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Copyright“. 1802, by BIADLI Alb ADA Eutnrcd nu Second Class Mun: at the New York, N. Y.. Poss Olfice. May 95. 1892.

N0  $9.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, l-‘rlee, V01 

I Yefl- No. 98 \VXLLIAM ST. NEW YORK. “VB 0611“-

Detective Jake’s Claw. ‘

 ;

 

2 ' The Boy Vigilantes.

 

I“ Detective Jake’s Blew; ‘—

7

THE BOY ~KEG-ILANTES.

BY MAJ. H. B. STODDARD, Ex Scour,

AUTHOR or “NECK—TIE NED," “PONY, m
cow—BOY,” Era, mo.

CHAPTER. 1.
AN INTERRUPTED TOAST.

“ Tm: NUGGET,” rum-shopund gambling den
in the frontier mining camp of Pnydirt, was
crowded to its utmost capacity on the 4th day
of July, A. D. 1879, and it was as much as the
white‘aproned barkeepers could do to fill the
orders which poured in thick and fast.

It was an utter impossibility to get anywhere
near the taro, monte, roulette or chucks-luck
games which were going on in an adjoining
room; or to enter the keno room, still further
on. at all.

There was a variety of games suited to all
tastes and all purses, for “ The Nugget ” catered
to fill, and everything was grist that came to its
mi 1.

And a. curiouslooking grist it was—rough,
unkempt miners, rougher, more unkempt team-
sters, rubbed elbows with white~shiried, 'ewel—
decked gamblers from Chicago and St; nuis;
while side by side with the one-eye-glussed Eng-
l‘sh swell stood the latest importation from the
Bowery.

Seated on an upturned beer-keg in one corner
of the room—.for " keg~beer ” was a specialty at
“ The Nugget "—guzing at the crowd with a
mingled expression of interest and disgust—in-
terest when a' movement near the door indicated
a new arrival; disgust all the time—sat a lad of
apparently seventeen years. dressed in n mixture
of frontier and civilized clothes that rendered it
/ difficult to determine exactly what he was.

His shirtr—he wore no cost nor vest—was of
the finest linen, made with a broad, turn-down
collar, from under which fell the ends of a bright
crimson scarf. ' '

His nether. garments were of buckskin, and
he wore high, tight-tilting boots, which reach-
ed well over the knee; while a broadbrimmed
sombrero of the purest white completed his cos-

tume. .

In the belt which was strapped around his
weist,were two ivory-handled revolvers; while
in a sheath sewed onto the leg of his right boo

was a. heav hunting-knife. '

His smoo h. boyish face contrasted strangely
with his warlike appearance, Which was hight~
sued, as he leaned forward from time to
time, by the eight of an octagon-barreled
lillifinchester rifle, leaning in the corner behind

1m.
’ The silver band on his but, the immense all
ver‘spurs he wore, a silver chain around his
neck. the ends of which were tucked into the
bosom of his shirt, all tended to render his cos-
tume stillomore picturesque, and to make him
noticeable wherevar he want.

sung out:

 

He seemed to know no one; at least he inter-
changed no greetings, and if any of the ruder
class, thinking that his girlish appearance wmn
ranted them in making him the subject of their
jests, approached with that intention, they in—
variably changed their minds before putting
their ideas into execution.

The boy never, on such occasions, shifted his
position; but his hand dropped carelessly onto
his revolver, and as be fixed his eyes on the
intruder, there was an expre5sion in them
which boded no good to any one who should in—
sult him.

“ ‘Rc-stless Jakel’ by Geor cl" (or by some-
body stronger), they invaria ly muttered, as
they withdrew more rapidly than they had ap-
proached. keeping one eye over their shoulders
as they did so.

For the fame of “ Restless Jake ” had spread
for and wide, and although he had never befor
visited this section of Colorado, his peculiai'iti
of dress was known, and when, coupled with
this. came the ever-ready movement of the
hand to the pistol, his identity was quickly and
fully established, and the toughest customer
there would have quailed before the boy run-
get.

fl‘he fun waxed fast and furious; the glasses
clinked louder and louder; the atmosphere of
the saloon became more and more dense with
tobacco smoke; voices rew shriller and high-
er, while oaths flew thi and wild, and still the
boy sat—waiting. ' '

t was nearing midnight, and nothing of in-
cident had occurred, when as the crowd near
the door bad thinned for an instant, it was
flung wide open, and a toll, swarthy, owl-eyed
miner—at least he was dressed in the rough
dress of a prospector—elbowed his way to the
bar, followed by a dozen or more men equally
as villainous looking, and called for liquor tor
the pnrty. '

At the leader’s entrance, the boy hadstarted
us if stung by an electric shock, and straighten-
ing up in his uncomfortable seat, quietly and
unperceived by any one, drew one oi his revol-

vers.
The glasses filled, the leader turned to his fol-
lowers, and raising the liquor high in the air,

“ Well, boys, here‘s to the Cap-” crack!
went the istol, and the glass flew into a
thousand pieces, while as one man the occu-
pants of the room turned to see what was up.

Jerking at the silver chain about his neck,
Jake drew from his bosom a small whistle, and
leaping onto the keg, and levelin both of his
revolvers at the band, who stil stood with
their liquor undrenk, looking in amazement
at the beardless stripling who thus dared brave
them, blew a. shrill blast, andcried: _

“I fired that shot!” and his voice rung high
above the din and uproar. “ Who dares dispute
the act with me?”

And finger on trigger, his eyes flashing fire,
he stood there, defying the mob of desperadoes,
and waiting for a reply.

For an instant none came.

, .

l .7

 

The Boy Vigilantes.

 

CHAPTER II.
THE ESCAPE.

Tan gang of ruifians did not, however, re-
main long quiescent under the lash of this in-
sult laid on them through their leader.

Momentarin paralyzedvas they had been b
the audacity of the lad, they soon recovere ,
and, as one man, drew revolver and knife, and
leveled and raised them to let out the blood
from the young heart which seemed almost
criminally reckless in its bravery.

But even in times of the greatest peril the
boy was as cool, as calm and collected as when
all was quiet in his vicinity; and to this charac-
teristic was largely due hls many escapes from
what seemed at the time almost certain death.

He never acted without deliberation, and,
while Waiting for the moment of action, matur—
ed his plans perfectly; the consequence being
that he never was taken ‘nnawares.

His intuition seemed marvelous; but was
merely owingto his having adopted the rule,
“ In time of peace prepare for war.”

As the howling band advanced toward him
his revolvers flashed in their very faces, stun—
ning and ‘
reports came so quickly that his enemies had
been allowed no time to cock their weapons.

With such an instantaneous movement that
the backward motion of his body seemed the
recoil from his pistols, he sprung, turning in the
air, through a small win ow which he, stand-
ing, had artinll obscure .

As he gasped, is hand grasped his Winches-
ter rifle, while his revolver, droppin€ from his
grasp hung suspended from his belt :y a buck-
skin thong, and swung loosely at his Side.

As he crashed through sash and glass. a dozen
reports rung out on the air, but he reached the
ground outside unscathed.

Waiting for him and greeting his arrival
with a. glad neizh of welcome, slood his horse,
which. ricognizing the piercing shriek of its
master’s whistle. had galloped rapidly in the di—
rection of the sound from the shadow where he

' had been left.

To swing into the saddle was the work of an
instant, and taking the grass at the side of the
road, he hurried rapidly down the main street

of the town until he came to a shot wheren -
heavy growth of bushes at the left cast deep ‘

and mysterious shadows.

Here he dismounted, and loosely fastening the
linesto the saddle-horn. gave his horse a slight
cargss, and, with a whisper, pointed down the
ma . “ ‘

The motion was quickly understood and im-
mediately obeyed bv the intelligent animal, and
he'trotted ofl.’ quickly and quietly, soon disap.
peering around a bend in the road.

Casting a hasty glance up the street in the di-
rection whence he had come, the boy, smiling
slightly as he listened to the confused murmur
of oaths and yells and angry execratiOns from

the pursuing mob, turned and, parting the;

bushes,vplunged headlong into the undergrowth

which most-d behind him and left no trace of his ~

disappearance. , .
In a few moments the surging crowd which
pursued him came tearlnz down the street.

blinding and confusing them, for the ,

some on foot, othersvmounted; but all impelled
by the one common motive: to trap the beard-
less stripung who had dared to defy them and
wash out, with his blood, the insult he had
offered. ‘

As the crowd turned down the road where
the horse had disappeared, one of the men,
stepping on a loose stone, uttered an exclama-

.j tion and fell heavily to the ground, where he

la , groaning.
l‘he crowd swept on and left him.

CHAPTER III.
THE BITER BIT.

THE road was soon quiet and the man who
had fallen, sufl’ering evidently from a sprained
ankle, lav there, muttering and groaning and
ruhbnig his leg in hopes of reducing the pain
, and preventing swelling.

But his efforts were not long continued.
As the minutes rolled by and no lnterloper

_ appeared, he gradually ceased his attention to-
; his foot and Lagan to move, an inch at n time,
 toward the undergrowth at the side of the
, road.
, His course led him in the direction which

Jake had taken and his further progress was
lsoon barred by the interlacing boughs of the
, bushes.

l Apparently at fault, and on hands and knees,
, he continued his search for the passage where
1 the boy had disappeared, but finally seemed on
i the point of abandoning his quest when he met‘
5 with a rude interruption.
: Dropping apparently from the clouds a human
; figure landed lightly on the earth, steeping over
- him and enlomina silence by pressing the cold

muzzle of a revolver to the sensitive skin just

behind his ear. '
, The under dog in the fight was completely at
l the mercy of the up or one it seemed, and any
defense seemed use use, if not impossible; but
the darkness favored the stranger, and being as
accustomed to tight places as a duck to the
water, his hesitation was due only to his wait-
mg for an opportunity. ‘

It soon came.

The unwelcome visitor pressing a little less
hard against the neck of the other, in a grnfl'
whisper ordered him to “ Get up out 0’ that!”—-*
a command which was Quickly obeyed.

But as the man rose from his stooping pos-
ture, he, while in the act of straightening his
back, lurned, and eilher by the most marvelous
luck, or because he had eyes that saw as well at
night as during the day, grasped the revol- -
vet that threatened him just back of the
cylinder. ‘ '

With a deep and hearty curse the other pulled
the trigger, and the haminer‘descended. ,

But not on the cartridge. .

The hand of his opponent received the full.
force of the blow, while, as if unconscious of
any pain or injury, he wrenched the veapon
from the_gra§p of the man who held it, and
with heel in his calf, gave him a‘push that sent
him crashing to the ground.

Before he could move the other ‘was on him,
a: clutching him by the two arms held him

t. , .

 

 

 

 

4 The Boy Vigilantes.

  

 

 

Their positions were exactly reversed.
From some mysterious recess the victor in
this hund—to-hand struggle produced a pair of
“ darbies,” or steel hand-cuffs, and snapped
them on the wrists of his prisoner with a facilit
which showed perfect familiarity with their
use.
A short strap was bound about the man’s
legs, and then, dragging him close to a tree, the
mysterious stranger made him perfectly secure
by fastening about his neck an iron collar, irom
which depended a short chain.

To the other end of this chain was fastened a
similar circle of steel, and this was casped
around the trunk of a small tree near by, the
two collars being fastened with spring pad-
locks.

He then coolly placed his hand inside the
shirt worn by the other, and thence produced a
leather wallet which appeared to contain some
papers of importance, judging from the ex-
pression which flitted over the face of the cap-
tive man. i

The other, then, leaning over him and whis-
paring close to his ear said:

“ When whisky’s in, sense is out, my lad, and
you’ve given the whole snap dead away. Lie
you there and when I see Jake, I think that he
will have a word or two to say to you; what do
you think! Ta-ta,” and guiding himself by the
marks of the struggle which had just taken
place, he plunged into the bushes.

Following an uncertain trail through the
woods for some distance, be at length stopped,
and seating himself at the base of a huge pine,
took from his pocket a small .flusk which, on his
removing the cork, gave outa soft light, dim,
but sufficiently clear, to enable him to decipher
the contents of the papers he had taken.

As he read an expression of satisfnc ion over-
spread his face until, at length, he came to the
last of the lot which puzzled him so that, after
turning it in all directions and endeavoring to
make some sense out of it, he uttered an expres-
sion of disgust and, folding up the documents,
placed them carefully away and rising, pre-
pared to follow the trail.

At this moment a shot mug through the
forest, and he, staggering forward a few paces,
threw his arms high in the air and fell prone on
his face, shot through and through the body,
while the skulking figure of a man rapidly ap-

roached and, turning the lifeless form over on
ts face, proceeded to rifle his pockets;

He had just extracted the wallet when a
stern voice, emphasized by the sharp click, click
as a rifle was cooked, ordered, “Throw up your
hands!"

Turning, the assassin saw Jake, with rifle at
shoulder, covering him dead, not ten paces off.

Up want his hands and with a grin meant to,

be sycophantic he answered:

“ All right, Cap. Don’t shoot, you know who
it is.”

And he, as if takingit for granted that it was
“all right ” advanced a step toward the boy.

“ One step more and I fire,” cried the boy,

and with a stern look settling over his features
he leveled the rifle and glanced along the
barrel.

 

 

CHAPTER IV.
THE WOLVES AND THE LAMB.

ON the south snore of Long island, for from
any other habitation, stands a cabin, which,
raised on stilts as it were, is completely sur-
rounded by water at high—tide, while at low-
water the ground around is swampy and
marshy.

- The only way by which it can be reached is
in a rowoboat, a narrow channel leading from
the bay right up to the house.

At half—low or high-water, any one not fa-
miliar with the topography of the country
would find considerable difliculty in reaching
the cabin, for the channel once left, a. boat
would surely ground in the mud on either side.

It was a place of forbidding aspect and one
which possessed an unsavory reputation, for
stories were told about it which, if not more
than half—true, would blast it forever.

In its physical aspect, too, the place was one '

calculated to repel the visitor.

Standing as it did high on the spiles which
were driven into the mud and ooze beneath to
make its foundation, it seemed like some huge
crawling thing raised high on its legs on the
lookout for prey.

Great masses of sea-weed clung to the up-
rights and dripped with the moisture they re-
retained from the retreating tide, while there
wasasickening smell which clung to and en-
wrapped everything about in a graveyard odor
that was disgusting in its dankness.

Neither door nor window was visible on any
side and there was apparently no means of ('n-
trance or exit—the place seemed totally de-
serted. -

For what urpose it had been built, the mem-
ory of the o dest inhabitant failed to recall and
the name or occupation of the present inmate
was as totally buried in obscurity as was the
origin of the mysterious cabin.

For that it had an inmate was certain from'

the fact that just now, raising what appeared
to be a sort of a trap in the roof, the head and
shoulders of a man a peared, and he. letting
the trap fall with a all thud sheltering his
eyes from the beating sun, gazed long and earn-
estly seaward.

That his observations were unattended with
success, was evident from the scowl that settled
over his not very repossessing features as he
turned and descen ad the steep ladder that led
from the roof, closing the door after him.

To us is, h0wever, given the power to lnvestlu

gate the interior as fully as if the walls were,

dropped and nothln kept out the light of day;

Seated in the mid 19 of the single room that
constituted the house, was a young and hand-
sgme man, apparently thirty to thirty-five year!
0 age.

He was busily engaged at a table with pen
and paper, and, as the other descended, half-
turned, with an interrogative: .

“ Well?”

“NS signs of him yet. I’m afraid the girl
may ave missed the wa ' the f0 hun he v
and thick this nmrning,”y' g g a y
u ” Patience, my dear Job,” lau had the other.

Anxiety in your case has lenzt sued minute!

    
  
   

 

r».

 

  
 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boy Vigilanten. 5

 

into hours, and you fear that all may miscarry.
Take things easy, my dear fellow, and try to
raise your spirits by a nip 0’ this.”

The invitation was not refused, and in a few
moments the man known as Job seemed to have
recovered his spirits, for he turned to his com-
panion, and in a hrfsker tone than he had yet
assumed, asked:

“Say Cap any objection to telling us your
plans? icon d work quicker and easier when
the girl comes if I knew what was expected:
an’ you know you can trust me."

“ Certainl , I know it, and for the best of
reasons. on are well aware that a bullet
would reward your treachery, before the latter
could bear fruit. And it is well that you should
remember it.

“ Recollect. if anything should happen to
me, an oath binds you. and if you break its pro-
visions, some of the band will avenge me; and,
you know, vengeance in this case means death,
and, you also know, of what a nature.”

There was a meaning in these Words, as could
plainly be seen in the shudder which ran over
the other’s frame, and he quickly interru pted:

“ But as to the girl, captain. What must be
done with her?”

“ Whatever I tell you at the time,” curtly
came the answer from hisleader’slips. “ Enough
of questioning. Draw here and look at this
map, and listen well to what I tell you, for it is
most important.”

it was a place well adapted to the foul plot
that was now being hatched out of the brains of
the two villains who now occupied it.

Their low tones and the wash, wash, wash of
the tide, as it slowly rose and lapped against the
spiles below, were the only sounds heard, and
for some time this almost unbroken silence
continued. Then suddenly there came a thump
on the floor almost at the feet of the two con-
spirators, and with a single bound they stood
erect.

The single rap was quickly followed by a
second, and then by two close together, and
with a look of intelligence Job, steeping, lifted
a trap—door in the floor, and then stepping to
the wall, brought a alrof steps, which he low-
ered and fastened y the hooks placed in the
beam, the captain, as "he was called, having in
the mean time looked down and proclaimed
that all was right.

“ Come down, Job, and give me a lift. I be-
lieve the girl has fainted,” said a harsh voice
below, and Job, descending the steps, proceeded
to aid as he Was told.

Lazin rocking on the ripples was a row. boat,
in the stern sheets of which lay the inanimate
form of a young girl, who, pale as she was, yet
seemed the incarnation of a pOet’s dream, so
lovely was she.

But little impressed by her beauty, Job,
Itooping, lifted her roughéy, and scarce stagger—
ing under the load, ascen ed the ladder, sneer—
ing at the other, whose strength was not sulfi-
cient to do what he did.

A gleam of hate shone for a moment in the
other’s eye, yet was uickly suppressed as he, in
turn, having fasten the boat secure] , aseend-
od the steps and dropped the trap, the adder be-
lnl first drawn up.

 

The lamb was In the clutches of the wolves!

CHAPTER V.
A MYSTERIOUS DOCUMENT.

THERE was no mistaking the tone of the boy‘s
voice. '

“Drop that rifle,” he commanded, and the
weapon fell to the ground with a clung.

Lowering his own weapon, Jake, drawing a
revolver from his belt, advanced to the other
and quickly disarmed him by taking away
knife and pistols. and then ordering him to stand
a little distance off. when he turned to the man
who had fallen, pierced by the bullet of his
prisoner.

The man was dead.

Ax-customed as Jake was to scenes of riot and
blood, it was with horror be viewed the corpse,
for the silent surroundings, the peace and quiet
of the mighty forest were in such contrast with
the deed of blood, that the crime of the assassi
seemed doubly cruel. A

But as Jake gazed on the face lying so still, he
became puzz'ed and worried. for an indefinahle
idea struggled for existence in his brain, which
confused and vexed him. .

A something that carried him back for years,
and painted a picture of scenes that he had long
ago thought passed from memory. .

And he stooped down and gazed long and
steadfastly at the man before him, while all
surrounding him was forgotten.

This fact was quickly perceived by the only
other living inhabitant of the glade and with
stealthy steps he turned to hasten away, not ‘
daring, so great was the awe in which he held
the boy, to seek to recover his arms.

But he had not gone far when he was stopde
for even plunged in thought as he was the la
noticed his departure, yet there was no anger in
his tones as he called to him to come back.

And the other, turning retraoed his steps, and
coming close to Jake awaited what he might
have to say.

For this was one of the band who had sworn
allegiance to the boy when he came among
them and by his courage and his determination
had won the place of leader of the Vigilantes.

Brier-wood Bob, as he was called, was one of
the band, however, whom Jake never trusted
entirely, for he was rash and reckless to a fault
and so impetuous that he sometimes disobeyed
the most imperative orders.

In answer to a question or two he now ex-
plained his conduct, which seemed heartless
and cruel.

“ I was lying in the thicket by the woods, 3.
short time ago, when I
from the crowd that followed you, and, after
a short time, enter the woods.

“ He was immediately tackled b Gustin.and,
asit wasn’t none of my funeral, let ’im alone.
This one here,” he continued, indicating the .v
dead man by a s ight gesture, “ soon downed
Gus. and I was thinking of taking a hand in the
row when I saw him take some papers from
Gus and light out with them. '

“i thought 1 could do better service by fol-
lowing him up to see the end of this; but recog-
nized him as one of ‘ King Cole’s’ band and as
he was about to drew his gun. I downed him.

 

saw this man drop out \

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 V The Boy Vigilante-s. .

 

Mr. intending to kill but to wound. The uncer-

tain light fooled me. He would have hung any-
wav. You know that was the sentence.”

This somewhat long harangue satisfied Jake,

, and picking.r up the wallet which Bob had drop—

ped he bade him return to his post, asking his

ardon for the manner in which he had treated

1m.

“That’s all right, Cap. We’re a rough lot,
anyway, and hursh measures are allowed,"
and turning he strode ofl? in the direction of the
road, after securing his weapons, while Joke,
slowly pursuing the opposite direction entered
the deeper shadow of the woods and soon dis~
up cared.

im we must follow.

A walk of half an hour brought him to a.
clearing in the wood which could be renclud by
the single path alone, which he had followed, so
dense was the undergrowth on all sides.

A challenge and a password had been ex-
changed more than once during his walk, and,
’ as he entered the glade, he was stopped again
by a sentinel on watch at the edge of the clear—

11:.

He gave the word and then, turning to the
lentinel, he said:

“Tom. come with me for a few moments.
One of the boys will relieve you,” and soon fol-
lowed by the other he struck across the glade
and entered the cabin which occupied the cen-
ter.

Seating himself at the table and motioning to
his companion to do likewise, Jake produced
the wallet he had placed in his pocket and,
gpeiiing it, threw the papers it contained on the

ab 9.

“ I have seen, tonight, Tom, for the first

' time in years, the evil spirit of my evil spirit,
’ and what the result will be time alone will tell.
r These papers may did us; help me to look over
' them.’ ,

It took but a few moments to examine the
papers, for they were all printed slips of non-
mportant matters. All except one, and thi
was what was written thereon:

“M. 7. 8. 9. 8. 2‘3. 21. 6. 8. ‘l. 'l. 16. 2. 19. 27. 18. 26. 20
8. 11. 8. 1. fi. 27. 20.7. 24. 2; 8. 23, 20. NORTH-EAST 7.
4 24. 27. 20. %. 21. 13. 3. 9. 23 20. 16. (i. Znno 24. 2
goth 2e"). 10. 26. 20 l l l 22. 20. B. 4. 10. 4. 330. 6. 18. 3. 1.

. 8. . (666) (6) 16. 10. 20.

“ No. 1,”

- - And the two puzzled over it until the dawn,

~' 'crecping through the forest, warned Jake that
he had been up allnight and sadly needed rest,
when he threw himself on a blanket in the cor-
ner, and, in a moment, was fast asleep.

_ CHAPTER V'L
r moment

BOB pursued his way quickly through the ,
woods, and soon arrived at the spot where the"
man he had spoken of as Gustin lay chained as
it he Were a wild beast. ‘ r
v Bob and Gustin Were not on the best of terms,

’ ,and it waswith no intense anxiety to free him,
displayed in his movements, that the boy ap-
proached the prostrate man. *

“ A nice fix ye’r’ in," sarcastlcally remarked
the former. as be bent over hue and examined

 

.»

 

 

his fastenings. “ Must have been a. professional
that captured you.”

A short inspection proved to him that it would
be useless to attempt to release him, and he de—
termined to await the coming of assistance be-
fore he made any furtherattempts; yet he made
Gustin as comfortable as possible, and then re-
treated a little into the woods, where he took up
his station, and watched as only those who
gear danger in every sound can watch for their

oes.

The crowd, that had followed Jake after his
escape from the saloon, had long since returned

cursing and grumbling at the ill—luck which he

permitted him to escape.

The road was entirely deserted, and nothing
was heard save those mysterious sounds of the
night which are never quiet.

And so the night wore on, and day came, the
time being unbroken by any incident until the
two men came from the clearing who were to
relieve Bob and Gustin.

Then Gustin was released; for Bob want and
returned with the keys he had rifled from the
pocket of the man lying deed not far away, and
unlocking the haudcufls and other chains, set
Gusloose.

Then he proposed a return to the cabin where
rest and refreshment awaited them, asking the
newl released man how it happened that be
had, on so completely, OVercome in the late
encounter.

But Gustin seemed in no mood to answsr
and, instead of following his comrade, turned
and saying that he would look up the road a.
short distance, be plun ed into the thicket and
disappeared, leaving ob to retrace his steps
a one.

He soon varriVed at the place where lay the
man who had fallen a. victim to his rifle, and
hardened and callous as he was he stood over
him for a moment, regretting what had hap-
pened. / '

He had recognized him as one of a band of
desperadoes who infested the country, and,
thinking he was eanake’s trail with no good
intention, had shot him down, as he would a.
mad-dog which threatened him, for the stran—
ger evidently knew he was followed and was
preparing to do as had been done to him.

As the sun strug led through the trees and
lit up the-arches o the forest, Bob, thinking
there might be a clew of some sort, stooped over
the body and examined the pockets but with-
out discovering anything of importance.

As he was about to turn away, however, be

noticed that the lining of his coat was frayed

at the edge and, stoopin closer, saw that there
was a. paper concealed incident which he
quickly get ossession and unfolded. ”

It was dressed to “Henry Crane, Esq.,
Paydir‘t, COL,” and bore in the corner the

stamped address of a well known detective'

agency in the East.

Thinking that the envelo 9 might be of im-
portance, he placed it our ully in his pocket,
and pursued his way to the camp, where he
soon agflvgaaigbatlter aislight luncgéjln his
turn, to o seep, n a room 01W '
where Jugs)": ration. (-

9

 

 

   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
      

 

 

 

* «quieted. more

 

 

 

 

 

'tT‘ikLHfi‘xAfixz‘Ji  ‘ .

 

 

 

 

  
  
 

 

 

, and casting another hasty

 

.

The Boy Vigilantes. , 7

 

 

All was quiet, and the glade was deserted for
some time, until suddenly the figure of Gustin
appeared, as he walked carelessly across, and
then, seeing that he was not noticed, stole
guietly into the cabin and to the room where

she was, reaching whom he leaned over.

The papers Jake had been examining were
tightly clinched in his hand, and as the boy
slumbered lightly, Gustin saw that the slightest
attempt to remove them would awaken him in-
stantly. -

Seeking the spot where the boy’s heart beat,
. . . lance around, he
raised his knife on high to sin it to the hilt, and
at the same moment clasp hislips with his other
hand, that no cry might ring out and warn the
camp that their leader was being done to death,
foully and cruelly.

No sound disturbed him and the knife de-
scended with lightning spe .

CHAPTER VII.
A MURDEROUS THREAT.
As the trap—door closed with a slam, the man
who had been addressed by Job as captain,
drew from one side of the room a. long, low

bench, on one end of which he placed 'a folded
coat, and motioned to the man to lay his burden
there.

After lying a few moments, while the three
men stood around and watched, with varying
emotions, the ale face of their victim, the girl
slowly opened her eyes and looked about her in
terror at her surroundings.

As her eyes encountered those of the so;called
captain she shuddered, while a look of intelli—
gence oVerspread her speaking countenance.

“An unexpected pleasure this, Miss Mary,”
he sneered, his mouth rowing set in baleful
lines as be marked the disgust so well written
on the girl’s face.

And throwing himself into the chair he had
lately quitted, he laughed sardonically.

For a moment there was silence, and then the
girl‘s impetuous nature, overlea ping all bounds
burst forth, as she rose to her feet and addresse
the sneering villain before her.

“An honorable trick that you have played,
is it not, to have enticed a poor and friendless
girl here under pretense of seeing her brother;
and that brother—what have you done with'
him? I know you, Cole Crane, and if you think
that any threats of yours will bear aught of
fruit, I warn you beforehand of the fallacy of
such an opinion. I refuse, absolutely, to listen
to you, and appeal to these men to aid me in
escaping from your persocutionsl” and turning,
she stood with outstretched hands looking to-
ward the others.

But there was no response to her appeal.

The hardened demon who ruled there merely
Inc had again, while the two men, who were his
meg, paid no more attention to the supphcating
entreaties of the girl than to the waters that
lapped uneasily below. /

And then, as her utter he} lessness became
apparent to her, the poor ch d uttered a de- ;
spniring cry and bur ing her taco in her ,
hands, sunk half—insen bio on the benchat her ;
ride. l
She wuloon restored to consciousness by a l

i

 

 

v

I

rude hand laid on her shoulder, and shaking off

the insulting grasp, leaped to her feet with face .

ame.

“Listen, my dainty lady,” fairly hissed the
voice of her tormentor, “ and reserve your tears
for more fit places and times. You know why
I have brought you here, and if you were trap-
ped by the pretty fiction I planned it is no cause

or complaint, for it is too late for any such
nonsense.

“ When last I saw you, you derided me;
scofled at all I said; defied me, and dared me to
do my worst; and then, forsooth, showed me
the door.

" And now it is my turn!

“ Here is the paper you shall sign—must sign,
or the next cut-going tide bears your body on
its surface, and another mysterious disappear
ance will excite a ninedays wonder.

“Read carefully and well; for if once you -

sign I know that your pride, my haughty
geauty, will force you to abide by all you prom-

e.

“ I leave you to yourself and to your own re-
flections for a time.” ‘

And calling to his followers, the three de-
scended the ladder, stepped into the boat, and
soon the throbbing of the oars in the thole—pins
grew fainter, and was gradually lost in the dis-
tunes.

The girl was alone.

Alone, and with the terrible realization bo~
fore her that but a short time was given her in
which to decide what-would be toher a matter
of life or death.

Yet delay was dangerous; the need for action
was pressing, and every second that passed
brought nearer to her the moment when she
must cut the Gordian knot which-bound her in
its meshes of steel.

A last hurried inspection of the apartment
where she was alone gave her no hope of escape,

offered no means of rescue: and it was a heart ’

still heavier than before, still weightier with its
woe, that she turned to seat herself once more
at the table, where lay the paper that was of
such vital importance to her.

As she walked across the room she stumbled,
her foot having caught some
floor, and it was only by a Violent and hasty
efi‘ort that she saved herself from falling.

Turning, she looked to see what object it was
that had so nearly caused her what might have
been a serious injury, and found that it was one
of the heav staples set in the floor to hold the
bar with w ich the ire -door wassecured when
the room was inhabite .

Scarce thinking of it twice, she seated herself
and reached [for the document that lay near her
when she started as if a bolt from heaven had
come crashing through the roof.

And in truth, the ins iration which came to
her was but little less t an providential.

Through some unaccountable oversight, the

rojectiou in the .

 

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late tenants of the cabin had neglected to take ,

with them the massive iron bar which had the
trap; and it was the work of a moment to place
it in the staples, to secure it by the hook,
and to realize that her position was all but im-

pre able.
hat such was the can.

 

 
  
 

     

The Boy Vigilantes.

 

But as the full misery of her position struck
her as the tension of her nerves gave way, she
threw her hands high in the air, with a cry of
agony and, for the second time that day, fell
to the floor in a dead taint.

There she lay, while the tide rose, the hungry
waters dashing high toward the tops of the sup-
porting spiles and the wind moaned around the
corners of the cabin, and in a short time the
measured beat of the oars was heard again, as
the boat returned.

Reaching the steps the leader made the paint-
er fast to a cleat in one of the uprights, and
then mounted the ladder.

Reaching the top he raised his hand and tried
to raise the trap.

It would not budge!

CHAPTER VIII.
A WESTERN VERDICT.

Bnmnwoon B03 was restless.

He was, ordinarily, a sound sleeper; one of
those who, wrapping themselves up until only
their noses are visible, tum onto one side and,
in a moment, are buried in slumber.

But this morning he was restless and instead
of lying quietly, tossed and tumbled and rolled
ina vain endeavor to find a comfortable atti-
sude, and at length coming to the conclusion that
he was wide awake, sat bolt upright and looked
around.

Then he awned and stretched his arms as if
he would islocate them, finally rising to his
feet and without putting on his boots, which he
had removed when he sought his couch, strolled
to the window and looked out.

No one was visible and he turned back to the
room which was empty save for his presence.

Then an inspiration came to him; he would
go into the adjoining room and see if Jake was
still asleep, for the rules of the camp were leni—
ent as regarded the occupation of the diiferent
apartments and he intended moving quietly so
asnot to disturb the hey if he were not yet
awake.

So he went to the door which was ajar, and
putting his eye to the crack, looked in.

And as he looked he dashed the door open
with a blow which sent it crushin against the
wall with a noise sufficient to waEen the dead,
and lea ing across the room, grasped Gustin’s
arm as tdescended, guiding the knife toward
Jake's heart.

It was too late to arrest the blow, yet he suc-
ceeded in turning it to one side so that the
knife blade, instead of entering the boy’s body,
struck deep into the floor and stuck there,
quivering.

At the noise made b the cianging door the
lad leaped to his feet an , half-awake as he was,
was almost stu pefled at seeing the two men roll-
ing on the floor like wild beasts, each one
clutching at the throat of the other.

A short but seVere struggle on the part of
Jake, separated the two and the stood glarin
at each other, watching the earl est opportunit
that would present when they might again be
at one another’s throats.

“What does this mean!" stern) asked the
youth as he waved to Tom Reyna (is. who. at-

 

 

tr‘acted by the noise, came rushing in, to keep
snence.

Gustin was the first to recover his breath.

“Brierwood, there was just a-goin’ to knife
yer, when I see’d him and grabbed his arm.”

This was too much for Bob, who gave vent to
a long whistle that completely exhausted his
remaining breath.

In a moment, however, he managed to stem-
mer out:

“ What a screamin’ liar. Cap! If it hadn’t ’a‘
been for me you would ’a‘ been a cold corpse.
That Greaser there would ’a' sent you to, king-
dom come in a holy minute if 1—"

“ Stop!” interrupted the lad; “ which is right
and which is wrong we will find out later.
You both owe me a grudge I believe, though l
did think you true, Bob.

“Tom, call one of the men.” and soon an- ,

other of the band appeared on the scene.
The two combatants were quickl disarmed
and confined in two rooms situate overhead,

where they could not reach each other, and
where they were carefully guarded by a sentry
at their doors.

By noon the whole band, with the exception
of one man who watched the path that ledto
the clearing, was assembled at the cabin.

There was an even dozen of them, all hardy
frontiersmen, who had banded together to
stamp out, it man could. the curse of the band
of King Cole, a noted highwayman, road-agent
and horse-thief who was the scourge of the
country. '

The circumstan s of the attack were related
by Jake and the s cries of the two men listened
to, the knife being) laced in evidence, but
Without avail, as it e onged to neither of them,
being one that had lain on the table since the
da previous.

', hree men were told 01! todeclde what should
be done, one of whom was Tom Reynolds, and

they having retired to deliberate, the rest seated '

themselves to watch the prisoners and await the
verdict.

It was but half an hour before the jury re-
turned.

In view of_ the fact, they said, that it was im-

ible to place the guilt on either ty, they
ad decide that the men should be asteued to-
gether by the collars and chain which had con-
ned Gustin the night before; they were to be
lowered into a canyon near by, and each one
being given a knife. they were to be left to fight
a duel unto death, the victor to use a key which
would be thrown down, to unfasten him from
his dead comrade.

The idea was an acceptable one, and the pro-
gramme was carried out, the man bein warned
that a rifle-shot would pierce the bra n of the
first who attacked the other before the word.

The collars were iplaced on their necks and
locked, the steel cha u confining them being less
than a yard in length; they were conducted to
the edge of the canyon, some fifty feet in de th.
and lowered over the side by ropes, while om
stood with cocked rifle to see that no foul blow
was struck.

Then as they reached the bottom and the loos-
ened ropes tel at their feet. he gave one last

    

  

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.- dam...“

 

The Boy Vigilantes. i 9

 

lofikknnd shouting “New!” turned and left the
b n .
The enemies were alone and chained to-

gether l"

 

CHAPTER IX.

moms.

IN “The Nugget,” which, at this hour in the
morning, was well-nigh deserted. except for an
occasional in-comer, who clanked in noisily,
took his “p’ison " and departed two men were
seated at one of the tables, in low and earnest
conversation.

“ The boy must be silenced,” was what one of
them was saying, he who seemed to be the su-
perior of the two, as might be jud ed from a
certain air he assumed, as well as rem the re-
spect shown him by the other.

“ The manner in which he braved us the other
night, the result of which was the death of two
of our best men and the wounding of another,
has inljured as seriously, and there is much

rumb ing in the gang that we do not take act-
ve measures. W at can you suggest!" ,

“ He has friends who never desert him,” re-
plied the other, “ and who will go straight to
death for him. His plans are so well laid, and
he knows the countr and the men so thorough-
ly, that it must be y some strategy that we
capture him, if ca tnre him we do. What on
earth did the capta u want to leave at this time
for, I wonder?” and with an exclamation of dis-
gust he raised his glass and drained its contents.

“ The captain is (playing for big stakes, and
knows what he is oin so don’t grumble. If
we «angst the boy to save here or force him
to aha on his camp, we shall be all right.
Do you hear anything from Gustini”

ustin promises to settle the matter to-day.
He had a note from the captain which gave
him certain orders and they were to be execu-
ted about this time; but let us go down to the
mine: we ought to find the boys there.”

And the two men, having paid their score,
left the saloon and, mounting their horses, rode
off down the road toward the valle .

After ridin for two or three mifias they tum-
ed oi! at a b dle-path and, following it for some
distance, came to an opening where all was
hustle and activity.

A shaft had been sunk in the solid rock and
half a dozen men were at work, aising b
means of the windlass, the rock emf ore whic
had been dug out below. ’

At sight of the two men who rode into the
clearing the caused from their labors an one
of them, cal ing down the shaft, summoned to
the surface the men hidden there, who, some
twenty in number, soon appeared. _

This was the famous band of King Cole, as
he was called, and it was only as a. subterfuge
that the retended to work the shaft which
was ahso ugly worthless. ,

The men gathered about the late arrivals and
listened eagerly to what was said.

Such words as “ the night sta e,” “ heavy
sum to "pay of! the men at the ‘ ista,’” “one
o’clock, were heard and the men hearing a
warning 1 from their sentinel hidden in
the woods, iseopipeared or resumed their labors
u a stranger r, a into the open space.

 

" I come, sir,” he said addressing the leader
of the gang, “direct from Captain Cole. My
name is—well you would not know‘ me by
name—but when I say to you. ‘Sixrmxty-slx-
six ave.‘ you will probably recognize that I
have sufficient credentials to—”

‘f Enough, sir,” returned the other. ‘ As I
expected you your introduction is sufficient.
What commands have you for me?"

“ None that I can give here. Meet me at ten
sharp with six men for the coach business. Yes,
I know that on see,” he continued as the other
started. “ save the rest of the men in the
shaft and one on guard here to lower the bucket
to them when they are needed—do not delay but
be sure to be on hand on time."

And with no further word the young man
rode of! with no glance back, and after giving
his orders the other followed him.

CHAPTER X.
READING THE CRYPTOGRAM.

WHEN Tom returned to the cabin after giv-
ing the word to Bob and Gustin, he found Jake,
with his head resting on his two bands, which
clutched his hair, poring over the mysterious
paper which had so excited his curiosity.

“ Come here, Tom,” he cried, as the other en-
tered, “ and see if you can help me to decipher
this confounded thing, which, i believe, must
have some bearing on our aflfairs. Sit down
here and let us see what we can do with it," and
drawing up a. stool, Torn seated himself. by his
companion.

Jake had the mysterious document spread out
before him on the table, and Tom looked at it
carefully.

But what significance could be attached to
such an array of figures as this:

“M. 7. 8. 9. 8. 2'3. 21. 6. 8. 1. 7. 16. 2. 19. 27. 16. m. 20.
8. 11. 8. 1. 24. W. 20. 7. 24. 2. 8. 23. 20. NORTHEAST 7.
4. 24. 27 20. 24. 21. is. 3. 9%23. 20. 16.  ZERO 24. 2. [1-

‘ . . . l l22. .8.4.16. KLG. 18.8.].
a). .8. $6136) (6) 16. 10. so.
“No. ."

“I find,” continued Jake, “that of all the
numbers which we have here, the number ‘ 20’
is re eated more than any other. Now I’ve
hear somewhere that the letter‘E’ is used
more than any other, but even if 20 is ‘ E ’ what
further clew have we!” .

“ If 20 is E, Jake,” said Tom, “ try and see if
an other letter can be discovered which pre-
ce as it. There are ten 20‘s, are there not!
Now take the first one. What comes just be
fore it! 26? Now wait a minute,” and Tom
wrote down the alphabet, numbering “E” as
“20,” and numberin the other letters in like
order as they'followe thus:

20,E.21,F. G.28,H.24,I. J.28,K.27L.
M. 20, N., etc. 22’ 25’ ' 28’

“ Now try. The number preceding the first
20 is 26. We have here, for 26, ‘K,’ ‘KE,’
No, that will not do. Try the next one. 27!
That is L. Try the next; the writer must have
used the word ‘ the’ which is one of the com-
monest in the language. What number pro-
cedes the next 20! 23! Hurrah! 23 in my list
is H and 8 must be T, if the word THE u! used
there. It me. be only HE. But let me see.
What is the best number in'your mysterious

 

 

 

 

f‘.
3.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 

" the boy’s story.

n stillness that

 

10 ' The Boy Vigilantes.

 

note? 27? and there are twenty-seven letters in
the alphabet, includin the abbreviation 86,
then— But wait,” and om stuck his nose down
to the table and studied earnestly for a. mo-
ment.

“ What do ‘ M ’ at the beginning and ‘ No. 1’
at the end mean? Can ‘M’ be ‘1’ and so on?
Let us try. We must go to 27 and then—” and
Tom wrote again:

1,M. 2. N. 8, O. 4, P. 6  6 R. 7, S. 8, ’1‘. 9, U. 10,
V. 11, W. 12. X. 13. Y. 14 . {5, &. 16, A. 17 B. 18, C.
19. In. 20, E, 21, F. 22, o. 23, H. 24, 1. 25’, J. 26, K.

C ’ ‘

“ Now, try that, paying no attention to the
‘vnon'rnnas'r,’ and ‘znno;’ we will try those
afterward.”

. With the aid of this key, which was astonish-
ing in its simplicity, Jake wrote rapidly:

“ Msou thfromsmithaketwomilesintheNORTH-EAS
TspileifycuhearZEROln[1-6th] kill ll ljakegetpuperco

r mcto(666)(6)eve."

And this divided into words and properly
punctuated gave:

“South from the Sand Lake, two miles. In the
northeast Spile. If you hear nothin (‘Zero ‘) in
two months (i-fith of a year ’) killlll eke, come to
(666) (6) ave.“

Jake was unconsciously right when he had
said that it concerned him!

But to whom was it directed? It was doubly
necessary to be on his guard, for here was Some
unknown enemy ordering his assassination, and
who knew but the time must now be upl

Like a flash the recollection of the attack of
the morning came to him; and had not he re-
covered the paper from Bob? V If Bob were
faithless, on whom could he rely?

He. even cast a hasty glance at Tom, who was
sitting there, scowling at the threatening docu-

ment, but reproached himself instantly for his.

suspicions.
‘r In a few moments Jake’s countenance cleared
and, turning to his companion, he said:

“ Tom, we have now been together for
months and I have always found you the firmest
friend I have ever known. To aid you in assist—

. ing me to unravel this mystery, I must talk to

you of my early life, for it has influencod my
firesent one. and it is but right that you should
now it. Listen—”

“ Now, Jake,” broke in Tom, heartily, “ your
smrets are your own, and no one has a right to
know them. Keep them, my boy, and we will
endeavor to trace this scoundrel from what I
know now. But,” as a gesture from Jake inter-
rupted him, “it on think it best, go on; and I
wi I did you the st way I know how.”

. And settling back, he prepared to listen to

 

CHAPTER XI.
m “ LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.”

A mumnnous oath broke out on the intense
pervaded everything, as Cole
Crane discovered that the trapdoor was fasten’
ed against him.

, He realized, when it was too late, what a
mistake he had made in not removing the

‘ means that secured the trap, and, stepping

down into the boat; be secured one of the heavy

‘esh can and remounted the ladder.

 

Using the stick as a was on, he endeavored
to better in the door, and ailing in that, the
floor surrounding, but with no result.

The thumping on the floor aroused the girl,
and it was with a. feeling of terror that she
watched the results of the effort.

In a moment the voice of Cole again broke
out, and it was with many a threat that he
spoke: ‘

“Your turn now, my lady; but you will soon
learn how useless it is to brave Cole Crane and
to defy him. Keep your nest, and when I
return my vengeance shall be doubly wreaked
on you for this. Expect me soon, and,” speak-
ing sarcastically and cruelly, “do not, I beg of
youn’venture out; you might wet your dainty

eat!

And with a. chillin laugh he turned and re-

entered the boat, w ich was again rowed oi! ‘

over the waters.

And the girl was saved, for a short time, at
least, for she knew that if he had gone to seek
means with which to effect an entrance, some
time must necessarily elapse before he could
return.,

With an eflort she seated herself at the table
and opened the document be had left with her,
determined to try and lose her thoughts in read-
ing the written words.

After a date and some preamble the document
ran:

"In consideration of these facts I hereby relin-
quish all title and claim to the roperty set forth
below, and (10 also desire to state t at I know of no
person who can be injured by this disposition of the
said property, in brother, Henry Crane, having
died on t 6 14th 0 March last, and leaving me his
sole heir.

“So there being no claim. Ido devise, bequeath
and g ve to Cole Crane, his heirs and assigns for-
ever, all right, title and interest I may have in any
and all property that I may die posseSsed of, be it

real or personal, and, naming the said Cole Crane as '

my executor, do damn that he lve no bond for the
performance of his duties un or this my last will
and testament.”

Then followed a long list of property, the sum
total of the value of which mounted well up in
the millions. the varietyand amount of which
bewildered the V rl who had been sore driven to
earn an honest iving. ,

What could this mean! . .

That some Icrime was intended she well knew,
but she was
would have.

That her father was dead she knew, for,
tracked through the swamp where he had gone
hunting, the dead body of her onl surviving

arent on the da he left her, had on found;

ut her brother ad disappeared, and no trace
of him had ever been discovered.

The home she loved had been sold and she was
thrown on the world, a. helpless child, and it
was only after severe struggles that she had
made a little home fol‘ herself with her pen.

And only this morning she had been so happy
when the post brought her this note:

“Your brother and I have ust landed from a
wrecked shl . Eels seriously urt and cannot be
moved, and canngfiave him. blGet t3 False ficlyinu,

n Meal aspossl can ouw see
your5 brother. Biit hesyten. r y r'

And this was mneth an unfamiliar name:

gnorent what_eifect this document ‘

 

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The, Boy Vigilantes.

 

11

 

but she, forgetting all else in her anxiety to
reach her wounded brother, had hurried to her
destruction.

And here she was at the mercy of a man
who, she knew. hesitated at nothing to ac-
complish his ends.

And as the hours rolled on and she saw no
hope of rescue, her heart tailed her, and, as
toward evening, she again heard the bout up-
proaching she grew wild with fear.

But the craft grated uguinst the steps, a
heavy foot sounded on the planks and with a
fierce blow the building shook as a cruel voice
bade her open, instantly or fear the worst l"

CHAPTER XII.
THE DUEL. ,

As Bob and Gustin were lowered down into
the canyon which promised to be the death—bod
and grave of one or both of them, the innate
cowardice 0f the Mexican was apparent in his
chattering teeth and ghastly-hm d visage.

During the descent, which occupied some lit-
tle time, he endeavored to suggest to Bob that
they should merely feign to engage ’in a duel,
and, when there were no witnesses, should re~
lease themselves and escape.

But Bob was not to be tempted.

“Shut up, you slinking curl” he cried, “or
by the Eternal I will knife you now and run
the chances of a. bullet from Tom‘s rifle."

The Mexican seeing that Bob could not be
influenced, desisted, and. as the most cowardly
will turn when sore pressed, nervod himself
for the coming encounter.

In a moment more they had reached the bot—
tom, and, the ropes being .slackeued and drawn
fromlunder their arm—pits, they awaited the
51 na.

gAs Tom’s voice rung out “ Now!” Bob braced
himself for the coming shock and watched
Gustin, wnrily. ’

The place was a desolate one, and in and out
of the crevices in the rock glided a number of
rattlesnakes, while others luy coiled and bask-
ing in the sun, which was now high overhead.

As the two men stood, with their hands hang.
ing loosely by their», sides, each one clnsping in
his right along, slender, wicked looking knife,
u louder rattle than ordinary sounded just at
Bob‘s feet.

involuntarily he turned his eyes in the direc-
tion of the sound and moved a pace aside.

At the instant Gustin raised his knife and
plunged it at the other’s side, aiming at his
Vitals. ‘

The blow was quick and true, but as it de-
scended, Bob, With equal quickness, interposei
his left arm, and the keen blade, driven with
deadly hate, caught him in the muscles of' his
fore-arm where it stuck.

Almost unconscious of the pain which follow-

‘ ed the stab, the American, taking advantage of

the bending to one side of the Mexican, quick
he thought, sent his steel crunching into the
back of his enemy and gave the heft a side«
long twist which opened a gaping wound and
brought the blood in torrents. _

The loss of his own equilibrium in connec-
tion with the crushing force of the blclw sent

the Mexican. Stumbling to the ground and in l and stumbling forward. he

v

 

falling he wrenched his knife clear of Bob’s
arm.

As Gustin fell, the tightening ’of the chain
which bound them together, dragged Bob after
him, and be, throwing his arm out to save
himself from'a dangerous fall, flung his knife
yards into the air whence it fell with a. clung
onto the rocks, some distance away.

The.American gave himself up for lost, un-
armed as he was, but as the Mexican, with a
gleam of triumphant hate in his eyes raised him-
self on his left elbow and lifted his knife to again
Seek Bob’s life, his muscles relaxed, a. reddish
foam issued from his lips, and as his features
settled he fell back, dead.

The point of Bob‘s knife had reached his
heart, and he was dying when he fell.

The reaction from the stern tension in which
he had held himself was too great, and the
victor in this life-aud-death struggle, inllin
back, insensible, lay beside his victim, to al
appearance as lifeless as be was.

And the minutes rolled on, the sun passed
from over—heed and as the shadows crept over
the bottom of the canyon, the serpents, uncoil-
ing themselves, crawled away, noiselessly, to
their dens, and the two lay there, the living
and the dead. locked in the Steel embmce which
bound them fast. ,

As the rays of the departing sun ceased to
beat down upon him. the noreasing coolness of

the air revived Bob, and with a slow and palm 

ful motion he raised himself, trying to recollect
what had passed. '

The tug of the collar on his neck, as the chain
tightened recalled him to his surroundings, and
in a moment all was clear.

And his first thought was to relieve himself
from his ghastly burden. '/

He recalled, as one recalls the indislinct fea-
tures of. a half-recollected dream, the noise of A
the falling key, which would release him, as it
struck the rocks when thrown down to them;
but where it had fallen he had not seen.

Look in every direction as he might he could

not discover it, and it was more than probable - r V

that it had fallen into one of the numerous '
crannies mid crevices which seamed and split
the rocky bottom of the canyon on all sides.

He was weak and fnint from loss of blood,
and his arm was still and sore and almost use-
less, while a severe wound on his head, made by
the jagged point of rock as he had fallen, gave
him intense pain. r

Yet the indomitable courage of the man as— ’
serted itself, and he staggered to his feet, rais-
ing the cold and clammy corpse of his late com‘
rade beside him.

The walls of the canyon were well-nigh per-
gendicular, yet he managed to ascend them,

ow he never knew.

He relieved himself from the sufioceting
weight of 'his horrible burden, somewhat, b ‘
fastening his belt to the body and slinging it
over his shoulder; but even had he been thus
unincumbered, the ascent would have been:
perilous. 

But at last he reached the summit and mark
a god to crawl to the cabin, where, raising him-
self to open the door, hisstrefifh deserted him, r V

has Lynda

  

 

 

 

  

12

The Boy Vigilantos.

 

the room, where Jake and Tom were sitting,
with the dead bod across his back. _ .
Which was the sad and which the hvmg!

CHAPTER XIII.
A VISITOR.

i‘So you think that this Cole Crane, who is
distantly related to you, is the man who killed

our father in the swamp, and who is at the
head of this band of road-agents?” said Tom, as
Jake finished his somewhat long recital.

“The same man," emphatically repeated
Jake. “But what can have become of him?

 

 Just as we were about to bring our plans to a

focus, and with his capture break up his infernal
{mm}; he disappears, and all trace of him is
est.

“ We must find that out. But what can have
become of your sister, Jake? Have you never
heard anything of her?”

“ Not a word. When I finally escaped from
the swam , which I thought would never re-
lease me, fell sick from exposure and the ter-
rible strain to which 1 had been subjected, and
when I recovered and returned to the planta—
tion. strangers were in possession and all trace
of Mary was lost.

. ,“ I got a clew from one of the old negroes on
the place, and came West, where I found Crane,
who was supposed to be in league with the rob-
hers; but there was no evidence that such was

‘ the case. ‘ .

, “ I believed that in breaking up his band, if

he was connected with them, that I would fur-
ther my own ends, and now everything seems
to be ruined by his disappearance. lf~” _

Jake stopped and sprung to his feet, as did
Tom, as they heard a fumbling at the door.

As they turned and _,watched, the door flew
open, and. “stumbling headlong forward the
form of Bob pitched into the room and fell
gone to the floor, the bloody corpse of the dead

exican clanking after it as the chain rattled as
the fell.

or a moment the two were paralyzed with

horror. and then, springing forward, they raised

M the awful burden from Bob’s shoulder, while'
,v . Tom, with a blow from a hatchet he had snatch-
‘  ed up, shivered the chain to atoms.

.V In a short time Bob was restored to conscious-
ness, and after some little attention and re-
, freshment, Was able to sit up and tell his story

V to the two friends.

His wounds were carefully bathed and wash-
ed, and Jake, his heart smiling him for having
‘suspected the brave fellow of treachery. made
him lie down and rest, while he opened the en-

_ ve’lo e which Bob had given him, and which
had een found on the body of the man killed
that morning. '

The reading of the message contained therein

. ave acruel shock to the ho , for it told him
” hat the bearer was possesse of important in-
formation which he had gathered in the East,
being connected with the detectivo agency to

V' which Jake had written when Crane disap-

peered.

But how was it that Bob had recognized him
as one ofthe band of road-agents?
~." Evidently the brave fellow had become one of
5 them for the purpose of gathering further in-

 

 

rormation, armed with which he was on his
way to Jake, when the unfortunate and fatal
rifle shot fired by Bob bad wrought his death.

While all this was passing through his mind,
another interruption occurred.

In charge of one of the sentinels who guarded
the path leading to the road, came a prisoner,
yhl‘o demanded to be led straight before Restless

a 'e.

As he was marched into the room where the
boy was seated, puzzling over the various
branches of his case, we can recognize him as
the man who had addressed the leader of the .
outlaws at the fictitious mine not long before. '

“ Speak out, sir: I have no secrets from my
friends,” said Jake, as he stood awaiting the
other’s reply.

“I see that you have Watson’s note, Mr.
Crane,” returned the unknown, pointing to the
open sheet of paper Jake held. Where is he
now—but no matter; my credentials are here,"
End producing them he handed the package to

aka.
The latter examined them hurriedly, and
then, ordering the sentinel to return to his post,
beckoned to Tom and the stranger to follow
him, stepped out into the open air, and, seating
himself on a log, motioned the others to do the
some.

Turning to the stranger he then said, shortly
and curtlv:

“ Well?"

The answer came to him liken thunderbolt
from a clear sky, and for a moment stunned
him. '

“Your sister has been abducted, suppositi-
tiously by Cole Crane, all trace of her being
lost. If you would save her you must leave for
New York, innnediately, and pray that you
may arrive in time, for it is a matter of life and
death with her, I fear?” ’

CHAPTER XIV.
AN UNEXPECTED BLOW.

A HEAVY storm-cloud, black as the depths of
Erebus, lifted its inky folds high in the north-
west, hung threatening as a pail, while, seam-
ing it from end to end with a glittering rope of
reddish gold, the lightning sprun from time to
time, followed by the low grow of the threat-
ening thunder. .

As the approaching cloud‘burst gathered in
strength, and drew near with increasing rapid;
ity, the little band, of which Jake was the
leader, one by one, left the cabin in the lear-
ing until none but Jake and Tom remaine‘d.

With a parting word of caulion, the latter,
grasping his friend’s hand. bade him farewell,
and he too took the nth that led to the road,
and the boy was left a one. ,

Alone, but for the two dead bodies that lay so
quietly side by side, covered with the same
blanket, in the adjoining room; for bob had so
far recovered as to be able to go into the town,
and had starqed some time before sundown.

It was an evening full of horrors, hightened
by the uncanny occupants of the cabin; and
when eleven o’clock came. it was with a feeling
of relief that Jake stepped outside, and care-
fully closing the door. behind him, struck at!
into the garnet.

 

 

 

 

 

The Boy Vigilantes.



   

13

 

Owing to the increased rapidity of his move-
ments, it was but a short time before he arriv-
ed in view of the fictitious mine of the outlaws,
and, looming through the darkness, he saw the
shed which covered the Windlass and the mouth
of the shaft.

It seemed deserted; yet of this he had been
confident, rumor having brought to him the
fact that the band occupied a large chamber,

‘ excavated at the bottom of the shaft, aposition

which was weltnigh impregnable.

Amply stored with water. food and fuel, they
were comparatively comfortable, sheltered, as
the mou;h of the shaft was, by the shed built
over it, from the rain and snow.

That there was a man on watch Jake well
knew, and his Object was to silence him if possi-
ble, raise the bucket, and thus trap whatever
men were below, like rats in a cave.

So be, dropping flat on hands and knees, stole
quietly forward, seeking the shadow of the
bowlders scattered about, and as he approached
the shed, redoubling his caution and advancing
absolutely without a sound.

When within a few yards of the structure be
raisedd himself a little, and cautiously looked
aroun .

But as he did so, a thousand sparks danced,

before his eyes, there was a crashing;r and a
rushin in his ears as if Niagara was whelming
him With its flood, and, as a blow from the butt
of a rifle felled him to the ground, a figure
leaped 'on him from behind and grasped him by
the throat. -

The sentinel whom he was stalking, had
stalked him, and he lay apparently at the fel-
low’s mercy.

 

CHAPTER XV.
rim OCEAN‘s PREY.

IN unison with the blow that shook the rick-
etv dwelling, the %irl trembled in every limb.

It was as thou some wild’ beast, ravenous
from hun er, ha returned to its den, after an
unsuccess ul search through the forest for its

rey, and found some timid animal entrapped
in its lair. l

She cast a last look about her in search of re-
lief, but in vain; nothing was to be seen that
promised even a momentary aid.

After the first hoarse summons to her to open
the door, which had remained unheeded, the
voice below had not repeated its call, and all for
a few momen's was still. '

Then came the sound of heavy blows, as if
some one were hammering, and as the noise,
with sundry pauses, mounted higher and higher,
she realized that Crane was endeavoring to
reach the roof. g

And such was the case. _

Having secured a number of long spikes, he
had returned, and was now mounting up one of
the a flea at the corner, which reached to the
tape the cabin, driving the nails as he went
and ash: them as steps on which to climb.

The 3151 looked hastily up.

The trap which led to the roof was fastened,
but the skylight which afforded light and air,
'0 W

 

‘The slidp which secured it was not in place. i
and nothing but the brittle glass protected the "
opening. , ‘

She saw that if she could drag the table to a I
point beneath the light, she could reach and ’
close the slide, and she hurried to put her ‘
thought into execution. 3 '

But the table was heavy and she was frail and
weak, besides which she was trembling like a.
leaf with nervous exhaustion and fright.

Exerting all her strength, she dragged the
heavy piece of furniture towari the center of
the room, and, nearing the spot beneath the
sash, she stopped and climbed up.

Alas, it was too late. , ,

As she turned her face toward the ceilin , a '
shadow fell on the glass, and as she lookeg, a "
scowling face, dark with malignant hate, glared
down upon her. -

It was Cole Crane, and, shrinking with “ 
affright beneath his baleful glance, she cowered .
and shrunk like a wounded fawn. L '

And Crane, raising the hammer in his hand,
dashed it through sash and glass, sending the ;:
splinters in shewers down upon her. _ r ’3

Then, releasing the catch, he raised the frag- . '
meats, and, lowering himself down, dropped ’
on ,the table and from thence sprung to the

 

, floor. 

Paying no attention to the shrinking girl, he ‘"
strode heavily to the trap-door, and, removin
the iron bar, raised the trap and called to his *
companions to come up. ' -

Job and the man who had brought her to this I -'
den, entered the cabin, and without a word '
passed over to the corner of the room and Seated * “
themselves. ' 

“ We will prevent any furthrr escapades‘hn _ 
your part. my lady,” growled Crane. as, grasp- 
ng her by the arm with cruel force, be dragged *
her across the room, where, with the aid of a "
aair of handcuffs. which he placed on her,
wrists, be attached her by a chain to a staple
sunk in the wall.‘ '

Then returning to the table, he picked up
and examined the paper he had left mth her. '

“Not signedl” he hurtled; “but no matter,
we will dispense with your signature and de-'
pend on your word." I

Saying a word to Job, the latter prepared
some coarse food on a plate and with a cup set.‘ .
it down beside the girl, who was intensely:
grateful for the cool draught of water. '

To eat a morsel would have been impossible V
for the muscles of her throat felt drawn and
contracted. -.,

“ It is no part of our intention to starve you,
or to cause you the least ph sical discomfort-,—
if We can avoid it,” he addc as the irl glanced
at her wrist, reddened by the ewe gyves he
had clasped about them.

“But submit to my will you must, or a bitter
and lingeringideath will be your portion. ’

“And you» will be the murderess of your
brother! Hah, you start now, do you!

“ Note this well; if to-morrow a telegram
does not win its way to my faithful agent the
gay after wifi see your brother shot down like a

0g. , .-
“And there is no escape unleu you are Will-
ing to save him. '

    
   

a

 
 

  

in... Boy Vigilantes.

 

  

“You thought him dead—I know that he

lives: curse himl and his life is in my power.

“ Think over this and I will tell you how you

can save him and yourself."

The girl’s agony was doubled.

. I For now her brother‘s life was. threatened;
that brother whom she loved with all of n
sister’s devotion and who, she had often feared,
was dead.

But little time was given her for reflection,
however, for Crane, finishing his consulta-
tion with his aids, rose and came to where
she was chained.

“Now, Miss Mary, an hour is as good as a
day for you to decide in.

‘ ‘You have two alternatives—promise to give
your hand to me in marriage, as soon as we can
tench the city or—you know the result which
will attend your refusnll

“ What is your answer?"

, Rising as hi 'h as her fetters would allow

V her. the slight orm of the girl trembling with

. pride and passion, she hurled her response back

. In his teeth:

“Neverl” she cried. “Sooner death—death
.for myself and all 1 hold dear, than life at
such a price.”

“ So be it,” snarled Crone, as ho glared at his
victim with demoninc fury. “Your blood be
.upon your own head I”

A word to his confederates and they arose,
and, after 0 ning the trap, npprouched the girl
and release the chain from its fastenings in
the wall. , '

One on each side they led her to the footof
the steps where Crane stood awaiting them on

, a. little platform or landing place hulltout from

- one of the supporting spiles.

Here they stopped.

The tide had gone out, and save for the little

.1 channel leading up from the bay the marshes

 r ‘ were here.

» Hissing low the words which, each and ever
one, sunk into her heart like a. barbed and p01-
soned arrow, Crane spoke:

“ In a. minute more, unless you change your
anewer, on will be fastened to yonder post.

“ The tide is out, now, but is on the turn, and
.loon the hungry waters will come lapping in;
hun y for their prey.

“ nch by inch they will rise, striving to in~

' told on in their cold and chilling embrace.

I “ t last they will reach high up to your face,
end kiss your dainty lips with the bitterness of
their alt spray.

_ “ And finally they Will whelm you round

‘" about; they Will steal into your mouth, your
ears, your nostrils, and high as you may lift
 your head, they will climb still higher and high-
 or, until, at length, a final gasp. a final gurgle,

.7; fl and a slow and lingering and torturing death

 v will claim vou for the ocean’s bride.

 “Choosei” - i
If the girl hesitated, it was‘only for amoment.
Cruel as was the fate that threatened her, it

. was preferable to the other alternative, and she

spurned his offer.

» “ Then so be it,” he hurtled, mad with rage.

' The dead was done, the irl was chained

L , immovably, her feet in the ank grass of the

A . mush. which coiled about her ankles like cling-

  
   

  
   
  
   
   
    
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
    
   
      
   
   
    
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
    
 
   
   
 

ing'serpents, while thehoat, containing the three
men, disappeared down the creek, the oar—beets
soundin like the tickings of the seconds which
usheredfiier into eternity.

And soon all was still and nothing was heard
but the soft swish of the waters as the tide
turned and began to flood the bare land.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
run WHELMING WATERS.

THE blow which had sent Jake crashing to the
ground would, in all probability, have ended his
career then and there, had it not been for the
Win ‘ .

A sudden gust, blowing from the north, just
at the moment the blow descended, had caught
the broad brim of his sombrero and turned it
down over the side of his head.

This saved him.

The interposition of the thick felt deadened
the effects of the stroke and,although. for an
instant, he was stunned and dazed, this result
was, but momentary.

Quick as though the sprung to his feet and con-
fronted his foe, made visible at that instant by
a flash of forked lightning.

In an instant they were locked in each other’s
arms, turning and writhing in all the sinuosities
of a. life and—death struggle, neither of them
having the advantage.

There was no opportunity offered to draw
weapon of any kind; each one was too intent on
preventing such action on the part of the other
to attempt it.

Punting they tore at each other with muscles
set like bands of steel and chest locked against
chest, until the flesh on arm and bone was black
and blue and sore from the pressure, yet neither
felt any pain.

Asomewhat larger stone than the ordinary
bowlders which strewed the plain, lay near
where the two were struggling, its presence be-
ing made known to Jake by the lightning.

And toward this rock the boy forced his op«
ponent, who was unaware of its proximity.

The tension was so great that he yielded in
the slightest degree, but this was feta .

Taking advantage of the slight relaxation of
the other‘s muscles, the lad, nerving himself for
a last effort, threw himself with herculean
strength against the other, who tottered slight-
ly backward.

His legs encountered the rock behind him,
and before he could rally himself he fell back-
ward at full length, Jake adding the entire
relight of his body to the force of the crushing

a .

The result was victory for the boy, for the
other was completely prostrate and was nearly,
if not wholly, Insensible from the shock.

Another moment decided the tray, for J she’s
sinewy hands had soon bound the other with his
leethern belt, and, gagging him with his hand-
kerchief, he rolled him to one side, as helpless
as a log.

Then, after resting a moment, and sittin
down to regain his reath, he proceeded, sti
cautiously to crawl under the shed where was
the wind ass used in raising and lowering the

 

bucket in the shaft.

 

 

The Boy Vigilantea.

15

 

This was the only means of ascent and de-
scent which the desperadoes made use of in en-
tering and leaving their subterranean abode,
and it once removed, those inside would be com-
plz-tL-ly trapped unless assistance was rendered
them from outside.

There was no need of further precautions as it
turned out, for the only sentry was powerless
to warn the miners, as they called themselves.

As Jake reached the Windlass, he caught hold
of the handle and essayed to raise the bucket,
but it was fast below and the rope would not
give an inch.

Drawing his knife from its sheath, he was
uboutio cut the strands of the rope and let it
fall to the bottom, when an unusual sound at
tracted his attention, and he rushed out into the
open air.

Far up the valley sounded a roaring and a
tumbling and a crashing as if the very entrails
of the mountain were rent asunder and torn
into a million fragments, while mingled with
this awful turmoil came a shrieking and yelling
as if Pandemonium were let loose.

Glued to the earth for a moment, Jake stood,
and then, turning he fled up the sides of the ra-
vine or narrow valle in terror-stricken haste.

Gras ing vines an rocks, whose jagged edges
out an tore his hands, he clambere for dear
life’s sake, high up the side, and then, as the
walls became almost perpendicular, he dung
and watched.

And rearing its foam-covered crest high in
the air, a black and seething mass of waters
came tearing down the canyon above, it» lea
ing masses ever and anon gleaming into bril-
liancy, as the lightning played (war in: surface.
while the thunder rolled and crashed as if it
would rend the very rocks asunder.

In an instant it had reached the mine, and be-
fore Jake could catch his breath, had swept
away shed and Windlass, while the shaft, one
moment filled with the seething waters, the next
was piled high with stones, and rock, and earth
washed down from above.

The cloud had burst a mile above, and de-
scending on the valley below, had wrought its
awful work of destruction and death. before
Jake could fairly realize what had happened.

And following in its course came the beating
rain, which lashed and stun the boy as he
clung to the rock, drenching him in its xc cold-
ness, and all but tearing him from his ho d and
sweeping him into the hell below.

Dizzy and gasping for breath be hung, watch-
ing the tremendous force of the flood, and hor-
ror-stricken at the awful fate that had over-
taken the bandits.

Yet the very intensity of the storm was its
weakness, for it could not lon rage with the
fury which had marked its brea ing.

In a short time, therefore, the rain had ceased,
the thunder rolled suddenl in the distance, as
the storm-cloud swept on own the mountain-

range, and the wind was hushed as if by magic.
Chilled to the marrow, and drenched through
and through as he was,Jako with difllculty
clambered down the side of the valley until he
reached the beginning of the level.
Reaching the read, he turned and mounted
the bill which led in the direction of Pav-

 

dirt, and after walking for a mile or more,
suddenly stopped and gave a low whistle.

His signal was instantly answered, and Tom
Reynolds, stepping from the hadow of the
trees, spoke to him in a low tone.

Gathering the band of his followers about
him, Jake quickly gave them the outline of
what had passed and then, leaving them
again, they disappearing in the darkness,
walked up the road a short distance and waited I
for the stage. v

Just below him, his men were secreted in'
the forest, awaiting the arrival of the ve-
hicle at the place where they were hidden,
while, still further down the road lay the
band of King Cole, waiting to attack the
coach and rob the mail, the express and the
passengers.

These latter were unaware of the proximity
of the former.

Soon the rumble of wheels was heard and
at Jake’s hail the lumbering vehicle drew up at
the side of the road, while Jake climbed to the
seat beside the driver.

The horses trotted on as the boy spoke a few
wordsto the driver in a low tone, and then a
second stop was made, the men who were wait-
ing for Jake, climbing in and secreting them-
selves inside and in the boot under the mail-
bags, and then the coach proceeded on its down-
ward journev, in the direction of the ambush.

The loud click of a rifl: rung out on the air,
and a. hoarse voice commanded “Halt, and
throw up your hands!"

CHAPTER XVII.
WIPING OUT THE BAND.

AT the abrupt summons the driver reined in
his horses with a jerk, and as ordered, threw
his hands high in the air, as the six men and
their leader stepped out onto the road, each
one with raised weapon.

Silent and grim they stood there, like so
many statues, while the one who seemed high-
est in authority stepped up to the side of the ‘
stage and calling to the express messenger, or-
dered him to throw down his box. '

In answer Jake’s revolver cracked, and the
road agent, reeling in his tracks, dropped dead,
shot straight between the eyes with a bullet
from the boy’s pistol.

At the signal the coach swarmed with men
who appeared from every conceivable direc-
tion and before the band of desperadoes fairly .
realized what had happened they were sur-
rounded aud a dozen rifles covered them. .

Seelng that the jig was up, they soon sur-
rendered and were disarmed and marched of!
into the woods, where Judge Lynch organized ‘
his court.

Tom Reynolds, despite his protests, was unan-
imously elected to preside and the culprits were
arraigned before him. '

There was but one witness, who, offering his
testimony, was listened to in silence.

This was the mysterious stranger who had
ridden to the rendezvous of the highwaymen
and given out the mysterious conntersign “six-
sixty-six six ave.”

He stood there, somewhat apart from the

 

 

13 The Boy Vigilantes.

 

others, and, at a sign from the presiding ofiicer,
told his story.

It revealed in all of its mystery, what was
puzzling both to Jake and Tom in regard to the
mysterious document.

Connected with the detective agency in the

East, to which Jake had written, he had come

out to Paydirt and, after locating the members
of the gang, had become a confidant of Gustin,
and from him learned many of its secrets.

The Mexican was playing a double role; and
while apparently faithful to Jake was in the
pa of King Cole.

he plot in which the latter was engaged was
wide-spread in its ramifications and promised
to pay him well if he succeeded in carrying it

on .

Leaving his lieutenant in charge of the band,
with instructions to only so act, from time to
time, as to keep Jake on the alert, he had one
to the East, where he was playing for igh
stakes, the losers to be Jake and his sister.

The m sterious document had been shown to
him by ustin, and translated. while it was ex—
plained to him that the cahalistic words “ six-
sixty‘six-six ave ” were those used as a pass-
ward by the gen and related to King Cole’s
head-quarters in ew York city.

Another member .of the detective force had
this clew given to him by the speaker, and as
the latter had disappeared for a short time
owing to a slight accident, the other had fears
treachery and had, after capturing Gustin,
started for Jake’s camp with the proofs taken
from the Mexican.

As he ceased speaking a terrible stiliness fell
over the gathering, which was at length broken
by the stern voice of Tom Reynolds as he asked:

“Gentlemen, you have heard the evidence
which proves that these men are directly con-
nected with the band of King Cole: are they
guiltv or not guilty 1”

“Guilty 1” rung out the voices of the jury, as
if but one man had spoken.

“ And what shall be their punishment?”

“ Death I”

The arrangements were soon made.

The outlaws Were stationed beneath the
spreading limbs of an immense oak, and a noose
was tightened about the neck of each one.

Their hands were bound behind them and at
a given signal they were swung into the air,
where they hung twisting and turning in ghast-
ly array. - ,

Justice had been done, and the band of King
Cole was forever broken up.

It seemed a cruel and arbitrary proceeding,
but such is law in the West.

When the party had arrived at the road, Jake
and Toni exchanged a hearty hand-shake with
each of the band, and bidding them farewell,
climbed to the top of the stage, accompanied by
the Eastern detective, and with a wave of the
hand, disappeared down the road.

But as they swept down a deeper descent than
ordinar‘y, the driver iving free rein to his
team, t are was a su den lurch, a sickenin
plunge to the right, and as the front, 011’ whee
rolled from its axle the coach gave a grinding
crash, and falling to one side, overturned with

I a tremendous Jar.

 

' Jake and his two companions, who were talk-
ing so earnestly that no thought of their sur-
roundings occupied them, were pitched high in
the air. and falling on the hard road beneath,
lay, completely stunned.

The shock was tremendous, and the sudden
stop age of the coach brought the team to a
den . halt, ’inid the breaking of traces, the
crashing of glass and the oaths of the driver.

The boy was the first to recover his senses,
and stunned and confused as he was, set him-
self to work to bring order out of chaos.

In this he was quickly successful. for the
well—trained horses, accustomed to the voice of
a 'master, were soon quieted, and stood, trem-
bling, with the broken harness streaming all
about them. ,

The driver and Tom were found to be nnhurt,
 tihe express messenger had been instantly

l e .

The detective was disabled by a dislocated
shoulder—joint which, while it gave him serious
pain, promised to soon heal, and being quickly
pulled into place and bound with a rude sort of
surgical skill, relieved him somewhat, yet left
him helpless.

A short consultation was held.

Any dela would be fatal, and there was not
time to has tats; so commending the wounded
man to the care of the driver, who took matters
yery philosophically, being accustomed to such
incidents, and who consoled himself with an
extra nip—the two friends, Tom and Jake, bade
them adieu, promising to send assistance from
the next station.

Stiff and sore as they were. they urged on
their horses and soon reached the small town,
where they were to change horses, and ac«
quainting the employes with the accident,

they quickly procured two fresh horses, better"

e nipped for the journey, and sped on.

twas a wild ride and one which the two
friends often recalled in after life, but they
reached their journey’s end without further in-
cident, and galloping to the nearest stable,
found that 't ey had ample timetoprocure a
much-needed meal before the departure of the
train. ' ‘

Congratulating each other upon , the success-
ful termingtion of their journey, the two
friends prepared themselves for their some-
what exten ed trip; and as the train rolled into
the depot they were on the platform awaiting
its arrival.

And so two brave hearts are on their our-
ney to rescue the poor victim of Kin Jole,
who is in sore need of their aid and, assmtanoe.

Will the arrive in time!

We sh see.

CHAPTER XVIII.

m mmonr ATTACK. A

Ann so at len h, the two friends had
reached civilization, and its accom niments,
and were fairly on their way to the t.

But even the rapid speed at which they were
moving seemed slow to Jake, who burned with
an eager anxiety to reach his destination.

An it seemed as if they were destined to
reach their Journey’s end without further inter.

 

 

“it

 

 

 

‘5':

co
,be

The Boy Vigilantee. ‘ 1')

 

ruption, as the day passed on and nothing oc-
curred to break its monotony.

At last the sun set far in the west, sinking
behind the Rockies in a blaze of glor , and the
shadows of the night began to stea over the
prairie.

Suddenly there was a jolt and a jar, as the
brakes were rudely applied, and the train came
to a dead stop, with no warning whistle from
the engine to denote that they had reached a.
station.

Jake, who was seated on the inside, raised the
window, which the cool air had forced him to
close, and, leaning out, looked ahead to see
what might be the cause of their stoppage.

A bright light, and the leaping flames and
smoke that rose just in front of the en ine, at
first glance, gave him the impression t at the
prairie was on fire, and had injured the track.

But this idea lasted but a moment.

Gathered just on the edge of the circle of
light, shed by the fire, stood several figures, and
shining among the crowd could now and then
be seen the glint of the steel barrel of a rifle.

As he looked, there was a put! of escaping
steam from the engine, for the engineer, seeing
that the way in front was blockaded, had
bravely determined to back the train down out
of danger.

But the desperate men who had planned the

' robbery of the express-car and passengers,

were not to be balked in their designs.

At the first move he made, as his hand grasp-
ed the throttle-bar, a report rung out on the
stillness of the night, and, still grasping the
iron, the engineer fell back dead. two more
bullets piercing his body before his life had
fully sped.

A figure leaped into the circle of light, and
springn into the cab, etc the movement
of the w eels, as they were eginning slowly to
revolve, and push the train backward.

But the act was also fatal to himl

Crouching in the tender, and sheltered from
the view of all the onlookers, the fireman was
concealed, a mere led, the brother of the en-
gineer who had just been murdered.

Unseen, he could see perfectly all that he
pened, and he knew that the man who was
the cab and whose hand was on the lever, was
the one who had fired the first shot, which had
proven so fatal.

His blood boiled, and regardless of any dan-
ger that he might undergo, he sprung from the
toot-board into the cab, grasping in his hand
the short and hes hammer he was in the habit
of using to break t 0 larger lumps of coal, aim-
ing a crushin blow.

Catching, him just above the right ear, the
head of the hammer tore through his scalp and
descended on to his shoulder, with all the crash-
ing force which the muscular arm of the lad,
aided with the intense rage, hate and despair

elt, could give it. ,

Halt stunned, the despeme reeled and fell
over on the seat, blinded by the gushing blood.
and his arm rendered useless by the terrific blow
on the shoulder:

His eyes blazin with that lurid light which is
so often seen to d ate the pupils of a maniac’s
orbs. the lad sprung on him. his left hand grasp-

 

ing the chain and swinging open the furnace
door as he did so.

Inside the fire was blazing and seething, and
the md’ss of coals at white—heat sent forth a
blistering glare that was almost unsupportahle.

Yet the boy heeded it not.

Gripping the arms of the prostrate man in a
clutch that sunk into the flesh as if it had been
wax, he 'erked the body around until it lay
with headI toward the incandescent mass below.

A quick push, and there arose a yell that
made the blood of all hearers to curdle and chill
like ice.

There was the singe of human hair, the sicken-
ing smell of roasted hnmm flesh, and as the
wretch, powerless to aid himself, sunk further
into the furnace, his eye-balls, distended by
steam, burst from their sockets, and he fell to
the bars below and was quickly consumed out of
all semblance of humanity.

And as the open door threw a broad lare
upon the boy who had so fearfully avenge his
brother’s death, a dozen rifles cracked, and the
lad, sinking prone to the floor of the cab,
crawled to the dead body of his brother, and en-
twining him with one arm, the other banging
broken at his side, laid his head upon his breast,
and with a long, low moan, died.

In answer to the'fusilade which arose and
wrought the death of the boy, a. solitary re-
sponse came. '

It was from the express car, where the mes-
senger had barricaded himself, and whence, it
being next to the engine, he had plainly wit-
nessed the tragedy which had just occurred.

His revolver spoke out defiance and betokened
his determination to resist to the last. and al-
though his bullet did not seriously injure any
one of the robbers, yet it caused a commotion in
their ranks and roused them to decisive action.

So, scattering in the darkness, they repared,
at a given signal, to attack from all) sides at
once.

The train was well filled with assengers,
most of them being “ tenderfeet, ’ as late-
comers from the East are called, and, with but
few exceptions, they were completely terror-
stricken.

The two friends, during what had passed
and which had taken scarce a. minute, had
risen from their seats and each one drawn one
of his hear revolvers from their belts, as

uietly as i they were about to engage in a
riendly shooting-match.

This action on their part made them central
figures, and toward them the other men drew
as to their leaders. '

__.__

CHAPTER XIX.
A BRAVE DEFENSE.
TURNING, Jake addressed them.
“Gen tlemn, I’m a-goin’ to take a. hand in
this ar scrimmage, an’ so is my friend. ~
“ ill you jine us, gentlen'leniW ,
Immediately there was a chorus of exclama-

ons.
“ You bet!”
" Sart’in l"
“Ball in, young ’un, we’ll see yer through,"
and the like.

a
ii
4

 

The Boy Vigilantes.

 

Jake hastily surveyed the group, and in an in-
stant formed his plans.

“To the top of the cars, every man; Tom,
you and I to the express car; you others divide.

' “And there, lie low, keep cool and we Will
lick twenty times our number.

“ Scatter I”

And taking the lead, the boy plunged out of
the forward door, leaped onto theircn railing
and thence, reaching up to the edge, quickly
clambared to the roof, closely followed by Tom.

There were, including the express car, four
coaches in the train, and this allowed two men
to devote themselves to the defense of each car.

The men stationed themselves at each end of
all the cars so that; by slightlyleaning over,
they could command the platforms and doom
below, while thoroughly protected from the at-
tack of the others.

The band of robbers was composed of, per
haps, twenty men, and their plan was to place
.a guard at each door while two went through
each coach robbing the passengers of all they
could get.

Halts-dozen were to attend to the express
car, while the rest were to walk up and down
the length of the train, discharging their rifles
.and revolvers with the intention of intimidat-
ing the passengers.

Scarcer had Jake and Tom reached their
.- Ositions on the forward car than the tusilade
‘ gan. and the men detailed for the purpose,
separated from the rest and, proceeding toward

. :tlio latforms to which they were assigned,
clim up the steps.

As each trio reached the doors, they were to
give a signal by discharging a shothand the
general fusilade was to begin, outSide, and
was expected to confine the passengers to the
cars and prevent their endeavoring to escape
through tho windows.

The desperadoes reached the latforms of
their respective coaches, and the ash from the
leader’s heavy “ Colt ” was followed by a 'dull
report which sounded sullenly on the still air of
the prairie. .

Nothing could be heard, before the startling
crack of the revolver, but the throbbing of the
injector as the water was pumped into the beiler
from the tank behind.

‘ But, as “thud” of concussion broke. on the
ears of the frightened passengers, the night he-
came hideous with the yells and hurtling cries
of the bandits.

The darkness became lurid with the flames
which leaped from the weapons of the surround-
ing mob and, as the smoke arose in sulphurous
clouds, lhe scene became one that reminded one
of the pictures painted by Dante In his “In-
ferno.”

But not one of the thieves gained access to
the carsl _

Scarce had the hands of those who Wished
to enter and murder and rob, touched the knobs
of the doors when, like when; from heaven came
the leaden hail from above.

The roofs, overhanging the platforms, pro-
tected those on the platforms immediately be-
low from the shots of those just over them, but
they were at the mercy of the men on the root

opposite.

 

 

In the taillight which streamed on them from
the plate glass in the car doors, there was noth-
ing to save the would-be robbers from the fate
they so richly merited.

A thud on the steps which were soon stream—
ing with blood, was followed by another and
another. and as the bodies of the men thus hur-
ried into eternity, fell to the ground below and
rolled down the embankment, the little band of
defenders gave a wild yell, and turned their at—
tention to the men who surrounded the train.

The leaden missiles buzzed and bummed and
sung on their wicked errands as though enjoy-
ing their work and in nearly every instance
each bullet found its billet.

No human beings could stand such a murder-
ous storm as was showered on the band, and
with wild oaths, yells and imprecations, min-
gled with shrieks of pain, such as yet possessed
the power fled into the chaparrnl which lined
the track, and the glare from the furnace shed
its rays only on the wounded and the dead.

Knowing that when they moved oi! the sur-
vivors of the fray would return to the aid of
the wounded, the train, hearing the dead bodies
of the engineer and his brave brother—for the
body of the cremated man who had shot the
former was long since consumed, moved off
over the prairie, Toni being at the throttle-bar,
and Jake acting as fireman. ,

CHAPTER XX.
'rwo BLOWs AND A KNOCK-DOWN.

AS the 11 P. M. train pulled into the Grand
Central depot in New York the rain was falling
in torrents. '

But few passengers ordinarily arrive by this
train and the immense station was comparative-
ly deserted, while outside a solitary cubman,
in shining rubber coat, stood by his horse, look-
ing as uncomfortable as a half-drowned rat and
much resembling one in appearance.

The tfaiii havmg drawnlup at the latform, a
scatterin of the passengers took p ace, many
of them urryin to the root of the station to
secure an vehic e which might be on hand.

The solitary cabmiin met with many urgent
requests from various persons, and was offered
much more than his ordinary fare to conduct
passengers to sundry parts of the city, but in
each case refused, his refusal being courteous,
but firm. K ‘

“Regrets, gen’lemen: but cawn’t do it. Much
as my place is wuth. Boss gi’n me strict or iers
to wait for two gen’lemen W’ot's comin’ from
Sheecargo. Mister Crane an’ Mister Reynolds,
an’ I must wait.”

The latter part of this was delivered in louder
tones than usual, as his keen eyes discovered
our two heroes issuing from the exit, carrying
their grip-sacks, and dressed in a somewhat
more civilized garb than when we last saw
them; a short stay in Chicago having enabled
them to replenish their wardrobes.

Their names being thus loudly and publicly
mentioned could but attract their attention
and as it was their wish to ride to the hotel
which Jake had selected, they naturally turned
to the only carriage in sight.

The fact that their arrival was e cted gave

’ instant being to those innate IDBchlODB which

 
    

3?

  

 

 

i
4

 

I

The Boy Vigilante:. 1 19

 

necessarily lurk in the bosom of every dweller
upon the plains.

Constant watchfulness and a brain ever on
the alert, are the only safeguards that a man
has in that Wild and lawless region.

But on this occasion it was best to grasp both
horns of the dilemma, and boldly advance to—
ward the solution of the mystery which thus
abruptly and unexpectedly confronted them.

Jake, the usual :spokesman, addressed the
man:

“ My friend, I understood you to say, an in-
stant a 0, that you awaited the arrival of
Messrs. nolds and Crane.

“ How d d you happen to expect us, and who
sent you here to meet the train?"

“I thought you was the gents, when I see
yer a—comin’ out or ther deepo,” obsequiously
returned the driver, touching the brim of his
dripping hat, and walking to the shelter of the
overhanging roof with the friends.

“Cap’n, here‘s a note that’ll explain evory-
thin’, I guess: an’ if you‘ll read it ’cordin’ to
my gction, you’ll find that it’s all 0. K. ker-
rect.

A few moments sufllced for the perusal of the
short document.

It purported to be from the chief of detec-
tives and stated that the man who had been
burnt in the stagecoach accident had tele-
graphed details and of-tho departure of the two
friends.

One of his men in Chicago had notified him
of their arrival there and the train they had
taken east; and the driver of the cab was one
of his trustiest men, who had instructions to
drive them to his house immediately.

The whole business looked a little “fishy,”
but after deliberating and consulting a moment
the two comrades decided to risk it and brave
any dangers that might present themselves,‘as
they, together, had confronted many another
in the valleys and on the pine-clad uplands of
the Centennial State.

So, jumping into the cab, the door of which
was held wide open by “Gabby,” they rattled
off at a great pace, splashing through the pools
of rain-water that lay in the roadway at a gait
that proved that the “Chief” was as good 0
judge of horseflesh as he was of men.

The drive seemed almost interminable to the
more restless r"om; but Jake, more familiar
with New York distances, took the matter more
philosophically.

He was, however, getting somewhat impa-

tient, particularly as he did not recognize the

locality through which they were now driving.

Lowering the window on his side, he was

aboutto ask the driver where the were and
how much further they had to go, w en the cab
drew up to the curb and stopped.
' At the noise of the wheels grating against the
curb, the door of the house in front of which
they had sto ped opened, and an officer in uni-
form came own the steps, his brass luttons
glistening in the dim ra s of a street lamp,
which stood at the corner ard by.

He opened the door of the cab, and touching
his cap, addressed the inmates by name, addin
that the chief was in his roOm up—stairs. an
would be pleased to seem them immediately.

 

The two jumped out, the cab-door was slam-
med, and as the horse moved off under direc-
tion of the driver, they folio“ ed the an er into
the house, past an angle in the hall.

As they turned, with a suddenncss which was

as unexpected as it was rapid, a blow descend- .

led onto the head of each of the two boys, crush-
ing Tom to the floor and causing Jake to reel
and fall against the banister. which alone sup
ported him, for he was insensible.

They had fallen into the trap which had been
set for them, and were in the hands of a foe
who was as cold and pitiless as the salt sea
which now surrounded the cabin where Mary
Crane awaited the death prepared for herl

The villain triumphed, while the boy and girl
seemed doomed to a certain death!

CHAPTER XXI.
ONE SOLITARY MATCH.

“ TAKE that carriou to the top room,” Order.
ed a cold, sneering voice which, re ressed as it
was, still scarce concealed the exu tation in its
tones.

“ I will attend to them when I return—and
now, Job. come; we will go and see if my tender
Mary has at relented ;” and turning without a.
second loo at the boys, he strode o , followed
by his evil spirit. _

His minions, following his orders, lifted the
lifeless bodies of the lads, without knowing and,
indeed, without much caring whether the tre-
mendous blows that they had received, had
killed them, or merely rendered them uncon-
scious of what was passing. _ _

Step by step they mounted flight after flight
of the rickety stairs which le to the upper
stories, until, finally, they reached the top floor.

 

Here they paused, and one of their number,

taking from his pocket a huge key, unlocked}
door which ave access to one of the rooms,in
the rear of t 0 building, and the rest, following
him into the room, flung their burdens down on
a pile of gunny sacks in one corner. .

A last glance, b the light of a dim lantern,
showed them stil breathing stertorously and.
oblivious to all their surroundings.

The door so ung heavily on its hinges and
banged with aloud clung as it was closed; the
key grated harshly in the lock as the bolt shot
into its socket, and then the footsteps descend-
ing the stairs sounded fainter and fainter,
gradually dying away in the distance.

At length, after some little time had passed,
a louder sigh than usual fell upon the air, and
soon Jake rose up on his elbow, with some diffi-
culty, for be was still dizzy from the shock. and
looked around in vain endeavor to pierce the

loom.

But without success, for not even a glimmer
of light showed in which direction the Windows
in , if windows, indeed, there were.

he feared to move, not knowing but that he

might be precipitated down some pitfall or’

tra prepared for them.

if.) therefore laid back and endeavored to col-
lect his thoughts.

Soon all came back to him as one recalls the
dim memories of a dream and all was plain.

The recollection of how he had been trapped
stuns him as would the barbed arrow of one of

- , m ‘ may a.

is:

 

 

 

    

20

The Boy Vigilantes.

 

the red warriors of the plains, and he started to
his feet with a spring, his strength fully re-
stored.

The thought of any danger that might befall
him was forgotten, and his only idea was escape
and revenge.

And Toml where was he!

The heavy breathing of some one near caught
his attention, and sinking to his knees, he cau-
tiously felt his way in the direction of the
sound.

Suddenly his hand encountered the face of a
man, and he started back, fearful lost it might
be one of his guards.

But no movement on the part of the sleeper
denoted that he had been disturbed, and Jake
resumed his investigations.

The first object’ his hand encountered estab—
lished the sleeper’s identity beyond question,
for Tom were In the folds of the heavy silk
handkerchief which served as a scarf, apecu-
liarly-shaped bit of silver ore, which his pick
had encountered one day while on a prospecting
tour in the Gunnison region.

A whole weight was lifted from Jake‘s breast
by this discovery, and as he could hear no fur-
ther signs of human presence in the room, he
concluded that they were entirely alone.

Laying his hand on Tom’s shoulder, he shook

him heavily, but succeeded in awakening no re—
spouse.
Another fear then overcame him—a fear that
the assassins, whoever they might be, had mor-
tally wounded his friend with their sand-bag
blows.

But how to discover this; how learn their
whereabouts, and how aid his friend?

These were the three questions which stared
the boy in the face, and seemed to him as me-
mentous as any that had ever confronted him,
even during the most- perilous hours of his
Western career.

The first wish was for light, and this, happily,
he was not long in rocunng, as he had a small
box of wax tapers in his pocket, purchale for
“Pure Charity’s sake," from a poor girl in Chi-
cago, he having given her fifty cents for them,
and asked no change.

Truly he had cast his bread on the waters,
and it had returned to him before man days.

To think was to act, and he felt in his pocket
for the box, which he soon found and opened.

It contained but one matchl

This was a terrible sin ck to him, for of what
avail would the tiny flicker prove, in view of
Ill that depended upon it? .

For many minutes he hesitated, and, finally,
when he assayed to strike the spark his fingers
trembled so that, from verv eagerness, they
could scarce erl'orm their office.

At length 9 named himself and with a bold
eflort struck, strongly and surely, when there
was a slight snap and fizz and the little beacon,
which pointed out hope, and perhaps liberty,
burst into flame.

A hasty glance around, and an exclamation
of joy reached his lips, but was quickly sup-
pressed for fear of listeners.

“An exclamation of joy," for, lying almost
at his very feet was a piece of candle, which,
havng probany grown too short for the lan-

 

tern in which it had been used, had been thrown
out and replaced by another and longer piece.

The wick spiuttered and foramoment refused
to burn, when, just at the instant when the
taper fell from the scorched fingers of the lad,
it glimmered into a tiny flame and then burned
steadily.

His first thought was of Tom.

Placing the candle carefully on the floor and
in such a position that the wind could not
reach it, Jake went to the window, and opening
it, held his handkerchief outside until the rain
had saturated it thoroughly.

He then returned to his comrade and placed
the cold cloth on his forehead.

The tflecb was instantaneous.

Tom roused himself and regained his senses
in a moment.

“ Well, old boy,” he said in something of his
old manner, though weak, and smiling faintly,
“ We’re in a box, ain’t we? A little more water,
Jake, and I’ll be all right.”

The clock in some distant steeple rung out two
booming strokes as they talked, and, the rain
having gradually Caused, the stars began to
shine out and the moon from time to time peep—
ed through the clouds.

The lads had thoroughly examined everynook
and cranny of the room in which they were
confined, and found no means of exit save the
door, which was securely locked On the outside.

There were two windows, but the distance to
the street below was frightful, they being in the
sixth story.

But evidently, if the were to escape. it must
be through these Win( ows, yet the mere idea
seemed madness, for how could they possibly
reach the groundl

Yet these lads were as full of ideas as their
wins of the bounding blood of youth, and they
merely awaited that the moon should give a lit-
tie more light before putting their plan into ex-
ecution.

And soon the moment of action came

The boys had passed some time in tearing
into strips, and braiding some of the gunny
sacks onto which they had been so rudely
thrown and now had a stout cord ten or fifteen
feet inJength.

This cord Jake took and, wrapping it around
his body, tied it firmly.

Their little morsvl of candle had long since
died out, the room being now lighted only by
the faint rays that came into the windows from
moon and stars.

And with a silent prayer Tom, standing erect
on the sill of the window, gras d the inside of
the frame firme and whispere to Jake: '

u Ready in

 

CHAPTER XXII.
’rwrx'r HEAVEN Ann EARTHI

THE room in which the boys were confined
was next to the roof, and it might have been
practicable to remove some of the shingles and
thus escape, had any tools been at band.

At the word from Tom, Jake, climbing to the
sill, leaned on his comrade’s shoulder, and, for
it moment. peered down into the darkness b0-
0'.

    

  

 

“it:

4'

 

F-w-u

._.‘ gr—

 

 

 

The 'Boy Vigilantes. ' 21

 

The distance was terrible, and the thought
that the slightest trembling of the nerves, the
least weakening of the muscles, would pre-
cipitate him headlong, caused him to hesitate,
and with a shudder, draw back.

But the innate bravery of the lad reasserted
itself, and cautiously and carefully he began to
climb up on to Tom’s shoulders, the latter
bracing himself with a grip so owerful, that
it seemed as if his fingers woul sink into the
wood they grasped. _

Slowly and cautiously, as one knowing that
the most trifling false move would end in his
being dashed beyond all semblance of humanity
on the pavement below, Jack climbed the
human ladder that led to freedom and liberty.

Tom stood like a rock, and, aided by the
stone casing of the window, Jake at length
stood erect, with one foot on each the broad

shoulders of his support, clinging like afly t0-

the frail and slippery support in front of him.

Then, as carefully as a man in a strange
place gropes his way in pitchy darkness, cling-
ing with one hand, he raised the other high
above his head, and outward where the tin
gutter that caught the rain, hupg above him.

He grasped it, and, with-a faint exclamation
of fear, a slight ejaculation of hope that the
frail support might hold, he swung oif into the
air, grasping, as he did so, the edge With his
other hand.

The metal creaked and bent with his weight,
and there was an ominous crack, as if the whole
construction were about to give way and hurl
him into the street below. I

But it held, and condensing all of his strength
in his arms, he endeavored to draw himself up,
but the nervous tension had been too great,
and the terrible exhaustion which succeeds a
severe nervous strain was upon him.

Once, twice, thrice he essayed to raise himself
and each time dropped back- to arm’s-length,
weaker after each eilfort.

The cruel tin cut deep into the flesh, and his
flugersyhecame drawn, and torn, and bleeding
and nervele'ss.

It seemed but a uestion of seconds, now and
the boy ictured to imself,with all the quic ness
of an e ectric flash, his bod whirlin through
the air and dashed beyon all sem lanes of
humanity on the stones below.

Just as he was about to unclasp his fingers,
having closed his eyes with a sickening feeling
of horror at the cruel fate that was about
to overtake him, Tom’s cheery voice rung out,
all thoughtof listeners or any other danger than
the confronting one being lost in this supreme
moment of life and death:

“Place your foot on my hand, Jake, and one
more effort for Mary and vengeance!”

And swinging himself far out of the window,
he placed his broad palm under the boy‘s so ing-
ing foot.

Like a galvanic shock the words roused Jake
to new life and strength, and with one herculean
effort, aided by a mighty push from the young
giant beneath, he threw his breast over the edge
of the gutter and then easily wriggled onto the
roof.

It wasauarrOWeScape. and Jake lay prone

\

 

.md half-uncenscious. hardly yet recovered
from the frightful scene his mind’s eye had
pictured to him, scarce ten seconds before.

But this was no time for weakness, and Jake
was soon on his feet, and prepared to act his art
in the life dramain which he was so impor at
a character.

Uncoiling» the cord from his waist, he looked
about him for something to which to fasten it.

Close by him rose a chimney‘whicb, though
not very arge in circumference, was just what
he wanted.

Securely fastening one end about this, he
leaned over the edge and dropped the other to
Tom, who, still standing on the window—sill,
awaited his further movements in silence, yet
with that intense anxiety which naturally over-
came him at this desperate moment.

As the end of the cord swung down, he
grasped it, and without an instant’s hesitation,
swungtif Into the air and began to climb, hand
over hand, the short space which separated him
from the gutter. ,

As he drew himself up there was a crunching
and a‘ grinding sound, and looking, he saw that
the sharp, jagged edges of the tin were cutting

, through the strands of the frail cord which
held him, as the biting saw eats into the fiber of ‘

the wood. .

But with one lift he reached the top, and as
his right hand grasped the edge of the gutter,
the cord, still grasped in his left hand, parted,
and left him swinging by one arm alone.

But this was a small matter for such a pow-
erful fellow as was Tom Reynolds, and drawing
himself up, he swung onto the roof as lightl‘y as
an athlete pulls himself over the bar on w iich
he is performing.

The building on the roof of which they stood,
was on the corner, and was separated from the
other warehouses on the same street, by a nar-

row alley, just sufficient for the passage of one

wagon at a time.

This alley or passagewa , used b drivers
wishing to load or unload a the sid 001', was
from eight to ten feet wide.

On term flrma, and under ordinary circum-
stances, this would not be much of a leap, yet
to make it in the dark, from the roof of one
six-story building to another, requires extraor-
dinary nerve, particularly when the jump must
be made under the deceitful light of the moon
and stars.

Yet this was the only means of escape that
presented itself, for they dared not break
through the skylight, and descending the stairs,
force their way out through the mob below.

For they possessed no was one, the pistols
that the had worn in the est, and which,
during t eir journey, they had carried in their
sachels, still remained in them, and were he-
aw in the hands of the men who had attacked

em.

Thinking of this, Jake turned up the collar of
his coat and felt underneath, and a sigh of relief
escaped him as he felt the little bundle of bank-
notes that he had secreted there.

And then the two prepared for the leap,
which was, indeed, a veritable “ Leap for Life.”

The leader in this, as in all other enterprises.

 

   

  

 

 

vWE-Ktivb‘w: ‘ 1

 

 

28 r The Boy Vigilantel.

 

Jake. stepped back a few paces. judging the
distance as well as he could, and taking a few,
weltmessured steps on the run, jumped.

The building on the other Side was alittle
lower than the one on which they were stand-
ing, and covered with a composite roof of

revel and tar, and on this surface the boy
anded as lightly and as softly as if it had been
covered with the green sward of his western
prairies.

But not so Tom.

Hurling himself through the air as if flung
from a catapult, he shot onto the roof, “ all of a
heap,” and plowing up the gravel with nose,
hands and knees, looked, as Jake put it, “ likes.
gravel-pit struck by a c clone.”

This little incident brought out a hearty
laugh, and as Tom gathered himself together,
the two boys were in better spirits than they
had been since they had. reached the city the
evenin, before.

The ong row of buildings now stretched an
unbroken expanse of roofs before them and they
hurried along, looking for some means of reach-
ing the ground.

This was soon found in the shaft of an iron
flre-escnpe,consisting of a series of balconies
and ladders, and again using the cord, or what
was left of it, they succeeded in reaching the
upper balcony, in descending the ladders, in
ariiving at the wet sidewalk and proceeding up
the street without further incident.

Ilurrying along, Jake noting the name of
the street on a lamp, for future reference, they
were soon cheered by the sight of an all-night
restaurant, where they were soon seated before
a. substantial meal, bring well-ni h famished,
talking over their adventures in a ow tone and
laying their plans for the morrow.

CHAPTER. XXIII.
AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE.

ON the day following these events, three per-
sons were seated in a small office in one of the
buildings on lower Broadway, in a deep and
earnest conversation.

They were the two boys, who, entirely re-
stored by a hearty' meal and long sleep, showed
but few traces o the narrow escapes they had
recently 1had.

The third was a man well on in the forties,
who would be remarked wherever he went, so
commanding was his aspect, so keen his eye, so
magnificently deVeloped his figure.

The mysterious document which had fallen
into Jake’s hands, had some time before been
carefully examined and now one of the chief‘s
best men was down among the shipping, look-
ing for a claw to the mysterious “ Sand
Lake." .

The word “ spile” in the cryptogram led the
chief to infer that reference was had to some
point along the sea—shore, but search the ma as
they would, no such place as _“ Sand La 8”
could be discovered.

Suddenly the detective sprung to his feet
with an exclamation which sounded very much
like is suppressed oath.

“What a. fool I am!" he cried. “Here we
are wasting pl‘LCiOUS time, while we might be
gatingw ‘

 

\

 

'“If; as I believe, this ‘Sand Lake’ is a small
Village somewhere in the vicinity, the Post-
Oflice Guide will tell its whereabouts.”

And grasping the book he turned over the
leaves so rapidly that there seemed danger of
tearing them from the binding.

In a moment he had found it and located the
place on the map, although it was not given on

he chart, the hamlet having sprung into exist-
ence very lately, or not being thought worthy
of mention.

But, what they had discovered was sufficient,
and the three, seizing their hats, started down
the stairs, three at a time, the Chief appearing
as eager as the boys in his haste.

Tom, the awkward, flew out of the door like
a tornado, and collided, as he reached the side-
walk, with a seafaring man whom, bulky as he
was, he nearly knocked off his feet.

At sight of him the Chief stopped short, and
called to the two boys to wait; but it was on]
with great difllculty that he could persu 3
them i0 do so.

Grumbling at what they thought unnecessary
delay, the boys rmnounted the stairs and enter-
ed the rivate oflice.

The oor being locked the sailor removed his
cap, and with it his wig, when the two lads
stood open-mouth with astonishment.

Could this rough-looking sailor be the same
elegant, refined, stylish-looking gentleman
whom they had met that morning, and who had
been detailed to visit the shipping and’ obtain
the desired information?

Yet it was and his news was most important;
for they learned the surroundings of the place
“ two miles south from Sand Lake," and that it
was inaccessible from the land side.

And urther, they learned that this “house
on stilts,” as it was called by the oystermen and
fishermen, bore no savory reputation, and that
anything that transpired there must necessarily
be of a dark and bloody nature.

The Chief just then recalled an important
engagement that would prevent his joining the i
expedition, but desired his subordinate to attend
the boys and lace himsalf entirely under their
direction, whi e acting as their guide.

Then arming Jake and Tom from a erfect
arsenal of weapons, which was contains in an
adjoining room, he gave each a hearty shake of
the hand and bade them “ God-speed.”

Arrived at the train which was to hear them
to the south shore of Long Island, they were
quickly aboard, bound for a station where they
could procure boats and sail to the “Wreckers’
Hut,” as it was sometimes called.

The time dragged heavily, yet they at length
arrived, and hurrying to the wharf, succeeded,
with the aid of the detvctive, who seemed a
veritable tar, so fluently did he speak the slang
of the sea, in hiring a sloop which, if she was
not very pretty, gave promise of speed.

In the language of her skipper:

‘;”She"s as humly as an old shoe; but she can

0

But the breeze—the breeze! Would the wind
never spring up and enable them to get to this
accursed spot where the detective, in the con-
versation of the morning, had said that the girl
must be confined! ”

 

i
i
i

‘5 ,
1‘

 

 

    

Lira”; _;-:

 

 

 

   

 

The Boy Vigilantes. I 23

 

At length aline on the water far in thesouth-
west showed that wind was coming, and soon
the sail was up, the jib hoisted, and as the wind
caught the canvas, the Emma keeled gently
over and fell off on her course, due east.

The few milesihat lay between Blankportand
the cabin where King Cole was wont to hide his

' villainies were half traversed, when, lying in

an inlet, was seen a. trim<built yacht, of small

' size, and capable of being managed by two

men.

“ Purty smart sloop,” remarked the skipper.
“ Belongs to Mr. Cole Crane of New Yor—’

“ What!” almost shrieked Jake, whi!e he and
ii‘om sprung to theirfeet, the detective being be-
ow.

“Run alongside, or, rather, heave-to. I’ve a
word to so to that gentleman; come, Tom.”

And as t e boat’s head came around into the

wind and, her jib being let go with a run, she ;

lay, with her sails flutterin , the boys jumped
into the dinkey which [owe astern.

There was not a sign of life aboard the little
vessel, and for a moment, Jake’s hears failed
him, as he thought that she might be deserted;
but he was seen re-assured by seeing the row-
boat belonging to her, float alongside.

Quietly the little boat drifted up to her side
and quietly Jake sprung on deck and, a revol-
vcr in each hand, hurried to the door of the lit-
tle cabin, which opened from the cock-pit, and
contained two berths.

Each contained a sleeping man, and as Tom
joined him, the lad leaped like the cougar on
its 1grey, upon the occupant of the starboard

un .

In a. moment the struggle was over and the
two men lay helpless under Tom’s revolvers
while Jake, returning with some ropes he had
picked up on deck, securely bound them until
they resembled logs more than men.

Leaving Tom on board, Jake rowed backto
the Emma, and, informing the skipper that he
had met friends on.- board the “ Crest,” as the
yacht was called. dismissed him with a hand-
some fee and bade him return to Blankport as-
suring the detective that he would see him
either that evening or the following day at the
main ofl‘lce.

And returning to the “Crest " he and Tom
got the sails up, and as the “iElla” beat her
way a ainst the wind to her hnven, the little
yacht ow, with a favoring breeze, toward the
‘House on Stilts." 1

CHAPTER XXIV.
BESCUEDI '

JAKE and Tom paid not the slightest atten-
tion to the two men who were groaning and
cursing in the cabin; but while the former
manuged the helm the latter kept a sharp look-
out ahe;:d with the jiohalliards in readiness to
let go at a moment’s notice. .

The evening was coming down and through
the twilight objects on shore loomed indistinct
and half-seen, as one sees a ship sailing by in a
heavy f0 .

Sudden y, gloomy and weird, raisin itself
aloft like some gaunt skeleton through t e dank
mist which was rising from the marshes as the
cold sea came in contact with the warmer land.

 

 

loomed the outlines of a building which seemed
to be the one of which they were in search, and
at Tom’s hail, the boat was brought up and the
anchor dropped.

Jake had skirted as near the shore as he
dared and had run into every bay that he came
to, and now the “Crest” lay rocking on the
smooth waters of a little harbor. the mysterious
mansion lying a quarter of a mile or so inland.

The fact that Lole Crane and his companion
were in the vicinity, confirmed Jake’s belief
that his sister was confined in the house, so after
once more carefully examining the ropes which
bound their prisoners, the lads again leaped
into the row~boat and pushed oil, Tom handling
the oars.

Urged by his powerful strokes the little craft
fairly sprung through the water, while Jake
leaned far over the bow, peering eagerly at the
building for some signs of life or human pres—
ence.

But what was. this that he saw glimmering
through the darkness that seemed like some

hostly inhabitant of the dwelling, who, stand-
mg on the water, apparently, awaited the com»
in of the visitors?

guddenly, as the mist for a moment lifted
and spread, he saw, in all its cruel nakedness,
the horrid crime that had been perpetrated. '

It was yet too far to the house to distinguish
the features of the figure, yet his heart and his
fears told him that it was his sister.

At the sight he for the moment became a ,
raving maniac, and had Cole Crane been just-
tben under the boy’s hands, the latter would
have spared a second to beat the life out of the
cur, e’en though his sister was perishiug before
his eyes. "

“ Oh, God,- Tom,” he groaned, in a hoarse,
strained voice, that was so unnatural that Rey~
nolds was startled beyond measure.

“Pull, for Christ’s sake, pull, and save my
sisterl” '

The broad chest heaved, the veins in his tem~
ples stood out like whi ~cords, and as Tom threw
his wei ht onto the as en sculls, the boat leaped
out1 of t e water and sprung forward like a tor-
na . 0.

Another stroke, and then another, and at the
third the ear in his right hand broke short of!
at the thole—pin, while Tom fell back with a cry
of despair.

Yet those three mighty strokes had done their
work, and as the our snapped, Jake, standing in
the bow, lea d into the water, and, half-walk.
ing, half~sw mming. knife in hand. reached his
sister’s side, out the thongs that bound her, and
lifted her high in the air, just as a tiny wave
came lapping up against her fresh young lips.

Three seconds more and they woul have
been too late!

. In a moment Tom was by Jake’s side, the'lat—
ter standing shoulder-(lee in the water, and
the young girl was carefu ly laid in the stern-
sheets, wrapped in Tom’s coat, where she lay,
half-unconsc ous. I

As the strong young arms of her brother had
lifted her far beyond the reach of the clutching
ocean, she had half-opened her eyes and rec
nizing her brother, had closed them again, wh' e
a look of ineirable eoutent stole over her lace.

 

 

 

 

24 The Boy Vigilantel.

 

as she realized that she was in his arms.

There wasa spare oar in the boat, and the
“Crest” was soon reached, the girl lifted on
board, and, the two men being nnkod out with
as little ceremony as if they ha been chunks of
wood, Mary was placed in the cabin, and a little
fictitious strength being given her by a mouth-
ful of brandy, she was able to rvmnvo her wet
clothing and crawl beneath the blankets.

There, overcome by the terror and mortal
peril of the past few hours, and by the long im-
mersion in the water, she fell into a deep slum-
ber, which Was the best physic her fragile frame
could receive.

For a few moments her slum hers were broken,
and she started up in terror as she saw, in im-
agination the ingulflug waters creeping toward
her; but .lake was always there, and potted and
soothed her into quiet, until finally, as the stim-
ulant she had taken began to muke itself felt,
and the warmth of the blankets stole through
her chilled frame, she slept, turning over with

> a sigh of content as she fully realized her
safety.

Carefully arranging the fire in the little
stove that it might burn for some time Jake,
quietly closing the cabin door, rejoined Tom,
who was sitting in the cock-pit, occasionally
giving vent to his rage by administering a
‘vTicious kick in the ribs now of Crane now of

ob.

Jake came out, stern and forbidding in as-

c .

PeThe events of the past few hours had aged
him more than years of tranquil case would
have done, and he was now a Man: the boy had
passed aWay forever.

He was more than ever fit to command and
Tom was struck by the change in his friend’s
manner, which, however, he could but admire.

In a few words he directed ’l‘om what to do.

The night was yet quiet save for the soft
wind which was yet blowing from the south-
west, but far in the horizon lay a long black
cloud, which foreboded a storm before the
morning.

Althou h there was no indication of present
danger, t e boys—for such still lh€y were in
years—hove the other anchor overboard to pre-
vent any possibllity of the vossvl dragging.

She had by this time swung bowsnn to shore,
showmg that the tide had turned, and was now
running out and both J she and Tom shuddered
to think what the cold, glassy waters would
now be leaving uncovered had they not arrived
in time.

The sails having been lowered and all made
sung, the two men, King Cole and Job Yarton,
were lowered into the boat, and Tom and Jake

uslied of! from the side of the yacht, which
ay gently rocking on the sheltered waters of
the little bay.

And the breeze sung a lullaby as it murmured
through the rigging, while Mary slept sweetly
on, saved from the fangs of the wolves who
‘would have wrought her death.

nun——

 

 

CHAPTER XXV.
RETRIBUTION.

ONGE more King Cole returned to the scene
of his former deviltries. but under what dif-
ferent auspices from his former visits!

Then he was the “ monarch of all he sur-
veyed,” and now there was “ none so poor as to
do him reverence.”

Did he think of the oar-beats that had ticked
out the seconds that beat the gir’s life into eter-
nity, as he had last rowed away?

r

did the thought strike him that these thuds '

of the ash a ainst the wooden pins were mark-
iii time for is march to death!

hatever his thoughts he kept them to him-
self; and, indeed, since their capture, neither he
nor Job had uttered one word, and their coun-
tenances were as impassive as if they were
totally unconcerned in what was passing.

Arrived at the raised dwelling, Jake passed
the painter around one of the spiles and then
pushing the boat around came alongside that
upright which was mentioned in the cipher
writing.

After alittle search he discovered a piece let
into the side, which he pried out with his knife,
disclosing a small cavity cut in the spile.

' In this were two packages, carefully tied upin
Oiled-silk, and these Juke placed carefully in
the bosom of his shirt.

Then turning about, he addressed Cole Crane.

“You are now about to suffer the punish-
ment you merit, for the many crimes you have
committed. I

“You destroyed my mother’s happiness and
broke her heart by basely maligning my father
-—as true and faithful a husband as ever stood
before altar.

“ You murdered my father in the Louisiana
swamps, and only Withheld your fire from me
because you thought that I would soon die of
starvation.

“You abducted my sister, fearing lest she
might some day find a protector who investiga-
ting her aflairs would discover your forgeries
and how you were enjoying m father’s wealth.
which rightfully belonged to h 3 children.

“ You caused me to believe that sister dead.

” You organized a band of stage robbers, in
the West and added to your Eastern crimes by
Wesltgrn atrocities which surpassed them in
crue y.

“You plotted through your tool Gustin, to
assassinate me, and placed his reward in one
of these packages ’ —touching his breast—-
“ marked with his name.

“ And finally, oh, cruel crime, worthy of the
most barbarous nation on earth! you exposed
myOSister—that fair child—to a torturing, lin-i
genng death, for what reason I know not, unless
it was that she would not aid and abet you in
your wicked schemes.

“And for this you shall diel

“Die as you condemned my sister to die, in
the cold and olommy embrace of the sea.

" You know what to expech—preparel”

And then the innate cowardice of the villain
broke forth in cries and supplications, in prayer:
and entreaties. ,

Begging Harry. as he called Jake. to remem-

 

Acme-weer?" “ r- f ‘

Jai'g 5mmzmfl’ ,

 

 

 

 

Mi

..,H‘....sn.-a+;av«r~é*‘ '

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

The fioy Vigilanten. 25

 

her that he was his father's brother; begging
him to shut him up in a narrow cell for life.

Begging. him to take his all, but only spare
lfiim his emstence, and appealing to Tom to save

1m.

But Jake was inexorable as fate and Tom had
no sympathy for such cowardice.

And soon the shrieking man was bound to the
same spile that had held Mary in its vicious em-
brace, w1th ins head just high enough to receive
the last waters of the incoming tide.

And with Job still lying in the bottom of the
boat, the two comrades returned to the yacht,
the shrieks and cries and entreaties and curses
of the bound man following them fainter and
more faintly, until finally they died out in the
distance. .

Loaving Blankport on their lee-bow, Jake
stood on until he reached a harbor a few miles
to the eastward, and bringing the craft skillfully
up to the dock, which was now deserted, he
rapped on the door and awakened his sister,
who was completely restored.

The refreshing sleep had done wonders for
her, yet she was too tired to ask uestions, and
willingly took Tom’s arm to wal to the hotel
near b , as Jake requested, while the latter re-
maine on board.

As soon as Tom and Mary were beyond ear-
shot, Jak‘e, steeping, cut the cords that bound
Job and bade him rise.

After a few efforts the latter, chafing his
wrists and ankles to restore the interrupted cir-
culation, stood up, and in a gruif and uncom-
promising; voice growled:

“ Weill ’

“ You heard what I said to Crane, and saw
the punishment I meted out to him, and . proba-
bly expected the'same fate.

‘ In sparing you, I had an object.

“Blood is thicker than water, and I cannot
punish my own uncle as 1 would a stranger, no
matter what his crimes.

“I have so timed things that you can easily
reach and release him; he has had his lesson by
this time.

“Take the Crest and do so; but an to him
that within a week he must leave merica,
never to return, or he will be arrested and
tried for murder, and there are plenty of proofs
that will convict him. ,

“I know that he has ample means for you
both; if it will do him any good to know it, 1,
for my sister and in self, forgive him.

“As for you—wel , you are his tool, and not
entirelynresponsiblo.

And leaping ashore, Jake disap eared in the
direction of the hotel, having oas ofl the bow-
linea and allowed the sloop to pay oil before the
w n .

Beatin up bravely against the wind, which
freshene ever
staggered stea ily on and at just about half-
gtgodu ’tido arrived opposite the “House on

i .

The little bay was sheltered from the wind
and waves in every direction except due south
and from that quarter the gale was blowmg
with tremendous violence, sending the waves

rolling hixh‘on shore and making their influence

moment, the little “Crest”

 

felt far up the inlet where King Cole was
fastened to the spile.

It was with the utmost difficulty that Job got
the “Crest” head to the wind and then, leaping
forward, he let go his anchor and let go all the
halliards with a run.

Then, faithful to his master, he leaped into
the little boat which rocked dangerously, and
at out to the rescue of King Cole.

As he came in view of the latter the sight
was a pitiful one, for the salt spray came sing-
ing on the wings of the wind, stinging his
face like the lash of a thousand whips, while
his mouth, his eyes, his nostrils were burning
and scorching beneath the brim}! shower.

Half unconscious as he was he would have
fallen but for the bonds which supported him.

AsJob came tohim and, leaning over, cut
these cords, Crane dropped like a. dead man
into his arms and lay acrossthe gunwale of the
boat an inert mass.

And as the little craft swung further under
the shelter of the building there was a lull in
the storm, and then, yelling and screeching
with a thousand-fold force the tornado burst,
and striking the edifice, carried it to the water
as if it had been built of cards.

Beneath the jagged and mangling timbers the
two companions in evil were crushed and ground
beyond all human semblance, and the waters
rising high, swept away every vestige of habi-
tation from the spot-of the “ Crest," not a
trace was to be seen.

King Cole had expiated his crimes at last!

' EPILOGUE.

ON returning to the city the lads found that
the house where they had been confined had
been raided, and all of the inmates captured.

No. 666 Sixth avenue had also been visited,
but nothing of importance found there: it being
Crane’s private apartment, where he acted the
gentleman of means.

The papers found by Jake in the spile proved
beyond question the right of himself and his
sister to l he vast inheritance left by their father,
and which Cole Crane had so long enjoyed.

Of the latter they never heard a word. so that
Jake, or rather Harry Crane, as he must now
be calledz is to this day ignorant of his fate;
which is Just as well as he was partially instru-
mental in bringinii about.

Harry resigned is share of their mine to Tom,
despite the latter’s protests, and the latter be-
came comparatively wealthy, and when he
asked Mary the all-important question a year
afterward, she did not say to him nay; but pro-
mised to become Mrs. Reynolds at no very dis-
tant day. . .

 

 

Bob—Brierwood—is a thriving merchant in
Leadville, having been started by the two boys,
and nevar tires of telling of his duel in the
can on. ’

ar is not yet married; but rumors come
from aria “of a. little Californian beauty of
whom he is enamored and there may be a wad-
ding soon, iu which enact the principal charac-
ters will be Harry Crane: but whom Mi-
Frisco insistsoncalling DETECTIVE JAKE.
THE END.

 

 

 

 

   

‘  PflPillil 

Each Issue Complete.

Price. Five Cents.

 

3. ’ This New Library will give only the Best Work of the Best Writers in POPULAn AMERICAN ROMANCE.

Each and every issue will he a bright, strong, markedly original work, produced expreSSly for the series
by special order, and wrought up to the. hlgln-st standard of popular story excellence.

Its field will cover the wide scope of Wild West, Border, Mining, Ranching. Detective. Secret Service
City and Sea. Life, and thus maintain, as a Library, an interest at once varied and commanding.

As no interior or amateur production is admitted to the schedules, so everything of a questionable or
vitiating character is studicusly excluded. Therefore, with the trade as well as with readers, BEADLn’s
Popuma Lrsmmv is certain to win a wide popularity, and become one of the standards in the literature

for the people.

1 Dandy Dick, Detective; or. The Still Hnnt atf

Burnt Match. By Robert Randolph Illmnll.
2The Three Spotters; or, Running.r Down the
Rogues. By Mnrcus Ii. Waring—“Sergeant
Mark."
’ 3 Cowboy Chris, thoMan of Calibermr, Hot Times
in‘l  Hole. By Win. West \Vildcr-“ Wyoming

,1 ' .

4 Dana
. Perm isle Pocket. By Robert Randolph Inman.
‘  5 The Street Spotter’s Weird Hunt; or. The Angel
' ' of the DUCKS. By Marcus H. Waring—~“Ser-
eant Mark.”
G ustang Merle. the Boy Rancher; or. Old Joe
Bundv's Wipeoub. By Maj. Sum S. Scott.
. 7 Flip Fred. the l‘ack-Peddler Prince; or, The
'." Witch of the Black Swamp. By Edward Lytton.
’ " 8 Cowboy Chris to the Fore; or, Scourgini: the
Scour re of the San Juan. By Wm. West Wilder.
9 The Tlrec Spotters’ Dead Mystery; or. Biondc
Bert of Brick Alley. Bv Marcus H. Waring—-
“ Sergeant Mark."
10‘Dnndy Dick Ilccllyed‘ or, The Terrible Tussle at
 ‘ ' Satan‘s Delight. By Bobcrt Randolph Inman.
 11 Bustling Rob. the Tram )‘si Protege: or, The Mas—
 ter of the cedars. By ‘dWard Lvtton.
12 Mustang Merle's Mine; or. Do ores Dick and
, Pard. By Maj. Sam. S. Scott.
a». ,‘ 18 The Three Spottcre’ Duel in the Dark- or, The
: \ Thile and Trailers of Gotham. By Marcus H.
“hiring—nu Sergeant Mark."
14 Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar; or. The Battle of tho
$ue ,JGDJIS. By Wm. West Wilder,-—-“ Wyoming
ill ‘

Dick's Double; or, The Severed Head of

 

W- 15 Lightning Lo w, the Behind-the-Scenes Detective;
 or, The Square Sport‘s Secret Trust. By Red-
"1 mond Blake.

Die {‘5 Decoy; or. Tile Rousing Time at

L‘ » 10 Band
 Bong lvtllld‘Tll mble. By Robert R. lumen.
17 Billy Bub, the Double Prize Detective; or, Old
Arsenic‘s Secret. By Edward Lvtton.
18 Mustang Merle’n Merciless Foe: or, The Accursed
Brand. By Maj. Sam  Scott.
19 The Three Spotters’ Hot Heat: or. Running
Down the Red- Handed Sport. By M. H. Waring.
90 Cowboy Chris. the Desert Centaur; or, Hawking
' for the Human Hawk. By William West Wilder
21 Lightning Leo's Luck; or. The Rats of the River
1 By Rodmmd Bloke.
E Dandy Dick's Deed-lock; or, The Last Round at
Nip~'n‘—Tuck. By Robert Randolph innlan.
24 Lion Heart Lee. the Lakeside Detective: or,
Saved [1 the Skin of his‘Teeth. By F. Fort.
a! Bullion rat, the Giant Grip; or, The Ruction at
Git-Thar. By Edward Lytton.
25 The Three Spotters’ Convict Client; or. A Dead
Man’s Device. By Marcus H. Waring.

 

 

  

26 Mustang Merle’s Mandate; or.
War Saddles. By Maj. Sam S.

27 Detective Frank‘s Full Flush; or. Dodger against
Dod er. By Charles Morris.

29 Dan y Dick‘s Defense; or, The Invisible Seven
of Imperial City. By Robert R Inmnn.

29 The Detective Quartet; or, Suicide, Murder, or
Accident? By '1‘. W. King.

30 Cowboy Chris. the Vengeance Volunteer; or, The
Death Hunt Perils. By Wm. Weso Wilder—
“ Wyoming Will.”

81 Poor-House Pete, the Postal-Clerk Detective; or.
The Precious Putt-inmlly. By Edward Lytton.

82 Prince Philip. the Camp Spy; or, The Thugs of
Triple Butte. By Albert Cecil Gaines.

33 F‘Ihorty Dan, the Sidewalk Prince. By Charles

orrls.

34 Dandy Dick's Dragnet; orA Seining the Invisible
Six. By Robert Randolph lumen.

35 Lion—Heart Lee’s Lottu'v; or, The Lakeside De-
tective’s Life Lay. By Frank Fort

36 Mustang Merle-‘9 Fight forLife‘ or. Captain Silver
Bulb’s Oath. By Ma‘. Sum S. cott.

37 The Three Spotters‘ nst Lay; or, The Neck-and-
Neek Camgaign. By Marcus H. Waring.

38 Cowboy C ris’ Last Cam nign; or. The Grand
Ronni—up at Robinson's nch. By Wm. West
Wilder.

3i) Roderick, the Rover; or, The Voyage of Vengem
ance. By T. J. Flanagan.

40 Dandy Dick‘s Desperate Device; or. Prince Rich-
ard in Double Guise. By Robert R. Inman.

41 The League of Seven: or Sam Sharp‘s First Case
Bv Edward Gaines Burnes.

42 Mustang Merle‘s Hieh Harvest: or. The Three
Pards’ rand Wind Up. By Major Sam S. Scott.

43 Jubilee Joe. the Chain-Lightning Detective; or.
The L‘lmh in the Wolf’s Den. By Chas. Morris,
E. L. Wheeler. J. C. Cowdrick and others.

44 Wild Bill’s Weird Foe“ or, The Mystery of Moan-
ing Gulch. By Wm. West Wilder.

45 Foxy Fred, the Keener; or, Bagging the Sand-
bagzer Trio. By Marcus H. Waring.

46 Dandy Dick‘s Disciple; or Jingo Jack, the Boy
N emwis. By Robert Ran olph Inman.

47 Lightning Lew. the King of the Secret Service;
or, Sam Sharp‘s Big Score. By Edward Gaines

Burnesu
48 Wild Bill's Sable Pard; or. The Pirates
ful Pocket. By Wm. West Wilder.

For sale by all newsdealers at five cents per copy,
or sent, post-paid, on receipt of six cents each.

BEADLEAND ADAMS, Publishers,
98 William street: New York.

Wi ing Out the
Scotrt’.

of Peace»

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents.

 

1 Deadwood Dick, the Princn of the Road. By E.
L. Wheeler.

2 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. By
Buflalo Bill.

8 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. By
001. Prentiss Ingraham.

4 The Double Daggers; or. Deadwood Dick’s De-
fiance. By Edward L. Wheeler.

6 The Two Detectives: or. The Fortunes of a.
Bowery Girl. By Albert W. Aiken.

6 The Prairie Pilot; or, the Phantom Spy. By
Buffalo Bill.

7 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

8 Anteln e Abe, the Boy Guide. By 011 Coames.

9 Ned ylde, the B y Scout. Bv “Texas Jack."

10 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By E. L.

healer.

11 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss
Ingra mm.

12 Nick 0’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. By
'1‘. C. Harhaugh.

13 Yellowst-me Jack; or, The Trapper of the En-
chanted Ground. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L.
Wheeler.

15 Diamond Dirk: or. The Mystery of the Yellow-
stone. B 001 mol l rentiss Ingraham.

16 Keen-Kiri e, Prince of the Prairies. By 011

Common.
l7 gaegon Sol, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. By J. F. C.
3

am . -
18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.
19 Lasso Jack. the Young Mustangnr. ~By Oll
Coomes.
20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger.
By Harry St. George.
31 The Boy Chwn; or, The Queen of the Arena.
B Frank S. Finn.
22 'l‘ 9 Phantom Miner; or Deadwood Dick’s Bo-
,nanza. By Edward L. Wheeler.
‘28 The Sea-Cat; or The Witch of Dorian. By Capt.
Fred Whittaker,
24 The Dumb Spy. By.Oli Gnomes.
25 Battling Rune; or. The Night Hawks of Ken-
tuck . By Harry St. George.
26 Old valanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild
Edna, the Girl Brigand. By E. L. Wheeler.
27 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.
C. Adams.
28 The Bo. Captain; or. The Pirate’s Daughter. By
Roger btarbuck.
29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt.
F. Whittaker.
80 Rob Woolf. the Border Rufl‘lan. By Edward L.
Wheeler.
81 Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By
T. . Harbaugh.
32 Black John, 'he RmdvAgent; or The Outlaws’
Retreat. By J osc h E. Badger, Jr.
83 Omaha 011, the ll asked 'l‘crror' or, Deadwood
Dick in Danger. By E. L. the er.
84 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. By Geo. E. Lasalle.
* . 85‘The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By
A. C. irons.
38 The White Buffalo. By George E. Lasnlle.
87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr . the Boy Phenix; or, Through
tn Death. B Edward L. Wheeler.
88 Ned Hazel, t e Boy Trapper. By Captain J. F.

0. Adams.
89 Defiidly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo

~40 Nick Whii‘fles's Pet' or, In the Valley of Death.
By Capt. J. F. (J. Adams.
41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; 01-, The Pards of Flood
‘ Bur. 3513.2me Wheeler. ,

 

 

42 gho Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By 0]]
oomes.
43 Old Hickory; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry
St. George.
44 The White Indian: or, The Scouts of the Yellow-
stone. By Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.
45 Buckhorn Bill' or, The Red Rifle Team. By Ed‘
ward L. Whee er.
46 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
47 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers.
By W. J. Hamilton.
48 Dandy Jack; or. The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail.
By T. C. Harbough.
49 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard.
By Jose h E. Badger, Jr.
50 Single {and; or, A Life for a Life. By W. J.
Hamilton.
51 Patent - Leather Joe; or. Old Rattlesnake the
Charmer. By Philip S. Warno.
52 The Border Robin flood; or, The Prairie Rover.
By Buflful l Bid.
53 Gold Rifle, tho Sharpshooter. By Edward L.
Wheeler.
64 Old Zip’s Cabin: or, A Greenhorn in the Woods.
By Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.
55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By 011
Conmes.
56 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.
J. Hamilton.
57 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane. By
Edward L. Wheeler.
58 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. By 011
Coomes.
59 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea Wolf.
B Col. Prentiss Inirraham.
60 A )e Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken.
61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward
L. Wheeler.
62 IWill iSomers, the Boy Detective. By Charles
err s.
63 go: Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W.
I en.
64 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the
Gulch. By Edward L Whe lcr.
65 Lightning Joe the Terror of the Prairie. By
Capt J. F. 0. Adams.
66 Kit Barefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. 0. Bar-

augh.
67 Rollo, the By Ranger. By Oll Gnomes.
68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosehub Rob on Hand.
By Edward L, Wheeler.
69 lDieteotive Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. By Chas.
arms.
70 Sure Shot Seth, tha B.>y Rifleman. By Oll
oomes.
71 Sharp Sam; or. The Adventures of a Friendless
Boy. By J. Alexander Patten.
72 The Lion of the Sea' r, The Veiled Lady 01 San
Tropez. By Albert W. Aiken.
73 Ph tograpn Phil: or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappear-
ance By Edward L. Wheeler.
74 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detec-
tive. By Charles Morris.
75 island im; nr, The P t of the Family. By
Bracehrldge Hem yn .(Jack Harkawa ').
76 Watch—Eye. the Sim ow. By E. L. heeler.
7? Dick Dead—Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Colonel
Prentiss Ingraham.
78 Deadwood Dick’s Devic" or The Sign of the
Double Cross. By E. L. hee or.
79 The Black Mustanger; or. The Wild Horse Eun-
ters. By Carlntain Mayne Reid.
80 Old Frosty he Guide. Bi! T. 0. Harbaugh.
81 The Sea Viper; or, The idshlpman’s‘loegacy.
By 001. Prentiss Ingraham. .

 

 

 

 

 

riflv,  -‘ :w:  



r

M m

   

 

 

 

 

v.

 

 

 

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

82 Seth Jones: or, The Captives of the Frontier.
By J. S. Ellis. '
83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L.
Wheeler.
84 The Dumb Page; or, The Dnge’s Daughter. By
Captain Frederick Whittaker.
85 The Boy Miners: or, Tue Enchanted Island. By
Edward S. Elli.-, .
86 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Brucebridge
Hem ng. .
87 The ussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell
Gate. By Col. l‘remlss Ingrabmn.
88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange
Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler.
89 Bill Biddon. Trn )p r; or, Life in the Northwest.
By Edward 8. it 11$.
90 TiDDV. the Texan; or, The Young Champion.
B George Gleason.
91 ll iistaug Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos.
E. Badger, Jr.
92 The Ocean Bloodhound; orz the Red Pirates of
the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce.
98 Phil Hardy. the Boss Bc '; or. The Mystery of
the Strong lOld. By Char es Morris.
94 Deadwoo Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheel' 1'.
95 Buck Buckrmn; or, loss the Female Trapper.
By Cn ptain J. F. C. Adams.
96 Gilt-Edge Dick. By Edward L. WhPl'lC‘P.
97 £110 Black Steal of the Prairies. By James L.
owe-n.
98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe.
By J uau Lewis.
99 Bonanza Bill the Non Tracker; or, the Secret
Twelve. By . L. Wheeler.
100 Not Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive.
By E. S. Ellis.
101 DaringF Davy. the Young Bour Killer; or, The
Trail of Ihe Border Wolf. By Harry St. George.
102 The Yellow Chit-f; or. The IIalf-b‘lood’s Ven-
geance. By Cd t. \layne Reid
103 Chip. the Girl Sport By E lward L. Wheeler.
104 The Black Schooner; or. Jib Junk, the Old Tar.
B Roger Srarhuck. I
105 andsome Hurry,the Boolbluck Detective. By
Chm-195 Morris.
106 NiL'ht—Hawk Kit; or, TheDaughter ot the Ranch.
lly Joseph E. Budge-r, Jr.
107 Jack Hnyl -’s Lead: or, The Road to Fortune.
By Edward L. Wheeler.
108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the \Vhite Mustanger. By
T. C. Hai‘bnugh.
109 The Brandrd Hand; or, The Man of Mystery.
B Frank Dumom.
110 T e Dread Rider; or. The Texan Duelist. By
George W. Browne.
111 lit)§€)l3011), the Ki:.g cf Bootblacks. By Edward
L. ’ le‘ 91‘.
112 1‘thrlpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
113 Scar-Faced Saul. the Silent Hunter. By Oll

Coomes.
114 Piney Puul, the Mountain Boy. By T. 0. Bar-

bau h.
115 Deafiwond Dick‘s Double: or. The Ghost of Gor-
. on’s Gulch. By Edward L. Wheeler.
116 abez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Re-
ons. By Capt. F. Whiltm er.
117 [may Frank of Colorado; or, The Tmpper’s
Trust. By“ Bumslo Bill."
118 Will Wildfire. the Thoroughbred; orI The Win—
ning Hand. By Chas. Morris.
119 Blonde Bid: or. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base.
By Edward L. \Vln'elor.
120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Har-

__

ban h.

121 Hargry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By
Brac'ehridge Hemyug (Jack Harkuwayg.

122 The Haunted Hunter; or. The 8‘ range orseman
of the Prairie. By Edward S. Ellis.

123 $311101 inn], the Boy Road—Agent. By Edward L.

ee *r.

124 Jud e Lynch, J32; or. The Boy Vigilante. By T.

c. ifixbauzh.

-'~

l

125 The Land Pirates: or, The League of Devil‘s
Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0‘ Day Boys of
Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont,

127 Tony Fox. the Ferret; or, Boss Bob‘s Boss Job.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

128 Will Wildfirc‘s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds.
By Charles Mom is.

129 E: fle Kit, the Boy Demon. By 011 Coomes.

130 Go d Trigger. the Sport: or, The Girl Avengers.
By T. C. Harhaugh.

131 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big
Stril. o. By Edward L. Wheeler.

132 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E.
Badger, Jr. V,

133 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du-

mom.
134 Ilgiquerx-y, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas.
(mm.
135 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked

Party. By Edward L. Wheeler.
136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton
Holmes

137 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G.
Waldo Browne.

138 Bob Beckett. the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris.

139 The Black Giant; or. Dainty Lance in Jeopardy.
By Jos. E. Badger. J r.

140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents.
g); Philip S. Warne.

141 ew York Nell, the BoyAGirl Detective. By E.
L. Wheeler.

14? Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By 011
Coomes,
143 Dead] Dosh; or. Fighting Fire with Fire. By

Jos. . Badger, r.
144 Liltle Grit, the Wild Rider. By 00]. Prentiss In-

m‘aham. .

145 The Tiger of Taos: or. Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s
Angel. By Geo. Wald.) Browne.

146 The Cattle King: or, Cortina‘s Right Bower. By
Frank Dumont.

147 Nobby Nick 01 N'vada; or. the Scamps of the
Sierras. By Edward L. Whre‘ler.

148 Thunderbo t Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the
Rockies. By Barry St. George.

149 1l‘3IobfiRoclszett, the Bank Runner. By Charles
or s. .
150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock‘s Doom. By

G. Waldo Browne.

151 The Sea Trailrr; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col.
Prentiss Ingrah..m.

152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By

W. H. Eyster. .
153 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L.
Wheeler.
1% The Bo Trailers; or. Dainty Lance on the
War-Pa h. By Jos. E Badger, Jr

115 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss
quraham. ' r

156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By 0. Morris.

157 {ltd I'll‘emple, the Border Boy. By T. 0. Han
mug . , ~

158 Deadwood Dick‘s Doom; or, Calamity Jane‘s
Last Adventure. By E. L. Wher: or.

J59 Patvnt-Lcather Joe’s Defeat; or, The Lady
Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne.

1!!) Buffalo Billy, the lfloy Bullwhack r'; or' The
Doomed Thirteen. By 00]. P. lngraham.

161 Bob Beckett, the Crucksman. By 0. Morris.

162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By 011

Coomes. _

163 Deadwood Dick’s Dream: or. the Rivals 01' the
Road. By E L. Wheeler.

164 Tornado om; or, Injun Jack from Red Core.
By T. C. Hal-baugh. '

165 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. By
(:01. P. Ingraham.

166 Will Wildfire Wine and Loses: or, “A Trump
Card." By Charles Morris.

167 Daud y Rock's Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. By

\

 

1’ George W . Browne.

 

 

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

188 Deadwood Dick‘s Word; or, The Black Hills
Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler.

169 The Boy Cbampi in. By Edward Willett.

170 Bob Beckett's Fight for Life; or, Shadowed in
New York. By Charles Morris.

17‘] Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By 011
Coomes.

172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By’
Ed win Emerson.

128 Dick Dingle Scout. or, The Frontier Angel. By
Edward . Ellis.

174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand.
By G. W. Browne.

‘175 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp.

By E'Iwm‘d L. Wheeler.

176 Will Wildfires Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By
Charles Morris.

177 The Bo C -mmunder; or. The Maid of Perth.
B Col. ren‘iss Ingrnham.

178 T e Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night
Island. By Burton Snxr.

179 Dainty Lance' or. The Mystic Marksman. By
J. E. ed er. Jr.

180 The Boy ~ld Hunter; or, Navajo Nick's Scout.
B T. C. Harbauch.

181 T e Scepegrace Son. By Charles Morris.
182 The Dark-Skinned Scout: or, The Freebooters
of the Mississippi. 1y Lieut. Col. Hazeliino.

183 J a.ch Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper.

By Oil Coomes.
184 Featherweight. the Boy Spy. By Ed. Willett.
. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By 001. Pren-
tiss Ingmhnm.
186 Dainty Lance and His Paid. By Joseph E.
Badger, Jr.
187 The Trnnperi Tiger King; or, Dan; Paul’s Plot.
B Charles Morris.
ms '1‘ e Ventrilo his: thec'ive. A Romance of
Rogues. By dward L. Wheeler.
159 Old Rocky's Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus-
tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam H. Hall.
190 Sim Simpkins Scout- or. The Faithful Mountain
Mastiif. By ames . Bowen.
191 Dandy Rock‘s Rival; or. The Mysterious Wolf
Rider. Bv Geo. Waldo Br0wne.
192 Hickory Hurry; or. Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo-
$131512. iiy Harrv St. George
193 tective Josh Grim' or. The Young Gladiator’s
Game. By Edward .Wheeler.
194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By 011 Coomes.
195 The endertoot Trailer: or, Plucky Phil, of the
Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh.
196 The Dandy Detective- or. The Abducted Boy
.Myster . By Chm“es Iorris.
19? Roy, i e Young Cattle King; or. The Texan
S ert Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahnm.
198 bon Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of
the ines. By Frank Dumonr.
199 Dictionary Net, Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the
Bear Tamer. By T C. Harbaugh.
200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the
Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
201 Dandy Darke‘s Pmds; or. The Hawks of High
Pine. By Wm. B. Eyster.
2 Tom. the Texan Tige ; or, Old Luke‘s Luck. By
Oil Coomes.
203 Sam. the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By
Charles Morris.
, 204 The Young Cowboy: or, The Girl Trailer's Tri-
205 glleEFi'fimtit-ll‘ Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme.
206 “yhite Lightning; or. the Boy Ally. By T. O.
Harbaugh
Captain Mn rk Wilton.
208Trnpper Tom‘s Castle Mystery; or, Dashing

umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahem
Wheeler.
5507 Kentuck 'l‘anmm Band; or, The Red Lasso. By
Dick’s Disguise. By 011 Coomes.

I - m The Messenger-Boy Detective; or, The Tables

Turned. B Che: les Morris.
210 The Huneh wk of the Mines; or. Reckless Ralph,
the Bonds J Badge

Agent. By on ll‘. r. r..
tutu

 

i

211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the
Duelist. By P. S. Warns.

212 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy JackinColomdo.
By E. L, Wheeler.

213 The Pirate‘s Prize; or. The Myterious Yankee
Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark.

214 Dandy Dave. of Shnsrn; or, The ’Frlsco Flash 0'
Lightnine. B T. C. Harbnugh.

215 During Dan t e Ranger; or, the Denver Detec-
tive. By 011 Coomes.

216 The C )wbo Captain; or, Ranger Ralph's Ruin.
By Colonel rentiss Ingraham.

217 Balrl Head of the Rockies;. or. The Ang‘l of the
Range. By Major Sam S. Hall.

218 The iiner S art: or. Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim.
By Edward . Wheeler.

119 Buck, the Detective; or. Paul, the Boy Pard. By
Albert W. Aiken.

220 Or ck-Shot Frank: or, Bill Bounce, the Moun-
tain Bravo. By Charles Morris.

22] Merle the Middy; or. A Wait of the Waves. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingrnham.

222 Rosebud Ben‘s Boys; or, The Young Prairie
Rangers. By Oll Coomes.

223 Gold Conrad‘s Watch-Dogs: or. The Two Pards
of Vulture Bnr. By T. C. Harbaugh.

224 Frisky Fergus. the New York Boy. By G. L.

A1 en.

225 Dick Drew, the Miner 8 Son; or. Apollo Bill, the
Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler.

226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or. Jack, theOld Tar.
B Charles Morris.

22? 1t erle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt the Buc-
caneer. B Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

228 The Prenc er Detective; or The Boy Ventrilo—

uist. By OllCoomes.

229 1d Kicker '5 Grit. By John J. Marshall.

230 The Three 0y Sports; or. The Sword Hunters.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.

281 Sierra Sam. the Detective. By Edward L.
Wheeler.

232 Merle Montc’s Treasure; or. Buccaneer Brandt‘s
Threat By Col. Prentiss Inzraham.

233 Rocky Rover Kit; or. Davy Crockett‘s Crooked
Trail. Bi Ensign C. D. Warren.

234 Baldy, t c Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C.

Adams.

235 Jack Stump‘s Cruise; or, The Montpelier-‘3 Muti-
nec-rs. By Roger Starbuck.

236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or. The Three Female De-
tectives. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

237 Newsboy Ned. D tective; or Two Philadelphia
Gamius. By Charles Morris. .

288 Merle Monte‘s Sea Scraper; or Little Belt‘s
Droll Disguise. By Col. Prentiss lnzraham.

219 Ben‘s Big Boom: or, The Boss Miner‘s League.
B Capt. Mark Wilton.

240 S arp Shot Mike; or, Celtimbla Jim on the War-
Path. By Oil Coomes.

241 Sierra Sam's Sentence: or. Little Luck at Rough
Ranch. By Edward L. VVhee er.

w The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold
Gulch. By T. C. Harbaugh.

2-13 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma' or. The Mysterious
Brandt. the Buccaneer. By Col. P. In raham.

246 Detective Keen’s Appreiigtgcalghes Moms.
Edward L. Wheeler. By

249 Bench Rob‘s Wild Ride; or Old Winch The
Doom. By 00]. Prentiss Ingraham.

MountainMonster. By aj.L. W. Carson.
244 Merle Monte's Disgu se; or. The Capture of
245 Baldy‘s Boy Partner; or, Young minord’s
Steam Man. By E’1WMl S. Ellis.
James Jumper
the New York Gamin.
247 The Girl Sport; ir, Jumbo Joe‘s Disguise.
248 Giant George’s Pard; or. Arizona Jack1 the
Tenderfoot. ByBuckskin'Sam.
Rifle King. By '1‘. C. Harbaug .
250 Mer'e Monto‘s Pardon; or. The Pirate Chief'l
251 The Deaf Detective' or Weasel. the Boy Tramp.
/ B: adwud'wmett.‘ ' ,

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

2563 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen,

By Edward L. Wheeler.

253 T 15 Bo Tenderl'oot: or, Roaring Ben Bandy of
Color 0. By Capt. Mark Wilton. -

254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War-
Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson.

255 Jolly Jim Detective; or, The Young Protege’s
Victory. Y Charles Morris.

256 Merle Monte's Last Cruise; or, The Sea. Robber
at Bay. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

257 The Boy nief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young
California Pards. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

2:38 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.

259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. B Oll Coomes.

260 Skit. the Cabin Boy. By Edward V ’illett.

261 Blade, the S ort- or, the Giant of Clear Grit
Camp. By . C. Barbaugh.

262 Billy, the 30y Rovrr. By 00:. P. In ‘aham.

2133 Buster Bob‘s Buoy‘ or, Lige, the ightrHouse
Keeper. By Cam. 3. F. 0. Adams.

264 Denver Doll’s Par'ner; or, Big Buclmkln the
Sport. By E. L. Wheeler.

265 Billy, the Baggage Boy: or. The Young Railroad
Detective. ’By Charles Morris.

266 Guy‘s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Wolf’s Mask.
By Ca 1:. Comsl’ock.

26’? Giant ‘eorge‘s Revenge; or. The Boys or “ Slipo
filline.” By Buckskin Sam.

268 ’ i e Deadshot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande
Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

269 The uartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke
By E ward Willett.

270 Denver Doll’s Mine; or. Little Bill’s Big Loss.
13;; E. L. Wheeler.

271 E ony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse.
By 011 Coomes.

272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harhaugh.

273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise.
J03. E. Badger, Jr.

274 Dead Shot Dondy’s Double; or. Benito. the Boy
Bard. By (‘01. Prentiss Inzraham.

275 Fred, the Ocean Wait; or, The Old Sailor’s
Protege. By Charles Morris.

276 Deadwood I)~ck Trapped. By Ed L. Wheeler.

277\The I :iot Boy Avenger; or. Captain Wild-Cat’s
Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken.

278 Arizona Alf, the Minor; or, Little Snap Shot's
Luck. By T. C. Harbougb.

279 Colorado Jnck. the Tiger; or, The Ghost 01: the
Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.

280 Dead Shot Dnndy's L'lsl; Deal, or. Keno Kit‘s
New In. By Col. Prentiss lnzrahom.

281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s
Doom. By Jack Farragut.

282 Buck Hawk. Detective; or, the Messenger Boy’s
Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler.

2543 Roving Snort. Kir; or, The Ghost of Chucknluck
Camp. By Edward \\'illett.

284 The Showuian’s Best Card' or, The Mad Animal
Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

285 Old Rocky’s Bard; or, Little Ben's Chase. By
Buckskin Sum.

286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris.

287 Ned, the BI) Ski per; or. The See Sorceress’
Cruise. By ack ‘nrragut.

288 Deadwood Dick‘s Disguise; or. Wild Walt, the
Sport. llv Edward L. Wheeler. ‘

289 Col wrado Nick, the Lassrist; or, Old Si’s Protege.
By Major H. B. Stoddard.

‘ 290 Ruhr. the Tv‘mlerfoot' rr. the Boys of Torpedo
Gulch. Br Major E. L. St. Vram.

291 Peacock Pete. ihe Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the
Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken.

By

292 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, the Blan Rider,

By Joe. E. Bad or, Jr.
293 Dwarf Jake. t n Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's
Men-Hunt. By Edward Willett.
294 Dumb Dick's Pard: or. Eliza
Miner. By Ed. L Wheeler.
295 White Wing, the Ferretli'lyer. ByChas. Morris.
m Govindu. the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American
HorsemanAbmad. ByCaptainF. Whittaker.

Jane, the Geld.

 

l

297 Arizona Giant George; or The Boyeeso! Sardine
Box City. B Buckskin m.

298 Daisy Doll‘s ash; or, The Ten Colorado Bards.
B V ’l. C. Harbaugh.

299 T 1e Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Shsher’s Young
Pard. By Harry Enron.

300 Deadwood Dick s Mission. B E. L. Wheeler.

301 {)Tandy Duke. the Cowboy. y Major E. L. St.

ram.

302 Big Bonson‘s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh.

303 The Hotel Boy Defective; or. The Grand Central
Robbery. By Charles Morris. .

301 Bald Head’s Paul; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning.
By Buckskin Sam.

305 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon's Trail. By

Harry Hazard. 1.
The Store-Detective’s Decoy.

306 Spotter Fr 12; or,
By E. L. Wheeler.

307 Nick the 13on Sport; or, Three Plucky Paras.
By Major E. . St. Vrain.

808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic Calilornia.
Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ,

809 0d Grayboard’s Boy; oryThe Girl‘s Ruse. By
C. Dunning Clark.

310 Kit, the Girl Ca. thin; or, The Man Sailor’s
Legacy. By 001. remiss In raham.

311 Frio Free in Texas. By Buc skin Sam.

312 The Detective Road-Agent- or The Miners of
Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler.

31;; Hnm-st Jack’s Protege; or, The Dwarfs Scheme.
By Philip S. Warno.

514 Clip the Boy Sheriff; 0*, The Two Crooks 0:
Montana. By Edward Willett.

015 Tom, the Arizona Sport: or. Howling Hank from
Hard Luck. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

016 The Street Arab Detective; or. Dick Dex-gun's
Double Dealing. By Charles Morris.

317 Dir-ksle Ben of Texas; or, Single Eye’s Plucky
PENIS. By Buckskin Sam.

3115 Colorado Char ie’s Detective Dash; 01', The
Cattle K’nes. By Edward L. Wheeler.

2119 Fris'-’y Fran" in Idaho; or, Old Sldnfllnt the
Shndowor. By Roger Starbuck.‘ '

320 Cool Sam‘s Girl Paul; or. C‘lptlllfl Dick and 313.
’l‘ X’lnS. By 'I‘. C. Harbaugh. ' .

321 Billy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask‘s
Clerc. By J. C. Cowdrick.

322 Fred Flvrsr, Detective; or. Abe Blizzard on Deck.
By (7' nrlz-s Morris. ‘

 Doa'l {~ll'ot Ike in Montana: or, Hez Helper, the
Yankee Pnrd. By Roger Starbuck.

321 Kit, the Dmivor Sport: or. The Bonanza. Miner
Kine. By Edward L. Wheeler.

325 Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; or, The
Danny’s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson.

326 Roy, the Boy Cruiser: or, The Water Wolf
ercknrs. ly Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

327 Ned, the Roving Ninor: or. Arkansaw Jack‘s
Match. By Hn rry Hazard.

328 Rooky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By
W. J. Hamilton.

829 Dave, the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St.

rain. ‘

330 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit‘s Big Boom.
By Edward L. VVhet'ler.

331 The (loner. Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow-
er. By Roger Starbuek.

332 Dakota. Dan in Canvcm City; or. Colorado Kate‘s
Check. By Phil'p S. Warne. _

333 Bontblnclr Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim
and His Pml. By Anthonyl’. Morris.

334 Frisco Tom on Deck; or. The Golden Gate Smug-
glers. By George Henry Morse.

335 Ben Bandy, the Boss Ford; or. The Plucky

' Parson. B J. Stanley Henderson. ’

336 Fred. the ‘ rt. in Brimstone Ber Cam : or.
The Boston restler’s Confederate. By 1. L,
Wheeler.

6537 Daisy Dave the Colorado Galnot; or, The Boss
of Dead Lino City. By T. C. Harbaugh.

338 The Gold Bar Detective; or, lron Ike, the Solid
flan. By Major R. L. at. Vain.

 

7

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

339 Rnrdo. the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf's Re-
volt. By Wm. G. Patten.

340 Billy Bubhlv’s Big Score. By Charles Morris.

341 Colorado Stew. s Dash; or, Old Bunconi‘o‘s Sure
Shot. By Philip S. W ornc.

342 Snap Shot Sam; 01-, ch Norris’s Nettle. By
Bucksin Sam.

343 Mike. the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer
of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler.

3“ The Drummer Sport. By Edward Willett.

315 J aques, the Hardpnn Detective; or. Captain
Frisco the. Road-Acorn. ByJ. C. Cowdrick.

346 Joe. the Chicago. Arab. By Charles Mom's]

34.7 Middy Herbert’s Prize; or The Girl Captain’s
Revenge. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

318 Sharpfihoorer Frank. By Buckskin Sam.

319 Buck tho Miner: or, Alf, the Colorado Guide.
By Maj. E. L. St. Vrnin.

350 Ned. the Slab City Sport. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

35! Rocky Mountain Joe. By Col. T. H. Monstery.

. 352 New York 'l‘im; or, The Boss of the Boulevard.
By Charles Morris.

353 The Girl Pilot. By Roger Starbuck.

354 Joe, the Boy Stage—Driver. By Maj. St. Vrain.

355 Texas Frank’s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang
Rider. By Buckskin Sam.

3515 Idaho Ned, Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler

357 Guy, the Boy Miner. By 001. P. Ingraham.

35‘; Jersey Joe. the Old Tar. By Mrs. Orin James.

359 Dandy Dick‘s Dash; or, The Boy Cattle-King.
By Oil Camus.

360 Jim's Big Bonanza; or. Jake Dodd and His
Gang. . y W, J. Hamilton.

5161 Oregon Phil, the Sport. By Philip S. Warne.‘

852 Kit, tnc Bomhlnck Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.

363 The Ocean Racer; or, Trusty Tom, the Tar. By
T. C. llarhaugh.

861 Fritz’s Old Score; or, Sib Cone's Right Bower.
By Ned Buulline.

365 Greek Shot Harry; or. The Masked Rider. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

366 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines.
By G. \i‘aldo Browne.

367 Fred‘s Bold Game. 5y Paul Bibbs.

36‘} Jim, the Sport in Wake-up By E'l. L. ‘v’iilierler.

369 Captain Blake’s Jonah. {y Roger Starbuck.

370 Denver Kit’s Double. By Major H. B. Stoddard.

371 Blue Blazes Dick; or, Danger Doll of Dynamite.
By T. C. Harbangh.

372 The Sun Cat’s Prize. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

873 Lorry O’Lynn's Dash. By J (staph F. Henderson.

3'71} Jim. rho Sport‘s Bi: Boom; or, The Bonanza.
King‘s Rival. lly Edward L. \\'heeler.

875 Bower Bob, Detcc ivo. By Jo Pierce.

376 Bi:cksl¥iii Dick's Clean Swee : or, Jonathan
Jenks’ Still Hunt. lly Col. Artilll‘ F. Holt.

377 The Deadwood Sports. By Livut. S. G. Lansing.

3H Bronco Billy. the Saddle Prince. By Colonel
Prentiss lugrahom.

870 Dick. the. Stowaway; or. A Yankee Boy‘s Strange
Cruise. By Charles Morris.

330 Young- Dick ’l‘alhol' or. A B y's Rough and
Tumhlo Fight from New York to California. By
Albert W. Aiken.

38L Dandy Bill‘s Doom: or, Drerhunter, the Boy
Scout. By Oll Coonis.

882 Wide-Awake (george. the Boy Pioneer. By Ed.

“Miles.

383 Wild Bill, the Plslol Prince. By Col. Inmaham.

384 Brimstone Bill's Booty: or, lilariposa. Marsh at
Dead Man’s Gulch By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

385 The Boy Train is; or, Too Rongns ol‘ Demon
Hollow. By J. I. Hoffman

386 The Montana Kid; or. Liltlo Dan Book‘s Mis-
sion. By Morris Redwiug.

887 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Horbaugh.

388 The Pony Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill’s

. Frontier E ate. By 001. Prentiss lnzrahnm.

389 New York ill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett.

 

390 The Ticket-of—Leave‘s Trick; or, Spring Steel.
King of the Bush. By Ji sr-ph E. Badger, Jr.

391 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By Major Henry
B. Stoddard.

392 Texas Jack. the Mustang King. By Colonel
Prentiss Ingralxam.

393 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nufl’.

394 Tom Temple‘s Bi;r Strike. By Barry Ringgold.

395 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By
Charles Morris.

396 Detective Paul‘s Right Bower. By C. D. Clark.

39? Tip Tressell. the F lathont Boy. By Ed. Wilh-tt.

398 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Col. lngraham.

309 Hairy Somers, the agician. By S. W. Pierce.

400 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By
Roger Starbuck.

401 Tim the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Chas. Morris.

402 Flathoat Fred on the Mississippi. By E. Willett.

403 Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy. By Bryant

Bainbridge.

404 Texas Charlie’s Wild Ride. By Col. P. Ingraham.

405 Wide-Awake Ned; or, The Boy Wizard. By
Barry Ringgold.

406 Giant Pole and His Pards. B T. C. Harbaugh.

400’ Old Ruff‘s Protege; or, Little ' e’s Secret. By
Captain Bruin Adams.

408 Stowaway DickxAbroad; or, The Desert Rover-
By Charles Morris.

409 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Col. P.
Ingraham.

410 Captain Fly'By-Night, the Colorado King-Pin
By Jrs. E Badger, Jr.

411 New York Jack’s Mettle; or, Old Traps and His
Chums. By Barry Binggold.

412 ‘SVZUII‘I ipelce, the Broadhom Boy. By Edward

'i e .

413 Revolver Billy in Texas; or, The Lone Star State
Rangers. By Col. P. lugruham.

414 Dasher Dick‘s Dead Lock; or, Plucky Joe. the
Boy Avenger. By J. M. Hoffman.

415 Pony, the Cowboy Chief. L'y H. B. Stoddard.

416 Panther Dick‘s Death Leap. By A. F. Holt.

417 Fighting Fred of Frisco. By T. C. Harbaugh.

418 Buckskin Sam‘s Wild Ride. By Col. P Ingraham.

419 Frisco Guy s Big Bonunzn. By R ~gor Slatbuck.

420 Pal. Mulrorny‘s Pard. By Emerson Rcdmau.

421 Tim. the Boy Acrobat. By Char rs Morris.

422 Bed Spur R lpJ. the Texan. By C Dunning
Clark.

423 Dashing Bv‘b. the Pony Express Rider, By Col.
Prrntiss Ingmham.

4‘4 Tom Stone. thv Old Sm Dog. By C. D. Clark.

425 Darky Jumble‘s Wild Ride. By Barr * Rinprold.

426 W if-Cnp; or. The Night-Hawks o the Fire-
Tan ls. By Capt Chas. Howard.

427 Begaie, the Border Gill. lIy Henry J. Thomas.

428 Neb as‘m (thoriie. By C l. 1’. Ingraham.

429 Bill Beeler’s Bonanza. Bv Edwerd Willett.

430 A.Ui.g Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Captain _
C. nlslock.

4‘51 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Maj. H. B. Stod-
dard, Ext-Scout.

432 Cool Clark’s Rash Race. By Charles Morrls.

433 Old Grizzly in the-Rockies. By Col. Prentiss
lngraham. ReadyAprilW.

434 Joe. the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post.

435 The Wild Ilrishman Abroad: or, Pat Mulloney's
Adventures. By C. L. Edwards. .

43“ Oregon Josh’s Dash. By Roger Smrbuck.

437 Detective Jake‘s Clow. By H. B. Stoddard.

438 Fancy Frank’s Drop. By Col. P. Ingmham.
Ready June 1st.

A Ni’ll‘ Ixsm Furry ll’edncsflay.

BEADLE'S Pot‘xu'r Linmur is for sale by all News»
dealers, flve cents per copy, or sent by mail on rc‘
ceipt of six cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Publishers,
98 William Street, New York-