thar _goes the coyote!” and he started to follow him, when his goggles fell. down on his nose so that it blinded his sight. and he stumbled and came near falling over one of the men. “ Leaping painter! I wish 'em lockers war whar in top-knot is!” and Rock threw the glasses rom him excitedly. Meanwhile the fleeing desperado had gained the open air. and springing upon the back of. one of the horses hitche in the yard, was heard to ride madly awn . y ‘ . . 1'. y “ Look arter things hyar," exclaimed Beak. v But . 4 : 'H .v, .... . —;E:Li3u&£=>zézfiw . , , l . 1;; 5:“. $2,. 5; 45.1."; -m.‘ ..-.... fi’. . i .3- 24 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. “ That varmint don‘t escape ef I have to fol- ler him through the sea 0‘ Californyl" and seizing his rifle from the corner he rushed out-of-doors, surung into the saddle of a see 0nd horse, and bore downward upon the course of the flying outlaw. CHAPTER XVI. A WILD ansn. THE clatter of the horses‘ hoof-strokes soon died away in the distance. “They have gone on toward Cross-tree, but I fear Rock won’t overtake him,” said the officers. “ It war a careless job of ours, anyway.” “ Who was that man?” asked old Sloan, the only one who had anything like self- possession among the prisoners. “ Rock Randel, The—Manvfrom-Texas.” “ Then he has more lives than a painterl" “Yes; and he ain’t afeard to risk any of them. But come, men, we must start on for Cross-tree.” After consultation, however, it was de- cided to spend the night at the place. But little sleep visited any there that ni ht. ranny Sloan, despite her protestations, was put under guard. , Dumb Dick. strange to say could not be found. We have made no attempt to protray the h ppiness of our lovers who were so sud- dgnly and unexpectedly reunited. As yet, they could hardly realize that they were safe. True, there was still a price set on the head of ,Alf, but he had little to fear from that, now. In the morning all set out for Cross-tree together, leaving the Wayside Home de- serted. Here permit us to anticipate by saying that the outlawed road-agents who had been captured were summarily dealt with accord- ing to border law. Sloan and his wife, however. were permitted to depart in peace with the understanding that they should leave the country, which they were not slow in doing. Dumb Dick proved to be Arnold, the rob- ber, in disguise. Reaching Cross-tree and leaving Lilla at her home in safety, Alf joined a party that set out to the aid of Rock. Meanwhile let us turn to follow the for- tunes of the intrepid Texan. In speed the animals of the fleeing outlaw and his pursuer were about equal. Riding for life or death the first urged his steed on to its very utmost, while Rock with purpose scarcely less determined, gave him chase. . For the first two miles the distance between them did not seem to vary. Rock was grow ing nervous, and he began to finger his rifle, resolved to try a shot soon if a change in the race did not occur, when he found that at last he was gaining on the other. It soon became apparent that his foe understood this, from the hurried glances that he constantly east backward. Still they rushed on till two miles more had been. passed, and Rock was now bearing close down upon his victim. “Hold upl" he cried, “or I’ll fire!" A hoarse laugh was the only reply, and almost the same instant Ridley wheeled his horse sharply to the left and disappeared in the growth. With a cry of defiance Randel watched for the opening and as he reached it followed ,4 furiously upon the new course of the desper- a 0. They were now riding along a bridle-path that took knew led through Cross-tree valley to a mining settlement at the lower extremity of the mountain range. “I don't like this,” he exclaimed. “The varmint means mischief in leading me off hyar.” As he gave the thought expression, he struck his horse a smart blow to urge him forward at a quicker pace, when the animal reared and plunging on headlong for a few rods, reeled and fell to the earth, where it lay in a quivering heap. Rock had succeeded in freeing his feet from (the stirrups and sprung sa ely to the roun . - His first thought was to look for his foe, but he had disappeared from view. ' It took but a glance to show that his poor horse had done its work. “ ’Tis too bad, but I don‘t see how it can be helped,” he ejaculated, as he witnessed the momentary sufferings of the beast that soon lay rigid in death. “ The coyote has flung me out this time, sure. But I must follow on foot.” Without hesitation Rock started on again at his peculiar loping pace, following with- gut difficulty the hoof-prints left by Ridley’s orse. On and on, deeper and deeper into the forest he pursued the trail of his foe. A mile was gone over when he found that the hoof-marks no longer were seen in the path, but that they had turned aside, taking a course now more directly toward the moun- tains. " By the plains 0' Texas, I am runnin’ the varmint to his den," he muttered. After this, however he found the tracks harder to distinguish. The country was be- coming more broken, anti often for rodsat a time he could find no trace of them, until at f5$1u and, Rock’- d as last he was forced to pause. True, the sky was thickly studded with stars, but it was not daylight. As Rock glanced about him he saw with a start further up the hillside the fresh mound of earth which marked the grave of the un- fortunate Roland Maxcy. “My rifle,” he exclaimed. as he gazed upon the fatal spot, “ the coyote who helped put you thar is corraled. The other, too shall follow, or Rock Randel passes in his own cheeks. He ,don’t forget his ledge.” hile looking to the ri ht and left Rock’s sight became fixed upon t e rocky gully be- low. “ Jecms Stopplel they kem from thet way. and who can tell but they war right from their den? I must explpre that place." Suiting,r action to the thought be cautious- ly advanced in. that direction, while he searched every bowlder and thicket with flashing eyes for some indication of a lurking foe. A hundred rods further down the hollow he was brought to a stand-still by the sound of :1 human voice, or at least he would have sworn that he heard such. “ It can’t be my old cars have fooled me?" he asked himself, as he listened in vain to hear it again. “ Hist! there it is!” “ Help—help !” CHAPTER XVII. A FATAL suo'r. IT was a woman’s voice that seemed to come from below him. After glancing about Rock ran forward for a few rods when he suddenly found him— self 11 on the brink of a cliff with an abyss awning below of man feet. Barely savmg himself from falling 0 into the depths, he stopped on the very edge. In Hal-H “ Stop that jade’s clatter or I‘ll knife you!" As the words fell plainly upon his ears, Rock glanced downward to look upon an ex- citing scene. At least thirty feet below him, on the side of the solid ledge was a sort of shelf or pass- way and on the narrow strip of rock With a chasm below of unknown de th, he saw three men—the foremost, Dan idley, with a woman in his arms! “Wh don’t Joe come along? It is no time to ally." “ I guess he can’t find the powder.” “ Strange! Many times as Ihave told on to be ready to leave at a moment‘s warning, you ain’t ready now!” “But this is deuced sudden, colo 01. What has bu’sted that you come here in P 1? ! . awful excitement, and say we must leave the countr at once?” “The ld Boy is to pay, that’s the mats terl Arnold is a prisoner! Sloan and all Wayside have been hauled up. The whole cit is burned up, and Bagster‘s had to get. barely escaped by the skin of m teeth to be pursued almost to this spot! 1% we don’t et out of this before morning we never sha l!" ' “Bad’s that? But whar are ye going to pitch next?” “ Newrv’s camp, fifty miles to the south. But why don‘t that drone come along?" From his position Rock could obtain only apartial view of the party below. but he dared not move for fear of betraying his presence. While trying to devise some way to rescue the ca tive, a man came out of an open in the si e of the rock behind the out- laws and joined them. “I can’t find it to save my life. and the boys are swearing like biazes ‘cause you Won't divy the spoils here.” “ Curse them!” exclaimed Ridley, excited- ily, “1 will go back and silence them or break their necks. Ilere, Dane; hold this woman and see that she don't escape while I p am one.” “ tter throw her over the precipice and have done with the bother of her! She has caused us more trouble than all else we have had to deal with.” “ Over with her then! If on make a sure thing of her death flft dol ars are yours!” answered the maddene chief, as he turned. to entered the cavern. “ ’Greed!” cried the heartless wretch. “ Here goes for her!" . i As the monster tried to hurl the poor wm man out over the frightful chasm which yawned down till lost in the darkness, she cluntr to him with frantic desperation. “ h, spare me! spare me!" Seeing: that their companion was having his hands full, the other inhuman rumans sprung to his assistance. A cry of horror escaped the lips of Rock Randel as he saw the hapless one's gerll. In an instant his rifle was at his s oulder. and glancing alonié its barrel he took hasty aim at the nearest esperado and fired. « Two death-cries blended as. she rung out with frightful accents on the night, for the second villain had leaped forward in time to receive the bullet that had passed through the brain of the other. Then, the stricken twain, reeling back- ward, went crashing down the declivity into the depths. carrying with them in their death-clutch the luckless woman! «6 ..‘. \ gig “Good 90d!” cried Randel ashe saw the awash-92m .. .. . , " 1:34L1.<_’A.‘S.I_‘n -.. .— -3; _- .:.....2. :35:";‘ .;—.. .4. 3% " ...;.__.‘«._;E—z':_.. _ A... - .....- 26 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. doomed three disappear from sight, “ I have done it!" and the strong man inured to dan- gers and sufferings of every kind, staggered back for the moment, bewildered. The remaining outlaw glanced around in terror. Ridley heard the shot, and came rushing back from the cavern in alarm. Rock quickly recovered himself and turned to leave the spot. when he found himselfcon- fronted by three of the most brutal despera- does he had seen, who had discovered him and were trying to reach him without being heard. Seeing no way to escape them without a fight, the Texan was not long in emptying the remaining barrel of his rifle, and one of the ruflians tell. The others, armed with knives, sprung forward with fierce yells. Casting aside his rifle, Rock drew his re- volvers and began discharging them with llghtninglike rapidity. Before the twain could‘reach him his shots had sent another to the earth. But, un- daunted by the fate of his companions, the survivor hurled himself upon the cool marks- man. In too close quarters now to use powder and ball, Rock dashed up the intended blow of his combatant with the left arm. and with the other sent him reeling to the earth for the second time. He was about to spring upon him and thus end the contest, when he received a sharp blow upon the head, which felled him by the side 0 his foe. Ridley and others had heard the firing and reached the spot at this juncture. “Hot” exclaimed the chief, as his follow- - ers overpowered the senseless Texan, “ it is the man whom of all others I most desire. I am satisfied now, come what may. Bring him down into the cavern.” Lifting Rock in their arms they bore him down the narrow way and into the somber retreat which the outlaws made their stop- pin -place. We came near saying home, but .8110 men as they know not the meaning of such a blessed word. The-Man-from-Texas came to his con- sciousness to find himself lying upon the jagged bottom of the cave and a dozen of the coarse-featured desperadoes standing round him. “ At last, Rock Randel, I have triumphed,” said Ridley. as he waved a torch over the prisoner’s head. “Let me see if you are sec rely tied, for I don’tintend you shall esc pe, this time." Then as he examined the captive\’s bonds he continued: _ " Ha, men, bring ‘me that raw hide. and I’ll make him a little more secure," when Rock's arms were pinioned behind him in a manner no power of his could loosen. His ankles were also lashed as firml . “ here," said the outlaw chief, arising to his feet with the smile of a demon. “ l‘ll warrant that. But 1 would like to see how you look since you came out of that fire. With your permission I will remove these fixings.” Drawing his knife he cut off the wig and false beard Rock was wearing, and nearl severing one-half of his ear in doing it through a carelessness that seemed inten- tional. “ Pardon me, but I have marred your good- looks a little I fear," he said mockingly. “ But it will be all the same to you where you are going. Guess I will keep this hair for my use. I think it‘ll be—" Thus far Rock had not said a word, but as he felt the blood trickling down his neck and he listened to the taunts of his captors he could stand no more. Springing half-way to his feet in his excite- ment he cried: “Coyote, I would give my life for a mo- ment‘s freedom!" CHAPTER XVIII. BACK FROM THE GRAVE. “HA! ha!" laughed the outlaw leader. “I have no more to fear from you. Men, hear him back into the rear of the dungeon-cave. We have no more time to fool away here.” Rock was roughlv dragged to the extremity of the undergroun passage. “ There,” spoke the chief a ain, “this place was originally the course 0 the stream that now flows to the other side of the can- yon. We turned the water there so we could have this clannel for a place of exit in case our retreat should be discovered and our escape cut off at our usual passway. Now we shall leave you here, and as we go away tear down the dam that keeps the torrent back and let it come in upon you. It will be a horrible death for you, but it is the best I choose to do. Come, men. let's away. Fare- well, Rock Raudel; may you die easy.” With the words the speaker turned away, followed by his band. ROCK had said nothing. As the last sound of their footsteps died away a feeling of utter loneliness came over him such as he had never felt. Still he would not yield t6 despair. He worked his bonds in vain to accomplish his liberty. Knowing it was a waste of strength to continue the efforts he sunk back, resolved 30 meet his end calmly. f , . »‘MWM1IAT‘ ;r. u::m'&fl2=.mfi:rw:m¢ . ‘ "‘- \ I Dandy Rock’s Pledge. r 8’? llark! Was that the rush of water? The outlaw chief had kept his threat! In a moment the tide began to rush up on every side of him, and the place was soon overrun with the water. ‘ In a moment Rock felt it cover his body, and though he was holding his head as high as ossible, it would soon be under the flood. t laved his mouth! Another minute, and drowned! Nearly frantic he struggled to arise, but only to fall back in despair. In his exertions, however, he found that he was near the wall of the cavern. This gave him hope; and by catching the cord he would be , around his wrist upon the ragged surface of the rock, he succeeded in raising himself to a half-upright posture. In that uncomfortable position he found he could keep his head above the stream. But the agony he endured was beyond de- scription. At times he was tempted to let himself down into the flood, and thus seek relief in death, Still with that tenacity so peculiar to the human being, he clung to life. Hours dragged themselves away until it truly seemed that years had passed. It was not until nature was fast yielding to exhaustion, and his very moments seemed numbered, that Rock felt the cord upon his wrists slacken. J oyl Almost before he knew it they were free. The thong upon his feet, too, had so slackened that he quickly freed them. Weakencd, cramped by his long inactivity, while sufiering a numbness from lyingin the water so long that he could not well shake 011", he staggered to his feet. “ Thank God!" was all he could say. His deliverance. which appeared a miracle, was no less or more than the yielding of the raw hide, with which the outlaws had bound him by saturation in the water. When at last he had somewhat recovered his strength Rock groped his way out of the dismal place. Nearly overjoyed, he finally reached open air, to find that It was almost daylight. “ My gracious!" he said aloud as he wrung the water from his drenched garments, "Ithat war leetle the toughest fix I hev been in since I kem to Californy. But l’m good for another trip. First. I reckon I’ll see ef that oor female is really gone under, and then ’11 strike the trail 0’ that varmint ‘agiin. J eems Stopplel he sha’n’t ketch me napping this time!” Following the narrow passway up to the hights above, Rock could see that the river fio‘wed at the base of the clifl. followed along the canyon’e brink, hoping to find a place where he could descend to the water. In this he was disappointed; but he had not got far when he caught sight of a form under the bank. With bated breath he looked again and saw that it was a woman’s figure. “ Hurrayl” he cried in joyous excitement, when the person, aroused by the sound of his voice, started up and looked wildly _ around. “ Hyar I am! Are you damaged much?" “Oh! I’m nearly killed! Save me! save me!” she implored. _ “Hold right on and I’ll fish you out.” Going back into the forest Rock soon pro- cured along slender pole. Then taking ofi his coarse hunting-frock he tore it into stri s of sufiicientstrength, and secured this hasti y improvised line to the end of the stick. This done, he made a slipping-noose in the dis- engaged end of the cord and let it down to the woman. “ Slip it round your body under your arms, and then I’ll fetch you up.” It required a mighty eflort, but he was equal to the task; and a few minutes later she stood beside him. “ Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for deliverance from that fearful place," she murmured, as she sunk upon the ground exhausted by her exertions. The woman was evidently in ‘ middle life, though the cares and sufi‘erings she had ex- perienced made her seem much older. “How did you ’scape getting stove into sassages arter that tumble?” asked Rock. “I think it must have been owing to the , bodies of those men, which broke the force of my fall. I found but little trouble in get- ting out of the water, but I never ex ected .to get out of that place alive. Kin sir. I owe my life to you, but I cannot find words to exlpress my gratitude.” " don’t want ye to hunt for ’em, not by along stick. I reckon I 'hev had quite a tram to find ye.” “ ere you looking for me? Then you had heard of my captivity?” “I reckon. Ain’t you Rolarfi Maxcy’s wife?" \ Starting up with rest surprise, she cried: “Yes! Do you now aught of my buss band? Speak! Is be living?’ Bewildered by the speaker’s sudden earn- estness, Rock could not find his speech to answer at once. > “ Tell me." she implored. I know you have met him!” “I knowed him. I—-” “Then he is indeed dead? But there, I As soon as gaining the top of the path he‘heve mourned him as such these many years.” .“ V l . “Where is he? , Dandy Rock’s Pledge. “Yes; he’s gone under," said Rock, com- passionately. “I was with him when he gave up his hand. His funeral is just up hyar a little way.” 1‘ His—’) “I mean, his grave is in this valley not a rifle-shot from hyar.” “ Where?" she asked, excitedly. be he was so near?" 1“Jesso. Feller me, and I’ll show you the ace." . She followed him in silence. A few minutes’ walk brought them in sight of the lone] grave. “ Thar!” said ock, simply, as he pointed to the newly-made mound of earth. “Oh, my husband! my dear, dear hus- hand!" she cried, as she rushed toward the sacred spot. Before she reached it, however, a wilder cr escaped her lips. - ying near the rave was a human form, that started slight y up at the sound of her vorce. Pausing one moment spellbound, the next she threw herself by the side of the prostrate one, exclaiming: “Oh, Roland! Rolandl can this be pos- sible?" Rock saw in speechless amazement that Roland Maxcy was indeed living and lay be- fore him. “Mary, my wife!" was all the overjoyed husband con (1 say as he folded her in his arms. Lon “ Can it and tenderly the two remained locke in each other’s embrace, their hap- piness too great for words to express. After eighteen years of separation, through the beneflcence of a benign Providence, the hus- band and wife had been reunited. Rock, more used to scenes of hardship, danger and sulfering, turned aside to brush a tear from his eyes. When the first transport of their joy had passed, the happy couple turned their minds to the affairs of the moment. Roland Maxcy, still suffering from the wound received at the hands of his foe, Hiram Lore, or Daniel Ridley, as the arch- villain called himself, was very feeble. In fact, his situation was very precarious. Instead of havin, been buried alive, as Rock had suppose ,the first shovelful of dirt thrown upon him by the outlaws had so far revived him that he understood his peril enough to crawl away from the spot into the neighboring bushes while the despera- gges were having their encounter with the ar. ‘ In their hurry after their fight with Bruin the outlaws filled up the grave without miss- ing Maxcy. . ' “J eems Stopplel” exclaimed Rock, “this am the queerest trail I ever set my peeping lights on. Howsumever, it’ll come out slick as thirteen rows of live oaks. I hev corraled the black~faeed chap as wanted to dig your funeral, and I have spotted t’other.” “Between talks ” Rock made what pre- parations he could for the wounded man’s comfort. “ I reckon we are three sorry-looking bea- vers, and I’ll be skulped alive ag’in ef I know how we are going to get down to Cross-tree. ” ’ Again fortune favored them. The sun was little more than an hour‘s time above the horizon, when they saw a party of horsemen approaching, the fore- most of whom Rock quickly recognized as Alf Howe. Alf and his companions, who had come to find Rock and assist him in the capture of the outlaws, were surprised to meet the friends the Texan had found. After much talking it was decided to start at once for Cross-tree, which we are glad to say they reached without further adventure. It was a tedious journey to Roland Maxcy, but his wounds were not dangerous; and once he had reached a place where comfort and care could be given him, a speedy re- covery was looked forward to. ' . Rock’s first move was to attire himself in a new suit of “toggery.” This done he shouldered his rifle, saying: “ Wal, friends, I reckon this coon is ofl like a split stick. He’s goin’ to strike the trail 0’ that coyote, and he don’t let it git cold 'til thar’s powder burnt. He smells fun, waghl" “ Let him go, Rock,” said Alf as he held ' the Texan’s hand. cape punishment.” “Rock Randel dont't intend they shall. 80, Alt, my beaver, I‘m 01f. Ef the var- mint don't ring me out I’ll kem round and see you and the 9.] some time. Roland Maxey, I hope ye’ git ’round slick. Gi’n us your paw, for I’m on a powerful di to git off. I can’t no more rest than a hic ory sprout in a norther till I have kept my pledge.” . In spite of the request of his friends to re main with them and let the arch-demon, Hiram Lore, be left to meet his inevitable doom sooner or later from a just God, Rock mounted his horse, and turning his face to- ward Newry’s Camp, started once more on “The guilty can’t es the trail of death. CHAPTER XIX. HUNTED DOWN; SIX months later. Around the bar of a mining-camp in Swift ' ‘ " , . s ‘i N; H _ i ’! ~mnnr. ‘ a,“ “A”; ,.m.,_..~....,..i m...” , *‘ 1, . n- it + ..-.._...., ",3. Mr. . . Dandy Rock’s Pledge. \ 29 River Valley a score or more of roughly-clad miners and loafers were startled from their drinking and storytelling by the sudden ap- pearance of a haggardlooking, wild-eyed stranger among them. Clothed in rags, with a woe—begone expres- sion upon his emaciated face, he tlung himself upon the nearest dry-goods box. crying: “For mercy’s sake, save me!” “What's up?" asked one of the crowd. “I am hunted like a dog!” “ The man is mad!" exclaimed a by— stander. “ 0b, In God! I shall go mad. Pity me! Let me hi e somewhere til he is gone!" “ Who?" asked the amazed miners. “As long as you carry a civil tongue you are safe here.” “Not that! I am tracked! A man is hunt- ing me to death!” “ Sbo! And ye look as if he hed driven ye ’most there! But tell us what you want, and we are ready to help you." Encouraged by the promise the new-comer started up. “ Thank you," he cried. “ Aid me and I will never forget your kindness. Secrete me so he cannot find me.” “ Who is hunting you? Explain yourself if you wish us to help you.” “ I am followed b the spirit. of a man who died in Cross-tree ollow six months ago. He has tracked me like a bloodhound i" “ A dead man hunting him? Ha—ha! he must be crazy!” “ No—no! Let me—-" Suddenly a dark. form appeared in the doorway, and a laugh broke in upon the speaker’s words. Turning quickly about, he uttered a cry of terror and reeling forward, groaned: “ It is he! I am lost!" 0 The individual who had so abruptly made his appearance was a tall, strongly-built per- son With a dark, sun-burned face, raven hair, and a full beard. | “ Randal Rock!" he exclaimed, “ at last, covotc, I hev hunted ye down!” E‘Rock Randel, The-Man-from-Tcxas!" chorused the bystanders. lt was our hero, but greatly altered from what we remember him when in Cross-tree. Six months had healed the wounds he had received there, and given him a growth of luxuriant hair. instead of a mustache, now he wore a full beard, which made him look much older. “ Varmint," he said, sternly facing the cowering wretch, who was none other than . the sometime Mayor of Ridley’s Bluff, and 74 also leader of the road-agents in connection é. K . with Black Arnold. “ l hev follered yer trail from Cross-tree to Newry’s Camp, from there i to White Springs, and then to Lost Lead Mine, from whar ye hev kem to this place. Ef ye are not a sneaking coyote ye'll meet me like a man. One of us must go under!" “ Is that you, Rock Reade], or your spirit?" “ Both, old chap, es true es I hail from old Texas. Kent, I am onpatient to try my shooter.” “ I have no quarrel with you," pleaded the trembling villain. “ Why do you perse- cute me in this manner?" “ No quarrel with me?” repeated Rock, as he fixed his piercing gaze upon the other. “ D’ye think I have forgotten the night on left me in that cave to go to my funera in three feet of water, tied hands and feet? D’ye think I shall ever lose the scar your knife left upon me? Nary a chip, old coyote. I swore to Roland Maxcy when ye had left him for a dead beaver, es ye thought, that I would hunt ye till one of us went under. I want to tell you that Roland Maxcy and his wife are both above the sod and as bright as‘ chippin’ birds in the spring.“ “ls Roland Maxcy living?" asked the out- law, in amazement. “And his wife, too?" “ Sart’in sure, es true ’possum shinnin' an alligator in the dark.” “ Let me go in peace and I will swear to‘ never molest you or them again.” ” Never! All I ask is fair play. Meet me likea man, and the best shot wins. Bi 1 fall it will be all right. only see that my body is covered out of sight. Ef ’tis you to turn up yer tows, I'll see ye are well earthed. Can e ask for more?” “ t’s square!” cried the crowd. “Stand up, stranger, and fight the Texan as a man.” “I’ll bet fifty on the long-haired chap!" declared one of the miners, but no one took 11 the wager, and in silence the crowd ollowed the duelists out of the build- mg. Pale and trembling Hiram Lore took the position assigned him. Rock did the same and the two stood ready for the signal to turn and fire. Read "2 Ere the warning numbers were counte which were to precede the fatal word, "fire," the outlaw “heeled and with ahastyaim tired thinking to dispose of his foe and then escape the crowd. Fatal move. Nervous and excited his bullet flew wide of its mark. The-Mnn-from-Texas. firm and cool as ever, turned and slowly leveled his never- failing weapon. A sharp ng, succeeded by a piercing cry, and the cowardly wretch fell to earth to rise no more. Rock had fulfilled his mission. .... t... -.. mm.-- w-.—._-Ww- 80 ‘ Dandy Rock’s Pledge. CHAPTER XX. EXPLANATORY. A YEAR has passed since the eventful night of the burning of Ridley‘s Blufl. No one who saw the city then in flames would realize that within twelve months’ time there would be no vestige of the fire, and that double the buildings would now mark the spot. Such is the case. Business flourishes and there is naught on the horizon of the future to destroy its pros- perit. Dan Sanford is now its ma or, fulfilling his duties with credit to himsel and satisfaction to others. With the destruction of the road-agents as we have told, no others have arisen to break the peace of the country. It is to the home of Roland Maxcy and his wife, who have settled down to a quiet life in Rahdelville. as the place once known as Ridley’s Bluff is now called out of respect to our Texan hero, that we would have the reader accompany us. They have both recovered from the ef- fects of the suffering they had felt, and are extremely happy, immeasurably so, inas- much as in the fair Lilla they have found their long lost daughter. She gladly accepted their proof of rela- tionship, for Lemuel Divons had proved a stern and unloving master to her. It seemed when Roland Maxcy was away from home, Hiram Lore had gone to his wife and told her that he (Maxcy) was sick in a distant city. She had not heard from him for a long time, and not knowing Lore‘s true character she accepted his story in good faitli, and with her child went to see her husband." Unable to find him at the designated place, she was about to return, when the arch- plotter again met and told her that Roland had given out a false report in regard to be- ing sick. but had really gone to California, ,with no intentions of ever returning to her. Of course she could not believe the story, though Lore brought forward men who cor- roborated what he had said. Mrs. Maxcy went back to her home nearly broken-hearted, and wholly unable to find any trace of her husband, until she saw a , California paper one day, speaking of a Roland Maxcy doing business in one of the mining settlements. Convinced now of Lore’s truthfulness, and havin friends there Mrs. Maxcy resolved to .go to alifornia, and with her young daugh- ter reached the place to find her relatives either dead or moved away. Again. as if by some strange fatality, though really through his own machinations to avenge himself upon her for rejecting his hand in marriage, she met Hiram ore. He knew. or at least pretended to know, nothing of her husband. From that day her troubles increased. Her child was lost, and supposed to have been killed. Her grief knew no bounds. Without the means to return to her home, and no friend to send to. she remained in that place. Lore asked her to marry him, and after re- peating his offer without success he finally swore she should never know another mo- ment’s peace. He caused her to be carried off by the gang of outlaws of whom he was the unknown leader, and she never knew an instant’s re- lief until, through the work of Rock Randel, she was again with her husband. He had, after leaving his home, been im- prisoned for a crime of which he was inno- cent, and in a foreign land had been unable to send word to his friends; and thus when he at last returned his sorrow can be well imagined to find his wife missing. He fol- lowed her to California, but not to learn nught of her until the day our story opened he had Seen Hiram Lore, and fallen by his hand. At last the happiness which had been so long denied them was granted, and in their great by the past was temporarily forgotten. “l e need only one more to gladden us with his presence," said Lilla, on the even- ing of which we ‘speak, as in company with her husband, happy Alf Howe, she was visit- ing her parents. And he is Rock Randel,” replied her father. “ We have not heard a word from him for a year. “I reckon. Thought he would come to speak for himself straight as a 10W 0’ thir- teen live oaks!” cried a cheery voice. in the gooryiray, and turning they beheld their noble rien . With one accord the foulr gathered around yvith anxious questions in regard to his wel- are. “ Glad to see ye all. IIeerd ’hout your streak of good luck. andjess thought I would trot ’round and set my peeping sights on you. I am as slick as a spruce tree, and twice as spry as a yuller jacket. I’m on my way to join an old pnrd who has got into some tall doin‘s up north." “ As uneasy as ever, my good fellow. But you must stop With us awhile. We have much to ask you, though first of all, we wish to know what has become of him whom you went in pursuit of?" The simple reply was: “ Rock Randel has kept his pledge.” ' urn END. ' 4 4r: n‘w> -—- -p- w (.1 it l: - fl oouvo megs. / AD L ,8 23101:, rm cmrs\ «mummmv.wmmmmwmmmgmmmwuwmmwmmwamummmhmuhnauhfi l Deadwood [Ht-k. the Prince of the Road. By 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlemlk. gh. Edward L. “'lh-nlvl’. (‘harII-vr. ily )‘hlli S. Vt'nrne. ' 2 Kill" .11 Klnu; ur, The Rad nght Hand. By 62 The Border Rob nlloodi °|’.ThOPnirh Rovor. IIIIWITrr) Hill. B 58 (-5 "liiiiiit‘l‘n Hill. 3 ‘ re ‘lylm: YunLcL-l ur The Ocean Outcast. y ‘o c, the Shay homer; or Tho Bo Col. l‘remw Inuruhmn. ' “th7 liluh iiilll. Bylidw-rd liWhulu’hD'wu" 4 The Double hugger-I. By Edward L. Whealur. 64 Old ‘llp'n (Fuhln or, A cranium, In a" wood; 6 The Two lh u-vlivel nr. The Fortunen vi' I By(.apt.J. F. C. A mm. linwery Glrl. llv Albert. '. Aikvn. 65 Delaware Dick, the Younx Ranger Spy. a, on 6 The Prairie Pilot: or, The Phantom Spy. By Cufllneu‘. Buthlo ltlll. 53 Mad ’lpln “Water-n, the Tonn Rang". By W. , 7 The Bullshit: Demon; or, The Burdai’ Vulturu. 57 DJ. iyllnliitat.) fl ByEtthlr .. “'ltuuler. cu woo Mel: on I) k or Cal . 8 Antelouo Abe. the Boy Guide. By 0]] Cnomel. lhe liurunm ni’ Whoop.U nuny‘a J‘nh ; U Ned “’vldc. the Boy Scout. By “Texan Jock" 58 lluw‘ eye lion-3', the hounx Trnpper Ranger. By ‘ 10 Baily;)uflhumirn). {n PM I B E L‘Vh I 69 lglltfiuumi.’ ll ‘ T] H II 0 all, nm‘ao la n . y . . ea or. Ie 0 rue I. or 1 n - 11 Ralph Roy. thu ll w Huccnnrer. hy C l. lugrahmn. By (‘nL ‘I'untlu ingtahn’m. . C m 0! "I. s" “ 0]" 18 Nickuo‘ylulNltrht; 0'. Th9 “0y 50! 0‘ ’73. By T- ablhl'olh ill]: Cnfiw-K'llur. Bi: Albarl W. Allen. C. ar at v - ‘or uro ' au- thu Bo \ . - 18 Yellowntt luck ' nr, Trapper: of the Enchanted “'huvleny e, y n o By Emu"! 1" Gruund. "y . graph h. Itadgar, Jr. Q2 \Vill Sonnet-n. lhn Bay DrlcciiVO. By Chan. Morrio. l4 “'lld Ivan tlm Hwy L‘Iaudu Dln'ni. ByE. L.Whealar. h Sol Ginger, the l-‘im-t Tram-er. By A. W. Mitch. 15 )nnmond inrt‘; ..r,'rh.- .\I_\.lery of the Yellow- 64 Ron-bu Rob; or, Nuy a! Nu], lhn Knight 0! th- ntoue. 'ily (tulum-l l’relrlisa lugruham. Gulch. By Edward L. “'fireler. 16 Keen-Knife, l‘riuru of tlm i’rairivl. By 011 Cocmu. 05 Li htuin Jew, the 'ivrror at the Prime. By Clp~ 17 (Dre on Sol; or, Nick whim-1': lioySpy. By Cuyt. 'm n J. . Admnl. J. C Adan". 66 k t I «foot, the Woodvllnwk. By T. C. liar 18 Death-Fm-e. the lh-tr-rtivn. By 15. L. “'hevler. hauxh. l9 Lulu-o Jack lln- Yunnu Mustang". B ' Oll CONHOI. 87 Rollo, the Buy» Ranger; or, The Ham.- of the com", 20 Roaring I'lulph Rookwootl. t. e Rechleu llurn. lly Oll t‘noam. Rama-r. Bv Ilmry St. (I'm/mu. 68 ldyl, thl- Girl hllner; or, Rnnehud Rob on Hand. By 9i The Boy Clown; or. The Queln of the Arenn. By Edward 1.. Whaler. _ Frullk S F'nn. 69 Detective Dick 3 onThc Huroln Rngl. By Chuln 22 The P I tom Mlnew or, Deadwood chk’n Man -. llonanra. 5y Edward L. healer. 70 Euro Shot Both. "It: Bo Rlflumnn. By OllCoomu. 23 The Sea-(hit; nr. 'l‘hu Witch of Darlan. By Cnpt. “(1 Sim? bums or, The A venture. ollelndlou Buy. 24 Tl‘;8|i]8;iak \g’tittnkehn one ’ 18 TI? diaxnlfl’dtvil’nglan. Th v 1 e um . '. 0"mu- 2 on o e ‘01: an a at all Lid 95 Rattlln Iluoh’el or): Tho Night. Hunk: of Ken. Troy“. By Albert W. hi .rn. y 0‘s“ Incl: . fiy Harry m. Gnome. ». 'rs Photograph “man. am stem; or.Roubud Ram 26 ()‘ll‘dh vnlunehc, tne Grunt Annlhllntor. By Ed. L. 74 Plltuypenrnufil; ‘By E.t.‘“'dhveiér. h ' ac Ir. , on one o e or 'cu «mu- I on . . Bf Gln g-Eye, the Grant. Shot of the Well. By Cnpt. .7. Br C¥lhflrl Morr I.‘ , ' 0‘ Dawn" 2 F. 0. Mn“... 75 Inland Jinn ".11.. Putot‘tho runny. my an... ‘ 28 The Boy Curtain; or, The Plank Daughter. By hm” Hrmynqunrk unfunny), ' Rnuer Sturhuc ‘- - 76 “atoll-Eye. lhv Shaduw; nr, Ann and Arml- ot n 3 39 "IL-k Dnrllmz. the Pony Erpren Rldar. By Cnpluin Great Cltv. ll ' Edward L. Wheel-r. l‘rmierick “‘hluuku-r. 7? Din-k "and Lye. thr Bay Smuflgilf. By 601.? 80 Bob “’onlt‘. the Iiurdvr Rumnn. By E. L. Wheelar. lnzruhann Bi Nightingale Nut; or, ’l'hu Fore-t Lapulnl. By 78 Deadwood Diuh’n Device; or. Tho Sign of th- ’I. C. Hurlnuuh Douhle (‘rom By Ed. 1.. “'heelu‘. 82 “luck John. thu RUN AKPM- B" 5- 3- anthem-1r. 70 The Him-k Multnngerl or. Thu Wild Horn 38 “main: 0", ths Maah- ti 'i‘error. By E. L. Whuelar, Hunters. ily (rapt. Mnyno Ru . 84 Hurt: I’llnkur. the Tr“ Inn- By Genrne E. Lualle. 50 011! Front. . lhI Guide; or,Mnhunn tbc Whit. Quoen B5 The Boy Rifle-3 or, a Underground Camp. By nl'tlu- lllnr trot. By T. C. Hurbnug . A. C. lmnl. 8|. The fie. \‘luer; or. ’l‘ha Midlhipmln'l Legacy. By 86 The White B fl'nlo. A Tale OIStrangn Advon- Cul. Prentlu lnarahrnn. mm in the Northwont- B Gem-fir 15- LnlnlI-v- 88 Seth Jone-I or, Th: Cnptivu of tho From". I, p 8': Jim Blludsoc, Jr.. the lay Phanix. ByEdwud L, 88 meu‘m firm-m c f we er. mum at 7 at t a onnur alter Ch! I. as PeriHniel.thebhnnyiflPPH-gn)‘f'P%J-:.g.,m:fiwl. 84 H. “on; 1’, Th ' 3’ um“ 89 icon v lymt u h "own-w" . .V II I" . e um I! e or. a Do a'l D-u htcr. 40 NJ“? \vg’lflgegnAg’t-n or, in the Valley of Death. 85 "lfillpthPulilgiiih lut‘talnrih ‘ I By .a t. . ‘. .. mun. ‘ o 0 non or " 03nd:th lIl-nd it 4.1 ffhdvt’tllood gngl't‘l fift‘lfiltlon Tho Pud- of 8832433311.. ’h’h ‘ y ‘o...t inr. y ,. nah .. me vr. u- nr 'I‘I'I ‘ew Y rk 3 Hum 42 The Border King; on'l‘hu secret Fm. By on hrhimllrmyug. ’ ° ‘ y . t‘omneu. . . 8? The liuunr Captain: or. Tho Hemlt at Hall 3 43 Old Hickory! or. P-ndy Elli-I Sc-lp- By Hurry Gm. By cm. Prortttutngnhnm. t SLGeorue. 88 Deadwood Dick in Lendvilleevor. A Stung. 44 The White Indllni 0?» TI" SWN‘ °{ “‘9 YOH‘W' Shohc for le.-rt . lly Edward L. healer. “(me- By Ct‘ll‘tl- 5- F- ~ ‘ d"'“'- 89 Bill Blddon '.l rapper; onlch in th- Nannie-t. ‘ 45 lhu-khorn "It or, 'ihe Red Rlflo Tam. By Hy Edwud g En“. ‘ v Edwnni L. Whaler. 90 Tlppy. the Texan; or,'i'llu You; Champion. 3y 9 46 Tilimcfilhgdoylv iihlnl;I hr, The Riv-l Lla‘utenlnu. Gauma Glamn. ' 0 - hill II "I?" III". ' 47 The lied "rather-hood; or. The Twelve ‘luued Eve" w°dn°"h" I { . Avengen. y J. Humilh‘n. ‘ Beadle’l Pocket. Library in for ulo by all Nun- ' I ‘8 Iglflch-I?fil‘fhim$lvl Tl" Gum” “l n" O"K°“ 1 "‘n- dvnlan, fin contl per copy, er am by ml] on rooolpt n! all ' 40 lllfrricnfle Hill; nr.J‘.\‘luItang Sam and Him“ Para.” “11" “d!- w a; An I By Jon- E. Badger. r. A1) A Pub“ . , 50 Single hand; or. A we far . Lila. By w. J. BE 5’ “9f” , I Hamilton. 0! Willi”. ltmt. New Kori. / 32 ocuvo mans. /9EAD LE,S\ rmcn, FIVE CENTS.\ POCKET LIBRARY. Quantummmmmmena:rot/Hamo:tocommca«cocammmmmmmwm‘fiz‘mfi‘mmmmmmm 91 Mustang Sam, the Klng ol'the Plains. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr. 98 The Ocean Bloodhound MTIIO Red Pirates Of the Cnribbsea. By Samuel ' '«nrce. 98 Pl.“ Hardy, the Boss Buy; or, 'l‘lm Mystery of the Strongbow. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood chk" III Detcctlve. By E. L.Wheular. 95 Buck Buckrflm; or, [IL-35. Ill-l Fomulc 'l‘rnpper. Bf Captain J. F. C. Admins. 96 Gath-Eldged Dick, the Sport Detective. By E. L. 66 or. 97 The Black Steed of the Prulrleu. By Jamel . wall. 98 The Sea Serpent; or. The Buy. Robinson Crusoe. By Jnnn Lawn). 99 Bonanza Bill, lhn Mnn Trucker. By E. L. wheeler. 100 Nut Todd; or, The Fntu of the Sioux Captive. By Ellwnrll S. Ellis. 101 During Davy; the Ynung Ben! Killer. By Hnrry St. Gamma. 102 The Yellow Chief? or,Th~1 llnlllhlood’u Vengeance By Cnpt. Mir-ma R64. 103 Chip, Elle Girl Sport, or, The Golden Idol 01" Mt. Roan. By Edivnrd L. “'heelur. 104 The Block Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Ruger Sturlnlck. 103 Handsome Harry, tha Bnotblnck Detectlve. By Chin-lug Morris. 106 Night-lluw k Kit; or, the Daughter of tha Ranch. ’ By Jon. E. Bridger, Jr. 107 Jack lloyle‘s Lend; or, The Young Specu utor. By Edward L. “'Imeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the Whlts Mustnnger. Bv ’1‘. C. llrlrhnugll. V 109 The Bl-unded "and; or, Tm: Man of Mystery. Bv Fl‘lllll! Dnmnnt. 110 The Druid Rider; or, The Texan Duellsn By Gnome W. Browne. I'll Bonn Bob. the, King nannthlm‘ki. By E. l..\Vlma'ef. 112 The )lelplonn llunll. B) Capt. .‘vlnylm Reid. 113 Scar-Fuee Saul, the Silent l-luntvir. By 011 Channel. 114 Plney Paul. tha Mount‘lll". Bo :or. The Llnla Arm“! of the Allirvndnclls. l "l‘. ‘.. Hilrbnngll. 115 Deadwood Diek’n Double. By E. L. Wheeler. 116 Jabez Collin. Ski \pel‘: or, Lost in the Polar Regions. y Capt. F. \Vhlttnler. 11’? Funny Fl-uuk, ol‘ Cnlnrndo. ' “ Bllfl'nlo Bill." 118 Will Wildfire, the Thnroughbrell. By Clllls. Mon-la. 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Din-)0. Home llnse. By Edward L. \Vbeuler. 120 Gopher Grid, the lloyTrnpper. By T. C. Hnrhangh. 121. Harry Armntrong, the ('npmin or thu Club. lly Bracebrldge lleniyng, (Jack llnrlnlwny.) 122 The Hunted Hunter: M. 'l‘ln- Stranle "memnn of the Prairie. By 17 mm! S. l‘Illiu. 123 Solld Sum, the Roy Road-Agent. In. E. L. \‘l'huelvr. 12.4 Judge 1y oh. 3n; or. Thu Buy Vigilante. lly . 'l‘. C. Hnrhnngll. ‘ 126 The Land Plrntcs: an The League 0! Devil’- lslitnd. By l‘apt. Mllyn r Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Drunk 0' Dry Boyu nlltocky Bar. lly Frunk Dunn-ill. 127 Tony Fox, lhe Ferret; or, Busl Bob’l Boas Job. By Edward L. “r'ln-lclul’. 128 Black Benn, Will Wildfire‘a Racer. Bv Charle- Morris. 129 Eagle Hit, the Pay Demon. By 011 Coamu. 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By ’1‘. C. llnrbnugh. ~ llil A (hunt: of Gold; or, Démlwuud lnivli‘s llig strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. lli'n‘. lPulnty Lance, the Boy Sport. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 133 “'lld-llre. t1": Boss ol'lhe Road. By Frank Dun-«mt. 134 Mike Merry, tlw Hnrbor Police Boy. By C. Morril. 185 Deudwood BIL-k of Deadwood. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘ By Hon. w. r. Curly. 136 01d Rube, the Hunter. By Cnpt. Hamilton Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the M.iu from ’I'uxns. By a. Wnldo Browne. 188 Bob Roche“, the B...- Dong». 15y Chm. M "is- 139 The Bluok Giant: or, Dillllly Lunce in Jeopardy. By Joseph E. Budgl-r, Jr. 140 01:11:1qu Arlzonu, the King Pin ol' Rum-Agents. By hilip s.w..me. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. lly Edward L. “'lleelcr. 142 Little Texas,llie Ynnng Muslanper. ByOll (‘oolnm 143 Dull“ llnnll or FM tinr Fire with Fir . l1, Jon. E. ’l’indg-ar, Jl. ’ P b e y 144 Little Grit. the mm mam”. llcssltheStock ’l‘ander’s Dung ter. By Col. Prantisx Ingrnhnni. 1-15 The Tiger ol'Tnou; or. Wihl Knte, Dnmly Ruck’l Angel. By Gen. Wnldo Browne. , 1-16 The Crime King“ or, CorLilIn’a Right Bower. By Frank Dmnonl. 147 Nubby Niel; ul’Nuvufln: or, The Scamp: 01‘ ll": Slcrl'ns. J.) Edward 1.. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom: or,"l‘he Vl‘ulHleLier of tin: Rockies. By Hurry St. George 149 Bob Roche“. the Bank :unnur: or, Thu Rund to Ruin. By Charles Mun-is. 150 The Mad Miner; 0r,Dnndy Rmh‘s Dunm. By G. Wnldn Browne. 151 The. Sen Trailer; ar, A Vuw well Kept. By Cu]. Prentiss [ngrnlmnh 152 llundy inn-ho: "r, The! Tigers ol‘lligll Pine. lly “'illinm R. Eynlrr. 153 “'lld Frank, tlw Burksllin lil'm‘n. 'licc «r. l 164 The Boy Trailers? or. Dainty Vl'nl‘Pnlh. By .105. E. Sanger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, tha Roy Bandit; o:,’rha Kill-Glove 51mm. L’y Cu). l’l‘untlaslllgl‘illlzllll. 156 \‘v'lll “'lldflre In the “'omlyl. By 0. Morris. 15')? Ned Temple, the Border BU). By T. C. Harhmxuh. 158 Deadwood chk’n Doom. By E. L. Wheeler 159 {intentoltenther Joe‘s Defeat. By Philip. S. “I‘ll!!- By Edward 1.. Lance on the 160 null‘ulo Billy, m.» Buy linllwlmrkur. l‘_\' Cal. 1’. MIKI'JlllIIll. 161 Bub Rockctt. Una ('rlll‘lifllllnll; or, Drlv n to the Wall. lly cum.» Blur)... 162 Little llurrltenne, llu- liny (hymn. 1:;- (‘uvlllfisn 163 Deadwood Dll-k’n Dru-mu: or, The lllvnls nf till [he Kuml. By Jillwarul l.. \‘v licclm. 16-1 Tornado 'l‘om: or. hian Jn ‘ ll)‘ ’1‘. c. Hmlnlllgh. llcmly Mun-1. 165 Buffalo Bill’n Hell: or. Tln- l::\l)|‘ lranluu. (Jul l‘runtihs lligrulmn. Fundy Man-ch ‘J. 166 \Vlll “'lldilrn {This and ‘AIB‘AQH. is)» Wham- .\lurris. lit-:MJ' r4 i. in. 16? Dundy Iiock‘n l’lulllzl-x “r. lln ll'd tn Death. li_\‘ George W. lhmvxm. Runny .\lnu ll ‘ . 163 Deadwood chk’n “'an v-r, Thu Ill-.ch um. Jim-wt. B) luxlnnui 1.. \\ huh-r. iii-nay 11.1w): cu, l'rrvnl Red Corn. By . Ianued livery “'mluculny. Beadle’s Pocket Library is M ml.- by all N..-,,.. .lunlern, five ccnll Ill'f cup-x, or lent by nmil (in receipt n! six, cent: each. BEADLE ADAMS. Pullllnhura. 95 Wllflam Street, New York. y