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Copyrighted, 18”, by BIADLI AND Ann“. Hnwred m; Svt‘ond Ulm Manor 3!. me New York. N. Y.. Poul Office.

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3 "0*"- N0. 98 WILLIAM ST. NEW Ymcx. F1V° 0‘3"“-

 

 

OLD-DILST PETE.

BY liD‘VARD \W. AllCHER.

 

 

 

 

 

Lank Lute.

 

Gold-Dust Pete ;

on,
LANK LUTE, THE OLD COLORADO HUNTER.

BY EDWARD IV. ARCHER.

CHAPTER I.
AN UGLY CUSTOMER.

IT was a few months after the discovery of
gold in the Pike’s Peak region, still in the early
summer of 1559. Away from the haunts of civ—
ilized man, far up among the head—wahns of
Cherry Creek, almost beneath the shade of the
everlasting mountain which gave its name to
the diggings, a young man was wandering,
alone.

There was nothing peculiarly striking in the
appearance or dress of the young man, save
that in the former ho ave evidence of having
been well bred, and t e latter had evidently
been selected in the States, for the Wear and
tear of mining and prospecting. In age he
might have seen twenty—five years; but how—
ever many, the had given him a strong and
wolLdeveloped ranie, fitted by nature for the
work which he had new chosen.

Like all who frmluented that wild region. he
was well—armed, and kept something of a 1( wk—
out for danger, since the U tos, who at times fre—
( uented those hills, had shown anything but a

riondly regard for the miners.

“How unfortunate that I haven’t a spade,”
ran the young,r adventurer’s thoughts, as he
picked up a fragment of rock and narrowly ex—
amined it. “ Iain sure this region, which doesn’t
seem to have been prospect/3d much, must be
rich in gold. It seems scarcely proper to expect
much surface mining, and who knows but that
a few ards beneath my feet there may he treas—
ures o ' untold value?’

He stamped upon the ground, and gazed down
earnest] , as though to penetrate the secret held
by the ark earth.

“No matter” he reflected. “ \Vhen I am a
little stronger I will take a spade, and maybe a
companion or two and come out this way.
This fever has made me so weak that I almost
seem once more a child. Yet I am gaining rap—
idly, and with good fortune shall be as strong in
one more week as ever. It must be near noon,
and I am seven or eight miles from camp. My
companions will miss me, and perhaps feel anx‘
ions upon my account.”

He glanced at a. heavy mountain crag, nearly
a mile further on.

“ But, I believe I will go up there before I re«
turn.” he ejaculated. “If that Crag should be
a gold—bearing ledge, and it looks much like it
my fortune may be made.” ’

.t was a hard route to the ledge in question
though, had he been in usual strength, the younoz
man would scarcely have regarded the eifol't?
As it was, he paused often to rest.

At length the point was neared.

“One more good strong pull, and I will be
there,” he muttered.

At that moment there came a rustling and
crashing of the bushes near. Rodney Drew

 

knew that a hear was at hand, and cooking his
rifle, he waited for the animal to appear.

Very seen an enormous, ugly—lmiking head
came into View, and aiming at one of the eyes,
Drew tired. That the shot took effect was evi-
dent, for the head came at once to the earth,
and the hunter rushed forward, loosening his
knife in the sheath as he approached.

Imagine his consternation however, ere half
the distance was passed, at heholding the head
arise again, and a full-grown grizzl ' rush from
the thicket, roaring most profound y With pam
and rage.

Rodney had barely time to draw his revolver,
dropping all else, when the enraged beast was
upon him.

The first shot, which he fired almost at the
moment of collision, served to turn the animal
aside, and being thus freed for a moment, Red—
ney thought to flee.

But, though a huge, lumbering mass to look
upon, the hear was far from being clumsy in
close action. It wheeled and grasped his enemy
by the hem of his blouse, almost before the
young man had ta ken a step.

Though the strong cloth tore easily when
Drew gave a terrified spring, nothing but cer-
tain death seemed to stare the luckiess hunter
in the fave. Determined to die game, he opened
another attack from his revolver, firing three
more shots in quick succession. ()ne of these,
discharged into the. open mouth of the brute, as
he was about to close his jaws'upon the weapon,
seemed to stagger him severely.

Again Rodney thought of flight. Again was
he overhauled by the bear, and knocked down
by a heavy blow upon the shoulder, from the
enraged animal‘s paw. I

Fortunately the hand which held his revolver
was not paralyzed by the stroke, and, as the
momentum of the immense creature carried him
over the prostrate youth, the latter succeeded in
llring,r still one more shot at his triumphant ad-
versary. Then, with a fearful shudder, the
stricken man closed his eyes, and awaited the
death which he had no strength to avert.

But the end was not yet. At that fearful mo-
ment there came the loud crack of a rifle, not
far away, and from the heavy “ thud” Rodney
knew that his terrible foe had been shot almost
over him.

This sudden release from the very jaws of
death brought with it a sudden unconsciousness.

“Come. my hey; yo kin git up new," ex-
claimed the deliverer, advancing. “ The great
cuss is dead enough by this time. Guess ye
won’t pitch into another grizzly alone, right
away! '

“Well, bless me if the feller didn’t faint dead
away!” he exclaimed, seeing the helpless con’li-
tion of Rodney. “ Don’t much blame him,
either, for I wouldn‘t like tow face a grizzly as
he done.”

“No, I did not faint from fear,” Drew was
barely able to articulate. “Just wait till I get
my breath, and I’ll tell you how it was.”

In a few minutes he was quite recovered, and
resumed:

“ I am one of the miners at Cobble Run, nine
or ten miles from here. I have been sick two
weeks with the fever, and am so week now I

 

 

 

 

 

  
   
  
   
 

  

Lank Lute.

3

 

cannot work. I was quite tired out before I got
here. I am not used to fainting when there is
any danger.”

“ I guess ye’r‘ about right,” said the new-
comer. “ I know what these confounded fevers
are, and if you’ve had one of them I don’t blame
ye for givin’ out. But you fit the b’ur well, I’ll
say that for ye. Though, ye war foolish in
startin’ the fuss.”

“I had no idea it was, a grizzly. I thought it
a common bear, and so tired when he stuck his
head out.”

Rodney Drew had gained his feet, though
with some difficulty, and now had an oppor-
tunity to scrutinize his interlocutor, as the lat-
ter stepped beside the fallen bun: The result
of his investigations may he briefly stated.

A tall, thin man, with great rolls of muscle
standing out in almost painful relief upon arms
and frame, half-savage and half—hunter in dress.
In addition to knife and rifle, he had a pair of
heavy, single—burreled )istols stuck in his belt,
.as well as a small hatcliet. He wore the ordi—
nary Indian moccasins and leggings, a loose
rhun ing—frock. fastened by the belt, and a small
cap of beaver»skin, with the tail hanging down
over one shoulder. The features were so sun-
bill'llPd and covered by a mat of hair and board
that it was difficult to say much about their
general expi ession.

Seeing that the young man could walk only
with difficulty, the. old hunter sprung to his side,
and gave him the assistance of his strong arm,
saying:

“Never mind the hear.
it’s rest and a little rcpairin’.
the feller tore yer shoulder!
best.”

“ That’s nothing severe. I’ll get back ,to the
run in a little while, and then I can rest and
doctor to my heart’s content.”

“ If you undertake to see Cobble Run to—day,
you’ll never see it ag’inl" was the earnest asser-

I see what you want,
Gracious! How
it‘s bleedln’ fu’st

tion. “ Come, I know a good place for ye to tie
up, and mend. We can get there without
trouble.”

Did Rodney fear treachery? He knew that
crimes of every kind abounded in the diggings,
and none but well—tried friends were to be
trusted. Still the action of this man, in saving
him from the bear had opened his heart to trust

1m.

Possibly the stranger knew what the thoughts
of Drew were likely to be, since he added:

“ Ye needn’t be afeard 0‘ me, my boy, acauso
n11 the old settlers hereabouts will tell ye that
Lute Cook is tow be trusted. I’ve limited and
trapped along here for twenty year, till trappin’
is all played out, and huntin’ don’t amount to
much. Don’t know but I shall have to dig for
money like the rest of ye, yit ”

“Then your name is Luther Cook,” Rodney
began, but was quicklyinterrupted. ;

‘No, not Luther. Jest plain Lute; I shouldn’t
know about answerin’ tor any other name.
Now ye’ve got my handle—” '

“ Gertainly, I should have given you my
name before. It is Rodney Drew, of Batesburg,
New York. And, once for all, let me thank
you as earnestly as 1 can for the great service
you have done me.”

  

 

“None 0’ that. No milk and water fer me.
The man what’ll let a grizzly kill another for the
sake o’ savin’ a charge 0’ powder ain’t one o’ my
kind.” '

Rodney”s wounded shoulder having liven
bound up as well as circumstances permitted,
the two men set forth.

 

CHAPTER II.
CENTURY AND SON.

TWO per~ons were toiling in a dark rift, which
seemed to extend far into the bowels of the
mountains.

They were digging gold, and very easy was
the work in that particular place. The 'Vl‘l'y
dirt was yellow with it, and from many places
it was an easy task to pick up the golden grains.
Each of the workmen had a small pouch in
which to place the treasure when secrrr d, and
their plethorii- state showed that the C1.) ‘s labor
had been productive of good rcsults.

One was 11 man of fifty years, tall and strongly
made, with a taco marked by deep traces of
strong passions. As he workcd, a knife and two
revolvers stink from his belt, while his rifle lay
at a little distance. At the precise nionrent of
which we speak, lie was engaged in washing a
pan of dirt in the small stream which ran
through the place.

In like Occupation his companions soon crouch-
ed beside the stream, and for some time the
twain worked away in silenre. But when the
bottom of the pan was nearly reached, and the
golden spanglcs begun to predominate, the older
could no longer kccp silcnt. Iiitcrspcrsing his
words with a great variety of oaths, he proceed-
cd to remark:

“ Blow me sky-high if this don’t beat all the
diggiii’s Iever heurn of. It we’ve made u cont
today we’ve gone 11 ) two hundred! How lucky
we‘ve took a turn 01 ' here into the desert.”

“ It is very fortunate.” said the other. a young
men, apparently not more than twenty yi ars of
age, delicate in build and feature, S(‘OI)]]I),'.", in
fact, little fitted for the rough life of a miner.
“ We have every cause to be thankful for the—

tne—bad fortune which sent us again to the/

hills.”

The young man hesitated somewhat, and a.
scowl of fierce nngrr darkened the face of the
Older. IVhen he spoke again his ( atiis were more
fearful than before. Indeed the great body of
his speech was a string of epithets which Would
disgrace the language of a heathen.

" Let me alone. If my name is Pete Cent’ry.
or, Gold-Dust Pete, and I allow it’s both, 17]]
show ’em yit who’s to be broke. Give me this
kind of dizzin’ for ten more days, and I’ll show
’em another bank in Denvei'whnt can't. be broke!”

“ IVhy not take the gold and go back to 1110
States, where it can be more safely invostcd’!”
the youth asked.

“ Oh, you are one of the kind that’s afraid of
every thing, but you have no need to be. No-
body knows any thing, nobody iiiistrustsa thing
unlcss it be old Lute Cozik, and he new-r711 go
back on us. I don"t kalkilate tew stay in Den-
ver long, but I shall longr enough tew leurna
few skunks thar what I mean. You are a. bully

    

o

    

I“ Lat-k

Lute.

1

 

boy to mix grog, and seefm'xr 27l(1,,1/——youdo f 11’st
best that way. ’7

“ But you know ho W I feel-—”

“ Come, come; no prearhin’. You know how
I feel, and that’s all we noel tow know. 'You
ain‘t of ago yit, and till th Ll} time, you’ll do as
I sa . You’ve been t1'oul>|'-enou',:l1 to me.”

The youth said no more. lint applied himself
vigorously f1()(‘l|’ll.lllllljlll) the pan of g4 ild-speeked
dust in his hands. When this was done, the im-
plements were hid in a natural ravity whirh
nothing~ but aelose insp tion woul'l havedeteet—
0d, and this miners 1)l'1)p_11'0.l to return home-

mud,

The sun was g" 1:: low as they came in sight
of the lonely (-zibm they had ereeted as a tem—
porary dwelli 11;;

The twain were a trille surprised, soon after,
at seeing a person step from the low door of the
hut, and approath tin-in. lint. if they had felt
any (10l1”I‘l'll. it passed away as the intruder was
reeoznizol. lt \V L; Lute Cook.

“ I’ve brought :1 feller up to your cabin, Pete,
what got hurt by a grizzly.”

The 121‘: s of th-1 elder Century darkened in a
moment, while that of Charles showed a strong
interest.

“ What in Tophot is that for?” demanded l’eifie.
“ I told you never to bring; anybody here, under
any 1-.i1'e1lznsl'nn'11 !"

“ Yes, you told mo sulhin 0’ that nater, and I
never [who brought any spyin‘ creator around
ye. Now, [We tuk the liberty o’ bringin’ in this
young teller, what‘s all used up, and you must
miss him till he’s able to go b: rk to Cobble
R1111.”

“ 1 must nuss him?"
hand sought a pistol,
yerself.”

“ Not any, anl I see
New listen to reason.

 

 

 

exclaimed Pete, while his
“I guess you’ve forgot

you hain‘t forgot, either.

This young man is an
honest fellow, who hasn‘t eon enough of the,
mines to know all the deviltry afloat. He is a
pious map, to ), and wants to git away from
some of hi : fellows down there. Now all you’ve
got to d > is, take care, of him till he g1 hotter,
and then lako him in with you. Thut’ll stop him
blowin‘ 0:) ye, if ye should want to.”

“But yoi no neel to have brought him here
in thofu’st plw-e, and then all tint trouble would
have been saved,” growled Century.

“ No Pete, he was a smart young man, and
would ave died away among the mountains. I
Wa’n’t goin’ to have him go off so easy. and so
brought him here." '

They conversod 50m“, time longer. and finally
it was Settled that Rodney Drew should he al-
lowed to stay in the but till he was able to work,
when an interest in he (lig‘gings where Century
was growing, rich irapidly, should be offered
him, to secure his. lenee.

"' By that time l’ll be near ready to no liaek to
])'“lVOl' again, and he may take care of himself.”
5 the still reluetant Peta '

Rodn'sy was lying upon a rude couch which
Lute ha 1 oxtomporized for him at one end of the
room, uni when the party entered he was sleep—

 

 

   
    

 

mg.

At dusk Rodney awoke. He was slighth
startled to find that he had slept so long, and
looked about for Lute Cook. But that indi-

\

video] was not there. Charles Century saw the
young man’s movements, and hastened to his
Side.

“ How do you feel now, sir?” he asked in tones
whirh sensibly opened the eyes of the person
addressed.

“Quite sore and lame.” he replied. “But I
shall soon be better. 1 did not wish to trespass
upon your hospitality, but (look insisted, and I
was quite helpless myself.“

“ Have no fears that you are trespassing.”
said Charles in hearty tones. “ \Vo will do all
that is po. ihle to 1111131 you. You may yet feel
thankful for tho mishaps of to—day."

Pete hastened up at that moment, and with a
quirk message, sent t‘ e young man away, sup—
plying his plane beside the sufferer. {odnoy
could not see his features distinctly, and even
had it been lighter, he would have recognized
the fact that rough features frequently hide a
heart well filled with human kindness.

What a different being Century appeared now 1
With rouzh but kind words to his guest, he sue-
eeeded very soon in makingagood impres on
upon the young man whom elmnee had thion‘n
beneath his roof.

Rodney ato but little, though the food which
(lhurles prepared for him \':lS very niee, (7on—
saith-ring that they were so far from many of the
neeossal ms of life.

Thankful and grateful, Rodney sunk into a
quiet sleep.

in the mornng he. felt much better, though

still weaker than on the preceding afternoon.
, A week passed before Rodney felt strong
enough to attempt the journey to Cobble Run.
It was quite a pleasant week for him. Both of
his entertaiiu  'ero agreeable and kind, more
especially Charles, with whom Rodney, how-
ever, found few opportunities for ’onVorsation.

At length a line morning; dawned, c
mo], and as he ln'eathed therefreshin: air, Drew
determined to seek his friends before the setting
of the sun.

His intention was briefly communicated to his
host at the morning,r meal. There was an ex—
pi'essiou of surprise and regret, but no more.

After the repast was finished, however, Pete

lentury drew the young man aside, and when
they Were quite alone, he began:

“ So you’re goin’ tew leave us, are you?”

 

   

 

1.“

day,” was tl 10 reply.

“ Wal, afore ye go tharls one thing Iwanttew
talk tow ye about. Ye must know, from what
y‘e’ve picked up, that we’ve suthin’ of a litilo
dust on hand}7

" So I should presume, though I have never
seen the products of your daily toil.”

“ Ye‘re right in supposin’ it. And another
thing, we’ve jest g: ll? intow bigger crop )in’s. and
afore long we'll hev a rousin’ pile of t 16 yalh r
dirt. Now we lon’t want you to blow on us.
D’yo understand that?" ,

“Certainly, sir; and I can assure you I hnyr)
no intention of betraying my friends—those, who
have remlnred me such services as you and your
son have done,” _

“Wal, that ain’t all, straiwer. We Want, to
(low the fair thing by you, and so We will ‘niake

 

ye an offer. Ye can come right in and dig with

1' but V

“ I think I had better return to my mess to—'

 

 

“um-«fir

a

g, W x; 2":

;}-—vs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

us, share in the some mess, and be one of our
family, if you’ll pull right up whar ye. be, say
nothin’ tew anybody for a week or tow, and die;
with us. Walk out to whar we dig, and see.”

Rodney had felt quite a curiosity to behold the
diggings where his e1 tertainers alone found the.
precious metal, and though he had not at tho
moment any real intention of accepting: the offer
he had just heard. he gladly consented to Walk
over to the grounds. 4

The greatest expectations whieh he had felt
were more than realized on rem-hing ihe plate.
The earth, full of glittering].rartiele:' showedbe—
yond any doubt that immense we lth could be
extracted from ihe soil in that \‘ieinity.

Rodney (lid not long eonsider. The sight of
so mueh gold, so accessible. drove away the
seruples he had felt, and left him no room to
doubt. A few months in those diggings, and it"
no evil betide, he could start for home a rieli
man.

The glisten of gold had dazzled his eyes as well
as hi. judgment, just as Pete Century felt comi-
dent it would do.

“I think I will, accept your offer,” he said,
after a short survey of the plaee.

“Of course we shall want a. little bonus for
getting you in so easy.”

“ Name it.”

“ Half that you wash the first wee I.”

“You shall. have it.”

And so the bargain was made. After a few
additional assurances, Rodney took his leave
trusting to return again and commence ope ‘a—
tions within two days, at most.

CHAPTER Ill.
GULTY on NOT GUILTY.

Tun pure air, and his own jubilant feelings,
lent strength to the steps ol' Drew, and with
very few pauses. he approached Cobble Run.
How he would delight to share his good fortune
with some. oi? the weary miners who were toil—
ing there for barely more than a livmgl Noth-
ing but the fact that ho was bound to seereey
prevented him from rushing forward and pro-
claiming to one and all that the land of hopes
lay near them.

He Was within less than a mile of the die;-
gings, and really began to feel uneasy as to how
he should meet his brother miners, when a mov—
ing form startled him.

“Hal Who is that?" he exelaimed, in audi-
ble tones. “ I could ’almost take. oath that I
saw some, one step behind that tree. I wonder
if it is some miner’s dodge?—or are the Utes
up to their old game?”

'He paused and glanced about for shelter.
None was near. Then feeling quite sure, that
no real danger menaeed him, he glanced at his
ready rifle, and moved forward with an air of
assu 'anee.

His suspicions that there was no danger were
soon confirmed, as one of his eonn-ades stopped
from behind the tree in question. ’

“How do you do, Jake Dodge?” was the young
man’s cheery greetin".

“Oh, eomfortal‘de,” was the cool reply.

Rodney was slightly astonished at the manner
of the man, but before he had time to consider
much upon it, his thoughtsrwere drawn to an-

 

 

 

Lank Lute. i 5

other souree of surprise. Two more of his late
eonirades were stealing up behind himl

Seeing that the young,r man had observed
them they ('aino forward at an easkr rate, and
soon he was in the midst (.f the group. What
did it inean?ithor~e lowering brows and unusual
aslwct "3

“ you were red—skins .[ should be in rather
a tight plaee,” he iemarlied, laughingly, for he
knew not what interpretation to give such eon-
dnet. '

“ You are now!” exclaimed one.

And while two gr sped him by the arms, the
third pointed :: reroh'er at his headl ‘
WEN it any Wonder that the young man
started, turned pale and trembled” The fea—
tures of thow about him gave the assurance
that they (lid not jest, even had not one of them

exclaimed:

“ See. he shows his guilt-1”

“That’s so; we’ve got the rogue at last,”
Chorusod other voices.

Meanwhile his rifi , pistol and knife, had been
taken away, so that when he recovered speech
he was unarmed and totally defenseless in the
mills : of the strange trio.

“ Gentlemen, will you please tell me what all
this means!” i 0 finally found voiee. to ask.

"' Oh be! You {h n’t know, of course! You
can’t play that. Come, now, tell us whar ye’vo
put it, and we may let ye, oil' easy, seein’ you’ve
been a. party good i‘eller in times past,” said
Jake Dodge, who acted as spokesman of the
part ‘

“ Please explain yourself, Jake; I don’t know
what you mean,” Rodney pers ted.

“Oh, well, we'll soon bring ye to yer mem-
()l‘V Come into ramp, and see what ye have to

  

 

 

  

 

say for yersolt‘.”

Submitting with the best grace possible, Rod-
ney was Isondneted to the. mines, where the
miners grazed upon. him as though he Were a
wild beast. All work was immediately sus-
pended, and amid a chorus of hoarse shouts and
yells he was 'taken up to the tents, some forty
rods away.

“Hang: himl Shoot the rasenl! Burn him
alive I” were some, ol.‘ the more furious ejacula-
tions.

By no means sure in his own mind as to what
might be, eoming, Rodney reaehed the open
spaee in the midst of the (amp. and here prepa—
rations were at (:neo Inadei'or a. trial. And
well the youngr man knew that from the. \‘erdiet
given where LYNCH LAW ruled, iheie (onld be
no appeal!

In those times no delay ensued wlmn a, sup-
posed erimiual was‘ to he ll‘iHl. ’l‘nelre men
were selected from the assemblage present,
ranged in a seinieirrle, end then lusiness \\ as
opened by one who lad lull a law student in
the States.

“Fellow—eitizens,” he 11mm, “the lilnrlcest
erime known among us,1he inst dielrlieal,
fiendish outrage \\ hieli a miner ran eon mit upon
the personal property of a1:other,is rollieiy.
In a region like this. murder, rei‘irnzitied in a.
moment of passion, may be (reusable. to a, eer«
tain degree. But tl-e poor, low, thievng rascal
who deliberately takes away the hard earnings
of another, that he may revel with the ill-gotten

 

 

  

 

6

 

spoils, is lower in the scale of humanity than the
beast! I would say, lower as a human being
than an oyster is as a fish.

“In our happy little community, up to the
present time, no such unhappy nil'air had occur-
red. But at last the blow has fallen. One 01' our
most quiet and pcacuable nn-n has been robbed
of every ounce of his hard earnings. The man
who is suspected of the crime is here, and our
present duty is to investigate the I‘m-is, and find
out the truth of the whole matter. Then, if
guilty, we shall not hesitate to punish.”

A hearty shout answered the last sentence,
and the due form; were. complied with, The
jury were questioned an-l -. ,vorn, after which the
primipnl witn.-s_~', the man who had been robbed,
was called upon to tistil‘y, lie was an honest
German, by name (‘711'1 Hosieumark, and his
testimony, divested of all superiluities, was as
follows:

On the nightoi’ the robh \ry he had not retired
until late, and in conserpnmce had slept very
soundly. Durng the latter portion of the night
he had been awakened bv some person moving
about Within the hut. He saw that it was Ro [—
ney Drew, and thinking him an honest l‘ellow,
had gone to sleep again. It was full day when
he awoke again, and, on raising the corner of
his blanket (:our'li, to look (for his ha;r of gold,
was surp "1le at not finding; it. He hail search
ed far and near, but found nothingoi' it. As
none could easily enter the tvmt without. aimlzen-
inn; some of the four sleepers. he felt sure it must
have been taken by one of his me iatcs.

This ended his testimony. Rilnoy began to
tremble, for he saw that a ch tin of circumstan—
tial evidence was gathering about him.

Other witnmses te:tifiel th It tiny saw Drew
leave the tent before daybreak, that no person
could have entered Without their knowledge,
and that the tent was uninjured, so that no on a
Couldhave entered by .' "Hagan. Neither of
the other inmates had lei't tho tentdurin: the
night, and before they did so every rag upon
their persons an’l every nook of the tent was
thoroughly seurClIel. All to no parpozo. The
gold had been stolen, and Rolney ' rew, who
had disappeared at the same thn s, hid been
caught a week later, prowling in the i’ored', not
in ' away!

How uni-or’nin is even Hm [met of circumstan—

' tial evidence. ,i‘ili)s‘G who had 00 no to the trial
hopiu: that the young: mm Would clear him-

 

 

self, began to shake their hea is with doubt as"

the mass oi‘lwidence was given in.

When allowed to speak ("or lii'i14>ll', Rodney
did so, in a voie\ trembling: with emotion and
fatigue. In brh tones he rleidol his utter in-
nocence of the crime charged to him, and related
the a‘lvonts of his sojourn. How he had started
forth partial] y upon a prospecting tour, and how
h -. had shot at too ba-cn', which in turn attacked
and disabled him, How he had been rescued
and taken to tile but of a kind miner, where he
I'vHIl‘llUOfl until his woun'is were healed. In coir

 

firmation be displayed his wounded, shoulder,
which was plainly recognized  the work of a
grizzly’s paw.

The would—bolawyor then summed up the'cvi-
denco upon both sides, though taking care 11)
make it look as dark as possible for Rodney.

 

~ . - p 4.34"}?-

Lank Lute. .-

The jury were then iequested to make up their
minds upon the verdict.

The twelve. upon whose decision so much of
moment for the young man 19 ted, conferred
for a short time in the midst of the crowd, and
then the foreman rose up.

“ Gentlemen," he said, “ we are unable to
agree in this noise and confusion. \Ve will retire
to some quiet place, and report when we reach
a] verdict. In the mean time keep the prisoner
(‘ eso.

They turned away toward one of the drinking
saloons, most of the crowd following, while
three men, with a small arsenal at eonnnand,
formed themselves into a guard to prevent the
escape of the prisoner. The strongest place in
the (liggings being a tent, they strengthened it,
and were about to form a stronghold of it, when
they chanced to recollect that the “grocery” to
which the jury had adjourned, was a strong log
building, with seve '21] apartments besides that
inlavhich poor whisky and a few “ notions" were
so .

It was situated some half a mile from the
scene of trial, in a low valley, where several
roads branched into different parts of the moun-
taius.

in half an hour the guards, with the prisoner,
had reached it, secured an apartment, 3. bottle
of whisky, and a general feeling of jollity and
good humor with all save the man in their
custody.

It is not easy to imagine or describe the appro—
hen on which weighed upon the latter. At
first he felt strong hopes that his friends would
succeed in winning over the more bloodthirsty
but when he learned that they were well supplim
with whisky, and that. one or two had already
retracted, and declared him guilty, the last hope
fled. Nothing new seemed before him but a
hasty and violent death, for he felt very sure
that the utmost rigor f the law, as applied by
the miners, would be Visited upon him.

Toward. sunset, a party of men entered, and
Cl )lllllli'lrt‘d Rodney to the open air. Instinctively
he felt that something had been decided u on.
Those who stood around were singularly s' ent,
anl eyed him with curious lances.

He looked around, and t ere, beneath a large
oak, he saw a motley group standing awaiting
his arrival! Yes, it was evident now. The fates
had been against him, and he was to be sacri-A
fieedl

With a strange choking: sensation, his heart
seemed springzzing,r into his month. For a.
moment he gasped painfully, as though each
breath would be the last. Then he tried‘to sub—

 

 

 

due the mnotion, and calm himself to meet his“

fate with fortitude. In this he was partially
successful, and though his heart beat with a.
strange ilutl‘er, he was externallyr calm when he
stood beneath the heavy arm of the oak.

“ Rodney DrcW said the before mentioned
lawyer, with a wild wave of his hand, “ after.
the proof we have of your terrible crime, we can
not longer allow you to prey upon your fellow-
men. . But before sending you from this world,
we W111 give you an opportunity to repair the:
wrong you have done, in so far as may be. You
can tell this poor German where his gold may
be found." '

 

.s.

 

 

 

 

tank Lute. {‘5

 

"Once more I tell you I am innocent,” said
Rodney. “ I know nothing,r of Hml’enniark‘s
gold.” Did I know, it would be very easy to tell
him.

“Then you won’t own up? Bring on the rope,
he 's. We can‘t dwell.”

.n obedience to the request, a rope was

' brought forward by two of the men, and thrown
over the limb above the doomed man’s head.
His arms and feet were bound securely, and the
noose adjusted about his neckl The loose end of
the rope was then fastened to a sapling near,
and the spokesman of the party said:

“ well give ye ten minutes to think itover in,
and say yer prayers. If ye conclude to tell us
where the , old is, we may let yelive till another
mornin’. f not, why up ye go, in jest ten min—
utes from now,”

He turned and walked away, followed by the
crowd. At a respectable distance they paused,
and threw themselves upon the grass in groups,
awaiting the expiration of the stipulated time.

Left alone, with the fatal noose about his neck
the young man endured ten ages of agony in
those fatal moments.

But the moments expired at length, and the
horde of would—be executioners approached
again.

“Come, what hev ye got ter say?” demanded
the foremost.

Rodney did not reply on the moment, for he
knew not what to say. He could only repeat his
innocence, and entreat for mercy.

“ Don’t talk that kind 0’ talk; that won’t do
it," Was the heartless rejoinder. “ You’ve had
a fair trial, and the look is ag’in’ ye. Now, ef

ou’re a mind tew own up. we‘ll be easy on yo.

f ye ain‘t, ye’ll swing right off. We huin’t any
time ter waste. This thing must be finished up,
so that we kin go to diggin’ in the mornin’.”

“I can only tell you that I am innocent,”
urged Drew. “ Should the gold ever be found,
you will have the pleasant satisfaction of hav-
ing murdered an innocent man.”

‘ There, we’ve heard enough of that! Up
with him!” shouted the disciple of Blackstone,
before referred to. ,

“Up with him I” chorused the whole retinue of
half—drunken miners.

Three or four of the strongest men advanced,
un“ ound the rope, and began slowly to draw it
over the limb.

Rodney felt the fatal cord tightening, and
doubted not that his end was at hand. Com—
manding himsolf to God, and mentally praying
for strength to endure the last great ordeal, he
felt himself lifted from the earth!

For some moments he was held suspended, and
then dropped to the ground again.

“Now what’ve yo got to say?” one of the tor-
mentors asked.

“Only that I am innocent,” he gasped,’when
able to whisper the words.

“Then up ye go ag’in.”

In accordance with the suggestion the rope
was drawn again, and. this time he was held up
till all was dark around him. Though not ut-
terly senseless. it was some minutes after he was
let down before full consciousness returned.
When he was really able to comprehend all, the
same question was asked again.

 

“ Now will ye tell us Whar the gold iv?"

“ Fiendsl” he whispered, when lu'cuih return—
ed, “ if you really mean to murder mo, whv do
you not do it, and not add torture to it? Ihave
told you times enough that I know nothing of
it.

“Var ish mcin golt?” demanded Carl Hoefcn-
mark, rushing forward and brandishing his fists,
as Rodney was again drawn heavcnward.

This time Drew  utterly inscnsiblo when
the rope was slackened, and sunk to the earth
devoid of life or motion. Buta hasty examina—
tion showed that he still lived, and with much
celcrity of movement four men raised the sense-
less bod and hastened back to the grocery.

Here c was placed in the room from which
he had been removed, While the torturers ro-
paired to the bar and indulged in copious
droughts of the fiery liquid which was dealt forth
from behind the reeking counter. The result of
which was that a quarrel speedily aroso, knives
were drawn, and in the row which followed, one
of the miners was killed, and another badly cut.

But such an occurrence was no rare thing, even
in that grocery. The blood was sanded over, the
dead and wounded removed, and then events
flowed in their usual quiet manner.

 

CHAPTER IV.
A WOMAN’S HAND.

FOR 21 long time Rodney Drew was conscious
of a dim existence, a mere fact of being; but
whether on earth or in another world, he knew
not. Gradually the feeling came upon him
that he had passod the last great change, and
was, in reality, an inhabitant of another world.
The fact that he was conscious of existence,
though Without sight, feeling, or up arent
bodily ineumbrance, seemed proof that e was
born into another sphere.

No rent length of time elapsed before divers
pains egan to rack the young man’s frame;
in fact. that was the first assurance he had that
earth was near and heaven far. The ordeal of
awakening to conscious existence was a painful
one. He groancd and writhed in agony as the
suspended functions of his bodily nature began
to resume their operations.

The first thing of which he was sensible was
the angry muttering of his drunken guard,
who stood over him. leaning upon his rifle.
Drew ceased moaning at once, and the sentinel
threw himself upon a chair some distance away.
When the young man sufficiently recovered to
take in the surroundings, he raised himself
slightly and gazed about. The prospect was
not cheering, neither was it particularly dis-
heartening.

It was night. This fact was attested by a can~
dle, sitting upon the floor, a little distance away.
Upon a rude stool, nearly beside the flickering
light, sat a guard, half drunk, leaning heavily
upon his rifle. Rodney fell back with a heavy
groan.

An hour passed, and save a feeling of pain
about his neck, Rodney had quite recovered.
His head ached still, and he felt completely
cramped from the uncomfortable position in
which he lay. The guard had dozed for a
while, Sitting upon the stool, and then walked

I '1

 

 

8 Lani: Lute.

to the only door leading from the apartment.
Against this he placed his back, and composed
himself for a sound sleep.

Now for the first time, the prisoner began
tothink seriously of attempting to escape. Why
should he stay and allow a drunken horde of
excited miners to murder him, when he \'as
utterly innocent of the charge preferred against
him? '

Of the opportunities of escape, provided his
arms were free, he knew little or nothing.
There was the door, blocked by the heavy body
of the drunken guard, and two small windows,
more holes cut in the legs which formed the
walls. The first task, however, would be to free
his arms, and that he at once set about. Tho
cords were well secured, and his efforts only
seemed to draw them tighter.

While pausing, almost in despair, with his
eyes resting upon a small closet clumsily par-
titioned off in one corner of the apartment, ho
was startled at seeing the canvasdoor swing
open a. trifle, as though it was done by the wind.
In the feeble rays of the candle it was easy to
imagine this the work of some friend, wishing
to lend assistance, or of an enemy stealing in to
observe.

“ Only the wind,” he mused, and turned his
efforts again toward his own liberation.

Just then came a sound, resembling the rus—
131ng of garments: the door swung open again,
a human face pooped out. It was the face of a
woman!

Astonished, Drew waited for What was to
follow. The woman glided across the floor,
stooped down and seized the candle, then re—
treated as quickly and noiselessly as she came.

What the meaninwr of such a visitation could
be, Rodney had no 1doa. He felt quite certain
that in the woman he had recognized the daugh-
ter of the grocery—keeper. But, what shoulrl
send her upon such a mission? Was the (-au-
dle taken away that he might be slain in his
sleep? He did not think she would play such a
part.

The mystery was sper-dil y solved. Within five
minutes he heard something moving near him,
and presently a gentle hand was placed upon
his shoulder.

“Your guard is asleep?” he was asked, in a
low whisper.

it Yes‘”

“ Then wait.”

A hand passed down his arm, pausing at the
wrist, and soon the cords were cut loose. Then

' those upon the ankles followed.

“ You can walk?”

(L Yes‘ll

“ Then come to that closet in a few moments.
Movje very carefully, so as not to disturb any
one.

With these words the strange visitor stole
away, and a low rustle told the young man when
she reached the retreat spoken of. Getting upon
his hands and knees, he moved very cautiously
in the same direction. '

He reached the closet in safety, pulled aside
the door, and entered. The interior was par-
tially illuminated by the candle, which had been
placed upona beam high above his head. There
was an opening in the floor, a foot or two lower,

\

 

leading into theloft. Tho maiden had paused,
and silently pointed upward. i

Rodney understood the signal, and climbed up
as speedily as he was able, in perfect silence.
But the attempt to move after he reached the
floor above came very near betraying him. The
floor being made of loose boards, when he step—
ped upon it, creaked woefully.

“ ’Shl” came up in a low tone of caution from
the maiden, who was rapidly ascending to the
same level.

Drew paused in his tracks, and soon she was
beside him, holding the lighted candle.

“ Now follow me,” she whispered. “ Step
carefully, and be sure that you don’t make any
noise.”

Trending carefully in her steps, he at length
gained the other side of the loft, when he found
the heroic maiden preparing to pass through a
narrow opening from which a ladder led to the
ground beneath; Seeing him safely beside her,
she extinguished the candle, throwing it far out
upon the ground. Then she paused and listened
attentively.

“ All is still,” she whispered, while the tumult
below proclaimed that they were directly over
the bar-room. “ I will descend this ladder,
When I am safely down, do you follow, and
join me at the corner of that barn. There
l’ll tell you what has induced me to act as I
have.”

She paSsed out at the opening, and soon reach—
ed the ground. Then like a spirit of darkness
she glided away into the gloom. Satisfied that
she was safe, Rodney followed.

Ho was not long in reaching the designated
place of rendezvous, and here his fair guide was
awaiting him.

“ Now you are safe,” she said, in a low tone,
“if you take good care of yourself. Here are
your weapons, rillo, revolver, knife, everything
that was taken from your person."

An exclamation of satisfaction and wonder
broke from his lips as he grasped those familiar
weapons.

“ How did you get these?” he asked.

“ Never mind,” was the quiet reply. “ I have
means of accomplishing my ends that every one
may not know. I am the dau liter of a man
who has not so high a sense of onor as I could
Wish. I know who robbed the German of his
gold, and that it was not you. Neither was it
taken from his tent. This is the reason that I
would not leave you there. Only to save the
life of an innocent man would [reveal What I
know upon the subject. If any way existed to
save him without revealing the guilty man, I
should do it, as you see. The jury, so called,
will decide you guilty, being urged thereto by
Whisky and gold dust. Then search will be
made for you. Take good care that they do
not find you. I shall never see you again. Do
not lose any time; you are in great danger.
Farewell 1”

Rodney put out his hand to detain her, but
she was gone. In the darkness she had left him
as the last word was spoken. Realizin _the
preciousness of time, and thankful for the 1nd-
ncss which had saved him from a dreadfulfate,
now that he was unable to thank his savior
Rodney muttered blessings upon her head, and

 

l
l

i,
l

 

 

 

. . [or

 

Lank Lute. ‘ 9

 

turned his face toward the dark, majestic pile
of Pike’s Peak.

It was time to move. Lights were flitting
about the grocery, and voices, loud and excited,
convinced him that his esvape was discovered.
He had not been in the mines a long time, and
did not know that in such cases the person 
generally sought after very little. In fact, a
desperade, once outside ihe confines of his

risen, is seldom molested again, unless he make
iimself offensive by his m'esenee or actions.
Rodney was firmly impressed with the belief
that he should he most ardently searched for,
and reasoned accordingly. He therefore deter—
mined to head for the camp of the Ccnturys,
under whose protecting care he would be safe,
for a while at least.

The way proved intolerably rough, and not
till near the close of the succeeding day did he
reach the vieinity of the hut where he had lain
for a week almost helpless.

His heart grew light, and he was repeating
mentally the Words with which the older and
younger Century should be greeted. It was
strange, however, that the low roof of the cabin
did not appear. He was certainly approaching
the spot, and in a few moments would be close
upon it.

Imagine his surprise when he gazed only upon
a ile of charred ruins!

he cabin had been destroyed by fire! The
possibilities which flashed across the young
man’s mind were numerous, and some of them
an thing but pleasant.

anious to investigate as thoroughly as pos—
sible, he turned to visit the place where they
had been digging.

On reaching the spot, he beheld a strange man
bending at the little stream, washing a panful of
earth.

“Ah, I see! They have been driven away b
robbers,” he mentally exclaimed. “Perhaps
had better retreat.”

He grasped the lock of his rifle, and looked
around quickly, to assure himself that he had
not already set foot in a trap. Evidently his
presence was discovered at the moment, for
when he looked again, the miner stood with a
raised rifle in his hand.

“Rodney. is that you or your ghost?” he de—
manded, as their gazes met.

“George Dayton, as I’m alive!” the other ex-
claimed, rushing down the slope.

They met and grasped each other by the hand,
Warmly.

“Heavens! Rodney; where did- you come
from?” demanded Dayton. “I supposed they
had hung you.”

“And so they would have done if it hadn’t
been for that daring little Maggie Brown. She
let me out and here I am i”

“Hurra for her} Rodney, if I was goin’ to
marry, and nobody was in my way, I’d marry
that girl.”

He glanced meaningly at Drew.

“Nothing of that kind between us, my dear
fellow; no tender passion. She knew who had
the gold, and couldn’t bear to see a man hung
who was not guilty.”

“ Wal, I declare! that’s about the kind, ain’t

' it. Rodi”

 

l “ Well, it is. But say, George, how came you
‘1ere’é

“ You see, I thought they were bound to kill
yo, and I knowed ye was innereent. I knew ye
never tuk the Dutcher’s gold, and so I told ’em.
I'Val, I talked it so strong that some of 'em got
mad, and kind 0’ flung out that if ’twan’t you
’twas me. I felt mad enough to shoot the crit—
ters; but I see the idea was takin’ root as I left.
I came to this place, and concluded to dig
awhile.”

“Where are the men who lived in that but
yonder?”

“ I hain’t seen anybody. The way I come to
find this place was by follerin" tracks. I’ve found
things enough in work with, got me up a. bough
shanty, and mean to get rich.”

“ Strange what could have become of the Cen—
turys,“ mused Rodney. ,

“ Scntrys! \Val, they had a. strange enough
name. “7th of ’em?”

In reply, Rodney related what had befallen
him when prosper-ting in that region, and the
proposition which they had made to him.

“ Strange enough what has become of ’em,”
said Drayten. “ But I’m squatter here new,
and I’ll‘ make you the same olfer they did.
Come down to my tent. We’ll have supper, and
talk it over more at our leisure."

CHAPTER V.
“ err I”

LUTHER, or “Lute” Cook, as he was univer—
sally known, was very nearly what he had de~
clared himself to Rodney Drew to be—a born
hunter. At least his passion for gunning had
been the great one of his life, leading him to
neglect all things of prior moment in the great
battle of life, that he might wander the 'woods
ever, rifle in hand. But for this peculiar trait
in his charm-tor, this story of minin life never
would have be); written. Rodney rew would
have been slain by the hear he had wounded
and the train of events which followed would
have been greatly varied.

Not this alone, but the incidents of the present
chapter would have turned upon a diflt'erent
point, and the balance of the story would have
assumed a far different phase.

It was the day following Rodney’s return to-
ward Cobble Run. Pete Century and his son
were in the diggings, busily engaged in unearth‘
ing the precious metal which would furnish the
former with means to return again to excite-
mont and crime. Lute, as usual, was prowling
about with his rifle, on the watch for any game
that he might dispose of so as to bring in a. sup-
ply of ammunition and whisk .

“ I’ve got forty bullets yet,” he muttered, stop-
ping in a nook and counting them. “ Plant of
powder for every one of them, too. Beforet em
are gone I’ll make a. strike. Then for a fresh
supply, and a glorious old drunk! That’s all I
can afford, a good spree once a month, and be
civil the rest of the time. Hello! what’s up
new?” .

He rose and passed cautiously along through
the thicket, keeping his eyes upon some Indians
who were descending a ravine, something like a
quarter of a mile away. Their manner, gliding
and stealthy, was such as to awaken suspicion,

K

 

I ' discovered the trail leading to the'diagin s.

'10’

That they were after no good, the experienced
wood-ranger knew, and to follow and watch
them was his instant determination.

After traveling some distance. they left the

ravine, passed across the ridge upon which Lute
was operating and commenced to descend the
one upon his left. Easily accommodating him-
self to the change, the wary hunter followed
them, until the valley in which Century was lo-
cated was reached.
_ Here they paused, having caught a glimpse of
the but, and reconmiitered carefully. Apparent-
ly satisfied that no one was inside, the ap-
proached. and soon entered in a body. Vuat
their object might be, Cook did not know.

After having been inside some time, the ma—
jority of them returned to the open air, and soxn

t
the monient when thny started to follow it up, a
curl of smoke came from the open door of the
cabin.

Lute was alarmed, and justly enough. The
manner of the savages made it evident that they
meant to murder all whom they encountered.
There were nearly twenty in the band, and mest
of them were armed with, guns; entirely too
many for the three white ’men to fight, unless
forced to do so. ,

He was somewhat nearer to his friends than
the Indians, and fairly flew over the ground in
his zeal to reach them before his warningr should
be too late. As he crashed down the side of the

ulch, he startled the two n'iiners, who hastily

oft the spot in obedience to his gestures.

“ Pick up yer tools and quit this place!” he
exclaimed, when near enough to use speech.
“ The cussed red-skins are corniu’l They’ve sot
yer cabin aflrel”

“ How many of them i” asked Century.

“Too many for us tew fight. Here,” he ex~
claimed, quickly, drawing them by the force of
his manner rather than b reason, “come up
here, where we can watch t eii' movements.”

The ascended a sharp bluff, and crept behind
some urge rocks, just as the foremost of the
savages came in sight.

The Indians, on reaching the place, were not
long in discovering that it had been recently oc-
cupied. Indeed, the fresh earth. just disturbed,
was soon discovered by their restless eyes. Their
manner. after making this discovery, loft no
doubt in regard to their murderous designs.

Holding their rifles read for instant
charge, they crept about, loo ing for any fur—
ther traces, and peeping into any place where it

- ' was possible for a man to be hidden.

I Findin nothing. their eyes began to rove over
the neigh ring hills.
, “ We ll have to git out of this,” suggested
Lute, “ or they’ll nose us out."
He had scarcely made the observation, when
he was saluted by a shot from the band, the ball
striking far short of its mark.
5‘ Hal they’vo spied us. Git up and be dustin’,
More they make it too hot for us.”
. It was easy enough to elude the eyesight of the
savages. by keeping behind thelarge rocks which
abounded, and, as the white men had about
fifty reds instartinéfi there 'were ho as that they
ht succeed in rowing/the I ‘ ns (iii the

 

dis- ,

 

Lank Lute.

“ We’d better turn toward some of the other
diggin’s,” said Pete Century, as they descended
a slight slope into a valley. “If they should
once get us trend up here, all creation couldn‘t
be of any help to us."

“All right,” said Lute, “only ye must give
’em a good space before ye try toturn, or they’ll
cross-cut ye. ‘

They climbed the succeeding hight, fearing’ ,
each moment that their enemies would espy
them before they could reach the top. Those ' '
fears were well founded.

Almost at the moment when they an to

flatter themselves that they were safe, an ndian
head appeared upon the swell behind them, and
Indian lung's gave utterance to a- whoop of in~
fernal delight at beholding the fleeing Whites.
Still the distance between them was not dimin~
ishcd, but rather increased. This gave hope to
the fugitives, almost counterbalancng the dis-
satisfaction at discovery. '

“ Go on. I‘ll stop here a minute, and fool the
red-skinsl” exclaimed Lute, facing about and
resting his rifle against a tree. As the others
moved away he added to himself: “ I’ll teach ,

’em a. lesson. One thing’s sart’in, there‘ll be one 
less arter this old beauty has talked tew ’em.” 7

He waited for some moments, while the sav— ’
ages, who had not observed the movement, drew
nearer. At length be lowered it, and moved.
away, musing as be rapidly regained the ground . , , -
he had lost: ’ “H W

“ If ’twasn’t for that I’d do it. But it may be d. 11
best, because they’d never give it up if one 0’ 3,1“3
their lot was killed. N ow they may get tired of' 01:10 ‘1 Sh
it in a little While,” ea marl

Upon regaining his companions he glance 1. r (“fsz
back. Unmistakably the Indians were gainin t’cslde
Nor was this all. '

Before the party lay an intensely rou h mou
tainous region. To climb it faster t an titan.
walk evidently was next to impossible. To turnl r 11011. _'
to the right, which would hardly better the mamm‘l‘iwd at
tcr, would be to turn directly away from alias 1.1103 flt
civilization, and enter more deeply the hunt: t tlmi’ossi
of the men they were trying to escape. To ' C be? had
left, back toward the diggings, they could mile of?" t00k
turn, since their pursucrs were so near and 8!; Qshjfs, a
scattered that they would inevitably be cut 0 ,m‘ IS 0(
U ndcr these disadvantages, they had no alternsuse the sa‘
tive but to ascend, and up they went. 0 mddenly

The Indians, on reaching the base of this nit:th 111x
cent, were Within rifle-shot, and such as he films-v
guns hanged awa on arriving at the foot of  '6
mountain. The ullets out about the fleeirfr k '
trio too near for comfortable feeling, but 99%,?
near enough toharm. Instead of paying a '51,, e
attention to them, the party continued toscr the
ble up the‘rocky ascent. The savages; stoppl Wed
to fire and then to reload, which feat they 0 i
not well perform While climbing, were soon“
of gunshot behind. A few, however, who
not guns, or who had failed to fire, still
their distance, and were rather gaining upo
fugitives. 4

Cook's quick eye saw that the proper mo
for action had come. Wheeling, he took .
aim at a brawny Indian and fired. Though
slain. the sav was disabled. and sin-etc
howling 11an be, ground. His unseen:

Operate, on 8m of @901: upon the re

  
  
    

who'w’aitcd for the rest of the party to come up.
This gave the white men a. slight gain, but; it did
not last long, and soon the balls were 11 ing
through the forest about them closer than be fore.
4 Ntwcr came the Indians, who were now dis—
9 " tinguishahlo as a )rowling hand of Utes. Tho
‘ utmost efforts 0; t e n hiie IllCll were put forth,

but all to no av i

 
 

1% . “I’m afraid it’s no use," said Cook, pressing
)7 . in.,betwecn the others. “ We shall hev to put
’59 all our chances on a fair fight with ’eni.”

t‘o “Then let’s do it now,” said Pee Century.

, “ They’re gittin’ a heap too near for comfort.”

“in f ‘ . The. party faced ahout and presented rifles.
Lpd The movement checked the impulsive savages,
1n- who well know the deadly powor of such weapons.
to? The ioremost sprung behind such trees and
nm‘ ,sbrvbs as promised partial protection, while
»e to those In the rear crouched low, waiting for the
(113‘ expected volley.

But no volley was given. Seeing the cfl‘oct
» the ilfil'fgducod b their minnow tlJI'et‘W'hltL'S whet-led
84“ ; quickly on continued their flight.’
the“ 1 .At this moment Lutc’s feet struck a narrow

teaCh ,ztrail, and after a quick glance about, he ex—
)9 3119 inlaimcd, with fresh energy:

m- ' “Boys, we’re all rightt I know this’erc track,
to 5937’ and thar’srjcst a nice den not a quarter of a mile

  
 

, drew?l way._ Go in on yer muscle, and we‘ll fool the
move . waited skunks yet!” *'
groun ‘ Be indigo.ng the direction he should take, then

oveled his rifle andflr‘ed at the approaching
ma.be .ndiuns. One of their number fell, the others
f 01199 gave a. shout and let fly several arrow; at the
tired 0t )old marksman. But all the party seemed to

   

 

 

jars. charmed life, and in a. few moments ho
glance s beside his less fleet comrades.
gammg He’liad barely succeeded in reloading his rifle,
rung all the while, whon ho pointed into the
%‘h m0“ a“lickct, and turned the Conturys short in that
i an at ntraction. For a moment they were somewhat
To “mwlrmjlsed'at this movement, asa blank ledge
rtho mifiosopot fifty yards in front of them, which it
r from , as Impossibletor the foot of man to scale.
he haw. t they had no time to ask questions.
a. To . Cook took the lead, pushing his way through
could “go bushes, and soon paused before the wall of
fly and flick. ‘His companions were close at hand,
be cm“ 0 éiile the savages were somewhat confuséd at
no :11th us suddenly losing all traccs of those they had
i ' ginted upon as being almost within their
es. ,

 

  
  

   

    
 
  
  
 

go: this
not) as 31 emphatic exclamation broke fl om the lips
,9 foot: 0 u 00k. as he came to a. stop. Full before him,
the £99- ‘éfiont of the ledge, and nearly concealing an
mg. ‘2‘“ 1’ , 113's among the rocks, but little larger than

ymg, a .n 8, body, sat alarge black bear. Contrary
ued ms“ the usual custom of his kind, the animal
tges‘,  “'94an Intention of moving, but sat sullenly
éat'they G g the intruders. ‘

  
  
    

  
 
  

  

l1

   

   
    
   
 
  
  

were 800“ 9’9 W4? 110 time to lose. The stem hunter
even ‘7 ed 1113 nflevyvithin a foot of the beast’s head,
fire, st “r e smoke rolled away in a moment,
in'

 

, 03mg Bruin alifeless mass ulpon the ground.
“ .83? yer guns ’mted, and 00k out for In—
d“ t9," 3’0 1‘ y,” said Cook, ashe crawled
2,, he took. v ward into the dark'oriflce spoken of, seizing
,1_ «though on by the hind legs us he did so. i .
> W re was a short struggle, when man ,and
red Within the «bosom of the rock.
mom twp {If  of the

    
      
  

     
    
   
 

 

    

Lank Lute.

 

11
I
again to wait for reinforcements, as they saw
two rifles lwarin r upon them.

“ All right. ‘ome in 1” shouted the voice of
Cook, just us the icd~mcn began to gather.

“Go in. Charles,” said the older Century, in
a tone which admitted of no dmnal.

The young man complied, and in n moment
shouted for his l‘uthL-r to follow, But the latter
had need of all his skill, coupled with the per—
suasive arguments of his. ‘niio, to escape the in—
furiated savages. As ho stooped to enter the
chasm, they rushed foru'aid. Om,- fcll before
his rifle, but the lalim'co assuiiml him with
arrows and tomnhawlis, one of the lulirr strik~
ing his head and almost stunning; him. But
strong hands grasped and drew lin: in, bthl‘O
the furious Utes could follow up their n.01nc -
tary advantage.

“ We’re safe, now, for the present,” said Cook.
“ Let ’em howl and shoot till they’rchctu-rsatis-
fled. Their bullvts won’t do any hurt.”

The party was now in u largo chamber, form-
cd by the hand 01' natnro in the solid mass of
rock. The entrance whs thrco or four feet
above the floor, which seemed quire regular and
smooth. Upon oithcr hand the apartment
Sli‘t‘i’khpd away for several fect; in fact, its ex~
tent was uncertain, as no [ray of light ever on—
tcred there save such as came through the nar~
row opening, which barely served to make the
darkness visible. r~

“ This is a great, gloomy flat-ed" said Charles;
"are you quite sure the tes cannot gain on-
trance?"

“ They can‘t git in any other way than what
we come, and we must bc pesky fools to let ’em
in than”

“You speak as though acquainted with the
place.” ‘

“ Yis, I‘ve been here more nor once hcforo. ‘ I
karkilate when I’ve been in a plume two or three
times, I know about all their is to know, of it. v

“ I’ll warn ye to keep out 0’ range of this
month, though " he added, a moment later.
“ Those pesk zUtes ’ll be, firin’ in hrrc more or
loss till we ilaru ’ern better, and thy might
make had work with a teller.”

But nothing was heard of the Indians for
some time. and faint hopes began‘xto be felt that
they had given up the pursuit. Of course they
knew the retreat of the white men, so that their
silence could not come from ignorance.

This interval of quietude was employed by

  
   

a nearest stwa'gcs reached the spot, but drew bank '

the party within in resting after thclr fatigue, ,

and discussing their situation.

“It ain’t likely the critters ’ll stay around
here many days,” said Cook, in conclusion.
“They never was knowed to hang to one thing
long. It’s most mighty fortinit this b’ar sot
thar ashe did, or We shouldn’t hev had any-
thing to eat. Now we’ve got plenty of meat

and plenty of ammunition, so that the red-skins

are welcome to do their biggest.”

Just as he ceased speaking
ening of the doorway, and inc moment there
came the report all a musket, almost deafening
those within the cave.
which rullcd‘in, too, was far from» pleasant.
‘ ,“J’est Waittillthey that infernal
wind/sou  “ PH 1; ’em."

   

     

there wasadark- ' ‘

The sulphnrous smoke 

carer}

   
   
 

12'

Lank Lute.

 

i:

He had not long to Wait, for almost simul—
taneously with the last words, a brace of reports
followed. the lemlcn musscngcrsr 'hing against
the rocky walls with impotent force. At tho
sumo niomont Lute gave utterance to a. sharp
cry, and rolled upon the ground, uttering groans
which seemcd wrung from him by tho pains of
dissolution. Evcn his companions t'vlL' uncor~
tuin as to tho rculity of his outci'ius.

Thoro was a stillness without, tin-n tho sound
of Indian voices, and a dusky face was detected,
attempting to pour in. Instantly there came
the report of Lutc‘s pistol, and the cry which
followed from without was no sham. Two or
three- muskots were fired, through tho. opuning,
but they did no harm, incrle culling; forth a.
shout of derision from thoso within tho cavern.

' (,‘l-IAl’Tl‘lll. VI.
rm: (ion) “RANK.”

rTmc day which succeeded the meoting 01’
Rodney Drow and Gem-go Dayton, was spent by
the young mr'n indiggiug and washing gold.
It proved a, day of rich lmrvi-st to them. They
struck a vein of unusual richness, oven for that
‘placo, and tho yield wnsigrcauir than answered
their most sunguino oxpectations. '

Until four o’clock in tho ti.ftt‘.l‘ll00ll they toiled
without cessation, gathering up hundl‘ul dl'tcr
handful of the metal—loaded soil. Thou they
paused from Work, quite» i-thnsl‘url.

“ Wo havognihvrcd gold enough l'oronn day,”
said Gvorgo. “Lo? us rest. A week of such
Washing will make us both rich man.”

“Rich enough to lunvo this rayon, I hope,"

' returned Rodney, “ i shall never feel sul‘c ham,
and yet I can’t tear myself away poorer than
when I Came.”

“I don’t apprehend that you are in the vast
danger,” rcplicd George. “I have been here
longer than you, and I have mixed with all
classes more. I uovcr know a man pursued who
had once escaped, oven if ho had been prOven
guilty. The fact is. those who have any energy
are too intent on getting rich to spend their time
and mone in hunting down enemies.”

“ I’ll tel you what I’d rather like to do,” ro-

‘marked Rodney, after a pause of sonic nio-
nlents. “ That is to visit the burned cubin. I
feel certain we can determine protty nearly
Whether the Couturys woro driven off, went
away peaceably, or were killed.” » ‘

Taking their Weapons, the young men moved
down toward the cabin site. ,

uvory thing lay as it had fallen. Not 'a brand
had been disturhcd. Rodney lifted one or two
hulf—consmncd logs which lay in his way, and
gegan to stir the ashes and cindors with his

eat.

, “Near this spot,” he said, after a short ex-
aminatiou,,“ls the lace where the Conturys
deposited their gold? They had an ingenious
(eoz-irrivmice for hhlin'r it, So that! much doubt
if any one, not acquainted with the, secret, could
find it.‘ If the gold be left here I shall reason
tlmt they wm-o murdored, because it still alive

, they would certainly return for the treasure." v
, After careful inspection he settled upon a sec-

, tion of the earth-floor covered by a large log,
partially hurried. and hold in place byseverul
. - ' _ ,. , ' ‘V, 

5‘

I

 

“ I am quito certain it is exactly below here I”
he said, aftcr scanning the bearings again. “I
think 1 can dig under the logs from this side,
which will ho easier than to remove them. Let
me try it. Hero is a sharpened stick; just the
thing.” - , ,

But ho did not find the dirt, hardened by~ .
much travel, and then well linked, very easy to
dig. It was like gut/tir-pcrclm in color, hardness
and tenacity. Still he worked With much
cum-2 , and finally succeeded in reaching the
“, bank.”

This was, at length, fully uncovered, and an
earthen pot, set in the ground, disclosed to View.
Inside of it was a quantity of dirt, and two
small leather sacks! ’ Each was heavy. and
whom opcnnd they were found to be nearly full
of tho lincst gold!

“ So, tho gold is here," remarked Rodney, in
sud tones. “ We. may consider our worst fears
vci'iiiod l"

" Very likely—more than likely,” re lind
George, ' sudl‘yV regarding the supposed 
bra-usurp. "‘ hat‘ll we do with t is gold? It
won’t be safe leaving it here any longer.”

“ We‘d bette' take it with us. The owners
probably novcr’ll come: this way again; If they
should, and need gold, we’ll be glad to return it
to tin-m. If not, wc’ll kocp it.”

“Unlc i we can find who the owners wvro,
and WhHl'C their I'olutivcs live,” he would huvo
added, but for an interruption. v ,

“1111. my heartics, we caught ye right in the
act! Now what’vo yo got to say?” demanded a
gruff voice, nndn tall form sprung in u )on them.

Both lcmked, up in ‘surprisc. and hot uttered
the name of the intruder in the same hrth _

‘ ' Jake ‘Dodge 1” ‘ "

Rodney Drcw, so absorbed had he berm by
what cngaged his attention, had almost f1 irg'nt-
tcn himself] His first emotion at seeing Dodge
was one of pure surprise. Ho had quite fur-
gotten that person's active part in his former
arrest. He had quibc forgotten that Dodge had
never s‘omod quite his friend at heart, though
always coolly so in cxternuls. * ,

A moment later saw the ruins swarming‘with
men, and thin) the two friends hogan to realize
that they had been caught in a. very sus icious
situation. Before thcy were aware.,fl. what.
was intruded, their rifles Were seized land revol-
vers presented at thcir howls. Although they
might have tried (light, with sufiicient notice,
they would never have resisted, unless to save
théir lives. ' ‘

Surrender quietly. 01‘ 1’11 blow your brains
out!” was J ake’s second remark. .  ~

No resistance was made, and very soon they'
were bound and disarmcd. . _

9‘ Now, will you tollns what all this means?!
demanded Dayton, flxmg a. keen glance upou
his ofliciouscuptor. V

“ Too had yo don’t know,” was the contempt,
uous reply. “ But we’ll give you 00d bull tha
yo’ll find out when we it ya to Co ’”

“Vat for yous shteu main galls?” . ’
Hazfcnmnrk, who formed one of tho , '

,“ Neither of us evar touched your gal
stupid dolt," angrily responded -

“ Dis isht mainlwaid Carl 1‘8

 

 
 

  

Lani: Lute.

 

 

   
 
 
   
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 

“ Not by any means,” said Rodney, who felt
, alarmed, now that he reah'md how strong the
‘ 8" case was going to appear against him. “ That
-  .v gold belongs to Pete Century, or his son, if either
" . ‘, of them are alive!”

“Dat isht mein goltl” declared Carl, this time
with more vehemenoo. “ May be you shteal it
from me undt sell it him, eh?” ,

“You liorl You never saw it before. That
belongs to tho Centurys.”

The irritated German had learned enough of
life in the mines to feel that no man should call
him a. liar. The pistol whieh hum,r at hishelt
was instantly in his hand. and Would hove been
2.‘ unethhad not Jnko Dodge restrained him.

' “No shootin’, Curl,” he said. in very persua—
' sive tones. “ If you should kill one of ’cm you
couldn’t hev the satisfaction of seein', ’eni

swig.” ’
, , ,“‘ at’s sol”the enlightened Bavarian exclaim-

 

 

 

i: , ed, replacing his weapons and exhausting his
‘ '? stock of English in abusive epithets addressed
. 3 to the prisoners.
 ~ ' A consultation now followed as to the course
~ to be, pursued.

The capturing party had travel-

ed all that day, searching the mountains over

- for traces of the men they had now secured.

Consequently they scarcely liked the idea. of

tramping hack nearly ten miles, ufterdnrk, over

» uregion with which they were but indifl'erently

' acquainted. It wins thought best, however, to

do 503% some of t 6 party feared that the sup—

posed robbers migh have accomplices, who
would attempt to rescue them before morning.

* It was almost dark before they were ready to
seth forth. Carl had been allowed to claim and
possess one of the hugs of gold, and whether the
wily German really lancied that it had ever he—
fore been his property, he coitmnly considered
possession nine ponits or, more of the law in the
v V present case. ,

‘1' ‘ “It was 3. Ion , hard march back to Cobble
- Ring-and not til near daybreak did the weary

/ party reach their temporary homes. The
prisoners were then looked up in {a room which

ad no extra openings, while the men who had

. been so zealousin their capture retired for a. few

. hours’ rest.

Left to themselves, Rodney and his friend had
an opportunity to review their situation at
‘ len th. , , x

‘ It all lays with her,” finally said George
Du . “If she comes forward and declares
whodicl‘steal the gold, we may get free.”

“ “I think she Wlll do that to save our lives,”
returned Rodney» “ But it must be some of her
friends, and quite posslbl they will see that she
is kept out of the way. hen, too, she may feel
differently whon the moment of action comes."
“ Don‘t know about that." interrupted Gourgo,
rather uiokly. “I know her pretty will. and
, fshe’ ' e‘tthem tellers hang me u hen she. could
saveimy life, I’m most pla uilv mistaken, that‘s
all. Geshlr if she did thut§’d haunt her, blame
me'it I wouldn’t,”
' Quite exhausted the two young men at length
dropped 03 in sleep, but are long were aroused
y the (cramping?) feet. They started up at the
_ ‘ and behold several of the miners who
brought them there. Ail/were armed, and
oaks Were severe and menacing. ,

 

 

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

 
 

 
  

   

 

pun op

 

“ COIllO on!” said one, grasping Geor eby the
arm, while others seized Rodney. “ 9 want
pew find out what wekin about you rollers. Now,
don’t go to showin’ off any of yer fine pranks,
neause if yo do it’ll be :1 sorry day for ye.”r

Realizing that the turning point of their lives
was at hand, and calling tr» their aid all possible
lirnim-ss, the} allowed themselves to be led
quietly forth to trial.

CHAPTER VII. ’
MA GGIE BROWN.

THE “ liar-room " of tho grocery, as the prins
cipul apartment was called, was filled to its
grentest capacity. News that two robbers had
been captured, and Were to he hungr after a brief
trial, had spread rapidly, and almost every mo-
ment new arrivals took place, and next to them
the jury were arranged.

We need not dwell upon the form of trial
which ensued. In all respects it was but a form,
and when it was ended, the jury consulted for a
few lll(llll(‘illS , without leaving their places.
‘yVhen it was over, the foreman, who was the
hall‘»fied;:ed lawyer spoken of in the previous
chapter, arose to his feet, saying:

“Stand up, you tellers, and hear the finding
of the jury. 7 _

The prisoners arose to their feet, and with a. _
pompon flourish the selfappointed judge pro-
ceeded:

“ Rodney Drew, and you, George Dayton, the
verdict of this fury is'that you are guilty I”

A murmur 02 nilngled emolion arose from the
crowdywhopresscdnenrer with great interest. A
Believers and disbeliovers in the guilt of the ' ’
parties accused were there, but their feelings
were held in check to catch the runmining words
of the speaker. The latter at once proceeded:

“The sentence is, that yOu he kept in close
custody till to-niorrow hi; the hour 01" noon,
when you be taken forth to the most convenient
' lace, and then hanged by the neck till you are

all) dead 1" '

A mingled murmur of voices filled the room,
and soon it appeared that tho tow friends of 'tho
primnr‘rs were almost determined to interfere i
in the mutter. ’

Before any crisis was reached, however,
sounds of voices and commotion at the lower
end of the apartment drew general attention in
that (.liroction. “

“Open the way, gentlemen; I must pass,”
said the voice of a woman. “Those men are
innocent: I can prove it! Please make way be-
fore the ‘ury loaves its sittin r.” I

9 It’s aggie Brown,” WhlS iered George, his .
face brightening as he heard the tones. “ I
{mew} she would he here. I wonder' she is so
ate.

The jury were, in fact, upon the point of leav-
ing their seats, when the words we have record~
ed mime to their ears. Curitsity, if no stronger
sensation, kept them in their places till Miss
Brown, exhausted by the exertions she had
made, gained a standing in front of them. ‘ ’

“On moment, gentlemen," she said, casting,
ling luck at those she addressed. “ Hear
what have to so .” ~ ' '

“ hat is it, issBrownl” asked majors:

 

      
 
        
     
   
       
       
         
   
         
     
   
      
   
       
    
        
       
 
    
   
 
  

    
 

 
 

    

Lao. Lute.

 

“ These men are innocent,” she replied, firmly.

. “How is it that you didn’tcome and tell us,
when the rest of the witnesses were testifying?”

“ I was detained, sirs.”

“ Who detained you?”

“I need not tell that; it doesn’t concern the
guilt of these men."

“Well, go on, and tell us what you know;
mind, let there be no guess-Work about it."

The poor girl paused for a moment, as if to
gather strength. In truth, it was no slight task
she haul undertaken. Well she knew that it was
to bring upon her head a terrible storm of
wrath. Nothing but the noblest passion which
earth knows induced her to face the storm in
order to save her lover-—for such, in reality,
George Dayton was, though no words to that
elfect had passed between them.

“ Come, tell us whnt you have got to say,”
pursued the forenrm, after a. short silence.
“You ought to be ready with your story by
this time, unless it is to be made up.” '

There was something in the manner of the

' speaker which called forth more than one threat

‘ from those in listening, but the maiden paid no
attention to it. In a clear voice, and without

' hesitation, she proceeded to relate the facts.

“There are tables in one of the rooms of this

/ building, where those who feel so disposed take
a. game of cm'ds«frcquently. I may say gene-
rnlly, striking a large (pixmtity of go d upon the
issue. On the night when the German lost his
dust, he was in that room, playing and drinking
till eleven o’clock.”

’ “ How do you know?”

“ Because I saw him thu'o frequently, and saw
him leave the house at the time named.”

“ Well, go on.” ,

, “ In a few, minutes- he returned, and being in
an adjoining a )ertmmt, with but a thin par—
tition between, heard what passed. It seemed
the German had staked and lost all before he
left the place. Now he returned with a second
sack of gold-dust, and {lured-any one to play
with him for all they had He did not seem to
realize that there was but a single man in the
room, and that man was not in a. mood for play.
Instead, he plied Hoefenmurk with whisky, until
he was so drunk as scarcely to be able to stand.
He then represented to th -. German that he must
leave or he would he looked up. With much
ado the drunken ’wrotch took himself away, ut~

tori}:r forgetting his gel 1, which the otheryman

poo eted at once.”
“ Can you prove this? Who was the other
man?” I »'

_ ‘ “Dexter Robbins,”
r “That's a lie!” shouted a voice from the
crowd. a

"' Hold your tongue,” was the reply. “ You

will have a chance to tell your story soon
‘ enough.”

Threats and persuasions finally induced the
boisterous follow to maintain si ence, while a
few question; were asked of Maggie. She gave
answer to them: in a. straightforward manner,

' and when .her testimony was concluded, the
general public feeling was undergoing a change.

, The miners were not thirsting or the. blood of
' Drew and ,Dayton in on especial manner.
, ,Feeling that these menhad hugely robbed one

of their number of gold which he had toiled to
earn, they were anxious that such a blwk crime
should be unished. Now that another was thus
implicata , all desired the matter thoroughly
sifted, in order that the really guilty one might
be (liScovered and brought to punishment.

“ Come, Robbins,” shouted the mouthpiece of
the jury, “ we want to hear what you have got
to say for yourself.
charge that Miss Brown has laid on you.”

“ I’ve heurn it.” y

“ Vtht have you to so. i”

“ It’s all a confouudm lie! She trumped up
that story jest because George Du ton had a;
hand in the robbery. Inever saw oet'enmnrk
that night after he and the rest went away. Ho
wasn’t in the grocery at all after eleven o’clock.
After she has helped the risoner to getaway
once so nice, I shouldn’t think her stories would
amount to much with you.”

“ It was in my power to expose you then,”
said Maggie, calmly, “ but I did not do it. I
wanted to save an innocent men’s 1' e, and but
for the fact of another trial you would not have
been exposed.” ‘ ‘

“ So you own up you helped Drew to get away
three or four days since.”

H’I did, and I have no wish to deny it.”

The afternoon was nearly worn away before
the matter had been fully canvassed in its new
bearings. Many irreproachable men were
called in by Dexter Robbins to sustain the
points of his testimony, but ,none to strengthen
that of Maggie Brown. As a consequence she
was entirely disconiiited, and those who had

first, were compelled to admit that love for
George must have prompted the efforts to save
him from such a. cruel fate.

“ Young men,” so id the disciple of; Blackstone,
after announcing that the former decision of the
jury was to stand, “'we pity you. But for the

a chance to reform. Had we a risen, you
should be safely placed in it. e can only,
therefore, satisfied as we are of Iyour guilt, con-
sign you to the halter, trusting t at the example
W111 he a good one for the society. You will
have the night and forenoon for preparations.

“ As for you, young lady,” he continued. turn—
ing to the dos nding, stricken Maggie, “let me
advise you tog: careful how you interfere again
with the working of justice, or it may be too
much for us to overlook, even in one so fair as
yourself.”

were taken ack to the room from which they
came, and the crowd quietly dispersed. ‘Rob—

the bar drinking for some time. . 
“You neednt pay anything for this,” said
Rufus Brown, the father of V
young man pulled out a handful’of ust.
this go for the hurt the jnde‘s done 0.
her of! for that, and pay her we , too
needn’t go to bein’ sich an upstart right under
my own rufi‘.” _ v  I;
On being placed once more in the a artment
'from which they had been taken for t 8.1, every},
hope seemede desert the doomed ones. ‘ '

 

 

had fully‘gexpected the yevalations of

This is a pretty serious

been quOmble to her version of the story at ,

unsettled state of our society we would give you '

The maid n moved awey slowly, the prisoners ‘ I

 

bins and his companions, however, remained at ~ ' 

Ma gie, as the '

They? ‘

 
  

  

i .

>

  
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
   
   
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
   
   
 
 

 

 

1
u

24’

    
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
     
       
     

    

I n

Lani: Lute.

r ‘._-~...

15

 

Brown, when made, would be accepted as proof
positive of the guilt of another party. Not only
was the result different from their expectations,
but the last hope was thus taken away.

“ I’m afeard it’s all up with us this time,”
said George, when they were together, with none
present but the guard.

" The-re is hope until they swing us,” bitterly
returned Rodney. “But, I’ll own the state of
things don’t look very flattering.” '

“But what a brave little thing Maggie is,”
pursued George, warming with the subject.

‘ Robbins and his lyin’ pack didn’t flinch her a
single hair. The rascal! How I’ll pay him for
that if I ever get a chance!”

“ Hope we never shall come across him if we
should happen to get free again.”

“ Why so, Rodney?”

“ Oh, because somebody would be likely to get
hurt; though I don’t think he stands in much
danger from us just at this particular time.
Still, I’d rather be where I am than in his
place.”

" Don’t know about that, Drew. I’d be
mighty glad to live and marry Maggie; now
that’s true as you live. I tell you she’s a jewel
of a girl. You can’t get any good words but
What’ll fit her.”

Talking of such matters as doomed men would
feel most interest in, the twain finally grew
sleepy, and one after the other fell into forget—
fulness.’

Both were awakened some time later by'the
noise attendant upon the changing of guards.
The new Sentry walked across the room several
times, whistling loudly, and marking time with
his step so decidedly that any such thing as gct~
tingr asleep very soon was out of the question.

in a few minutes he approached the prisoners
and began shaking them soundly by the shoul—
ders.

“Say, go ’way, can’t yo, and leave us in quiet?”
demanded George, in a not very amiable tone.
“ You ain’t obliged to keep us awake, if you are
awake yourself.”

“Hold yer noise,” commanded the guard, as
he began to fumble about their hands and feet.
“ I want to see yer tyin’.”

He pulled them about much more than was
necessary. muttering as he did so:

“ You’ve got away once, and this time I want
to make sure of ye. Seems to me jest as though
ye’d get loose, some way, jump up and knock me
down when I wasn‘t lookiu’, take my rifle and
traps for yer own use, and slip out by the back
door afore I come to so’s to give and alarm.”

There was something peculiar in the man‘s
tone. as well as his movements. Both the young
men: noticed it, and they began to hope again.
The manner of the man seemed to indicate that
he was really their friend.

“ I don’t see but you are safe for the present,”
he muttered. “I’ve jist felt o” yer cords, and
find ’em all strong. Still, it seems to me as
though one of ye’d spring enter me when I turn—
ed my back this Way, and clear out jest as I
said.”

He turned away as be thus spoke, and his
words seemed prophetic, for at the instant
George Dayton sprung to his feet, and felled the
guar to the ground by a blow.

 

 

“ Keep still,” he whispered, in the prostrate
man’s ear. “ Don’t go to Inakin’ any fuss; of ye
do I’ll blow yer brains out.”

Noticing that the man spoke not, George bent
nearer, and saw that he lay without motion or
apparent life. Hastin grasping his rifle, which
stood within arm’s length, he relieved the pro} -
trate guard of such other weapons and ammu-
nition as he possessed. By this time Rodney
Drew had risen to his feet, and together thiy
stole from the apartment.

To account for this sudden metamorphose,
we will say that the guard had managed to
cut every cord which confined the prisoners,
and, while pulling them about, had really quite
liberated them. He had, of course, expected
one of them to strike him, and, after the light
blow was given, fell to the floor and lay in
a feigned state of insensibility till after their
de arture.

osing no time, the fugitives glided through
the adjacent hall and out at the back door. How
cool and pure the air felt! Truly, they had come
forth from death to life. ,

As they passed the barn, which was built at a
little distance from the grocery, there was a
slight movement, and their escape seemed about
to be discovered. Both were quickly reassured,
however, at the sound of a sweet voice, which
asked in low, soft accents:

“ George, is that you?”

“ Bless you, Maggie,” exclaimed the individual
addressed, “this is some of your work. I sus-
pected as much, but wasn’t certain of it.”

“ Do not speak of it at present,” the maiden
urged; “ I might be troubled if they should know
that I had helped you again.”

“ Bless your dear heart, they never shall know
of it. We’ll die first. I “ism-but no matter.
I shall come back here again some time, and
thcn—”

The balance of the sentence was spoken so low
that Rodney did not hear it. He could guess,
however, as to its import.

“ Maybe so,” was Maggie’s repl .
must not lose any more time.
weapons?”

“ We have; a rifle, revolver and knife, which
We took from the guard.”

“That is not enough. Here is another rifle
and revolver. Take them and go now, for 1 fear
you have not much time to spare.”

She pressed the weapons into the hand of
Drew, who was thus far unarmed, and motioned
them away.

At the moment a heavy step sounded close
upon them. but George heard it in time to be
prepared for action.

“ Consarn it all, what ye prowlin’ round the
barn for, this time of night? Why don’t ye go
home and sleep?” asked the gruff voice of the
intruder.

He might have expected an answer, but it is
very certain that he never heard it. A rifle-
stock descended with no gentle force upon his
head. and he dropped to the ground.

“Take care of yourself, never fear for us,”
exclaimed George, as he grasped Maggie’s hand
for a moment.

He would have said ere, but at that instant
another person appeared upon the scene at no

“ But you
ave you any

    

  

Lank Lute.

 

 
 

eat distance. This was none other than Rufus
rown, the father of Maggie.

" Ha, Mag, that’s you, is it?” he exclaimed, in
grufl.’ tones. ,“I thought likely, for I seen ye
was gone from yer room. Nice work that for a
gal o’ mine. I’ll pay 0!” and he advanced,
with a pistol raised, g earning coldly in the
moonlight.

“ Take that!" he exclaimed, discharging a
barrel of the weapon, though fortunately with-
out any effect

Before he could repeat the experiment, Rod-
ney had rushed upon him and dashed him to the
ground with a blow from his rifle.

“ Oh, what shall I do? I shall be killedl"
gasped Maggie, wringing her hands in agony.

“ No, you’ll not he killed, or anything of
the kind!” exclaimed Rodney, seeing that
George did not speak. “ Come with us. lVe‘ll
take care of you, and see that no harm comes
to you."

“ Certainly; by all means,” added George,
now that his tongue seemed loosened. “ We’ll
protect you. You shall be my wife; then I’ll
have a right to take you with me anywhere.”

The alarm was spreading, and they hastened
away with all possible speed, managing to avoid
the startled sleepers who were gathering from
different quarters with an air of idle curiosity.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE WILDERNESS RETREAT.

IT was not far to a wagon-road, which could
have been followed easily and rapidly, but it
was considered so unsafe to make the attempt
that it was crossed, and the party took to the
open country beyond. Here the walking was
very difficult for a number of reasons.

The pale starlight merely served to render
the darkness visible. The way was filled with
every kind of obstructions, full of gullies, ra—
vines, bushes and fallen trees.

For Maggie the flight was peculiarly distress—
ing. Already her clothing was being torn, and
she had no other to claim as her own. The haste
of her departure had left her utterly destitute of
change. Still, she (lid not mourn or complain,
but pressed bravely onward to keep pace with
her conductors. For two hours the struggle was
kept up, and then, utterly wearied by her exer~
tions, she sunk upon the ground as the young
men paused for a moment.

“ You must go on and leave me,” she. said, as
they paused over her. “ I fear I cannot go any

further to-nig‘nt. 1_ did not think I was such a_

weak thing!”

“ Guess not,” returned George. “ We’vo gone
far enough for safety. So we’ll rest here till
daylight, and then travel again.”

“ But, I shall endanger you by my own fool—
ish weakness,” pleaded the maiden. “ \Ve can—
not have traveled far, and—”

“ Every bit of five miles. ch’re just as safe
here as anywhere, and what if we weren’t? We
should have been hung to-inorrow noon, if it
hadn’t been for you.”

“And I should have been killed, I have no
doubt, at once had you not taken me with you.
So I am sure . am still the debtor."

“Not a. bit of it.

But let me find a place

 

where you can rest well, and then we will see
that no harm comes to you till daylight.”

He moved about in the thicket, for they had
begun to ascend the mountains, and soon found
a sheltered spot beneath some low, thick-spread-
ing pines, where the dows and winds could not -
reach the brave fair one. True, they had no
couch for her, nor any blanket for a covering;
but these disagreeable facts they atoned for, in
so far as possible, by plucking a quantity of the
soft pine-boughs which they spread upon the
ground.

The weary maiden was pleased beyond meas—
ure by these marks of attention, and softer than
a couch of down seemed the bed of boughs as
she rested upon it.

Since nothing would he at all likely to dis-
turb her repose, the young men retired to a lit—
tle distance and threw themselves upon the bare
earth. Neither of them felt the least inclination
to sleep. The events of the night had been too
exciting, and their present position was one of
such imminent moment, that they felt rather
like watching and planning for the future.

“ Vt’hat are we going to do now that we’ve got
so far?" asked George. “No doubt we can get
into the mountains far enough to be out of dan-
ger, but what then? 'We can’t live there very
long, not as we are now. We might seek the
settlements, but there Brown would be more
likely to come across us, though there’d be little
matter about that, if it wasn’t for the bad name
he‘d give us.”

“ Well, we’ll consider that in the morning.
Of course we shall want to give Maggie her say
in the matter, since she is quite as much inter—
ested as either of us. But. there is one thing I
shall say: I am going back to the Century dig-
gings again.”

“ Will it be safe?"

“As safe there as anywhere. Besides, we’ve
nearly if not quite a thousand dollars’ worth of
dust in that old cabiavperhaps more than that.
“V 3 cannot afford to lose that, if we bum in
leave. And, if it be practicable, I would like
to dig there a few days longer.” V

“ For my part,” said George, “ I am satisfied
to get back to the States again. I’ll take Mag—
gie, and ion to one we can content ourselves
with any honorable business, so that we can live
in peace.”

“ You have the advantage of me,” said Rod—
ney, with a light laugh. “ l’ve nobody to settle
down with, and no chalice of finding anybody in
as romantic a way as you are doing."

“ There’s as many strange things to happen as
ever did happen,” asserted George. “ You may
fall in with a daughter of the noble red—man, or
some wild half-breed with an inborn longing for
the beauties of civilization.”

For hours the young men conversed thus in
whispers, now desponding and anxious, and
then forgettingr in a momentary jest the perils
which surrounded them. As day approached,
Rodney finally dropped asleep, and George
paced back and forth through the thicket, keep-
ing watch lost any evil should befall those under
his care.

With the coming of light Maggie emerged
from her retreat, and approached her lover with
a glad smile. -

 

 

Lani: Lute.

1'}

 

"wags dear, how have ydu passed the night?”

. e. ,.

“ Oh finrgly. finely indeed I” was the joyful re-
ply. “Nothing could be nicer than such a rest-
ing-place. My sleep was very sweet, and I feel
strong enough now."

Just at that moment Rodney Drew appeared.
He too felt much refreshed by the slee which

' had. visited him, and was as deli ht

_- cheerful appearance of Maggie as eorgo could

 possibly be. i
f “There is one thin to settle at once,” he re-

‘ ‘ marked: “ what we 5 all do and which way we
, shall go?” ‘ .

“True. We would have settled it last night,

, but we wanted to know your wishes,” said Day-
ton, addressing himself to Maggie.

“As thou h I could have any wish, save to
reach some p ace of safety,” the maiden return-
ed, quickly. “My all is with you, and I wish

gnu to do just what seems best for all of us, or

. or ourselves. I have no home, nothing in the

’ wor d to_,claim as to

“But you must
lei-once.” ,

“ None in the world save to go with you, and
have you care for me. Even that I have no
‘ri ht to ask.” -
' ‘ No right to ask! _ You have a right to com-

mand us, for you have saved our lives. We

owe avg-{thing to .011.” , ' ‘

.“A‘n’ repeat at you have well paid all
debts. Do as seems best to you, and I will only
he too happy to follow your fortunes.”

The youn men then consulted together. and
as George ad no objection, it was finally de-
cided to carry out Rodn 75 wish in regard to

‘lrovisiting the place where heir dust was left.

“ 011' to the south of that place,” he said, “ the
mountains are high and wild. Of course they
never would suspect that we had gone to anv
sunlf' lace. There we can remain secluded,
while :godown tothe di gings, get our gold,
ifnobo‘d has found it, and ring it up.”

Now 1: it was dayli ht they were able to
shape their course so that t 91y met few obstruc—
tions, while taking .cure to eep at a good dis—
tance from any movmg camp of miners.

Some two or three miles on their wa. Rod-
ney shot a. brace of game birds, whic were
broiled over a. small fire, and furnished a {mint-
able morning meal, of which all partook ioart—
ily. ‘This done, the party pursued their way
onetime. 4 V
v Upon reaching the brow of a considerable ele-
vation, they used, and cantioning Magcrie to

j well ou of Eight, in order that no 0 once
obserVer might espy the unlisual sight of a wo—
man in such a placenthey‘ proceeded to make a
survey of their position. ,

..  first thought, of course, was in re and
to pursuit; and they gazsd long and eagerly ark
1n the, dimotion whence they had come. They
could see no moVing forms, however, and.
ough this fact did not clearly prove that none
re in pursuit, it gave them a stronger feeling

own.”
ave some Wish, some pre-

ot' . , < r

 turned to the  region which lay
to them, and where the .must make a tem-
ryrhome. Rodney who: the place for a,
, then spoke: - , r

/

at the I

 

“ You see that sink yonder,” he said, pointing
ton lonely~looking region, two or three miles
away. “ In there is Century Gulch, where we
left a quantity of yellow dust. That long, sharp
ridge, rising away to the left, can’t be much
further away than the gulch. On that, or about
it, I feel certain we can find a hiding-place for
our headquarters, where we can keep ourselves
out of the way, and get what gold We have :11-
roady dug. When that is done We can out ovu-
soutbeast, strike the stage route, and then do us
we think best about going back totheStates.
Whnt say?”

“ That looks well enough. I’ve no fault to
find. Pirk out your route and let’s be goin’.”

Vtht Secured to he the most promising route
was accordingly selortod, and the party moved
forward, Rodney going: on in advance to make
sure they would meet no obstruction.

In this manner they tra voled till the vicinity
of the mountain-side was reached. Believin
themselves to be quite safe and secure from a]
human interference, they now paused fora short
period of rest. ’

Still they did not cure to delay long, and
when they were in a measure composed again,
they continued the ascent, now quite steep.

Winding upuard and toward the left, they
finally reached a rough. rocky ravine,‘vvhir
evidently had been, at some former time, the
bed of a mountain torrent. . It was a secluded
place, far from all appearance of habitation,
and desolate in the extreme. For thesevery
reasons it seemed to the. mrty just the place
they had been seeking. ' hen-fore the young
men set about coi’istructing a temporary dwell~
ing place. in the shape of u hough cabin.

“ Thut’ll do very well,”ut length remarked
Rodney. “ Now ill go out and shoot some- '
thing for dinner, while you stay nnd stand
guard.”

“ Very well. But be careful about your
firin’, Rodney; you know we’ve every thing at
stake now.” , ' l

“ Of course I shn’n’t shoot around in this vi-
cinity. if I shouldn’the back when you look
for me, now or any other time, don’t be ut all
alarmed. If I don’t come back in a good while
you can take cure of Maggie, and make up your
mind that all isn't just right \\ ith me.”

Using every caution to remain under cover,
be descended for some distance, seeing no signs
of life around him. The pursuit seemingly had
been bullied. But'hurk! Thy}. was a human
shout. Then he. heard the scattering discharge
of half a dozen rifles, apparently l’rOm the very
spot where he had left his companions! ‘

His heart leaped into his throat. A dread-
ful fear seemod to seize him. Could it be
that they had been followed and discovered so

soon?

With a mind too intensely agitatod‘to think,
he hastened hack up the ravine. Nearing the
retreat, the first object which met his eye, was
George standing with rifle in hand." '

CHA?TER IX.
'IN run “DEN.”

ONE or two, more shots weredelivered by the ,
defenders, not wholly’without effect, it seemed,

 

  
 

   

 

r

 

119

 

Lank Lute.

 
 

 

’l‘he Utes now retreated a distance, and for some
time nothing was heard i'rom' them.

Although bloodthirsty as ever, they were quite
at a loss how to wreak their intended vengeance
noon the white men. There seemed to be but
that one passage—way to the cavern, and this
was a harder road than they cared to travel.

Leaving a suilieicnt force to guard the open»
ingr, so that their Victims might not escape
them. the rest of the party commenced to search
for an other passage by which they might ac-
complish the desired result. 7

Their search occupied the balance of the day,
and When night came they liivouackc-d before
the entrance of the cave, feeling that it was
merelya question of time in regard to the de-
struction of the white men.

Meanv’vhile the situation of the defenders was
at least peculiar. Gathering from the manner
of the Indians that they would not leave the
place forsr'nne time, the besieged turned their
attentiim tonnaking themselves as secure and as
comfortable as possible. In the first place they
realized that the entrance must he watched every
moment by a man VV;}ll prepared for any demon-
stration the savages might make.

To aecomplish this, each man in turn was to
watch three hours.

Charles Century, after a little hesitation, con-
sented to accept the situation (int, and, after
having seen him well posted, Cool; and the elder
Century started upon a mission similar to that
which occupied the Indians outside.

“ Ye see .[lve hr-en hero nfore,” the former re—
marked, as they movml away into the darkness.
“I got caught in a mighty nasty storm, and
when it had lasted about a day, I made my
home in here—staid till it was over, three, or
four daysllonger. By that time I‘d got uite
well titted up, 335 you‘ll see when I git a light.
I’ve been here once or twice since, though I’m a
leetle scary about sich places. onless thar’s some
need 0’ gittin’ into ’eni.”

While delivering himself of these remarks,
Cook had been fumbling about. and soon lighted
a. pine‘knot, the blaze of. which revealed to
Pete Century something he.qu far from antici—
pating. ,

All about them lay the evidences of former
habitation and present adaptability for use.

' Just before them was a pile of fagots, gathered

long before, yet still in a good state of preserva-
tion; There “ two or three more pineknots,
and at a little dinance was a pile of ashes—the
remains of a fire long since burned out.
Somewhat further away. and just discernible
by the torehlight, was the couch of boughs,
which had lafin undisturbed since the occupant

left.

“ I don’t think: thar’s any other place whar we
kin git out, or they kin git in tew us,” said
Cock “acause I looked allroundonee. 7 But, it’ll
not ew any hurt to look ag’in. So if ye‘r’a
mind, we’ll see what kin be found.” '

The cave was uite irregular in form. the

I ’ large‘room in whic they first found themselves

being of comparatively small extent. But, ex-

» tending from it were many passages, large and
small, reaching back into the bowels of the

earth. Numbers of them were too small to ad-
,mit a. man, in any shape, and although they

 

 

 

    
    
  
  
 
   
   
  
   
    
 

might lead toward the open air, they. had doth“ ‘

 

  

 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

11
in? to fear or hope from the fact. . Lk;
ntu all the larger ones they penetrated, but ,
uniformly to meet with disappointment. N  . ,to
opening, no ray of light appeared to cheer them. I 'j r . in
After some time they reached what seemed to 71m
lo the main gallery, and which extended back be,
further than any of the others. At the extrenr ‘
ity. it was closed by a curtain of rock, 111 which ‘ ing
was an opening barely large enough to admit the we]
passao'e of a single person. ‘ keel
“ I 0, ho, here's suthiu’ extra ," exclaimed Cook. nfin‘
“ T his wa’n’t here when I was livin’ hereabouts. : H
Maybe thar’s suthin’ beyond it. Shall we go an’  thin
see?” . ’ 0v '
“ Go, of course; for I ain‘t ashamed to tell ye‘ 311‘
I’d raytlicr not stay here a great while, if thar’s the i
any better way." ‘ ' “'1-
“ Nor 1, Pete, as for the matter 0’ that,” re» “
plied Cook. ' mom
He poked his torch through the opening, {01- “11%;:
at 1;,

lowing it closely with a pistol, and when satisfied
that nothing oonfronter hiiu upon the other sid
he passed through boldly. Pete Century, who.~ ‘ tamed
was a larger man, had some difficulty in follow— . efl’orts
ing, a null y sticking fast midway in the passage broke 1
till as: sted by his friend. ,.-‘ ” ,3
Still their search did not seem to meet wit " $31'drjn
any great degree of success. There was a singl permit;
apartment, high enough for a. man to stand 111. i and mo,
right, and terminating seine twenty feet away skins ’1]
It was a damp, muddy place, and seemed subjo re ' “I a")
to Occasional deluge. ,  Won’t be

“ Water must git in here somehow,” pursu Call this
Cook, looking about. , ‘ ~ , r cho

He was unable to find any place Whereitmad , “ ‘Still,
its entrance, and in pursuit of that object ha. ' SO let’s;
‘enod up toward the terminus of the cavern. \ .J

“ Here it is!” he exclaimed. ' “ This is Viper
it comes from l”

  

     
 
    
 
 

   

that it came from this part of the cavern.
Century followed, quite as impatient to kn marten}
the facts of the case as his comrade. Af at on.
crawling and struggling as far as they co, he Steaks,
penetrate between the upper and nether l‘ty ate n
stones'they were forced to endure another disdii’l’t‘S somewl
pointment. ' " (33’ Could]
There was a slight opening, .one leading to Wavages sum
outer world, Wlthout doubt, for the cool a: t was am
came in thercat. But it was so far away thi’as growl-1,
they could not reach it, and even if gained, .been 0&1
evidently was not larger than a man’s arm. , king 3396p
“ It’s all up! We may as well go back an $13" 11 there
what has become of Charley, poor fallen” in! on dorm
tered the father, and without a, word they gm? into a,
turned. ' . r

  

 
   
   
  
  
     
      
    

     
 

      
      
   
    
    

    

, . nd

“We’ve got to settle down to it, anfstnnig‘lfe”
regular siege ” said Cook, after relating to. es) 2
yOuug man t eir want of success. “ We may“ 1,

   
   

O
' m

   
  
  

 
   
      
  

well make up our minds to that thing. S aft’Iol-I'd
the young man ain’t much tired yet, so you rig  to try
as well help me skin this bear, Peter.” 5th}, whgge wl

We1

  
    

   
    
 

“None if yer Peterin’ me!” exclaimed 1 th . 7,
tut-y, somewhat savagely. “ I'm jest Pew; “y ” em 6 9 p
’ ' 5' passed a

not a. bit more.”
.eommen '
‘ which hacfid

   
   
   
    

“And I’m jest-Lute. W31, 86 ’tis. I
folks what‘ll p t'half adozen names onto a
one.  ewender thalittlst 

    

       

 

hank Lute. ' ’ ‘ - ‘ is

 

’ v inthe bi cities. The have names cnuff tow
3”“ ,. kill femil y a
but, v By this time the men had become so accus-
N ,7 , 370111911 totho dim light of the place that thcy
181D , ' ,were able to work without a torch, and in this
d to 'manner‘thev proceeded to skin and dress the
back ‘ bear which Cook had  _
,rem, I “N ow then,’7 that indlvldual exclaimed, stand-
;mioh ,  ‘ mg erect after the workwas done, “ we may as
at we * well cook up a lot 0’ this meat, acause it don't

   
   
  
  
 
  
    
     
     
   
     
   
 

"~ ' keep long without. We won’t let the red var-
mints starve us to death.” ,

“ I should like some water, as well as any one
thing,” remarked Charles Century, who had
overheard the last rcmark.

“Yis; whar we goin’ tow git it?" demanded
the father.

“That’s so, by thunder!” exclaimed Cook.
“ Thar ain’t apesky drop tow he had fox-love nor

‘i
tell Ye '
E thar’S

11
at” T0 money! What in hater we goin‘ to dew?"
mg fol- Foratimo no one spoke. The very thought
Satisfiwa [that they were, imprisoned in the bowels oi‘ the
thefsid earth. When? nota drop of water could be ob—
r WM; tamed, was in itself so fearful that all further
1% efforts seemed of no avail. At length Cook

w- , .
‘1 {glam broke the worse than silence.
3? ’ a t“ We can live some time without any.” he
said, in as cheerful tones as the occasion would
permlt; ”. I’Ve‘done it for three da s on a pinch,
and most; likely in less timc‘n that tile pesky red-
skins ’1] leave us to our own destruction.”

- ,“ I s‘posio we kin live,” muttered Pete, “ but it
won’t he very nice. If we had'water, I shouldn‘t
call this Sich abad place arter all. I never could
bear chokin’ for want 0’ suthi‘n’ to drink.” ,

“ Still, We can’t help it, father," said Charles.
"‘so let’s make the host of it, and not porch our
n \ Kthroats in useless ado over it.”

‘ a “ Spoken like a bravo man!” said Cook, with
earty admiration. “ You’ll make a fine trap—
- . per," my lad. I begin to think there‘s more grit
to, on, now, than there is to all the rest of us.”

. t was not a ire-at task to build a fire out of
he materials w 'ch the cavern contained, and
‘ 00k at once semimself ’oo preparing some of

wet wit
,5 a singl
stand in '
get aWPY
.ed sublc 'r

    
   

 
  

n t‘
, pursll ,

 
     
    
  
     

        
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
 
     
 
 
    
   
   
 

. c0 he steaks. Of the meat thus prepared all the

s thPy rty ate more or loss heartily, thou h the savor
name/1‘6. a“was somewhat neutralized by the re eotion that
mother yhey could not obtain a drop of drink until tho

vages should see fit to dcpart.
‘ on}  It was almost night. The light from without
the ca ‘ mass growing dimmer momentarily. Charles
is.” awaiz  been off guard for some time, but instead of
n 15 gm  king sleep at once, he waited near Lute, as

is.“ 5 ak 3;“ 31911511 there was something he desired to say.

gobac ,, Ix“ ‘ on don’t suppose it would do any good to
r {91:52ti out Into that ot or art, and see if we could-
,wor ytfind some little u die that one could drink
' _ mm he askedgit ength, Wit some hesitation.
o it, an’, Ftfl‘i’l‘he old trapper looked down into the youth’s
relating. t0!  ,fora few moments, and then he replied; ,
“We mfl 3. 1m ateard not my‘bo . But it won’t do
fly hurtto try. Waittill 1 1i ht this pine-knot,

we’ll see what there is. 1g
r when we’s there, but for outdoors. Pos—

‘ wasn’t lookin’ for
y ghere’s a puddle, there big enuff tew‘drink

     

1e31qu ‘70 “a

   

  

 thing 5
tyet. 80 You
fiber.” ' .
‘ exclai
L'm 1°?“ 9

    
  

    
  
   

   

  

m. a ,

hey assed through the narrow nin and
,omgmeuced a search not less guesf‘than

Which had folloWedlthe discovery of. the

     
 

      

    

imes 0"“? 5- _
Lime “will? ,

i .

1

 
 

 

The result was different.

Before they had proceeded many feet, Charlés

caught his companion by- the arm, and ex~
claimed: 1

“ Harkl Don’t you hear the gurgling of
water? I am sure 1 do!” I '

Cook listened, supposing it a more fancy of
his companion, but soon a look of cager antici‘
potion spread over his featums.

“ There is water hero. I hour it run !” lic ox-
claimed, pressing toward the spot whcino iho
sound seemed to issue.

Charles was holding the torch at the moment,
and he was first in reaching the place. Undcr a
low ledge of the up Jer rock ,«thore was what
seemed a natural sin , but which, upon closer
inspection, proved to be a hole in the solid rock.
Six inches beneath the surface a subterranean
stream of water won; rushing on its way, doubt—
less to some outlet further down the mountain.
But, Whatever its soui'cE, or where its destina-
tifonidthero it flowed, like astream from the rock
0 o .

“ God be thanked!” exclaimcd Charles, bend—
ing over and peering into the bubblng liquid.

“ You don’t suppose he has anything to do with
it, do you?” Cook asked.

The old hunter was not quite' an atheist, and
yet there had been times when he really douli cd
if there could he any great and cod being.r uho
ruled the universe 'and still al owed sin and
misery to exist as they did. '

“ "lis very certain t lat this is the work of no
mortal being!” Charles returned.

“ That’s ti he,” rejoined Cook.

Thcn, throwing himself upon the damp rock,
he took a hourly draught of the refreshing
watcr, drinking: in then-with a purer and strong-
er faith than he had ever known before.

A small flask, which he usually carried, was
thou filled, and they returned to Whole Pete
Century was keeping watch. .

“ Seems we”: o all right now,“ thatjndividual
remarked, with a string of oaths, aftcl'drainin
the flask. Let the red niggers Work; we’ll foo
’em, if it takes ten years tew do it. I‘m bound
for Denver again."

.Thc vulgar and profane words of the spcaker
disgustcd Cook. He felt, for the monicnt,”a.
purer, better being than ever before. With no
more words than Civility re uired, he moved
away, and seated himself near he fading embers
of the fix 0.

“ Charles,” he said, as the young man took a
seat near him, “there’s one thing crrtoin, be—
tween us two; I’m goin’ tew be a letter man
than I have for the last years of my life.”

“ I trust you will, ute," the youlh responded,

warmly. “ There is room for all of us to do bet-'-

ter if we’re a mind to. And I am sure there
must be more satisfaction in a good life than in
fine which accomplishes nothing in that direc~
[OI].

“ You’re right, Charley; you are aways right.
I’m goin’ tow begin from today, and stop usin’
bad language. That’ll be one goodstep, and
than others’ll come easier.”

“ I wish you all success.”

, Thus the tWaln talked for some ' time. It wais ‘
a happy night to Lute Cook. He. never before

had felt so good as he did now.

 

     

writ“. ‘ 73' .

I‘ Jeni—«i, , y   I.

/

if '
it:



 

   

       
    

    

After a time Charles throw himself upon the

' old conch of boughs to sleep, and soon afterward
Cook tool: up his station before the entrance, to
keep watch over the movements without.

Three, four hours passed. The time of Churles’s
watch was passiug¢und still the young mun did
not aWake.

“ Let him sleep,” mused tho sentry to himself.
“ I’m an old boss, used few all these things, and
he ain't. I sha’n‘t wake him up, not to wntch
In’ins here in the dark, by u long shot.”

. at until morning light was beginning to
3» , (lawn, and faint ting'es of gray were to be seen
’ through the opening before him, did Cook leave

,' his post’ to Century, quietly telling; the latter
that he had stood Charley’s watch, and biddingr
that the young man be not disturbed till he
should woken naturally.

 " CHAPTER X.
3 \. WHO Is’fi‘nnim?
GRATIFIED to find that his friends were not in
immediate danger, yet quite as much mystified
as before in regard to the cause of alnrm, Rod—
: ney Drew resscd Onward, and soon stood by
, the side of is con'upanion.

’, ' “What is the trouble, George?” he asked, in n
v , whis )er.

“ don‘t know. Just around the hill there,
somebody has been tiring: and shouting; several
of them, I should say, by the noise." ,,

They waited and listened for a few moments,
when one or two more scattering shots were
heard. '

“Rodney, just stay here with Maggie," sud
George, “ while I run up and See what the mat—
ter is. Maybe somethin’wc’d like to know of.”

And with these Words he glided away, scrum‘

. blin'r up the rocky sides of the ravine.
, w ‘ “ suppose we ind better keep out of sight as
' much as possible while he is gone," remarked
; Rodney, leading the wa back in the hush cabin.
He could not seclude iirnseli' utterly, however,
. and soon he was without, listening and watch-
ing forany signs and sounds to indicate the peril
of his friend. Just thcntwo or three more shots
were fired, but no commotion followed, and Rod—
ne felt that his friend was not at discovered.
hile he was still waiting, Inggio come up
behind, and touched him upon the arm, snying,
as she (lid 50: - '
“It seems to me there is serncthing ulittlo
. sin nlurhere. Comewithmeammnentl”
be young man followed her into the hut,
considering what could be the matter. Upon
?‘two sides the walls-were formed of rock and
' . earth, while tlw remaining,r sides and cover had
. ” " bedn formed of bushes. Down in the confer,
. where the two wells of rock met, Maggie
polyted, 11mins Rodney bent over the place, she
8&1 : . '
“I was sitting here, just in this way, when
what should I bear but the sound of guns, It
didn’t seem to come from overhead, but up
_, through this crevice. It sounded very strangely
 (the, and when I bent nearer I could plainly,

mm the fumes of, burnt powder.” ,

‘ ‘ 2 “Yes. you are‘right in that, for I can smell

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
    

   

  

  

I Lani: Lute.

~And this was the train of his thought:

 

 
  

’ ’it now,”'added Drew. “,What can it be?”
.‘flhav ., ' Probably (leorge mayleurn
backl.’ Q. .7  : “ ,,

 

 
  

 

 

I mammary it was very rmmahte»

 

    
 
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
     
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   

x»;

“ But it may not be safe for us to stay here. ’ 
What this can mean I do not know. There
may be danger. If men are there they must
haw-i entered from some other way. Nobody
could have gone, in here.” '

lie procured it short pole, mid introduced it at
the iissurc. There were evidences oi’ :1 large ’- .
cavern beyond, but he paused from making any
further explorations. V

“Nobody knows who the men may be in
thorn,” he said, starting with a sudden thought.

“ If it should be u robber band I bud bettth ,
not stir them up with this stick.”

“ ()h, gracious heuvcnsl You don’t suppose
it is?” demanded Maggie, turning; )ule with
horror. “ll it is so, and George should fall
into their lm.inls—-"

“ Never mind him I” exclaimed a voice behind
them, the subject of their conversation having
entered unnoticed.

“ Oh, it is you, George,” exclaimed the maiden,
with 'u tone of happy relief. “I really began
to be frightened. Tell us what you have seen?"

“ W'ell, it’s a party of Injins, jest over that
bond. They’ve driv suthin7 intew n (-a-ve around ,
lll'TL‘, near as '[ cansec, and seem to have rather " f
a livel y time with it. ‘ll‘hcther it’s men or aniv '
inuls I couldn’t exactly make out.” ',

“ Thou we must be in danger,” said Maggie.

“ Why not leave this l’ourfnl place at once!”

“ We had better go, I think,” returned Day—
ton. “ Possibly there may not be any do): er,
even if the Indians were to discover us. at, ,
they are not especially friendly, and We had bet; l ,
tor look for a. sufer place.” . -

This was the opmion of all, and as they had 7'
no preparations to make, they were not long (19- ~
mined. Up and away they went trainping ‘
through, the Wilderness for more than a mile] v
before they thought it safe to musv again. In
h. dark, shady dell, inelosed on u 1 sides by scrub
by pines, seemed a. safe retreat,,and here they '
rested their weary feet. , _

It was not much W01‘k.t/l'COIlStTIICt another
but, and soon the four wu s were defined, the
tops of convenient tines served for roof, and the
dwelling was completed, - V , 

But they had nothing to out, and it seemed .
danger-om to attempt getting a supply of food 5 '
by the ordinary means. Still, Rodney was will-
iug to make the attempt, and soon do named;
taking; such a. direction as should hear him fury '
ther away from the Indians. '

(lame was plenty, and a couple of well—aimed
shots supplied their mmpomry wants. Re'immA‘,
in: to the “camp,” he threw down the games,
remarking: '

“ You must cook this up to suit yourselves;
I’m going out prospecting.’ ‘

“ Which way, and how
asked the others. . i , .

“ 1 can’t tell. Don’t trouble yourself for me,”
was the careless inply, and with that he. Was

one. . x
g 'l‘hetrnth was. a_ suspicion had crossed Rode
noy‘s mind—a suspicion only too near the but '

      
     
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
   

    

long to be goneT‘

      
      
       
   
  
  
  
   

, George had reported the Indians ashavigg
“holed” either men or animals. Asit was ,
probable that they would spend much timo with

r

   

 

  

 ‘mimfrw .

Lank Lute. 2 1’

party of white, men might. have taken refuge
there. If so, Who more likely than the Cen—
turys? _ .

They were missing. their dwelling-hurl been
burned, and the gold left. This certainly looked
like the work ot Indians. The cave was not far
from the place, where they had been mining, not
further than a party might have fled with the
Indians in pursuit.

Taking all these facts together, {odney he—
caime more decided each moment in the faith
that his friends were contlned in the bowels of
the mountain. Of their i‘eroiu'cls or situation,
if there, he had no means to judge.

Revolving in his 'llllltll a thousand impossihle
schemes for helping his t‘riends, should thcy
prove to be there, he approached ll. . iirure. lie
was higher than the mouth of the cavern, and
the undergrowth was thick, H) that v» ith mode—

'ate care there was little dun}, of discovery.

All was still as he zlppl‘oattlu d. The wont he—
gan to ifeet that, after all. the Indians had only
driven a hear into the rocks, and either killed it
or gone their way without, But, this idea soon

'anished. A faint curl of smoke, was rising
from below the. ledge, and the savor ot" roasting
meat came to the young; man’s nostrils.

He. was some time in gaining a point from
which he could safely espy the camp, but iinally
succeeded. The sight which met his eyes was not
cheering. More than a dozen red-men Were
squatted about the. feehle tire, some of them en—
gaged in cooking, some eating, lint inure lying
upon the ground, idly \\'fll(‘lltn,‘,’,‘ the entrance to
the mountain refuge, it' such it was.

A few minute»? ohservation convinced Rodney
that the r “ere, keenly alive to the Il‘i'St‘lli‘t‘ of
some p" sons, whom they feared as well a, l ~ ted.
None of the braves ventured to pass in front of
the opening, and while the your man looked,
one of then) raised hi rifle and in ed a. harmless
shot. It was not respmided to, though, from the
crouching of the savages, it; seemed they feared
as much.

Satisfied upon one of the main points, it only
remained for Reclch to observe how, if at all,
he might: hoof assistance to the besieged party.
He recollectcd well the fact which Maggie lad
discovered, and felt certain that the narrow rift
connected with the cavern. Ft'Jlll this fact he
reasoned that it must he a large ('rllL’.

It cost sometime and mueh caution to gain
the hub of bushes, whicth found undisturbed.

The youngr man listened. He could liearnoth-
ing. The sulphin‘y vapor no longer rose from
the opening, and he hogan to feel that he might
be mistaken, after all. His tirst thought w. 3 to
attract the attention of those within by the rat—
tling of a. stick, but feeling that thisiuould he
more likely to draw a bullet than any other re—
sponse, he applied his mouth to the “mung, and
gently whispered the names of the supposed oc‘
eupants.

All continued silent. Looking: about to see
that no prowling lndian was 1](‘lll‘.llé} repeated the
summons, louder and louder. All to no purpose,
however. Then a fear hogan to assail him,
What it" those he sought to as "st had fallen by
the chance bullets of the savages? He knew
nothing of the inner structure of the cavern.
Forehance his etferts were all too late,

 

 

 

   

  
   

 

 

 

 

 

4n<

 

But hark! “That is that? It sounds like some
person moving over the rocks below. Again he
applied hisineuth to the opening, and repeated
his call. There was an instant of stlenCe, and
then a cautious»—

“ Hallo! \tht’s that? Who’s thar?”

0h joy! llodney fairly hounded with delight.
The voico was that of a. White man, and sounded
familiar, though he could not quite recognize

“ A white man and friend. ‘Vllfi are you?” ,

“ VVal, my particular name is Luke Cook. ‘
Ti'hat may your handle he!”

“ liodney Drew.”

“ What! the teller ’t iii; the grizzly? How are
ye, and what ye doin’ here?”

“' I’m :illriglit. Who’s with ye, and how come
ye her it”

" Old ('enturf and his hey are here, and the
Injins (triv us to it. Tliatls about all 1 can tell
r0 7}

 

Satisfied upon the more important points, a
general canvass took place between the two,
Rodney keeping watch that no straggling Utes
approaehml hnn unperceived.

" Keep up courage. a hit loi’iger,” said the
yuung man, at parting. “1 must hasten hack
to George, and it’ any way ‘11!) he contrived to
do it, you shall he released. If in no other way,
we can brim,r nicn enough to aid you. So hold
on till you hear from us again.”
Easy as the, task might seem, it was not in

ily so trifling a matter for Rodney to find
his way hack to the place Where, his con'panions
had hcen left. The shades of cveningwere al-
ready gathering; in fact, it was quite dusky
heiore he left the vicinity of the cave. and itwas
some time lxct'ore he found his friciii .

“ \Yell, what news?” asked George, when the

vanilcrer was safely ii .ide the hut.

“ None my good,” replied Rodney.

“ Such as what?”

“ Pete Century and his son, and the old hun—
for who saved me from the grizzly’s paws, are
all in that cavern, besieged by the savages.
They have been there four days.”

“ Gracious! can it be?”

“ lt‘ . so."

“ \‘Chat’s to be done?”

“ We must help them out.”

“ Hi in?”

“That‘s to he scen. I said we must do it. I
meen 1 must. 01" course they haven’t the
claims uron you they have upon me. Youdon’t
know any of them, while sonic or all of the
three s: . life. l never should forgive
myself: if 1 spared any possible exertions for
their succor.”

“ That; ain’t what; I mean. Rodney. I’m goin’
tew help ye, but I want to know how we can do
it. You‘ve. been there, and know somethin’ of
the. prospm .” i

The, person addressed related what had tran—
spired, in substance. during: his absence, his dis—
coveries at their first cabin, and grave it as his
conviction that a large stone which seemed to
he quite loose at the opening, but against which
no force could be applied by those Within, could
he moved ’hy the united efforts of two men.
This Would open a way for those within to pass
out iniohserved. Wm the wide forest before

 

 

,_..
u
,,

 

  

   

  

  

Lank Lute.

  

 

   

them, and under cover of darkness especially.
they could have no diilieulty in taking cure of
' themselves. _

“ VVal, that ,looks reasonable,” said Georfire,
after his companion had concluded. “ I’m willin’
to go and help ye carry it out. I suppose to-

, night will be the time."

'2; “Yes. Don‘t let us delay any longer than

‘ \ will be necessary. If the Indians conieum'oss
' r‘ the place, all our hopes will go for nothing.”

. “ Phi-it’s u. fact. Well, here. out a bit of meat,
while .I go out and get a couple of stout sticks to
Work with.”

Rodney did as desired, for he was really
very hungry. By the time his appetite was Hat-
isiled. George had returned with the articles in
question.

“Now we are all ready,” he said.
is Maggie.”

“ Yes, Wll'lt shall I do?” the maiden snid.

“ “Hiya. stay here, I suppose. Hudn’t she bet—
ter, Rodney?”

‘ l hill] rather go with you ” she pleaded,
though not earnestly. “Still, 'will do what
you think for the best."

“ Then we’ll leave it to Rodney."

,, The person nuian hesitated. He knew the
l, = unpleasant situation of Muggio, it left aline
' where she then wee. Only the four that they
might have trouble with. the savages, induced
him to urge her to remain.

Mag/gin accepted with a. good grace, though
when they were gone she crept back into the
hot, and crouched in one corner, starting and
trembling with fear at every move of leaf or
limb. Never had she been so utterly alone.

CHAPTER XI.
OPEN AND SHUT. ,

STRIKING the mviue some distanco‘helow the
place of operations, they stole up, and finally
gained the shelter of the bush cabin. Here tliby
were quite safe from discovery, and, what plzin‘
min}: was required to be done, was quietly ae-
comnlished. ‘

“ See here, Rodney,” exclaimed George, as
they prepared for the task; “woiiidn’t it he as
well to go over and see if; the lujins ain’t gone,
nEore we wor ( much? 1 half suspect the m cult;

 

 

"' But here

 

 

.. have got tired of Waiting, and are gone. Whth
do you think i”
“ Guess you’ll find ’em there, though. I’ll go

 
 

over and see, if you have any doubts. "

“ No, not you, Rodney. You’ve trumped
enough to-nig‘ht. Stay here and rest, while I go
and take an observation.”

ney directed him in the course to take udvme'l
him to be very careful, and then seated himself
"upon. a stone, to await the result.
George Dayton was not much practiced in In-
dian matters. fie had never been brought in
, contact with the natives before, although he had
, . seen more or less, of a friendly oh'irueter,iu and
, ‘ about the mines. Under these eireumutmieos he
‘ felt that no great skill . would be required to
. nwvenbout ii. camp of slewing savages, with
_ [fathom one keeping watch at the mouth of the
cave. v, _ , ‘
Regarding. caution its much as pOSSJble, and
£931 Winglthe to to indicated by Rodney, he Was

  

    

 
 
  

. taken by surprise.

‘wor‘n‘.

Finding that he was molly anxious to go, Rellv

 

 
 

not long in coming within sight of the Indian
camp. A faint fire was glowing, so shaded that .
its light should not be seen any distance, and
around this the savages were gathered. A few
were Sleeping, but so few that George was quite
Still he wished to see more
of the Hituution, and l'nm-ying it no especially
difficult task to reach the very prmenee of the
Indians undetected, he began movng forward.

For a. few yards he succeeded well, and began
to fancy hiuwell' a born scout; but a slight mis—
hap was sufficient to put another appearance to ~
the matter. '

A< he carefully pluced one foot in advance of
theother. feeling},r his way u ), he felt something_
hard in the place where he intended to step. ,
Resting upon it, whatever it might be seems-’1
firm, and he prepared for another mlvance.’

Suddenly there was a sharp crack, his foot
dropped, and he came to the rround in a con-
fused pile. .For 3. moment 10 dared not stir.
Discovery and death seemed inevitable. The
SJLV'IlgOS heard the sound, and were already », t»
starting to their feet to dist-over the cause of it.

To remain in-ietive would certainly be tempt-
mg: his fut \. This much the young man realized,‘
and actingr upon the thought he started up, and '
fled from the place. Fortunately this niOVement
we»: noiseless, so that even the keen ears of the
savages heard nothing. Had they done so his
fate would have been sealed. r ‘

Creeping through the bushes, and springing
across Such open spaces as presented, George '
wa. 'oon within it few yards of the place whei‘e‘
his companion had been left. Here he paused.-
t’orulittle time, to learn what course the sav-
ages were pursuing. As all seemed quiet, he
felt no doubt they had given up the search, and
gone hack to their genial fire. -,
' Sliding down the bunk of the ravine, he found
Rodney anxiously awaiting him, with ,Vevery— '

        
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
   
 
 
  
 

 

 
 
       
   

'hing arranged for work.

“What luck? You found them there, I fun- _
ey," the latter said, as his companion re—entered ' “i
the bush hut. ' ‘ - ' I

“Yes, they’re there, ’and I stirred ’em upa. ;
little; but they’ve settled down ag’in, seein’ they,
couldn’t find anything.” r  «

“ How did you do it?” , , , ' '

George related the manner in which belied
so nearly spoiled the night’s work, and when he
had finished, his companion rejoined» ’ > '

tting- to

“ Let’s not lose any time. then, in go
It‘s poéqible they may be on the lookout ;
{or you yet. They are shrewd fellows.,insucl1
a matter. They are all read below to come".
up, and I think we have only his stone to turn
over to Open the way. I we move it, 1110216.”, ' '
The two applied themselves resolutely to the"
task. but, decided as their efforts were, inst so ,
rleeil'ledly were they of little u‘mil. The stone
wa: half raised, and there it became menu.
terly refusing to be moved any further. Asher}: A
point caught in the rocks. and no am’ouutofii
force or- skill could dislodge it. " >
After a time they succeeded‘in helding’and;
blocking the rock as for up as it couldhe rained. '»
Then stepping: back they stood for tome 1mg
ments in silenz-e r  ‘
“Well, what’ll We do new?” Georgs' asked,
the silence became painful, -, v  « V :
‘ I / V C l .. V . V .

    
      
       
      
    
   
        
  

 

   
 

   
  
  
 

    
  
    
    
    
 
 
 

  
  
    
  

  
      
    
 
 

       
    
   

      

   

 

 

 

Lank Lute. ‘ 23

 

“ I don’t see but one way,” returned Rodney.

“And that—”

“ Is, to break off that pointl”

“ ’Twill make too much noise.”

“ Can you advise anything else? If you can,
anything better, I am rcady to hear it.”

George stood regarding the scene in silence
for some moments, but he saw no other way to
secure the release of the imprisoned men.

He stated as much frankly.

“ Then just hold on, while I get a stone to do
it with.”

A few minutes groping in that rocky place.
enabled him to find a howldcr of the required
sizo, and thus armed, ho moved back to the place
of action.

A momentary groping in the dark, then one,
two, three quick blows followed. The point was
broken, and the rock fell back to its place. It
cost some. exertion to raise it again, but that
seemed nothing, for (boy had the satisfaction of
seeing a passage open by which their imprisoned
friends might move forth to liberty.

As the stone was lowered to the earth, the
quick whisper, “ All right!” was sent down by
the dohverers, and a grunt of satisfaction from
below followed. Pete Century came first, crowd-
ing his bulky frame through the opening with
much diliiculty, and swearing more and more
fearfully with each suc.‘essive breath. At
length he grasped the rocks, and raised himself
to his foet,cx01aiming,withalong string of oaths:

“ There, good—by, you confouudod old hole in
the ground! I’ve stayed there jist as long as I
care about. Give us a paw, one of yo; I can’t
jist git my old carcass out of here.”

Both tho young men stepped forward to aid
him, but their efforts were not l't‘qllll‘f‘fl. With
a hiss and a rattle somethingr hurtled around
them, falling upon every side, yet not doing the
two friends any harm. Pete Century uttered a
cry, however, and fell back, pierced by an In—
dianarrow through the body!

At the same moment, with a wild yell, firing
their guns and shooting arrows, half a score of
savages rushed down the, side of the ravine, out-
tiug in all directions, hoping to reach their as
yet unseen foe.

George and Rodney, quite confounded at this
unlocked—for interruption, know not what to
do, but Cook, who was close behind Century,

/ iand comprehended the state of affairs, shouted
o - '

“ Take care of yourselves, boys; we’re all
right.”

“ Draw me in quick.” gasped Century. “ I’m
wounded. I’m afraid it‘s all up with me.
Hurry; don’t let the cusses kill me!”

His request was heeded, though in no very
gentle manner, owing to the position in which
he had been placed. As the Indians seemed to
pay no attention to the opening, Cook pror‘eeded
to stop it as well as passible, after which he
lighted a torch, and examined the hurt of the
wounded man.

That it was very severe appeared at first sight,
the arrow having entered his side, and passed
nearly through the body. Intense pain accom-
panied its withdrawal, and much blood follow-
ed, though the sufferer pronounced himself easier
«fiber the first pangs had subsided,

' m;- w anew...“  4,,» -

 

Lute Cook, when alone, shook his head and
muttered :

“ Don’t know about it. He might git up ag’in
all right if \re‘s away from this place; but hero
I‘m afraid ’twill be tew much i'cr him. He’s not
tow much on his mind, too. Thar’s nothin’ like
a free conscience, whether a man wants tew live
or die.”

And Cook was perfectly right in his asser—
tions.

Meanwhile George and Rodney, partially
heading the words of Cook. fell back from the
immediate vicinity of the opening. In a moment
they realized the fact that they were entirely
cut oil" from rendering any furthc ' stance to
Lhcir friends, as the Indians had. p cssion of
the ravine, and were anxiously siarching for
those who might have lcft the cavern.

Indeed, they had scarcely realized this fact,
when‘a brawny savage placed one hand upon
Rodney’s arm. The young man I‘ctorlcd by
knocking the Indian down with his rifle, justone
inslant before the latter would have buried his
hatchet in the white man’s brain.

In fact, the blow was not quick enough to pre~
vent the rod—skin from giving,r an outcry, which
brought his followers swa 1'1“ng to the spot.

“ Run, run,” whispered George. “ We’ll meet
up thar, whar she is!”

And run they did, as fast men could run,
under the circumstances. The impediments to
their own speed operaicd to some (-Xtcnt upon
their pul‘SlM‘l'S, and the latter had the additional
disadvantage that their on n footfalls were so
numerous as to leave them in doubt where the
fleeing white men really were.

Thus far in the race. the latterhad kept nearly
together—so near, in fact. that each knew the
position 01" the olhol‘. Rodney W‘ ‘ aining his
ears to catch the sound of George stop, when
he suddenly found himself thrown to the ground.
For a moment he was stunned and confused, but
soon realized that his foot had caught in the
branch of a fallen tree, and had thus been pre-
ci )itated to the earth.

ire he was able to rise the Indians were so'
near that he could not do so in safety. Reflect—
ing that by lying close he might escape. dcte,
tion, as the savaires did not seem to suspect his
whereabouts, am would be far from likely to
make any search, ho crept closer to the trunk of
the fallen monarch, and almost held his breath
as one of his pursuers stumbled in the sameman-
nor as himself, though without falling.

The Indians were quite scattered—a sure sign
that they would not run much further that
night. This gave Rodney the comforting as-
surance that his companion was comparatively
safe, and Would reach Maggie in time to allay
any fears the maiden might entertain after
hearing: the firing. v

While reflecting what course to pursue after
he should set forth again. Drew lay for some
time longer than he might otherwise have done,
beneath the tree. Just as he was about crawl—
ing forth, there came the faint sound of footsteps
upon the ground, and he hastily drew back.

Very fortunate it was that he did so. Next
moment a voice broke the former stillness, that
voice coming from the tongue of an Indian not
more than five paces away. Nor was the

  

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y:
,4
*1

 

 

     

 

24

   

Lank Lute.

 

speaker zilono, For another voice, with a peculiar
W'llllll‘, \1'l1ir'hni-vor lwl'i, Roih1zly’m11ind, replied
to tho lir t. and :L third ciiinicd in soon after.

ASIIH, ion 1hat iliuy worn hunting for him
(-11,» 'wi thw y ' man’s mind, and his grasped
his r:-voiw_-1', d iw-vl I14-vc1‘ to yield should
th'iy Sil"-"1’l in lin'iing him.

111' such Ilid 11.11 honour to be their olijm-t.
They1):1:+;~don slowly, t7],llilll’.‘,‘li)l1ll(‘lllS.‘lVl¥a :ill
tho while in a 1111.1111'111'111 Vull‘“. \‘thih-ir this
wax- nuliunil or whether illr-y wore really lic—
wniling H1 wont ol‘ sum-cs8, Rodney had no
nit-ans oi' l(11r1\\'lllj.‘,‘. \

No sooner had thvy r 'lli‘ll a safe distance
than the, young man (‘llll ;_:cd from hi. hiding—
pliice and lll')\'l‘ll away, as ouroi'nlly a: possible,
for he know llul} :11; whniu 1111111101113 ho might cn-
connfcr thou» who hail docidod to return.

’l‘l1i1’1lii11g'ho had loln-n illio nearest rontcto
the pin0 tint-lint in which l\l‘ riH had been ll‘fli,

‘ for sonic
approach»

  

 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

,.

mm
110 pressed on for half an hour, lookii
familiar Sign to indicate that ho .
inc; tho spot, but nothing oi? the kind appeared,
and after confused uttcnipts to study out his po—

 

5.

 

Sltion, ii. 'oung man was forced to admib that
he was lo t.

lllcantrhilo Georgi- l)n
stl'ni'iious, had lici‘nalilohi(liniunz'o hi.
and linallylouvadoiil1un1entirely. Sn ,ie'l ol'
the i'uv-l'. that ho was 11') longer pur. icd, and
ill-111111;: "ii-xi danger 111ij_';hh (‘onio to llilaggic, he
Lnrnwl Low; 'd the [iinoiihiclq ii.

The V'ay w H l‘<)ll‘.','l). (‘xlirvincly so, nirl ii? re»
([lllI‘l'll :1. Sl‘VI‘l'O o oriion i‘o roach ii'no pl‘lUU.
But linaily he did so, and approached tho hut oi'
lmshm’.

“ Rho may lh" frighirncd,” 11" thought. “ I
will warn her that I inn :1 l'rivnd."

(Jurigying out the idea, ho called her gonny by
11:11 . Tlu'ro was no ropousc. lint 114» was not
alarincd.

“ S111: is six-“pin’r.” ho rcnsoiwd. “ I will ground
son that all is right. mrl thou wait for Rodney.”

Hex entered the (‘fllllll wry silently, and paused
to tuitrh t! : hrvaihing~ oi" the loved out). All
was very still, and a cold chill began to creep
around the young man’s hours.

“ Maggie!” hc called, this time using a louder
tone.

There was 11 1 rnspou so, noi' (won a. whispor or
movement. \‘Khzit could it mean? \thb did it
mean?

Anxionsly he moved around The, narrow con-
fines of tho place, putting his hands in every
corner. All was 1111’s Vacancy! l’luinly the one
he sought was gone!

“ Great; heavens!" he grasped, while a cloud
seemed to (rover his brain; “ Whni; can have
happened to her? M :rgic, (lcar Maggie, where
can you l1‘1vcg‘onet .

He rushed forth lEXliO the open air, still calling:
the name of tho lostone. 'l’ox'sililyslie 111ig'hi;
have felt greater minty outside the tcnt, and
fallen asleep lion 2:11.11 Home of the pines.

His search WIN all in Valli]. Not a foot; in tho
thicket huh ho penetrated to 111a.ko sure that: he
lrad not l-mou tho victim of some ill fortune, and
that her lio'ly was not lying,r there.

The far-t that such was not the case was the only
satisfaction he recoiVed. By tho time 1;] ' mn-
tiny had been made a. new four began to pos. ‘

 

 

shin. havin': moi; no oh-
. onornim,

 

 
 

   

 

  

 

 

   
 
  

  

1:

 

 

 

him. Why did not Rodney come? Had some
ill licl'allczi him? True, he had not heard a shot;
since they parted, but many guns might have
horn fired, and death and disability might have
com"- to the youngr man in many another way.

’l‘cn—‘Iifbeen minutes, half an hour passed, and
none -amc. Oh, why could not that pull of
da- knoss lift for a single moment, that he Inight
learn of his surroundings? _

Snddcnlyhn paused, :1 11d bent his ear. Surely
tillL‘I'U were stops approaching. With hope in his

heart, he moved forward to meet them. ‘

CHAPTER XII.
A STROKE FOR LIBERTY.

RODNEY DREW wandered back and forth for
some time, fearful of going any great distance
in one direction, lest; it should take him deeper
into the labyrinth than he then was. Seatlng
himself upon a fallen tree, he began to think in
regard to his best course of action.

He already had canvassed more than a dozen
different projects without adopting any of
them when he was electrified by hearing some-
thing very much resembling the cry of an ag-
onizcd human being. Although uncertain but it
111igl1t lie the voice of some animal, Rodney at
one , loll; his seat and approached the spot; from
which the sound seemed to come.

But; whan no further sounds came to his ear,
he began to fancy that he might have been mis—
taken. Perchancchis somewhat excited imagin-
ation had been playing him false. Yet it was
not; so. for almost; as the thought entered his
mind , heard it; again, this time nearer, and so
distinct; that there could no longer be any un-
certainty in the matter.

It was a human cry, the cry of distress, and
tho cry of a woman!

Justinily the thought of Maggie, the maiden
who hid saved hislit'c, and toward whom he fell;
the ail'cction of a brother, entered his brain,
and with all speed he dashed toward the scene.
The dim light of the stars penetrated the forest
in places, and where this light served to dispel
more than an ordinary share of the darkness, he
saw two struggling figures.

At first he could not decide who or What they
might be, save that there was one of either sex.
As he came nearer, the twain espied him. The
female gave utterance to a cry of gladness,
while the other oust her to the earth, and pre‘
pared to meet; the 110W comer.

Rodney saw by this movement that be had an
Indian to contend with, but he was prepared.
His rcvochI‘ was in hand, and, as the savage
raised his h tchet, the white man fired.

The red 5 \m was not injured, but, seeing that i
he was overmatched, sprung behind a. tree near
by. 01" course this was a move of safety to
him. since it; was a very easy matter to keep the "
tron between them, let Rodney take any position
tint; sv‘c'nod most favorable to him.

Si-cin’: the state of affairs, the latter walked
to the plum where the woman was just rising
from the ground.

“ Margie, as I feared I" he exclaimed.

“ Yes. it is‘ me,” she replied, rather Wildly;
“ but you came in time to save me from that;
dreadnt beast, Lock out, look out: 1”

 

E‘

 

e

 

 

'1
l
l
,

 

 

. \L.»

Lani: Lute. I 25 '

 

   
 

'The last words were uttered with an accent of
r terror, and as Rodney looked around, he saw
the Indian 'ust drawing on arrowto his eye.
.vaaggle ha fallen to the ground, and he was
just in time to cast himself beside her, when the
. ,. shaft whistled over them.

“ Here, Mu gie," the young man said press-

in the revo ver into her hand, “ take this pis-
'to , and if the rascal comes on this side of the
tree, fire at him.”
Then, taking his rifle in hand, he sprung to a
" point from which the savage must necessarily
ex ose himself to one of them.
he crack of the revolver first Warned thc In—
dian that he was placed between two fires. Yet
he was not injured, and started to flee through
', the forest. .
r ' But he was too late. The instant he left the
friendly cover of the tree, a ball sped from

Rodney’s rifle, crashing through the savagc’s

Vitals, and bringing him to the ground to die.

The White’ man apronched carefully, for he

knew there nu ht e treachery; but a single

lance reassur him., Stepping to the side of
aggie, he said, in low, calm tones, “ Now for
’ the cabin again.”
‘ They were further swag} from the pines than
Rodney had imagined. fly a mile they had
traveled, and he was beginning to fear that
Maigie was mistaken, when they entered the
: clar confines of the grove. Scarcer had they
game so when George came forward to meet
em.

“Yes, it’s you, Maggie and Rodney. ~Wherc
have ye been? I was ,very much frightened
’ about you.”

.“ I have been in the hands of an ugly Indian,”
said the maiden. “and you would have seen lit-
. tle more of me, if it, hadn’t been for this man.”

' ’ ‘jIn the hands of an Injinl How did that
happen? Where is he? How came he to find
i on

 

i » “’ Don’t ask too man questions, or I shall f( 1r-
et some of them. 5 for where he is that

’t make much odds, for he’ll never hurt us
any

more”.
That’s well; but I’m all anxiety for the
nest. Tell me how you came in his hands.”
“Partly through my own foolishness. But
that makes no difference now. it can’t be helped:
IaWaS looking for you to come back. After a
me I heard some one step outside, and, though
ktartled, I thou htyou had come. ‘15 it you,
- George? I aske ,‘ but got no answer. I suppos—
can all right. thinking you did not wish to
1 $3111: aloud. In a. moment a pair of arms were.
‘ mw'n around me. ,
5., “ ‘ You white-face squaw,’ the creature grunt-
d. «6d. ,It was an Indian l, Heavens! What a shock
that was! I was there in his arms, alone and
lpless. 'I should have fainted, but my fear

  

   
  

  

 
 

  

, resisted all I could, but my little
strength availed nothing. In this way we went
:a ong distance. afid I was beginning to lose

I: I, when I heard some one coming. It

to be Rodney. The rest I need not tell

’ ' i 's
George'did not say much [though he managed
 his happiness In, tru he was very

will? mt ' £1 d ad 1
*1 , o grasped me an ragg me away.
fought andx

  

1%

  

  

  

 

sorry that he had not becn'in the place of his
Comrade. Not that he feared Rodney would
endeavor to steal away the afl’cctions oi Maggie,
but if he should learn to love hon—«and he did
not see how any one could resist Ihut feeling——
and her heart should be drawn to him, he trem—
bled to think of himself.

“ How stu )id I am.” the maiden suddenly ex~
claimed. “ never thought to ask how you suc—
(I-ecdcgl in setting your friends free. How selfish
. am.

“We did not succccd at all ” was J'the sad
reply of George. 1‘ “'0 got it all ready for them
to (301110 out, when the Indians surprised us,
wounle one of them, and made us run.”

“How unfortunate; and now what will be
done!”

“ I don’t know, I’m sure.”

“ I know what I shall do,” said Rodney firmly.
“ I shall go down to the mines in the morning,
and raise men enough to drive away the lnjins.
I’ve undertaken this work, and I’m going through
with it.”

“ And get hung as a robber,” suggested
George.

"' No, I do not feel any fears of that. I shall
not go to Cobble Run, ofcourse. ‘Thcrc isan—
other deposit nearer which men are working
pretty extensively, I hear. I shall go there,
state the facts, and see if I can not got volun-
teers.” ‘ '

George was not anxious that the men in the
cavern should die there, either at the hand of

the savages or otherwise, and yet be Very much.

dreaded to have his friend undertake the mission
he contemplated. What argumncnts he could
present to, induce him to forego his (losign were
given, but Rodney was firm.

“I shall go as soon as lightwmcs,” he said.
“ Meanwhile, I think we’d better get away from
this place. The Injins have been here once, and
ma come again.” ,

his was certainly a good suggestion, and

they acted upon it at once, thong-h none of the ‘

party felt disposal to travid furtlwr in the dark-
ness than might be nm-essary, after the manifold
event; of the day and night. A

They werc not long,r in finding a. place which
seemed as little liable to intrusion as could be
imagined, and here they remained till daybreak»
though no one of the party slept, or, i f at all,
but. very little. ,

They had still cold meat enough for breakfast
and this they devoured as the gra of the morn—
ing began to streak the eastern my, and soften
the harsh blackness of night. Wit l the coming
oi'duwn Rodney re—cappcd his weapons, to make
sure of their condition, and then, with a hearty
good~by to each of the lovers, he left tin-m, to
make one more attempt for his besieged friends.

His progress was rapid and the sun hadruot

reached more than half—Way to the zenith, when .

he came in view of the. tents scattered about
Prospect Vein. The number of tents gave him
satisfaction in one respect, if not in all.

A sharp descent, a trifling rise of land, and he
was among the busy miners.

“Hello, stranger,. whar‘s er tewls?” a full-
growu Down—ouster demande ‘, While an ardent
native ot Cork beside him owled: , . '

“ Divil a good look’ll ye ml in this ould blag-

' , _ I _ ‘ A , ,

 

 

 

 
   
    
 
   
     
  
   
   
 
     
  
       
         
         
     
         
      
  

  
   
         
       
     
 
 
   
      
       
    
   
    
      
        
      
       

 

  

28

   

guru] iv a place. It’s mosoli' is jisi; ;,~'()iiil to quit
it enthiroly.”

“ I want some help to res: no :1, party oi' nion
from the Indians." he said gaining“ a centrnl
position, where the number could hear his
voice.

“ W'hat‘s that? lnjinsi’ and more. than one
pick dropped t ) the ground, as the owner started
forward to hear the no vs.

When a tolerable number had g‘itlwrod, Drew
detailed in brief forms tho situation of Century
and his cmnpanions. Tho nonvnnt was listened
to with interest, and one or two declared Ilmn-
Solves ready to join in driving nw the Siqug'bS.
The inaj u‘ity, however, were quite, reserved in
the expression of their views.

“ Come, mun, thorn is no time to lose," ho said,
after a few moments had passod. “ Even now
the poor men may be in great danger. I’ossihly
Wo may be too late. if We (hilly a singlo inomont.
Who will go!”

Two men stopped to his side, the Downsoaster
who had first greeted him, and another of tho
szuno pattern. So far the result was gratifying,
and there the volunteering ended. Every one
had a nominal excuse, while more than one
quick look passed.

“ Yo son the diggin‘s pay purty well jest now,
and they hate to leavo ’mn,” one of the Volun»
toers remarked, in a low tone.

“ Silo here,” venturod Roilnoy, in a voice. so
low that none but those ho addressed could hear
him, “ Can‘t yo 5 um up It fmv good fellors that
ye know’ll be all right? Iran show ’cm some
diggin’s that‘ll pay an ounce where these pay a
dollar, and that not iivo miles from hero!"

“ if you can (low that we’ll find a plenty of
men,” was the quick reply.

Both of thorn sturth to confer with a. friend,
and Rodney remained standing there, urging
those about him to join the party.

At length an individual olhowml his \vuy
through the crowd, and paused in front of tho
young man. The latter rouognizml the indi—
vidnal’s features, and felt sure they had met be-
fore, but Where ho could not tell.

“ Sue horn, rollers,” he exclaimed. with an im-
portant uir, “ don’t ye know this fuller? I do.”

“ Win) is he?” a dozon voices asked.

“One of the, robbers what‘s trind nt Cobble
Run two or three days ago, and got away in the
night. We'll git suthin’ good for takin’ him
back.”

An intense commotion followed. In the midst
of the excitement, a powerful fellow approach—
ed and asked, in a confidential manner:

2‘ W hat say you to that? Be you the chap?”

Rodney had antioipatod this very thing, and
he hesitated not in answering:

“ I am tho man.”

“ Then we’ll take care of you. You needn’t
take any trouble about them follows on the
mountains. You‘ll go back to Cobble Run!”

And with these Words tho fellow grasped
Rodney‘s arm. The latter, however, freed him—
self by a quick motion, and kept the assailant at
bay while he said :,

“ Hear what I have to say. I tell you I am
not guilty. Even if I were it would not ho
right to leuvo those men in the cave to (lie.
Now, hear what I am going to say. Let enough

i

 

 

 

Lani: Lute.

|

1 of run go to drive away those Indians, and I
I uni show you the way. You can take my
weapons, everything, and shoot me if I attempt
to louvo you. When this is done, I will return
with you to Cobble Run or any other place, and
prove lllv‘ innouonuc or suffer the consequences.”

“ That’s fair enough,“ remarked one.

“It sounds i'uir, but who knows how many
('onfods he’s got up in tho mountains!I I’d sooner
trust myself with tho lnjins n plagu / sight.”

“ Don’t mind a word tho rasmll says,” put in
tho man who had just given .l’todnoy’s history to
tho hystmulors. “ He’s got away tw :e, by some
means, and now he's plannin’ tow g0 ag’in. I
see this ’tqrnul crittv s idee.”

“That‘s it,” remarked the tall fellow who
had attempted to seize Drew. “ I go for takin’
him over to (‘ob'ile inn, and they aim do as
they set} lit about takin’ a trump onto the moun—
tnins for him.”

Ho wronched own) the young man’s rifle as he
spoke, a proceeding which the latter did not re-
sist. He knew it would be useless to do any-
thing of the kind. Instead, he took his pistol
and handed it to tho lmlf—ubashod rough.

“ I do not doponil upon those,” he said, quite
calmly. “ Had I been so guilthardoned as to
rob a. poor man, I never should have ventured
hero to save the lives of my fellow—men. But I
came because I trusted you, and felt that you
would consider my motivos. Even if I were
guilty, you should not leave those poor men in
the. dark, miserable cavern, to die like huntc’d
animals.”

“ That’s true; we’re jist actin’ like fools,” ex»-
('lnimod one of the party. “ “Why not twenty
or thirty on us go with him, and see if thnr’s
any Injins? I’ll go, for one. I don‘t believe he
over robbed anybody, or thought of it. Come,
who’ll go?"

Those. who were anxious for “tho job” did
not nppearto be numerous, and tho young man’s
prospocts bong to (lurkenn little. While rea-
son brought a different feeling to many, and
the probabilities of his guilt seemed less each
moment, few among the .‘eliish multitude cured
to leave their digging to savo the lives of fellow—
hcings. The two Yankees had succeeded in
bringing to light a few others who would like
to son the richor diggings, so that ten men stood
ready to go. They were opposed to fifty others,
who still held Rodney in derided suspicion,
rather regarding them as foolish for the pains
they would take.

CHAPTER XIII.
THE AVENGER.

SO absorbed were the group around Rodney,
that the entrance of three strangers into their
midst was unnoticed. In fact, before their
presence attracted any attention, they hurl
gained the very center of the party, two of
them standing,r upon eitherside of the fellow who
had denounced Rodney Drew. The third was
nearly behind him.

A quick glance passed between the trio. Then
the roarmost of the party bent forward, and
touched the surrounded fellow lightly, saying,
at the some time, in a confidential tone:

“ Robbins!”

The person addressed turned quickly, with not

 

 

 

 

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a little surpriso manifested upon his features.
.As he did so, one of those beside him Caught his
Whiskers, and the whole mass parted from his
smoothly-shaven face.

“ You’re jest the feller we “ ant,” they said,
grasping him by each hand, and quietly disarmi-
ing him. “ We’ve got track of the chap that
stole the German’s gold. and we’ll jest trouble
you to go back to Cobble Run, if you ain’t
busy.”

The disguised individual was none other than
he who had been so boldly accused by Maggie
Brown of the crime. He struggled foari‘ully
for a moment, but could do nothing in the grasp
of the strong men who held him.

“ Look here, my line tellers," he said, as his

’ hands were forced behind him and hound, “ you

can’t play that. I’ve been tried once for stealin’
that gold. and let off. Thor’s the man that (lid
it; why don’t you take him? You can‘t try me.
ag’in you know.”

“ We’ll Se) about that. We’ve found out a
thing or two since you left, and Maggie Brown
won’t be the only one to swear :ig'in’ ye this
time. No, old fellow, you may as Well make up
your mind to swing about to—morrow.”

Robbins did not reply, but gnashed his teeth
and glared upon the men in a manner which
boded no good for them should he ever be at
libertyr again.

“ What is it?” asked one of the Prospect
miners. “ Do you suspect the man of a rob—
bery?”

“ No, we don’t suspect anything of the kind.
We’ve got proof of it.’7

He then detailed the manner in which Rcdnev
had been impllcuted, and the events which fo -
lowed. It seemed that, after the charges made
against him by Maggie, Robbins had not dared
to remain there longer, but disguised himself,
assumed another name, and repaired to Prospect
Vein. Immediately after he left, the facts of
the case leaked out, and men were sent out to
arrest and bring him back. This they had done,
and were happy to inform Rodney that if him-
self and George Dayton would return they would
be gladly welcomed.

“ Then you don’t think he done the robbin’?”
asked the tall miner, ointing to Rodney.

“ We know he didn t,” re-explaincd the speak—
er of the arresting party. “At first it seemed
he must be guilty, and everybody thought he
was. But now we all know different, and not a
man but feels ashamed to think he ever suspected
such a thing. ”

“ Look here, cha) ” the tall miner pursued,
turning to Drew, ‘ Ireckin I war a bit hasty.
Jest you say it’s all right, and I’ll go onto the
mountain with ye or anywhars else.”

“ You were not to blame, certainly,” was the
free reply. “ Only hereafter, remember to give
strangers a fair Show before condemning them.
But all this time we are delaying. Those poor
men in the mountains may be dying. Let us
go; who will follow?”

‘his time there was no need of a second call.
The miners felt heartily ashamed of the manner
in which they had received Rodney, and nearly
every one expressed their intention of accom-
fiillfiying him, to atone for their injustice to

' s;

 

Lani: Late. 2 

About thirty of the best armed finally made
what little preparation was necessary, and set
forth. However fast they might travel, it seem-
ed to Rodney that they were unnecessarily slow.
He kept the load from the first, and continually
ur ed his followers to greater exertions.

The latter were by no means disposed to dally.
Time was precious to them. and they were
really anxious to see the termination of their
adventure. Up and down hills they wended,
Usingr little caution, since it did not seem any
force of Indians could be found capable of fac—
ing them.

“Jest wait till they catch sight of us, if you
want tow see some tall runnin’," remarked one
of the. party; a View in which all the others
coincided.

Rodney was not so certain of that.

“ I wish we had Lute Cook here, to lead us,"
he remarked. “ I should feel surer of success.
We may make some fatal mistake, though I
trust not.”

But, his anticipations were not shared by any
of his con'ipanions. So far from adopting any
precautionary measures as they neared the
place, they were only anxious to push forward
with greater dispatch.

They u ere within less than half a mile of the
cave, when one of the party, well toward the
rear littered a cry, and raised his arm, trans-
fixed by an arrow!

None had seen the daring shot, though it had
been sent from the front, and one man affirmed
that something like a ray of light had risen
from a given point, though he had tukenno par—
ticular notice of it. \

Several of the men then grasped their rifles,
ready for instant use, and rushed toward the
spot. No human being was in sight, however,
and they returned to the main body.

It was now deemed best to throw out scouts,
and approach with more care. The fact that
me of their number had been wounded by an
unseen marksman seemed to dampen the cour—
age of the balance to a considerable degree: not
only were they far from anxious to act as
scouts, but some advised that the main body
wait till the position of the Indians was ascer—
tained. To this proposition Rodney would not
listen for a moment.

“That will give the savages time to get off
without any punishment,” he said, “and that
will never do. Now that we have force enough
we must teach them to respect 11s. If we do not,
our tents may not long be in safety. We must
follow the advance so closely that when the
Indians are discovered we can strike adeadly
blow.”

This lan adopted, the party set forward
again, t is time in better order, and observing
more caution. They moved as rapidly as pos—
sible until within twenty rods of the cavern,
without seeing any further signs of the red-men.
Rodney began to fear that they had escaped a]-
together.

Up they went, nearer and still nearer, till
the foremost gazed upon the trampled bushes
about the mouth of the cavern. Not an In-
dian was to’be seen. They had been th’ere late—
ly, as a fire was still smoking not far away.
_Approaching the entrance, all around which

 

 

,7

28 Lani:

Lute.

 

the earth was blackened by smoke and plowed
by bullets, Rodney bent down and called:

“ Century l"

“Here we are,” replied the clear voice of
Charles, and quick, glad words came from the
interior.

At that moment, however, other sounds filled
the enrsof the miners. From a small thicket
not far away (came such a Chorus of whoops and
yells as might have been heard it

—“ All the fiends that fell,
Had pealed the hanm-r-eiy of hell."

A scattered volley of musketry, and llightoi?
arrows came from the eoneealed Indians as
they broke cover and dashed toward the \xhite
men, still filling the air with their inileserib-
able yells.

Two of the miners l'ell, Wounded, and the bal-
ance were disconeerted at the suddenness oL' the,
attack.

An answering,“ whoop broke. upon the air as
Lute Cook sprung forward to the, front.

“Hurrah, boys! Into the cusses!”1 he yelled.

His rille cranked, and with the report one
of the savages dropped. As the, smoke. raised,
(look was to be seen dashing toward the, sur—
prised Utes, brandishing a revolver in each
hand.

“ Come on —come on i” shouted Rodney, as he
ELLIW the situation of affairs. “ He’ll be killed il’
we don’t help him.”

With a loud Shout the whole. party darted
forward, and as they did so the st .vag'es turned
to flee. But close behind them, like an aveng—
in; spirit, came Cook, his revolvers [lashing
lire and death as he gradually gained upon
them.

His daring recklessness animated the miners,
and away went pursued and pursuers, up the
steep mountain ascent. d’nvn through dark and
traekless ravines, among,r bushes, briers and
rocky dells.

One after another of the Indians fell, but they
had no opportunity for avenginu' the unfortu-
nate ones. 0n flew the surv1vors, panting,
weariod, hopeless. And every glanre behind
showed them that wild, awful-looking iiguro,
Close upon them, g ‘asping those dreadful \Vt‘il'
pons w 1050 every noixi was a s 'nal of doom to
some one of their number! And not he alone,
but behind and around him enme kindred spiri s,
anxious to assist the avenger in his Work of do—
struetion.

0n, still on. mile after mile. they lled, till at
length even the Home spirit of the old hunter
was satisfied, and he paused, dropped his pistols
to the ground, and stood trembling like a hunted
stag.

 

 

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE UNFOLDTNG.

RODNEY DREW had not followed the pursuit
any great distance. Seeing that the men were
fully engaged in t e work oi" vengeance. he
turned and hastened han to the cavern. Cook
alone had come forth. and as he knew the
elder Century was wounded, he felt some appre-
hensions that all might not be well with the old
mall.

It was so dark inside the cavern that he eould
not see at first, but was immediately aware that
a gentle hand was laid upon his arm.

“ My father is Very weak, sir,” said Charles,
for it was he. “ Please to come this way, for he
wishes much to see you. Ah, I fear he cannot
live long!"

to lney followed his guide, and soon knelt be—
side the snli'C—rer. Century raised his eyes. and
what was intended as ,t smile appeared. But it
was faint, and so full of pain and fear that it
made the young; man shudder.

“ “Well, you’ve eome at lust,” he said, endeav—
oring to move, but without sure s.

“ Yes, we’ve sum-ceded in drlvmg off the In—
dians, and when you are able we will take you.
outside, whore There is better air.”

“ Don’t talk of it,” was ihe hopele. reply.
“ I’m about finished; what life I’ve got is some,
that I‘ve saved for this or: 115nm.”

“ You feel faint and had,” returned Drew.
“ No wonder. This place is bad enough to
kill well people, much more those that are
wounded.”

The sull'erer lay with closed eyes for some
time, and now that ltodney was somewhat ne—
(HIS mood to the light, he was able to observe his
featur more closely. That scrutiny assured
the observer that there was no hope of saving
the wounded man’s life. Indeed. the shadow of
coming; ( . ' lution was already there.

Under ordinary eireumstunees Rodney would
have known how to speak and appear at ease,
but there, in ihe, pre‘ 0 of the grim shadow,
he felt unable, tobring any words into use. But
he was not left long in a state of elnharrussu'lent.
Century opened his eyes again and beckoned to
his son.

“ Charles,” he said, huskily, “ bring me a lit—
tle more water. I feel very faint, and my throat
is parohed.”

The youth hastened to obey, and while he, \ ':is
gone the father remarked:

“ l’oor (Jharlesl I haven’t been the father I
ought to be. I ain’t lit to die, but lit or not
mak s no odds now. I‘ve tried to he better for
a day or two, but it never amounted to any—
thing: Be, kind to (‘li:11'l@H,_\joung sir, for his
hmrt is all hound up in yours.”

There was someth’ng‘ in the words which
sounded strangely. and ltodney fnneied that the,
man’s mind wandered. llut at that moment
(lharles returned with some water, and the suf-
ferer drank a full draught. Its oll'eet was ap—
parent, for he breathed easier in a moment.

“Charles, you may go and see if Cook isn’t
(-oinin’.” said the father, “and if he ain’t you
may wait for him. Drew’ll (‘all you when I Want

on.”

There was an expression of alarm upon the
youth’s features as he moved away, and Rodney
felt slightly startled for the moment But the
next words of the elder Century rea snred him.

“ [’ve got suthin’ to’ tell ye,” he said, moving
himself by an effort, so as to look more directly
at the person he addressed. '” I’d like it if Cool:
was here, but he knows already.”

Ho paused for a moment, then said, abruptly:

“ Did you ever think that Charles was not my
child?” '

 

 

L

 

  

 

 

 

“ I always supposed he was,” returned Rod-

 

 

 

 

 

 

i.

if he'll.

Lank Lute.

 

ney, filled with conjectures by the manner of
the speaker A

“She is I” was the (leeided answer, “and it
s time now that I come to speak of her as she
3.”

“Good heavens! 1. Charles-"

“ Charles is not Chan 1.- ‘ hut (,‘hnrlotto, sir!"

“Then this son of yours is neta son, but u
dau rhter, if I comprehend the waiter fully.”

“ ust thut,Ri1'; no more nor lA'HH. M w, I‘m
goin’ to tell you how it come about. () ('mu'se
you need not tell any more of this than you‘re a
mind to.”

“I will not speak of it. if you so Wish."

“ l‘hat is good. Ten years ago I was well-io-

, do in the State of Kenluvliy. lhwl a (miniurta—

.ble farm and a few negroi-s. But the California
discovery set me (may, and I went oil" there. In
two weeks tiller 1 not into flll‘ mines lives a
rll‘ll man. 1 had most vxlremdinai'y hick, rnd
set off for Sun ll‘ranviwo to have a any time
through the winter. 1 :un {IIIH’JSC ashamed to
say that I visited tho grumbling: dens, and finally
tool; hold of the Cards for H'mllt’)‘ mywlf. You
can guess the rest. In a, \\ (wk l 11th a! l 1 had.

. “I managed to live through the winlvr, and
in the spring set oil‘ for the diggingsugain. This
time Iwus notin lurk. l tlng’sumlily all the

, semen, often shifting my ground. and when

‘ ,4 winter came again I had but harva (llough m

‘take me home. I emne, and found that my
home had been assailed by the rholern, and all
save n. daughter ten or eleven years old had
died! ‘
“How I cursed the ganninglahle then: yes,
and everything else, even to my Maker! I had
not been vel'ylmd before this, lmt now I lei:
loose. Till gold was disrm‘erl-d hero in'ar the
Peak I lived as best I muld. Then I formed the
idea of coming out to thaw- regiuns. Not (a dig
_ gold—I had ex mrieneed far too Illllt‘ll of that
already. But intended to establish a. gaming-
'felt‘suro that would be the best way to

get rich. I ' ~

“ I ma do my daughter. now a young woman.
whose life had been a living: rolmku to me, rim-
guise herself as a boy, mthnt- 1 might Lepro-
vidoad with an assistant \5 hon) I could trust. ‘lhe,
with a heart full of love for me, did 50. though
with tears and remonstrnncr‘s.

“My den was established, and fora short
time all went Wf'll. But I soon {mind that I w as
not sure of wealth. oven in that. My bank was
broken; and I was left without capital. At the
same ‘time a. rival eslal'ilialmimt. was doing Well.
'1" was determined to succeed. infinite of fate.
‘Wa left'for the diggings. discovered that rivh
deposit at which we were Will‘igillgjan'lwn yuu

first saw US,ral]d were ready to return to Den-
. ver again and resume business But the l ndimm
. came 11 ion us. drove us into this hole, and final-
l-y kill me. It’s just enough; I’ve no right to
complain.”
He paused for a short time. 'us he was grow-
ing weaker all the while. After a few monients’
- at he added:

if You and Cook must ace to C‘hnrlouo, fm'

you are; all the fritnds she has. Thaw ig no

{glow}? for her to luck/lifter, for I have sgent

 

1
l

“ I will see that she is well cared for,” the '

young man aid.

And then a strange fancy came into his head.
He was sure that something had drawn him to-
ward the supposed young Ina-n strangdy, and
new it seemed clear to him.

“ "Would Charlotte hora. proper wille‘ for moi”
he :wlied. fueling sure that he should receive a
candid answer.

“There ain’t it purer or betlm‘ girl on tlzis'
whole earth,” was the earnest reply. “ SLC’siun
angel, sir, il‘ lllul‘ a] ’snvh things on earth.”

“ And do you think she would be willing to
marry 1110‘”

“ Yes. ‘ll‘,
spoken with her in’ regard to the matter.
her words and actions showed me enough.
heart is yours.”

“And would you be satisfied to place her in
my keeping!”

“ Perfectly. Settle it with her. and be good.
Let her lead you in that resper-t, i‘orghe is bet-
ter and wiser than we men.’ ‘ \

There was a moment‘s silence, ‘ and then
Com m" ’ added: 4 I

“ Call her now. I am feeling faint rgain. It’s
uhnut over With me.” ,

Before the young,r man had time to regain his
fbet. Charlotte, as we will henceforth call her,
uppiared. A deep llush was upon lll'l‘clluli;
that the young man knew her secret, her We-
munlv instinct told her. v ‘

‘ .l ii'lotte,” said her father. “I have told
him all. He will care for you. Please bring n u
some more water. I shall not require hind:
more.” 7 /

She hastened away in obedience to the re-
qIn-st, and \\ hen she returned her father drank
but u swallow.

, "There is no taste in it,” he moaned. “Oh.
Why needs our spring to fall, of all things else,
at this time?” ’

Cl arlotte wept, for she knew that am waters
of the spring had not changed their purity.
Littleof allertion as there. had been Letwc-ru
them for the past years. it was a fearful thing
to shmd by and see her father die in such a mis—
erable plncv. ,

Rodney went to the open air again, for he
hoped that some of the pursuershml zivlui'nod;
and with their heldl hefwished tomovo the dylrg‘
man to a. more pleasant; scene. But noneof
them had yet come in, and he was about to re’
turn, disappointed, when he Saw some moving
forms not far away. Ho lonkt-d again, and. saw
that “my were none other than George Dayton
and Maggie Brown. At sight of him the)”
harem-d forward, and bath grasped his hard
wan lily. .

“So/you done it, Rodney! Good 1‘01" yen!
.811lean me if I had any greatlaith inlt.
Hi M’s everything?"

Drew briefly related the state of afl‘airs. how
the mien were still driving: the Indians over the _
mountains. and that Pete Century was lyingat

I know it, though I have never
But
Her

the mint of death.

“ llis son’s allright, I silpnasel” ‘

“ Yes. and the most singular fact of all in that;
the =on isn’t a son at all, but a devoted .(lllligh4' .1
tel-P? ‘ - . . ,

“How? \What’s that? ‘ A woman iii/dis'

‘1 . .

 

   
 

 

30

Lank Lute.

 

Rodney, that beats all! Have you fell in love
with her?”

“ That’s a quick question.”

“ I’ll bet an ()llLli‘O you have! 101m: now, own
up. If you hain’t, do so at once, and let’s go
back to th'» States.”

At this point the voice of Charlotte washeard,
in frightened tone :

“Please. come in a. monmnt, Rodney. Oh,
my father!”

lbth the men hastened inside, but before they
reiched the scene Pete Century had seen the
1 1st 01“ earth. Charlotte :tood heside the sense-
lxas clay, \1’eepi11g as though her heart would
break. Rodney took her hand gently in his
own, and led her away, saying:

“ This is 11’)t a. good place for you, Charlotte.
Come forth into the pure air, and see how
pleasant is its breath. You will iind a good,

 

kind girl outside, who will he your friend and ‘

companion. You can. trusther.”

Charlotte went forth, and while listening; to
the kind words of Maggie, felt more truly the
worth of friendship than she had done for
years.

“ I have found a friend,” she said, when Pod
ney came forth.

The young 1111111 took her hand and drew her
a little aside.

“ 'l‘irit friend is the promised wife of my
frie 1'1, Gnrirge Dayton. They are going hack
to t 1.. - tit/3s to he 111a1'ried, and find in a quiet,
happy life something more valuable far than all
the gold about Pike‘s Peak. Shall we go with
them!"

There was so111ethinz in the glance of his eye,
and the pressure he gave her hand, which asked
a deeper question than the Words themselves.
Charlotte gave one glance into his earnest eyes,
and replied:

“ .l have no friends save you and the girl you-
der. If you wish me to do so, and will learn me
to ho what you desire me to he, I will not rei'use.
But I am poor and so unworthy!” And she
shed tears.

“ Do you not love me? If you can feel toward
111eo11r~half the affection which the past hour
has assured me I hear for you, nothing 011 earth
can prevent our happiness.”

“Alas, sir, you have not given utterai'iz-e in
anything but what I tan truly repeat, save that
my affection for you commenced when tirstI
saw you, weak and wounded. But—hut!“

“ Then I need ask no more. You shall be my
own dear one forever.”

“ See here, Rodney," said George, coiningr to
ward them. “ We’ve gold enough to take us
home.”

And be displayed two small pouches, which
l‘wdney knew to he the ones they had left in the.
hush-cahin near the mines. There was, indeed,
a, plentiful supply 1131' the purpose 111e11tioned,
and he remarked:

“ Then we had better return to the States
again, hadn’t we, George?”

 

THE

“ I think so. and I guess somebody else thinks
so, too,” was the sly reply.

Very soon the returning miners began to pour
in from the, pursuit of the savages. Among the

last that came was Lute Cook. He manifesth
some sorrow at the death of Century, hut stout—
ly affirmed that he was well avenged.

And now the party was ready to proceed
homeward. The corpse of the fallen man was
brought forth, and home upon a rude litter
down into a quiet 'alley, Where he was interred
as decently as could be under the circum»
stances.

That night our party of lovers, with Lute:
Cook, rested at Prospect Vein, and sweet was
the sense of security which now came to
them.

The following day they proceeded to Cobble
{1111, anxious to know how the t1"'1l of Dexier
{ohhins terminated. Charlotte still were her

disguise, it being; impossible to ohiain any wear-
ing; apparel for her in the diggings.

As they gained the vicinity of the grocery,
which they all rememlm‘ed save Charlotte, an
unusual commotion was 111anifest.

“Are you not afraid of your father, if we
ven'nre into the place?” asked George of
Maggie.

" No, for Rufus Brown is not my father. He
wasa. relative of my father. and when l' was
left an orphan I went to liVe with him. At
length he cann- here. and wished 1110 to pass my—
self oil‘ as his daughter. I did so. but he has no
claims upon me.”

“ Thank fortune for that.”

They found that the. cause of excitement was
the trial of Robbins, which was near its close
when they reached the place. Still, Maggie was’
called 11pqu again to testify, which she did in the
same, spirit as before.

The verdict of “ GUILTY” was pronounced,
and in half an hour naught remained of the des—
pcrado save a lifeless 111:1.

The gold which had been taken from the
ruins of the Century cabin was nearly all pro—
duced, and delivered to Charlotte, the miners
joining in endeavors to testify their repentance
for the wrong they had so nearly done.

But no amount of persuasion could induce our

 

. party lo remain longer in the "fines, Both the

young men felt that they had found invaluable
1r ins, and hastened to the. States by the quick-
est means. Lute Cock was urged to gowith
them, but he, declined and is still hunting and
t ‘appin': in the W'ild w(Vest.

Of our principal characters we have said
nearly a‘,‘. we intended. They returned to their
home“,~i‘-ettled diwn to sohr‘r realities. and he—
gan to fight the. battles of real life. aggie is
as faithful to her hushand new as when she
poriled her life to save him from a felon’s doom,
and Charlotte, 11. dutiful wife and noble mother,
shows her former d him at times, and gives to
delighted ii eners the story of that dreary
Mountain Den.

 

 

 

END

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-q... _ 
262 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen,
B Edward L. Wheeler.
253 T 6 Bo Ten’derfoot: or, Roaring Ben Bundy of
Colora o. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
234 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the W -
Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson.
255 Jolly Jim Detective; or. The Young Protege’s
Victo . y Charles Morris.
256 Merle onte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber
at Bay. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
257 The Boy hief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young
California Pards. ByMaJ. E. L. St. Vrain.
258 Denver Doll as Detecuve. By E. L. Wheeler.
’ 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. B Oll Coomes.
 Skit, the Cabin Boy. Ry Edward \ "illett.
261 Blade, the S ort- or, the Giant of Clear Grit
Camp. By . Charbaugh.
262 Billy, the Boy Rover, By Col. P. Ingraham.
263 Buster Bob’s Buoy' or, Lige, the Light-House
Keeper. Bv Ca t. . F. 0. Adams.
264 Denver Doll's owner; or, Big Buckskin the
Sport. By E. L. Wheeler.
265 Billy, the Bagga e Boy: or, The Young Railroad
Detective. H C arles Morris.
266 Guy’s Boy C lllll' or, The Forest Waif’s Mask.
By Capt. Cornsiock.
267 Giant (leerge’s Revenge; or, The Boys or “ Slip-
up‘ Mine," By Buckskin Sam.
268 T e Deadshot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande
Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
269 The guartzville Boss; 01', Daring David Darke
By E ward Willett.
270 Denver Doll’s Mine: or, Little Bill’s Big Loss.
B E. L. Wheeler.
271 E on Jim’s Terror; or. Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse.
By 0 l Coomes.
272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh.
273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble N ed’s Surprise. By
Jos. E. Bad er, Jr.
274 Dead Shot )andy’s Double; or, Benito. the Boy
Pard. By (‘01. Prentiss Ingraham.
275 Fred, the Ocean Wait; or, The Old Sailor's
Protege. By Charles Morris.
276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Ed L. Wheeler.
277 The Liot Boy Avenger: or, Captain Wild-Cat‘s
Big Game. By Alhert W. Aiken.
278 Arizona Ali, the Minor; or, Little Snap Shot’s
Luck. By T. C. Harbaugh.
27:} Colorado Jack. the Tiger; or, The‘Ghost of the
Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.
280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal, or. Keno Kit’s
New Role. By Col. Prentiss lnzmham.
281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or. The Pirate Lieutenant‘s
Doom. By Jack Farragut.
282 Buck Hawk. Delective; or. the Messenger Boy’s
Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler.
283 Roving: Sport Ki: ; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck
Camp. By Edward \\'illett.
284 The Showman‘s Best Card' or, The Mad Animal
Tamer. By Capt. Frod. Whittaker.
285 Old Rocky’s Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By
Buckskin Sam.
5286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris.
287 Nor], the Bo Ski per; or. The Sea Sorceress’
V Cruise. By ack ‘arragut.
238 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or. Wild Walt, the
Sport. Bv Edward L. Wheeler.
289 Col >rado Nick, the Lassist; or, Old Si's Protege.
By Major H. B. Stoddard.
290 Rube, the Tendr-rfoot' (r, the Boys of Torpedo
Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.
291 Peacock Pete. the Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the
Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken.
292 J oe Morey, the N ight~Hawkz or, the Black Rider,
By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
293 Dwarf Jake. the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's
Man-Hunt. By Edward Willett.
294 Dumb Dick’s Ford; or, Eliza Jane, the G010
. Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Chas. Morris.

mum's POCKET LIBRARY.

 

96 Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American
. “6mm ByCaptainF. Whittaker. 4‘

  

29'? Arizona Giant George: or The Boyeeaot Sardine
Box City. B Buckskin am.

298 Daisy Doll‘s ash; or, The Ten Colorado Yards.
B 'i‘. C. Harbaugh.

299 T 1e Ballomi Detectives; or, Jack Slasher‘s Young
Pard. By Harry Euton.

300 Deadwood Dick‘s Mission. B E. L. Wheeler.

301 gaudy Duke. the Cowboy. y Major ELL. St,

ram.
302 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh.
303 The Hotel Boy Detective; or. The Grand Central
Robbery. By Charles Morris: .
304 Bald Head‘s Pard; or, Creeping Cat‘s Cunning,
By Buckskin Sam. .

305 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By
Harry Hazard.

306 Spotter Fr'iz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy.
By E. L. Wheeler.

30? Nick the Bo Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards.
By ll ajor E. St. Vrain.

308 Double-Fisted Mat: or, The Mystic California
Giant. By Jos. E. Badger. J r.

80‘) Old Graybvard's Boy: or. The Girl's Ruse. By

or, The Mad Sailor’r

C. Dunning Clark.

310 Kit, the Girl Captain;
Legacy. By Col. Prentiss In raham.

311 Frio Freoin Texas. By Buc skin Sam.

312 The Detective Road-Agent' or, The Miners 0!
Sassafras (‘iiy. By Edward L. Wheeler.

312-5 Honest Jack's Protege; or. The Dwarf’s Scheme.
By Philip S. Warne

614 Clip the Boy Sheriff; 0“. The Two Crooks of
Montana. By Edward Willett.

015 Tom, the Arizona Sport: or. Howling Flank from
Hard Luck. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

316 The Street Arab Detective; or. Dick Dorgan’s
Double Dealing. By Charles Morris.

31? Buckskin Ben of Texas; or. Single Eye‘s Plucky
Pards. By Buckskin Sam.

31!) Colorado Char ie’s Detective Dash; The
Cattle K’uqs. By Edward L. Wheeler.

319 Frisky Fran‘: in Idaho: or, Old Skinflint tho
Sllmlcwor. By Roger Stai‘hiick.

3520 Cool Sam‘s Girl Pard; or, Captain Dick and His
’i‘r'xrms. By T. C. lIarbaugh. >

321 Billy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask's
Clew. 5y J. C. Cowdriclr.

or,

322 Fred Flynr. Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck.
323 Dead Shot ike in Montana; or. Hez Helper, the
Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck.
King. By Edward L. Wheeler.
325 Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; or, The
326 Roy. the Boy Cruiser: or, The Water Wolt
Wreckers. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.
Match. By Harry Hazard.
328 Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete‘s Big Haul. By
329 Dave. the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St.
Vrain.
By Edward L. Whet ler. >
331 The Coast Detective; or. The Smuggler Shadow~
332 Dakota Dan in Cam'on City: or, Colorado Kate’s
Check. By Philip S. Warne.
and His Pard. By Anthony P. lorris.
334 Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smug‘
325 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; or, The Plucky
Parson. B J. Stanley Henderson.
The Boston restler’s Confederate. By
Wheeler.
of Dead Line Cit . By T. C. Harbaugh.
338 The Gold Bar De tive; or, iron Ike. the Solid

By Charles Morris.

324 Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner
Dandy‘s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson.

327 Ned, the Roving Miner; or, Arkansaw Jack’s
W. J. Hamilton.

330 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom.
er. By Roger Starbuck.

33") Boot-black Ben. the Detective' or, Pooler Jim
gleis. By George Henry Morse.

336 Fred. the ‘ ort, in Brimstone Bar Camfitl 0131'.

. ,

2:57 Daisy Dave the Colorado Galnot; or, The Boss

Han.

WWELSEVMI.

  

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

.331! Rardo. tho Boy Gypsy. liy Wm. G. Pzttlen.
3711) Billy Bubbick Iii;r Scorn. 11V Cintrios Morris.
31] Colorado fitcvo’s lmsn. liy Philip S. \Vurnc.
31:3 Snap-Shot Stun. 13y Bucksin Sam.
:li‘l Mikc. tho 130w -ry “ChCCIlVl‘. By lt‘. L. “1108191:
:5” Thu, liru 31mm Sport. By Edward Willotr.
315 J‘nlurs, tin; llatriipatn lh-tvrihw; or. (" plain
ByJ, O. Cowdi
By Charles Morr

Hy Col. 1’. lug-ritham.
Frank. 'ily lluckskin Sum.

11y Maj. it}. L. St. Vrnin.
No L tho, Shh City Sport. lly Ed. L. Win-eler.
ily (Jul. '1‘. H. Monstcry.

Frisuo the R )Ltli ALtl‘nt.
341; Jon, tho Chicago Aral).
731.7 Miliily iIorhm't’s Prize.
315‘ Sharp -Hlnn)'t*r
31'.) Buck, 1hr, Minor.
.‘3'

)l)

)1 Rocky Mountain .100.

'3 New York Thu. 537 Chm-ins Mor 

-' The (liri Pilot. By Roger Sinl’huok.

Joe. tim lioy Smgu-ih'ivvr. ily Maj. St. Vrain.

' Tums il‘rnnk‘s‘ (irony. i'ly l‘ ‘ 's in Sam.

' iziaho Nomi, Dalu: 've. lZV Edward L. ‘Vlil‘ClCI'.
Guy, tho Boy \lun-r. liy Col. P. luttrnham.

‘ Jon-my Joe, tho ()ld Tar. Hy llirs. Orin James.
Dandy Dick‘s lI-tsh. By ()il Coomos.

Jim's ill;r Bonanza. 1y W J. Hamilton.
Oregon i’hil, tnt- Sport, By Philip S. Warnc.
“1'” Kit, tin: Boolliluck lthI‘tttiv1-. ily E. L. Wheeler.
’i‘vm 045mm Rotor, By '1‘. C. Hnrlmugh.
il‘ritz‘s ()ld Score. iv Nod iluntlinn.
' Crick Shot llnri'y. ByCol, Prentiss ingrdham.
‘us‘t Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines.
liy (l. Waldo Browne.
3.." Fred’s Bold (,1 mic. liv Paul Biblis.
336% Jim, tho Snort in Wake-up lly Ed. L. Wi’ioeIE-l‘.
ii (}.t|)l21till lllztkn’s Jonah. lly Roger Smrhuck.
lt-nvm- Kit's D inhit‘. lly Major H. 1;. Stoddard.

1 lliuo iii‘théS in 'k. lly T. C. Harlmuzh.

l‘lw Sun Cat‘s i :. lly Col. Prcnllss Ingrahztm.
‘- Lttrry O’Lynn's Dash. ity .losoph F. Hrndvrson.

‘ Jim, tho Sport’s Iii: Loom; or, The Bonanza
King‘s Rival. liy Edward L. “hauler.

: iiowcry ilol), Dctcc'ive. By Jo Pierce.

‘ Buckskin Dick’s Clean Swee )2 or, Jonathan
Jenks’ Still Hunt. By Col. Arthur F. Holt.

Tm: l) wlwoorl Sports. lly Lieut. S. G. Lansing.
Bronu') Billy. tho Saddlo Prince. By Colonel
Prvntiss‘ lngruhmn.

. l)iok.tl1‘Stowaway. llyCharlos Morris.
Youngr Dick ’i‘nlhot. By Alht‘rt W. Aikrn.
innriv Hill’s Doom; or, lhierhunter, the Boy
Smut. By Oil (looms.

 \Villo-Awrtko (loorgo By Edward Willrt.

Wild liili, the l’isroi PrinCo. Ry Col. lngrnlmm.
Brimstone Bill‘s Booty. BV J. E. Badger, Jr.
' 2" Tim Boy 'i‘rmnps, ByJ M. Hoifmun.

.' The M mtzmn, Kid; or, Little Dan Rock‘s Mis-

sion. lly Morris Rcrlwing.
'l‘ho B'w inert-cures. By ’1‘. C. Hm‘hauqii.

‘ 1 Thu Pony Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill’s
Frontier Feats. iiy Col. Prouiisq ingrnhnm.

. New York llill, tho Dodgnr lly Edward \Vilirtf.
T'ho 'i‘iokot—of-Lonve‘s Trick; or, Spring Ntrol,
King of tho llush. By Jrvsrph E. ilitdgor, r.
Cnnrloy Skylark, the Sport. ily MuJur Henry
B. Stoddard.

'l‘ins Jock. tho Mustang King.
Prentiss ingraintm.

Polar, the Dandy Grounhorn. lly Nonli Null.
’i'oni 'i‘mnpic’s iii;r Striko. 1y Barry Ringgold.

.‘ Harry, the Country lioy, in New York. By

Chnrlns Morris.
3th Ilcti-ntivo Paul’s Right ilmrer. By C. 1). Clark.
3117 Tip ’i‘iossoll, the il'iathont ll'n'. [1y ICli. \Viill-tt.
3118 Cttpt'lill Jack in Rocky Roost. 13y Col. lngrnhnm.
30!) Harry Somvrs, tho Magician. By S. W. Pin-rev.
400 ill ' Horse iliii, the Bandit \Vl‘t'cker. By
{oger Starbuck.
401 Tim, tho Mule Boy of tho Minos. By Clins. Morris.
402 Elmibrmt Frod on the Mississippi. IJ)‘ E \Villell.
403 J akv, the Colorado Circus Boy. 15y Bryant
Ban-bridge.

By Colonel

 

404 Texas Charlie’s Wild Ride. B Col. P. in - ‘uhom.
4115 Wiiikonke ch. By liarryVRinggoldf

406 Giant i’et c and iiis Pnrds. By T. C. Ilnrbnugh.
407 Old Huff‘s Protogr. 15y Captain Bruin Adams.
408 Stowaway Dick Abroad. By Charles Morris.

40‘.) Doctor Carver, the, Champion Silo . By Col. P.

lngzrniium.
Captain Fl -By-Night. ily va. E Badger, Jr.
how York ack’s Mattie. lly Barry hinggold.

: Sam Spent-3*. the Broadhorn Boy. By E. Willett.

. Revolver I}in in Texas. ily Col. P. ingraian
[)asher Dick‘s Dead Lock. By J. M. Hoffman.

v Pony, the Cowboy Chief. L‘y H. 13. Stoddard.
Pnnthor Dick’s Drabh~Len . By A. F'. Holt.
Fighting Fred of Frisco. fly T. C. Harbnu h.
Bupkskm Sam‘s Wild Ride. By Col. P Ingm 18m.

. Frisco Guy‘s liig Bonanza. By Roger Starbuck.
Pitt Muironny‘s Pnrd. 13y Emerson Rodman.

~ Tim. the Boy Acrobat. By Charles Morris.
n; Rod Spur Ralph, the Texan. By C D. Clark.‘
‘3 Dashing Bob, the Pony Express Rider. By Col.
Prentiss Ingmham.
'i‘om Storm, tin- Old Sen Dog. By C. D. Clark.

” ltarky Jumblc‘s Wild Ride. By arr Ringzoid.
Vi olf»Cnp; or. This Night-Hawks 0 the Fire—
Lands. By Capt. Chas. Howard. '
Bessie. the Border Girl. lly Henry J. Thomas.
Ngéh' uska Charlie. By Col. 1’. Ingrahzun.

Bill Bocier’s Bonanza. By Edward Willett.
Long Shot; or, The. Dwarf Guide. By Captain
Conistock.

Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Maj. Stoddard.
00o! Clark‘s Rush Race. By Charles Morris.

. Old Grizle in tho Rockies. By Col. P. lngruham.
Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post.
in Irish Sport Abroad. By C. L. Edwards.
Oregon Josh, the Wizard Rifle. By R. Siarbuck.
Detective Jake’s Clew. By H. B. Stoddard.
Emle Frank’s Drop. By 001. P. Ingraham.
igxi‘idi'll‘liipul'; or, The Mountain Heroine. By Ed.

] C .

410 The Death Shot. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

411 \Vistah, the Child Spy. By George Gleason.

1112 Dirk, the Son. Dandy. B Roger Starbuck.

113 Thu Masked Avenger. ] y C i. P. lngraham.

444 Cool Clark's Dead-Set. By Charles Morris.

4|?) Old Pugs, the Mountaineer. By L. W. Carson.

446 Black Panther, the HaitBlood. By Joseph E.

Badger, Jr.

447 The Antelope Boy. By George L. Aiken.

448 Wild Raven, tho Scout. By 011 Coomcs.

411) The ll ~y Pilot.. By Coionrl P. In whom.

4." Kidno 1))1'd Dick. By: J. Stanie cnderson.

451 Silv r title. the Girl racker. Ely C‘: as.Howard.

4!“ The Giant Humor. By Harry aznrd.

4 ‘ The Half-Breed Rival. By JOE. E. Badger, Jr.

451'1‘110 Darky Detective. By 3115. Orin James.

455 Clark’s Bit: Bonanza. By (‘lzarles Morris.

4?: Nick Doyle, the Gold Humor. By P. H. Myers.

457 Frank Boll, the Boy Spy. ily Oil 0 omes.

45% The Champion Texan Rider. By H. St. George.

459 Dusky Dicx’s Doom. By Jos. E. Badgrr, Jr.

‘1130 high ing Frrnk in Texas. By Ezlwurd Willett.

41‘11 ’l‘hv Buckskin Rider. By Guy Greonwood.

462 lmrky Scip's Dilemma. By Paul J. Prescott.

41H Gold—Dustl’cte. By Edward W. Archer.

461 Frank Roll, the Boy Chir‘f. By 01 Coomrs.

.165 The, Tom“ sport. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
Ready December 7th.

466 Tin}. '1 win Buck kins By ‘vV. J. Hamilton.
Ready December 14th.

A New Issue Every Wednesday.

BEADLE‘S POCKET Luxan is for sale by all News-
dealors, five emits per copy, or sent by mail on re-
ceipt of six cents each. v

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers,
538 William Street, New York.