,. ,. _ i “llifilllk Copyflghhd.1889, by BIADLI AND Alums. Entered at the Poet Oflice at. New York. N. Y‘, as Second Clue Mull Mutter. March 27, 1889. $2.50 Published Week] b Beadle and Adams >‘1- , ‘ NOI a Year. No_ 93 WILEMMYST" NEW YORK. ’ Flv‘crcttglts. “BELWI STOPPED A‘READY!” EXCLAIMED Tm: MAN IN THE STEED. '- wao AR' xiv-41mm“, BY nomnrz" 2 Kit, the Girl Detect-kc. Kil, the cm Detective: Dandy Dash} California. BY T. C. HARBAUG-H, An'rnoa or “ BLADE, run spam,” “ ran DENVER DETECTIVE," “ DICTIONARY NAT,” mo. CHAPTER I. THE BLUE-EYED DETECTIVE. “ THEY may cover their trails, but I will find them; they may hide in the fastnesses of yonder mountain, but I will ferret them out. I am here to find and to deliver them, bound hand and foot, over to avenging Justice. My oath stands recorded in the book of Heaven, and I shall keep it to the letter!” “ It wouldn’t do for yer ter go back on it of We recorded that, stranger.” ’The first speaker turned as if a deadly reptile hadihissed behind him. Standing about ten feet away, with his back braced against a huge mountain bowlder, and withapair of Samsonian arms folded on the most ample of chests, appeared a person whose personnel was calculated to frighten the timid. Besides being swarthy of skin, darkaeyed and raven-haired, he was tall and well formed. a giant. but a mountain athlete at the same me; Armed to the teeth, like all mountaineers of his class, 119 presented a formidable appearance relieved by nothing save a good-natured smile that lingered at his lips after he had spoken. “ I’d keep that oath, er go under tryin’," he continued,’ his eyes fixed on the person whom he had surprised. “I don‘t know you, stranger, an’ you don‘t know me. Mebbe'it’d be the best thing for both ov us of we never got vauainted. I’m called Dandy Dash in this part ov thei- kentry, though a lookin’-glass ’d say that I don’t loolazgiuch like a dandy. What'syer handle, par . “Kit Keene,” was the response, accompanied by a smile. , “ Yer bizness. of it’s no secret?" “ Oh, I haven’t much business in this part of the world," and the speaker seemed to wonder whether all his self-communings unconsciously spoken aloud, had reached the strau er’s ears. “That’s ‘65) the kind 0’ answer expected," said Dandy ash. “ I might hev knowed I’d git it, because I rlesarved it. Ez I said afore, meb- be we’d better not .gib acquainted, fer a teller kin hev too many friends in these di in’s. Kit Keene, ehl—uever heard the name a ore that I know on.” “ Perhaps not.” “ Goin’ ter Trigger Bar, eh?” “Trigger Bar?" echoed Kit Keene. “ Am I near such a place?" " About ten miles off, I jedge. It lies jest be yond the pass yer see yonder, right at the mouth , of Sure Shot Canyon, Thar be some devils thar. - Mr. Keene—some re 'Iar wild-cats, men from all quarters ov the WI rl West, and a young chap like you should hev friends thar if he expects ter git erlpng.” A. fir Kit Keene was young. His slightly tanned face did not proclaim him more than twenty-one, though he mi ht have been but eighteen, for he had mild, gir- ish blue eyes, and long auburn hair, soft and silan like a maiden’s. I Clad in close-fitting garments that would have attracted any one in that wild region with their newness, Kit Keene was certain of becoming a marked person wherever he went. He were at the bottom of his jacket a narrow belt that carried the silver-mounted revolver which rested on his right hip. He did not answer the inquisitive mountaineer for a moment after the latter’s volunteered re< marks about the people who inhabited the place called Trigger Bar. “I. may get to the Bar some time,” he said, but Just now I am not on my road thither. Yes, I believe I have heard of the p'ace.” “ I’d like fer know who hezn’t, of it ar‘ hid among ther mountains. I used to live that, but,” with a smile, “ the climate got too hot for Dandy Dash, an’ I pulled up stakes an' left. When I go thar ag’in, Kit, ’twill be ter enlarge ther graveyard on ther mountain—side.” Dandy Dash showed his teeth at the conclu- sionlof his last sentence like a wolf when he snsr 8. Kit Keene seemed to grow interested in the man before him. "' You couldn’t get along at Trigger Bar with its people?” he sai . a “ That’s it, er we couldn’t agree—you kin can it what yer like. Twenty-four hours ’d 0-001: you out down ther; I’m sure 0v thet. They,” got a society at the Bar thet‘s mighty per- ticular who it ’sociates with. You know it must be, Kit, when 1 bed to pack my traps an’ VB- mose the ranch.” , Kit Keene could not repress a smile. _ , The idea of a lot of mountain roughs rejecting a man like Dandy Dash as unfit for a society like theirs, smacked a good deal of the indi- crous. “ Jes’ poke your head inter the ,Bar some time,” continued the iant, “ an‘ see at] hevn’t gau them men wi d-cats erbout ri ht. I’m no angel by a thunderin’ sight. I don t portend tar be what I ain’t. I’m nothin' but a moun- tain rough what hez pulled trigger in ever camp in ther Sierras; but I’ll be d on'd ef ain’t ez good 92 ther best wild-cat a Trigger Bar, morally an’ physically!” - Kit Keene did not know about the first quali- fication, but of the second he had no doubt. If he wanted an ally he might have felt as- sured that one could have been found in Dead y Dash, but he made no move toward securing the giant’s friendship. , He probabl had secrets to which he wanted no human he ng to penetrate. ,v _ ” “ I see that I’m keepin’ yer bye?) ,K-lty 1‘8- sumed Dandy Dash, a moment after his rather boastful estimate of his good lullities- We may meet ag’in, ef ye‘r’~ gom’ 1' remain low: in this kentry: but let me caution you once more, for ye’r’ younger than I be, thet the cli- mate’s mighty onhealthy for some pcoble, ’spe— cially for them ther wild-cats ov Trigger Bar don’t like." 4:5 ., feaw.‘ i l a l l g- g. .1, i l. .4. V Kit. the Girl Detective. 8 “ I thank you for your information,” said Kit, as he ate pod toward the mountaineer, and ex- tended ‘s hand. “ I may profit by it during the da 5 that are to come, for I am tr e to so that pro 9 to remain some time in this count . shall not be averse to meeting you again. He was still speakin when Dandy Dash’s brawny arms unfoldc , and a great bronzed hand covered his whiter and much smaller mem- ber. \“ I think I could tie ter yer Kit, by hokey I dol” exclaimed Dandy Dash, looking the outh sqgarely in the eyes as he squeezed his and. “ at we mightn t pull toglether long, fer I’ve got ways ye wot ldn’t like, t ough I’d soon git use’ for yourn. Ef you hev got a man’s name you’ve got a gal’s hand, an a gal‘s eyes an’ ha r. A slight flush suffused Kit Keeno’s temples but It quickly disa peered as if he held good control over himse DTlgs nfiitsh moment henzithdrew his lli‘and from an 5' s grasp, a step bac . “ Of one thin I am certaingxliie said. “ Come what may, we 5 all never be foes." “ Never! Thet‘s not in the nature ov things I” exclaimed the rough. “ I‘ve been a man without a pard fer five years, but I’ve got erlong toler- ably well in spite 0v thet. Good-by, Kit. Steer cl’ar ov Trigger Bar; but ef yer liizness takes ye thar, keep yer eyes peeled, fer ther place ar’ rightly named, au’ it lies jes’ whar it oughter—at ther mouth ov Sure Shot Canyon.” With this Dandy Dash turned away with the air of a man who believes that he has given some good advice, and that he can not add anything thereto. Kit Keene bade him good-morning in a half- regretfnl tone, and a minute later he stood alone on the lofty mountain plateau that overlooked some of the wildest country among the Sierras. “ Ought I tohave let that fellow slip?" he asked himself in an audible tone. “ I mi ht want a friend here before long, especiallfyi I have to deal with the rough characters 0 Trigger Bar. I have come hither for the purpose of trailing certain men, and if m trail leads to the Bar, why, thither I go. e called himself Dand Dash. ' I will not forget him. I do not think should have let him go as I have done.” ‘ Mentally regretting his action, the youth started down the both fast traversed by the mountaineer, and trove ed it some distance without catching sight of the person he had so straggel encountered. “ el , let him go. I’ll. play the game alone,” he said, as he and turned back. “ The oath I have to en I Will has alone. I have reached the threshold of my uture operations. Kit Keene, you_ stand at the open door of the wild Shasta region, a pemon with a determined purpose and oath-bound. This is a good place or you to renew your vow. Renew it!” The youth drew 0!! his hat with his left hand and elevated his ri ht as he turned his face no ward toward the his skies of early summer that stretched above him. “Hear me, Heaven, and record my oath again!” he exclaimed. “ I have suffered and I shall avenge! I swear to hunt the LassoLeague down and hand them one and all over to the merciles hands of California justice! I am here, a mountain detective, on a trail which I will not leave until the end has been reached. If necessary, I will shoot my way to triumph! I will not be turned back by a thousand Trig- ger Barsl Help me, Heaven, and visit me with th vengeance if 1 fail to keep my oath l" e youth’s hand dropped at his side, and when his face was lowered there were flashes in the eyes which a few moments since were as blue and mild as a summer sky. The oath had been taken with great sincerity of fin ose. it eene, the young Mountain Detective, was resolved to keep it to the letter. He was alone in the deadly Shasta country where quarrels were settled with the revolver and the bowie. Straight ahead lay the majestic mountains that hemmed in the theater of future events. . They bid from his eyes Trigger Bar and its denizens—the “ human wild-cats” of Dandy Dash’s narrative. For several minutes after the oath, Kit Keene stood on the plateau and gazed across the rough valley that lay bean him and the dimly-dis- cerned outlines of Sure Shot Canyon. All at once he started forward like a person ea or to reach a certain place. I’m here on business, and I’m eager to get at it. _ Kit Keene, waking or sleeping, you must not fo¥et your oath.” hree minutes later the scene of the strange meeting we have witnessed was entirely de- sorted. CHAPTER II. nooxsnnu: AND HIS PARD. “ PUT on another bar’l an’ ther pup will cl‘ar ther pile! Thar‘s no discount on my jam in’ pard. I say, Strawberry, hevn’t ye got ano - er whisky-bar l! Trot out one more. an’ complete thetrfipyramid. I’ll back my pard with all I've goThese words were spoken by a rough-looking lndindual, who toward the close of the day that followed the one with which we dealt in the foregoing chapter, leaned against a slab shanty, and faced a pyramid of whisky—barrels which had been erected in front of it. He was listened to b perhaps thirty men, mountaineers like himse , the inhabitants of the collection of shhnties which, collectively. gloried in the name of Trigger Bar. ' The man called Strawberry assured the con~ fldent speaker that the last empty barrel in his possession had been taken to complete the p amid, and he wound up his remarks by say ng that he “didn’t think thar war a livin’ crittur \ ‘ spry enough to cl’ar ther ile.” ‘ I say thar ar‘!” vocl srated the man who leaned against the shanty as he started forward. “I’m backin’ my pard, boys I know it’s a bar’l higher than he ever tackled; but I say he kin do it. I‘m not overly flush, but what I hev otI utu without a growl. Ef lose you gale ill: the? but I run ther risk. Put up, gash’ut up! e yer choice, men ov Trigger l . l'. . lnless time thanwecanrecorda sentence, ' 4 Kit, the Girl Detective. Strawberry, the red—faced whisky magnate of the Bar, had produced a weighty sack of dust, which the confident man instantly covered. Side bets were also made, and it was noticed that those who professed confidence in the first speaker’s words put up their wealth with but little enthusiasm. ' “ Trot out yer jumpin’ rd, Moonshine," sounded on every side. ” A l ther dust at ther Bar has been put up, an’ some ov us ’11 hev ter strike new veins fer ter make a raise. Whar’s yer jumper?” “ 'll get ’iml He’s in ther shanty in good condition, an’ of he can’t jump thet pyramid, by J umbol I’ll kill ’im.” Moonshine hurried off, but soon reappeared, followed, not by a man, but by a large supple limbed panther, whose neck was encircled with a gold collar which, as everybody at Trigger Bar knew, had cost the rough a journey to San Francisco, besides a goodly outlay of dust in the city. A strange aflinity connected the lives of these two strange pards of Trigger Bar. They were inseparables, and one was known as well as the other. A light cheer greeted the panther’s appear- ance as he glided over the ground with velvet tread, and with his eyes almost constantly fixed on his master’s face. “ Bets all up pards?" asked Moonshine, halt- ing about thirty yards from, and directly in front of the pyramid of barrels that blocked the narrow street. . , “ All up, Moonshine. Let your pard sail in.” Moonshine stopped and unlocked the golden collar from the neck of the beast, which had crouched in the dust, and was eying the barrels .with the eagnerness of an animal used teth- kind of trials to which he was about to be sub- jected. “ Do yer duty, Santa,” whispered Moonshine. “That’s one more bar’l than yer ever tackled. I’ve put my last ounce on yer, an’ I want ye ter Win.” The beautiful beast seemed to understand his master; he turned his head and threw into Moonshine’s eyes a look of assurance that must have imparted new confidence. .The rough’s bronzed hand stroked the pan- ther's head as he rose. ‘ “U an’ at ‘em, Santa!” exclaimed Moon- shine. “Cl’ar ther pile, an’bu’st Strawberry an‘ his backers. Gol’ _ Not until the last word left Moonshine’s llpS did the crouching animal move. All at once he shot forward in a grand leap, ' and the next moment he was flying toward the pyramid. Everybody held their breath. Suddenly the panther left the ground, shot upward through mid-air, as it were, and cleared the topmost barrel with the ease of a practiced voltigeur, coming down on the opp051te Slde as noiselesst as a falling snow-flake! ' A cheer that made the mountains ring greeted this triumph. Those who had staked their funds against 'Moonshine‘s confidence added their cheers to , those of the winners. A rush was made forthe panther, but his master was ahead of all, and a moment later the beast reared on his hind feet to be joyfully pressed to Moonshine’s bosom. “ Stand back!” he shouted to the demonstra- tive crowd. “I want ter show yer thet Santa kin do thet every day 0v ther week. Hyer. pup; shgw’ yer pards that that jump war no all-day JO . The 'panther followed him eagerly down the road, and turned toward the pyramid at his bidding. A ain be bounded toward the barrels, shot; sud enly through the air, cleared the topmost one without touching a hair, and came down on the other side. f‘Thar‘s not another Santa in ther world!” cried Moonshine, proud] . “He kin do more {chug Jump pyramids. har! pick up thet col- ar. Moonshine had cast the golden collar on the ground, and was pomting at it while he faced the crowd. , ‘ About five feet from the shining necklace crouched the panther, his tWo glittering eyes a challenge and a menace, and his sleek tail mov- ing slowly from side to side. “I’ve won Strawberry’s dust, but I’ll give it an’ my stake to ther man what icks up that collar," continued Moonshine. ‘Thar ain’t a bein’ 1n Californ gritty enough ter ick up thet necklace. t shall b‘lon hence orth to ther mag, woman er boy what ilts it from ther un . . The men of Trigger Bar exchanged glances, but not one moved. _ “I’m ther on] man able to do that little Job!” exclaimed iloonshine, as his oronzed face seemed to flush with pride. “ I took Santa from his mother when I first got him, an‘ I calkerlate it took a man ter do thet, of I do say it myself. Yes, sir, I say thet, besides Moonshine, ther man doesn‘t live what kin pick up thet collar an’ boast 0v ther feat.” “ Thar’s a chap ye hev‘n’t asked, Moonshine.” “ W'hari” “ Comin’ yonder." An instant later every eye was fixed on the person who was advancing from toward the month of Sure Shot Canyon. “ What! thet dandy clipper ick up Santa’s collar?" exclaimed Moonshine, erifiiYely, after he had eyed the new-comer for a moment. Don’t try to give rue tafly, pards. But tackle ther sunflower when he 09115185 “D.” By this time the unekpected “mm to Trigger Bar had entered the town= , ' He was a young man with Inlld blue 93’88 and a profusion of auburn half thhr escapmg from under his almost jaunty 11“, luv full of youth— ful sunshine on his shoulders- All at once the mountaineer cleared with a bound the space between him and the new- comer. “ I don’t know what yerfiame is. an’ I don’t carol" be cr'ed- “ E you hev any grit, hyer's the Place te“ test it. I’m Moonshine, and {Widen my yard,” he was pointing toward 3 9 Pannier- ‘I say boldly in the presence DY “19" men 0‘7 Tngger Bar, that you hevn’t 8m emugb te" 910k up the collar fyoungster, / lying yonder on the ground,” m .3 my. ...,._...-.., .5 . M4 . 2.. r.:“-l~"“r‘mr M. a. ‘ , «as; Kit, the Girl Detective. s The eyes of the youth flashed. 1 h “ Show yer grit er or keep ther article I” he continued as derisive y as before. “ Celebrate yer comin‘ fer Trigger Bar by doin’ suthin’, er turn yer hack on a yaller pup an’ his collar. Take yer choice.” ' “ I’ll pick up the collar if you insist,” he said, returning Moonshine's glance with one of strange calmness. “ I’ve made it a rule of life never to let a man outdare me,” He stepped toward the waiting panther as he uttered the last word. His eyes and those of the beast met. _ “ I said he shouldn’t make a fool ov himself, an’ he she’n’t!” suddenly roared a voice that was heard by all, and a burly mountaineer, whose right hand clutched a cocked revolver, landed in front of the daring boy. Moonshine turned with a growl and an oath upon the interferer. “ It warn’t yer put-in, C clone!” he grated. The answer was delive in a glance, and the man called Cyclone planted himself firmer on the ground where he had alighted. “ on’t interfere!” said the youth in a tone intended only for Cyclone’s ears. ” Let me teach that panther‘s pen] that he has mistaken his man. I can master that crouching brute, if not with my eye, with this thing here.” He drew his revolver, a silver~mounted one, with the last word. “ I can’t—I won’t l” replied Cyclone. “ What’s yer name, boy?” “ Kit Keene." “Wal, Kit Keene, my private advice is thet that sooner ye leave Trigger Bar the better it’ll be fer yer health. ” CHAPTER III. mono AND UNMASKED. Moonsnmn and Cyclone—Cyclone Tom he was sometimes called—were not enemies. They had been allies in more than one moun— tain brawl, but each had peculiar Views of his own for the active exercisa of which nobody was ever consulted. They were not going to fall out now. Moonshine eyed for a moment the determined man who had thrown himself between Kit and the then": collar then he moved forward cons erably cooled down. At the same time the panther, as if seeing that the golden necklace was not to be contested for, bounded forward, picked it up, and bore it to- ward his master. . -“Mebbe Cyclone acted sensible in not lettin‘ you go for ther collar,” said Moonshine, address- in the youth, who had uietly slipped the re- vo ver back to its placeu ‘I rather guess ther purp would hev come out ov ther tussle first best, and ye‘r’ rather young ter die that way.” During Moonshine's remarks he found Kit‘s blue eyes fastened upon him in an inquisitive manlner. . ‘f don’t know about get.” he said with a smile. "Your panther, ,is not the first I have encountered.” Moonshine eyed Kit from head to foot. 1118 from under his heavyeyebrows was a closa scrutiny, which the Girl etective stood “ Ther other panthers ye saw didn't hurt yer, I reckon,” the mountain bully remarked slowly, and in a tone of voice calculattd to irritaie the outb. “ They did not, because I didn’t give them a chance l”~replied Kit proudly. “ I’m pretty good on getting the drop (in an enemy." “ Eh? . Gocd on ther drop?” echoed Moonshine. “Mebbe ye’li need yer pistol l’arnin’, ef ye stay long at Trigger Bar.” To this Kit made no reply, but ran his eye through the crowd that had congregated about him as if seeking a familiar face. He stood in the midst of a lot of men known throughout the entire Sierra Nevada region. Dandy Dash had aptly termed them “human wild-cats," and Kit was now ready to believe that he spoke from actual observation. If the young detective’s oath did not require a visit to Trigger Bar, why had be walked into the power of its lawless denizens? , He stood the eyeoscrutiny to which he was subjected by the entire crowd without flinch- mg. It was certainly a hard lot. The on] one who had attempted to befriend him was yclone Tom, but in doing so the rough had evinced no friendship. “ Thet he ’11 do ter tie ter in a pinch,” re- marked Cyc one Toni, tying him fromadistance. “ What's that, Cyclone?" It was Moonshine who put the question. “ I don’t agree with yer,” was Moonshine’s answer when the opinion had been repeated for him. “ I wish thet gal-faced youngster bed never invaded ther Bar. He’s an evil genius. Don’t yer remember how well we got, along in ther Ins Pines kentry till that Bridger family," came inter camp? ’l‘har war a boy in it thet looked like that spring pink; I b‘lieve he war purtier nor his sister, ther gal they called Eva. That war twenty year ago, Cyclone, an’ we're not all dead yet. Tber gal, ther only one what war spared that night, didn’t keep her oath worth a cent.” r “ That’s so, but I hev’n’t thought ov her fer a. long time,“ said Cyclone, whose eyes wandered to Kit, who was talking with several men, by whom he was pretty rapidly lied with ques tions. “Since you’ve called t em times back, Moonshine, I recollect ther message somebody ' sent ter our camp shortly arter thet night when ~ we got rid ov ther heft ov ther Bridger fam- 11y. “Ther gal did it.” . “ I never b’lieVed anything else. We got ther Boston miner ter read the letter—4 he was tber only chap in camp What could wrestle with writ- ten language, yer know—an’ thet night he turned up missin’, an’ never did come back.” Moonshine smiled. “ He b'lieved that ther gal would carry out what that pager said." he replied, cutting his smile ofl. “ ut nothin’ ever grew out 0v it. The oath on thet :11" paper never amounted ter shucks. Arter- we get rid ov. ther Bridgers we prospered ag’in—flush times struck us, nu' he t as at high-water mark till we left ther o d cam .” r r “ gecause ther State took a hand in ther- without flinchmg. . game." . x 6 Kit. the Girl Detective. “ Mebbe so, Cyclone. Californy got in dead. e n'nest for once. Thet might hev been ther gal’s work, but we never knowed for certain. Arter she left camp she run across a young chap some- whar near Sacramento, an’ took his name. But I’ve been eying thet chap yonder because he made me think ov Eva Bridger. He’s got her eyes an‘ her face, but he’s not her brother, be- cause the brother never left Camp Nugget alive. Them Bridger; war ther Jonahs ov that 01:] camp, but that spring pink shall never become ours hyeri” Moonshine’s lips closed dewrmincdly behind the last word. “Ef he’s eager tei- try a brush with Santa hyer,” and be smoothed the head of the panther that stood at his side, “ he shall be accommodated whenever he gits ready.” By this time Kit’s bronzed questioners had seemingly exhausted them»:elves, and the youth manifested an intention of withdrawing from the place. “He kin turn in with me for tonight," said Cyclone Tom, stepping forward, much to Moon— shine’s displeasure. “It ’d never do tor let ’i’m go on an’ face Injuns an’b’ar in ther Moun- tains.” “Take ’im in " growled Moonshine half under his breath. “ het's jes’ ther way you treated ther Bridgers at first, but not long arter ye war glad ter help clean ’em out.” Five minutes later Kit Keene had crossed the threshold of a shanty a few yards from the saloon, and a fat-lamp showed him its rude in- torior. “ Wel I’m in Trigger Bar,” he said to him; self, for ycbne Tom had- left him with an in- vitation to “turn in " whenever he desired. " Dandy Dash gauged these men about right. What have I discoveredi—anythingi" He paused for a mament and stepped to the door as if he had heard a sus icious sound. “ It was nothing,” he sai , after listening a moment with his ear near the ion h wooden latch. “ I know that 1 am on the Pl it trail. I am in the camp inhabited by some 0 the men 1 want, but by how many of them I do not know. Twenty years makes many changes in human life, especially in California where men carr their hearts on tbeMpoints of their daggers. am confident that oonshiue could, if he would, tell a bloody story of a certain Christmas night in the Los Pinos country. I’m notso sure about Cyclone Tom, but why not him, too?' The two men are ards and it is evident that they are old frien s. libther, I am on the right trail, but my hour for vengeance has not has arrived. I feel that I am going to carry out the oath I have registered above!” A moment later he opened the door and looked out. Night had fallen since he entered the cabin, but he could still see the numerous shanties that comprised the homes of the lawless men of Trig- ger Bar. ' ‘ All at once his eyes caught Sight of an object that seemed to be crouching in the uncouth street which the cabin fronted. ' It was about forty feet from the door, and the lamp that burned at his back causad two glittering eyes to stand revealed. A thought of Moonshine’s velvet-footed pard crossed his mind. “‘ The big cat may be tracking me," he said to himself. ‘He may be playing detective at his master’s bidding. I have been tracked by pan- thers before, but never by an edicated one.‘ While he spoke the object moved; it came to ward him. I In another instant all doubts of its identity were dissolved. It was Santa, the panther! “ I could check our course where you are,” continued Kit, inst notively drawing and cook- ing his revolver. ‘ You sneaking woods cat, I ought to send a bullet throu h your brain just to teach Moon- shine that am not to be tracked with im- punity.” Inch by inch, uttering no cry and makin no noise. the panther advanced over the trail Eate- ly made by the Mountain Detective in coming to the shanty. “ Move ofl.‘ 1" suddenly exclaimed Kit, leaning over the threshold. That instant the gliding beast stopped and crouched with his yellowish belly in the dust. The glowin eyeballs were now fixed upon ,him, and the s eek tail moved from side to side as if the ther was about to leap upon him. "‘Go k to our master and save your hide,” continued it, “ I don’t want your blood but I may want Moonshine’s. What! are you going to force me to fight?” The last sentence was called forth by the sud- den discovery that the beast had resumed'his noiseless crawl. “I swore that I would shoot my way to the men I hunt if necessary!” grated Kit, raising the revolver and covering the fiery eyeballs. “ That part of my oath I will keep, if it brings all Trigger Bar down upon me i" . His eye went down the gleaming pistol bar- rel; steadier hand than his never clutched a deadly weapon. “ You wi i not halt—then by heavens! Moon- shine loses a pardl” His fin er was at the trigg‘erL-it was even pressing t as his compressed 'ps told, when a ti ure‘iea d betwsen him and the panther, and a and to i across the revolver barrel. f‘ The blood of that pard means your life!" sud a voxce. “For heaven’s sake put up your - Weapon and leave the Bar if you want to see an- other day.” Kitt could hardly repress a cry of astonish~ men He was confronted bi a youth of his own ago, and a rson whom be ad never met before. “ W o are on?” fell naturally from his lips. “Cyclone om‘s brother—Sierra Phil,” was the answer. “But don’t question me. I am here to tell you that safety lies in flight. It isn’t cowardice to fly from the wild men or Trig er Bar after they have drank thirteen man s at Strawberry? counter. Looki.the panther is gone—b to his master an’ you must go, too. Moons he will make it another Bridger aflair if you stay." . The name of Bridger made Kit recoil. " My God! the shall ’never do that!” be ex- claimed. “1 :0. but I will come again. I we; a. . figs-2."; , «144m Wm... _..,, Kn, the Girl Detective. *‘I don’t know whether I dare call you my friend, Sierra Phil, because—" “ Call me friend,” was the interruption. “ I will never go back on a. girl in your situation.” Kit uttered a startling cry. “ Never fear! I’ll not betray you!” said Sierra Phil. CHAPTER W. mm mm aurora. Tau Mountain Detectives exclamation told that Sierra Phil’s shaft had hit the mark. A deep flush sufiused Kit’s cheeks, but Sierra Phil’s words were reassuring: “ Never fear; I will not betray you X” For a moment afterward neither spoke, but gazed silently into each other’s face. “You ea you will leave Trigger Bar,” sud- denly said hi]. “I am glad of that. I have feared for your safety ever since I first set eyes on you and that was never before to-day. If it hadn t been for Cyclone Tom, I guess you’d have been drawn into a tussle with thet panther, but he didn’t interfere from any love of you. Hark] the men at Strawberry’s have left the den; they’re out in the open air once more. You mustn’t stay here another minute. I don’t know what fetched you to the Bar, but I’ve an idea. You say you will come back if you go away. I’ve nothin’ to say to that, but you must go now i" “ Agreed, Sierra Phil. I’m at home among the mountains. I’ve spent most of my life there.” In another minute the youth who had pro. claimed himself Cyclone Tom’s brother was .‘leading Kit down the main thoroughfare of Trigger Bar. _ e did not resemble his kinsman in the least. Cyclone’s face was hard and almost the color gfbronze; Sierra Phil’s was youthful and nearly an. If'he was the mounteineer’s brother, thirty years must have yawned between their ages. Not another word was spoken by the young couple until the shanties of Trigger Bar ha disappeared, and they stood face to face .a mile from the mouth of Sure Shot Canyon, w1th the l I of the Sierras towering above them, and nature at her roughest on either side. “ You have unmasked me to-night,” said Kit catching Sierra Phil’s eye. “ You know that I am a woman. Now answer me truly one ques- tion, which I know will imply a doubt: Are you real} Cyclone Tom’s brother?” , “ f I were not his brother would the men of the Bar have risked so much for me?" “ I don’t know,” said Kit. “ Some of those very men have done ctr-axe things before.” “ If you don’t like to. 1 me Cyclone Tom’s brother, call me something else,” resumed Sierra Phili with a smile. ' “ wm can you Smrrr—nothing’else," was the re 1 .' R i an satisfied, an’ I will call you Kit, eten though I know you must haVe another name. This mountain trail leads to the O on border. It Winds round the base of Mount S asts and-— But you hmw where you’re goin’, an’ as much about this trail as I do, no doubt. I can’t guide you any further. I can do you more gfiod back yonder than here. We must separate it.” Sierra Phil held out both hands, as ’be uttered the last four words. His eyes, full of anxiety, if nothing more told that he was parting reluctantly from the ’blue- eyed detective. They mi ht never meet again. In the s' ence of the night their hands touched, and their eyes met once more. “ Forget your promise to come back to Trig- ger Bar an’ go on,” said Sierra Phil, in tones that attested his feelin . “Safety for you lies beyond the borders of gregon. It is worth your life to remain in this country, while Moonshine an’ his velvet-clawed pard live. Take the advice of a friend, Kit. Don’t stop until you have reached the new State that lies far beyond the northernmost shadows of Shasta.” Sierra Phil pressed Kit’s hands and turned awn as though afraid to hear the reply. “ thank you,” said the detective, “ hutII am here for a purpose. Were half of the denizens of Trig er Bar Moon‘shines and the others Santas, would not fly to Shasta’s shadows!” “ You may rue those words.” “ Be the blame with me!” “ Heavensl girl, what a mission of vegeance you must have,” cried Sierra Phil. “ I cannot conceive what could make you hate as you do, but don’t tell me. I don’t want your secret, an I will not listen to it if you begin. Go! go! an’ forget the oath you must have taken some time. May Heaven ive you safe trails. I’m off for the wild-cats’ air again.” The youth turned his back on Kit with the last word, and hurried off before a reply could be framed by the astonished detective. He did not keep the trail more than a moment, into the dense chapnrral and van- IS . The mountain winds drowned the sound of his footsteps and Kit was alone. “ He had the sharpest eyes of all of them,” said the detective. “ I thought my diflise complete, but a boy penetrates it at a g co and tells me so. What have I done? I have fled from the men of Trl ger Bar. I hava left the trail of vengeance hind me. What do the s irits of the dead think of me for this? I will p ay faint heart no longer. I will never turn my back on the enemy again. I told the hay.l that I would return to Trigger Bar, and I wi keep 111 word.” But nstead of moving toward the lawless camp from which she had just fled, Kit walked slow y toward the north. The mountains seemed to hem her in, and in a short time her figure was lost among the rough peaks of the Sierras. All at once the slight whinny of a horse salut- ed her ears. She stopped and listened. From a point some distance in advance mine the sounds of an approaching troop of horse- men. Kit crept against the rocks that formed one side of the mountain trail, and for the third ' time that eventful night drew her revolver. “ None 0’ that-no shootin’ hyer, Kit.” said a voice at her elbow, and as she whirled upon the 9 Kit, the Girl Detective. speaker with a light cry, she beheld a face which, despite the place and the hour, she 1n- stautly reco nized. “Dandy ash!” ‘ “It’s nobody else.” was the answer. “Been ter Trigger Bar, eh?" u Yea ’ ' “ An’ left on account of yer health, ez I did?” The girl detective’s eyes sought the ground. “ Come! I knowed it war powerful onhealthy , thar,” Dandy Dash went on. “ I’m glad thet {fix hed sense enough ter leave afore you got oonshine set ag’in‘ ye. An’ Cyclone! What did thet skunk say?” ' “ I owe him my life perha .” “ Never pay ther debt, it—never pay it! Never even offer it ter thet yaller skunk er he’ll take it. You saw the hull crowd, I s’pose?” ‘5 Yes.” :: Moonshine’s pard too?” “ They’re the boss pards ov this kentry, in some respects. Moonshine an’ Santa ar’ known miles an miles from Trigger Bar. Yer oughter hev seen the animile jump.” “I saw him.” “ Over a pyramid ov Strawberry’s tamarack bar'ls?" H Yes." “Then you witnessed one ov ther divarsions o'v the Bar. Santa didn’t make the leap once though Moonshine told you that he never went back on the pyramid, I ’spect. I left Trigger Bar shortly arter that; I guess I hed ter,” and . Dandy Dash smiled. I corraled all ther beta I could thar one day on Santa’s jumpin’ qualities. I war flush an’ so war Trigger Bar. The day roll- ed round an’ Moonshine trotted his jumpin’ cat out, but the old feller warn’t in trim; he could- n’t git ther hang ov his pins. He tried to jump ther bar’ls, but he couldn’t leave th‘er ground. I hed dosed ’im! 0v course I bed ter it out ov , . Trigger Bar, an’ I left my dust behin jes’ ez of them human wild-cats back yonder had won ther bets. By hokey! Kit, it ’d hev done ye good to hev seen Moonshine blubber over that sick pard 0v his’n. He acted like a crazy man. I hevn’t been back since, but I’m goin’ thar. I wouldn’t he Dandy Dash ef I didn’t remind r Moonshine an‘ his rds thet they’ve got fifty ounces of dust that ’longs to me.’ Dandy Dash concluded with a look that told Kit that he would some day carry out his reso- lution, that he would seeka collision with the dos “radoes of Trigger Bar. ngore the girl could reply, however, the mountaineer darted forwar , cocking his re- . volver as he exocuted the movement, and utter— ing a low noteof warning. _ . “ Horses !——I heard them some time ago i” Said Kit, catching the sounds which had startled Dandy Dash. .“ Injuns!” was the low reply. “I guess thar’ll be unexpected visitors at the Bar afore mornin’.” I . The story of the desperadoes‘ fierce onslaught on the tribe that had refused to give Sierra Phil up‘and the ion ~threatened retahation, rushed across the Girl tective’s brain. “The sha‘n’t cheat me outof my vengeance!" she exc aimed, clutching Dandy Dash’s arm. r 1,9 “ An arrow shall never prevent me from keep- ing m oath!” ' “ but will you do, Kiti The nearest red- skin ain’t forty yards down yonder.” “ I’m glad of that! I will meet them the sooner." The mountaineer stared into the fair aker‘a face as if he believed her on the verge of unacy. Suddenly she threw herself forward. “ Don't be a fool Kit!” he exalaimed, bound- ing after her. “ ver Red Robe’s bozl three thousand red-skins swore to clean out rigger Bar, root nn’ branch.” ‘ But the agile girl was beyond the reach of his arm. Undaunted by nothing, for the old moun- taineer‘s words must have been heard1 she went ra idly down the trail. hen she halted it was a few feet in advance of a number of horses that almost blocked the trail, and at sight of her more than a score of plumed Indians uttered startling cries and fitted arrows to the bowstring. ‘ “Shoot!” exclaimed Kit, as she folded her arms upon her bosom, and calmly faced the red invaders, the loveliest target imaginable. “ Kill me where I stand and slay one who hates the men of Trigger Bar with a hatred an In- dian’s heart can never know. Vengeance can make us friends !” CHAPTER V. SHOOTING BEE WAY TO memos. RnoxLEss as he was, Dandy Dash held his breath. He expected to hear the twang of Indian bowstriugs, and to see the blue-eyed detective stagger back, pierced by twenty arrows. “I’ve faced Injuns myself, but I wouldn’t do . thet.” passed the mountaineer's mind. “ If that’s the way ye’r’ oin’ to run things in this kentry, my posey, yell step short mig ty soon an’ never try it again.” But not a bowstring twanged, and the girl detective faced the'astonished red—skins unhurt. A few feet behind her Dandy Dash stood among the dark shadows of the rocks with a ready revolver in his hand. Suddenl one of the Indians left the band and urged his orse toward Kit. The shaft held against the bowstring by two fingers was drawn back to its iron barb. “Pale boy no shoot,” he suddenly exclaimed and quicker than a. flash he was on the ground and con fronted Kit. . In another minute a dozen of his companions had followed his example, and Dandy Dash sawr Kit surrounded by the red even en's—the men who were undoubtedly on the trai that led to Trig er Bar. “ youngster with grit like that will git through!” said the mountaineer as he gazed on the scene before him. “ He’s able ter hel him- self, but of them red devils lift a. hand ag’ n’ 'im I'll take stock in the rumpus." , Kit, the girl detective, was an obJect of much curiosit to the Indians. . I ands were run through her long hair, and believing herto bee boy, they felt her arms and nodded approvingly. ’ H All this time a strange smile played with Kit’s pa. nu, , raw,“ ant-u. .m. , Kit, the Girl Detective. O “What brin White Face to Shasta corm— tr I" asked the eader of the band. he girl’s eyes glistened that moment. “ Vengeance 1” she exclaimed. "' What takes the red warriors to the south?” ' “Scalpel—the scal’ps of the dark men who invaded the Indians camp many moons ago. Does White Face live there?" “ No! Did I not tell you that my trail, like yours, is one of vengeance 8” “True! Gray Arrow forgot." "I never forget!” flashed Kit. “ Were I to forget my mission for a moment, I would ask Heaven to punish the oath«breaker. Gray Ar- row, go back. Let me strike first, let me ful- fill my mission—then come down upon Tri er Bar with your braves. I will leave sea ps enough for you.” The Indian leader shook his head. Kit advanced a step and suddenly laid her hand on Gray Arrow’s naked arm. “ Go back!” she repeated. “ Leave this trail and hunt the buffalo until I come to you and ' ‘ Trigger Bar and its human wolves belong lly to you.’ 1 will not keep you from the path of vengeance a great while—but a few days at the most. Gray Arrow, I have suffered at the hands of certain men in yon camp. You will say to me that your tribe has suifered also. I know that, but the blow fell upon my head even before I was born. You cannot say that; nay, your wrongs .do not date back almost twenty years. I Will not touch a man who did not belong to the famous Lasso League that cursed the LosPiuos country years ago. My trail leads to,no others. Go back and let me hunt them down. Give me a week—but seven do at I will not ask another hour. Then I leave til: whole trail to you. One week, Org Arrow 't‘s hand left Gray Arrow’s arm with her last word, and she szYped back with her eyes fixed anxiously on the :1de face. “ White Face shall have his days," he said. sudden] . “Gray Arrow and his braves will wait ti they end at the foot of Shasta." The girl detective seemed to sfiring forward. She had carried her point: t e red avengers ‘ would withhold their blow from Trigger Bar until she had terretod out and dealt with cer- tain miscreants su posed to dwell there! .The tones in w ich Gra Arrow announced his decisxon told that it won d be adhered to. _A murmur of disappointment ran through his band. ‘ “ Warriors, to the trail of the buflalo and the hear!” he said, wheeling upon them. “ In the shadows of the Manitou’s mount, we will wait for the white trailer who was struck by the wolves of Tngger Bar long before their teeth tore the flesh of. our people. Back from the war-path. W6 W1“ 870W strong in the hunt till seven days have passed." As he finished, the Indian held out his hand in which Kit placed her fingers. ' “ Gray Arrow’s word is good. He will wait seven days for White Face.” “ I shall not ask another hour. At the end of thsttimeyou and our braves ma tread war-path again.” y y the Gray Arrow turned toward his horse and waved his warriors back. The Mountain Detective did not move until the Entire band had disappeared toward the nort . “ By hokey! I never thought you’d turn thet pack back," exclaimed a voice as Dand Dash, the silent spectator of the whole scene, ighted at her side. “ I was afraid that I would fail ” answered Kit, letting slip a lo breath of relief. “ But fortune favors me. ray Arrow will keep his word.” . “ He will, but I wouldn’t like to vouch fer his braves doin’ it." “ What?” “ You can’t trust an Injun brave. Thor most ov them war young bucks, bot-headed rascals, what hev smelt blood for ther first tirne.” “ Will they go to Trigger Bar?“ “ I wouldn’t trust ’em, I sa .” “Let them try it!” exclaimed Kit. “The may meet me between here and the cam . wi warn Moonshine and his pards of ray Armw’s proximity.” “ Artcr treatiu' with the Injun as ye hev! Would that be doin’ ther fair thing, Kit?” “ No,” said Kit instantly. “ I will not warn the Bar, butI will keep the trail clear of In- dians.” “ By J umbo! you’ve got a his contract on yer hands. My opinion is thet ye’ll hev ter begin on it to-night!” “ Why to—nightT' - ' “ Because them young bucks will give you trouble.” " I am ready for them I” Dandy Dash gazed admiringly into the girl‘s face for a moment. ’ “If thar’s anything I like, it’s ’tl” be ex» claimed. “ But thur‘s a. sart’in kin thet never , does a feller much good.” “The kind I pomess, you think!” said Kit smiling. “Di I say so, Kit?” “No; but—” » “ But I think so. I’ll be plain with yer. ho . I wish yer hadn’t fetched so much grit along with yer inter this kentry. I kin ima ' e how badly ye want her y certain men wil cats for a job which I erlate war done years ago, but I’d let them Injuns hev their way.” “And rob me of my revenge, Dandy Dash!— neverl” , The old mountaineer said no more. He was satisfied that argument would not change Klt’s intentions; that nothing could turn the outh from the trail of vefian . “ ou’ll hev tor go back ter 'gger Bar of ye want ter deal with yer men,” he said. “ I’m going back now." “ Ar’ ye crazy, Kit?” “I ho not, smiled the girl. “You forgot that I ave but seven days in which to (mt out and punish." “ Thet’s a hull week.” it Yes.” “ Let ther camp settle down first. Moonshine an’ his panther pard hevn’t quieted down yet. nTher hull Barmust be talkm’ about yer now. that shootin’ ’d do Bufller Bill credit. fold of his jacket on 10 Kit, the Girl Detective. Before Kit could reply, there came the sud- den twang of more than one bow—string, and with an oath, the burly figure of the Califor— nian fell past her, and dropped at the foot of a rock. “'I said them red dogs’d come back!” _he said, raising himself on his knees and drawmg a re- volver. “ The hull trail’s full 0v ’em, Klt. They’re bound ter go ter Trigger Bar!" Fortunately the irl de‘ective had not been pierced by the feat ered shafts. She s rung toward the red-skins while Dandy Dash st 11 spoke. “ Cowardsl I am here,” she exclaimed. “ While I hold! a pistol you shall never strike first at Tri ger Bar.” She saw dark fl res on the trail ahead, and the next moment 5 e was emptying the contents of her revolver among them. Her marksmanship proved that she had not set out on her dangerous trail unprepared, for each bullet sped straight to its living target, and at each report a red-skin reeled away. Fearless and steady of nerve, Kit advanced, firing as she went, not at random for show, but with discerning aim for effect. “White Face got owl-eyes, an’ kin shoot in the dark 1” exolalmed an Indian. “You forget that I have an oath to keep!” was the retort. A minute later the trail was clear. Against the rocks that bordered it lay five motionless flames, and in the hands of each a well~strnng ow, from which another shaft would nevor hunt a heart. After a moment’s inspection of her deadly work, the blue-eyed detective went back to the mogntain Hercules who was leaning against a roc . “ How many?” he asked. “ I counted five.” " Five Injuns in five shots! By Jumbo! Kit, Thank Heaven! their arrers missed you, but they couldn’t serve me that we without puttin’ themselves to a deal ov troub e. Look hyerl" As he finished, Dand Dash threw back the the girl leaned for- ‘ She'uttereda c when her eyes fell on the gathered shaft the was sticking in the giant's est. “ Ther pesky arrer slid atween ther seems 0v my ’F'risco vest," he said, with a grim smile. “ An inch either way, an’ it wouldn’t hev hurt me. My vest will turn a bowie.” “The arrow will not kill on?” “ Kill me, Kit? No! ’11: goin’ hack ter Trigger Bar More I die.” CHAPTER VI. swam. Pam‘s TRAIL. “ TIER kid got clean away last night, Cychmg, 311’ he had help, too." Cyclone Tom turned to the 5 whose legs stood his inse arab 9 pa mou‘vmnther of Tri ger ar. ‘ " hohelpedhini ’ asked Cyclone suappishly. “Show me the chap what coaxed the spring pink from the shanty. I left him thar last night, en‘ went back tor Strawberry’s; but‘when we ker between rd, the ta. ‘ i got to ther cabin, as on know, he war gone. Spit out ther name 0 ther chap what warned ther boy i” “ Yonder he comes now.” Cyclone Tom looked over Moonshine’s out— stretched arm and saw a youth a reaching, leading a wiry young horse which hgg just been bridle . “ Thet’s Sierra Phil, Moonshine!” exclaimed Cyclone. “ Yer don’t mean ter say that he posted ther boy?" “ Thet’s jis’ what I mean.” Astonishment shot from Cyclone‘s eyes. “ Thet boy wouldn’t do such a thing ez that. He’s been under my eye too long.” “ You don’t know all about ’im, then,” retort- ed Moonshine. ” What did I find up in ther mountain jis’ ez day war breakin'?" "' I don’t know.” Moonshine turned his back u on Sierra Phil, and openmg his dingy blouse, isplayed to Cy- clone’s gaze an object which drew a gleam of recognition from his dark eyes. “ Thor boy’s gold pin—ther nugget I lied fixed for him in ’Frisco!" fell from his llpS. “He bed it yesterday hyer.” “ I know that, Moonshine.” “ He lost it up in the mountain last night.” 0 clone seemed thunderstruck. , “ on found it ther, Moonshine?" he sudden- 1y asked. “ I picked it up at a lace whar two persons held a. confab no later an last night. If ther boy hedn’t been thar, ther pin wOuld not hev been lost whar I found it." Cyclone's gaze went beyond Moonshine’s shoulder and fell with a fierce glare upon the handsome, though dark—faced youth, who by this time had almost joined them. At the same time he held out his hand for the pin and received it from Moonshine’s fingers. “ Don’t push matters,” whispered Moonshine. “Take some ov thet lightnin’ out 0v yer eyes, an' let ther boy think that we know nothin’. He’ilt. ’uide us tor ther posey we dealt with last ni i yclone’s face indicated acquiescence, and his hand closed on the lost pin, which was nothing more than a golden nugget. “Which way, boy 2” e asked of Sierra Phil, who had reached the spot the pair occupied. “ I’m going to try my hand at a. bear-hunt." “ Up in the mountains?” It Yes.” I “ Hev yerstruck a trail?” “ Not exactly, but grizzlies have been about, and there’s nothing to do at the Bar.” “ Mebbe you’ll find Kit Keene.” The eyes of both men were fixed on Sierra. Phil’s face as Cyclone made this observation. Np: a movement of betrayal flustrated the you . “ I may strike his trail instead of a grizzly‘s,” he said: “but I’m of the opinion that he’s far away by this time. The Bar didn’t suit him, it seems." “That’s ther way it looks," said Moonshine. “We’re willin’ ter let ’im go at he'll ee ter keep off. We don’t want any gel-ta Jonahs h or; we kin git along withou, 'em—oan’t we, yclone?" ._..'.-. o...“ s. ..... _.. w- c - ow) - 2 Kit. the Girl Detective. ll “Sart’inly. Et yer see Kit, Sierra, ‘es’ tell ’im thet we kin spare his presence from rigger Bar.” “ I will tell him, but I’ll not find him. He’s nearer Shasta. than the Bar just now.” , As there was no reply, the youth led his horse on and resent] vaulted upon his back in full view of oonshine and Cyclone. “ What d’ye say now?" asked the former. “ He helped the (you ter OE.” “Nobody else id hey’re goin' ter meet somewhar, er Sierra’s oin' arter his nugget Foller him, an‘ find Kit eenel” Moonshine stepped back into the shanty be- fore which they stxxxi. . “ I’m ready now,” he resumed, reappearing a momont later. “ Whar ar’ ye goin’i” “ Arter Sierra.” “ Ter find Kit?" H Yes.” “Tell me one thiag, Moonshine,” said Cy- clone, seriously. “ but makes you hate the boy that came ter Trigger Bar fer that first time last night? You never saw 'im store then?” “ Never in my life, Cyclone; but I’ve got a curiosity that gnaws at my heart like a rat. Thet young persimmon would hev shot Santa inst night of you hedn’t stepped in an‘ headed him 0 .” “ Is thet why you hate him, Moonshine? Honest Injun, ain’t thar suthin’ back ov this?" The panther‘s pard could not look his com- panion squarely in the eye. “ Thar s nothin’ back ov it," he answered. but in a tone that did not so ' Cyclone. “ When a man threatens Santa is r'iies me. Ther Eurp’s blood is mine. That young teller would ev ilied it last night.” “ 0 did you say he looked like when he stood at Strawberry’s counter?" Moonshine started. “ I said he looked like Eva Bridger, that 1 that got away ther night we got rid of tar J'onahs ov Los Pinos camp. But I don‘t care about thet, Cyclone. I want ter find him! Sierra will ‘ve me ther trail. Thet b’ar-hunt or that boy 5 ar’ all bosh.” “Ib’iie'ye that, Moonshine. Trail him ei ye tar. r " That’s 363’ what I’m in’ for do.” “ Don’t touch Sierra ii, Moonshine.” Cyclone’s eyes were burnin with a menace. “I’ve risked in life fer t et youngster," he went on. “ He’s t er only livin’ creature I care fer, an’ he’s part ov Cyclone. You may trail ’im, Moonshine Iyou may teller him a thousand miles, but I wl call to a terrible account ther man what touches him. By Heaveni I’d kill you. Moonshine, of you wronged that boy i” “ Yer brotherl-’ “ It makes no diflerence who he is,” was the qulpk retort, “ I’ve done enough for ther youth tercall ’im my son; but I call ’im brother be cause I Iytvantf tfir. h'lil‘har. ,you {gamut I mean. owoermanseee e em Kisser” L» y a you n’ too " N0: yank-€01 oin' tor hev com ny.” Cy- clone glanced a the panther. “ e an’ that purp never hev been pards; thnr‘s had blood be- tween us somewhar. I war with you on a trail once, an’ you know we didn’t git along at all." While Cyclone spoke the panther eyed him, and occasionally showed his teeth like a dis- pleased dog. Moonshine laughed at his companion’s last rc- marks and turned awag. “ Santa an’ me will nd ther daisy I’m lookin’ fer,” he said over his shoulder. ‘ Sierra Phil will find him for us instead ov a grizzly. We’ll report afore long, Cyclone.” Cyclone’s eyes followed the strange pards of Trig er Bar until several shantios intervened and hid t eir forms from virw. “ Thar’s suthin‘ more than ther boy's visit for ther Bar last night in Moonshine’s head," he murmured. “ Hes been too willin’ ter talk 07 that Christmas night at Les Pinos cam since Kit Keene went away. Thar’s six ov us sit out ov ther forty pards thet wiped out them Brid- gers. Death has been busy with ther old crowd since then.” Cyclone sauntered away as he finished, and’ when he crossed the threshold of Strawberry’s den and greeted the gamblers at work beneath its roof, he had probably forgotten Moonshine and his mission. The bully and his four-footed companion had #:515pr once on their way to the mountain 1 s. “ I mustn’t touch Sierra Phil nor you, neither, purp,” suddenly ejaculated Moonshine, looking down upon the noiseless stepper at his side. “We’d r’ile the perticular Cyclone at we did. But we‘re gom’ ter find Kit, pard; you an’ we hev never failed in a hunt yet,'an’ we’ve been pards too long fer fail now.” An hour later Moonshine suddenly stopped and seized the panther‘s collar. “ Huntin’ for his lost hreastpin, eh?" he ejacu- lated, his homing eyes fastened on a person who, holding a horse by the bridle-rein, was examin- ing the ground a short distance ahead. “That proves “ ho he! Kit oil? last night. An’ we’re not ter touch t t young traitor, purp, because Cyclone calls him his brother.” The person watched by the strange rds was Sierra Phil, who continued to scare for the lost pin, entirely unsuspicious of the espionage to which he was sub 'ected. At last he rose wit a look of disappointment on his face. _ “ Thar he goes a ’in, this time fer his daisy pard!” exclaimed oonshine. as the youth vault- ed lightly into the saddle. “ We’ll fuller him to ther end ov ther trail.” A bend in the mountain trail at that moment hid Sierra Phil from Moonshine’s sight, and he and the. panther glided forward again. The road was very rough. and the youth.’even 7 though well~mounted, could not make rapid headway. ~ , . All at once the ringing report of a rifle cleft the air, and, with an almost human scream, fianm, the panther, sprung upward and fell at machine’s feet. The Bully of Trigger Bar recoiled with a wild oath, and then started forward, a revolver in each hand. “ Me pard an’ me are one!” he shouted fierce- 12 Kit, the Girl Detective. 1y. as he stood astride the writhing beast. ‘ White-livered coward, Moonshine wants re- vengel” There was no reply. The echoes of the rifle-shot died away, and Santa got upon his feet again. All at once Moonshine stooped and picked the panther up. The beast howled piteously as he was touched, and Wound his forelegs around Moonshine’s bronzed neck. “ By my life ye shall live—live tar bite ther hand thet touched thet infernal trigger!” grated Moonshine. us he lowered his face to be licked , by the pauther’s tongue. “ I put ye on yer pins arter ther Sioux hed given ye six arrers, an’ I'll re t ther j )b.” t was a strange sight. The panther did not growl while Moonshine examined his wound. From a rock a few yards overhead the author of the almost deadly shot looked down upon the scene. : “ The next time I’ll kill!” he said to himself. CHAPTER VII. SILVER MANUEL’S rsr. IN his anxiety for the welfare of his stran pard, Moonshine seemed to forget the youth 6 was trailing at the time of the shot. He could not see the marksman, but that per— son saw him from the bush-fringed cliff or rock overhead. - “Yes, Moonshine,” he repeated, vengefully, “ the next time I’ll kill, and it may not be your four-footed pard, either.” The speaker held in his hands the beautiful repeating rifle with which he had stretched the mountain cat growling at his master’s feet. “ I thought you’d trail me,” he continued, his dark eyes still fixed on Moonshine. “ I saw by your eyes when I came up to you and Cyclone in camp that something war up. You think I’m goin’ to the girl—to Kit—and you would reach er by trzulintr me.‘ You’d better go back to Trigger B ir, fioonshine. Take your pard back and nureSilentHuuigr. By OliCtmmet. 114 Pine I’nul llie Mount-tin Boy. B ' 'l'. C. llnrbaiiith. 115 De wood Dick’s Double. By .d-mrd L. “'hukt. 116 Jobs: Conn. Ski r. By Capt. F. “'Iilthker. 11? anr-v Frank. orfilurado. By “ Buffalo Bill." 113 “’ ill Wildfire. the'l‘lioronghbred. By China. hlorrla. 119 illonde Bill; nr, Deadwood Dick’l iloiiie Bane. By L. Vt'heeler. 120 i' h -r Gid the Boy Tm r. By T. C. ilarhaiigh. 121 llggr; Anni-tron” themgnpllin of the Club. By Brae.— llrid‘e‘ilitlnyiié. ginck(Hnlk|;l_\‘kl’l d s Fm te on er. ‘ war . a. 1% RE: Sign, iho Bay Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch. Jr. By T. Hnl'hflntlh- 125 The Land Pirated. By ( apt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue lilnzea: or, Tho Break a’ Day Boy: of Rocky Bar. By Prrink Dunrnnl. 19? Tony Fox. he Ferret. By Edward L. Whaoler. 128 I} Refill. “‘ill “‘ildfire'n Racer. Bi' Cliurlea Mania. 9 'Kli. the - .3- Demon. Ba- on Comm. 130 (it. By C. Morris. Edward * S I . B T. (7. _ . 51 A Gaggfi‘hdfifl: D \hwond l’D-iiin'm‘Bhlg Striha. By Edward L. “'herlt-r. 182 Dainty Lam-e, the my a... ByJ. B. Badger, Jr. 133 “11.1.11”. the Boss oi the .'..;ad. By Frank {>an 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Churlu' Mai-m. 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By E. L. Wheel-r. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmu. i 13'!I Dandy Rock, the Man from Texan. By G. Wu do Browne. 188 Bob Roche“. the Buy Dodxer. By Chan. Mania. 189 The Blue]; Gin-t; or. Dainty Lane: in Jeopardy. By Jon. E. Badger. Jr. 140 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. 141 New 1' ork Nell, the Boy—Girl Detective. By E. L. Wheel" 142 Little Texna, the Young Mustang”. By Oll Coomu. 143 Deadly D-ah; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jot. E. Badger. Jr. 144 Little Grit, tho Wild Rldor. By Col. Prantiaa inn-alum. 145 The Tiger CWT-.09. B)" Geo. Waldo Browne. 148 The Cattle King. By Frank Dumont. 147 Nohby Niel: ochvuda. By Edward L. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Ton. 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Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Dnrke'n l’ltrdl. liy Wlll. R. Eylier. 202 Tom, limit-m. Tiger. By 01; Coomen. ’03 Sam the Office Buy. lly Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prunliu ingnllam. 205 TmI Frontier Detective. By Edward 1.. Wheeler. 206 “’hltu Linrht- mm m'. The llrly Ally, ily 1‘. C. Hark-ugh. 207 Kelltut‘k Talbot”: Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper Tom’n Castle )1 ylter)‘. By Oll Comm. 209 The Messenger-Day Detective. By Charles hiorr'n. 210 The Hunchback of the Milieu. By Joseph E. Badter, Jr. 211 Little Giant and IIht Band. By Philip S. Warm. 212 The Jhntow‘n Sport. By Edward 1.. Vt’hvelef. 213 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shanta. By ’I‘. C. iinrhaugh. 215 During Dan, illu Ranger; or, Thy Downer Detective. By Oll Commit. 216 The, (.‘owboy Captain. By Cal. i‘lrntiulagnhun 2.17 Bald Ilead'oi‘ the Rookie!» iy Maj. Sula. S. Hall. 213 The Miner final-t. ‘liy Edward L. “'heeler. 219 lint'l‘, the Deter-the. By Alhm W- Aiken. 220 Crack-Shot Frank. By Charla iii: rrll. 221 Merle the Middy. By Col. Prentiu inxrnhnm. 222 Rolehud Ben’n Boys. fly on Conmu.~ 223 Gold Conrnd’ll “’lltrhrDopn. By '1'. C. iinl-hauxh. 224 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dit-k Drew, the Miner’s Son. By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dink in Chicago. By Charla: Monti. 227 Merle, the Boy CrulIrr. By Col. Prentiss Inmham. 228 The Preacher Detective. By Oil Comma. 229 Old lllckory’s Grit. By .lnhn J. Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sportn. ily Capt. Frederick “'Iliunker. 281 Sierra Sam, the Dutccilve. By Edward L. Wheeler. 232 Merle Monte's Tremnre. By Cal. Pruntha lugrnhlln. 283 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 234~Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C. Admin. 235 Jack Stump’n Crulsc. By Roger Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam‘u Double. Ily Edward L. “'heolcr. 237 Newsboy Ned, Detective. By Charlel Morrin. 28S Merle Monte’n Sen-Scraper. By Col. Prentiu law“. 239 Ben’a Bil: Boom. liy Capt. Mal-ll Wilton. 240 Sharp Shunt Mike. By Oil Comma. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. By Edward L. Wheelar. 242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harblugh. 248 Dutvh Jan‘s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Mollte‘n Dingulne. By Col. Prentin ingrnhun. 245 Baldy'u Buy Partner. By Edward S. Eiiia. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice. By Charla Mania. 24? The Girl Hport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’n l’nrd. iiy Buckskin Sam. 249 Ranch liob‘l “Will Rldc. liy T. C. Harlmnzh. 250 Merle Mnnte’l Pardon. By Cui. l’relltiu ingrahun. 251 The Deni'lletectlrc. liv Edward Willelt. 252 Donn-r Doll’s Deviee. By ljldward L. Wheeler. 253 The Boy ’l‘ontleri'oot. By dart. Mark Wilton. 254 Black llllln lien. By Mn). Lewll W. Carma. 255 Jolly Jim. Detective. By Charles Marlin. 256 Merle Monte’n Lunt Crnlne. By Col. l’renliu inKl'lillnm. 25? The Boy Chiefoi'llooky Pull. By Maj. E. L. St. Vnin. 258 Denver: Dull an Detcvuve. By E. L. \i'hueler. 259 Little Foxt‘yo, lilo Culomdu Spy. By Oil (Ioomen. 260 Skit. the Cillln Buy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Spurt, or, The Giant ofClear Grit Camp. By T- C. iiarliallgh. 262 Bill , the iiny Raver; or, Trevor Tum of Texan. By Col. P. Ingm am. 268 Hunter Boh'r Buoy; or, Lige, the ngllt~iioune Keeper. By Cup . J. l". C. Adams. ' 264 Dean-r- "Illi‘l Partner; nr, Big Buck-kin. the Sport. By E. L. Win-eler 285 Billy. the angn e Bay; or, The Yuung Railroad De. luClh'r. By Charles l\ Ol‘i'il. 200 GR)": Bay (‘llumx or, The Fnrut Wail“- Muk. By Capt. L‘unumck. 26? Giant Genrge’u Revenge: or. The Boys of “Slip Up Mine." lty liuukskin Sum. 268 Dead-Shut Dandy; or, The Kill Grande i‘iitrunderp. By (Jul. l‘rellliu lnuralmul. 2891‘he Quartzvilie lion: nr. Thrill: David Duke. fly Edward Wilott. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine; 0r, Little Bill‘s Big Len. L. Wheeler. Ready Mulch is. 271 Ebony Jlln’~ Terror; ol. Raazur Rninboit'n Ruse. Dy Oil (Joann-a. Ready March 22. 272 K", the Girl Detective: or, Dandy Daub in California. By T. 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