Copyrighted, 1887, by BIADLI AND ADAMS. Entered at the Pan mm: M New York, N. Y.. as Second Class Mail Muller. April 9, 1687.

 

. Published Weekl b Beadle and Adams Prl- ,
V0].- XII. ' nfigessfi. No. 93 WILLfAnyST" NEW YORK. ’ Five 6:11“. No. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ BY TBER ROYAL BREEZE o’ GREENLAN‘! mox nun. LADI" my: pom-um TOWARD THE RAFT, AND FROM THE.
WATER UNDER rrs EDGEB THEY SAW AN INDIAN’S HEAD AND SHOULDERS RISE ABOVE um DECK:

 

 

 

>2 - Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. i _ I

 

hank Hall, the Boy Spy;

The. Mystery of Crystal Lake.

BY OLL COOMES,

AUTHOR or "WILD RAVEN,” “nmnumnn,”
“ADRIFT 0N rm: PRAIRIE,” “are” ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE FUGITIVES.

“ CHEER up, Lillian, and ride, ride for your
life! The fort is just beyond that belt of timber
yonder!”

The youth’s voice was firm, and even under
the tryiu hour sounded musical to the ear of
Lillian Sanghn. As the words of encourage—
ment fell from his lips, his bosom heaved with
the inward emotions that he could not express,
and a light of unflinchiu courage and manly

ride flashed in his dark, andsome eyes, as he
urned them with a sorrowful expression on the
fair bein at his side. .

“ Oh, rank l” returned the maiden, her sweet.
fair face blanched with fear, and her dark-glue
‘ eyes turned upon her companion,hulf—des wiring,
hall’«hopeful, “ there is no hope for us! ‘he In—
dians are gaining upon us every moment!”

“But they are still far away, Lillian,” re-
plied Frank; “ upon this level waste of unbroken
prairie, the distance is much further than it
real? ap rs."

“ rank; and I fear, in our anxiety to
' elude the savages, we underrate the distance
' that intervenes between us and the timber.”

Frank Bell turned his head to conceal the

. hopeless ex ression that swe t so suddenly over

it. For thalast two hours he ad been endeavor

in to inspire the maiden with hope. He had

la. ored to conceal the real truth of the startling

fact. which her own eyes had discovered—the

’ Indians were rapidly gaining upon them, while
their own horses were failing at each bound. ‘

Before the fugitives, behind them and upon
each side, a great plain, without a single Swell
to conceal them from View of the enemy for a.
single moment, rolled away in an unbroken ex-
panse for miles. Far in the advance, a belt of
timber reared its dark head athwart the hazy

 

I I sky, and offered the fugitives a retreat of. safety.

Through that belt of timber rolled the Des
Moines River, and upon its eastern shore, at a
glut directly west of them, was a military fort
ariug the same name. At this fort they hoped
to receive assistance, or gain the shelter of its
walls. Far behind them, a dense column of blue
smoke rising heavenward, marked the exact lo—
cation of the burning cabin of Henry Vaughn,
and the starting point of the two fugitives.
There, in a moment of supposed security and
peace. had the red followers of the grim old Ink-
Mducah brought death and ruin to the little
family oi} the brave and hardy Settler. ‘ v
- . But one of that family escaped the tortures o
, the knife and tomahawk on the spot, and that
One Was-Lillian. fihe had just left the cabin on
horseback for the urpose of bringing the cows

: from the adjacen prairie,.and was riding leis-e

 

11me along, half-dreaming of her boy lover,
Frank Bell, when the fierce war-whoop of the
savages smote like the voice of doom upon her
ears. It was a terrible awakening from that
day-dream to the horrible reality of her situa~
tion. She turned her animal’s head. and like one
in a stupor gazed at the cabin. She saw the
savages urst into the building and drag her fa-
ther and mother and sisters and little brother
out into the yard. She saw the murderous toma-
hawks rise and fall. ‘Then her breast was filled
with grief: her soul sickened with horror and
her brain whirled. She reeled and would have
fallen from her animal’s back, had not, at that
instant, the sound of clattering hoofs broke upon
her ear and aroused her from the mental stupor
into which she was fast sinking.

She rallied and turned her head. A cry of
hope and thankfulness burst from her quivering
lpS.

She saw her lover, Frank Bell. coming rapidly
floward her, upon his spirited, snow—white

orse.

“Oh, Frank 1” she cried, “ the Indians are——”

“Yes, yes, dear Lillian,” the youth broke in,
“I know all, and for ten hours have I ridden.
hard to inform your father. But, alas!— Come,
Lillian, come, before the savages discover us!
Let; us strike for Fort Des Moines; it is fully five
leagues away, but the only point where we can
seek safety before dark.” .

As he concluded, the young man turned his
animal’s head westward. Lillian cast a fare-
well glance at the burning cabin, as she headed
her animal westward also, but at the same in—
stant a despairing cry burst from her lips.

“Frank, oh, Frank! the savages have already
discovered us, and several of the mounted ones
are in pursuit!” ~

“ Then we must ride, Lillian, ride, ride for
our lives!” the youth replied, as they dashed
away over the reat, brown prairie with a half—
score of the r demons thunderin after them,
and making the air hideous Wit their wild
shrieks and yells. 

Although but a maiden of sixteen, Lillian
Vaughn was an accomplished equestrienne, and
found no trouble in keeping her seat upon the
animal’s bare back. Her head was here, and
her long disheveled ringlets of golden hair float-
ed on the wind at her back, reveali the clear-
cut features, the snowy temples an neck. A
sad, yet sweet expression hovered about her red,
quivering lips. Her dark-blue eyes beamed
with an inward glow of hope and joy at the
cheering words of her young lover, then grew
almost lusterless again, as the fierce war-whoop
of the savages came ringing out upon the balmy
October air. .

Frank Bell was a youth of some seventeen
years, though he really seemed younger. He
was small in stature, but possessed of muscular
development and strength unequaled b few
men upon the border. His features. thong thus,
were hronzed by exposure to wind and sun to 4
almost a dusky hue. His hair and eyes were
black as the raven’s wing, the latter clear, '
sharp and brilliant. He was dressed in a. neat
and close-fitting suit of buckskin. even to the
cup upon his shapely head and the moccasins,
upon his feet.

 

l.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prank Bell. the Boy Spy. K 3

 

A rifle of superior workmanship was slung at
his back by means of a strap passing over his
r' ht shoulder and across his breast. A knife,
algrace of pistols and a hatchet were confined at
his side by means of the belt that encircled his
waist.

The horse he rode was a clean-limbed and
spirited animal of the American breed, capari—
soned with an American saddle and bridle.

On the left side of the saddle,rin front, was
uunga light rope which was used as a lariat;
while upon the right side, ready to be detached
in an instant, was a lasso.

In every respect this handsome, hardy youth
was a boy of the frontier—schooled in all its
dangers and trained from infancy, almost, to
the tra' of the red-man, whom be hunted with
the vindictive spirit of the avenger; and with
whose habits, cunning and dialect he had he-
come perfectly conversant. He was a free rover
of the prairie. No one placed restraint upon his
libertfl. Upon the great plains of Texas and
New exico he had proven himself King of the
Lasso; and in feats of horsemanship he had won
the champion-belt of the most dexterous of Co-
manche warriors.

In the Territory of Iowa he had been of inval-
uable service to the settlers and military posts
as a scout and spy; and at the date of my story,
he was known as the Boy Spy.

Durin his constant scouting over the great

rairies, e had made the acquaintance of Henr

aughn, at whose cabin he called often.
warm attachment sprung up between him and
Lillian, which finally ripened into love’s young
dream.

0n the morning of the same day of that on
which our story opens. the Boy Sam-1y had learned
that it was the Dingoes of the In ans to attack
the cabin of r. aughn; and all day he had
ridden hard to put the settler upon his guard;
but fate had been against him; he arrived too
late to save the family. But‘Lillian, his adored
Lillian, escaped, and fortunately met him upon
the plain, and together they were now flying to
the fort for safety.

They had ridden some six or eight miles, when
they discovered that their pursuers were gaining
upon them. This startling fact the Boy Spy
tried in vain to keep concealed from the maiden
whose s irits he saw were failing. He spoke
words 0 cheer and encouragement to her, but
nothing could banish the terrible specter from
her mind; yet, like one paralde with terror,
she sat firmly upon her beast, with pale face,
and wildly—staring eyes fixed on the dark belt of
timber some ten miles in advance.

The day was of warm and pleasant October
weather—a real Indian-Summer day. A white
haze hung over the forest and prairie like a cur-
tain of ethereal lace-work, and there was a
dreamy and melancholy inspiration in all inani-
mate nature.

As the youthful fugitives sped on, another
barrier to the hoped-for escape arose against
them. A strong wind sprung suddenly up, and
blew directly in their faces.

While this proved a detriment to the speed of
their own horses, it had no material effect upon
the long endurance of the savages’ strong-limb-
ed ponies, and the, Boy Spy knew that unless

I

 

something should occur to create a diversion in
their favor, they would be overtaken long before
the timber was reached.

It was two hours yet till night, and so he
could not be for darkness to give them any
advantage. t was ten miles yet to the timber
when the wind arose, and all that distance, if
made at all, must be made in plain view of the
enemy, for there was not a shrub nor a swell on
the rairie to break the torturin samenem.

A ter some reflection the Boy py resolved to
bear gently to the right in hopes of getting the
wind quartering. He was perfectly acquainted
with the topography of the country, and had
not made this change in their course—slight as
it was—without having considered other advan-
tages besides that of getting the wind from di-
rectly in their faces.

Lillian did not fail to notice the change in
their course. This made her still more hopeless.
She had watched every movement of her lover,
and every expression of his handsome face, for
therein she could see the magnitude of their
danger reflected, and when he turned their
course, she was sure she saw in the movement
that which bespoke a fear of their ability to es-
cape. This silent communication was not so
sensitive as it was intuitive, for at the same in—
stant the Boy Spy realized how hopeless their
escape was, and struggled desperately to keep
back his inward emotion of despair.

The race became one of fearful interest—fear-
ful to the pursued and triumphant to the pur-
suers.

Mile after mile was gone over. The fugitives
were nearing the timber, and the savages were
nearing the fugitives.

But or one thing, the Boy Spy would have en-
tertained some he es of escape. Lillian’s horse
was failing, while is own hardy animal was be-
ginning toshow signs of the eflfects of the hard

a ‘s ride.

‘ Frank, it is no use for us to try,” cried the
maiden, despairingly; “ we are only prolonging
this hour of torture!”

“ No, no, fair Lillian.” returned Frank, chang-
ing his voice from a tone of solemnity, to one of
his usual wild and reckless manner of speaking,
as a last resort for inspiring hope and confidence
in the maiden’s breast; ‘ we will escape, my
little pet: so, cheer u ; our horses’ feet will soon
be treading the lea -strewn aisles of the forest
yonder.” '

A wild, savage scream behind overbalanced all
there was of hope in the youth’s words, to which
Lillian made no reply. '

They rode on in silence. But it was only for a
moment. With an almost human cry of a ony
Lillian’s noble beast fell dead. Nature had een
overdone.

Lillian was thrown forward upon the ound,
but fortunately the was uninjured by t e fall.

Before she could rise to her feet, the Boy'Spy
had reined in his horse, dismounted and assisted
her to rise.

“ Are you hurt, Lillian 1" he asked.

“ No, Frank, but why did you stop? The In-
dians will kill you 1” the maiden replied. ,

“And on they will carry into endless cap-
tivity. ome, Lillian, mount my horse and
flee!” - "

l

a

 

a, -A,. 

4 Frank Bell. the Boy Spy.

 

“And leave you?” she almost shrieked, with
heartfelt agony.

“Never mind me, Lillian; I will manage to
outwit the savages and get away even if they
take me a. prisoner. Come I"

He led the maiden to the side of his horse and
assisted her into the saddle.

“ N ow go, Lillian, and may God speed you. If
you elude the savages. make for the fort.”

The maiden glanced at the youth. Her eyes
were filled with tears, and a look of unutterable
sorrow and grief rested upon her face. She tried
to speak, but a sob was the only sound she could

utter.

“ Go, Lillian, go!" cried the youth, frantically;
“I know what you would say! Make for the
fort and aid will come. "

The momentary halt seemed to have infused
new life into the frame of the youth’s horse, for
as the maiden spoke to him he bounded away
over, the plain like a deer. he seemed to know
that there was a change in the rider’s weight—
that the burden he now bore was a precious one
in the eye of his young master.

The savages instautl perceived the turn of
affairs, and when they ad fully comprehended
its meaning, seven of them dashed away in pur—
suit of the maiden, while two others, with up-
raised tomahawks, bore down upon the Boy
Spy with a fierce, triumphant war-whoop.

 

CHAPTER II.
LIFTING HA’R.

THE two triumphant savages had calculated
upon an easy victory over the youthful white,
but this was probably from the fact that they
were mistaken in their man.

'The moment the youth saw the danger that
menaced him, he drew his hatchet and hurled it
with all the force and precision he could sum“
mon,,at the foremost savage.

Supposing the weapon had been hurled at his
head. the savage threw himself forward upon
the neck of his pony to avoid the blow. But the

outh had calculated upon this, and aimed low.

he keen-edged missile went whirring throu h
the air, and, with a dull thud. crushed into t e
tufted skull, where it remained.

The savage straightened himself up with a low
wail, while he tugged nervously at the quiver—
ing handle of the weapon that was imberlded in
his brain. His features became set with death-
like rigidity, his eyes glared like those of a mad-
dened beast, and his limbs became convulsed
with the awful pain that shot downward from
the brain like an electric shock. ‘

For a moment he sat bolt upright 11pm his

ony; then came the reaction. The rigidity of

he facial muscles relaxed into a hastly elonga-
tion; the eyes became glassy, the ands fell limp
at the side. Then followed the general relaxing
of all the muscles, and the body rolled lifeless to
the ground, while the pony, maddened by the
scent of fresh blood, dashed away over the
prairie.

The unexpected death of his companion caused
the other savage‘to pause in his advance, but it
was only for a moment. This, however, gave
the Boy Spy time to act. With a movement as

quick almost as a flash of lightning, he swung

 

his rifle over his shoulder, and before he scarce
ly raised it to a level with his face, the piece
cracked. He had aimed at the savage’s breast,
but simultaneously the animal upon which the
red-man was seated threw up its head and re-
ceived the bullet in its brain. With a painful
crfi it reared, plunged forward, and fell dead.

efore the savage could extricate himself from
the fallen beast and regain his feet, young Bell
dealt him a blow over the head that felled him
unconscious to the earth.

When the warrior regained his senses, he
found himself in bonds and deprived of every
weapon. He struggled desperately to release
himself, but found that his boy captor had fet-
tered his limbs securely.

“Hal ha! he!" laughed the Boy Spy trium-
phantly; “it's no use trying, my red rover of
Satan: you are my game.”

He spoke the Indian’s own dialect—that of the
Sioux.

“ Ha! Ingin know young Shooting Star,” re-
plied the sava e, tryin to appear friendly.
‘He have he unny. e not know Ingin.”

“Yes, I lmow you, Thug. I have not for-
gotten you, and the blows you gave me when I
was a captive for three years in your accursed
tribe. or have I forgotten the twelve Indians,
of whom you are one, who boasted to my face
that they had slain my father and mother,
brothers and sisters, in their peaceful home over
the Checa ue River. And how did you slay
them2—ti them hand and foot and scalrfid
them alive, and then tomahawked them! 0
you remember this. Thug?”

“ Thu , heap innocent Ingin—no understand
youan 8 ooting Star.”

“ 'llhen I wil speak plainer. I propose to
serve you as you and our companions did my
friends. I have an oat to that effect registered
by the Great Spirit. I.propose to scalp you
alive!”

“ Ugh l” grunted the savage, with inward fear,
yet maintaining all the stelcism of his race;
‘young Shooting Star fun with Ingin; he al-
ways hefimuch.”

“ No, 11 , I am in solemn earnest. I do not
intend to hi] you as you did my friends, for I
wish you to bear the tortures of the scalping.
knife. But if ever you cross my path again,
then it will be death.’

“ Ugh l” grunted the savage, still maintaining
his composure, and endeavoring to conceal every
trace of external fear.

The Boy Spy continued:

“ Of the twelve Indians who slew my friends,
you will make the tenth upon whom my ven-

eance has fallen. Your glossy scalp-lock”—

ere toying with the braided tuft of hair in hopes
of making him betray seine emotions of fear—
“ will be the tenth one which has hung at this
girdle. I know, Indian, it seems hard to part
with the pride of one’s manhood. does not
justify one of his children in unishing another,
but when the devil lurks un at one’s scalp as it
did beneath yours and your friends' when the
slew my friends, it ought to be remove .
After, ou, none but Little Hawk and the iant
chief all Oak, of the twelve remain, aud i you
should ever meet them, showtth your bald
head, and tell them to prepare."

1
.3
r

 

 

 

 

i
i
l
g
. !

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. 6

 

“ U hl Shooting Star talk heap; let him d—”

The 1; word was prolonged into a frightful
scream, for, as the young avenger concluded his
remarks, he twisted the glossy scalp-lock around
his fingers; then, with a circular sweep of the
knife, tore the bloody scalp from the head of the
savage! The youth shuddered with disgust at
the barbarous act his own hands had committed,
yet he felt justified in doing it. Releasing the
red-skin’s feet so that he could walk, he said:

“ Now, red-skin, I am done with on. You
may go, but I will not release your ands, for
fear some of the old evil may lurk in your heart
and would lead you to do something that woul
tempt me to shoot you. There is a moral which
I wish to convey in scalping you and your
friends, and that is— let the white people alone
hereafter. Now leave me!”

The Indian moved, or rather staggered away
quite slowly toward the north, a fire 0 vengeance
burnin in his red breast. -

Fran _ Bell watched him with a feeling akin
to pity in his heart; and then finally throwing
the reeking scalp awa , he muttered:

“Ohl if Lillian ha seen me do the shameful
deed, she would have turned from me with dis-
gust forever—but, Lillian! Lillian! where is she
now?”

He ran his eyes over the plain, but he could
see nothing of the fugitive, nor the pursuers.

“They have reached the timber,” he mused,
“ and I pray God will aid her to escape! Lillian,
in sweet Lillian!”

ntil this moment the youth had failed to
notice that the sun hadgone down, and that the
shadows of twilight were beginning to gather
over the t ocean of prairie.

The nig is promised to be one of intense dark—
ness, for the sky was overcast with black, skur-
1‘ ing clouds, and the atmosphere was filled with
t at white autumnal haze. The wind was still
rising, and raved across the plain like a giant
maniac.

For some time the young scout remained un-
decided as to the course he should next puisue.
But, finally, he resolved to remain where he was
until dark, for fear of his escape being detected,
then set oil! 'in search of Lillian.

He had not long to remain. Night soon
wrapped the plain in blinding darkness. There
was no moon, and not a star was to be seen.

With nothing to guide him but aremembrance
of the country’s, features he shouldered his rifle
and set 01! toward the west.

For the next half hour he paid but little atten-
tion to his course, his mind being occupied with
thoughts of Lillian Vaughn.

Suddeiilg, however, he was startled from his
silent in itations by the swish of horses’ feet
through the dry prairie grass. He crouched
down, and the next instant a number of mount-
ed warriors brushed apast him. There was not
a doubt in his mind but that they were in search
of him, havinilearned of his escape through the
unfortunate T ug. The youth remained crouched
in the tall grass, and present] another party of
warriors brushed past him. he hindmost pony
seemed to have detected our hero’s presence, and
shied 03. This led the savage rider to dismount

, and search the grass.

 

The Boy Spy, still crouching, drew his hatchet
and prepared for the encounter.

The savage came nearer. Frank could see a
dim outline against the brown prairie grass.
He was leaning forward, tomahawk in hand,
searching the grass closely and cautiously.

At last he came within reach of the youth.
The uplifted hatchet descended upon the tufted
skull with a dull sound. The head was cloven, V
and with a low hollow moan, the savage sunk
down lifeless. his comrades’ acute ears caught
the faint sound, and turning their horses’ heads,
came back.

“Waugh! what is the matter with Weasel?"
ejaculated one of them in the Sioux dialect.

The Boy Spy understood the language and the
nature of the question. He knew the savages
could not distinguish his form in the dark,‘from
that of their fallen comrade, and so be resolved
upon a desperate stroke.

Throwing himself upon the backof the fallen
Indiaii’s pony with a grunt of dissatisfaction,
he said in a low tone in the Indian dialect:

“ Ugh! pony stumble—fall—-throw Weasel
off!”

“ A low, silent outburst of laughter, culiar
to the savage told the‘ youth that be ad not
failed—that t e savages . had not discovered his
daring stratagem. ‘

The savages at once turned their ponies’ heads,
westward again and rode on—the youth follow-
in them. -

e soon learned from their conversation that
they were in search of him, and what was most
su rising, he found that the scalpless Thug was
le ing the party, and ever and anon muttering
fearful maledictions against the youn Shooting
Star—a name they had given him w en a cap-
tive in their tribe.

For several minutes the party rode on Without
any particular re ard to the course they were
following, and, willy], young Bell began to
think about making is escape. But, what
course should he take? In watching the move
ments of the savages, and in listening to their
conversation, he had permitted himself to be led
around and around until he found himself entire-
ly bewildered, while the darkness seemed to be
growing blacker and blacker.

He soon decided, in his own mind, that his
best plan would be to follow on with the savages
until he came to some familar landmark ‘y
which he could fix his right course. It was
true, the wind was still blowing wildly, but the
youth had been so turned around that he could
not do otherwise than believe it had changed;
still he could not tell to what quarter.

He listened closely to catch each word of the
savages with whom he was mingling. The
young Shooting Star formed the main topic
of conversation, but the “ Star " himself, re
mained perfectly uiet. Finally, however, one
of the sava es fol back alongSide of the sup-
posed Wease , and said:

“ The Weasel is still: what does he think
about the Shooting Star?”

There was no alternative but to reply.

“ He *hinks you will not find Shooting Star,”
was the youth’s reply, and, although he spoke
the dialect accurately, the acute ear of the sav-
age detected a. strangeness in the voice,,and 

 

, galloped on over the plain.

6 Frank Bell, iho Boy Spyr

 

 

drawing his animal closer to that of the sup—
posed easel and leaning over, he peered
into the very face of the Boy Spy.

The youth had feared this, and, consequent-
ly, he was preppred for the emergency. Be-
fore the red-s ‘11 could give a word denoting
his discovery—in case he had made any dis-
covery at all—the youth dealt him a blow upon
the head with his hatchet that sent him whirling
from his animal’s back to the ground. But the
blow had not been fatal. The savage uttered a
fearful yell which at once drew the attention of
the others.

The next moment our young hero was flee
ing over the prairie as rapidly as the VVoasel’s
pony could 'carry him; but this was not very
ra id, as the Indian pony is more remarkable
forgendurance than speed.

A yell behind him told of the savages’ dis-
covery, but he had no fears of that party, and
However, the fates
seemed against him that night. He had not rid—
den more than a mile when the reins of his pony
were suddenly seized by an unseen enemy, and
the animal was jerked back upon its hmmches.

Frank was not thrown so quickly, but that he
managed to land upon his feet and make his es-
cape. He knew not how many of the enemy
there were; and, resolved not to bring himself
into trouble by trying to find out, he hurried on
ate. gait which soon placed him out of all hear-
in”.
he had now got the win'l quartering in the
some direction as when he and Lillian were to-
gather; and if it had not shifted since then he
was traveling toward the fort. This fact firmly
settled in his mind, the youth moved on, expect-
iuw each moment to bring him to the timber.

Suddenly his foot struck something lying in
his ath that came near tripping him. Recover-
ing is balance, however, he examined the ob-
ject, and to his surprise, found it was the lifeless
b'idyofan {n'lian A few steps away he dis‘
covered another large, dark object lying half-
buried in the prairie-grass, which n )on closer
examination he found was the body 0 Lillian’s
dead horse.

After all his meande inz, he had wandered
back to the sp )t from which he had startexll

For a momenthe stood still, undecided in his
next course. Suddenly, however, he started.
He discovered that it was growmg lighter
around him. He gaze’l away to the north, the
south, the east and the west, and to his utmost
terror behold a. circle of flames rolling with
fearful rapidity toward him. He was not at a
loss to know the meaning of it all.

The rairie was on fire !

The oy Spy was hemmed in on all sidesl

The triumph of the savages over their youth-
ful foe, now seemed imminent.

At a given si us], they had set the dry grass
on fire in a oirc 6 over ten miles in extent.

Within that circle of red, rolling flame they
knew the oung Shootin Star was concealed.

A horri 19 death star our hero in the face-—

' escape beyond that wall of flame was impos-

sible! The wind was driving the southern wing
of fire down upon him with li htnin -l_ike ra

idity. Twenty minutes more an the p in we (1
be a black, charred and tracklees waste!

 

CHAPTER III.
AN AWFUL MOMENT.

THE human mind can scarcely grasp within
its imaginative power, the awful s ctacle of
fire upon which our young hero gs. in a. kind
of admiring stupefaction. ,

Driven by the strong head-wind, the southern
line of the fire sped forward over the grassy
plain with fearful rapidity. Its lurid light shot
far up into the heavens and seemed to terminate
in an apex of fire over the doomed youth’s head. 3
Beyond this circular wall of light, the gloom was
awful in its blackness. With every sudden uif
of wind, great waves of fire and columns of b ack
smoke Would shoot upward as though belched
from the mouth of the Inferno. 'lhen would
follow myriads ot sparks, and now and then
great sheets of flame would detach themselves
from the main column and float upward on the
heated air and then dissolve into heat and
smoke.

Birds started up from their grassy coverts
with a wild scream, only to become bewildered
in the smoke and heat, and with suffocation fall
back into the devouring flame.

All that space within the circle of fire, not yet
burnt over, became lit up with the glare of the
flames that was equal to that of the mid-day
sun. Near its center stood the Boy Spy, motion-
less asa statue and gazin with distended 9 '03
upon the red, roaring, crac 'ng sea of fire t at
was closing in upon him. Across this awful,
flame-walled arena, scores of fire-driven wolves
and frightened deer ran with dismal bowls and
pitoous cries, giving an additional terror to the
scene.

Fifteen minutes passed by, and in all this time
the Boy Spy stood as motionless as though he
had been transformed into stone. He knew how
utterly useless it would be to attem t to break
beyond that fiery wall. Death woul come soon.
Only five minutes more, at furthest, and the
flames would reach the spot where he stood.

The youth saw his danger, and as he realized
how soon death would be upon him, a fierce smile
overspread his face which was rendered ghastly
in the lurid light.

“ Shall I stand here and let death with a
thousand agonies seize upon me?” he mentally
exclaimed, drawing his hunting—knife from his
girdle. “No, never, never 1” 

The morning sun arose uponahleak, black and
desolate-looking plain. Not a vestige of herbage
was left upon it. The fire-«fiend had devoured
all, and marked his course with ruin.

Scores of buzzards, with their naked, coral
necks outstretched, were hovering over the black
plain, gazing with greedy eyes upon the roasted
and charred heaps of flesh t at were strewn over
the trackless waste. Slower and slower they
circled downward, until their instinctive precau-
tion had become satisfied that there was no liv-
ing creature upon the (plain; then they settled
down upon the earth an began the long-coveted
banquet. And soon they were joined by friends
of old.  number of gu'm, gaunt wolws came
scamperigg from the woods far beyond, and
Inilng ed th them in that early morning carni-
va , ‘ ’
On the plain when the great prairie-fire closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prank Bell. the Boy Spy. ‘2

 

in its circular lines to a common center, Were
strewn the blackened carcasses of Wolves, deer
and the corpse of a human being. In the midst
of these lay the carcass of Lillian Vaughn’s horse
and near it lay a black heap of something that
was charred to an indistinguishable mass.
Among these heaps of dead, rioted the raven-
ous wolves and filthy buzzards. But, suddenly,
the single blizzard t at was left poised aloft on
airy wing over the plain as sentinel, uttered a.
cry of alarm, and the next instant the banquet-
ing birds were soaring away heavcnward, while
the wolves fled to their haunts in the woods.
The cause of this alarm was soon made mani—
fest. A number of mounted Indians came gal—
loping over the plain toward the point where the
birds and beasts had been feasting.
The grim, expectant look upon their painted
gees s owed that they were searching for some—
ms

And so they were. And the object of their
search was the roasted body of the young Shoot-
iug‘ Star. ,

hey halted, dismounted and searched among
the man carcasses. They found one human
corpse With the skull cloven, but this they knew
to be one of their own friends—a victim of the
young Shooting Star.

For two hours they searched the plain: They
found the charred heap of something lying by
Lillian’s horse, and pondered over it.

At last they mounted their animals and rode
away.

They were scarcely out of sight ere the wolves
and their winged associates came back to their
feast again.

But, this time their stay was of short dura-
tion.

A human figure, clotted over with blood, arose
suddenly in their midst, and frightened them
away.

The grim and ghastly—looking figure looked
more like some horrible apparition than a hu-
man being, but then it was human; it was
Frank Bell, the Boy Spy!

But how came he there, free from the terrors
of the awful fire? Let us see.

While the fire was raging, and the youth stood
with his e es fixed 11 n it like one in a trance,
he was thinking 0 some plan by which to (:54
ca . Almost at the last moment he thought of
Li lian’s dead horse lying at his side. Would
not its body afford him a shelter from the flames?
The idea was a novel one, which he thought
would be attended with little success.

He drew his knife from its sheath. and stoop-
ing. ripped up the dead beast. Then, with a
quickness that would have done credit to an old
butcher, he disemboweled the carcass.

The animal being a large one. the cavity thus
made was of suffic1ent size for the youth to in-
sert his body therein. This be accomplished
with some difliculty. The animal heat was out
of the body of the beast, but the blood had not
coagulated in the veins 1nd it was not long until
the youth found his clothes saturated.

This novel and narrow retreat saved his life,

though he was well-nigh suffocated when the fire
came a . And after the danger had all passed,
he mu have fainted, for he knew nothing more
until he heard the voices of - the savages who

 

were searching for his body. It was then a long
time before he could recall his situation. When
he did, however, and had assured himself that
the Indians were gone, he crept from the ani-
mal’s frame—which had served him in death as
well as when living—and gazed upon the sad
spectacle around him.

It was some time before he could establish the
circulation in his cramped limbs, and convince
himself that “ Richard was himself again.”
When he did, be procured his weapons—which
had also been saved from the fire in “ Samson's
bee—hive,” and set off over the plain toward the
west.

Now that he was again frce to act, his
thoughts reverted to Lillian, and seemed to in-
fuse a new life and activity into his body. He
quickcncd his fooisteps. He could never slee
1101' out again in peace, until he had found Li -
lion, or knew what had been her fate.

He reached the timber, and at a little purling
stream, stopped and washed the blood from his
face and hands, then resumed his journey.

The woods proclaimed in silent elcqurnce the
works of the autumnal frosts. The trees were
naked and barren. Parasites wound their slen-
der, skeleton-like forms around each other, and
clambercd over the gnarled boughs of the trees,
or trailed themselves upon the earth. The
ground was strewn with yellow, rustling leaves
that echoed each footfall, and the Wind wan-
dered through the tree—tops and the bare aisles
below, with a. sad and solemn wail.

Everythin around him seemed lonely and

sad, yet the oy Spy felt that they were in har- "

mony with his own spirits.

“ Oh, if I only knew that my adored Lillian
was alive, well and safe!” he muttered ever and
anon, thus giving expression to the thoughts
that were uppermost in his mind.

He hurried on.

Presently he came to a point where the timber" '

grew very sparse. Only a few large trees stud-
ded the level ground before him, and it was en-
tirely free from undergrowth.

Just as he was entering this partial opening,
he was brought to a sudden be t by seeing—on
the opposite side of the ilace—his own white
horse, the same upon whic Lillian Vaughn had
fled after the death of her own animal on the
prairie. The beast was about one hundred ards
away, and moving slowly in a course whic was
at right angles with that our hero was pursu-

m .

file was riderless, but the bridle and saddle
were upon him ‘ust as his youn master had
seen him last. ut where was 'llian! Had
she escaped the save es? If so. Why was the
horse there? And if s e had not, why was the
beast there wandering alone through the forest?

The outh kept his eyes upon the beast, which
walk slowly on, but changing its course so as
to keep about the same distance trom him, and
thereby moving in a circle around the edge of
the opening. _ I

Suddenly the animal was shut from his new
by the huge trunk of a linden tree: but it was
only for a second—just long enough for thebeast
to travel the length of his body. However, this
momentary concealment was of sufiicient length
for a gleaming rifle-barrel to come into posi-

 

i
7

 

.3.s.,,. rig,“ n  

8 Frank fiell, the Boy Spy.

 

tion, parallel with the earth, under the animal’s
belly, and the keen eye of the youth had no
sooner discovered it than he saw a puff of white
smoke flash out from the muzzle, and heard a
bullet whistle past, in close proximity to his
head.

He understood the whole mystery now, and
a aln placing the silver whistle to his lips, he
b ew two or ‘threo sharp notes upon it, at the
same time bringing his cocked rifle to his face.
The animal pricked up his ears, elevated his
fine head, and, with a sudden bound, turned his
body with his face directly toward his young
master.

Young Bell did not start, for, since the shot
had been fired he expected to see just what he
did—an Indian warrior lying up against the
slde'of the beast with as much ease, apparently,
as a spider would have rested upon a wall.

Taken together, the position of the savage,
and the dexterity required to maintain it,
seemed marvelous. But the sudden turning of
the animal was wholly unexpected by the red—
skin, and he endeavored to conceal himself from
the view of the youth by pressing closer to the

‘ animal’s side: but the effort was so sudden that

he was dislodged and thrown to the ground.

Before he could gain his feet and a shelter,
the rifle of the boy cracked, and lie sunk to the
earth, though he made a frantic efiiort to climb
into the saddle.

“No, no, red-skin,” exclaimed the youth,
calmly; “it’s too late to try to escape now.
never waste powder and lead.”

As he concluded his remarks, he called to his
horse which at once came up to him, showing
an a ost human joy on meeting his young
master again.

“Ay, Specter!" the youth said, caressing
him fondly, “ we have met again, my noble pet;

’but ahi where is she? Lillian, my darling

Lillian?"

He examined the trappings about the sad-
dle and bridle, and found them just as he had
last seen them. The iariat and lasso were in
their accustomed places, and there was not one
thing about the animal that gave the least
clew to the missing girl. However, since the
horse had been found in possession of an Indian,
the natural supposition was that she had been

, captured and carried away.

For a moment he Was undecided as to how he
should act in the matter. If he had known
positively where the missing maiden was, his
course would have been plain euough.

Mounting his faithful east, he galloped away
through the woods, his feelings wrought to the
highest pitch or' anxiety and suspense.

“I Will go to the fort,”he mused, “and if
Lillian is there, I will be put at ‘ease; but if she
is not, I will ride into the very heart of the v11-
lage—I will fight the whole accursed tribe of old
Inkpaducah, but what I’ll rescue herl— Whoa,
Specter—what now have we before us?"

As the last words were uttered, he rained in
his animal at the edge of the woods skirting a

' narrow belt of prairie that lay just before him.

Upon this prairie he saw a horseman riding
rapidly in a direction that would bring him
near the place where he drew rein.

The horseman was too far away for him to

’3“

 

tell whether it was an Indian or a white man:
so he decided to wait and see before venturing
out upon the open plain.

As the horseman approached, he discovered
that it was an Indian, and what sent a mingled
feeling of fear and joy through his heart was
the discovery that the sava e was the brutal
giant, and herculean chief, all Oak, who for
strength was unequaled by any man, red or
white, upon the border, and whom an one
Enemy had cause to fear in a haud-to-han con-

ict.

“ Ahi” cried the outh, with bated breath,
“it is you, Tall 0a , demon, fiendl—you who
murdered my friends! But by the gods I have
sworn to take your scalp, and that While you
live and can feel the burning torture of my
knife. You, Tall Oak, are a giant in form and
a giant in strength, and I am but a feeble boy,
but as God is my Judge, your scalp shall hang
at my girdle within the next hour 1”

CHAPTER IV.
THE YOUNG SPY ON THE SPY.

IN order that the undercurrent of vengeance
and treachery which actuated the Indians in
their merciless attack upon the residence of Mr.
Vaughn may be better understood, it now be-
comes necessary that we should make a slight
change in the scene and time of our story.

The time of this chan e is the evening pre-
vious to the day on whic our story opens, and
the scene is the temporary encampment of the
Indian warriors under Inkpaducah.

The encampment was pitched on the banks of
a small stream in the forest, some thirty miles
north of the residence of Henry Vaughn. Here
had the savages been for some two weeks, and
the obi'ect of their movements had been so ef-
fectua ly concealed that the settlers and arri-
son at the Raccoon Fork were in great oubt
and painful suspense as to whether they were a
war-party or a bunting-party: The fact of
their being no women or chil on among them
was strong evidence of their being a war-party,
but, as the days and nights passed without any
hostile demonstrations, this evidence was set at
naught. -

In the mean time, however, scouts were sent
out from the fort to observe their movements,
while at the same time, Frank Bell, the Boy
Spy, was watching his chances to! get into the
encampment and learn, beyond a doubt, the ob—
ject of their being there.

On the evening in question, about an hour
after dark, twelve warriors had assembled in
council in a spacious lodge, set apart for that

urpose. A fire was burning in the center of
he inclosure, and around it were seated the
twelve braves, one of whom—the leader of the
party—sat upon the end of a log which, for this
purpose, had been permitted to project about
two feet within the lodge.

What was most singular about these twelve
warriors, nine of them were no scalp-locks, and
where these glossy appendages should have been
were bald spots.

These twelve warriors were the objects of the
Boy Spy or young Scalp-hunter’s ven eance,
an the nine with the prematurely bal beads
were those who had suffered and survived the

r,

 

 

. .._: 

Mm"; , s.  .

,  

Prank Bell, the Boy sp'y. ’ o

 

tortures of his scalping—knifel The three who
still were their hair were the Little Hawk,
Thug, and the Tall Oak. The latter it was who
sat upon the end of the log, and who had the
honor of presiding over their meeting.

They had met for the purpose of taking strin-
gent measures for the capture of the terrible
young Shooting Star. But, while they were go—
ing through the usual silent ceremony of smok-
ing the evil spirits from the lodge before the
opening of the council, let us watch that dark
figure skulking in the woods near the encamp—

ment.

Carefull the figure lided from tree to tree,
until it had reached the%ank of the little stream
before mentioned, about fifty paces below the
lower side of the encampment, and not fifteen
from a sentinel who was seated under a tree.
Here it paused in the attitude of listening. Not
a sound was audible save the soft rippling of the
stream over its gravel] bed, and the shrill pip-
ing of a cricket in an o d log hard by.

oftly the figure stole down the bank and crept
closely in under its projection, which the friction
of the water had worn there. Then it moved up
the stream; passed directly by where a rd
sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, evi ently
watching that no enemy should take advantage
of the protection afforded by the stream and
enter the encampment.

A few paces above the guard an abrupt bend
in the stream brou ht the dark figure in close
proximity to a num r of lodges, before one of
which was burning a bri ht fire, whose light
streamed directly over the ead of the skulker,
and was reflected, weird-like, upon the naked,
gnarled branches and tree-trunks upon the op-
posite side of the stream.

The person halted when he found himself in
such a (18.12% rous juxtaposition to the savages
and listen . He heard the savages talking and
laughing in a reckless and listless manner. But
this did not seem to satisfy him, and steppin
out from under the bank, he raised himself an
peered over the embankment.

The light streamed full in his face revealing
the stern et youthful features of firank Bell,
the Boy py. The youth quickly lowered him—
self again, and crept back under the projecting
 He was there upon an all-important
missmn, and he was not ignorant of his situation
and the perils attending it. A misste might
cost him his life, and the caution and) silence
which he had to maintain, he had learned of the
savage himself.

The location of the encampment, the position
of every tree and brush around it, were perfect-
ly familiar to him. But, what he was there for
was to gain a secret audience to the council—
lodge. He had seen the twelve “ objects ” of his
vengeance assemble there from his hiding—place
in the woods, and he knew that something of
great importance was about to take place.

Stealing back under the bank, the young spy
soondreached the point directly under the
guar .

Here he stopped, and picking up a pebble,
tossed it in the water a few feet below him, then
waited the result. The sound had” been very
faint: nevertheless, it did not fail to reach the

r acute ear of the savage, and when he heard it

,wind—storni.

 

repeated, he arose, and in the true Indian silence.
crept down the bank and toward the point
whence the sound had emanated.

This the youth expected. He continued to
toss pebbles into the water, each time further
away. The Indian kept following up the sound
of their fall, until he was some distance away.

Concealing his rifle and hatchet, the daring
young spy crept softlgl up_the bank and stopped
by the log on which t e Indian had sat.

This log was of huge dimensions—over three
feet in diameter, and fully flit?r in length. It
was a linden, and had been b own down by a.
It was hollow-a mere shell, as
’most all trees of this kind are. 

Standing at one end of the log, the youth ran
his eyes along its dark length and discovered, to
his sur rise, that the opposite end entered the
rear 0 the council-lodge. Why this was, he
could not tell. He knew that his end of the fall—
en monarch was hollow, but might this hollow
extend the full length of the tree?

He stooped and looked into the black mouth
of the log, and, to his joy and surprise, saw a
bri‘ ht light at the opposite end—in fact, saw
rig 6 into the Indian council—lodge!

As the guard would soon return, he had no
time to spend in speculation over the probable
success of his plan, but at once entered the hol-
low and began dragging himself along toward
the opposite end.

The cavity decreased in size so little as be ad-
vanced that he found ample room for his body
to pass through; consequently, he was enabled
to move with the silence of a serpent.

He soon reached a point within ten feet of
the end of the log. Here he stop ed and listen-
ed. He could hear the voices o the savages,
but could not understand the words, and seeing
that the mouth of the log was about half cover-
ed with n blanket, he crept on until he was with-
in three feet of the end, and he knew then that,
althou h within the log, his head was within the
counci dodge of his enemies .’ "

Here, with bated breath and extended form,
the young 5 y pressed his face close against the
bottom of t e log, or hollow, and peered into
the lodge. He could feel the heat of the council-
fire upon his face, and he plainly saw the grim
and stolid faces of two or three scalpless war-
riors who Were seated upon the ground on the
opposite side of the tent, smoking their}
and gazing into the fire, which burned in 9
center of the lodge, with a look of sadness and
humiliation upon their swarthy visages.

Each word came distinctly to his ears, for it
was spoken with an emphasis denoting excite-
ment and savage anger.

“ Let us now repare for a war that will
sweep every pa e~face from our hunting-
grounds,” the youth heard one of the savages
say. “ We must not wait longer, for ev day
brings a new pale-face against us. And et us
never cease in our vengeance until the young
Shooting Star. who has brought disgrace upon
nine of our warriors, has been captured and
punished in such a manner as will ng8 out all
our brothers” shame. Even pow t a young
Shooting Star may be lingering near our en-
campment "—here the youth could scarcely sup-
press an outburst of 1aughter~“ for he has said

 

 

 

 

10 ' Prank Bell.

 

the Boy Spy.

 

that he will scalp the Little Hawk, Thug, and
the Tall Oak, before his trail of death ends.”

“ Waugh i" exclaimed another savage. in a
tone that fairly shook the log in which our hero
lay listening; ‘ the Shooting Star is but a feeble
boy, and the hands of the great Tall Oak will
grind him to dust. Ho fears the great Tall Oak
and will not come near. He would tremble like
a. leaf, even to hear his voice speaking like the
stormcloud.”

It was Tall Oak who spoke, and with his con-
clusion, a deep silence followed, for all felt im
pressed by the great man’s words.

The Savage; continued their remarks, of which
the Shooting Star was the main object. They
there in council pledged themselves to take up
the trail upon the inorrow, and never quit it
until their young foo was slain or captured.

At last the council was about to breakup when
another person entered the lodge. Frank could
not see him, but from his voice he knew he was
awhite man; and besides, there was something
strangely familiar about his voice—something
that made him desirous of seeing his face. but
this he found was impossible without great risk.

The Indians seemed to recognize the new—
comer, and manifested some joy and surprise on
seein him there.

“ augh!" exclaimed Tall Oak. “the friend
of the Sioux brings news to the council-lodge.”

“I am sorry to disap )oint you, red-skin,” re—
plied tho white man, “ have no news of im-

rtance, though I will have something of the

ind the next time I come to your lodge.”

“ Good!” ejaculated the savages.

“I have come on business," continued the
white man. “ I want your help in a little mat-
ter, for which I will give you much powder, and
guns, and knives and nice things.” ‘

“Good! good i” in a tone of exc1tement,
“warriors do anything for guns, knives, pow-
der, nice things. ”

“Then I’ll tell you what I want. To—morrow
—when another sun rises—I want you to go to
the cabin on the big prairie, where the pale-face
lives whom they call Vaughn, and capture the
white maiden with the eyes like the blue sky
and hair like the setting sun—capture her, and,
without harming her, bring her to me in our
lodge here. They call her Lillian, and s e is
young and fair.”

“ And what will ewle do with others—white

uaw’s 1e?” ask a savage. 1
sq“ Do £63511 please with them, only bring me

tb r1.”

9‘6de then kill and scalp ’em—bring girl
safe.”

The Boy Spy shuddereul. He thanked God for

rmitting him to venture there, and he would
ave given five years of his life to have had one

glance at that villainous white man. But this
was denied him, and the one ob 'ect of his mind
was to hasten to the cabin of r. Vaughn and
put him upon his guard.

After having repeated his desire for the safe
deliverance of Lillian Vaughn at the Indian en-
campment, the white man left the lodge and
soon after the Indians followed him.

Young Bell now began to think of getting
away, but he could not turn himself in the log,
and would be compelled to crawl out backwar ,

and if the sava e guard was at the other end of
the log this we d be indeed a. dangerous adven-
turc.

Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind. Now
that the council—lodge was deserted, wh could
he not crawl out into it and turn himself

He had scarcely asked himself the uestion
when an Indian entered thelod e, an ,wrap—
ping a blanket around him, lay own upon the
ground with his head almost in the end of the
log. It was evident that heintendedtospend
the night there, for in a very few moments he
was sound asleep.

To some this would have been a bitter disap—

ointment. Not so with our hero. He was sel-
(om at loss for an expedient when placed in
such a position. So in this case he concluded
that a little excitement in the council-lodge would
draw all the savages there, and give him an op~
portumty to escape.

So he crawled 8. little closer to the end of the
log, and reaching out his right hand, seized the
sleeping savage by his scalp-lock and jerked him
almost out of his moccasins and half his length
into the log. Of course the savage set up a
howling that brought the Whole encampment
swarming to the lodge, but before the excited
savage could tell aught of his trouble, even if
he knew, the young spy had made his exit in
safety from the log, and in a few moments more
he had cleared the encampment.

Having gained the shelter of the forest, the
youth hurried away to where he had left his
horse, and mounting, set oil? for the residence of
Henry Vaughn. to warn him of the preconcerted
attac .

 

CHAPTER V.
LASSOING HUMAN GAME.

AS Tall Oak approached the timber where the
young spy was concealed, he seemed totally un—
conscious of an enemy’s presence.

The fact of Thug having lost his scalp the day
previous made the savages more determined in
their efforts to capture the young Shooting
Star, and relying entirely upon his igantic
strength and unexceptional cunning, all Oak
had set out alone in search of the youth, vowing
that he would return in one day with the scalp
oi! the Boy Spy.

As the {giant neared the edge of the timber,
the Boy py nerved himself for a desperate
stroke, and then spurring his animal forward,
he dashed out from the woods upon the plain,
directly across the path of Tall Oak.

The yell of a score of demons could scarcely
have equaled that which pealed from the lips of
the savage on seeing the object of his hatred
and search ride so boldly across his path. His
presence was so unexpected, that the red-skin
was unprepared to act upon the instant. How—
ever, hlS first move was to fire his rifle at the
young Shooting Star, but without effect, for by
this time the youth was some distance away.

Tall Oak, with a fiercedyell, dropped his rifle,
drew his tomahawk, an started in pursuit.
But the diminutive pony, with its giant rider,
was no match for the clean-limbed steed of the
young spy. Taking off his cap, Frank placed it
upon the muzzle of his rifle. and with a shout of
defiance, waved it above his head.

 

‘ _ s z.-. "‘4’;

Frank Bell, the Boy Spy. 1!

 

This stung the savage to madness and with
heel and tomahawbhandle he urge his pony
forward. Bell saw that his enemy’s fury was
now at its highest pitch; so, in view of carrying
out his own plans, he gradually checked the
speed of his horse, and permitted the savage to
gain upon him.

When the red-skin was about a. hundred yards
away, he suddenly drew rein, turned his horse’s
head toward the giant foe, raised his rifle and
fired. True to his aim. the bullet went home,
and, the pony of the giant plunged forward,
reeled, staggered and fell dead.

So far the youth’s plan had worked well, and
now for the ordeal. Spurring his animal for-
ward—detaching the lasso from the pommel of
his saddle as ho (lid so—hc came a ongside of
Tall Oak justushehad succeeded in disengaging
himself from his own fallen beast. Before his
foe could raise his tomahnwk, the youth had
thrown the coiled rope: and the noose that lurk—
ed among the folds of the lasso fell over themes-
Sive shoulders of the colossus, and pinioncd his
arms at his side.

The next instant Tall Oak became painfully

conscious of being dragged over the prairie at a
fearful speed—realizing that he, the migh Tall
Oak. was in the toils of the “ feeble boy,” hoot-
ing Soar.
Gradually checking the speed of his horse, the.
animal finally came to a. bait, and the young
man sprung from his back and advanced to the
side of the prostrate savage. ‘

“ I say, red-skin,” he said, “ you have a. very
vigorous pair of lungs and sing sweetly, but I’d
advise you tosparo your breath; you‘ll need it
before long.”

The look that the savage flashed upon his
youthful captor and torinentor was terrible.
His great breast heaved with inward rage; his
breath came quick and hot from between his
set teeth, and his bloodshot eyes glowed like the
fines of a furnace.

When the rope slackened, the giant attempted“

to re ain his feet, and would have succeeded,
but ell, seeing his purpose, spoketo his animal,
which moved away, and jerked the savageto the
earth again.

“ It’s no use trying, Tall Oak: I‘vc ot you
where I want you—got you whom you ousted
of having my friends before you scalpcd them
alive, and then killed them. Do you remember
that affair, dog of an Indian i”

The savage writhed and struggled hke a huge
wounded se nt. To be called a dog was the
most degra ing epithet that could have been
given him. But, whenever he began to struggle
to rise, the youth would speak to his animal,
which would move oil’ a few steps, thereby keep-
ing the rope taut as a rod of iron.

Frank Bell drew his knife. He shuddered as
he thought of the savage not he was about to
commit. But his mind reverted to his murdered
friends, his Own treatment when acaptive, to
Lillian, and the cause of her flight and suffering,
and to the threats he had heard the giant make
against his own life in the council~lorlge. When
he thought of all this, vengeance took possession
of his heart, and— .

Let us draw the curtain over the tragical
scene upon the prairie. ,.

 

Five minutes later, the Boy Sp was galloping
over the plain, just be 0nd whic , in the edge of
the timber, was Fort es Moines.

CHAPTER VI.
JAMES TURNER, ESQR.

THE Boy Spy’s appearance at the fort was
hailed with the greatest joy. The garrison had
begun to fear that his long absence bodecl mis-
hap to him. The commandant of the post had
sent him as a spy to learn the intention of the
savages under Inkpaducah, and they had waited

 

[patiently two days for his return, and at last

grew sorely uneasy on account of his prolonged
absence: they could illy spare such a valuable
auxiliary.

The first question that Boll asked on entering
the fort was about Lillian Vaughn. She was
not there, nor could any one give any informa-
tion in regard to her.

This proved a. bitter disappointment to the »

youth. although he had had but little hope of
finding her there.

The young spy at once made knewn all that
had transpired under his observation since he
had lei t the fort; and when he had concluded
his narrative, he begged the commandant, whom
we will call Major Gardetto, to send out scouts:
to assist him in searching for Lillian. as be de—
clared his own intention of setting off in search
of her at once.

Major Gardette promised the desired assist»
ance. adding:

“ When you have found the maiden, Frank,
and you are at liberty again, I have some im-
portant work for you to do.” *

The two were alone now in the room of a. low
building used as headquarters.

“ You can name it, major,” returned the youth.
“ and probably I may do both at the same time
——t-hat is, if it is something connected with the
Indians.” s

“ No: it is not connected ,with the Indians, but
with enemies equally as dangerous—I mean
Jubal Wolfgang’s white robbers.”

“ All!” exclaimed the youth; “ have they been
doing devilment. tool”

“ Yes; but a. few days ago an emigrantrtrain
left Nauvoo for this point, and on the Divide be—
tween the Checaquo and Des Moines Rivers.
about twenty miles east of here, they were set
upon by a. band of robbers, which I have reason
to believe was Wolfgang’s. However, I want
you to hunt the villain’s den, and then I’ll see
that they do no more mischief. I have alread
sent several scouts in search of them, but a l
have returned without information.”

“ I shall do my best, major, to flndWolfgang’s
den just as soon as I know that Lillian is safe;
and while I am in search of her, I shall not for-
get to watch out for the robbers.”

“Yes; and I had almost forgotten to make .

mention of it: there is a gentleman here—~13.
stranger who is quite anxious to secure your
services alittle matter with which he hinted at
Wolfgang being indirectly connected."
“Did he mention—~did he tell you his name?”
“ James Turner, I think he said—James Tur-
ner, Esqr.”
“ And where is be non- ‘5" \
“ He has been hunting in the woods all the

I .

  

12 Prank Bell, the Boy Spy.

 

morning, but will be in shortly. He came here
yesterday evening after dark.”

“Well, I will wait here till he comes,” said
the youth.

While he was waiting, the young spy and
the major discussed the incidental togics touch—

ing the late massacre of the Vang 11 family,
the probable whereabouts of Lillian, and the
mystery of the white man who entered the
council-lodge on the night of the youth’s adven«
ture in the log at the Indian encampment, and
en aged Tall Oak and his warriors to abduct
Li ian and place her in his power. ,

Presently the stranger-—James Turner, Esqr.
,——-entered the room.

He was a man of about five and thirty, of
medium hight, with dark gray eyes, hair and
whiskers that were a little inclined to be sandy
—altogether, a man that most persons would
call prepossessing. He was dressed in a suit of
dark gray cloth, made in a style that was not
of the border—wore high-topped boots and a
cafiof blue cloth.

ajor Gardette introduced the Boy Spy, and
the stranger.

“ I am very ha py to make your acquaintance,
my young frien , for I have long heard of the
Boy Scout, and the young Scalp-hunter and his
bravery,” said James Turner, in a full, round
tone, as he clasped the youth by the hand.

Young Bell started with an inward emotion,
not from the touch of the stranger’s hand, but
at his voice, which he would have sworn was
the same that he had heard in the Indian
council-lodge the night he lay in the hollow lin-
den. But, concealing his emotion, Frank re

lie : .
J “I hope, Mr. Turner, that you may never
have cause to regret this meeting.“

“ I am sure I will not, my young friend, if I
‘ know anght of human nature. When did you
return?”

“ But a few minutes ago.”

“Well, I have been very anxious to see you
for some time,” said Mr. Turner, throwing him-
self into a rude chair, “and so (yesterday I
came up to the fort, having hear that you
made this your headquarters.”

,“And from what point do you hail?" asked
Frank.

“ From the village, or rather the settlement,
of 7lllluscatine, in this Territory, on the Mississip-

1.
V “ And you have traveled all that distance on
foot?" ‘

“ Yes; the walk was nothin when compared
with the importance of the nsiness I am on,
and it is for your assistance that I am now here.”

“ My assistance?"

, “Yes, for I have heard that you are acquaint-
ed with eyery rod of land, prairie and timber;
every water course, long and short, every lake,
large and small, in the Territory; and, if so, you
are the only living person that can render me
the desired assistance.”

The youth smiled. He felt somewhat flatter-
ed by the stranger’s words.

“ Then your business must be of great im-
portance,” he said.

“ It is,” responded James. Turner, Esqr., as he
had introduced himself to Major Gardette.

 

“Well,” said Frank, “I have some work of
importance before me at esent. After that is
aceomfplished, however, will endeavor to assist
you i you will please make known your busi-
ness and the duty you wish to assign me.”

“ ell, there is a little story connected with
it which I have to narrate in order to come
more properly to the point. About fourteen
Years ago, an uncle of mine, by name Homer
Lisle, was an agent of the great Hudson Bay
Fur Company, and having accumulated a for-
tune of some twenty thousand dollars, he re-
solved to withdraw from the company and re-
turn tohis home in St. Louis. He was then in
British America, and on leaving the Province
be resolved to go directly southward to St.
Louis. From some eccentric notion, he con-
cluded to cross the country on horseback until
he reached the nearest tributary of the Missouri
River, when he would, dispose of his animal, and
procure a boat in which he continue his journey
b water.

“ With a good outfit and an Indian guide, he
started on his long and dangerous journey, carr -
ing his twenty thousaan dollars with him. e
reached the Missouri River in safety, and had
journeyed several days down its course when he
discovered that he was being followed by two
white men, who he believed were a couple of the
Hudson Bay deserters that knew he had money
and were watching him for a chance to kill and
rob him. So, to elude‘these skulkers, he con-
cluded to leave the Missouri, cross the country
to the Mississippi, and continue his journey down
that stream.

“ Purchasing a pony of the Indians, he set of!
on his new course, which he pened to lay
through this territory. He ha not traveled
far, however, when he discovered that the two
men were still after him, and knowing that
serious danger threatened him, he concluded to
bury his gold—hurry on to a place of safety, ob-
tain an escort and return for the buried treasure.
Sn be buried the gold where it was not likely to
be found by the Indians or white robbers, and
hurried on. But he never reached his destina—
tion. He was never seen again. All supposed
he had been killed by the Indians, and so his
fate remained a mystery, until about a year
ago, when I happened in this vicinity, and had

stopped at Keith’s Tavern, which you know is V

on the emigrant road, about fifteen miles east of
here. I was seated in the bar-room one day
when a vagabond Indian came in begging some
tobacco. To get ril of him, I gave him a pipe-
load of the weed, and, in taking out his pipe, a
folded pa 1' fell from among his ragged gar-
ments. picked it up and unfolded it. At the
top was some writing in a plain, bold hand; un-
der this was sketched a rude kind of a map, and
at the bottom of all was the name'of Homer
Lisle. I knew then that the paper contained
the secret of my uncle’s fate, but the ignorant
Indian could not tell, or would not, how he came
into possession of the paper; however, I pur-
chased it of him, and have part of it in my pos-
session now. ’ /

Here James Tamer, Esqr., drew from his
pocket a leather wallet, from which he took a
time-worn paper, and, unfolding it carefully, he
spread it out upon the rude table before him.

 

 

 
 

 

     
 

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. l ' 18

 

One end of the paper was ragged and uneven,
showing that a rtion of it had been torn ofl’.

“Now, I wil read it to you,” continued the
is uire.

e began:
“Oct. 23, 18—.

“ To whoever of Christian heart may find this
paper, I pray God they will send or take it to my
darling wife, Annie Lisle. at St. Louis, Missouri. I
have been shot by a treacherous foe, who has been
dogging my steps for days, to rob me of my old.
But I knew I was being followed, and so I burie my

old. Two days later I received the wound or whic-

am now dying. alone and unattended. Herewith I
append a rude, but correct map of the lace where
I buried my gold, with some andmar s—with ex-

lanatlons [hereto -- by which the spot may be
2m mi. The gold is in two rude boxes, and whoever
finds it and this paper will be rewarded in heaven
if they will forward them‘to my wife—my beloved
wife.

“This,” said James Turner, Esqr., “ consti-
tutes the letter. And now to continue my story.
There were a number of strangers at Keith‘s
Tavern that day, but there was only one in at
the time, and to him I told the story of Homer
Lisle’s unknown fate and then read to him this
letter. I had just finished the letter, and was
examining the map which is appended, when a
hand was suddenly thrust throu h the curtain
wall before me, and snatched t paper. As
the paper was already nearly worn in two in
several places where it had been folded, it was
t in in two near the middle—the unknown vil-
lain taking the lower half, while I retained this
part—the upper half. We attempted to catch
the villain who did the bold trick, but he escaped
into the woods, and has not been seen since.
However, after the excitement of the race and
robbe was over with, I examined what there
was le t of the paper, and, in addition to the let—
ter, the map was left, but the explanation to the
ma was gone.

‘ Here, my young friend, is the map; you can
examine it for you If.” ,

Frank Bell arose, and goin to the table, ex-
amined the map with a critics eye.

It was a strange document, in which the
youth could see nothing of any familiar portion
of the Territory. But, this was probably from
the fact, that. at that moment, he was thinking
more about Lillian Vaughn than Homer Lisle’s
buried gold.

 

CHAPTER VIl.
~ THE MAP.

ON this page is a fac—simile of the map which
James Turner, Esqr. had spread out for the
youth’s inspection. t was rudely and im r-
fectly traced, yet it seemed to have satisfied fir.
Lisle that it was of sufficient accurac to point
out the s t where his old was buried, having
ex resse no doubt to t e contrary in his letter.
oung Bell, after examining it closely, re-
flected.
James Tamer, Esqr.,watched the youth‘s face
With a deep interest, expectin to see therein
something that would tell him 0 the recognition
of_the place. But, if the youth recognized any-
thing on the map that corresponded with anV
rticular section of the Territory familiar to
im, he did not wait the workings of his face
to betray it; he a reason for all this. Since

 

he had met Mr. Turner, he could not help con-
founding his voice with that of the white man
whom he had overheard in the Indian council-
lodge' therefore he could not commit himself
entire y to the confidence of the man. For all
this, he was not entirely blind to the existence
of probabilities, and t ought—in fact, hoped——
that the similarity of the two voices might only i
be a coincidence. _

Mr. Turner grew impatient, and asked:

“ Do you recognize anything familiar in the
map, my young friend?”

“ I do not. There is nothing by which we are
to know whether this circular s t is a tract of
land, a lake a glade or an islan , or whether the
countrysurrounding it is prairie or timber.”

“ There is where am at loss,” returned Tum»

 

i
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III/’7‘"

“lilln

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*lll mum“
2
IO

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ll/l/l/l/l/lr/m/
.—>-

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er, “and I had hoped, that, by the shape, this
crooked line coming down from the northeast—
whlch I supposed was a small stream—and these
two stars, which are here to represent some cor—
respondin landmarks, you would at once recog-
nize the p ce, Whetherglake, island or glade.”

“There are few of either, or any of these in
the Territory but whatfiI have seen, and as there
are so many of them I can not recall any par-
ticular one, that is shaped like this drawing, to
memory just now.” .

There was a momentary silence, which was
finally broken by James Turner, Esqr. .

“ Well, my young friend,” he said, “ if you do
not- remember any body of water or tract of
land that resambles in shape this drawing, what
do you say to assisting me in finding it?”

‘» I will be happy to assist you after I have

 

 

14 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy.

 

finished what work I have already engaged my-
self to do,” responded the youth.

‘f That will do,” exeluimcd Turner, with an
air of satisfaction. “ You see it is necessary I
should engage the assistance of some one who
understands the country well, and there is none
whom I would prefer to you. 1 do not want to
(inlay the matter longer than possible. for you
see the villain that stole a portion of the letter
must have been standing behind the curtain
when I read the letter aloud to the gentleman
who was seated with 1110 in the tavern; consc—
q iently, the thief knows all about the gold being
 concealed and will no doth make every at-
tempt to nd it. He also has the explanation to

he map, and if he got a glimpse of the map, he
ma. retain its outlines in memory sufficiently,
wit the explanation, to enable him to find the
treasure.”

“ Then you have the ma , and the thief the
explanation to it, eh?” asked ell.

“ Yes; and I must admit the villain has the
host of the bargain, especially, if he saw and
retains the outlines of the map in memory. But
this is hardly probable.”

“ Then you do not remember any part of the
explanation?” Frank asked.

“ Oh, no; the villain snatched it and ran, be—
fore 1 could read a word of. it. ”

“ Exactly,” replied the boy; “ I understand it
all now.”

’l‘urner then inquired:

“ How soon do you think you will be able to
assist me?"

" Well, I am oing in search of a maiden who
' is so posed to e in the power of the Indians,
uri'l L uring my Search for her, I will also keep
a lookout for the lake, island, or whatever it is
that this map is intended to represent, where the
gold is buried.”

,“ That’s business,” said James Turner, Esqr.
smiling, “and if you find the treasure, I wi
give you one thousand dollars of it.”

'“ Is Homer Lisle’s widow still living?” Bell
asked.

“ No, she died shortly after the death, or mys—
terious disappearance, of her husband."

" And they had no children?”

“ They had one, but it is also dead; so, if the
goltlis found, I will fall heir to it. And there
is another thing which I wish to make mention
of. t‘mugh I do it with a pang of shame; and
that is, I believe he who stole the explanation or
key to the map, was a cousin of mine, and who
is none other than the robber-chief, Jubal Wolf-
gang I”

“ Ahl" thought the youth, as his mind re-
verted to the voice he had heard in the counciL
lodge; “ then that explains the mystery of the
tzvo voices] It was Mr. Turner‘s cousin, Jubal
Wolfgang, who came into the lodge, and no
, doubt the robber has Lillian."

“,I Would give Jyou a copy of this map,
Frank.” continued ames Turner, Esq, after a
moment’s pause, “ but I am afraid it might fall
into the hands of him who holds the key to it.”

' “ You need not trouble about a COpy of it, for

I thipk I can retain the whole thing in mem-

r .

‘f Then.” said Turner, “ I will not detain you
longer. It you should make any discovery

 

touching my case, and wish to communith
with me, you will find me here at the fort.
But, if I am not here, you can send a. message
to inc—James Turner,Esqr.—at Keith’s Tavern.”

Young Bell promised a compliance, and then
the interview ended. Shortly afterward, James
Turner, Esqr., took his departure from the fort}
going eastward.

Having fed and rested his animal, and made
other preparations for his journey, the Boy Spy
took his leave of the garrison, shaping his course
toward the 1ndian encampment whic lay north-
east of the fort.

The information that he had given Major
Gardette of the movements of the savages, had
proven of great importance, and enabled the
major to defeat them in most of their precon-
certed plans.

Half an hour of sunset found the youth
threading the great forest, about five miles from
the Indian encam merit. He was now on dan-
gerous ground, ant so every faculty was brought
into requisition. As to danger in advance of
him, he had only to watch his animal’s ears for
the signal. The beast's instinct was as keen as
his master’s faculties of hearing and seeing. It
had become quickened by continual dangers, un-
til finally his master trusted as much to his in—
stinct as to his own precaution, and had never
found it at fault. And so, while he was riding
along through the woods, and Specter suddenly
pricked up his ears, and otherwise showed
signs of the presence of something about, the
youth saw at once that all was not right, and
concluded that some hidden danger lurked near.
But, whatever there was of fear that had arisen
in the youth’s mind, it was suddenly put aside
by the appearance of awhite man, habited in
the orb o£a hunter, in the path before him.

“ oi aul Strange, as I live!” cried the
youth, drawing rein. '

“ Ye kin bet yer skqu on that, led,” respond-
ed the hunter, “ and right glad are I that ye’ve
toted or hide without damn e up this-a-way.” :

“ by, Paul, you in troub el” asked Frank.

“ No, but ther devil’s ter pay, and I’m hangin’
er round fur night ter come ter git Ingin skulps
ter av ther debt of his Satanic Majesty 011' with.
Dic Starr‘s in ther red cut-throat’s power.”

Paul Stran e was one of the scouts belonging
to the fort, w ich he had left the revious day
in company with Dick Starr—a feliw-scout—to
watch the Indians. He was a n of about
forty years, a little above the medium size, but
With a figure perfectly developed in point of
health, strength and activity. There was a firm—
ness in his steel-gray eyes denoting unflinching
courage and (logged determination, while about
his bearded lips there lurked an expression in-
dicative of a spirit of fun and rollickin humor.

“ Dick Starr a. captive!” exclaime Frank
Bell.

“ Yams, if he isn’t or dead man ’fore this; but
jist wait till dark, and he'll come outen their
hands like er greased flitter, and if I hain’t or-
fully mistaken, some of them er red posies o‘ the
brimstun pit will wilt with or bullet through
tha’r darned gizzards.”

“Well, wel , that is too bad for poor Dick,”
said Frank; “there is little hope for him, and
yet the tort can illy afford to spare him. We

 

 

see Tal Oak wi

/

Prank Bell, the 3... Spy. r ' ‘ is

 

must do our best to rescue him as soon as night

sets in. We may succeed by resorting to strata-
em, for otherwise we can do little against a
undred Sioux warriors.”

"Ye speak very p’inted, lad; but if we’ll jist

hide ourselves, properly that er cussed lngin
coxniu‘ thar won’t git erway without er hole
through his top-knot.”
I As the scout spoke, he raised his hand and
Jerked his thumb over his shoulder in a careless
sort of a manner, at.the same time giving his
head a nod in the same direction.

Frank looked in the direction thus indicated,
and discovered a mounted savage riding toward
them. He was over three hundred yards away,
and seemed all unconscious of the white men be.-
ing” about. '

‘You take the discovery of an Indian very
coolly,” said the youth, “more especially the re-
nowned scout, Snake-in-the—grass."

’ Paul took another look at the approaching
savage.
“ ickle my skulf) of it hnin't thet er sweet-
scented pole-cat. i’. I war him, I wouldn’t give
much for my skulp—not adram 0' Western com-
fort. But let’s ambush ther lovely child lad.”

Keeping a clump of undergrowth ‘between
them and the savage, our friends moved on until
they had ined the cover of a dense thicket.
Here they alted, and in silence awaited the ap—
proach o the savage. 9

As he drew near, young Bell shuddered with
horror. At the belt of the savage he saw a scalp
of long. wavy hair suspended.

Was it Lillian’s?

Somethingterrible forced'upon him the con-
viction that it was!

CHAPTER VIII.
FALLEN GREATNESS.

AGAIN let us go back to the encampment 0!
old Ink aducah in the great. dense wood. .

The ay had been one of intense excitement
among the savages, for a captive Dick Starr.
had been taken. and the mig ty nu Oak had
gone forth alone to bring into the encam
mcnt before the going down of the sun, the sea p
of the young Shooting Star.

In anticipation of a public entertainment-—
after their notion of such things—when they re—
turnedto their village, Dick tarr was laced
for safe keeping in a strong lodge, oubly
guarded.

Toward sunset, pre arations were made for
the reception of Tall ak on his return with the
scalp of their terrible young enemy.

But when the sun went down, and the mighty
brave had not returned, they felt somewhat dis-
appointed. Another hour passed—darkness came,
and still no Tall Oak. .

The preparations for the reception were for»
gotten, and the savages gathered around their
glowing camp-fires and smoked their pipes in
sullen silence, and with faces elongated with
wonder and disappointment.

Suddenly a stealthy footstep echoed through
the encampment. _

Eve savage sprung to his feet, expecting to

h lofty step and triumphant
mien, appear amen them from the shadow of
the woods with e coveted scalp. Inuit. ad,

however, they saw a huge, dusky figure, upon
hands and knees, crawling stealthin toward the
tent usually occupied by Tall Oak, but now used
as Dick Starr’s prison.

‘ “ Pale—face dog! pale-face dog 1” burst from
every lip, and the next instant half a dozen
warriors seized the skulker and dragged him be-
fore a camp-fire.

All gathered in the wildest confusion around
the prostrate man, anxious to get a glimpse of
him. With the desirel glimpse, every one re-
coiled with an amazing horror written 11 on his '
face. The late trium hant glow of t 9 eyes.
changed to one of a sa and lusterless hue.

wounded serpent, lay the mighty Tall Oak. His
head was scalpless, and his ,face and shoulders
were covered. with blood and dirt, rendering him

could conceive. or can u portray, nor pen~
cil sketch, the abject Maggot shame and dis-_
grace that rested upon his face. -
Rising to his feet, the giant skulked away. A
murmur of indignation passed from H to B ,
and gradually increased in tone, until t e woogs

geancc.

The greatest brave in the tribe had suflered
disgrace at the hands of the young Shoo
Star, for whose capture the great Tall Oak h
sallied forth so proudl that mornin . V

The warriors surg to and fro 1i 6 so many

and in their impatience for engeance, they
happened to think of Dick Starr, who was then
their captive. Upon him they resolved to give
vent to the fury of , their wrath. *

lodge and cruelly beaten. In this manner they
somewhat allayed the Wild fury of their passion.
and then the scout was made to stand erect. His
feet were bound closely together and, to mock

in front of him.

Some other mode of torture would probably
have been resorted to soon, had the attention of
the savages not been attracted by the tramp of
hoofed feet and the appearance of a menu
savage within the radius of light. ‘

“ Snake-in—the- rass! Snake — in— the- grassi”
burst triumphant y from a hundred throats.

Ever eye turned toward the new-comer.
Even t at of the captive turned half-hopefully
upon him.

savages.
Although Snake-in-the—grass was a great war-

cal moment, that caused such an out! urst of

had attended his absence. This success was
manifested by two things. One was the 1012 ,
glossy scalp-lock dangling at the savages/bet
whic was, in a breath, reclaimed b all to be.
that of the young Shoot 11 Star; an that this
was the truth was verifl by the presence of.
the beautiful snow—white horse of the Boy Spy;
The animal was being led b Snakedn-the’gra

 

, 4

Before them, groveling in the dust like a ‘

as dolefnl-lookinfir a sight as the'human mind ‘ ‘

 

   

were ringing with their demoniac cries for ven- L

wild beasts driven into a hope. All the vim ,
dictive passions of their hearts were amused, _

In a moment the scout was dragged from the

his helplessness, they fastened his hands together , '

The wildest confusion reigned among the “

rior and the most successful scout in thetribe,‘ -  " L
it was not his appearance in camp at this criti- -

wild applause, but the glorious success which _ L

w L ‘
f;

, .

 i

by means ofthe lanat whic the youth always,

- lawman. ..:

V wages,gn‘.i....-..,... , 

a...  .W'. -,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

\

16

Frank Bell. the Boy Spy.

 

carried. The saddle and milk-white coat of the
beast bore evidence of a struggle, they being
streaked and spotted with blood

The triumphant yells of the savages were pro-
lon ed into a discordant din that pandemonium
cou d not equal.

Dick Starr was forgotten; that is, every eye
was turned from him to the mounted Indian,
the scalp at his belt and the white horse.

Had he possessed the use of his feet and legs,
he could not have had a better opportunity for
escape; but, as it was, he was compelled to re-
main motionless. It is true, he was a nick and
active man, and as he was not fasten , to any-
thing stationary, he might have gained the shel-
ter of the woods by jumping with both feet to-
gether. But this would have been a very hope-
less undertaking, even if attempted; but, from
the ver instant that his eyes fell upon the
mounte savage, Starr’s mind was strangely
occupied. _

With the first glimpse of Snake-in-the-grass,
he noticed that the savage sat stiffly upon his
pony, that his arms hung in an unnatural posi-
tion (although one hand was used to guide his
own pony and the other to lead the white horse):
that the le s were in a slightly cramped posi-
tion; that 518 whole bearing of the warrior was
devoid of that natural ease and grace peculiar
to the Indian horseman. Probably the savages
would have noticed all this had they not been so
,o'ccupied giving vent to their innate spirit of
trium h and vengeance.

Silage-in-the- ass rode a, few paces past the
scout, when his ny was stopped by the yelling
savages that crowded in before it. As the horse
of the Boy Spy was led behind,‘it was stopped
directly in front of the scout. As the savage
passed him, Starr noticed that his face wore a
ghastly expression, and that his eyes _Were
"glassy, and stared into vacancy With a listless
ex ression.

as it possible that the savage was dead?

Dick Starr told himself that it was possible,
and that the savage’s presence there, under the
existing circumstances, was some cunning and
deep-laid plan of a friend, or friends, to liberate
him. He was sure he saw through the whole
thin , and so resolved upon a desperate stroke
for reedom.

Had be taken 'a second thought, however, he
might have shrunk from the daring attempt;
but the exigencies of the moment would not ad—
mit of reflection—instantaneous action was re—
quired. Stooping slightly, to give impetusto
his body, the scout made three or four quick
springs which carried him to the side of the
Boy Spy’s white horse. His feet, as before men-
tioned, were fastened together, but this did not
prevent him from using them by jum mg, and
when he found himself by the animals Side, he
raised his hands—which were bound in front of
him—above his head, and steeping, he made a
desperate leap upward and threw himself, face
downward, across the animal’s back.

‘This rather unexpected and rude intrusion.

upon his back, frightened Specter, and, with a
wild snort, he plan ed forward, and, jerkin
the load-rage from t a hand of the mounte
savage, he ashed away into the thick shadows
of the woods,-while Starr, with head and heels

- came.

 

hanging downward, stiffened his form over the
steed’st back, thereby maintaining his position
upon 1 .

1he sudden force with which the lead-rope
was jerked from Snake-in-thegrass’s hand and
threw him off his balance; in consequence of
which he rolled heavil y to the ground.

It was then that the savages saw, for the first
time, how they had been deceived—that Snake-
in-the«grass was dead—that he had been cun-
ningly propped and fixed upon his pony to niis-
lead them.

All these wild events had transpired in .so
brief a time, and with such dramatic precision,
that it seemed a preconcerted plan on the part
of the actors.

Away dashed Specter thron h the dark
woods, with the body of the scout ying doubled
across his back, awa amid a showar of bullets
that whistled aroun him, and not without ef-
fect. One of the leaden messen ers struck Starr
on the foot, making a severe an ainful wound.
But the scout did not flinch; he l-Jmew that his
life depended entirely on his success in main-
taining his position upon the animal’s back un-
til he was beyond the immediate vicinity of the
Indian encampment.

It required but a few moments for the swift
and sure-footed beast to carry his burden be-
yond the uproar of the encam ment and the
galls of the pursuing savages. t was then that

tarr heard a number of sharp whistles pierce
the air, and soon he noticed that the horse was
heading in the direction from whence the sound
From this Starr knew, at once, that it
was the Boy Spy calling the beast.

The calls grew plaiuer and plainer, and in a
few moments more, the horse came to a belt
and Dick found Frank Bell and Paul Strange at
his side.

The cunning stratagem of the scout and spy
had worked as they had planned but at the be—
ginning they entertained but little hopes of its
successful consummation. Havin slain the In-
dian and then, as near as possi 1e, concealed
the act by removing all traces of blood from
his person, they placed him upon his pony and
propped him there in a skillful manner. Then
placing the pony’s rein in one hand, and Spec~
ter’s leadro in the other, they headed the
pony tower the encampment and started him
ofl', Specter, of course, leading behind.

Success now depended upon two things. One
was in the pony wandering into the encamp—
ment and Specter not becoming refractory,
and the other was—in case the sagacious u
did follow the trail into the camp—in 
Starr seeing into the ruse before the savages,
and taking advantage of the discovery first,
for the reason that e would be on the look-
out for assistance, while the savages were
blind in their rage and triumph, besides trust-
ing their safet to their sentinels. But, Bell
and Stran e ha seen that the sentinel, which
was most ' ely to 've them trouble, was ut
out of the way. ey did not intend, w on
they sent Specter into the camp, in fact they
never dreamed of the possibility of such a thing,
that Starr should mount him and esca . They
knew that the presence of the horse being led by
Snake-in-thegrass, and the scalp at the savage s

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. 1'?

 

bolt would draw their attention for a few mo-
ments, during which they hoped to enter the
encampment and liberate the captive.

But the quick mind of the latter saved them
this trouble in the manner already described.

“Ha! ha! hal DickI“ roared Paul Strange;

“ strikes me in ther region 0’ ther skulp thet
you’ve had some hot times tor-night."

“Yes, boys,” returned Dick. raising himself
and sliding to the ground. “ I‘ve had a bitter
foretuste 0’ hell; but, boys I’m wounded.”

“ \Vounded?" exclaimed is companions.

“Yes, in the foot. A bullet struck it as I
dashed into the woods.”

“ Wal, it mus’ be looked arter," said Strange
and he proceeded to remove the moccasin an
examine the wound. The darkness, however,
prevented a careful examination, but from the
copious flow of blood be judged it was serious;
and so it was at once bound up as well as the
feeble star-light, and the contributions of their
surplus clothing would permit.

Paul Strange now proposeda retreat to the
fort.

“Boys,” said the Boy Spy, “I am not going
back to the fort until I know Whether Lillian
Vaughn is in this Indian encampment or not, or
whetheiiz she is dead or alive.”

“ Wa , lad, I can tell you, and that sartain,
that she isnt in the encampment, nor hain’t
been,” said Dick Starr.

“T hen she is either dead, or in Jubal Wolf-
gang’s hands,” re died the youth.

“Then yer thin that ther skulp what Snake-
in-the-grass had isn’t hern, eh i”

“ The color of the hair was so near the color
of Lillian’s that I could not say it was hers, or
that it was not. The chances are that it is,
thou h I have hopes of 9. ha py disappointment.
I shal hunt for her until know, eyond the
least doubt, what her fate has been. And as you
are wounded, Dick, and can’t Walk, on ma ride
Specter to the fort—don’t refuse, or the orse
will be a detriment to the course I intend to pur-
sue hereafter until Lillian is found.” .

“,I don’t want yer boss, lad, if ye need him
but if you don’t and it’ll be a ’commodation, I’ll
ride him to the fort and take good keer 0’ him
till ye call.”

“ If you will, I will be much obliged to you,”
said Bell.

“What do you perpose ter doin’ now, lad?”
asked Paul.

“Find Lillian; hunt up Wolfgang’s den of
robbers. and search for the place where Mr.
Turner's gold is buried.”

“Jest say the word lad, and ole Paul’s head
nn’ foot, soul an’ body is with ye,” exclaimed
Strange.

“I would like to have your aid," returned
Frank;

“ l’m er chick ter ther death, lad.”

Dick tarr mounted Specter and set off for the
fort, while the other two moved away iii an op-
posite direction, toward the northeast, having
/ expressed a belief that Wolfgang’s den lay to

the north of the Overland Trail. And since
Lillian was not in the power of the Indians, they
had seine reasons to think that the robber-chief
had captured her.

Skirting the Indian encampment, the two

 

pressed onward until daylight, when they halted
to rest and partake of their meager sup 1y of
food. While thus engaged, the subject 0 con-
versation turned upon James Turner, Esqr., and
his hidden treasure. ‘

Frank told his companion all about Turner,
and then gave a minute description of the map,
after which he asked:

“ Do you know of any tract of land, body of
water, or island in the Territory so shaped,
Paul?”

Paul rcflected.

“I guess not,” he replied, “but I’ll tell ye
what I do know: up he—ar ’bout thirty miles
furder north at ther little frog— nd called
Crystal Lake, thar’s suthin’ dan curious. I
diskivered it ’bout two weeks gone.

“ I know where Crystal Lake is well," replied
Frank, “ but what is there about it so strange?”

“Why, sar, thar’s a big raft out in ther mid-
dle o’ the lake, all kivered like a bark tent, and
every night lights or seen in it, but nobody’s ever
see’d ’bout it in daylight. And then, Dick
Starr said he’s see’d a canoe go allantin’ over
ther lake several times. and be eclated to his
Maker that thar warn’t nobody in it.”

The Boy Spy laughed heartily at the impossi-
ble story of his com anion, adding:

“Well, that’s not ing. I’ve often seen empty
canoes drifting at the will of the current, or
driven by the wind.”

“ So hev I, lad, and I told Dick so, but he said
thar warn’t a speck er wind, an’ thet he see’d the
oars workin’ like rip.

"Probably, if such is the case, Wolfgang and
his robbers may have something to do with it."

“ J ist what I war thinkin’, lad.”

“ Then we had better go up to the lake and
look into the matter " sai young Bell, and with

this understanding they finished their repast and I

set out upon their journey, but not a minute too
soon, for the were scarcely out of sight when a
party of In ians, led by a white man,

over the very spot where they had been seated.

CHAPTER IX.
SOMETHING MYSTERIOUB.

“ AY, lad! thar she lays like or bed er melted
silver, er sleepin’ in ther moonshine like er love-
sick squawl" exclaimed Paul Strange with 11 pe-
culiar jerk of the thumb over the shoulder, as
they hove in sight of Crystal Lake.

‘f You are inclined to be romantic, Paul,” re-
marked Frank, with a low, silent laugh.

It was midnight. The sky was clear, and the
great, round moon floated in the azure renith,
casting its mellow beams in weird-like radiance
over the placid bosom of the lake, save where
the shadows cast by the great oaks and lindens,
lay like a dark fringe of lace-work around the
shores.

All day and until this late hour in the ' ht
had they traveled hard to reach the lake, an as

 

it first burst upon their view, sleeping calmly in ' '

the moonlight down in the great wooded valley,
/it seemed] e the vision of a dream more than
reality. For the silent breathing of nature filled
their minds and hearts with the inspirations of
dreamland. >
Our friends were weary with their long day’s
travel; so, selecting a point Where they could

v-a. Hangar-trenm weaniamaraww‘ amend-m

,t

 

 

18

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy.

 

see out upon the bosom of the lake, they seated
themselves for a few minutes’ rest and to obtain
a bet‘or view of the lake.

Crystal Lake was a small body of water not
exceeding half a mile in diameter, and was
thickly wooded on all sides by a dense forest of
oaks and lindens and some under rowth.

“ Look over yandel‘,” said Pan when seated,
as he pointed toward the middle of the lake,
“ an’ ye’ll see thet er strange raft.”

Frank looked in the direction indicated, and
saw a low, dark object lying upon the bosom of
the lake near its center and about sixty rods
away. And even as his eyes lingered upon it,
he saw a red ray of light gleam therefrom But
this lasted for only a moment.

“ You’re right, Paul; there is a raft out there,
and {lust then I saw a light upon it, even at this
late our of night.”

“ Yes, an’ it er a drotted mystery tor my
thick skull, w‘at enuybody kin be er doin’ out
ther’. Li hts er see’d out ther’ every night, but
not or sou is ever see’d erbout it in ther day—

’ light. Sw’ar it’s cur’ous."

“ Well, I would 'udge that all was not right,”
said the Boy Spy, ‘ and there’s no way of find-
ing out without going over to the raft, and in
case one attempted that, he might be riddled
with a score of bullets.”

“All true, lad,” responded Paul: “so 1 think
ther safest way ’ll be for us tew keep hid an’
Watch for ther onmates o‘ ther floatin‘ crib. on
know ther ground-hog ’11 have to show hisself
sometime or other.”

‘ “That would be our safest plan, but we might
’ have to spendlthe fall waiting for—Ah, what‘s
thati—the dip of a canoe as I ivel”

“ ’l‘het’s so, lad, an’ look sharp for Dick Starr’s
Empty Canoe,” said Paul in an undertone.

He had scarcely uttered the words when they
discovered a canoe comin toward them. It was
hu ging the shore, eviden 1y trying to keep con-
cea ed in its shadows. What was most surpris-
in g in the appearance of the craft was in the
fact that no occupant was visible, yet the oars
were working regularly and the canoe moving
at a. rapid s

“ It’s ther Empty Canoe, sure enough!” ex—
claimed Paul, in a whisper.

, “I will wager anything that the occupant is
laying down in the bottom,” returned ank;

“ however, we will soon see, as it is going to pass

near us.”

The two scouts were seated near the water’s
edge, and in a moment the canoe shot past them
so close inshore that they were enabled to look
into every angle of it and see that it really

«lid not contain an occupant I

“ By all that’s wonderful I" exclaimed our hero,
“ what does that mean? There is no one in that
canoe, and yet the oars are working as regular-
ly as though prepelled by human wer."

“ Wal, lad, it’s a damper ter this ’ere ole head
‘0’ mine,” said Strange.

By this time the canoe had glided out of sight,
and left our friends wrapped in profound won-
derment. So far as they had been enabled to
see, there was nothing uncommon in the. con-
struction of the canoe and its oars. But from
whence came the power that plied the cars?
There was no 110581 1e chance for human cun-

L,, .
i, \

 

ning to be concealed about the craft. There was
nothing within it, or without, which proclaimed
it to be otherwise than a “ Spirit Canoe.”

An hour passed. The moon began to sink
westward, and the shadows on that side of the
lake began toreach eastward over the water, un-
til the m sterious raft resting upon its bosom
was info ded within its darkness.

While our two friends sat conversing about the
strange thin s of Crystal Lake, the sound of
voices sudden y came tothelr ears from over the
water. On listening for a repetition of the
sound, they heard, in the manner of a challenge,
the two words:

“ Who comes?”

They listened for the reply, but heard nothing.
If the reply had been given at all, it was in an
undertone. A moment later, however, a light
was seen to flash from the raft, as though it had

,r come through a door which had been suddenly

opened and then shut again.

“ Wa-al, lad, thet ’ere beats thunderation
outen ole Paul, by smoke it does!”

“ It is stran e, that is true, and that is what
makes me all he more determined toknow what
it means before I leave this lake," returned the
youth.

“That’s grit—royal American grit 9’ ther
stamp o’ ole Seventy—six—but thar’s a sneakin’
ijee lurkin’ under my skulp that says you’ll have
some diffikilty in carryin’ out yer intention.”

“ That may all be, Paul, but somethin tells me
that I must look into the mystery of t at raft.
Who knows but it is the headquarters of Wolf-
gan ’s robbers?”

“ t mought be, but what’ll ye make outen the
Emgy Canoe, eh?”

“ y probing the mystery of the raft, that of
the canoe may also be fathomed.”

And so the conversation drifted on for awhile;
and finally, having made arrangements for the
morrow, the two moved back into the forest,
and dividing the rest of the night between them
In watching, they proceeded to gain the much
desired rest.

With the first gleam of the morning sun they
were astir,

Going back to the lake-shore, they obtained
an unobstructed view of the raft. It was a
goodly-sized structure, built like a Iar e. flat—
boat, and upon the top, or deck, was a ind of
cabin built in the shape of a cone, by means of
small logs placed upon end, at a sufficient incli-
nation to meet in an apex about eight feet above
the top of the craft. From this apex a thin
column of smoke was lazily rising heavenward
showing that its inmates were also astir.

While Frank stood gazing at this strange
habitation he saw a door sud only open and tho
lithe figure of a female, with a vesse in her
hand, glide out, go to the edge of the raft, dip
up some water, and flit back again.

The discove‘ay furnished food for reflection, .
and it remove some of the hitherto suspicions
of the raft being Wolfgan ‘s den, for Frank
thought they would hardly urden themselves
with females under the circumstances. Then
again he thought it might be the robbers’ re-
treat, and since he had him of abduct.-
ing Lillian, might not she by the very woman?
However, this was only fancy. Even if it was

 

 

 

 

 

Prank Bell. the Boy Spy. 19 ’

 

Wolfgang‘s den, and Lillian was his prisoner, it
was not at all probable that she would he flit-
ting about so sprightly, evidently preparing
breakfast. ,

“ If 1 only had a canoe ” said Frank, “ I
w<iul1d take breakfast with the folks over at the
ra t.

“Wal, as we can’t git over thar, we mought
as well finish the balance of our hard-tack and
venison.”

In this Frank readily a uiesced, and having
made their ablutions at t 6 Jake, they seated
themselves beneath a giant oak, whose long
shadows reached far out upon the water, and
partook of their meal in silence.

Half an hour was thus occupied, when Paul,
who had been gazing out upon the lake in silence,

said:

“,‘Bout ten years agone, lad, ther’ War a leetle
island in this ere lake.”

“ Ah! and what has become of it?” asked
Frank.

“Time an’ tide has leveled it below water-
mark, as it will you an’ me, lad.”

“ Yes," continued Paul, “thet ’ere island lay
jist about in line with ther shadder 0’ this tree.”

As he spoke, a thought suddenly occurred to
Frank’s mind, but before he could express it in
words. Paul exclaimed:

(‘1‘ l’3y ther royal breeze 0’ Greenlan’l 100k thar,
la i

He pointed toward the raft as he spoke, and
from the water under its edges they saw an In—
dian’s head and shoulders rise above the deck.
In this position the wily red-skin remained for a.
moment: then, with tomahawk in hand, he
crawled silently upon the deck. Then followed
another and another until six of the armed de-
mons were crouching like panthers upon the
deck outside of the little conical cabin.

" Heavens, Pauli them red fiends mean to
massacre the occupants of that raft!”

The words had scarcely left the youth’s lips
when they saw two jets of smoke shoot out from
the walls of the little cabin, and the next instant
the loud and sullen report of a rifle came boom-
ing over the water, and rolled in prolonged re-
verberation back through the forest hills.

 

CHAPTER X.
ABOARD THE RAFT.

OUR two friends were silent spectators to the
wild, bloody drama that was enacted upon the
raft. Close upon the report of the fire-arms

’ came the death—wail of a. couple of savages as

they staggered, reeled, and fel backward over-

board, with arms convulsiver beating the Waves

in the last throes of death.

The other four savages made a desperate as-
sault upon the door of the cabin, but the wals
seemed masked with rifles, for, whichever way
the savages turned, the leuden missiles WPl‘e
belched forth, and in less than two minutes from
the beginning of the attack, not a savage on the
raft remained alive.

A silence as deep as had been noisy the short,
decisive and bloody conflict, now reigned.

'For a moment our two friends stood spell~

r bound, and gamed in silent wonder toward the
mysterious crattin which lurked such fearful

..t....n,,.........,x. .-._i... ._.,.,,.. ,_ m

 

death. But not another sign of life could they
see about the place save the slowly-rising smoke.

l’nul was the first one to break the painful si-
lcnce.

“ I reckon, lad, ye see our own fate in that of
thlern, ’ere reds if we venter nigh that ’ere death-

) e.

“ Not at all, Paul. What I have witnessed is
an assurance of our own safety in attempting to
get aboard that raft. Those who are enemies of
the Indians are friends to us, and I would have
no fear in crossing over to the raft, if I had
wherewith to cross in.”

“ VVal, seein ye’r’ bound to go, I’ll go too; an‘
it er likely that if we’ll jist look round ther lake
we kin find more’n one canoe, fer the reds alers
hev ’em about in fishin‘-time, an’ that’s now, ye
know.” '

Should eringK their rifles they moved cautious]
around the la e, examining every clump of wi —
lows for a concealed canoe.

When they had passed about half the distance
around, they happened to look across, and to
their surprise saw that mysterious Empty Canoe
movin about the shore where they had seen it
the nig t before.

Kee ing their eyes upon it, they saw that it
lay along the shadow cast for out upon the
ake by the great oak under which they had sat.

But, finally, when the sun rose higher, and the
shadow of the oak receded shoreward, the Empty
Canoe moved away and was soon lost tonview.

Our friends now continued their search, and
their efforts were soon rewarded by finding-a
small canoe under some willows near where a.
little stream emptied its waters into the lake. ‘

In a moment they had launched the little craft ,

and embarked for the strange raft. Paul plied
the oars, while Frank kept on the lookout for
danger.

Slow] they approached the raft but note.
sign of ife made itself visible. Frank hailed it,
in hopes of bringing some one out, but all'in
vain. However, they pressed on. The Were
within a rod of t e raft, when sud enly a.
stran e, rough voice rung out:

“ old on there, young man! Don’t cross the
dead-line.”

“That’s cool es Greenlan’s icy mountains!”
exclaimed Paul to Frank, who was at a loss for
a reply to the veice.

again. ,

" What do you want here, gentlemen?”

“ We want to come aboard of your raft,” re-
plied Frank. ,

“ What for?” asked the voice, which was evi-
dently that of a man.

“Curiosity, as much as anything," returned

Frank.

“ Well, there were a few sa
of us a few minutes 'a o for curiosity, and they
left, perfectly satisfl , for the happy hunting-
grounds.”

“ We were witnesses to the little aflair,” re-
plied Frank. “ and we considered it a warm re-
ception and hasty leave—taking—such as we,
care nothing about. However, if you _will not
permit us to aboard your craft—1f it is
against your esire—we W111 leave Without fur-
ther ceremony.”

 


Hi


.i-‘W,  

 

 

Suddenly the voice on the raft called out? '

' i Z « Z A  i ;'
imitate-airing; Mwoewi-W ..   -. MT ’.' .,

.m‘fv

es came aboard '

.WW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “at... gems“

 

 

 

  

 

20 ' Prank Bell, the Boy Spy.

 

“Well, the fact of it is,” said the voice, “we
have never permitted strangers aboard; how-
ever, if you will agree to ask no questions and
remain until dark, and leave before tomorrow’s
do break, you may come aboard."

his request Frank thought somewhat exact
ing, but he had a strange desire to see the place
and its inmates, and having promised compli-
ance, he requested Paul to row the canoe along-
side of the raft. In a moment more they had
landed thereon, and were ushered into the cone-
shaped cabin through a narrow door which was
barred and bolted after them.

Our friends, on entering the cabin, were not a
a little surprised to find but two persons—a man

. and woman-occupying the apartment, and
they were still more surprised, as well as disap~
pointed, to see that both the man and woman
wore heavy black masks. which concealed every
portion of the face and head.

Judging, however, from their forms and
movements both were young. The man might
havs been five-and—thirty, while the woman was
much youn er.

The man k our friends’ rifles and accouter-
meats and put them away, while the woman
placed acouple of rude stools for them to sit
u n.
p‘4‘)You will not find the Cone, as I call this
cabin, mkstrange friends, as accommodating as
it might ,” said the man, whose voice was en—
tirely strange; “ however, I hope you will make
yourselves at ease.”

“ Thank you; we will do so,” said Frank,
who at once entered into conversation with the
masked man, but takin care that none of his
remarks should assume ghee form of a question;
but at the same time, without appearing inquis-
itive, he managed to get a view of the interior
of the Cone.

The structure was larger than it really ap-
peared from without. It contained two rooms,
and was furnished with various household arti-
cles, and a pot and kettle for culinary purposes.
The walls were pierced on all sides with loop-
holes, and in one corner stood not less than a

' .dozen rifles, which accounted for the rapidity

with which the savages were slain. But what
aroused our hero’s curiosity most was a small
silver bell suspended from the ceiling of the hut
by means of a cord which passed through a hole
0 to the outside of the room. He could think of
"nothing under the sun that this bell could be
used for, and he sorely regretted that he could
ask no questions about it.

The man was uite communicative. He
talked about the dians, and told how they
had tried in vain to board the raft and get into
the Cone.

“ But that," said be, pointing to the bell over-
head “always tells me when a canoe is within
a rod of the raft. You see, the cord is attached
to a ‘ float,’ as I call it, which lays upon the sur-
face of the water in a circle about the raft, and
about a rod from it, sothe instant that a canoe
, or anythingtouch the float the bell will ring.
But somehow or at er, the six cunning Indians
that we sent overboard awhile ago got across
the float without our knowing it. It’s quite
dangerous ’round this lake of late."

80 this explained to Frank the use of the bell;

still, the more the masked man talked the more
entangled the youth’s mind became. The woman
seldom spoke' when she did, however, it was in
a low tone, which was muffled under the mask.
But several times duringl the day our hero
caught her gazing upon im with eyes that
shone through the holes in the mask like two
orbs of fire. And there was something in that
gaze which startled him—something that he
could not define.

Gradually the day wore away. The woman
prepared supper, of which the guests were in-
vited to partake; and finally, when night came
on, the host of the Cone informed them that the
adjoining room contained a pallet of furs which
they could use for a bed whenever they wished
to retire. This ofler was accepted more through
courtesy than a desire for sleep, and when they
at last expressed their readiness to retire, the
masked man conducted them into the room, and
before leaving it again, informed them that .he
would awaken them at the hour in which he
wished them to leave the raft.

Paul Strange soon fell asleep and sle t soundly,
as his heavy breathing indicated. ank sunk
into a doze, from which he soon started up as if
from some fearful dream. He could not rest
easy; that woman’s eyes which he had seen
glowing upon him through the holes of her mask
haunted his very soul. A subtle magnetism in
their gaze had thrown a strange influence over
him. He could think of nothing else but those
eyes—those glowing eyes—and ponder over the
mystery connected with them.

An hour had

at his head into our friends’ room and listened.

rank, who had been watchin him through a
small opening in the tition, signed sleep, and
this having satishe the man that both were
asleep, he turned back, closed the door and hung
a blanket up against it so as to cover all the
cracks through which our friends might possibl
see. But, fortunately for our hero, the sxna
opening in the partition where he lay remained
uncovered. '

The first thing that the man did after having
hung the blanket over the door was to draw a.
rude chair near the table, and 1: on as the wom-
an handed him rifle after rifle, he examined
their priming and placed them against the wall
at his side. I

“There, the rifles are all ready for use,”
Frank heard the men say, when the last one was
examined. “Now the paper a sin.”

Frank started when he hear the last words.
What paper did he refer to? He pressed his
eyes closer to the opening and listened intently.

e saw the masked man take a pa r from his
breast pocket. and unfold it carefu y and lay it
on the table before him. »

The woman now came and stood by his side,
and together they gazed upon the paper. Our
hero then heard the man sa :

“I am confident, May, t at this lake is the
point where Lisle buried his treasure.”

Frank again started. His heartbeat violently,
and he could feel the blood leaping in a hot cur-
rent through his veins. He had made a start-
ling discovery—had realized a startlin fact.
The paper that the man had spread out fore

 

 

him was the key, or explanation to Mr. Tm»

passed, when the masked man '

  

 

 

 

   
 

 

 

Prank Bell. the Boy Spy. 21

 

our”: map! And Mr. Turner’s cousin was
J ubal Wolfgang, the robber captain, he who had
stolen the paper at Keith’s Tavern! And the
raft then was VVolfgang’s den, and the most
horrifying thought to the youth was that he
and his companion were inmates of the den.
And Lillian! where was she? Was she upon the
raft, a prisoner in some secret place? The
thoughts were agonizing, and he could scarce]
restrain the emotions that struggled in 1115
bosom for ex ression in acts of vengeance upon
the robber. owever, mastering his emotions,
he again listened.

He heard the masked man continue:

“ As near as I can remember from the glance
I got of the ma at the tavern, thislake is shaped
like it. And 1: en the oak and linden trees cor-
respond with the location of the two stars.”

‘ But why do their shadows fail to cross the
point where the gold is buried?” asked the
woman.

“I do not know, unless the earth, changing
slightly in its orbit each day, causes the shadows
of the trees to vary, However, as day after
to—morrow morning will be just fifteen years
to an hour since the gold was buried, it is prob-
able that upon that morning the shadows of the
trees will {all exactly in the same lines and at
the same minutes as fifteen years before. If I
fail innfinding the gold upon that day, I will give
I

t u .

“(it seems really singular that Homer Lisle
should have sunk his gold in the lake, Without
making some mention of it in the keyto the
map,” said the woman.

“ If I am not mistaken in the location, the
gold lies buried in the lake. But I may be mis-
taken in the location entirely. If I only had the
map, I could easily tell all about it.”

“Yes,” replied the woman, “and if the man
who holds the map, only had the key to it, he
could tell all about it.”

“ Yes, May, it is hard tellin which has got
the best of the bargain. One as the key, the
other the lock, while the way to the hidden gold
is likely to remain a secret."

“Probably the man who holds the map has
already found the gold,” said the woman.

“ No; at the last accounts Chatwood, my
half-breed scout and spy, saw him in the In-
dian encampment about thirty miles south of
here,” returned the man.

These last remarks furnished our hero with
much food for thou ht. In fact, they involved
him in some my ry. According to James
Turner’s story of the stolen paper, this man was
beyond a doubt, J uhal Wolfgang, and his rob-
bers and the Indians were on intimate terms.
But if so, why did he slay the six warriors when
they attempted to board the raft :9 A fearful
suspicion rushed across the quick brain of tho
youth—a. suspicion that the conflict with the
sava es was on] ya farce to entrap them—Frank
and aul—knowing that they were about the
lake—that they—the savages—had not been
slain as sup and were then lying con-

. cooled about the raft, waiting for the signal to

rush in and murder them. He thought of
arousing his friend and trying to escape, but the
latter was impoasible without the masked man’s
knowledge, and the attempt might only serve to

 

precipitate afi'airs. But what should they do—
what could they do? ’

Frank finall resolved to wake Paul and ac-
quaint him wit affairs, in hopes that his trained
mind might su gest some mode of escape, but
just as he was a out carrying this resolution into
effect, the little bell over the heads of the two
masked rsons rung violentlly.

“My 0d!” the youth exc aimed to himself,
.“ the crisis is coming!"

CHAPTER XI.
THAT VOICE AGAIN.

SCARCELY had the tinkle of the bell died
upon the air when he heard a commotion in the
adjoining room, and, applying his eye to the
opening, he saw the man in the mask push'aside
a kind of a wicket and peer out upon the lake. .
The next moment he drew bac , closed the
wicket and seizing a rifle, exclaimed:

“ Great Heavens, May! the Indians are com—
ing again—three canoes filled with them! Go
awake our two friends and tell them their ser-
vices are needed.” -

May started to do as requested, but before she
had reached the partition door, Frank and Paul
rushed into the room. v

“ What’s ther rake now, mask-face?” ask
Paul.

“ Indians—a score of them are goin to board
the raft. Lend me a helping hand, riends, to
drive them away,” returned the man.

“ That we‘ll do,” returned Frank, and the
next moment four dark rifle—barrels were bris-
tlin from the outer walls of. the Cone.

“ o—l—d on—there, do—n‘t fire 1” shrieked a
voice from without.

The masked man (placed his month near a.
100 —hole and inquire :

“ What do you want here? Retire or we’ll fire
upon you.”

“ Hold, just a moment. We have come to de—
mand the surrender, into our hands, of. the wo-
man whom we know is in your raft.”

“ My God, that voice I” exclaimed Frank;
then, as a thought occurred to him, he kept
back the rest of the speech which was upon his
tongue. But the voice was the same as the one
he heard in the Indian council-lodge—the same
which he had believed was the robber-captain’s;
but if such was the case, then the masked man
was not Juhal Wolfgang. Here was more mys-
tery, and as tho impertment demand of the vil-
lain in one of the canoes with the Indians, still
was ringing in the youth’s ears, he turnedto—
ward the masked woman and caught her glow-
ing eyes fixed upon him as if imploring his pro-
tection. .

To the spokesman of the Indians, who stopped
their canoes about ten from the raft, the
Enasked man replied in a defiant and indign' ant
one.

“ Begone. dogs of Daootahs! You shall have
nothin unless it be cold lead, from this rat ”

A v0 lay of musketry followed this repl . It
came from the savages, but the leaden ha was
buried in the tough logs of the Cone without do-
ing the least harm. .

“ Fire into the red demons, friends I” exclaimed

(.

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22 Prank Bell, the Boy Spy.

 

the man in the mask; but, before they could

comply, the bell overhead rung sharply, and
azing out, those in the Cone saw the three In-
ian canoes fleeing rapidly shoreward.

- The man in the mask rushed to the door, un—

barred it and threw it open.

“ Come, friends I” he 'exclaimed, “ and see the
race.” ‘

Frank and Paul followed him out on the deck.

The moon was up in the clear sky and threw
itsksnft, bright rays full upon the bosom of the

a 6.

One glance at the three canoes. and our two
friends saw the cause of their precipitous flight.
Close behind them, with ours flashing, as they
rose and fell in the water like white, s ectral
wings, went that mysterious craft, the lmpty
Canoe!

“ By smoke!” exclaimed Paul Strange, “it’s
that ’tarnal ghost-canoe that’s chasin’ ’em red
pilgrims o‘ Satan off. Hal ha! he! go fur ’em,

hosty! give ’em royal rip—skeer ’em till ther

air ’11, turn frosty l”

“ There’s something mysterious about that
canoe,” said the Boy Spy.

“Ver mysterious,” added the masked man,
as the t roe went back into the Cone.

Frank still found the mysteries atheriug
around him, and while they perplexed is mind,
his heart was bleeding with ain and fear over
the unknown fate of Lillian uughn. '

After the masked man had aesured them that
there was not likely to be further trouble, the
retired to their couch again, and overcome wit
fatigue of mind and body, our hero fell asleep,
and slept soundly until the host of the Cone
aroused them and informed them that it was
time for them to take their departure.

It required but a few minutes for them to pre—
pare for leaving, and, on going out upon the
mfg, they found it was just growing light in the
eas

“ The canoe in which you came over,” said the
masked man, “you neglected to tie up, so the
wind has carried it off, but here is a canoe of
mine which you can take. It is rather heavy
and clumsy. but will answer your purpose.”

h “But how will you get it again?“ asked our
ero.

“ I want you to bring it buck.”

“ Us to bring it back?”

“Yes; between dark and sunrise the coming
night, I want you both to come back. Will you

\ promise?"

> Both hesitated.
“I know,” continued the man, “ that you are

p a little Elystifled about things-connected With

Crystal eke, but promise me to come back to-
night and I will promise to unravel some of these

, mysteries; I will also give you. young man "-—

touching Frank upon the shoulder—“some in-
formation of Lillian Vaughn.”

‘Frunk’s heart leaped wildly. joyfully. 'He
could scarcely retrain a shout of! Joy. Informa~
tion of Lillian. Glorious words! he knew from
the manner in which the man spoke that she
was alive, and, as if to shorten the time, he
leaped from the raft into the canoe, hurried Paul
in, seized the oars, and drove the craft rapidly

‘ _' toward the shore.

Despite the resistance of the cumbersome canoe,

the shore was soon reached, and running in un-
der some drooping Willows, they landed. and,
laying aside the1r rifles, they were in the act of
taking hold of the canoe to draw it partly up on
the beach, when, m stery of mysteries! the pars
began to work, an the next instant the craft

glided away over its moonlit bosom.

“ By ther royal smoke o‘ ghostlan’! it’s that
dunged Empty Canoe, an’ we’ve rid in it!” ex-
claimed Paul, with a shudder.

“ That is mysterious,” returned Frank, not a
little surprised.

“ Cats au’ tigers! it’s not pleasant ridin’ on a
ghost, no, by snakes it ain’t!” ejaculated Paul.

For some time they pondered over the Empty
Canoe, then decided upon their course for the
day. They intended to return to the raft the
coming (night, so they concluded to spend the
(lay in scouting around the lake.

After partaking of some food which the little
masked woman had forced them to accept be-
fore leaving the Cone, they separated and set off
around the lake in opposite directions.

At sunset they were to meet where they part-

Noou found Frank several miles south of the
lake, and while moving slowly along through
the great woods, he sudden] found himself face
to face with James Turner, sqr.

Turner was dressed in a buckskin hunting-
suit, and carried a rifle and brace of pistols.
He was the first to speak.

“ My eyes deceive me!” he exclaimed “ or else
I have met my young friend, the fioy Spy.
How are you, Frank?”

“Well, I thank you; but I am surprised to
meet you here,” returned Frank. ,

“ I ex t so; I am surprised that I am here
myself. A party of us met at Keith’s the day I
was at the fort and concluded to come up here
on a few days’ hunt. Our camp is about five
miles south of here. But, what success are you
having?”

“ I am about to get on the track of Miss
Vaughn, and the key to your map.”

“ Good! glorious!” exclaimed James Turner
Es r. “ Boy, your equal don’t livel A thousand
do] his is to be your reward, remember, if you
lead to the recovery of the gold.”

“ Well, in three days from now I will report
my success to you at the fort.”

“ In three days. I’ll be there.”

“ You are certain that the individual who
stole the key to the map is J ubal Wolfgang, are
you?” Frank asked.

“ Yes, I am positive of it,"‘returned Turner.

“ And are Wolgang and the Indians on good
terms?"

“They were. but I have heard that some dif-
ficulty has arisen between them lately, about
dividing some plunder. ”

Thus the two conversed for over an hour, and
finally separated with the understanding that
thev were to meet within three days at the fort.
They moved away in opposite directions, and
Frank had gone scarcely half a mile when a
savage in war-paint crept out frpm a clump of
bushes~stole up behind him. and with has War-
club dealt him a blow upon the head that felled

 

him, unconscious, to the earth,

. 3

shot out from the shore—~out into the lake and

 

 
     
       
     
       
        

 

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23

 

CHAPTER XII.
A STRANGE mmacnssieu.

FRANK BELL had been thinking of Lillian
Vau hn andthose‘glowing, handsome orbs of the
mas ed woman, when his disaster betell him, else
it might have been averted. But when he awuke
to consciousness again, he found that he was 1y-
ing upon his back, that his arms and legs were
extended and firmly lashed to a. post driven in
the ground. Over and around him was a tent
made of skins stretched upon poles, which he at
once saw was the handiwork of the Indians.
The flap of the tentrdoor was partly raised, ad-
mitting a few stray moonbeams, and showing
him an Indian guard that sat just outside of the
tent, grim, silent and vigilant.

The youth hastily recalled the incidents of his
meeting with James Turner, Esqr.; their subse-
quent separation, and the vague counsciousness
of a heavy blow it on the head. All the rest
was a blank u to t e moment of his awakening
in the tent. at what time was it? He recol~
lectcd that it was about noontide when he met
James Turner, E 1-. It was now night, and
from the position 0 the moon in the heavens, he
knew that it was past midnight. But where
was be? This he could not tell, more than that
he was in the power of the Indians, of whose
number he was also ignorant.

All was silent as the grave without. If he
was in the Indian village, he thought it unusal-
1y quiet, but if in the temporary encampment
of a war-party, or hunting-party, he concluded
thriy were all asleep, except the guard.

he youth felt that his case was hopeless; he
saw that the savages had taken such precautions
as would defy all attempts at escape.

But suddenly a thought flash in his mind;
it was of his promise to return to the raft on
Crystal Lake during that very night, when ,the
masked man had promised to give him some in-
formation of Lillian. Could he fulfill that prom-
ise? NO' it was im sible now. He was half
less and his spiri fairly groaned under t e
realization. But his manly coura e and dogged
determination did not desert him or a moment.
At'times, his degraded position seemed to thrill
his frame with the strength of a giant, and then
he essayed to break his bonds, but all in vain.
His elforts only served to tighten the cords.

At last he gave up all hopes of 

The moments stole by. he moon- ad eased
the door of the tent and its beams no on or
shone in u n him. Black shadows fell over he
guard wit out, and he was no more visible to
the e es of the prisoner. .

Bu denly the acute ear of the latter detected
a faint noise at the back side of the tent. It
was so very faint that he could not have heard
it at all, had his ear not been pressed upon the

. ground. His first thought was that it might be

aul Strange coming to his assistance,vand the
thought gave him stren th.

The next instant he eard a soft, scratching
sound, as though the tent was being cut with a
keen-edged knife. In this he was right, for he
at once saw a faint glimmer of light steal in
throu h a long rent in the side of the tent, and
then is caught the dark outlines of a human

- figuro press through the opening into the tent.

' head as if hunting for his scalp.

 

A sudden and terrible fear took possession of
our hero, for the outline of the figure was that
of an Indian. He thought that it might be one
of the victims of his scalping-knife, who had
grown impatient for revenge, and was stealing
into the tent to murder him.

This terrible fear gained strength when he
felt a cold hand fingering about his face and
He was about
to cry out with alarm, when the cold fingers of

the intruder left his head, and followed one of »_

his extended arms down to his hand. Here it
figused, and the next instant our hero felt his
nds give slightly.

Then all his fears vanished. The intmder,
whom he thought might be Paul Strange in In-
dian dis ise, was liberatin him. These
thoughts ad scarcely impres him before he
found he was entirely released of his bonds, and
felt the hand of the unknown tugging at his
sleeve as a signal for him to rise up.

He rose to a sittin posture, and would have
gained his feet, but t 0 hand of the unknown de-

tained him, as be bent over him and whispered: -

“ Be silent as the grave, lad; one sound will
be our death-warrant.”
rank started, for in that low whis r be re-
cognized the voice of the white man w chad en-
tered the Indian Council Lodge the night he lay
in the hollow log—the same voice which bore
such a striking resemblance to that of James
Turner, Esqr.
“Who are
me?” asked Be 1.
“ A friend,” returned the unknown. j‘ Your
rifle and accouterments are under the big tree

ou who have risked so much for M

in the rear of the tent. where you can get them

as ou ass out.”
I P

But where am I?—which direction from

Crystal Lake?” asked Frank.

“ You are in the encampment of a large war-C

 of Sioux, and about five miles west of the
a e.

The unknown was leaning over Frank, and
just as he concluded his remarks, our hero felt
something fell upon his hand and then drop to
the ound. It was something which the stren.
ge(r3 ad dropped; But what wfas liltl h

uriosity too Pomession o t e yout , and

feeling about, he ound the object, which he at ,-

once concluded, by the touch, was a leather
wallet.
known—who he sup had dropped it-
when a strange reso ve took ossession of his
mind, and he placed the Wei et in an inner
pocket of his own hunting-shirt.

Five minutes later he had made his escape
from the Indian encampment and was thread-
ing the forest eastward, as his iberator had told
him that Crystal Lake lay in that direction.

“ I will keep my promise yet with the masked ‘

man," he mused, as he hurried on; “ Iwill get to
the raft before daylight if I can find a. canoe
when I get to the lake; and then I am to receive
some tidings of Lillian, my lost darling.”

Two hours’ walking brought him to the lake.
At the point where they had rted, he met Paul
Strange, who had just arriv there, having been
in search of the youth ever since dark. ~ .

.“ Royal cats!” exclaimed Paul, “ whar the sin
hev ye been, lad Q”

He was about to return it to the un— ’ i

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24 L Frank Bell. the Boy Spy.

 

“In the hands of the red—skins,” returned

1_“?',I;her nation ye say! How‘d ye give ’em the
5 ll) ,

Frank narrated his adventure.

“ Tigers an” weemin l” exclaimed Strange; “ as
that preacher said over to ther campmeetin’ at
ther settlement, erbout Satan, ‘ I’ve rim-racked
ther woods from center ter conference’ fur ye
ever senco dark."

“ Well, I’m here now, and the next thing is to
get over to the raft,” said Frank. “ We will
gage ,to hunt for a canoe, and if we can not

n ..

F‘ The canoe is already found lad," interrupted
Paul; “ I found it doorin’ daylight. It lays
ri ht thar."

his was good news to Frank, and in a few
moments they had embarked for the raft.

As they approached it, they were not a little
surprised to see that mysterious craft, the Empty
Canoeuglide out from its shadows and g0 speed—
ing across the lake. V

 

CHAPTER XIII.
AT THE RAFT AGAIN.

ARRIVED at the Cone, our two friends found
its inmates still in masks.

“ We were afraid you had given up coming
back," said the man, “for it is almost daybreak
now}!

“ We have been in some trouble since we left
you,” responded Frank; “ at least, I have.”

“ Ah I” exclaimed the man in the mask;
“trouble with the Indians?”

“ Yes; I was captured by the red-skins, and
released by a white man in Indian disguise. But,
speaking of the latter, reminds me of what 1
have t.”

“ As e concluded the yiuth drew from his

V ‘ pocket the acket which he suppoSed had been

dropped by is unknown liberator in the prison
lodge. Upon examination it proved to be a

', leathern wallet. Opening it, he found it con-

tained a single paper neatly folded. Taking it
V out and unfolding it, be spread it out before im
on the rude table.
A cry of surprise burst from his lips.
He recognized it as the identical map which
James Turner, Esqr., had shown him at the
art! r
“ hank God!” burst from the masked man’s
lips, “ the map is found I.”
“ Vghat do you know of this map?” asked the
' out . ’
Sf. “IEve thing, lad. Where did you find it?”
Frank 1d him how he had come into possession
, of’the manp. -
“Then, ’ saidlthe masked man, “ you were re-
leased by the robber-chief, J ubal Wolfgang!
[It was he who stole this map from me a year
ago at Keith’s Tavern.“
“From you?” exclaimed Bell, "Jubal Wolf—
Ean shale it from you ? Why, I saw it in the
' an so! a Mr. James Turner but a few days
ago, and he told me that J ubal Wolfgang had
stolen the key to this map from him at Keith’s
Tavern, and offered me a thousand dollars if I
* would recover the key, or find the buried gold
of «Homer Lisle.” , V

!

 

The masked man burst into a roar of laughter
that fairly shook the Gene.

“ Did he tell you anything about Homer Lisle
and his buried treasure, more than what you
have ‘ust stated?” the man finall asked.

“ es; Mr. Turner told me al about Homer
Lisle’s misfortune and his gold,” returned Frank,
and then be related all that Mr. Turner had told
him about Lisle, the gold, and Wolfgang.

The masked man went off in another fit of
lau hter. Presently he said:

“ ell, my young friend, I will admit that I
possess the key to that map; so according to
Turner’s story, I would be J ubal Wolfgang.”

“Exactly so,” replied Frank, “if you possess
the key.”

“Lad, you have been deceived in man’s hon-
esty. J ubal Wolfgang is without parallel in
shrewdness, cunning and wickedness. And James
Turner and J ubal Wolfgang are one and the
same person."

A cry of surprise and astonishment burst from
Frank’s lips. A rift was beginning to break
through the cloud of mystery that had been

thering over him ever since the night he lay
in the hollow log in the Indian encampment.
The voice he had heard that night in the lodge
employing the Indians to capture Lillian, was
the voice of James Turner, Esqr. But why did
he desire possession of her? This was still a
mystery. But that James Turner, Esqr., had re«
leased him from the power of the Indians that
night there was not a doubt, as the accidental
loss of the wallet and map testified. Of course,
the villain’s object in doing so was very obvious.

~ If Frank was held a captive he could not assist

him—Turner—in his search for the gold of
Homer Lisle.

“ Yes,” replied the youth, “ I do not deny hav-
ing been deceived. White man’s cunning has
been too much for me.” '

“ Well, Turner’s story of the buried gold was
in some respects true. But it was he who stole
a part of the lpaper from me at Keith’s Tavern.
However, wit the key, and what I could re
member of the map, I set out to find the buried
gold. I was accompanied by two men, one my
brother. and the other an Indian half-breed
whom I call Chatwood. Having searched the
country over, we came to the conclusion that
this lake was the lace where the treasure was
buried, ' dging w at little we could from the
key to t e stolen map. 80, that I might be en—
abled to continue m search about the lake, we
constructed this ra tand Cone as a means of
protection against the Indians. Now let us com-
pare the two pers—the map and the key.”

The mask man drew forth the paper over
which Frank had seen him and the woman pon-
dering the night before, and placed its upper
edge against the lower edge 0 the map. Al-
though the edges were somewhat worn. it was
easy to see that the two pieces had originally
constituted one paper.

9 “ There it is, exactly!” exclaimed the masked
man. .

“ Yes: and since I have noticed the shape of
this lake. I find it corresponds with this circular
spot on the map. This crooked line on the north
sirll: represents the little creek flowing into the
la e.’

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

. passed through the side of the canoe, under the

 

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. 26

 

“ Exactly," said the masked man; “ now let
us see what the key says.”
He glanced at the key, and read as follows:

“‘ Star number one is a tall oak, and the dotted
line runnin west from its base is its shadow cast at
sunrise on t e morning of the twenty-third day of
October, eighteen hundred and —.

“ ‘ Star number two is a giant linden tree, and the
dotted line running from its base north is its shadow
cast at exaclly sunset on the twenty-third day of
October, eigh een hundred and —.

“ ‘ Draw a line along the shadow of tree number
one, and then draw another line alon the shadow
of tree number two. At the point w are the two
lines cross the gold is buried.

“ ‘ Hons. LIsLn.‘ "

“ Ther nation! Cats an’ weeminl who’d ’a
thou ht it?” exclaimed Paul Stran e.

“ ell,” said Frank, “I know w ere the oak
is. We ate breakfast under it the other morn—
ing. It was about sunrise then, and I remember
that Paul said there used to be a little island in
the lake, and that it lay somewhere in line with
the shadow of the tree. ”

“That’s so, by the ro a1 smokei" ejaculated
Paul; “ it war a leetlc is and—mos’ all sand.”

The masked man started up, exclaiming:

1“ If that’s the case, Homer Lisle buried his
gold upon that island, and it is probable that it
will never be found.”

“It may be found all the easier," said Bell.
“ The water ma have washed awa the island
from view, but sit the two boxes 0 gold setting
bare under the water.”

“Will you two men assist us to search for it?”
asked the masked man.

“We will,” responded Frank and Paul, in a
breath. ~

“ Then we will prepare for the work. It will
not be long till sunrise, for day is already break—
ing. It is ’ust fifteen years ago this morning
since the g ld was buried. Come out here, gen-
tlemen; I want to explain another mystery to

on.

The masked man led the way from the Cone
out onto the raft, and Frank and Paul followed.

Placing a silver whistle to his lips the man
blew a shrill blastu nit, gazin out upon the
lake as he did so. uddenly he ‘fted his hand
and said:

“ Look there—what do you think of that?”

Our two friends looked as directed, and saw
the Empty Canoe rapidly approaching the raft.

“ We have seen that canoe before," said Frank.
“ It is mysterious. "
toThe masked man laughed in a low, silent

ne.

In a moment the Empt Canoe came alongside
the raft. Our two frien s looked down into it
and saw that it was empty, but, while their eyes,
were lingering upon it, they sawits bottom raise“
quickl upward, from beneath which leaped the
small, ithe figure of Chatwood, the half-breed
scout and spy of the masked man.

The mystery of the Empty Canoe was soon ex-
plained. Beneath the false bottom, which to a
casual observer seemed the real one, was asmall
cabin large enough to contain one man, and
both the oars being forked, one prong of each

false bottom and were used by the concealed

 

man, while the other prongs passed over the"

flu- _.
l-

nwale of the boat and rested in tho oar-locks,
ike the oars of any other canoe, propelled by
oars instead of paddles.

The Empty Canoe was a cunning contrivance,
the offspring of Chatwood’s brain, and had serv-
ed its purpose in filling the hearts of the Indians
with fear.

“ Wal, that ’ere beats my ole head to thunder !”
exclaimed Paul Strange, with a puzzled look up-
on his face.

Frank admitted his surprise, and spoke in’
praiseworthy terms of the ingenious contriv—
anCe.

In a few moments more the masked man,
Chatwood and our two friends had embarked
for the eastern shore of the lake to begin the
search.

The oak tree on the eastern shore and the lin—
den on the southwestern were easily pointed out
as they towered many feet above their surround-
ing neighbors. It seemed as though they had
been put there for Homer Lisle's especial pur-

pose.

The four men concluded that the could guess
about Where the sunset shadow of t e linden tree
would fall, and so, when the sun arose, and the
shadow of the oak stretched far out upon the

bosom of the water, they took their stand in the *

canoe, on the shadow at a point where they sup-
posed the evening shadow would fall across it.

“Yes, sar,” exclaimed Paul, “ right about here
the island used to be, if I remembers right.”

A long pole, procured for the urpose, was put I

out into the water, but it sunk own ten feet.

“Thar’s been no island that, less the water
wogl'dn’t be so deep,” said Paul; ‘ft'ry furder
eas .

The canoe was moved along the shadowto—
ward the shore, and the pole put down at every
foot, but the water grew deeper as they ap-
proached the shore.

“ Nor thar’s been no island along here," said
Chatwood.

“Let us try the depth of the water west—y

ward,” said Frank.

The canoe was turned and run westward along
the shadow until the point where they first put
out the pole was passed. Then they tried the
water’s depth again, and, to their surprise, bot-
tom was reached at about three feet.

“ Thar’s whar the island war,” exclaimed
Paul; “ yer see the water hain't wore it ’tirely
away yet, an’ here gees for the gold!”

As he concluded, the scout arose to his feet
and esprung out into the water. Chatwood fol-
low his example, and with their feet, they be-
gan feeling about on the gravelly bottom.

Suddenly Paul’s foot came in contact with
something half—buried in the sand. He stoo ,
tzirust his hands down into the water and w
1 up. , .

A cry burst from the lips of the , a éy
that was prolonged into a shout, for ey saw
that the scout held in his hands a rude boas.

With a cry of joy, the scout tossed the box
into the canoe, but the concussion burst it open,
and a heap of yellow coin rolled out into the
bottom of the canoe!

Chatwood soon found the other box of trees,
ure, and then, with prolonged shouts of joy,
they returned to the raft. Running the canoe

« L ragga—:2 

. y“. ..

~A ‘v -~ (um—2%» .

w.

__. . vgarnnaawm.”

 

 

26 Frank 3011,

the Boy Spy.

 

alongside, Frank and the masked man were the
first to lea therefrom.

:‘ Come, rank,” said the man, taking him by
the arm and drawing him toward t e Cone;
“I will now yive you the promised informa—
tion of Lillian aughn.”

Scarcer had the words fallen from his lips
when a piercing scream burst upon their ours.
It came from out upon the lake north of the
raft, and glancing in that direction, they saw
a Canoe containing two white men fleeing shore-
ward; but what was most startling in this dis-
covery, they saw the masked woman strug-

ling desperately in the arms of one of the v11—
Eiins whom Frank recognized as James Tur-
ner, Esqr.

“ My God I” exclaimed the masked man, “it
is the robbers, Jubal Wolfgang and one of his
men, and they have got my child, my child!"

The last words had scarcely left his ii 3 when

‘ Paul Strange's rifle cracked and the vi] ain who

was paddling the canoe released his hold upon
the paddle, clutched wildly at the 0 on air and
sunk backward dead, with his bo y hanging
half out of the canoe.

The next instant Cnatwood’s rifle was leveled
upon James Turner, Esqr., but the cunning vil-
lain, seeing his danger, inte osed the body of
the woman between him an the rifle. But the
odds were against him. His canoe had come
to‘a stand, and he dare not leave the weinan to
use the oars, else he would prove a fair mark
for a bullet, for they were not over fifteen rods
from the raft.

Frank Bell, seeing the villain’s predicament,

.. sprung into a canoe and started toward him.

This determined the robber chief's course at
once. He saw that he would have to relinquish
either the woman or his life. So be resolved it
should be the woman, and lifting her, he threw
her overboard, and then, dro ping himself in
the bottom of the canoe. sei the paddle and
endeavored to escape. But, Chatwood‘s leveled
rifle cracked; the side of the canoe was pierced
by the ball which was buried in the breast of
J ubal Wolfgang, alias James Turner, Esqr., and
so ended the villain’s life.

Frank sent his canoe fairly flyin over the

' water and it was but a few secon 5 until he

was alongside of the half-drownin woman.

Reaching out, he siezed her y the out-
stretched arm and drew her closer to his little
craft: then he lifted her light form from the
water and placed her in the canoe?

Durin her struggle with the waves the wo-
man h lost her mask, and, as the boy Spy
now gazed down into her pale, sad face, a c
of surprise and joy burst from his ii 3, for it
was the sweet, pretty face of Lillian ’aughn,

i‘upon which he gazed!

“Oh, Lillian! my poor, dear Lillian!" burst

' from our hero’s li s, as he lifted her haltun-

conscious form ten erly in his arms.

“Frank, dear, ood Frank,” murmured the
girl asishe nestl I her head upon her lover’s
hrobbing breast. __ _

CHAPTERXIV.
ran CONCLUSION.
WE will not describe the 0y of Freehand

,Lillian‘s meetingyhow they 'ngered upon the

lake before returning to the raft, pouring words
of the deepest love into each other’s ears—linger-
ing within the blissful harmony of love’s young
dream. When they did return to the raft, and
the excitement of the reunion was over, the sub-
ject of departure from the lake came up.

The man in the mask was for leaving the place
at once, but Frank and Paul were decidedly op-
posed to this, for the reason that they believed
their movements were being watched by the In-
dians and Wolf ang‘s robbers. To guard against
these dangers, t ey proposed sending to the fort
for an escort, and, as t e proposition met with
no opposition, Paul Strange and Chatwood, the
half-breed, were at once dispatched to the )ost.
As the journey was a long day’s travel on cot,
it was quite evident that our three friends would
have to remain at the lake two days.

To Frank and Lillian, however, these two days
would pass soon in each other’s society, and as
Lillian had not told Frank yet how it was that
she was rescued from the Indians, or rather,
how she had escaped from them —how she came
to be at the lake, and why she had kept her
identity concealed, he led her from the Cone.
out upon the raft into the lorious autumnal
sunshine, and seating her by his side, said:

“ Now, Lillian, I want you to tell me how you
escaped the Indians the day we had the wild
ride over the prairie, and how you came to be
here wearing a mask.”

Lillian smiled and replied:

“ I will tell you all about it, Frank; but first,
I have something else to tell you, that will no
doubt surprise you. I am not the daughter of
Henry Vaughn, but the daughter of Homer
Lisle, who died an unknown death in these wilds r
some fifteen years ago."

“ You the daughter of Homer Lisle?” ex-
claimed Frank. “ James Turner, the villain,
told me that the wife and child of Homer Lisle
were dead I”

“ Well, it is not the case. A short time before
my father’s departure from British America, he
wrote mother a letter at St. Louis, informing
her of the course he intended to pursue in re-
turning home. She waited a year and he did
not come. She wrote to inquire after him, but
received no tidings. She then sent her brother
to British America in quest of her husband. He
came back with the information that father had
departed for home at the time mentioned in his
letter. He also learned that, about the time of
father’s departure from the British Province,
his (father’s) nephew, bfy name Jubal Wolfgang,
had left also; and the 0 cars of the Hudson Bay
Company gave it as their belief that, if father
never returned, Wolfgang would beaccountable
for his disappearance, for he (Wolfgang) was a
bad man, and knew all about father having
money, and the course he intended to take in
going home.

“This information aroused my mother’s cour-
age. She was one of those strong-minded and
brave‘hearted women that shrink from nothing,
and so she resolved to know my father’s fate,
and bring the murderers, if there were such, to

usticeu /
“ At that time I was about three years old,
and mother placed me in the keeping of a friend

 

named Henry Vaughn, with the understanding ‘

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. 2‘?

 

that I was to be known as Lillian Vaughn until
she returned and claimed me.

“Donnng male attire, and accompanied by
her brother and an Indian scout, mother set out
into the wilds of the great Northwest. You may
think her a rash and foolish woman, but she was
actuated by her love for her husband, and the

‘ thought that he might be a helpless, suffering

captive among some of the Indian tribes. For
years she roamed with her brother and guide
through the forest and over the prairie. Her
face became bronzed to a dusky hue, and her
strength, through so much physical exercise, be-
came developed into that of a strong man. Her
voice became strong and masculine through
force of habit. She grew into loving the wild,
free life of the scout and hunter, and soon at-
tained some note as both.

“ Never, until nearly a year ago, did she hear
one word of her husband. She was then seated
in Keith’s Tavern in her hunter disguise. A
vagabond Indian came in, and iii fumbling
among his rags, a folded paper dropped out of
them and fell near mother. She mechanic-ally
stooped, and picking it up, opened it and glanced
at the name at the bottom of the writing. It
was father’s name, and under the impulse of the
moment, she cried out:

“ ‘Thank Godl 1 have found the secret of
Homer Lisle’s fate i’

“ She read the letter aloud, and had just fixed
her eyes on the map below, when Jubal Wolf-
gang, who was present, snatched the paper, or a.

ortion of it—for it tore in two—«and ran.
Riother, assisted by others, tried to capture the
villain, but he escaped. At the time, none knew
that he was the robber chief. With the key to
the map—4111 she retained of the papex'—-’—mother
set out to find the buried gold. ' From what she
could remember of the map, this lake was fixed
upon as the lace where the treasure was buried.
But repeat efforts to find it failed; but her
brother and the scout, Chntwood, built this raft
for her comfort and safety—uncle having re—
solved toreturn to St. Louis, for aseason, to
look after mother’s property in the city, which
had so long been neglected. Leaving her in the
trusty Chatwood’s care, uncle started for the
East only a few days prior to the last outbreak
which left me homeless.

“Just about this time, through Chatwood’s
inquiries and knowledge of all new-comers to
the Territory, she learned that a man named
Henry Vaughn had emigrated to this vicinit ——
in fact, that he was living near Fort es
Moines, and on the day that Mr. Vaughn’s cabin
was attacked, she started down there to see if it
was her friend and m adopted father. And
during my flight from t e Indians, after leaving
you on the prairie, I chanced to meet with her
in the edge of the forest. Of course I did not
know her.for I thought it was some strange
hunter. But when I told her that my. name was
Lillian Vaughn, she begged me to give up my
horse and flee with her. This I did, and so we
eluded the Indians.

“Just a few days before this, Mrs. «Vaughn
had told me all about my parents—that I was
not her child, but the child of Homer and Mary
Lisle; that my name was Lillian May Lisle. So
when 1 had followed the supposed hunter to a

 

place of security, he turned and told me that he
was notamar. but a woman—May Lisle—my
own mother!

“My joy knew no bounds, Frank, when I
learned this. although it surprised me; and I
would have been extremely happy had I known
that you had escaped the Indians. I came with
mother to this lake—”

-“ Then the masked man," interrupted Frank,
“ who is now in the Cone, is your mother.”

“ Yes,” replied Lillian; “ it was a whim of
hers that we should mask ourselves, and keep
our identitya secret from you and Paul until
this morning. This was in order to defeat
J ubal Wolfgang, for she had learned through
the spy, Chatwood, that Wolfgang was deceiv-
ing you, and leading you into the belief that the
person who possessed the key to the map was

imself."

“ Yes, Lillian, I admit myself that I have
been com lately duped by that villain. Had he
been an- ndian, I would "have known how to
take him. And then your eyes, Lillian, shining
through your mask, haunted my very soul with
apower that Icun not describe, while at the
same time I was suffering at heart and mind to
know what had been your fate.”

“I am sorry, Frank, that I prolonged your
fears and impatient anxiety, but I was obeying
my mother’s wish by so doing.”

“That was perfectly right, Lillian. It has
made these moments all the sweeter. But I
shudder when I think how near Wolfgang came
to carrying you away.” .

“Yes; he stole in when you were searching
for the gold. I heard the bell ring when they
crossed the float, but took no notice of it,
thinkin it was some of your men returning,”

“ We 1, it is all over with now; for which
may God be thanked,” said Frank.

Here their conversation ended, and rising
from their seats, they entered the Cone. They
were not a little surprised to find the masked
man, or rather the dis ised woman, had
thrown aside her mask and11 male disguise. and
appeared dressed in plain black, in the habit of
her sex. She was a woman in the prime of life,
with a strong and robust figure, with features
bronzed and somewhat coarse, yet bearing a
striking resemblance to Lillian’s beauty and
sweetness of expression. ,

But why lin er by Crystal Lake? We are
done with it. 0 longer does the inteirst of our
sto: center there. The mystery of the raft,
the mpty Canoe, and masked man and woman,
have been unraveled, so we will leave it, and
follow our friends to Fort Des Moines, where
they arrived safely. under the escort sent out,
three days after the finding of the gold.

Mrs. Lisle remained at the fort a few days to

rest and prepare an outfit for her homeward .

journey with Lillian. In the mean time,’she
sent the Boy Spfi out to ascertain, if possible,
whether any of enry Vaughn‘s family]' had es-
caped the savages’ fury. If so. it was er noble
intention to aid them as they had aided her by
the protection of her child so many long
'7 rs.
£1133? alas! the Vaughn family had all per-
i e ’
Her outfit being completed, the widow and her

i

 

é
wr,
.‘fl

 

 

 

 

 

28 Prank Bell,

the Boy Spy.

 

child left the post under a strong escort led by
the Boy Spti.

The you conducted them .in safety to St.
Joseph, on the Missouri River, where they em-
barked on a steamer for the South, and where
Frank bid his bethrothed good-by, and returned
tohis field of labor in the vicinit of Fort Des
Moines, not, however, before he ad promised
Lilian that he would follow her soon, to claim
her as his wife.

CHAPTER XV.
rim ms’r or THE DOOMED TWELVE.

A FEW days after the departure of Lillian, our
hero found himself riding over the great rairie,
east of where stood the cabin of Henry aughn.
His face wore a thoughtful expression, showing
that his mind was deeply absorbed in reflection.

“ What have I to remain here for?” he asked
himself. “Lillian is gone, 'and why can’t I go
where I can be within the glorious sunshine of
her eyes 1”

“ It is true, the same excitement is here that I
always liked, but it's hard for a fellow to enjoy
life on the prairie among the red-skins, when
his heart and thoughts are hundreds of miles
away. By George! I believe I‘ll pull up stakes
and strike for—bah! Frank Bell! are you grow—
ing to be a love—sick fool? Don’t you remember
your oathi—that you have sworn to have the
scalps of the twelve savages that murdered your
friends? Don’t you remember this, my boy?
Of course Ida, and b the heavens above me, I
will not leave here til I take the scalp of Little
Hawk, the last of the twelve assassins.”

And thus he settled the matter with himself,
and from thenceforth the scalp of Little Hawk
became the one sole object of his daily scouts
through the forest and over the plain.

“ Vengeance! vengeance!” was ever ringing in
his ears.

But the cunnin Little Hawk knew what a
terrible foe he ha to contend with—yea, that
was upon his track, and so far he had managed
to keep himself aloof from the clutches of the

 

Bog Spy. .

evertheless, the disgrace that the vengeance
of the youth had brought upon the great and
mighty warrior, Tall Oak, stung the hearts of
the savages to a vindictive fury, and so they
at once redubled their efforts to capture the
youn Shooting Star, upon whom they had
prom sed themselves that they would visit a ter-
rible punishment.

The plain over which our hero was now riding,
had as yet escaped the usual autumnal fires.

To the right of him lay a small clump of
stunted timber, while at his left there stretched
an unbroken plain for miles and miles that was
covered with a dense growth of tall dry grass.

The sun wanted but a few minutes of going
down, and as darkness would come before he
could fairly pass the motto of timber, he con-
cluded to keep further to his left, fearing that
some unknown danger might be lurking within
the shadows of the grove.

So he turned his animal‘s head quite abruptly
to the left, and spurred him into a brisket

gallo . .
Bu this very act seemed to havo been the

signal of the beginning of trouble, for the next
moment awild war-whoop burst upon his ears
and a dozen mounted savages came thundering
from the grove toward him.

There was no mistaki‘n the leader of the in-
furiated band. It was ittle Hawk, for whose
scalp our hero's fingers fairly burned. But to
attempt to  it, in the face of such fearful
odds would have been folly. Frank, however,
was well aware of all this, and turning his an-
imal northward, he put spur and galloped furi-

ou‘slfy away.
ith a yell the savages pressed in pursuit.

On a short race our hero’s beast was the
fastest, but he was no match for the Indians’
long-winded and wir mustangs on a long run.
This Frank knew, so e did not put his animal to
its utmost, but just fast enough to keep beyond
rifle-range of his pursuers. At the same time he
threwhimself forward upon his animal’s back,
so that his form lay almost parallel with that of
the horse, thus making him a less cons icuous
mark for the savages’ rifles. But to elu 6 their
bullets was not the main object of his assuming
this position. It was to elude the savages them—
selves.

He knew that he could not elude the savages
by hard riding, for there was an Olen prairie
fully twenty miles before him. is animal
would fail before that distance could be made,
and the shelter of the woods secured. To turn
to either the right or left, would only be to the
savages’ advantage. Straight forward was his
only course, and stratagem his only hope.

The race was quite warm for fully half an
hour. and the yells of the pursuers demonlacal,
but the speed of the horses graduall slackened,
and the savages screamed themse ves hoarse,
and became more quiet with their vindictive
ra e.

y this time darkness had fallen, but the sky
was clear, and out upon the open plain there
lingered a kind of twilight which kept the horse
pf the fugitive in plain view of the lynx—eyed
pursuers. But it r uired all their sense of
sight to distinguish t e form of our hero. who
still kept himself lying upon his animal’s back.
Even then, they made no allowance for being
deceived, for they never dreamed but that that
dark, protruding object upon the flying animal’s
back was the prostrate form of their young foe.

Shadil y the pursuers saw that they were gain-
ing upon the youth, and, wild and intoxicated
with a promising triumph, Little Hawk dug his
heels into his animal’s side with impatience, and
drew his scalpin -knife‘ready for instant use.

On they thun ered, recklessly, wildl . Each
moment brought the red-skins nearer t 9 object
of their wrath. Their keen ears could hear the
panting of the almost exhausted steed, and their
cat-like eyes could see the white foam flying in
flakes from his streaming flanks. They could
still see that dark, protruding object upon the
animal’s back,1 ing so close that it seemed a.
part of the bees itself.

Onélstil] on—on, until Little Hawk suddenly
dash alongside of the fugitive’s steed—reached
out-seized him by the reins, and jerked him
back upon his haunches. '

 

upon—the empty saddle of the Boy Spy!

The next instant half a dozen tomahawks fell ,

 

A
t
f
,; e
i 3
:‘f
v;
\

 

 

 

_. ,4

*‘mw .
,

 

Prank Bell, the Boy Spy. 2.

 

Alas, deluded savages! Far back upon the
Erairie the young Shooting Star had throwu

imself to the rassy earth, leaving his pursuers
in pursuit of t e flying steed that sped onward
with alfright. They had not dreamed of this,
for the projections of the saddle had led them to
believe that it was the youth’s form—the dark-
ness coneealin from them the real truth.

This was as rank had calculated 11 )OD, hence
his object in throwing himself forward in a par-
allel position upon his back. But when he drop-
ped himself from the saddle, he was hurled with
great violence upon the earth, and the next of
which he was conscious was, of lying upon his
back in prairie grass, gazing u at the stars;
while far away he could hear t e yells of the
savages in pursuit of his riderless horse. He was
suffering great gain, and for a moment he fear-
ed to move lest e would find some of his limbs
broken. But at last he ventured to rise to a sit-
tin pesture, and finding that he Was unharmed
so far, he sprung to his feet and assured himself,
b moving about, that he was not hurt at all.
Bye would have shouted with triumph, had not
prudence prevailed. and convinced him that
such an action would, probably, bring the sav-
a es right back upon him.

ut while our hero was laughing with triumph
over his cunning escape, the savages were howl—
ing with impotent rage.

Little Hawk, believing that the youth had
just escaped from his animal, hastily dismount—
ed, and like a bloodhound searching for a
trail, he began beating around through the tall,
dry grass, with two of his Warriors following at
his heels.

In his uncautious and headlong search, the
chief suddenly stumbled over some unseen ob-
ject lyin in the grass and fell sprawling to the
earth. be next instant the form of a man—
the object over which the chief bad fallen—arose
from the rass as though he had been conjured
up from t 8 very earth.

One glance was sufficient to show the sav-
ages that it was a white man. But not the
B0 Spy.

1; was Paul Strange, the scout. He was trav-
eling westward over the prairie when he heard
the savages approaching, and to elude detection
he threw himself into the prairie grass, where he
remained, his presence undetected until Little
Hawk stumbled over him.

The scout made a desperate effort. to free him-
self trom the savages, who instantly fastened
their clutches upon him, at first su posing it
was the Boy Spy. But when they iscovered
their mistake, they became all the more enraged,
and in a. moment more Strange was a bound and
hel less captive.

short consultation was now held. The
unanimous opinion of the savages was that the
Boy Spy had esca ad from his animal‘sback
not far awa , and rom the force with which he
must have n hurled to the earth, probably
was helpless. So they resolved to retrace their
footsteps back to the little motto of timber, and
search the way for the youth’s body, or some
evidence of the point where he had so cunnineg

eluded them.
Paul Strange was laced upon the back of

Frank’s horse, with hthds bound at his back and

1
/

 

his feet tied other by a to push under
the animal’s b5? . W 5

Little Hawk t en took the lead, and the cav-
alcade wheeled southward and rode ofi at a slow
gallop.

Each side of the trail was closely watched,
but the motte, from which they unced so
suddenly upon our hero, was fine. ly reached
without finding the least trace of the young
pale—face.

Again they were compelled to acknowledge
themselves outwitted by the Boy Spy, as they
had been a hundred times before; but, believing
that he was concealed somewhere in the ini-
mediate vicinity, they resolved to await the
coming of day to enable them to continue their
search.

So the clump of timber was selected as a point
in which to encamp.

.Riding to a place where a number of scrubs;
oaks afforded a good shelter, they dismount .
took their captive from his animal’s back, 'and
bound him to the trunk of a tree. The then
hitched their beasts to the trees about an gath-
ered in a little knot in front of the captive.

It was now the beginning of November, and
the evenings of that 'gb latitude were growing
quite frosty and chilly, and as this night partic-
ularly was frosty, the'propriety of a fire was
discussed by the savages.

“ There is no danger of enemies being attract-
ed hither by its light, for there are no enemies
within miles and miles of us,” the chief reasoned,
“ unless it is the sly fox, ShootingStar; but we
need have no fears of him for he is a cowardl
do , and will not attack the brave Little Haw
an his fearless warriors.”

“ Smoke 0’ sacrifice!” exclaimed old Paul, who
had heard and understood the red braggart’s
words; “ I’ll go my whole head that ther Boy
Spy kin lick t e whole 0’ ye like as easy as skin-
nin’ a bill: owl!”

“ Ugh!” e'aculated Little Hawk; “the pale—
face can ta all he wants to, but when he
sits to the Indian village he will sing his

eath-songl"

. “ Bah! ittle Hawk; nary death-song. Wait
till the Boy Spy runs his fingers throughger
ha‘r and tickles yer skulp with a knife, then I’ll
bet thar’ll be some lively whistling, and trippin‘
0' the. light, fantastic moccasins.”

“ W aughl pale-face big fool. Little Hawk
too cute; Shooting Star never skulp him."

“ All ri ht, red-skin; all right, ye cute cuss.
Time ’li te l the tale.”

Here the colloquy of Captor and ca tive ended,
and Little Hawk turned to strike a re.

Inasmuch as the party had expected to be ab-
sent several days from the village, they had pro-
vided themselves with the usual expedient for
obtainin fire. This was brought out and given
to the c ief, who immediately sunk upon his
knees, and raking a handful of dry leaves be-
fore hiin, proceeded to set them aflre. This was
soon accomplished, and as the fire burned up, it
threw a bright light for several rods around.

Trees stood thick around them, and, as Little
Hawk gazed around for a more suitable place
for building the camp-fire, his eyes alighted upon
a huge pile of leaves, near the trunk of a tree

T» ,

 

, hear at hand.

30 _ Prank Bell. the Boy Spy.

 

where they had been whirled into a heap by the

eddying mode of autumn.

In the mean time, one of the warriors had
gathered an arm—load of dry limbs, which he
brought and deposited at the chief’s feet. Stoop-
ing, the latter selected a handful of the drycst of
the twigs, and thrusting them into the fire al-
read kindled, he set them ablaze, then turning,
he vanced to the large heap of dry leaves at
the foot of the tree, and dropping upon his
knees, thrust the torch into the pile, his warriors
watching his movements with a stoical indif-
ference.

By thrusting the torch so suddenly into the
leaves, the flame was extinguished, and in order
to set it ablaze again, the chief dro :ped upon his
hands, and placing his face near the leaves, be—
gan blowing the lire. Just as the flame leaped
out again, there was a rustling beneath the

leaves, and the next instant a human hand was~

thrust from the burning pile, and, clutching
Little Hawk by the scalp-lock, it drew his face
down into the sputtering flame.

A yell of horror peeled from the Indian’s lips;
then there was a fluttering and flying of burn-
ing leaves; another awful scream from the suv-
age’s lips as he staggered to his feet, his face
coverel with blood and his head minus its scalp,
and fled like a frightened fiend into the dark-
ness. And as a human form, covered with
burning leaves, arose from beneath that heap
with well, the other savages became frightened
and fl after their chief, with the superstitious
belief that tho Hobbnmako had arisen from his

« bed of fire to destroy them.

Paul Strange burst into a roar of laughter,
for as that mysterious form paused before him
and shook the blazing leaves from his form, he
saw that the Boy Spy was standing before him
—-a knife in one hand and a human scalp in the
other.

“ Vengeance, Paul!” shouted the youth, toss-
ing the bloody troph at his feet, then advancing
and liberating the o d scout. .

Two minutes more, and they were riding
westward over the prairie, with a dozen and
one animals under their charge, and narrating
their adventures to each other.

After Frank had recovered from his fall upon
the prairie, he hastened to the motto of timber,
where he concluded ti spend the night. As a

rotection from the biting frost, he condludcd to
Eurrow under the leaves, beneath which he
found, to his advantage, along, shallow hole in
the ground.

He had scarce] ensconced himself under the
leaves, when Litt e Hawk and party made their
halt within hearing.

Carefully he drew his knife and ‘nwaited the
moment of dau er that seemed so imminently
ut to his joy he soon learned
that the savages were ignorant of his rescncc:
but his fear of their setting his concea incnt on
fire suggested the daring idea to his mind, which

 

but a few minutes later resulted in his victory
over the last of the inhuman Twelve, and the
liberation of Paul Strange.

Just at daybreak the following morning, the
Boy Spy and his companion rode into Fort Des
Moines, amid ringing shouts from the little gar-
rison, and for several days the daring youth’s
adventure was the theme of conversation.

At last Frank felt that his vow of vengeance
was fulfilled and now what more was there for
him in the ’llerritory of Iowa? Why not seek the
idol of his heart at once? But something whis-
pered—“ Not yet,” and so he spent the remain-
der of the fall and the winter at the fort.

During that time he had heard once,indirectly,
from Lillian. She had reached St. Louis in

sa ety.

The first day of the following June, Frank
set as the day of his departure for the South.
But, a week before that time came, a fur~trader
arrived from St. Louis, and brought Frank 9.
letter from Lillian. It read thus:

“ ST. LOUIS, May 20th, 18—.
“ DEAR FRANK——

“1 am all happiness and joy. I will tell on why.
We arrived safely at our destination, but. 0 , whata
risen we found living in a great city to be! We
onged for the wild beauty and freedom of the
prairie, and if I had not heard from the traders that
’Ou were well. lon before this, I expect I should
ave been temptm to visit the prairies. But what
makes me happy, dear Frank. is this: a colony is
fitting out here to emigrate to your Territory, and
mother and Uncle George (mother’s brother) and I
are going with it.

“The colony will probably locate near Fort Des
Moincs, as most travelers and traders pronounce
it the richest country in the Northwest. We will

roceed 10 St. Joseph by water. then go by Over-
and conveyance from thence to the fort. And you
know, dear Frank. that we will need a guide. and
where could we find abetter one than you? W0 ’6
you meet us at St. Joseph, Frank? Oh, it will be so
nice} We leave here on the first day of June, so
that by the time you receive this letter and get to
St. Joseph, we will be there to meet you. Mr.
Ormcsby has prmniscd to deliver this letter into
your hands, and as he is a good gentleman, I know
he will do so. So now, dear Frank, remember and
meet your trusting and affectionate.

“Lmnuu LISLE."

Frank fairly danced with joy when he read
this lain, yet soulful epistle.

Li liau, his adored Lillian, was coming back
to the prairies which he loved so dearly! Oh,
what joy!

“ Yes, I will hasten to St. Joe, and meet her—
the colony,” he said to himself; “ and I have no
time to spare either. This day will I begin my
journe .”

And so he did. Ere night had fallen again, he
was miles from the fort.

But we need not follow him through that
journey. Suflice it to say, that it was made in
safety, and here let us part. Not, however,
without my assurance that we shall all meet
again.

THE END.‘ ' i

x

 

, :wfi’“_ . ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Deerhunter. the wy Scout ol ths Great North Woods.
By 0]] Coomes.

3 Buflnlo Bill, from Boyhood to Msnhood. By Col. Pren-
tiu Inzrshsm.

3 Kit Carson, King offluidu. By Albert W. Aiken.
4 Gordon Lillie, the Boy-Interpreter of the Pswnees. By

Mmor. H. B. Stoddard.

5 Bruin Adams, 01d Grinly’s Boy Pnrd. By Colonel
Prentlu Ingrehsm.

6 Deadwood Dick as eBay. By Edvard L. Wheeler.

7 Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. By Colonel Prentiss
Ingrnhmn.

8 The Prairie Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

9 Rovinx Joel The History of s “ Border Boy.” By A.
H. Post.

10 Texas Jack. the MustengKing. By Colonel Prentiss
’ lngrnlmm.

11 Charley Skylark. A Story of School-dndy Scrspes snd
(Inllege Clpars. By Major H. B. Stoddnr .

12 Mnripmn Maren. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. “'
18 Having Ben. By John J. Manhsll.
14 Spring Steel, King at the Bruh. By J. E. Bedrer, Jr.

15 W hie-Awake George, the Boy Pioneer. By Edsurd
Willem. .

16 The Boy “'iznrd. By Barry Binggold.

1'? Peter I’e per-gran, the Greenhorn from Gotham. By
Nonll Nu

18 Adrift on the I’ruirie. snd Amateur Hunters
on the Buii'nlo Rnnze. By Oll Coonres.

19 The Fortune Hunter; or, Roving Joe I: Miner,
Carboy, Trspper nnd Hunter. By A. H. Post.

20 Trapper Tons, th» Wood Imp. By T. C. Hub-ugh.

21 Yellow “sir. the Boy Chlet‘eftne rm... By Col.
Prentiss lngmhnm.

22 The Snow Trnli. By T. C. Hnrbnugh.
23 old Grizzly Adams, the Bar Tamer. By Dr. Frnnk

Dwell.
24 Woods nnd \Vntern. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

25 A Rollin Stone 3 incidents in the Career on Sen and
Land at ol. Prentiss Ingrnhnm. By Wm. R. Eylter.

26 Red River Rovers. By C. Dunning Clark.

27 Plaza nlltl I’luln; or. Wild Adventures of‘anchkin
Sum.” (Maj. Sam. 5. Hull.) By Col. P. lngrnlnm.

S8 The Sword Prince. ’1 he Rom-mic Life of Col. Mon-
slery. By Cnpl. Frederick wiliiilkef.

29 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. llnrbeugh.

80 Punl de Lacy, the French Benet Charmer. By c.
Dunning Clark.

Bl Round the Cnmp Fire. By Joseph E. Bsdzer, Jr.

82 White Beaver, the Indisn Medicine Chief. By Col.
Prentiss lngrnlrsm.

88 The Boy Crunuder. By Cspt. Fred. Whittaker.

84 The Chase of the Great White Stag, and, camp
nnd Canoe. By C. Dunning Clark.

85 Old Tar Knuckle nnd His Boy Chums. By R. Starbuck.

86 The Duelsan Dragoon; or, The Story of Gen. George
A. Cusler. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

8? Night-Hawk George. By Cal. Prentiss lngrnhsm.

88 The Boy Exile! offiiberin. By T. C. iisrhnngh.

89 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Reliving.

40 Smart Sin, the Lsd with s Level Heed. By Edward
\‘i’illeit.

41 The Settler’s San. By Edward 5. Ellis.

so Wnlt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. Dunning Clerk.

4! Rifle and Revolver. By Cspt. Fred. Whittslur.

 

 

 

44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By T. C. Hubcngh.
45 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince, By Col. incl-shun.
48 Dick, the Stowaway. By Cherie: Morris.

47 The Colorndo Boyn; or, Life on In Indigo Plenutian.
By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

48 The Pampu Hunters; or, New York Boys in
Buenos Ayrel. By T. C. Harbaugh.

49 The Adventurous Life of Nebrsslm (III-rile.
By Col. Prentiss lngrslrsm.

50 Jack Harry and Tom, the Three C'hsmplon Brothers.
By dam. Fred. “'hlttnher.

51 The Young Lnnd-Luhber. By C. Dunning Clerk.
52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Herb-ugh.

58 Honest Barr 3 or The Country Boy Adrift in the
City. By Chnr es orrie.

54 California Joe, the Mysterious Pleinsmsn. By Col.
Prentiss ingrnhnni.

55 Tip Tressel. the Flostsr. By Edvard Willett.

56 The Snow Hunters; or. Winter in the Woods. By
Berry de Forrest.

5'? Harry Homers, the Seller Boy hisgieisn. By S. W.
Pearce

58 The Adventurous Life of Cnfitnin Jack, Lhe
Border Boy. By Col. Premise ingrn Am.

59 Lmne'Tins, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Charles
Uri’il-

60 The Young Trnil Hunters; or, New York Boys in
Grizzly Lund. By '1'. C. Hnrhnugh.

81 The T er llunter' or, The Colorado Boys in Els—
phnut ml. By Josep E. Bsdger, Jr.

69 Doctor Carver, the “ Evil Syirit” oi' the Plslns. By
Col. Prentiss Ingrnhmn.

63 Black "one mu, the Bundit Wrecker. By Roger
Smbuck.

64 Young Dick Talbot; or A Boys Rough end Tumble
Fight. from New York to ésumnds. By A. w. em...

65 The Boy Pilot; or, The Islend Wrecker. By Col.
i'rentise lngrnimm.

66 The Desert Rove or Stowe s Di k A i
Arabs. By Charles gorrli. ' y ' mo“ h

67 Texas Charlie, the Boy Ranger. By Col. Prentiu
lngrnhnm.

68 Little Rifle' or The ‘Tonn F r H te B '
“ umiu"ed’..m.'. z u u n y C'Pum

69 The Younfi liéihilist‘.)I in' A Yer-hes Boy Anon; the
y i

Russians. linrien brus.

'70 You the Oawho or The You: Mu hell’ .
By imam. B. smi "elm—Scout. ' ' ' mm

71 Ruii’ Robsirt and “is Best. By Ceptsin " Bruin "
Adsml.

79 The Ice Elephant. By Cspt. Frederick Whitaker.

78 The Young Moose-Hunters. By Willism H.
Manning.

1’4 The Boy Coral-Fishers. By Roger Sterbuek.

T5 Revnlver Billy, the iioy Ranger of tens. By Col.
Rentise Iumhsm.

76 The Condor Killers. By '1‘ C. Hsrhsugh.

77 Lud Lionheeie, the Young Tigs. Fighter. By Roger
Stnrbuclc. I

78 Flntbo-t Fred. By Edwsrd Wills“

79 Boone, the Hunter. By Csphln F. Whim‘wr.

Besdle’s Boy’s Llhrsry is for ml. by sli Newsdnlers,
flve cents per copy, or sent by msll on receipt oi'slx cents duh.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers,
9! Willism Street, N ew Yorh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ED

80 Kentucky Ben, tho Long Rifle of the Cascades. By
Roger Sturbuck.
81 The Kit Carson Club. By T. C. Harbnugh,
83 Little Buck the Boy Guide. By Hurry Riuggold.
88 Pnny Bob the Rockieu Rider oi ths Rockin. By Col.
8V Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

Prontiu In rahani.
84 Captain ly-h -Nifl‘llt-
55 Garth: Rnlp , the Young Explorer. By C. Dunning
‘ ar .
86 Little Dan Rocks. By Mon-ll Radwing.
8? The Menu erie lluntern. By Mni‘. H. Grenville.
88 The Boy ramps; ar, Lil's Among lib Gipllu. By

J. M. l oillunn.
89 'Longnhore LUe. By C. D Clark.
90 Roving Rifle,Unstcr’s Little Scout. By T. C. Hsrhuugh.
91 (Dragon Jouh, ihe \‘Viziml Rina. By Roy" Sturbuck.
9% Hurricane Kit. By A. F. Holt.
93 Jumping Jake, ill. Colorado Circul Boy. By Bryant
liniubridue.
94 Sum Spence, the Bromlhorn Boy. By Ed. Willeit.
95 Moscow to Siberia; or, A Ynnkea Boy to the Rescue.
liy Charles Morris.
96 Fighting Fred; or, The Cnstawnys of Griuly Cump.
liy T. C. Harbuuuh.
97 Cruise 01’ the Flyawny; or, Ynnkao Boys in Caylun.
lly C. Dunning Clurk.
98 The Boy Vi lnnten; or, King Cole and His Band.
M ll. B. .wddmd.
ice Tiger-u; or, Silver Rifle. the Girl Trucker
ofLuiu Superior. By Capt. Churlu Huwnnl.
100 The Snow-Shoe. Trail; or,’l‘iwl"arnst Duparndoes.
St. Gu-urge Rathhonv.
101 . Mlano, the Ottawa Girl; or, Ths Mysterioul Canon.
Rv Edward S. Ellis.
10% The F nwu Afloat; or, “who Boy- ’Ronnd the
War (1. v C. uuniug Clurk.
108 Pat Mull nney’n Ad
(he Ducfilnh Quun. ByC. L
104 The Boy Prospector; ( .
Ravine. ly Roger Sinrhuck.
105 Minonee, the Wood Witch; or, The Sqnnncr’l Secret.
By‘ Edwin Emerson.
106 T e llo Cruisers; or, Jo. and an’s Big Find. By
Edwurd ' llnit.
101 The Border Rove"; nr,Ln-It on tin Overland
'l'ruii. By J, Milton linflman.
‘ 108 Alan-kn. ihn “Will-Queen; or, The Girly Broihera’
Double (lrllnr'. Bv Cn i. Howard Lint-ulu.
109 Christinn Jim, the 'hito Man's Friend. ByEIiward

.. 4 is.

110 Pluck! Joe. the Boy Avenger: or, Dick Belmont/s
Ln“ Ride. By J. Milton Hoffman.

111 The Barrier Gunmnker: or, The: Hunted Maiden.
By Jumnl 1.. Bowen.

119 Left-Handed Pete, the Duilhle-Knife. By Jouph
E. Bndcur, r.

118 The River Rifles; or, Ths Fate oithe Flathout. Bv
Capt. J. F. C. dams. '

114 Alone on the l’lnlnl. By Edward Willeit.

115 Silver Horn, and His Riflo Flrodcnth. By Roger
Starbnnit.

116 Exploitl of Hezekiah Smith, tho Barkwominnnn.
lly Emermn Rodman.

111 The Young Multanzerr: or, Dick Merry'n Rang—
ers. By C. Dunning Clark.

113 Old Traps: or, the Boy Rivnll.

or, Silvar Tongue
Wnl’i I.
‘ho Sacral of ths Sierra

By Barry Ringgold.

119 (‘entor Eliot. the Whit: Claw; or, Roving Rlfio’l I

First Cmnpuizn. By T. (‘. liarlnnizh.

120 A Hot Trail; or, Clark Cloveriyaynong the Tartan.

Ry Charla. Morris.

“unior Plrd lien: or, The Wnkuh's Blind Lead.

By Roger Sturhuck.

12,9 Thu Enquimnux' Queen: or,Tho lily-ion of ths
imuo Hut. By G. Waldo Brnwne.

128 Tim, the Bay Acrobat; or, Life in the Circul Ring. By
Charle- Mnrris.

124 Queen Bennie, ilie BorderGirl. Bvary J.Thomu.

125 Tom Tnborrtha Boy Fugitive; or, Tho Young Lynch-
Gnng “ Wolvn.” By Barry Ringgold.

121

 

EVERY 8166?”

126 Mink Cont, the Death—Shot; or, The Spring of rho
Tiger. lly Jus. E. Bniigwr, Jr.

127 The Deer Hunters. liy John J. Marshall.

128 “'0”;an or, The Nightrlluwks of the Fire-Landl.
My L'Ipi. 1 in... Huwurd.

129 Silverapur; or, Tho Mountnin Heroine. ByEdwnrd
“'illuti.

180 Keeiaen, Quren oi the Pluinl. By Percy B. St. John.

131 Wintnh, the Child Spy. By George Glsuson.

132 The Inland Tru verx an'l'ha Young Winite-Bufl‘nio
llnntan. By Char cs Howard.

188 Thu Forelt Specter; or, The Young Hunter's Foe.
By Edward “'illeli.

134 “'1” Kill, the 'i‘ronper. By Wm. R. Eystcr.

185 The Silver Bu lea or, The Indinn Maiden of St. r
(TI-nix. By Lioui. ‘ui. Huulwn.

186 The Prnlrle Trapper. By C. Dunning Clnrir.

187 The Antelope Boy. Ry Geo. L. Aiken.

138 Long 51m“ on'l'he Dwnrquide. By Capt. Com-tork.

189 Colonel Crockett, the Bear King. By Charle- E.
Lululle.

140 (Nd Peg: ihc lilnuntnineer; or, The Trappur Riv-ll.
By Lewix i . Cnnnu. y

141 The Giant Hunter; or, The Mud Scourg. or 1]..
KluliiipUOl. By Hurry llnznni.

1-12 Blink l’nnther, tha llnli‘ABlood.
Buriger, Jr.

143 Canon, the Guide; or, l’eriin ufihe Froniier. By Lieut
.l. u. Rnuilnlph.

144 Kent, lhe Rnnzer; or, The Fugitives of the Bordar. By
Edward S. Elli.

145 Bill Rnbhlna, llnnier; at, The Man in Green. By

Edward “'iiiali.

The "stir-Breed llivnl; or. The Tangled Trail.

11;,- Jm. E. hanger, Jr.

147 The Mnnked Avenger. 8y Col. Prentiss lugrnham.

148 Nut. the ’l'rnpper and lndiun Fighter. By Paul J.
l’rencnii.

149 The Elk Demons or, The Giant Brnihcfl.
U. llnrhungn.

150 The Buy Muutanpllunteru or. Eauiflio, sh.
Bunntii'ni Amazon. by Frederick Whitlnkur.

151 Frank Ynth Iii-v Yunng Tra per; or, Mountain
Kate's Winning. Hy Jull'pll E. Hm gar, Jr.

152 “’ild Raven the Seoul; or, Blunciie, the Overland

v Maiden. My 01 (names. ‘

158 Lynx-Cup; or. Fuur Truppnrs‘ Among the Sioux. By
l'uul Bith

154 The Champion Tcxnn Rider: or. Red Buffalo.
suni the llemu rs Hunt". By Hurry St. Gsnrgr.

155 ll uky Dig-l“: Doom or, Tohn Cnniur, the 01d
Smut. By Jun, E. lindgnr, r.

156 Frank 1301', tim liny Spy; nr,The Mystery of vaolni
Luke. fly (ill Cl-ulnrn.

15? vak Dayle, lim Gold Hunter.
Myers. erlv April 16.

158 Khlnnpped Dick; nr, The Fair! or line Fire Fly.

.Stnnivy llundmwn. Rimiy April 23.

159 Finns’l Long Truil: nr, The Twin Scnuls.
limniltmi. Reaiy A...“ :m.

160 Ilnnk Trinlr-t‘n Vow; nr,le Old Guniu'n “'vung
Truck. By Hurry Hazard. Randy Mly '1.

By J ossph E.

146

By T.

By P.’ H unliinn
By

By W.J.

Beudle‘a Bay’s Lihrnry in fur sale hy ail Newark-alum,
fivs cents per copy, or unit by mail on receipt 01‘ nix cents Inch.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Publl-hera,
98 William Street, New York.