“Entered as second-class matter at the ) fegtlootst ee oh : r a Ri - peng we a Cowboy Chris to the Fore; Scourging the Scourge of the San Juan, BY WM. WEST WILDER, (‘* WYOMING WILL,”) ‘*“ GOWBOY CHRIS, THE MAN OF CALIBER,” ETC., ETC, AUTHOR OF CHAPTER I. & NIGHT OF MERRYMAKING, It was a gala-night at the Robinson Ranch, which was brightly illuminated from end to end and resounding with music and mirth, a dance being in progress. And outside the little half- Mexican towns, a dance in the San Juan Valley was an event—something which drew together such a motley assembly of human beings as is rarely, if ever, seen in any other part of the world, Everybody came if it was possible to get there. The invitation was general and had heen spread over a wide section in that mysterious manner in which such things are*heralded in the Wild West.. From lip to lip passed the good news, and the result was seen in the remarkable gather- ine beneath Cy Robinson’s roof on the night of the dance. More than one-half of the throng were cow- boys from the surrounding ranches, The others ‘were citizens from the adjacent towns, miners, speculators, ranchmen, Mexicans and even two or three Indians. Among the ladies were a few ranchers’ wives and daughters, and several dark-eyed senoritas ‘vere to be seen'seductively smiling on the rough but almost over-polite fellows who gathered around them. Old Cy Robinson and his charming daughter Nina welcomed the guests as they arrived. In this the girl was assisted by a friend and honored visitor at the ranch, Nellie Welland, a girl of mearly her own age and quite as charming, being somewhat more vivacious, That either of the girls were more than ordi- narily pretty any one would be forced to confess, and they represented. two distinct types, one being a blonde and the other a brunette. Al- though they kept well together, this seemed td” rob neither of her attractiveness, for each served as a foil for the other without in the least de- tracting from her own charms, Nellie Welland’s father was also a guest at the ranch, being a large, powerfully-built man with deep black eyes which seemed even darker than they were because of his almost snow-white hair and beard, He was a man who had seen much sorrow in the past, having received a blow which caused an almost utter loss of memory for many years, during which he was known as ‘Old Rattlebrain,” the name being given him on account of his eccentric and sometimes mani- acal behavior, Within the large room set apart for dancing, Rodney Welland stood watching the whirling throng and conversing wita the foreman of the Robinson Ranch, a short, weather-beaten, bow- legged Cowboy, whose true name was Reuben Randally{but who was commonly kuown as Round-up Rube. The contrast between the two men was almost Judicrous as they stood close together, well out of the way of the dancers, being in one corner of the room. Welland was more than six feet tall, ) while the grizzled cowboy was barely over five. More than one secretly smiled as they glanced at the two. © A hilProarin’ old time, pard!” grinned Rube, ) iis face being the picture of intense enjoyment, although he was not participating in the danc- ing. * Reckon they can’t beat this in ther Kast, don’t go much on low-necked dresses ertailed coats, but we git thar jest ther people seem to be enjoying themselves, replied Welland, in his deep, heavy thich was so expressive of power, and y made one think of a lion. And then, ughiter and Nina Robinson entered the i their arms around each other’s Smile passed over his usually grave !” nodded the foreman—“ thar’s er sight kin’ at! They bain’t one bit erlike, but ame, I don’t low two better mated gais inther Territory. Poortyl...Waal, nicker |” : bile on Rodney Welland’s face.disap- pe Cowboy Chris to the Fore. peared as be saw a gaudily-dressed Mexican staring admiringly at the two girls. ‘¢ Who is that person?” he asked. ‘Who—whar?” . ‘“‘ Over there; the one who is watching Nellie and Miss Nina.” ‘ “Ther critter with ther red jacket as is all kivered with gold buttons an’ silver braid—ther Greaser?” “cc Yes,” ‘Waal, they do say thet’s ther new foreman 0’ ther Di’mon’ Ranch, as has been bought by er tenderfut frum ther East—er deluded fool w’at’s come out hyer ter learn us our business! He’s showed his lack o’ hoss-senso by puttin’ in er Greaser fer foreman, though Pablo Pajario does make er big boast ‘bout havin’ ’ristercratic Spanish blood in his veins, Oh, ther derned skunks are all erlike, drat ’em!” Which made it quite apparent the bow-legged cowboy bore no love for “* Greasers.” ‘¢1 don’t like the looks of him,” confessed Rod- ney Welland. ‘The fellow is good-looking enough in his way, but there is something about his eyes I do not like.” “Ts thet sneakin’ look—you'll see it in ev’ry danged one o’’em. They never look er man in ther face ef heis lookin’ at them, I don’t low Pablo Pajario’s any wuss then any 0’ ’em; they’re all erlike, as I said afore.. You can’t trust ’em so fur as you kin sling er steer by ther tail! “Thet’s jest whar this yere tenderfut as hes putt Pablo in fer foreman made er big mistake, [ know ther Greaser is er right peert pimp on er hoss ur with er rope, an’ I will ’fess up thet he knows ther cattle business frum.eend ter eend, Lut be hain’t ter be trusted. Fu’s§thing he knows, Orson Colfax’ll wake up some fine mornin’ an’ fine ther yaller-skin’s played him fer er sucker an’ vanished io ther night. Then ther tenderfut "UJ wish he’d paid er white man er leetle more money ter act as foreman an’ hed got somebody as he c’u’d trust.” “Is there never an exception among the Greasers?” ‘Hf thar is, I never struck one. Ev’ry white man hates ther varlets, an’ it don’t do ter putt one ter bossin’ over citizens o’ ther United States. Thet’s whar ther tenderfut rancher hes made another bad break. I know he hes turned off ‘most all ther old Di’mon’ gang, but er right smart bit o’ his men are decent, I reckon, an’ ef so, they’re goin’ ter kick at havin’ er’yaller-skin bossing them,” ‘« An! here comes our host.” ‘An’ Tm derned ef thet hain’t Orson Colfax ther new owner o’ ther Di’mon Ranch, with him!” Cy Robinson entered ‘the room, accompanied by a smalf, dapper-appearing man who wore glasses and whose clothes made him a con- spicuous figure as he had donned a full dress-suit in great contrast to the rough cow- boy and fantastic Mexican apparel seen on all sides, Indeed, under the circumstances, his appearance was little short of laughable, and he looked as much cut of place asa booted and spurred cowboy would ata ballin the East, He was rather effeminate in appearance, having small bands and feet and speaking with a lisp and a drawl, It was said he was a college gradu- ate who had inherited a fortune at his father’s death. ‘* An’. ther derned fool’s kem out hyer ter spend it!” was the contemptuous expression often given utterance by the cowboys of the rancbes adjoining Orson Colfax’s newly-ac- quired property, As soon as his eyes rested on Rube and his gray-bearded companion, Cy Robinson ap- proached them with his lately-arrived guest at his heels. ** Gentlemen,” said the bluff old rancher, ‘‘ I’d like ter make you acquainted. This is Mr, Col- fax of the Diamond Ranch; Colfax, this is Mr, Welland, my guest, and this is Rube Randall, my foreman, as white a man as ever roped a steer.” “Delighted ’pon honahb,” drawled Orson Col- fax, bowing very low and giving each of the two a languid hand-shake, ‘‘I athure you I am weally delighted!” With the utmost difficulty the bow-legged cowboy refrained from uttering an exclamation of disgust, and he did give the tenderfoot ranch- er a grip that made that individual wince and turn red in the face. “ Oh—ah!” he mumbled. “ It ith my wing—I have a wing on that hand and it hurths when people squeeth tho confwounded hard, I have not become uthed to the way you thake handth out.in thith part of thé countwy,” ““Wedouverythin’ with a vim hyer,” asserted sae been sung befo’ allg@er 3 eosmens ; ear see: ‘is Rube, {'Hbtakes er mon ter git erlong in these arts, an’ hes gotter hey some snap an’ back= one.” ng ; “T weally believe you thpeak the truth, thir I do, pon honah, 1 am very much pleathed with the countwy, though I mutht confeth the people do theem very wude and—aw—uncultivated.” ‘‘Humph!” gronted the bow-legged cowboy, “Don't you kinder ‘low thet’s speakin’ mighty, plain right ter our faces?” * vm **Oh—ah—ek! Prethent company ith alwaythiy excepted, y’know. I did notmean anything per;y thonal by my wemark.” (0) ae ‘* Waal, we don’t go fer tersot ourselves up! 19 fer doods, Mister Colfax, Sut we most ginerally” pe knows our business jest ther same. Ther cattle business is—” ; ‘It ith a gwand bithnéth, thir—gwand/ Andig’. tho thimple! Why, any one can make a thucs” 4 cess of it!” i Fs At this Cy Robinson laughed heartily. Wag “Thats the way it looks at the start, 1 will warrant, neighbor,” befsaid, laying bis hand or the tenderfoot rancher’g shoulder, at which fe #* miliarity Colfax looked mildly amazed; “but wait till you have heen abiabe while and see if you do not sing a differentia, | You ave not yet learned anything offhe Prmvateous, disap pointments and disasters/of vaAnahing.” “Y have heard a gweat Ueki about, thothe thingth, but by gwathuflily [ am balf-inclined to believe it ith all a theave Gat fo keep people fwom going into the buiftimetg.) “Wait till we have a ball wanter or the cé tile lifters run off half your stogk,” “The cattle-lifterth?” " “Yes: cattle-thieves. (amd | that makes, mi think: they do say Black Phenix, the old seourg of the San Juan, is-back ist this'section, theug Iam tore tien half inclined to,believe there no truth in the report.” “2% 4 “Thet devil bach ‘* Bf thet’s so, thar’s i i it. He’s ther wu’st @ ther Southwest! But dead?” ‘*He has been repo came gravely from Cy like the fabled bird whg ways seems to risg ashes, He will trouble.” ack nepre ; siegand Be aA d’s faithful attentiant, having ant of her family when’ sbe),eved (ni | the South. His dark’ face was ost. continn: § ally expressive of jolly;good-humor, for be tad 7 a habit of showing his ‘* ivowies?”| by a7 bi grin, ee After one of the dances was over, if was founced that the darky would faver the ap pany with a song. i , ; oA “Jes? yo? critters keep kine Ob still an’ gia! gib yo’ er classucal imposition from ome oly dé ole mars’ers,” be observed, % strings of his instrumen Turrup, an’ it hab raised 6h gre’hdunrer ebber it hab bin heerd, ©’ gemmans please put on yo’ globes, fo? xe s suab ter kersited dat yo'll blistah’ yo” ban’swid de clap- pin’ w’en I’s frough.” % He kept them waiting Impatient made sure his banjo was pertectly “ All reddy fo’ de infli¢shumy” he “Eb’rybuddy hab primise’us permis: ; up deyre ears. De namé ob song am Like It.’ Let er went! FP h “We find ermong de bes? ohaneny . Dey sometime takea sroiley &” Dey crooks deyre elbows now an ek Deyre j’ints hab need ob = A De temp’rance cranks tab ho! ler canes Dat holds erbout a&quert, ©) It sometime fuddles up deyre/brains,. An’ den dey’re of’en caught. * “ But dey like it, dey like it, ¥ Dey like it now an’ den; ees It’s drefful queer, for doughsit's dear, De berry bes’ ob mén S. ee Dey like it. ~ “ An’ dere’s de men dat makes our laws, In anes pues P's ‘ ak! Dey drink soft stuff./but «ink becamse— — Yo’ bet I'll nebber tell! f 14 Dey go,dere lean, but git so fat, } eerce kin wag erbout; 4 Deyre head’s too big to fit a hat "en fo’ de night dey’re out. while, he tune. - ly cried, ter stop ‘Dey Cowboy Ohris to the Fore. * But dey like it, dey like it, Dey like it nowan’den; — It’s drefful queer, for dough it’s dear, De berry ? ob men Dey like it.” ) Pete’s song indeed created a “‘ furrer” of ap- ‘plause, the delighted cowboys clapping their hands and shouting till the darky was forced to respond, in true minstrel style, with another verse: ; »)# “De ladies now I'll mention dem; a If slighted dey won’t like it; Aun’ if lsay dey fools de men, Ts mighty shore ter strike it; We squoze deyre han’s an’ smile an’ bow— Dey ax us will we drop it,— An’ if dey’re kissed dey raise a row An’ say we bettah stop it,”’ like it, dey like it, ke it now an’ den; It’s drefful queer, for it is clear ‘ De berry best of dem t Dey like it.” “ But de; De Yi 3 This was received by a genuine cowboy yell Chat almost raised the roof, the rough fellows ‘fairly forgetting where they were in their en- thusiasm and excitement, Pete was unanimous- dy voted ‘*‘a dandy,” but refused to sing any amore just then. | 2 Jes’ yo’ wait tell bimeby, folkses,” he said. ) “'Pain’t bes’ to sp’ile de impression I hab made. are to goodness I’s ’stounded to fink yo’ like By smoke!” exclaimed Cy, Robinsor, slap- ghisthigh, ‘‘Tbat nigger’s a jewel! I be- ive he would be a valuable fellow to have ound the place to keep the boys in good rits. don’t know but I will have to see if I *¢an’t bire him to stop with me.” 1 am athtownded!” drawled Orson Colfax— weally am! Why,.that thong wath weal wulgah! I thoulden’t think you would allow any- ng of the’kind, Mistah Wobinson.” Aoundsip Rube gave a snort of disgust and wiaway to keep from freely expressing his inion gf the tenderfoot ranchman. Cy Rob- po Jooked a trifle’ surprised, but forced a bughe” |S, er itis plaliRyon do not like it, Colfax.” “TI like tho ing more wefined, thir.” "TE am afraid your taste-is a little too fine- ‘ained for this pari -of the country,” observed ney Welland, ‘I am free to say’ that [ not notice anything objectionable in the © Then We will not discuth the mattah,” re- turned the tenderfoot, with dignity. “At this moment, arm in arm, two young ‘ approached the little group, the eyes of )} Rodney Welland and Cy Robinson lighting up ‘as they saw them. Pes ce are Re toes oe from the meher’s lips. ‘Two fine, manly-appearing ae vee, . ‘ ie ; nd as manly as they a r, wed the ray-bearded man. vate es * Now you're shoutin!” put in the bow-legged i wbhoy. “*It jest duz one’s eyes good ter look 400m garter hevin’ looked at some other things,” vith a side-glance at Orson Colfax. | Shoulder to shoulder, about six feet in height me twenty-one years of age, the two fellows @ perfect specimens of physical beauty, such as One naturally turns to look after a second of them, Christopher Comstock, familiarly “* Cow Chris,” was an employee on obinson neh, and a general favorite, mHough he had come there a tenderfoot. By determination, undaunted courage and iy qualities he had won his way in a won- ai manner, till, young though he was, he was nas “the Man of Caliber.” 8 other, Fred Anthrop, was one of Chris’s Echoolmates, and was the accepted suitor for mand of Rodney Welland’s fair daughter. rt nance had brought him to the Robinson Ranch, Whexo he was one of the honored guests. » ey young men were introduced to Orson x, and received a half-hearted hand-shake the new owner of the Diamond Ranch. re you enjoying yourselves, youl youn Is” demanded bluff old cy Bebinson, you. flirting to your heart’s content?” am nk my part of the flirting,” laugh- oe replied Chris; ‘‘ but I believe Fred is in th pe ia your foreman, Mr, Colfax, is the ° i If How ith that?” _}}Pxed tried to silence his friend, but the young ey wBoy would not heed, “re ty ““The yellow rascal has obtained the first lance of the evening with Miss Welland, and | afraid of | Fred Bas been waiting for that very thing all | this time.” *Dou't let that giveyyou the blues, my boy,” advised Rodney "Welland: “I would not, be beaten in that way. Just capture the prettiest senorita in the room, and see how Nell likes that.” ‘Oh, Chris will talk!” laughed Fred. ‘‘ My being in the sulks is all in his mind.” ‘* Still he acknowledged he did not like to be beaten by a Greaser.” ‘* Who in blazes duz!” blurted Round-up Rube, ‘* Ding-blast ther critters, say I!” “Tt is a singular thing you should hire one for a foreman, Colfax,” said Cy Robinson, gravely. ‘They do not run well with white men, and I am afraid you will find you have made a mis- take. I hope you will not take offense at my plain talk, for I assure you, it is intended for your good.” The tenderfoot rancher drew himself up stiff y ‘“T prethume I know my bithneth, thir!” he said, with dignity. ‘I hired the man betauthe he could be obtained much cheaper than any one elthe who could fill the plathe. here to thow you people that there can be a great deal more money made in the cattle bithneth than you are making. My father made hith money by economy, it alwayth being hith plan to purchathe a two-dollah article for a dollah when he could do tho. I am thimply following in hith footsthepths.” Seeing it was impossible to convince the man of his error by argument, Robinson quickly changed the subject. Another dapce was announced, and the two young men tufned away. Fred was able to ob- tain Nina Robinson for a partmer, and Cbris se- cured a really pretty little Mexican maid. During the progress of the dance, Fred’s eyes turned many times toward the beautiful girl who had promised to become his wife. With a pang of jealousy, be saw how merry she ap- peared, and how gracefully her fancifully- attired partner danced. “They make a handsome couple, don’t they?” maliciously whispered the rancher’s daughter, as she detected Fred’s eyes following Pablo Pajario and Nell. ‘‘Isn’t bea really nice-look- ing fellow for a Mexican?” ° ‘**T do not like his looks,” was the short reply, although Fred did not mean to be rude. Nina broke into a suppressed laugh that brought a flush of hot color to the young man’s ‘ace. “Tam afraid you are jealous, Mr, Anthrop. You show it plainly. Let me warn you not to allow Nellie to see it, for she will be sure to tease the life out of you. You bave no cause to fear Pablo Pajario asa rival when Chris Comstock failed to win the one you covet. Compare the two! There is Chris now. Look at that tall, manly figure, and then take a look at the fore- man of the Diamond Ranch! Pablo cannot make himself imposing, no matter how much finery he puts on. Oh, Mr. Anthrop! you ought to be ashamed at being jealous of him!” At this Fred blushed more than,ever, and mumbled something unintelligible, When the dance was over, he sought for Nell, but failed to find her for some time, At length he came upon her talking with Pablo, and plain- ly trying to escape from him, though the Mexi- can clung to one of her hands and spoke in low, earnest tones. With a feeling of hot anger in his heart, Fred approached, succeeding by an effort in fully controlling his voice, as he said: ‘“*T believe you have promised me the next dance, Miss Welland?” A look of relief and pleasure flashed over her face, as she quickly turned toward him, reply- ng: ing: ‘Tt was the next, I think.” Pablo muttered somethin that sounded young American, saying: the senorita,” Again Fred put a strong check on his temper, bowing coldly as he spoke: “You will excuse me, I trust. till she is at liberty.” He retreated a short distance and turned his back on them; but in less than half a minute he felt Nell’s hand on hisarm. As he led her away, he could not refrain from flashing a look o' triumph at Patlo, who was glaring sullenly after them, ‘“‘Oh, Fred, Lam so glad!” exclaimed Nell, Soon as they were beyond ear-shot of t of the, Diamor AM s +e I will wait I have come out | strangely like a curse, as he felt her fingers slip | from his grasp, and he shot a loveless look at.the | “Your pardon, senor; I was speaking with | to get rid of | fellow. I did@aot seom: ie. | fo coax me to | bim, and he was act : | go outside with him.” 4 | The dog]? gristed*l're Did he offer you any insult? If so, wil Bave=" ‘No, no! he was exceedingly polite.” : But, for all of this assurance, the young man was not satisfied, “He had better keep out of my way,” he mut- tered. When the next dance was over he looked in vain for Pablo, The gaudily-attired little fellow had disappeared. The merriment continued fast and furious, the scene being peculiar to a ranch dance, where everybody seems to goin for a good time. Or- son Colfax danced once or twice with Nina Robinson for a partner, and even rough old Round-up Rube renewed his youth and shook his heavy boots in a manner that threatened to drown the music. At length it was noticed Nellie Welland was missing. Fred began inquiring anxiously for her, but for a long time no one seemed able to tell him anything of her. Nina Robinson finally said she believed she had seen the missing girl ascending to the upper part of the house some time before. The rancher’s daughter volun- teered to go in search of the lost one, flitting away up the stairs. The guests were selecting partners for another dance, and the musicians drawing soft sounds from their instruments, when— : From the upper portion of the ranch @ame a shriek—a woman’s cry!—which star and electrified all who heard it! ; CHAPTER III. THE WORK OF THE SCOURGE, For a moment after that startling ery every one seemed paralyzed, then Cy Robinson started for the stairs, shouting: “That was Nina! Something bas happened! She would not cry out in that way for nothing!” Fred Anthropand Chris Comstock followed at his heels, while Round-up Rube turned to check the surge of the guests, two-thirds of whom were eager to investigate the cause of the alarm, “Slow an’ stiddy!” cried the bow-legged cow- boy, blocking the doorway, ‘‘J’ll low thet yoop kem frum ther gals’ private chamber, an’ thar hain’t any reason w’y this hull crowd sh’u’d rush in thar. You'll fine out w’at ther matter is) ef you'll jest keep still fer er bit.” ao But he stepped aside before Rodney Welland, wkose eyes were gleaming strangely, allowmg the man to pass, without a word. “Tt’s his gal he’s lookin’ fer,” explained the foreman, as he\once more blocked the doorway. Cy Robinson found the door of the girls room standing wide open when he reached the head of the stairs. A glance within showed him his daughter standing near the centersof the room, wildly staring at a slip of paper held in her outstretched hand. Ina mo} was at her side, crying: “What is it, Nina? You look liké you had seen a ghost!’ Where is Miss Welland? She tried to speak, but seemed to find it im- possible to do so, Silently she held the slip of paper toward him, He took it, seeing there was writing upon it, but instantly handed it to | Chris, as the young cowboy entered With Fred Anthrop, ‘‘Read it, lad!” he said—“ read it aloud!® ; “Where is Nell?’ demanded Fred, lookmg ” wildly around for the one he loved. “Perhaps that paper will tell,” responded the ranchman, ‘She is not here. Read it, Chris, read it!” This was what Chris Comstock read: “Cyrus Ropinson:—By the time this falls beneath our eyes your daughter will be in my power and far eyond your reach. I have come back to the San Juan Valley for a purpose - | vengeance | low. I shall never stay my hand, for 1 know not the | meaning of the word mercy to one who has wronged | me as you have. THE BLACK PHENrx.” | The ranch-owner heard this like one dazed, | and even when Chris had finished reading the strange note, he looked puzzled. | Rodney Welland had entered the room in time | to hear the contents of the note, and a wee ‘ iin came from his bearded lips—a ha | laugh! hss vias be hag world does it mean?” cried Rob-~ | inson helpless ay and that purpose is This is my first blow; others shall fol- ‘* Mean!” oed., Welland, his eyes b e rca ice manner remindin; them allot Pp before when he was known as *t Old Rattle- .” “Hal hal hal It means that the devil | ie time 4 Cowboy Chris to the Fore. att gain—Satan is out of the pit! | ouble, war, blood!” The words of dman, sothought they all. * Are you sur {you read that right?” ex- citedly demanded the rancher. ‘‘ Why, that note | is addressed to me—it speaks of my daughter! | And my daughter is here!” passing a strong arm | around Nina’s waist and glaring uround as if he half-expected a denial of the assertion. ** And my daughter is gone!” burst from Wel- land’s lips, ‘They have taken her from me, | and I have only found her after all these long, long and weary years! Devils! fiends! [ will find her—I will tear ber from their hands! As there is a God, I will—” Chris Comstock’s hand fell on the excited man’s arm, and the young cowboy spoke calm- has broken 16¢ Mean! It medi y: “Do not jump at a conclusion so quickly, Mr. Welland. It is not yet settled your daugh- ter bas been carried away. She may still be near at hand.” “* But that paper—” ** We know not how it came here, Perhaps Miss Nina will be able to give us some light.” But the rancher’s daughter was unable to tell them anything further than that she had found the room empty, the window open and the slip of paper on the dressing-case. At this instant the sound of excited voices came from below. ““No, ye can’t go up thar now, Pete; you will hey ter stay down hyer with ther rest tell we fine out what's ther matter.” “But I jes’ am goin’ up dar! I knows suffin’ *s happened to lit’l’ Missy Nell—I jes’ knows it fo’ Ih! S’pose I’s goin’ to stay down heur waitin’ to fine out wat it am? Well, I jes’ *reckum not! If yo’ don’ le’ me pass, I’s gwine ier bus’ my banjer ober yo’ head, critter—yo’ heur me!” In some way the devoted darky succeeded in passing the cowboy on guard, for he soon ap- peared in the chamber. “Whar am she?” he cried, ‘‘ whar am my tiv? missus? If any critter hab hurt her J'll | knock his eye out, shore’s l’s libbin’ an’ breafin’!” | Fred Anthrop had seemed dazed, but he now | caught up the light and hurried to the open window. Two feet beneath the window rana sloping roof, which explained how the kidnap- Fer. had succeeded in carrying away his cap- ve. A bit of cloth fluttering from the head of @ projecting nail caught bis eye. In an instant he had it in his fingers. It was a scrap oi the very dress Nell had worn that evening! ““Ttis hers, sure enough,” said Cowboy Chris at Fred’s shoulder. ‘* That decides it!” Then he wheeled toward~Cy Robinsoo—who still seemed like one dazed—crying: **Foul work, Mr. Robinson! There is not a moment to be wasted! The quicker we get to work, the greater our chance to success,” ** What’s to be done, boys?” “Turn the entire company into a search-party ind scour the neighborhood, If that fails, carry 4¢ still further and scour the country.” Within a few minutes every cowboy present was searching for the missing one, all being ander the charge of Round-up Rube and Cow- k boy Chris. * Tell ’em ter look fer thet p’ison sarpint, Pablo Pajario!” said the foreman to Chris. “I'll bet suthio’ ther cussid Greaser is at ther bottom o° this yere piece o’ devilment!” Fred Anthrop beard these words, and asudden ! conviction that Rube had struck the truth flash- edoverhim, He instantly told his companions how the Mexican had tried to induce Nell to | leave the house with him, | “Thet duz settle it!” snarled the bow-legged | cowboy, driving the clinched fist of bis right hand into the horny palm of his left, thus making a report as loud as a pistol of small | caliber, “Ther skunk tried ter git her out ter | work this very racket. He’s ther varmint ter | look fer!” “Do you think he is Black Phenix?” asked | Whris, | “Bf he hain’t, then he’s Black Phenix’s tool, | an’ by layin’ claws on him, we may be able ter | grip his master.” | 0 the word went round to look sharp for | Pablo the Mexican. lt came to the ears of Orson Colfax, and the tenderfoot rancher came | spluttering to Cy Robinson. | “What ith thith, thir—what I heah?’ he | demanded, seeming highly indignant, ‘The thay tan bath carried off thith girl, do not believe it, thir—I do not believe it! But if the wascal weally hath, I will punish him weU ce toe icy a at the bottom of this, you are not, liable to see him again,” came "echily ) Robinson’s: lips. “Iam inclined to think he is, and this is simply confirmation of my belief that none of the accursed whelps can be trusted.” Nell’s father and the faithful servant Pete seemed the most distracted by the blow. Fred Anthrop was strangely coo] and calm, but there was a fire in his eyes which told of the check he was keeping on himself. “his is dreadful, Fred!” exclaimed Chris, feelingly. ‘‘I understand all that is consuming you, for is not Nellie nearly as dear to me? She is the only girl lever truly loved, and I will confess my passion is not eae though I know itis vain. lam still ready to give up my life for her, if necessary!” “Tt is useless for me to attempt to express my feelings in mere words,” came with forced calm- ness from the young Easterner’s white lips, “ But, one thing I will say: whoever or what- ever this Black Phenix is, no matter where he may have taken her, I will yet find her and save ber—I will yet find and destroy him /” “Good! I am with you, Fred, to the end, and bere is my hand on it! We are pards through thick and thin, sink or swim, live or die, and from this moment the Scourge of the San Juan is doomed!” Their hands met in a grasp that sealed the compact, CHAPTER IV. THE BLACK RAIDER’S DARING. NELLIE WELLAND was not found. The search for her was vain; she was indeed gone, Neither did the search for Pablo Pajario prove a success. Like the girl, the Mexican kad vanished, and it was not at all strange that theyecowboys should associate the disappearance of One with that of the other. “Ke le’u’d py, my han’s on ther cussid Greaser now,” growled Round-up Rube, ‘‘it’d be er right easy thing ter rekiver ther leetle gal, God bless her black eyes!” Pablo’s horse on which he had ridden to the ranch was gone, ‘‘Tt’s derned queer thar hain’t any other anni- mills gone too,” asserted the bow-legged cowboy. ‘Black Phenix hed er good time ter scoop ’em, an’ ther job w’u’dn’t’a’ bin ary bit bolder then ther one he worked—no, ner so bold by er heap sight)” ‘“‘The wretch chose an excellent night for his first stroke since returning to this section,” ob- served Cy Robinson. ‘‘ But it would seem that naturally he would strike at some of the other ranches, where there are only one or two cow- boys left behind to defend the places,” “ He may have struck at them as well.” “Good gwatbuth!” gasped Orson Colfax, who had overheard these words, ‘‘I do hope the con- fwounded wascal will not trouble my pwoperty!” “Ten to one he does, if Pablo Pajario is the Black Phenix or one of his tools. He may have worked himself into your employ for that very purpose.” ‘“Where ith my horthe!” squawked the thor- oughly alarmed rancher. ‘‘ Where are my men? I will sthart for home at onthe!” Suddenly from behind one of the out-buildings appeared a horse and rider. The animal was coal-black with a white star in its forehead, and the clothes and hood which the rider wore made him as black as his steed. Cries of astonishment came from the cowboys as they flashed their lights on the dark figures, which bad come toa dead halt some distance away, the man gazing toward them through the eye-holes of the black cloth which covered his face. ‘‘Ther Black Phenix, ur I’m er liar!” shouted Round-up Rube, For a moment every one seemed paralyzed with astonishment at the daring of the cattle- lifter; then, uttering a savage imprecation, the bow-legged cowboy jerked outa revolver and covered the figure, “ Han’s up, critter, or l’ll bore ye!” The reply was a contemptuous laugh, but the black horseman lifted his hands—lifted them with a revolver in each! ‘“‘Compliments of the Black Phenix!” he cried. From either hand leaped spouts of red flame and the sharp crack-crack of his weapons drew yells of amazement from the cattlemen, two or three of the cowboys reeling back and sinking to the ground, Round-up Rube was untouched, and with a deliberation that was wonderful under the cir- cumstances, he fired shot after shot straight at the squarely-exposed breast of the Scourge. Still not a bullet seemed to take effect! - ‘Ha! ha! hal”. i be. G (Meets that ‘contemptuous laugh, as, like a iad machine, the black horse of the raider wheeled on its hind feet, its master bending low in the saddle, : j Click-click! The hammiers of Rube’s revolvers fell on empty cartridges! An oath of dismay came from the old fellows lips, but the next instant hé shouted: “Wake up, lads! Give him hot lead, ye sleepy-heads! Fire at ther hoss, fer I'll bet er steer ther man’s protected by some kin@ o” armor! Fire at ther hoss! fire at ther hoss? Half a dozen weapons spoke just as the daring outlaw disappeared behind the building; But if one of the flying bullets reached its mark, there was no sign, ‘¢ Hosses, pards, hosses!” bellowed the foreman of the Robinson Ranch, ‘ We'll foller ther crit- ter ter his hoel!” Then there was saddling and mounting in hot = haste, but even as they were about this, Old Rube said: ‘Don’t more’n hafe 0’ us want ter-foller this critter; t’other better stay hyer, This may be er trick ter lead us off an’ then finish up ther job jest begun. Hang ter ther eh, Pard obinson, an’ look out fer yer own leetie gall” Rodney Welland suddenly appeared; mounted on a large horse, and, with a wild shout that went ringing through the night, he dashed im pursuit of the daring outlaw, a2 “This blow has driven him ¢razy again,” saig « Chris, as he aided Fred Anthrop in prepa as horse for the chase, ‘‘Once more Be is” Rattlebrain, as he was when we first saw hin ‘‘He has my horse!” cried one of the gn “Tf he cannot overtake the Black Phenixion- that animal, the outlaw’s horse mush be dri by steam, But it is doubtful if Tever see Dand Lightfoot again,” , “Tf you do not. I will make the Toss good,” assured Cy Robinson. OR With Rube at their”head, the cowboys s away into the night, following Old Rattleb whose wild cries could be plainly heard at re lar intervals, The bow-legged foreman fe} chase was folly itself, but what could Evy It was impossible to remain idle, and this seemed the only course open to them, yee i ‘““We shall not overtake the Scourge,” sai Chris, in a tone just loud engygh to reach the ears of the foreman, if: “ Think so?” ; “T dp. Don’t you?” i ‘Waal, I will ‘low ther chances are retake a re it.” ** He can easily away.” Mi slip.us in the darknes:,” *T reckon you're right,” ‘ * “T believe this is a tri¢k to lead us ‘* Mebbe so, mebbe so.” : “ And we have swallowed thé bait.” An’ still, ef it be er trick, it hain’t goin’ work jest as ther critter hoped, fer thar only part o’ us arter him, ‘T’others are loo! arter ther ranch an’ corraled stock.” + “Do you really believe Gablo Pajario is Black Phenix?” Ny ‘* Waal, [ saw ther critter’s hoss w’en he ar- rived ter-night,” ‘* What of that?” “Tt wuz black,” ‘“ Ah-al With a white start?” “Thet’s jest wat J] can’t say, fer I *zamine ther critter clost,” “Still, it looks as if the Greaser is our mi ** T low it duz.” ta ““Did you ever hear the, Black Phenix Mexican?” 5; 3 “Dve heerd so menny Yarns "bout ther’ ter thet I never knew wiat ter believe, 5 one thing’s sart’in: he’s wussen ther Old#One hisself, an’ now he is back inter these pal thar won't be ary bit o’ peace tell he is toes up ter ther daisies ur dray out, I; Chris—war ter ther knife!” The cries of the crazed parent ahead co plainly heard, still some of the men de they were not so distinct as atfirst, “Tke Thompson said bis hoss wuz more er match fer ther black critter o’ ther observed Rube. ‘Ef ther leetle gal’s ketches ther raider, ther fur will ay, Rh dunno whether he’s armed ur not, but ef gits his han’s on Black Phenix, ther impo’ Nl git er through ticket.” ; Lae “Rodney Welland’s strength is something % wonderful,” acknowledged Chris, “*He is more} than a match for four common mien.” { ‘True as preachin’, boy!” | Before long they discovered the cries of the deranged were truly provi fainter. } “Dern ther luck!” growled the bow- cowboy. *: Thet’s all we hey got ter keep on ther trail.”. *t What fools we were!” orgs Chris, 2 '? ide mf & * Cowboy Chris to the Fore. 5 7 Why?” “We might have put Old Spot on the trail.” : “True, lad, dern my ole head fer not thinkin’ » of it! ‘Ther dog w’u’d ’a’ tracked ther critter ter “this hoel.” But now—” *“Too late! Ther trail hes bin trampled out “by our hosses. Ther only chance is ter keep : OBS? * And that is no chance at all.” You can’t tell,” doggedly. ‘* Black Phenix’s boss may take a tumble an’ break a leg.” So the chase continued. _ But it was time wasted, for in the ond they were forced to give it up, no longer having any- _thing by which to be guided, the cries of the de- ~ ¥anged father being heard no more, The cowboys drew rein to give their mounts a breathing-spell, while they discussed the’ situa- tion, * (That Fred Anthrop was in despair was plainly evident, although he spoke few words, and then only when he was addressed. ‘4 ‘There is one point about this affair I cannot understand,” asserted Chris, , ** Wat's thet?” “It is why the note from Black Phenix was ~. “addressed to Cy Robinson, and spoke as if his + daughter was the one captured.” “YT low ther critters must hev made er mis- take, lad. Black Phenix him own self never kerried off ther gal; his tools done thet. He writ ther letter an’ tended fer’em to scoop in Miss Nina, but they made er mistake an’ tuck . other ’un.” “TT believe you are right, Rube, It is—” .. Hw was interrupted by a cry from one of the vcowboys. Look yender! ter ther East?” ") Every man turned in the direction indicated, nd lying low down against the horizon they fould distinguish a faint red flush that grew | Warger and plainer with each passing moment. Is it the moon?” Not by-er derned sight!” at bain’t no moon fer ter-night.” He eet as it?” TRUE TO 4 That word.solved the riddle, “ But thet bain’t in ther direction o’ Cy Rob- tes, ae _**No; it is far to the east of there, It is—” “ Ther D?mow Ranch !” * ‘Sure pop!” * ‘her buildin’s o’ thér Tenderfut Rancher are afire! This is more 0’ ther Black Phenix’s work! “* Ther devil hes bruck loose ter-night fer sure! *¥, Spurs, pards, spurs! It’s as near ter ther fire “© as tis back tertCy Robinson’s. We're wanted thar!” _ +, One of the cowboys was detached to give the larm at the Robinson Ranch, if they had not _ @lready discovered the fire, while the others Ajashed through the. darkness toward that red ‘beacon, which was rising so swiftly, painting he eastern sky with a ruddy tinge. W’at’s thet light ’way thar CHAPTER V. IN RUFFIANLY HANDS, i iF ~ WHat small and seemingly insignificant hings sometiznes make vast changes in the lives '- of human beings, Had not ber bair become ~ joosened from the dainty coil in which it was ranged, Nellie Welland would not have ‘ascended to the chamber that she might have the aid of a glass in re-coiling it; and bad she not ascended to the chamber, she would not ' have fallen into the hands of the ruffian who had gained entrance to the house and was hid- ing there like a beast of prey that is lying in _ wait for its unsuspecting victim. As she passed into the chamber she was seized nd by powerful hands which held her helpless, and a thick cloth that gave out a sick- ening odor was pressed over her mouth and f nose, preventing her from uttering the shriek of * terror which arose to her lips, ( Ths desperate wretch bad not made a sound till he clutched the girl, and she had no warning ‘of another presence in the room till she found -berself in his hands, powerless to resist. ' Powerless? Even though it was so, she strug- _gied with all her fresh young strength, Like a fash, thoughts of'a horrible fate passed through _her mind, and she made despairing efforts to reak from that powerful grasp or to free her mouth frem the nauseating cloth long enough to utter a cry that would alarm those below. “Taint nary bit o’ use, lady bird!” hissed e ruffian who had attacked her, “You kin 1, but it won’t do nary leetle bit nele Jim’s got his claws onter ye, an’ ye can’t break erway frum him, you bet! For one instant her eyes were free of the cloth, and she caught a fair look at the man’s face. A feeling of horror came over her, for, although his face was turned aside, and he was watching the open doorway through which she had entered the chamber, she recognized him as Whisky Jim, a brutal ruffian who had caused her much trouble in the past. The realization that she was in the hands of this dastardly wretch seemed to rob her of all her strength, and she surk helplessly into his arms, her senses beginning to reel. Strange thoughts ran riot through her brain; wild fancies held high revel there. In scarcely more than an instant of time, a hundred shifting scenes seemed to pass before her view. Then she felt herself lifted and borne through the air as if on the back of a mighty bird. She could feel the motions of its body as it swept forward through space, the strokes of its enormous wings making its body move like the regular undula- tions of ocean waves. It was delightful! ei > and hecaught Colfax by the arm. “Say, partner!” his voice having che ag wellas his expression of countenance; ‘I ask your pardon. I fired up too quick, but [dose if at times. I did not mean anything, and lhope # you will overlook what I said,” sf He offered bis hand, and, with a show of dignity, Orson Colfax accepted it, saying: “Thath all wight. Iathure you I do not ex= pect your people out heah to have the culte wation of uth of the Easth. We are naturally more wefined, y’know.” A smile passed over the honest rancher’s faee, ““T suppose that is true,” he confessed, “* That being the case, you cannot take offense 1f/E give you a bit of advice free of charge. It is simply this; get rid of your present foreman at once, Or, better still, snap bim up aad inch him till he confesses that he is the Blak Piante or one of the Scourge’s trusted tools.” “ Pinch him?” Vf ‘¢-Yes; make him confess.” ‘“*Do you weally think he ith that dweadfak wascal?” “Tt looks that way. What kind of a horse ; does Pablo ride?” ‘A black one.” “With a white star in its forehead?” “T think tho,” 4 “Did you notice the horse of the outlaw?? “Land tbaketh, no! I wath tho flusther@ that I did not notice anything.” “Tt was black with a white star.” ‘Ith that tho? Good gwatbuth!” Orson Colfax seemed too astounded to give? further vent to his feelings. The merrymaking of the night was over, and many of the guests took an immediate departure, having property of their own to look after ami feeling somewhat nervous for its safety singe ther appearance of the Black Phenix. a oe Orson Colfax finally called togethér bis mé and Lade them prepare for the return to the Diamond Ranch. In a short times they were ready, one of them bringing the? Tendameots Rancher’s saddle horse to him, we f Colfax held out bis hand to Cy Robinson! be+, fore they parted. “ bp & “Tf I can do anythin® in the way of athisthe ing in the thirch for thé young lady, I trutht yor will let me know,” he said. 5, thelf and my men at your dithposal,” Beforé the party had ridden a milé they detects | Ht ed the glow which was beginning to light up the: horizon far ahead. At first they were puzzled to understand what it meant, but one of the cow-) boys suddenly exclaimed: § “ Tt’s fire, boss—fire,sure as shootin’! An’ ther ranch is in edzactly thet direction! ther buildin’s are all ablaze!” ‘ For a moment Orson Colfax seemed dazed, ® ig then a cry broke from his lips: “ Tt ith the work of thothe confwounded wob- bers! boy addressed, thar. They need us an’ need us bad! Orson Colfax neeced no urging. He drove the™ spurs into the sides of his horse till they dripped® blood and the fiery animal, snorting with pain, carried its rider to the very front of the little What thall we do?” , * Ride—ride like ther devil!” shouted the ae, | “ Ben Ford an’ Jack Kipperare Kem on! t *Tatbure you, BY= 7) It looks like, F * party, a position maintained during all that wild ride through the night. CHAPTER VII. TWO SHOTS. ALTHOUGH he claimed to have learned horses manship at a riding-schoo] where the’ pupil was first mounted on a wooden dummy, Orson Cok fax proved bimself as good as the best of hig cowboys that night. Never before bad bis men seen the Tenderfoot Rancher ride like that. . He* & sat in the saddle as though a part of his horse, © scarcely betraying a sign of the mechani¢al manner in which be often rode and at which the cowboys had secretly laughed. For the time He was a man among\them, As they swept onward with their eyes fixed of that red glow ahead, it became plainly evident the fire was rising rapidly. For all of this ap- parent fact, not a word came from tbe tighfly= compressed lips of the one who owned the build= ings being consumed by the fire fiend. But he was merciless with his spurs, and if he had not been mounted on an unusually fine animal, the horse would have been ruined or bave fallen to the rear to allow the more considerate cowboys first place, ‘Ther hull derned place is blazin’!” cried one of the men. ‘Ther devil is logse'in ther San) Juan Valley now thet Black Phet back “Right, pard,” agreed anothe Vv z , ® | met those of his master. ee Cowboy Chris to the Fo ‘best look ter our weepins, fer we may find hot Swork wen) we git thar.” ~ “More likely ther critters will be gone an’ "we'll only find ther dead bodies of Ben an’ Jack.” ‘(Bf ther p’ison varmints bev killed our pards, “we'll sw’ar yengeance over their bodies!” » And the fierce cry that came from the lips of every man told how ready the rough fellows were to agree to that. That night's work was to ane relentless trailers on the track of the urge. The glare of the fire shone redly against the “sky, telling almost as plainly as words of the de- -Yyastation the demon was working. “Tooker Colfax!” muttered one, as the rancher arose in the stirrups as if eager to view the work the flames were performing—‘‘ looker ther boss! 1 sw’ar, I dunno but thar’s some good stuff in ther leetle man arter all!” *¢ Rif he holds ther lead clean through, I’ll say thar may be,” acknowledged another. ‘But oe, keep ther lead.” **Thet hoss’ll drop under him afore we rise ther swell this side of ther buildin’s whar we kin see’em, Hoe is killin’ ther critter!” But thé buckskin which the Tenderfoot Ranch- er rode was made of better material than the cowboy thought. The red glare of the flames lighted up the faces of the determined men as they dashed on- a and revealed quite a stretch of the rolling plain. Suddenly one of the cowboys uttered an ex- clamation. . ‘*Look erway yen ter ther right!” he shouted. “Who are them?” Dimly visible away to the right of the party was a body of horsemen who seemed to be mak- ing for the same point as they were. _ “Odds thet them. are ther ones as went off arter ther Black Phenix!” was tbe cry of one. The other party seemed to see them at this moment, and they promptly set up the far-reach- |: ing “‘yip, yip, yip!” of the cowboys, instantly _/gitling the question as to their identity. or bitaan's they!” joyfully shouted one of the Bis pie wiontl Ranchers. ‘‘Guv ’em ther yoop, tae ee ip, yip, ip!” ie ‘eral echo, the shout wert echoing across ; @ two parties joined as they swept up the “swell that would give them a view of ,the con- : agration, and so absorbed had they been in ' each other that they failed to notice the fact that ‘the glow of ,the fire was rapidly decreasing in- stead of becoming greater, The crest of the swell was reached, and a ‘shout came from the iips of the men as they | made the surprising discovery that the ranch- _ building proper was still standing. The fire _ had been confined to the out-buildings, and as the wind was blowing from the ranch, it had - not caught at all. ; y the glow of the fire-light two mounted figures could ;be seen dashing here and there, driving the eattle from the vicinity of the _» flames. “Tt’s only ther corral an’ stables!” shouted Round-up Rube. ‘ An’ I’m durned ef it don’t Jook like ther boys hed got pritty nigh all ther critters out!” Still Orson Colfax spoke no word. He sti’l held the lead, and he kept it till he threw his steaming, foam- flecked steed on its haunches before Ben Ford, who cried: * Bless ther luck! it’s ther boss!” ‘ Then the Tenderfoot Ranchman raised his ' clinched fist and literally snarled: _ “ What in the name of thin doeth thith mean, thir? What doeth thith mean?” _ ‘It means thet some sneakin’ whelp fired the _ stables an’ corral,” was the prompt and un- __ shaken reply, as the cowhoy’s eyes unflinchingly Soe a “The fire was cun- _ Bingly set and got a big start on us, but we done _ our level best, an’ hev bin: able ter save most of - ther critters.” ** And hath the Black Phenix been here?” “Not thet I knows on, boss; but I can’t say + who sot ther fire.” ___» Orson Colfax swung himself out of the saddle and began hopping up and down like an enraged _ schoolboy the moment his feet touched. Never _ before had his men heard him utter an oath, but, “now he swore vigorously, for al] of which his anger was so ludicrous that many of the party ‘were compelled to turn their heads aside to hide is ir smiles, He really seemed. on the point of _«, bursting into tears. __. “Some one tried to comfort the excited man by _ saying it was not so bad as it might be, but that Q only seemed to make him the more enraged, and . ® Wi x he turned on his would-be gomforter-with a fury that was simply indescribable. He blamed everybody for what had happened, not pausing to consider that his loss was light compared with what,they had supposed it would be when the | red glow was first seen lighting up the sky. Suddenly he asked: ‘‘ Where ith Pablo—where ith that dog? Hath he been here?” “T have seen nothing of him,” replied Ben, Ford. ‘He ith at the bottem of thith!” fumed Col- fax, striking bis clinched bands together. ‘‘ He thall answer for thith! I wish the wascal wath here now!” ‘““Then your wish is gratified,” said Chris Comstock. ‘* Here he comes.” The Mexican was seen riding swiftly toward the little knot of men, who partea to allow the Tenderfoot Rancher chance to see tbe one for whom he had been asking. For one moment Orson Colfax seeemed to hes- itate and turn pale. Then, as the Mexican drew rein with apparent wonder, asking the meaning of the fire, the little man strode straight toward his foreman. **'You want to know what it meantb, do you?” cried Colfax, his voice shaking with emotion. “Well, thir, [ have a few quethionth to athk ou, here bave you been, thir, thinthe you ed the Wobinthon Wanch? Anthwer that, thir!’ Pablo’s dark face flushed. ‘*What does the senor mean by asking the question in that manner?” he demanded, “Don’t try to get out of it!” shrilly shouted the Tenderfoot Stockman, shaking his clinched fist at his foreman. ‘‘Explain what I have athked you to—if you can! Where have you been?” ‘* And if I decline to answer—what then?” ‘“T thall know you are the guilty party, thir— I thall know you thet thiti fire!” A hard look came over Pablo’s face. “T see, senor; it would be useless for me to deny it.” ‘“*Then you confeth—you acknowledge you thet it?” “Nothing of the kind. I simply refuse to say anything about it, for no matter what I said, you would not believe me.” “*You are the wetch!” screamed Colfax, sud- denly producing a revolver. “I have learned how they uthe thuch cweatures in thith part of the countwy. ‘You thall find Iam not a man to fool with, if I am a tenderfoot. Now—” With that word, he threw up iis hand, pull- ing the trigger just as Pablo was: in the act of producing a weapon, The Mexican started as if hard hit, but the next instant his hand came up and his revolver echved the report of the rancher’s, Without even a groan, Orson Colfax sunk to the ground, Pablo’s bullet having found a living target! . CHAPTER VIIL. . THE BLACK WORK OF A TRAITOR. Ir all had happened so swiftly that not a hand could be raised to prevent the tragedy. And the apparént slayer of Orson Colfax cut not a moment’s time to waste. It almost seemed as if his splendid black horse wheeled even as he fired the shot that stretched the rancher on the ground, and with a yell, the Mexican dashed ore ‘¢ Pepper ther cuss!” howled Round-up Rube. But as half a dozen weapons spoke, Pablo dis- appeared behind his horse, clinging to the ani- mal’s side in true Indian fashion, guiding it so bbs body was ‘protected by that of the black si “ After him!” burst from Chris Comstock’s lips. “* He is striking to round the corner of the ranch. Come on!” Putting spurs to their already over-driven horses, the cowboys started in pursuit, their weapons in their hands. For a moment Pablo disappeared ‘with his horse behind the ranch, but that only afforded him a brief protection, for the cowboys were hot after him, When they sighted him beyond the ranch he had swung himself up from the side of his borse and was crouching low in the saddle in order to present a smaller target for the bullets which it was plain he expected would come whistling about his ears, He was not disappointed, for the pursuers promptly opened fire and the lead sung vicious- ly all around the fleeing man and his noble orse. It often seems as if the old saying ‘‘the devil protects his own” is true, and thus it seemed to s that night. Had they been armed _ they might have brought the fleeing tumbling from his saddle en though horses were going at full yp, for there ‘were some fine shots in thesparty- The cowboys could not tell-bow near their bullets came to the man they were pursuing, but it seemed as if he remained quite untouched. In truth, scarcely a drop of blood was drawn and his most severe wounds were nothing more than scratches, yet many of tbe pursuers’ bullets cut through Pablo’s clothing, making his escape from fatal injury seom still more wonderful. By the rarest fortune his horse was *| not touched. “Ther critter is ther devil bisself!” snarled the foreman of the Robivson Ranch, ‘ Lead don’t seem ter hev enny effec’ on him.” “That was the way withthe Black Phenix,” soberly spoke a cowboy at the old man’s side. “Sure as Gospel! Ef thet Greaser hain’t ther Black Phenix I’m er derned ole fool!” “Did you notice his horse?” asked Chris, ‘*Ycu bet! Same critter clean ter ther white star!” : Ther was no doubt in the mind of the bow- legged cowboy but the Scourge of the San Juan and Pablo Pajario were one and the same; and he was hot alone 1n the belief. ‘oTain’t any use try ter shoot ther skunk, pards,” declared Rube, _‘‘ He’s protected in'some way. Spotther hoss! I don’t reckon ther anni- mill is kivered with chain-armor, ur annythin’ 0? thet sort.” But most of the pursuers had emptied their revolvers and were slipping fresh cartridges into the cylinders as they rode, the light of the fire behind them making this an easy feat to perform. At the same time Pablo was rapidly drawing away, his noble black horse swiftly increasing the distance between its master ard his pur- suers, “Thet hoss is wu'th er forchune!” cried Rube. “‘Ther critter don’t seem blowed in ther least fer all thet this is ther second time we hev got arter it.” On the other hand, the cowboys’ horses were badly winded from that wild ride across the plain toward the burning buildings, By the time some of the cowboys had reloaded their weapons, Pablo was so far away that theré was little chance of bringing him down with a revolver-shot. However, the light of the fire still made him conspicuous, and the pursuers once more began to blaze away at bim, ~ “This ‘is folly,” asserted Fred Anthrop, speak-~ ing for the benefit of his pledged pard, Cowboy Chris. ‘The fellow is already too far away for © us to hope to bring him down, and our horses — are so badly broken up that we cannot hope to overtake him. We may as well give it up for the present and begin in a systematic manner in the morning.” ee Chris looked at bis friend in surprise, “Sound sense!” he nodded. ‘ But I swear I did not expect to hear itfrom your lips! Not that I think you are a fool, pard; but a tender- foot is apt to be a little hot-headed, and in your © case, it would be simply natural for one to lose all his reason.” Be Fred turned his grave face toward his old schoolmate. ‘‘T feel that itis time for me to have all my wits about me, if ever; but I am actually sur- rised at my’ own calmness. At the same time, P'feel as if there is a volcano in my heart that — might burst forth at any moment.” “That will be all right when the proper time | “Treep yourself in 4 comes,” assured Chris. check till then.” Then he turned to Old Rube, with: 1 “Hadn't we better drop it, Rube? That Mex- ican is bound to get away for the present, and we are simply wasting our time and ruining our animals.” “¢ Kirec’, lad,” ; : es Then the foreman of the Robinson i gave a cry whicb quickly brought the pursue) toa halt. To their surprise, Pablo also halte and sat watching them, still plainly revealed by the light of tho dying fire, ° “Looker ther cuss!” snorted Rube. “I wish I hed er Winchester!” : “Tf you did—” : * “Bf I did, ’d send a bullet odes his head” ur bring down thet critter o’ his’n! I'd guv one roun’ pile fer thet thar hoss! It’s ther best four- legged beast I’ve seen in one long time!” _—~ After a few moments of consul tion, tke cowboys turned back toward the Diamond Ranch. Pablo still sat silently in bis saddle and watched them. How long he remained thus they could not tell, for the light of the dying & ane 8 Cowboy Chris to the Fore. fire soon declined so much that they were un- able to see him when they looked back; but they knew, if he was watching, he could atill«see them. : When they reached the ranch they were told that Orson Colfax had been carried inside and also that his injury was by no means fatal. “Critter jest creased him,” explained Jack Kipper. ‘Bullet plowed ‘long side his head. Ef ’tad bin an inch ter ther left, i w’u’d ’a’ bin good-by Colfax, It wuz onemighty lucky thing fer ther boss!” ‘Ts he all right?” ** Yep, he’s kem round.” ** How does he pear?” ‘Sorter dazed like, He said he’d like ter see you ’fore' you went back ter Robinson’s.” ‘* Did you tell him we wuz arter ther varmint thet tried ter salt him for keeps?” “ce Ye 7? * Wat did he say?” ‘*Said he hoped you’d ketch him an’ fotch him back fer him ter git at.” Round-up Rube left the saddle and entered the ranch, finding Colfax on a rude bed, a bloody bandage around his head, The Tender- foot Rancher started as soon as he saw the fore- man of the Robinson Ranch, eagerly demand- ing: “ Have you caught that wretch?” 6 bow-legged cowboy shook his head. “Sorry, Mister Colfax, but ther critter wuz mounted on er better hoss then any o’ us, an’ he got clean off.” A look of genuine disappointment clouded Orson Colfax’s face, and he sunk back with a moan of mingled pain and rage. “1 will have hith life to pay for thith,” he declared. ‘‘ He meant to kill me, thir!” “Hain’t nary doubt ’bout thet, an’ it’s jest er plum’ wonder he didn’t succeed. But I reckon vy you meant ther same dost fer him, eh?” “I fired at hith heart, thir, and I am not in the habit of mithing. I learned to thoot under, one of the betht markthmen in the countwy.” , “We hev come to ther conclusion thet ther varmint wears some kind ©’ er protection thet wards off the bullets, You saw us when we pre at ther Black Phenix as he ’peared at binson’s, an’ you know thet it seemed not er Hullet tetched him. Wal, I’m goin’ ter say this: Hf I didn’t plink at least three lead pills bunt erg’in’ his buzzum, [ hope Ill never pull trigger 6rg’in! An’ t’other boys done ther same, Yit he sot thar like he wuz madeo’iron. You hed er squar’ chance at Pablo, an’ you say you mever miss, yit you didn’t knock him outer ther saddle. We follered arter him an’ jest nacher- ally rained lead all over ther critter, yit he rode off 4s unconcerned as er jinny-dad-dern, b’gosh! Now, w’at do ye make o’ thet, Col- fax?’ **J weckon that ith plain enough,” was the / Tenderfoot Rancher’s reply, ‘It ith not werry etten I am dethieved, but, thir, I am free to > confeth that thith fellow did dethieve me. Mis- tal Wobinthon thaid he thought Pablo and page Black Phenix wath one and the thame, yand, b’Jove, thir, I think tho mythelf now!” © *YAn’ I reckon thar hain’t nary doubt but thet Ws ther clean underdult’rated truth,” nodded Rube. “Wen we put our claws onter ther Greaser, we'll hey Black Phenix in our grip. Cy Robinson will most likely send out a party of Searchers in the morning. Kin he ‘gat fer any aid from you?” “Veth, thir! I will thend him every man I can pothibly thpare.” “Bully fer you, Colfax!” and Rube held out one horny hand. ‘‘ You hev got better stuff in ye then I thought at ther fu’st. You will bold yer own out hyer arter all, I reckon!” The Tenderfoot Rancher smiled faintly at this +, "praise and allowed the bluff cowboy to give him ‘arm grasp. few moments later, Rube joined his com- and those who were to return to the L) i iwboys of the Diamond having assured them they would need no aid in looking after the glowing ruins. The return was made at a slow pace, the cow- boys discussing the events of the night and ex- pressing their various opinions. On one point they seemed unanimous; Pablo Pajario was ene Phenix the Scourge. There seemed not the least doubt about that. But the surprising events of the night were not over, by ary means. : The party was yet at least two miles from the Robinson Ranch when a mounted cowboy came dashing madly up to them. As soon as he was sure they were friends, he shouted: son Ranch were soon on their way, the; ‘More deviltry, pards! jubilee to-night for sure!” “Wat is it now?” snarled Round-up Rube, who was in anything but an agreeable mood. ** W’at in ther name o’ sin has happened, now?” “Mother gal’s clean gone!” was the amazing declaration, “Wat?” fairly howled the foreman, ‘‘ Not ther boss’s gal?” ‘¢ Ther very same,” “ But whar’s she gone?—how? I don’t under- stan’ it.” “No more duz anybody else. She’s gone, an’ thet’s all we know ’bout it. Ther boss sent me hot-foot fer you fellers,” The two miles which intervened between them and the ranch were quickly covered, and as they rode along, the cowboy who had brought them word of this secona disappearance was plied with questions. However, they could ob- tain very little satisfaction from him. He bad told all he knew. Miss Nina had disappeared and could not be found, but no man seemed to know how it had happened. Everything was in confusion when they reach- ed the ranch, The second calamity seemed to have driven Cy Robinson crazy, and it was with the utmost difficulty he could be restrained from doing himself or some one else injury. “Gone clean daft fer ther time,” muttered Rube, ‘* He’ll cool off by an’ by, an’ then thar’ll be er hot hunt, you bet!” Assisted by Fred Anthrop and Chris Com- stcck, the foreman began his investigations, but they made very unsatisfactory progress. About all that could be discovered was that Nina had been seen moving about within the ranch and no one had noticed she left it. Happening to want her for something, her father was unable to find her. Quick to take the alarm, he:had set others to searching, but the only result had been a confirmation of his first fears that there had been more foul work. “*Derned ef 1 understan’ it!” muttered Rube, who was plainly puzzled. ‘¢ Allow me to offer a hint,” said Chris Com- stock, at the bow-legged cowboy’s elbow. “Sartin, lad, sart’in.” ‘* See if all the men are to be found.” “Then you think—w’at?” “Nothing at present. If any one is missing— Well, 1 will tell you what I think then.” Without delay, the foreman made the investi- gation suggested, and the discovery was made that there was one man missing. Ruck Pike could not be found, ‘** Look fdr his boss, pards,” ordered Rube. Tke horse was also gone, ““ Thet settles it!” nodded the bow-legged cow- Satan is holding a boy. “T am ready to tell what I think,” said Chris, ‘Tain’t necessary, lad, Ther hull black work is plain as day, Ruck Pike wuz er new man, an’ he bes turned out ter be a cursed trai- tor! W’en we lay ban’s on him, we'll hang ther skunk ter ther nearest tree, hey, pards?” And the cry that came from the lips of the cowboys boded no good for Ruck Pike, CHAPTER IX. IN THE RETREAT, “ Hyrr it, pard!” exclaimed Whisky Jim, with apparent relief—‘‘ hit it plumb on ther head! her boss is kerryin’ er high han’ ter-night, He is makin’ther fur fly in these yer’ parts, Holy Moses! but won’t thar be some howlin’:” ‘You kin gamble on it,” was Nevada Mike’s retort. ‘‘ But ther chief knows his biz, an’ he hain’t workin’ all this row fer nuthin’.” “ary time. He don’t work thet way. He skoops ther bood’, ev'ry pop. Wen he gits through with this leetle hurl he is bevin’ roun’ byer, he’ll prob’ly slide fer Mexico,” ** An’ we'll slide with him,” ‘*To be course we will! [ don’t low it?ll be healthy fer us in these parts then.” “ Wal, I reckon not!” ‘¢ Wat d’yer reckon ther boss "ll be able ter squeeze outer ole Robinson fer ther gal?” “T hain’t good at figzers,but it'll be er clean beap. Cy will hey ter kem down lib’ral.” ‘* An’ then d'yer s’pose ther boss will guv up ther gal?” “ard tellin’. He may take a fancy ter her an’ kerry her with ’im inter Mexico.” Nell shuddered as she heard these words, but she was puzzled to understand why the ruffians should think Cy Robinson would offer a big re- ward for her restoration, He was nothing to her more than her host and the father of the girl whom she had learned to consider as her dearest female friend, But one thing was certain: Fred would not remain idle while she was in peril. Still, what : ae he do alone? Alone! He would notybe alone. Chris—surely she was not friendless. Once more the kidnappers rode onward, i How long that ride lasted the tortured jgirl could never tell, but some time before they = reached the end of the journey, the ruffians were © considerate enough tio remove the gag from be-+ tween her aching jaws. “Thar ye are, lady-bird!” laughed Mike “T= don’t reckon thar’s ary need of keepin’ yer thrap-~ ple from yoopin’ ef ye feels Jike it. Wemhev passed clean beyend ther p’int of danger, angyou kin squealas muchas ye derned please ‘thou bringin’ ther dogs down onter us.” i But she raised vo outcry, well knowing the brutal wretch spoke the truth and she woul@ be simply wasting her breath. Indeed, she could not have uttered a cry immediately after the gag was removed had she tried ever so hard to/d0so. For the time, her tongue seemed paralyzed ‘She don’t seem ter keer bout makin’ er noise,” laughed Whisky Jim, coarsely. ‘‘ She seenisS jést contented terlay in your arms clost ter your palpertatin’ heart, Mickael. Thet’pears ter be joy ernough fer ther gentle critter.” “Oh, I low she’s clean mashed on me, ‘They all git thet way. DT’m er leddy-killer, James. You might be one ef you’d only stop guzzlin’ so much whisk’, Thet stuff sp’iles ther scent 0’ yer breath,” “J don’t reckon you'll be anywhar w’en ther boss gits roun’, pard, He'll be clean gone on ther leetle dear, an’ your chances fer huggin’ her will ~~ be over. Better *prove ther oppertunity wile ye kin,’ ‘You dastardly wretches!” came slowly from ~ the captive maiden’s lips.” ‘‘ You shall both an swer dearly for this outrage!” “By gol!” cried Jim. ‘She's got grit! Wy, some gals’d be whimperin’ an’ eryin’.” “‘Reckon she hain’t built of thet kind of stuff,” The robbers’ retreat was finally reached the girl felt certain she was carried. into al: ern, Although the gag had been remo bandage was still kept over her eyes. Through the cloth she caught a gleam of firelight, then she was placed upon her feet: “Stan’ stiddy, honey,” advised Whisky “ Keep cool erbout two jiffs, an’ ’ibhev ye- an’ git thet rag off yer face.” ioe With a knife he cut the bonds which confined? her feet and hands, and then she’ snatched the blindfold from her face, ‘ As she had suspected, she was in a cavern, and near at hand a cheerful fire was burning in a sort of natural fireplace. The light of this fire was all the illumination provided. It showed the bare, rugged walls of stone on three sides, and the black darkness of the cave on the other, As the girl removed the blindfold, a cry of amazement burst from the lips of the whisky tough, for he then saw her face plainly for the first time that night! In the room at the ranch he had leaped upon her from behind, and from that moment till he was clear of the building he had kept his eyes about him to make sure he was not running into a trap. In the darkness of the little grove he came near looking at the captive’s | face by the aid of alighted match, but the sud- den alarm at the ranch had caused him to give up his purpose. Now he was filled with con- sternation and amazement, ‘Great Scott!” he gasped. Nevada'Mike came hurrying up, inquiring: ‘Wat is it, pard?” “ Locker thar!” and Jim pointed at their caj tive, ‘‘ W’at double-derned fools we hey mai of ourselves. Thet hain’t ole Robinson’s gal a tall!” ‘ Mike took one look at Nell’s face, then he burst into a torrent of profanity that made the oor girl shudder with fear and disgust. Whisky y im seemed too astounded to even swear. Suddenly Mike turned furiously on his parf- er". “You thunderin’ idiot!” he howled. ‘* W’ata blamed jackass you hev made of yerself! Oh, wat er fool you be!” “ You're ia it, too,” mumbled Jim, ““How’s thet? Not by er blamed sight, Tf hain’t! You wuz ther one who went inter ther room an’ scooped ther gal. I didn’t even git one leetle peep at her face tell jest now.” “No more did I; I wuz lookin’ out fer my own skin.” | ' ; g “But you must hey see’d her w’en you grap> pled her in her room, you blunderin’ fool!” : “ Never looked at ber phiz.” “You wuz drunk!” stormed Mike, ‘1 tole o nD There was her father, the strange man @ whom she was still unable to understand—ho "7 would make every effort for her recovery. And 7 ie & oi Cowboy Chris to the Fore. 9 se ‘ye you wuz drinkin’ too much! Now ther very “Ole devil’ll beter pay, an’ we'll ketch it hot frum di ther boss!” + The two wretches looked into each other’s spale faces and saw dread and fear plainly writ- ‘ten there. What would follow the chief's dis- ‘covery that they had made such an unpardona- ble blunder? Nevada Mike’s hand crept toward a knife, as he once more denounced his partner in crime as fool, and Whisky Jim also made a movement Goward a weapon. To the captive it seemed >? Ghat the ruffians would be flying at each other’s ne ® | bbroats in another moment. a » Suddenly several hooded figures appeared in i ¢ e | tie ‘background. They were men of Black j vi ae Phenix’s band, and they had been attracted to oo the spot by the loud words of the two ruffians. mien, saying sternly; “ What does this mean? Why are you quar- reling and snarling like dogs over a bone?” oi Eh There was a moment of hesitation, then both ' of the kidnappers hastened to explain. The dis- : guised outlaw listened to their jumbled state- mote in grim silence for a time, but finally te said: fg *‘T understand. You have made a blunder and brought the wrong girlhere. Well, lam sorry for you. This is your first job, and you have made a botch of it. It will go hard with ‘ you, unless the chief is in a milder mood than usual, You had better make the best of it, and keep close watch of the girl you have brought here. It is probable the chief will be here be- fore morning.” Which was small consolation for the kidnap- » pers. Phe hooded outlaws disappeared, leaving Jim ‘and Mike alone with their captive. The ruffians did not offer to renew their quar- rel, but Mike turned on the girl, snarling: “Wal, you’ve got usinter a poorty scrape, I Swar! But I don’t reckon you'll git off any ; easier by it. You're better lookin’ then t’other { i, one, an’ ther boss may take a shine ter ye. Hf crit ; alc, thet'll save our bacons. You'd best sot ¥ ®@6n-an’ take it.easy.” coe : Pheve was nothing else to be done, and as = * Well wae an unusually brave girl, she complied oe without making any fuss. Jim and Mike threw themselves.on the hard * ground, and stared silently into the fire, their - ¢rime-hardened faces wearing anything but pleasant looks. ‘And thus the hours wore away. Suddenly a shrill whistle sounded three times in succession, in a distant part of the cave, at which the two men by the fire started up and listened anxiously, There was a brief pause, then two more sharp blasts sounded clearly, *Tt’s ther boss!” gasped the two ruffians, in a breath, their swarthy faces becoming pale, CHAPTER X, THE PARDS AT WORK. BREATHLESSLY the two ruffians awaited the appearance of the Black Phenix, After a few moments a dark-clothed, hoodéd figure advanced out of the darkness, and paused within the circle of firelight, Not a word did be speak as he re- garded the girl, whose eyes flashed defiantly, >» and his satellites, who cringed and cowered be- * forebim, There was something ominous in his silence. Whisky Jim opened his mouth to make an ex- planation, but the hooded man lifted one hand with a gesture that immediately silenced the Toffian, and caused him to shiver with appre- dension. | “At length the silent one turned his black eyes ' Gpon his chosen tools, and through the openings in the hood they saw his orbs flashing in a man- mer, which seemed to speak ilJ for them, Then the strange leader of outlaws turned and walked lj@way into the darkness, still declining to utter a eee word. ’ J a and Mike looked at each other in astonish- ment. * W’at’s it mean?” gasped the former, 1) ** Wal, now, you tell!” retorted Mike. “TI dunno whether he’s goin’ ter let us off easy, or as gone ter prepare fer ther funeral. It may be one, but derned ef it don’t) look like twuz tother!” A day spent in fruitless searching for the kid- napped girls was approaching its close. With the first peep of daylight Cy Robinson and his mén were in the saddle, and they scarcely dis- mounted for a moment throughout the day. Orson Colfax kept his word by sending a de- tachment of his men to assist in the hunt, also "offering an expression of his regret at being un- =; One advanced and stepped between the angry able to take part himself. Pablo’s bullet in- capacitated him for so great an exertion. As night approached, and no clew to the fate of the missmmg girls was found, Cy Robinson showec signs of despair, Round-up Rube did his level best to cheer his employer, but the rancher was despondent. Chris Comstock and Fred Anthrop were with one of the smaller parties of searchers, and the young cowboy’s words did much to keep up the spirits of his friends, Chris seemed very con- fident of finally finding the girls and punishing the kidnappers, but to tell the truth, he was far from being so confident as he appeared. He knew the reputation of the Black Phenix, and he believed the outlaw as cunning as bold, a fact proven by his past operations. Toward sunset a borseman was sighted on a distant sweli, The man was sitting silently in the saddle and seemed viewing the sweep of roll- ing plain before him. By the aid of a field-glass he carried, Chris made out that the horseman was Rodney Welland. “Jt is Nell’s father,” he said. ‘‘ Fred, it is our duty to see if we can approach him and in- duce him to go back to the ranch with us... Of course he bas not tasted a mouthful of food to- day. Deranged.as be is, he may wander about till he perishes of starvation.” So the two horsemen left the others and rode toward that silent horseman. As they drew nearer, thev decided he was watching them ap- proach. When within earshot, they hailed him, waving their hats above their heads, As if alarmed by the act, Old Rattlebrain reined his horse round and fled from them, head- ing toward a distant range of low hills, The young men were taken by surprise at first, but Chris quickly cried: “Come on, Fred! we will try to overtake him. The chances are he has ridden that horse till it will fail to prove a match even for our own overworked animals, Comeon!” Fred needed no urging. Giving his horse free rein and a touch of the spur, he kept close at bis comrade’s side. The horse which Welland bestrode proved fresher than they had hoped he would, and, al- though he did not draw from them, he surely held hisown. Now and then the strange man would look back to ascertain if his pursuers were gaining. ‘* He takes us for enemies,” said Fred. ‘‘ Let's call to him again.” But Chris counseled against such a course. “We made a mistake by doing so before,” he asserted. ‘*That was what alarmed him, Had we remained silent, I fancy we should have had no trouble in approaching him.” Slowly the great red sun sunk beyond the far distant mountains, which seemed to thrust their peaks up out of the plain. By the time they reached the low hills the day-god entirely had disappeared. ‘* Tt will be dark in & short time,” said Chris. “If we overtake Mr. Welland at all, we shall have to do so soon.” Within tho hills they lost sight of the deranged man several times. Finally, they came to a place where he might have chosen either of two courses, but the nature of thé ground and the gathering twilight prevented Chris from deter- mining which he had taken, The young cowboy quickly explained how by separating they could follow both courses and meet at a certain point without any danger of missing each other. So they separated for the time, Chris turning to the right and Fred to the left. The Easterner had not proceeded far when the sound of shots and shouts came plainly to his ears, telling him there was trouble of some kind ahead, Giving his horse the spur and dropping the rein to produce his revolvers, Fred forged on- ward, seized by a desire to take a hand in the battle, if battle it was. He soon came upon a scene of wild work. Rodney Welland’s horse lay dead on the ground while the deranged man was battling bare- handed with eight foes! Despite the terrible odds, Old Rattlebrain seemed to be holding his own, dealing terrible blows right and left, sending the men staggering to the ground almost as fast as they could get upon their feet,’ And, bigh above their shouts and oaths rose the strange man’s wild laugh, for he actually seemed to delight in the terribly un- equal struggle in which he was engaged. Straight toward the writhing knot of men dashed Fred Anthrop, but he was unable to use bis weapons, fearing he should hit Nellie Wel- land’s father instead of his foes. One of the men turned and clutched the bit of Fred’s horse just.as the animal was n them, setting the creature back on its haunches by a strong surge, ‘“Hasy thar!” snarled the man, ‘Wat im blazes are you doin’, you fool!” ‘* Coming to take a hand in this little game!” 3 was the reply, as the speaker left the saddle for ae the ground. ; ¥j ‘*'Yer’re er derned—” | The fellow finished with an oath of delight,as he obtained a fair view of Fred’s face and Te- cognized him, despite the murky twilight. ae 2 “ Ha!” cried the Hasterner, also recognizing? . 9 the man who had checked his dash. “So itis you, Whisky Jim!” “You bet! An’ now I'll hev er chance ter settle ther leetle score erg’in’ you. Come termy arms, honey!” In another moment the two men were. locked in each other’s grasp, struggling for, the su- premacy. The whisky tough soon found he had made an error in thinking he could easily handle the tenderfoot, and Fred Anthrop proved him- self something like a match for the desperado, But Jim was soon aided by one of his compan- ions, and, though he fought desperately to the last, Fred was made a prisoner, being lashed se= curely to the trunk of a tree. . Old Rattlebrain had been knocked senseless by a blow on the head, and the ruffianly gang was triumphant. : CHAPTER XL "4 WHISKY JIM TRIUMPHANT, . THE desperadoes vented their satisfaction in loud shouts, Darkness had settled swiftly over the bit of low hill-land, and the order was given to build) 97 a small fire, that they might be able to see whab a) they were about, a thing which was quickly done, ps As the dry grass and brushwood caught to blaze up merrily, Fred Anthrop’s face was Tre- © vealed, but his foes saw nothing but defiance: and scorn written on it. Not a sign of fear was there. Old Rattlebrain began to stir slightly, his breathing being hoarse and painful, like that of a map who is strangling. His eyes slowly opened, but there was a vacant stare in their depths and he did not seém to realize his situ- ation, Mechanically he watched the moving figures of the desperadces, all of whom, with the exception of Whisky Jim, had disguised them- selves with the black hoods of the cattle-lifters, which was enough to reveal the fact that they were of Black Phenix’s band. The whisky tough did not seem to think it necessary to assume a disguise, as he bad al- ready been recognized by Fred, With bis arms akimbo and his hands on his hips, he watched: the men building the fire, now and then castin: » a triumphant glance at the young man bow: : in a sitting posture with his baek against the * trunk of a tree. : i As the fire blazed up brightly, Whisky Jim approached the young captive, a horrible grin on his liquor-branded face. : “Got ye,” he chuckled —‘“‘ got ye fast an’ tight,~ kid! An’ now hes kim my time ter settle scores with ye.” : “You are, triumphant just now,” spoke Fred, calmly, ‘‘ but your day is not far away. Lam sure your race is pretty near an end.” “Wal, ef thet is so—which I doubt most a mightily—you will never live ter see the wind= * up, younker, That is some satisfaction ter me.” Jim squatted like a huge dog settling on its haunches, grinning fiendishly into the face of tbe helpless man, ; .? “‘'You made er dashed fool of yerself, boy,” he asserted, taking a huge bite from a plug of black tobacco, ‘You run yer nose right inter i ther trap. Comin’ ter bolp Ole Rattlebrain, eh? a Wal, thet ole cuss tuck it inter his head that he “ wuz goin’ ter capter ther hull of us single handed, but be tackled er mighty big job, an’ now we've got him trussed up so he'll keep as long’s we want him.” To this Fred made no reply. “Know wat I’m goin’ to do with ye, boy?” the tough continued, working his jaws cre ously and talking as be chewed. “Wal, © spose ye members ther time thet ye smacked me one with yer juke? Ituck er sollum oath then thet I'd git even with ye ur bu’st, an’ now my time hes kem. | I hed ye oncet before whar f cud wiped ye out, but ye slipped through my fingers, I don’t reckon thar’s any danger of thet now, ‘But afore I wipes ye out, thar are er few things as I wants ter tell ye, ’cause I know they- 1] make ye feel good. Oh, I’m so tender-heart- sown mammy. __ to work his jaws, tae fer my thoughtfulness. 10° & Cowboy Chris to the Fore. ed! I ie. ter see er man feel ‘good in his dyin’ moments, I do! W’en er man thet’s all riled up:kicks ther bucket, thar’s er chance thet he don’t go straight ter Glory—t’other place is ap’ ter ketch him; but w’en er man is in good sperrits an’ feelin’ r’al good, then he hes er ; ty good show of settin’ hoof on ther Shinin’ ore. “Now, you w’u’dn’t think I’d hev so much consideration fer them things, w’u’d ye, boy? ... ¥e know thar’s suthin’ in ther Gospel Book thet “telis "bout lovin’ yer neighbor like he wuz yer I heard er preacher sharp tellin’ *boutifonce. Wal, thet’s ther way I love you, boy; thet’s ther way I hev loved ye ever since ye swiped me! Oh, hain’t I longed ter fold ye in my arms! “But, I’m kinder runnin’ off my subjec’ like, This yere hain’t w’at I wuz a ter toleye, I wuz goin’ ter speak of ther leetle gal as ye are all dead broke up over. I ‘lowed it’d beer great conserlation ter ye ter know she wuz safe in my han’s. I-wuzther feller w’at scopped her, boy, an’ she—” _ * You dog!” hissed Fred, straining vainly at the bonds, which held him, ‘‘ You dastardly wretch!” _ Whisky Jim chuckled with delight, but quick- ly. changed the sound to a whimpering imitation of a sob, **Oh, you can’t mean me!” he gurgled, ‘you ean’t! Them hain’t sech names as one w’u’d call er déar frien’, An’ I am so considerate! Oh, no, no, no! ye can’t mean me!” af ee I had my hands on your throat—if I only i “Want ter. caress me, do ye?” grinned the Tascal, showing his yellow teeth as he continued yon ae a tap ter love e, be, he! »* But, speakin’ of ther gal, she’s er daisy, boy! She jest ketches my eye! Ye see I made a sorter + mistook w’en I took her, fer I wuz arter ole Cy, _ boy; I think too much of her fer thet. _ Robinson’s gal; but, it all kem out right in ther en’, fer one of ther lads brung in ther right gal. Thet satisfied ther chief, an’ he hes kinder turn- _ ed t/other ’un over ter me—says she’s mine ter do as I derned please with.” : “If you harm her—my God!—if you harm er— ‘Wat ef Ido? You will be planted by thet ' time, so it won’t be ary blamed thing ter you! But, I bain’t goin’ ter harm ther leetle dear, I’m jest ‘oin’ ter keep her snug an’safe, W’en ther boss is done with his business in these parts, I low __he’ll take er slide inter Ole Mexico, an’ Jim’ll go with him. I shall take ther gal erlong. Down thar we'll be clean beyend pursuit, an’ I’ll hev ther black-eyed beauty ter take keer of er leetle . nest of my own—er leetle cottage way down in ther lan’ of sunshine and flowers. How do ye like ther picter, boy?” Fred Anthrop’s eyes gleamed like living coals and his face was bard-set, Tortured as he was by the taunting words of the brutal wretch, had he been free and possessed a weapon, he would have struck the tough dead without a thought of mercy. Jim read all this in the young man’s face and eyes; he saw how acute the helpless youth’s tortures were, and he laughed harshly with fiendish satisfaction, ® __ **Now you can’t say I hain’t ole considera- tion,” he continued. ‘‘Knowin’ thet you hed y er short time ter live, I thought I’d tell o ' ye how ther gal ye love wuz goin’ ter be keered fer, thinkin’ thet w’u’d make yer death er happy one, You may hev thunk I was hinder heart- Jess, but arter this you ¢’u’dn’t thunk so ef you wuz goin’ ter live right erlong in this yere wicked worl’, which ye hain’t.” Several of the hooded outlaws were standing _ around the fire, apparently waiting for Whisky Jim to complete his business with the captive. One or two of the band were feeding the fire _ with dead grass and dry brush, so the flames e ga a bright light all the while. “Where was Chris Comstock? Fred asked him- - gelf the question, vainly tryine to peer into the dense darkness which now lurked in the little valley. The young cowboy must have heard the shots, and it seemed as if sufficient time had elapsed for him to appear. Fred had not a doubt but that the daring fellow would make a buld and desperate attempt at his rescue, for he well knew Cowboy Chris’s dashing nature. Rodney Welland was mumbling ‘and mutter- ing to himself, bis eyes rolling and his appear- ance being that of a person about to break into a TR ; The Black Hoods stirred uneasily, and one of them addressed Whisky Jim: f “Better cut it short, pard, If thése fellows have friends in this vicinity they may come down on us.” “Didn't you say Cy Robinson an’ his men hed turned fer ther ranch?” “They surely did; still kere is one of the party.” *] reckon he tuck it inter his head ter fol- J ler Ole Crazy thar.” ‘* Others may have done the same.” “Then why wusn’t they with him? Jest you keep cool, pard; I reckon thar hain’t no more of ther critters within miles of these hills,” Whisky Jim turned once more to the young Easterner, a fiendish light flickering in his blood- shot eyes, his hand producing a wicked-looking knife. Running his thumb along the keen edge of the bright blade, the wretch went on: ‘Now jest mark how considerate of your feel- in’s I be, boy. I w’u’dn’t use er dull knife on er, fer thet’d be sure ter hurt bad. This yere instrument is sharp as er razzer, an’ w’en I pulls it ’crost yer throat it will tickle ye so ye will laugh out loud with ginnywine delight, Itll make ye think of ther time ther gals uster chuckle ye under ther chin. Oh, won’t it be fun!” Fred fully realized the murderous-minded wretch would indeed cut his throat without even a shudder. The young tenderfoot’s situation was desperate in the extreme. Even if he would have stooped to uppeal to Whisky Jim’s com- panions—and he would not—there was little hope that the men would interfere. They were crim- inals of the worst type and fit associates. for the ruffian with the knife, The young man’s only hope was that Chris would arrive in time, e strained his ears to see if he could catch the sound of a distant hoof- beat, but the far-away hoot of an owl was all he heard, ‘*Oh, thar hain’t no use fer ye ter think of axin’ them fellers will they holp ye,” asserted the whisky tough, thinking the captive was about to make an appeal to the Black Hoods in the back- ground, They'll never put their fingers inter my pie, an’ ef I doa good job in polishin’ ye off, it’ll°only show ’em I am fit to be classed as one of ther best members of ther ban’, You hey got ter croak, younker.” The wretch took a savage delight in torturing the helpless young man. Suddenly Fred turned to Old Rattlebrain, cry- ing: “ Rodney Welland, Rodney Welland! arouse, arouse! You are in the bands of your enemies!” ‘* Who galls me?” demanded the deranged man, speaking in a deep tone, ; “TtisI,a friend! Your daughter is in dan- ger! She is a captive in the hands of these wretches!” ‘“ My daughter, my daughter! She is a little child; they would not barm, her, No, no; you are wrong. She is far, far from here; she is at home with Nancy. But where is my home—can you tell?” Whisky Jim laughed, sneeringly. “Ther old cuss is clean daft. He don’t ’mem- ber nary blamed thing thet has happened fer y’ars.. Ef he did, he is trussed up so thar hain’t nary bit of show fer bim ter bu’st loose.” But, Fred was not so sureof that. He had seen some exhibitions of Old Rattlebrain’s won- derful strength which convinced him there 6 be no limit set upon the astonishing power of the deranged. “Time is humpin’ erlong after ther same ole sort,” observed. Jim, ‘* We can’t stay hyer all night, an-so Pll hev ter finish this yere leetle job. Thate ter act if I wuz in a too mighty big rush, fer I ‘lows thet hain’t perlite; but thar are times w’en we can’t stan’ on ceremony, an’ this am one of ther ’easions, Still I'l] hev ter guv ye time ter say over yer pra’rs an’ chant yer death-song, like ev'ry brave warrior duz, So it won’t bother ye, Iwill leave ye fer jest erbout a minute. They oughter guv ye plenty of time fer gittin’ ready ter be bolped off. W’en I kem back, I’m goin’ ter slit yer woozle, an’ thet’s ther ragged-edged truth.” He arose and turned away to speak with one of the men who had' been watching the singu- lar scene, having his arms folded across his breast, ' | instantly turned to Rodney Welland, speaking earnestly: ‘ ‘“You can break loose if you try, Mr. Wel- land,” he declared. ‘* Your life depends on it— your life, my life, the lifeof your daughter! Break loose and set me free! There is not a mo- ment to be lost! In a short time we both shall be murdered!” Something like a light of comprehension filled the deranged man’s restless eyes, but be mut- tered: | ! ‘*Murdered, murdered! Yes, he tried to murdef me! He shot me and then robbed me of my money! But, I was not dead—TI still live!» e was thinking of the tragedy which turned his brain. » ‘© Yes, I live,” he went on, while Fred An- throp strained despairingly at his bonds, ‘“I™ seem to remember that I hunted him down. I found bim—he died at my feet! It is like dream, yet 1 almost fancy itis true. And my child—was she there? It almost seems that way. 4 ‘““She was there,” panted Fred, giving up the © bopeless attempt. ‘‘ She is a young lady now, It © has been years since you left her a child at home. | She had been searching for you, and she found you at last. Now sbe is again a captive in the hands of enemies, Her fate depends on you. Break loose! break loose!” As if these panting words had aroused him to something like a realization of bis position, Rod= ney Welland suddenly eb toa ne pos- ture and glared around. Then a wild laugh came from his bearded lips—a laugh that caused . the outlaws to start and whirl in alarm, * Yip, yip, yip !” It was the ringing cowboy yell, and it’ came from the lips of Chris Comstock! Down through the darkness, heading straight toward the fire, charged the young cattleman, his bridle-rein swinging loose on the neck of his horse, a revol- + ver in each hand, As soon’as he appeared the cowboy’s weapons poeed a speak with a rapidity that was aston- ishing CHAPTER XII, BURIED BENEATH THE SLIDE, THE outlaws were taken by surprise, and sud- den consternation seized upon them, for they — knew not how large the attacking party was. — Their alarm was increased by the cry that came © from Chris Comstock’s lips: fo ‘Here they are, pards! Come on, come on!” 9 Tbe ruse was successful, for the Black Hoo@* 2. fancied a large party of cowboys were cigké.- behind the man whose either hand was spitting fire and whose bullets .were whistling ayound their heads, i ba To increase the excitement, Old Rattlebrainy-~ seized by a sudden fury, rent his bonds asunder ~ and sprung to his feet, his wild” laugh echoing’ ~~.” through the night once more, With a yéll of pain, one of the outlaws threw up his bands and feil heavily to the ground, one of Chris Comstock’s bullets having found a target. ; Seized by an unreasoning terror, the fallen man’s comrades fled precipitately into the dark- ness, quickly vanishing from sight. Plowing up the ground with its hoofs, the young cowboy’s horse came toa halt beside the fire, its master leaping from the saddle. “On hand, pard!” laughed the reckless fellow, springing forward with a knife in his grasp. “1’ll have you free in a jiff, then we will scoot before those imps of Satan recover their balance: and seek to discover the number of their assail- ants.” “You were just in time,” assured Fred, “Unless Whisky Jim lied, I had less than a minute to live.” “Whisky Jim! Is that dastardly dog here?” ‘* He was here, and he told me he was the ofe who kidnapped Nell.” ‘ “Well, if he falls into the hands of any of our: men, he will be sure to decorate the limb of the first tree they can reach.” . Fred was quickly set at liberty. ae ‘One of those fellows escaped on my horse,” — he said, ‘ Iam out av animal, for which I shall have to account to Mr, Robinson,” a ‘*-You were in Cy Robinson’s service, and be wil] never think of considering such a loss.” _ Welland stooped and lifted the body of the fallen outlaw and strode away into the darkness, a not even uttering a word or casting a glance to- ward his companions. a Fred made a significant motion, and both the; — a F young men followed the demented man, Chris” | * leading his horse, aR Tor a long distance Old Rattlebrain strode along through the darkness at a tireless gait, paying no heed to those behind him. At length, he halted at the foot of a steep descent, crouch- ing beside the body of the now softly moaning outlaw, but still remaining silent, ; Chris and Fred paused also, and, leaving his horse standing close at hand, the young cowboy accompanied his pledged pard to Welland’s side, : Fred touched the strange man on the shoul-— der, saying: i : Cowboy Chris to the Foré, 11 ““What are you going to do with him, Mr. Welland?” pointing at the outlaw. Old Rattlebrain shook his head slowly, seem- ing undecided about that point, but he still re- fused to speak. “Tt is our duty to see if the unfortunate ras- Cal is seriously injured,” declared Fred, turning to Chris. “That is so,” was the instant agreement; ‘and if ha is not fatally injured, it is our duty to hold fast to bim till justice can settle his case, Perhaps we may beable to pinch the truth from him.” They bent over the man and removed the hood from his head. He was conscious and be- gan to beg for mercy. “* Strike a match, Fred,” said Chris, ‘and we will see how hard he is hit.” Fred did as directed, and the cowboy ex- amined the man’s wound, When he had done this, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and calked the bullet-hole with it to retard the steady loss of blood. ‘Telling Old Rattlebrain to watch the fellow close, Chris drew his pard aside. *¢ How is it”? asked Fred. “He has got it pretty hard, but there is no Treason that 1 can see why the wound should be fatal.” **Then you will not have his life on your hands?” “7 trust not.” “* But what are you going to tell him?” **T want to pump him, andI am going to make him believe his chances are decidedly small.” * You are going to attempt to make him be- tray his comrades?” “Yes. If we can get the trath from his lips, ‘we may be able to quickly save the girls and destroy this dastardly band of robbers.” “That is true.” They returned to the spot where Welland was silently crouching beside the wounded man, “What is it, pards?” asked the unfortunate wretch, faintly ‘‘ Am I booked fora funeral?” ~ We » you are hard hit,” confessed Chris. **-But is there a chance for me to pull through?” **T\think there is,” was the candid confession. ) The nrn.seemed to revive somewhat at that. ‘Vou hain’t foolin’ me?” be eagerly asked. “You, are not. telling me this for some game?” Tt am telling you what I truly believe. But I carmot see why it should please you.” * You can’t? Well, do you think’Iam anx- ious to kick the bucket?” “T don’t see how youare going to escape it.” * But you jest said t was @ chance for me! What do you mean any way?” “T mean just this,” and Chris crouthed lower, so he could look the fellow fairly in the eyes, despite the darkness—tI mean that J should bless my lucky stars if the wound were fatal, providing I were in your shoes. It isa great deal better and more satisfactory death to die than to stretch hemp.” : A low cry came from the wounded man’s lips; he understood the cowboy’s meaning at last. *Oh, but I hain’t done anytking that means hanging—indeed, I bain’t!” be falteringly pro- tested. ‘‘ You can’t hang a man for nothing, pard.” “ You are one of the Black Phenix’s followers, Stop! I know you would deny it; but, what do you take us for—fools? Jt will be folly for you to lie about it, and so you may as well tell the truth. That is the only course that will avail you anything.” “How are you going to prove I am one of Black Phenix’s men?” ; “We have a enough, We are, convinced ourselvés, and we can easily convince others, Do not waste your time by beating around the bush.” For a few moments the outlaw was silent, then he popeedly asked: “Wal, jest what is it that you want, any- how?” “We want you to peach,” “ You want me to give my pards away?” * Just that!” “And if I refuse?” **T will see that you are hanged for your fool- ishness!” ““Wal, go ahead with your fun! I’m still asa clam.” This was not exactly what the young cowboy had expected, but be did not reveal the fact by any outward sign. When he next spoke his voice was cold and metallic. In a few brief words he painted anvthing but a pleasant pic- led man to contemplate; he of the fate before the un- ‘the noose dangling before the Black Hood’s mental vision, A cold sweat broke out upon the forehead of ‘the wicked wretch and he shuddered in spite of himself, ‘“‘ All this you shall suffer if you refusé to peach on your pards,” Chris concluded. ‘You cannot escape it, for you need expect nothing like mercy when you fall into the hands of Cy Robinson. There is only one way open by which you may hope for life.” “And what is that? Will you pledge your word to release me when I have told you where Black Phenix’sjretreat is? Will you let me go free at once?” “No, for you might lie to us. The chances are you would. I imagine it is as natural for you to lie as to breathe. We would hold you prisoner till we were sure you had told the truth,” ‘* And then wipe me out anyway. the fool you take me for, pards.” ** You will be a bigger fool than I took you for if you do not talk, for I did think you would care a little about your own life. But I am not going to dally with you. If you will not con- fess, we will pack you on the back of my horse and take you to the Robinson Ranch. There you will bave to deal with old Cy Robinson, and he will force the truth from your lips, if he has to give you a taste of the Inferno. You will wislf you had never been born if he gets at you.” The man seemed to hesitate, and Chris added impatiently: ‘““Come, come! We have no time to fcol away! It is many miles tothe Robinson Ranch, and we will have to be moving at once. Make your choice: either tell us the truth now and here, or face Cy Robinson and the noose.” “ Well, perhaps I had better peach now; but if you do not wipe out the chief with the rest of the band, he will surely kill me for turning traitor to save my own neck.” “Cy Robinson has taken an oath to destroy the Black Phenix, and he isa man who always keeps— Ha! what’s that?” A few loose stones and a small amount of dirt came rattling down from above, causing three of the men to start to their feet. The outlaw partially struggled up, as the others dashed out from the base of the precipitous slope, A strange, rushing roar came from above. * A landslide! a landslide !” The words came in a shriek from the outlaw’s lips, as be saw bis companions of a moment be- fore disappear in the darkness, The roaring sound grew louder and the advance couriers of the landslide rained about his ears. He strug- gled to his feet, stumbled, sunk on his knees, his hands upraised appealing to the heavens he had so often blasphemed, his last wild cry ringing through the night to be heard even above the roar of the avalanche! Then a tumbling mass of earth, stones, bowlders and debris shot down upon him, and he was forever buried from the sight of human eyes! I am not CHAPTER XIII. BLACK PHENIX AND THE CAPTIVE BIRDS, SHORTLY after the appearance of the outlaw ebief in the cave, Ruck Pike brought in the second captive, Cy Robinson’s daughter. The treac. erous cowboy had hired with Robinson that he might be a spy in the rancher’s house- bold, and, finding the chief’s orders had gone amiss—for he was conversant with them—and the wrong girl had been carried away, he ven- tured to kidnap the other, Nina was conducted to her captive friend as soon as the cave was reached, and the two girls threw themselves into each other’s arms, the rancher’s daughter bursting into tears, Brave little Nell held the weeping girl close to her warm heart, resolutely keeping back the tears which sought to dim the luster of her own dark eyes. Into Nina’s ears she murmured soft words of , consolation, almost forgetting for the ae that her position was as bad as that of her riend, The two desperadoes, Jim and Mike, were still lolling in front of the fire, which they replenish- ed occasionally from a mass of wood near at band, As‘may be imagined, the appearance of Nina greatly relieved their feelings and filled them with delight, ‘‘Reckon this saves our bacon, pard,” chuckled Jim, ‘‘ Ther boss hes got both gals now, an’ he can’t kick very hard.” ‘* Mebbe he won’t want but one.” “Then he kin give t’other ter me. Black-Hyes is clean grit. No snufflin’ an’ snoz- zlin’ bout her! Some might like t’other best, but she’s too much of erdoll fer me. Black-Eyes is er beauchy, an’ I'll jest be glad ter take her an’ take keer of her.” Leetle leetle “You might fine her er mighty to harness. is got. critter ter break inter claws,” “Wal, Pd.break- ber in ur break her neck. You needn’t worry ’bout thet part of it, pard.” If Nell heard the words of the two ruffians, she paid no heed. Leading Nina to a place where they could sit down, she still held the weeping girl in her arms, as she softly murmur- ed: “Cry to your heart’s relief, my dear friend. You will feel the better for it. The clowday dark tc-day, but to-morrow the sun W shining again. We must put our trusb mo friends we know will do everything in then power to find and save us.” When Nina was calmer she told how she had fallen into the hands of the treacherous cowboy, having stepped out of the ranch a moment toget a breath of fresh air, feeling faint from working over the wounded men. Pike had approached her with some excuse, quickly throwing a thick cloth over her head and suffocating herinto in- sensibility. When she returned to conseious- ness she was far away on the plain, held upon the back of a swiftly-galloping horse, which bore the double burden of captor and ¢aptive. Then Nell told of her own capture, ; ! After awhile one of the hooded outlaws a proached ard calied the two toughs osidesmbeat > ing a few words to them in a low tone, Both of the men left the vicinity of the firé; and after © that the girls were no longer under their sur= veillance, but the hooded outlaw gave them to un= derstand they would be watched all the time, and any move that looked suspicious would be promptly checked. Still they were’ given the privilege, of a wing of the cavern, a large por— tion of which was not lighted by the fire. After some hours food was brought therm. Nina had no appetite, but Nell encouraged her to eat. / rg “You must eat, dear friend, if you would keep your strength, and be prepared to leave the cave when our friends come.” ‘But, will they ever come?” ‘SOF course they will! They will surely find and rescue us, Your father is a man who will not know the meaning of the word rest till his daughter is safe at the ranch once more.” “ And there is Chris—” Nell glanced swiftly at Nina, as the rancher’s daughter suddenly hesitated. Nina saw that glance, and a soft blush stole over her face—a blush which betrayed her secret. ‘Ob, Nina!” laughed Nell. ‘‘ Ineverdreamed of—of that! He is a brave, noble fellow, and—” “Of course he is,” swiftly interrupted the other. ‘* And hetbinks so much of Fred that he will lay down his very life to aid in your rescue, if necessary.” But, Nell was not to be deceived. She caught Nina in her arms and kissed the ranchers daughter with girlish impulsiveness, crying: ” ‘Oh, you can’t fool me! Iam too old@a head © for that! You. love Chris, and there is no way for you to get out of it. Come now; own up like a dear!” Nina shook her head, protesting, but betrayed by her blushes and her appearance. Nell still insisted, and finally the ranchman’s child eoyly confessed she did care for the young cowboy ‘* the least wee little bit.” , And having been cheered somewhat, Nina helped her friend dispose of a portion of the food. ' The weary honrs dragged slowly by, spepb by the girls in talking, sleeping and waiting—wait- ing. It almost seemed as if they had been there days, only catching a glimpse of’a flitting bi figure now and then, when suddenly the shrill whistle sounded through the cave once more. Three times it rung out clearly, then there was a pause, which was followed by two shorter blasts. “Tt is the chief of the outlaws!” exclaimed. Nell. ‘Black Phenix himself is coming!” She was right, and in a short time the dreaded Scourge stood before his captives, mgarding them through the twin holes inthe cowl-like hood which was drawn down to his shoulders. They shrunk before this marauder who had made himself the dread of northern New Mexico. A muffied laugh came from beneath the dis- ise. “This is more than I bargained for,” he con- fessed. ‘‘I only expected one bird, but my jolly lads captured two, ‘Well, the more the merrier. T am having considerable amusement in the val- lev of the San Juan just at present.” Nell’s eyes flashed, and the daring girl turned. fearlessly on the chief of the cattle-lifters. “Tt may be amusemeut for you now,” she cried; ‘‘ but the time will come when your fum ; Lo tiie hn eae eye nig. * __€ame scornfully from Nell’s lips, ~ in love with his daughter. 12 bag gs Cowboy Chris to the Fore. will have a sudden termination. Itis pretty sure to end at the end of a rope.” Black Phenix seemed surprised, but in a mo- ment he laughed again, apparently’ not dis- pleased, despite the stinging words of the daunt- iess girl, “A regular little spitfire, eh? Well, I must confess yon are a beauty ! Caramba! If I had pot chosen the other—. But I have, and I will { mot change, I fancy you have too much spirit for me,.anyway. I have not the time to waste in-breaking the spirit of a beautiful girl. One of my men made the bung.ing mistake of bring- ine you here, and now he will have to look after you, . Ihave no desiretc get my eyes scratched _ Which shows what a brave man you are!” You have “ebanged your business—taken to stealing girls instead of cattle.” ~ ‘ Well, it is a slight departure from my usual line of work, I will confess; but this time it is more for revenge and for love than for gain. I _ have an old score against Cy Robinson, and I am I can get revenge “on him-and secure his daughter at the same » time, thus popping over two birds ata single shot.” » “Cy Robinson will see that your neck is “stretched for this black work!” . He will discover he has tackled the biggest ‘job of hislife. There are lots of them who have tried to stretch my neck, but it is not an inch Jonger to-day than when the Black Phenix was first heard of, four years ago.” “ Braggart!” “Thanks for the compliment! You have a sharp tongue, senorita, and there is danger you may injure yourself with it. I should advise ‘you to have a care. -A woman never knows thow to handle a dangerous weapon.” ‘Tf I had a pistol at this moment—” “You would make a fool of yourself, alma mia.” (My dear.) **T would eud the career of the dastard who has caused so much trouble!” ‘** Then it is fortunate for me you have no pis- tol. I have no desire to pass over the dead range, But, I haven’t time to waste in talk. I @ame to get a glimpse at my captive birds, and my desire has been gratified. Now I will take myself away.” ae a good riddance it will be!” flashed Nell.- At this Black Phenix laughed once more. ‘*You are very bold now, little one, but you "will sing a different song by and by. All the be same, lam free to confess I admire your spirit. While you remain with me, you shall be treated well, gut I’ can make no promises for the time when 24 will fall into the hands of Whisky Jim. Ishould advise you to improve the pres- ent, and take no thought of the future. Eat, drink, sleep, and be prepared for a long jour- mey. Within three days we may be on our way to Mexico, I hope to complete my revenge in that time. * Buenos dios, senoritas !” With a sweeping bow,/ be turned and left _ them, disappearing into the darkness, < oe ellie!” gasped Nina, as soon as the Ob, N ** How could you talk ehief had disappeared. to him in that way?’ __, “ Ho, that was nothing!” declared the plucky miss. *‘Do you suppose I am afraid of Pablo ~Pajario?” *“ Pablo Pajario! What do you mean?” **Didn’t yon recognize his voice?” No, the hood muffled it.” -“T made an allowance for that. I confess the Xd did muffle it so it sounded somewhat _ strange, but if that man was not Pablo Pajario _ fam wretchedly mistaken!” ‘Hush! Here he comes again!” But, it was not the chief. Another one of the i ace approached and threw some wood upon 8 fire. While he was doing this, he did not even look at the girls, but they heard him dis- . tinctly pets Reep Yup courage ; Lam your friend ! CHAPTER XIV, A RESTLESS RANCHMAN, As he darted out from the base of that steep slope, hearing the increasing roar above, Cow- boy Chris understood what it meant, and he fully comprehended the peril they were in, Already his horse had dashed from the dan- gerous vicinity, and, catching Fred Anthrop by the arm, the young cattleman hurried him for- ward, shouting: | “Run, run! Run for life!” At first Fred would have held back, thinking you shall be saved! of the outlaw, whom he understood to be in peril, although even then he could not comprehend the nature of thé danger which menaced them, But Chris knew there was not a second to be lost, and he never relaxed his grip on Fred’s arm for an instant, F Above that rushing roar they both heard the last wild cry of the wounded ontlaw, as the miserable wretch stumbled and fell on bis knees, and, although the sound smote to their hearts, they could do nothing for the sinful man, whose crimes it seemed were to be avenged by a wrath- ful God, As the mass of earth and stone came pouring into the valley they were barely beyonc the mouster’s death-clutch. Even then they were overwhelmed by a cloud of dust and flying debris. Huge bowlders bounded past them, and something caught them up and dashed them to the ground. They struggled up and ran on again, but the peril was.past almost in the twinkling of an eye, Pantiug and breathless, they finally came to a halt, “Well,” gasped Chris, “‘ that was what I call a tight squeeze. We escaped by the skin of our teeth.” “ But that poor devil—the wounded outlaw—” ‘Ts dead and buried.” Fred‘shuddered. “It is borrible!” he cried. save bim!” ‘No; we barely bad tinie to save ourselves. As it is, we may thank our lucky stars the slide wasasmallone, Had it been a regular moun- tain avalanche, it is doubtful if our friends would have ever known our fate,” ** But what started it?” “ That is a mystery no one will ever explain, It is probable it started of its own accord, as such slides usually do.” ‘* And Mr, Welland—where is he? Can it be he is buried under that mass of earth?” “‘Treckon not. He started to get away even before we did. He must have escaped.” Fred shouted the deranged man’s name, and far away in the darkness a wild laugh rung out —a laugh that sounded weird and strange, and gradually sunk to silence, as if dying out in the distance. ‘That was his voice, better try to find him?” ‘* My borse is in that direction, so we may as well move that way. The chances are we shall find neither man nor beast. If we do not find the horse, we shal] have a good tramp before us in getting to the ranch.” However, the horse was soon found, and he allowed his master to easily catch him. Then the two young men held a consultation, finally deciding the wisest thing they could do would be to start for theranch. There was lit- tle hope of finding Rcdney Welland in the dark- ness, and they might run against the outlaws again. ““We must get some sleep, too,” said Chris; ‘for there will be another hard day’s work be- fore us in the morning.” “Sleep!” echoed Fred, ‘‘ You may talk of sleep; but it is something I shall know nothing of this night.” ‘ “You think so now; but you will snooze off when we get settled down at the ranch. It is your duty to sleep if you want to hold out for the rest of the hunt,” So, mounted on one horse, they turned toward the ranch, The animal had been overworked that day, and it was near midnight before they reached their destination, Cy Robinson had not retired, and the barking of his dogs brought him to the door to learn the cause, i ‘Ah, boys!” he cried; ‘you have come at: last, But, where is the other horse?’ ‘Chris explained, and the rancher listened ea- gerly to the story. ‘* By Heavens!” he cried, striking his hands together; ‘‘ I believe the retreat of the dastardly gang is somewhere amid those hills!” “i think so myself,” acknowledged Chris, ‘Well, to-morrow we will give the section such a scouring as itmever had before. Itis a pity you lost that outlaw! If I had been able to get a him, I would have wrung the truth from his lips. One of the men about the place came forward and led Chris’s horse away, and the pards fol- lowed Cy Robinson into the ranch, \ “T could not think of trying to sleep till you came in,” he explained. ‘‘I almost doubt if I can sleep at all to-night. I want to be moving all the time, Boys, if we are not more fortunate anon than we were to-day, I shall go ma We could not He escaped. Had we He looked as if he spoke the truth, for his cheeks were sunken, his face flushed and his eyes red as coals, Round-up Rube came in, and for some time the four sat discussing the situation and laying plans for the morrow. While they were thus occupied, Pete, the darky, appeared, his face wearing one of the most woebegone expressions imaginable, “Ob, dar yo’ am, Masser Chris!” he exclaim- ed. ‘‘An’ dar’s Masser Fred, but I don’ see puffin’ ob my pore lit’l? missy. Oh, de good Lawd sabe an’ bless us! but dis am a terriful time fo’ suah! WUain’t plinked de banjer once dis hoel bressed day, an’ dat’s suffin’ ’tain’t happen befo’ fer y’ars. I jes’ completely kum- frusticated—yes, I is!” The faithful fellow was indeed a sad-appearing ea as he wiped his eyes with the back of his and, “Nebber fought I’d com’ ter see dis yar sor- rerful time w’en I tole de ole missus dat I'd look arter de lit’l? missy. Nebber fought de time’d com’ wen I didn’t keep my wo’d. If lit’ missy’s nebber foun’, I’s jes’ gwine ter ker- mit screwicide—I is, fo’ a sollum fac’! I jes’ cayn’t. stan’ diz sollumcolly feelin’ ob lassera- tion; dat’s w’at’s de mattah wid me.” Cy Robinson finally bade the others good- night and ascended to his room, but, as he said, with no hopes of sleeping. Still, if he could get some rest, he would be better prepared for the work of the coming day. But there was no rest for the rancher that night, Within his room be found a slip of paper attached to a stone, the latter having appar- ently been tossed in at the open window, “Ten to one it is a demand for ransom-money from the Black Phenix!” he exclaimed. But it was not. The paper was covered with writing, but the letters were shaky and uncer- tain, as if made by a very old person. It was with great difficulty the rancher decipheied the following: j “Cyrus Roprnson:— ; ’ “The Yellow Witch is back. She ean reveal the past and look into the future. Come to her at once... 2 Come alone, and she will tell you of your ehild. / ames “O~p MAG/? 5. For a long time Cy Robinson sat withthe; paper in his band, staring steadily at the strag— gling and ill-shaped letters, his face wearing a’ © look of uncertainty. He seemed like a man puzzling over an intricate problem. ey At Jength che sprung up and began pacing © the floor, crushing the paper im his hand, cape 2 “So Old Mag is back,” be muttered. “At ~ least, the paper says so, but, what am Ito think + of it? Has the Yellow ‘Witch really returned to her but in the hills, or is this a trick of some kind? By gracious! I remember bearing one of the men speak of seeing a smoke risin from her chimney. I reckon she is really back | again. “There is a a bc about that old woman—a_ mystery no one bas been able to solve, Why - she should occupy that lonely hut, and how she © manages to live, is the mystery. Twice before this has sne disappeared, only to, return after a time. Where she goes or why she goes noone © can say. There is no doubt but she is a crazy woman, but ] know she is perfectly barmless.” For several minutes be strode back and forth in silence, but he soon broke out again, F ‘“This may be a trick—a snare to entrap me, It is possible this slip of paper never came from the old fortune-teller. Let me look at it again, I haye seen the old woman’s writing once be- fore.” He again carefully examined the paper and what was written on it, 4 “I believe the writing is the same as that I saw before, Ido not believe in these foolish old fortune-tellers; and yet, Old Mag once told Nina some things about the past which J thought were only known to me and one other—and that other is dead. How she knew of those things I cannot imagine. She nearly frightened Nina to death with thestory, but I deceived the child by assuring her it was all false, I would not have her know the truth—the bitter black truth—for the world! I have hoped the past was dead and buried. “Tf I really thought this old witch could tell me anything of my child, I would not sleep till I bad seen her. Itis a good twenty miles, but with a fresh horse, Icould get there, hear what she had to tell and return before morning. “T believe 1 will go!” . tex He could not sbake off the sudden desire which © seized upon him, “Te it isa trap, I walk into it with a inmy band, I do not fear o 1d He soon stole cautiously ; evolver — F Cowboy Chris to the Fore. 13 left the building. As he approached the stable, some of the dogs came growling toward him, but he silenced them with alow word. The cowboy on guard called out to him, and he made himself known, ‘*Great Scott, boss!” exciaimed the fellow, in astonishment. ‘‘ You oughter be snoozin’ ef you're goin’ ter hump roun’ ter-morrer.” ‘Tcan’t sleep, Skidds. I am going to take alittle ride. Saddle the black stallion for me.” The cowboy searly fell over in hisamazement, and then, muttering something about some peo- ple being ‘mighty fond of ridin’,” he hastened to obey his employer's orders, As Cy Robinson stood with his hand on the bit of the fiery stallion, ready to spring into the saddle, he said: “Tf Tam not back by sunrise, Skidds, you may tell the boys I started for the cabin of the | Yellow Witch.” Then he swung into the saddle and gave the stallion free rein, quickly vanishing from the amazed cowboy’s eyes, being swallowed up in the darkness of a cloudy night. CHAPTER XV. os THE YELLOW WITCH. In a cabin amid the hillsan old woman crouch- ed silently beside a fire, over which was suspend- eda small kettle from which came a musical bubbling, The cabin door was flung wide open and the light of the fire flickered out into the night. ’ “ Will he come?” It was the old woman who muttered the words, as through the mass of tangled white hair that fell down over her face she peered toward the open doorway. Scarcely a glimpse of her face could be obtained, all because of that repulsive vail of tangled hair. Her clothes were soiled and ragged and her whole aspect that of abject poverty. It was the mysterious ‘‘ Yellow Witch ” of the hills, ; Afarin the night sounded a. hoof-beat. The ~~ woman started and listened, then a laugh of ex- * wultation came from behind the vail of hair, . ‘ Fe is coming !” Upor thesfire she flung a handful of powder which catised the flames to assume mingled tints » of red, green and yellow, filling the small room with a weitdly fantastic light and making the old witch’ seem like a thing of evil as she still crouched beside the fire-place and began to croon a mournful chant. The sounds of hoof-beats came nearer, nearer, mearer—then stopped at the door, A few seconds later, Cy Robinson walked into the room, his band on the butt of a holstered re- volver, With a low exclamation, he halted and stared at the strange figure cut by the old wo- man as she was revealed by strange-colored light from the flames. She seemed to heed not his ad- vent, for she did not stir or look up, but con- tinued that weird crooning. A feeling of repulsion seized upon the ranch- man, but he was nota man to be shaken by a little trickery, so he spoke: “Well, Mag, I am here.” Still the woman refused to stir or look up; still that mournful crooning continued. With two strides, Cy Robinson wasat her side, and his hand fell on her shoulder. “You sent for me, Mag; I am here.” Then she started and looked up, ‘*T knew you would come,” she croaked—' [ knew it!” ; ‘* Well, now I am here, what have you to tell me? I have no time to waste, for I have not slept a wink in nearly forty-eight hours.” “What do you want to know, Cyrus Robin- son?’ barshly demanded the old crone, » ** Yousaid you could tell me of my child.” * And you have come tohear what I can tell?” ‘For what other purpose would I take such a ride through the night, old woman?” came im- patiently from the rancher’s lips. ‘** And do you believe Old Mag can tell you anything of value?” : ‘Had I not thought it possible, do you think I would have taken this ride through the dark- ness after a day in the saddle?” “But you have not a particle of faith in for- tune-tellers, Cyrus Robinson—at least, you have repeatedly said so, You told your child Old ag lied when she revealed some of your past history to the girl. Do you deny that, Cyrus Robinson?” ' “Thave no time to et! anything,” and the ranchman’s face grew black at hearing,the past spoken of by the strange woman of the hills, Old Mag lifted one yellow hand and shook it athim, crying: — - : “You know I told the girl the truth—you cs ee ; 7 agen know it, you know it! ButI did not tell her one-half!” “T have not come here to listen to your prat- ings of the past, old woman! If you can tell me anything of my child, tell it, and I promise you that you shall uot go unrewarded.” “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the Yellow Witch, ‘You will reward me—you will reward Old Mag, eh? I wonder how much you will give her if she will tell you where you can find your child—I wonder, 1 wonder!” “Give!” came hoarsely from the man’s lips— “TJ will give enough to make you comfortable | the rest of your life, old woman! If you know anything, tell it!” ‘What if the girl is dead?” The ranchman reeled back a step, then sprung forward and clutched the crone by the shoul- der, almost snarling: ** Don’t fool with me, Mag! it! Nina is not dead!” The witch laughed sneeringly, and Cy Robin- son saw a pair of coal-black eyes which gleam- ed through the mass of hair which fell down over them—gleamed like the eyes of a serpent. Something tempted him to brush that vail aside and get a fair look at the face behind it, but he resisted the desire. It would have been better for him, perhaps, had he obeyed the impulse. “JT have not said the girl is dead,” croaked Mag. ‘‘Tonly asked that to discover how you would stand the revelation Iam about to make, Oh, it is a strange revelation, Cyrus Robinson— a revelation that. will freeze your blood with horror!” ‘Ido not care to listen to any of your wild tales, old woman; I did not come here for that purpose.” “Tf I am going to tell you anything, you will have to let me tell itin my own way. AndI ean tell of the present and the future only after I have told of tbe past. Sit down in that chair, Cyrus Robinson; sit down and listen.” He hesitated a moment, then obeyed. The fire had assumed its natural state, the tints of green and yellow having disappeared. The witch arose and threw a handful of some- thing into the bubbling pot, and inan instant a sound like a whispering of many lips came from the vessel. The old woman bent her head and listened with her ear close to thekettle. Till the whispering sounds had quite ceased she remain- ed thus, then she turned toward Cy Robinson, laughing sbrilly. ‘Oh, it is a jolly tale the spirits, have tot me!” she declared, bobbing her bent body up and down—‘‘a jolly tale! And it is true—it is true, for I have listened to it many times be- fore. I am going to tell you what the spirits revealed to me, Cyrus Kobinson, : ‘Many years ago there were two beautiful Spanish girls who fell in love with an American adventurer. The girls were twins and looked so much alike that their own friends and relatives were sometimes botbered in telling one from the other, One’s hair was a trifle lighter than the other’s, and that was the principal distinguish- ing feature about them. The one of the light hair was named Inez and and the other Juanita. “Now these two girls were living with their parents in Old Mexico when they first saw the American adventurer and fell in love with him. Naturally, their parents opposed their becoming friendly with the American, but both of the twins were wildly infatuated, and they would not listen to reason. There were secret meet- ings at most of which both maidens were pres- ent, and it was difficult to tell which the Ameri- can preferred. In truth, he was undecided on this point himself, ‘The rivalry between the girls was of the most sisterly nature, and each assured the other she would hold no hardness if she was unsuc- cessful and her sister won the American, Each protected the other from discovery in any secret interview indulged in with the adventurer. “Inez of the light hair was the successful one in the end, for to her the American avowed his love. But, when she told ber sister, there was a tempest, for to that moment Juanita had felt confident of winning in the end. Then Juanita broke her pledge and revealed everything to her parents, The storm of wrath that followed was terrific, and Inez was confined to her room, while the father watched for the daring Ameri- can, swearing he would shoot the dog. But, Juanita still loved the adventurer, and she man- aged to warn him of his danger. ‘This American wasa most daring and clever fellow. How he conveyed intelligence of his plans to Inez no one ever knew, but one night she escaped from her room and fied with the waiting adventurer into the United States. There—” Speak up! I will not stand “Bah! Wh eyes witicand “There, that_is quite enough!” exclaimed the ranchman, ‘* What do you suppose about this fairy-tale of love and adventure! L have not the time to waste in listening, and I did not come here for that purpose. If you can. tell me anything,of)my child, tell it at once, aud I will depart. “T told you I could only reveal the present and future by speaking of the past. Have pa- tience a little and I will come to the part that will interest and astound you, I will tell you something of your child that never entered your wildest dreams, Have patience, Cyrus Robin- son, have patience! ‘Of course Inez’s father and mother were fearfully angry, nor was Juanita any the less. enraged. They all declared Inez was nothing to them from that moment; she had east her lot with the American, and she might stay with him. They would have nothing to do with her, “Inez was happy with ber husband, ever though his worldly wealth was small and he proved an adventurer indeed. He was well- educated, and after a time, the wife discovered. that her poor knowledge of English and imper- fect pronunciation of the language were un- pleasant to him. Then she set about mastering the tongue of the man she loved, and she suc— ceeded so well that in a remarkably short time she could speak and write correctly in his Jan- guage, “But, as I said, the man was an adventurer. He was engaged in all manner of wild scbemes. One of these finally took him to South America,’ and he was forced to leave his beautiful wife behind, although it nearly broke her heart ta part from him. “Now it happened that Juanita still loved the husband of her sister and she sometimes dreamed of winning him from Inez. At first she consid~ — ered them nothing but dreams, but gradually the desire to test her power grew upon her, and the sudden death of both of her parexts left her plenty of money and opportunity to follow her inclinations, As a result, she traced ber sister into the United States and finally found her. Juanita pretended to be very sorry for having treated Inez as she did in the past, and the lonely wife was only tco glad to accept her sister as a friend and companion in her husband’s ab- sence, Just then she did not know herhusband’s address, and thus she was prevented from in- forming him of the reconciliation. “Shortly after this reconciliation the young wife became a mother. And now comes aston~ isher number one for you, Cyrus Robinson. Listen: P “ The mother lived less than two hours after the child was born !” For a moment the ranchman seemed then he cried: “Old woman, you lie!” CHAPTER XVI. OLD MAG’S REVELATIONS, THE Yellow Witch laughed shrilly. a care Barat, “Oh, I lie, do 1 Cyrus Robinson? I am @ ; fool, am I, Cyrus obinson? What would*he my object in telling you anything but the truth, \ man?” “T do not know what you have jus living when [ returned from South America.” ‘*Ha, ba, ha! Whata fool you were, Cyrus! oh, what a blind fool you were! And where is Inez now ?” ie **Sbe is dead—tbank God!” ‘* Why do you thank God for that?” ‘* Because she was false—talse as hell!” **And now you are the one who lies, Cyrus Robinson! was true to you—you, the adventurer of my revelation!” ee object, but Ido know do you tell me this? My own her guilt; my own hand struck at the life of her lover! That he escaped deat! then, ouly to perish afterward, as he justh served, was not my fault. That Inez, whom spared, killed herself at his death, I know. I lave stood beside her grave.” as ‘But, you saw not her dead body. Ob, how you have been deceived, Cyrus Robinson! But. isten; 1 will go on with the revelations,” ‘‘Stop! I will hear no more of your foolish tales!” ae “Oh, yes hee will, Cyrus—yes, you will! I” am not half done, and you must listen if you would know the fate of your child, Yourchild! Ha, ha, ba! You love your child! 1 wonder how it will be when you learn the truth. Sit still and listen, Cyrus!” She put up her yellow hands and pushed them stated is false, Inez was _ ies 7 de- As there isa Heaven above us, Inez” Ry as \\ yea out toward him. ‘He felt as if they had touched 4 him and crushed bim down into the seat. He 14 Cowboy Chris to the Fore. fell back helplessly, glaring at her, his lips mov- ing, but no sound issuing from: them, ‘*T tell you Inez died less than two hours after the birth of her child,” Old Mag contin- uel, ‘But the fact was kept a secret, Only the physician knew of it, and his tongue was silenced with a golden gag. She was secretly buried under the direction of the sister who had resolved on playing a most desperate game. Then that sister assumed the mother’s place, the only thing necessary for the deceit being a slight change in the color of her hair, which was skillfully bleached to resemble that of her dead sister. Oh, it was a bold and crafty scheme, ‘Cyrus Robinson—the scheme of a woman who was ready to pawn her very soul for the man whom she fancied she loved! ** But, Juanita could not talk English fluent- ly, like her sister had been able todo. Her first thought was of that; she must speak as perfectly as Inez, and then she would be ready to meet you when you returned from South America. She immediately began to study, and her pro- gress was something astonishing even to herself, ut, before she had mastered English sufficient- ly to write as correctly as her sister, a letter came from the one whom she was plotting to win. At first she was puzzled to know what to do, but she soon saw a way outof it. She gota friend to answer the letter, pretending to be too sick to write herself just then, but wishing to make an immediate reply to let him know of the birth of the child. The letter told him it was a dear little girl; but the letter lied, Cyrus Robinson! *“The child to which Inez gave birth was a boy !” A harsh laugh came from the ranchman’s Tips, and he hoarsely cried: ” “Now I know you lie, old woman! You are deranged! I did not come here to listen to the will tales of a crazy witch,'aud I have no more time tc spend in such a foolish manner!” *Goit you want to, then!” snarled Old Mag, shaking her clinched hands at him. go! but never again will you look on the face of the one whom you have believed your child all these years! Old Mag swears it!” The rancher had partially started up, but he ‘sunk back into his seat again, his face turning pale anda light of dread filling his sunken eyes, “Why don’t you go?” sneered the Yellow Witch. “ What is hindering you, Cyrus? The door is wide open.” ‘©Go on with your yarn!” came hoarsely from thé man’s lips. ‘I will remain and see how big a lie you can tell.” Old Mag chuckled with satisfaction. **T knew you would,” she asserted—‘‘ I knew it] But, you may get frightened and run out at the door when | tell you all the truth, so [ will close if. It shall not be fastened, Cyrus, but I will Close it.” She swung the door shut, then came back and crouched beside the fire, beginning to mutter nd mumble and nod in a strange fashion, This shé continued several moments; then she threw another powder into the flames, and .almost im- mediately a soft and delightful perfume filled theroom. It was exquisite to the senses, but it was like some powerful drug that steals away one’s power of motion, but leaves his mind clear to understand. Cy Robinson felt the influence of the subtle perfume stealing over him, and he sought to be- stir himself and rush from the hut; but even then he only succeeded in partially starting from his seat and falling back helplessly. Shrilly laughing, Old Mag approached, “Isn't it sweet, Cyrus; isn’t it delightful? Had it entered your nostrils as many times as it has mine, it would have no effect upon you—no more effect than it hason me. Now I have no fear that you will run away before I can tell you the whole truth—the astounding truth. You will remain quiet and listen. I will go on. * Juanita, the bold, when she resolved to take her sister’s place as your wife, fully realized the } Possibility of failure, She was a strange crea- ture, and even while she believed she loved you, she thought it possible that love would turn to hate if you sbould discover the deception and cast her off. Then she would wish to have some . hold on you by which she could crush you. A wild scheme entered her brain, and she resolved to carry it out. Children-of any sort can be purchased by money ina great city, and Juan- ita, through an agent, bought a pretty baby irl, taking care the heartless mother who sold it-knew not whither it went. Then the boy, her dead sister’s child, she placed in the hands of ople who would care for it for a consideration, he ‘fil took its place, «This seems strange and improbable to you, _ “ Go, 9, | Cyrus Robinson, but it is thetruth. You are tortured by what you hear, but you have not heard the worst... I will go on. “Just before you returned from South Amer- ica, Juanita, who was then known as Inez, be- came acquainted with a young fellow in. whose company she managed to pass many very plea- sant hours. Still she believed she loved you. She was only whiling away the time till you came, But the young man fell madly in love with the Spanish beauty, vainly trying to in- duce her to give up her supposed husband and fly with him. She refused, “You came back from the South, and she re- ceived you as your wife. You never detected the cheat; you never dreamed of the change, ‘You held her in your strong arms, and covered her mouth with kisses; you kissed the babe and believed it your own child, The deception was perfect and the false Inez was happy for a time. “But years had changed you, Cyrus. After a time the new Inez began to feel as if something was lacking in, you—something she could not understand, Then she turned to herself for an explanation, and found it was something lack- ing in her own heart. She did not truly love you as she had imagined! This horrible dis- covery came to her one day and crushed her like a flower that has been trampled on. For a long time she was so sad, so strange, so unlike herself that you wondered and could not under- stand her, mood. Nothing would cheer her, She had plotted and deceived only to be bitterly disappointed. “ All this while her other lover was waiting and watching, refusing to give up hope, Once they met by accident; after that their meetings were frequent and stealthy. But, you were keen, Cyrus; you detected something wronz about the woman you believed your wife, and you watched her closely. As a result, you caught her in her lover’s arms—in the arms of the man she did truly love! ‘*You know'what followed, Cyrus; you shot him down before her eyes and left him for dead. But, be did not die. Juanita nursed him back tolife, She swore to kill-you if he died, but to cause you to suffer the tortures of a thousand deaths before you were relieved by death itself, She learned you had disappeared, taking with you the child you believed your own. She laughed as she thought of striking at you througb the boy who was your child in truth. This child she now took into her own charge, giving it the name of Pablo, “Ha, Wa, ba!” laughed tbe witch, as she rubbed her yellow bands together. “It is a pretty story, Cyrus--a pretty story! What a fool You were—what a fool you have been all these years! You have brought up a nameless waif, while your own ebild has learned to call Juanita mother. But the story: ** Juanita nursed ber lover bak to life, only to have him slain by the dogs of thelaw. He had committed some small crime, and he tried to escape when they would have arrested him. He was shot and killed. ‘* Juanita brooded over his death—it nearly killed her. Somehow it seemed to her as if you were responsible for it all, Cyrus Robinson, and she resolved to strike at you. To aid in this)she made a pretense of poisoning herself, and was supposed to have been buried in the grave be- side which you stood, She died as Inez; far away, she appeared as Juanita, and Little Pablo was with her, ‘‘For years she has known where you were, Cyrus Robinson; she has kept track of your every move. If she sought revenge, why didn’t she strike? Ah, she was not ready, Cyrus! Something held her back for the time. She would strike at you through your own child when the right time came. The time has come! Listen, Cyrus Robinson: * Your own son—your Pablo—is the outlaw known as the Black Phenix !” A gasping groan came from the lips of the astonished rancher, He struggled madly to throw off the lethargy that held bim helpless. He tried to shout—to curse, All in .vain! Great drops of perspiration stood on his fore- bead; white foam flecked his lips, Shrilly Old Mag’s laugh sounded through the cabin. The witch suddenly straightened up and was no longer the bent old woman. Again she threw a handful of wder on the fire, and immediately a dense smoke began to roll into the room—a smoke with a perfume that was” both sweet and sickening, It gathered around her in dense masses, and, as if on a buoyant wave, she. seemed to float toward the ranchmap. Before him she appeared to pause, poised in the air. He knew it must be an illusion, ‘* Now comes the final revelation, Cyrus Rob- inson,” cried the Witch of the Hills, look, look !” She threw aside the ragged garment that had enveloped her, and her attire was whole and clean beneath; she tore aside the vail of mat- ted hair and cast it from her, and a hard, cruel, yet tascinatingly beautiful face was re- vealed! Not the face of a girl, but the face of a handsome woman of middle age! This seemed to break the spell which had chained the man’s tongue, for he gasped: ‘*Tnez—my God!” ‘““No, not, Inez,” was the reply. Juanita |" Then the strange perfume of the smoke stole away the man’s senses, and he sunk unconscious before her. ** Look, OT a CHAPTER XVII. INTO THE CAVERN. THROUGH a chink in the cabin wall a man had been watching all that transpired within. And that man -was Rodney Welland—‘ Old Rattlebrain.” Strangely enough, the deranged man had gradually come back to his right mind and was in a normal condition as he witnessed the strange things occurring within the hut of the Yellow Witch, ; When Cy Robinson lay unconscicus before her, a hard laugh came from the lips of the wo- man. Then she turned and threw open the cabin door, muttering something about fresh air, As the cool night air clesred away the smoke which had filled the room, Rodney Welland saw the woman pushing the coals and fire-brands far back into the fireplace, Then she stamped three times upon a certain portion of the floor. Several moments passed, then a flat stone which formed a part of the bottom of the fire- place sunk from view, revealing a dark opening through which two hooded figures arose into the hut. ‘The woman motioned toward the uncon- scious man. They lifted him, and he was low- ered through the opening, after which they dis~ appeared and the flat stone once more rose into view. ple are The man outside the cabin waited to Bee no more, Silently he stole to where tuerandltnaas horse was still standing, to fling himsely into the } saddle and go thundering into thé, @arkncss of the night. 7 The woman of the hills rushed ‘to the open cabin door, but was too late to cateha glinipse of horse or*rider, “‘T wonder what could have Startled the ani- mal?” she muttered. And she did not dream @ rider was mounted on its back. By rare good fortune rather than by reason, Rodney Welland struck’ straight toward the ranch, Still there may have been something like instinct about the choosing of the course, fur he gave the black stallion free rein, For twenty miles the horse bad been ridden ab its highest speed that night, but Rodney Wel- land was almost mercilessin urging bim onward as the return trip was made, Morning was at hand and a gray light was beginning to show in the east when Robinson Ranch was reached, Welland lost not a moment’s time in arousing the place and telling ‘his surprising story. At first it was thought to be the imagining of a dis- ordered brain, but when Cy Robinson was not found in his room and the cowboy Skidds de- clared that be had started for the hut of the Yellow Witch, then there was excitement indeed, ‘“Saddle up, pards, saddle up!” shouted Round-up Rube, ‘*Thar’s er hard ride an’ bot work afore us! We've got ter hump ourselves ef we want ter save ther boss, fer I reckon them critters ll be arter snuffin’ him out putty soon, Ther gals are tbar too. Stir yer stumps, lads!” “ Bress de Good Lawd!” squealed Pete, ‘T's jes’ gwine ’long wid dis congregatherin’, 1 is! Hf yo’ "ll give dis chile a gun he’ll show ye how ter make sassage-meat ob dem gal-cotchers! Oh, wow! won’t it be areglum picnic! An’ Dll see liv’? missy! Well, I jes’ is gwine long wid yo’ folkses, an’ PU butt ds win’ out ob de onery coon dat say I isn’t.” “You will have to rustle for a horse, if you want to go, Pete,” said Chris, ‘‘ There will not be any of the boys who will stop to get one ready for you.” “Well, ’s er rustler, I is! If yo’ leabe dis chile behin’ jes’ yo’ tell him he’s a fool nigeany In a few minutes all the cowboys, with a sin- gle exception, were ready for the ride, One of the men was forced to remain behind and look after the place, but be swore roundly at his fate. Away toward the bills rode the cowboys, one of their number making a sweep to take in the Diamond Ranch and secure reinforcements from Orson,Colfax's men, But the rest of the party £ a j Pn mena re 2 PREPARE the 4 Cowboy Chris to the Fore. 15 did not wait for the cowboys of the Tenderfoot © Rancher to join tuem, With Rube, Chris, Fred, and Rodney Welland at their head, they dashed straight on for the bills, heading for the hut of the witch, The twenty miles were covered in a remark- ably short space of time, and the party drew up at Old Mag’s cabin. Leaping from the saddles and leavicg the horses hitched to the small timber about, they burried into the hut. A fire was still burning upon the hearth, and the Yellow Witch was crouching beside it, mumbling to berself. She seemed to pay no heed to the entrance of the men, but her sur- Prise must have been great when she was seized 4nd the mass of false hair torn from her head. *'Stiddy, you!’ snarled Round-up Rube, as the unmasked woman squirmed and raved in odney Welland’s powerful grasp. ‘* We mean Siness, and hain’t got no time ter lose. We ®w your crooked game from beginning ter eend. Where is Cy Robinson?” =’ What do I know of Cy Robinson?” she cried. i He kem hyer—” ; * Yes; he came here in the night, and he departed as he came—upon the back of his horse.” 3 * Hang ter ther lyin’ hussy!” exclaimed Rube. “Some o’ you feliers tie her up tight an’ let Welland see ef he kin tell how thet stun works, He saw it move, an’ he oughter know suthin’ *bont it.” Juanita fought savagely, but her efforts were useless. In a few moments she was securely botind. Meautime the men had beén working around the movable stone, but for a long time their in- Vestigations came to naught. It was left for Fred Anthrop to discover the secret spring by which it could be operated from within the cabin, As the stone sunk from view, the men peered into the opening and saw a dark flight of stairs. “ Lights, pards, lights!” exclaimed the fore- man. There was a pile of wood in one corner of the gut, e from it several knots were selected and hghtew. “8Now foller me with yer barkers in yer han’s,” ondered the bow-legged cowboy, as he datntless% dese¢end>1 into the darkness, Welland followed next, then Fred and Chris, after whict the’cowboys filed in as happened to fall their lot, Pete bringing up the rear, a huge horse-pistol he had soniehow securéd clasped in bis black nd and desperate determination written on Biswvace. They had@#ot taken the precaution to gag the Woman, and'she set up a wild shrieking as they descended. “Kem on!” gritted Rube, “Ef thet don’t roust ther critters up, I dunno ther reason why!” Every moment they expected to hear an alurm, but they reached the cavern-bottom with- out any disturvance being created, This filled them witb wonder, and a fear seiz2d upon them, lest the robbers had taken the alarm and fled from the cave by means of another exit. ‘ Forward they burried, and suddénly their lights showed them four flitting figures which Seamed trying to escape observation, ** Halt thar!” howled Round-up Rube. ‘ Stan’ stiddy, ur we'll riddle ye!” One of the figures uttered an exclamation of Surprise and joy. “*It’s Rube!” cried the voice of Cy Robinson —‘' Rube and the boys!” Then the torchlight revealed the surprising fact that two of the figures were the very girls for whom they had searched! A third was Cy Robinson, free and unfettered, while the fourth appeared to be a hooded outlaw, In another moment Rodney Welland had clasped his child in his arms, while Pete, the darky, was dancing and shouting with delight and the astounded cowboys were looking around ib vain for signs of the many outlaws they had expected to encounter. CHAPTER XVIIC. A FINAL CLEARING-UP, “‘ BLESS my eyes!” cried Old Rube: ‘‘ Whar are ther pesky cattle-lifters? I don’t see buat one o’ ’em, an’ he seems kinder peaceable like. His clothes are all slashed like he’d bin run through er thrasher, an’ he’s bleedin’, too!” It was true the hooded man’s garments were cit here and there and spotted with blood in plates. “To this unknown I owe my life,” explained Oy Robinson. ‘But for him you would have found plenty of outlaws to contest your way. Black Phebix himself would have been with them, Over my capture ae held a per- fect carousal, and the chief fully intended to kill me; but this unknown friend managed to drug the liquor which all sayé the leader were drinking, and they were overcome by the stuff. Then he met the chief hand to hand, and they fought with knives. The result is plain. Our benefactor is here; the chief lies dead back there with a knife in his throat. All the other outlaws we bave bound hand and foot. They are still unconscious from the drug.” A shout of delight came from the cowboys, and they crowded around the hooded man, eager ly shaking his hands, “You're a Jim-dandy, pard, ef you wuz one o’ ther cussid ban’!” cried Rube. ** But I was not one of the band,” was the as- sertion, ‘I found my way into the cave by the entrance often used to admit stolen cattle. Once inside, I succeeded in knocking over one of the outlaws and assuming his part, his clothes and hood fully disguising me. I have:been more suc- cessful than I dared hope possible, for I have de- stroyed the wretch who ruined my sister and caused her death. That dastardly work has kept meon the trail of the Black Phenix for the last two years. Now my work of vengeance is com- pleted.” “Wal, you’re er hustler, pard. you don’t need thet head-dress no longer. yank it off an’ let us git a look at yer phiz.” The man removed the hood, and a shout of amazement came from the cowboys as they saw his face revealed by the torchlight. It was Pablo Pajario ! \ “ Wal, may I be ding-biasted!” gasped Round- up Rube. ‘‘It is ther Greaser! Then who in thunder wuz ther Black Phenix!” Pablo laughed, sbortly. * Follow me and you shall see,” he said. He led the way back into a wing of the cavern where the outlaws were lying about on the floor in various positions, all sleeping soundly from tha effect of the drug and all secured, hands and feet, Stepping over the prostrate forms, the Mexican led the way to where one rigid figure lay with his white face upturned to the black roof of the cave, his eyes wide open but forever sightless, the haft of a knife rising above his throat. In his rigid hand was clasped another knife, ‘‘Here be is, senors,” fell from Pablo’s lips; ‘“here is the man who destroyed my sister! He had an equal chance with me, but my knife found his throat. Pepita is avenged!” ‘Holy smoke!” sbouted Round-up Rube. “ Ttis Orson Colfax !” a And the Tenderfoot Rancher it truly was, although the cowboys could scarcely believe the evidence of their eyes. ‘“* When he met my sister in Mexico,” explain- ed the avenger, ‘‘he was known as Pablo Fernandez, Orson Colfax was simply: one of his many false names. I suspected Culfax was the Black Phenix, and’ for that reason I hired with him. He played his part skillfully, and I do uot think more than one or two of his cow- boys suspected he was the Scourge.” Cy Robinson turned away, sick at heart, and walked toward the girls and the two young men, Chris and Fred, who, with Pete, the darky, had not entered the wing of vhe cavern where lay the unconscious outlaws and their dead chief. “My God!” muttered the rancher. ‘Can it be that woman told the truth?!—can it be that that wretch back there was my own son? Even if itis so, lam glad he is dead! The world is wellrid of such a curse.” They did not wait for the cowboys, but Chris led the way out of the cave, returning to the open air by means of the steps which led up into the cabin of the woman who had been known as the Yellow Witch. She was still lying bound and helpless, and when they appeared, she rent the air with her imprecations, Chris hurried the young women out of the hut, and a party of cowboys from the Diamond Ranch met them at the door. ; “* Hyer we are!” cried the leader. ‘‘It looks like we wuz too late, but we kem fast as critters e’u’d kerry us. Boss wuz too bruck up ter come; hain’t bin outer his room sence yistiddy.” “ Who is attending your boss?” asked Cy Rob- inson, “Jack Kipper, sir,” ‘Well, when you return, take my advice and hang Jack Kipper up to dry witha rope round his neck. If you want to know what I mean, mi go in there, slide down those stairs‘and fol- ow your noses till you come tg where my men are. They will show you something worth looking at.” When the cowboys had entered the cave, the ranchman went back into the hut, Crouching beside the woman who had so deceived him in the past, Cy Robinson told her But, Ireckon Jest of the death of the Black Phenix and the wreck of her schemes for revenge. But the woman would not believe the chief was dead. “ Pablo—my Pablo dead?” she cried. ‘‘ Bah! you are trying to deceive me, Cyrus Robinson!” “Tam telling you the sclemn truth,” be as- sured. ‘Your Pablo—the one your lying tongue tried to make me believe was my son—is dead.” ‘* Dead!” she gasped, seeming dazed. ‘‘ He was so young—barely twenty. And still he had made such @ name, with my aid!” ‘* Only twenty?” questioned the man. ‘‘ Why, as Orson Colfax, he looked twenty-five, at least! Was be only twenty?” * That is all,” came mechanically from ber lips, “Then you lied to me, woman!” cried the rancher, sternly. ‘‘If he were my ,cbild,.he would be twenty-one. That is the age Of my. daughter.” ‘a The cowboys now appeared bearing the bolly of the dead chief. Whenshesaw the silent chief, the woman burst into tears, sobbing: 3 ‘“Oh, my boy, my own boy! Dead, dead, desig?” “You have now fully betrayed yourself,” came coldly from Cy Robinson. deed your own son and not mine, Tell me thing, then your hands shall be released. Who was his father?” “The man whom you believed you killed—my lover.” ‘“ That is enough,” added the rancher, “ Re- lease her, boys!” ‘We have one favor ter ax fu’st, boss,” said Round-up Rube, “What is it?” “Ther privilege of playin’ Jedge Lynch with them critters down. below.” ‘“Treat them as you think their acts merit.” As Cy Robinson, the negro, Rodney Welland and the young people were riding with t backs toward the hills, a strange tribunal was beld in the underground chamber. Neveragain did Black Phenix’s band of cattle-lifteys @ouble the Valley of the San Juan. The Seourge had been scourged and the peace of a happy and prosperous region was unbroken, Perhaps there are one or two points requiring explanation, It will be remembered thet on the night of Nellie Welland’s abduction the Black Phenixap- peared outside the Robinson Ranch while Orson Colfax was with those who were searching for the missing girl. In that instance, as well as at .| various other times, the character of the chief was assumed by the mother! An undergarment of finely-woven steel links protected Black’ Phenix many times from the bullets of his enemies and made him seem quite invulnerable. This was worn by the woman at the time of her appearance at the ranch. Pablo Pajario had suspected the presence of this protection, and had buried his knife in his enemy’s throat instead of striking at his heart. Pabjo it was who fired Colfax’s buildings, A locket, which he wore over his heart, and which contained a picture of his dead sister, had stop- ped Colfax’s bullet, and thus aided in making the cowboys believe Pablo was truly the invul- nerable Black Phenix. Whisky Jim and Nevada Mike met a just doom with the rest of the outlaws; but Jack Kipper took the alarm and escaped. Juanita Fernandez, the evil genius of it all, also disappeared, There was another night of merrymaking at the Robinson Ranch, and Pete fairly ‘knocked de stuffin’” out of his banjo, answering every call for a song, and putting so much vigor into his singing, that, as he afterward remarked, his voice on the following day was all ‘‘ kerbu’sted out ob j'int.” Pablo Pajario was a guest on that occasion, and even Old Rube acknowledged he was “quite er cuss fer a Greaser,” which was a great admission for the cowboy to make. The marriage of Fred and Nell was not long delayed, Then they settled down on the Dia- mond Ranch, which had been purchased by Gy Robinson, the amount paid being justly divided among those of the San Juan Valley who had suffered loss at the hands of the cattle-lifters. Fred was given all the time he wished in whieh to lift the “non-interest paying ” mortgage upon the place! é Rodney Welland made his home with them; and Pete became one of the fixtures of theplace, of course, And Chris? Well, Chris sometimes declared he did not think he would ever marry; but Nell secretly encouraged Nina by saying there was plenty of time for him to change bis mind. THE END. + m-- woh OR ee 4 “This was: Br 5 BEADLE’S —=—POPULAR LIBRARY. Issued Hivery Wednesday. ‘Price, Hive: Carts, HIS New Library will give only the Best Work of the Best Writers in PoruLarR AMERICAN ROMANCE. Each and every issue will be a bright, strong, markedly original work, produced expressly for the series by special order, and wrought up to the highest standard of popular story excellence. Its field will cover the wide scope of Wild West, Border, Mining, Ranching, Detective, Secret Service, City and Sea Life, and thus maintain, as a Library, an interest at once varied and commanding. | As no inferior or amateur production is admitted to the schedules, so everything of a questionable or vitiating character is studiously excluded. Therefore, with the trade as well as with readers, BHADLE’S \ | PopunaR Lrprary is ‘certain to win a wide popularity, and become one of the standards in the literature for the people. oe j e, Dandy Dick, Detective; or, The Still Hunt! 8 Cowboy Chris to the Fore; or, Scourging the — at Burnt Match. By Robert Randolph Inman. ' Scourge ofthe SanJuan. By Wm. est Wilder, ‘ —‘‘ Wyoming Will.” The Three Spotters; or, Running Down the ~, Rogues. By Marcus H. Waring;—‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” The Three Spotters’ Dead sy, we Blonde Bert of Brick Alley. By Mareus H. Cowboy Chris, the Man of Caliber; or, Hot | Waring,—‘‘ Sergeant Mark,” sc ng i er ae By Wm. West Wilder, — Dandy Dick Decoyed; or, The Terrible Tussle Wyoming, Will. at Satan’s Delight. By Robert Randolph Inman. Dandy Dick’s Double; or, The Severed Head | Rustling Rob, the Tramp’s Protege; or, The of Paradise Pocket. By Robert Randolph Inman. Master of The Cedars. By Edward Lytton. Mustang Merle’s Mine; or, Dolores Dick and The Street Spotters’ Weird Hunt; or, The Pard. By Maj Sam S. Scott. Angel of the Docks. By Marcus H. Waring,— ‘Sergeant Mark.” | The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark; or, The Thugs ana Trailers of Gotham. By Marcus Mustang Merle, the Boy Rancher; or, Old H. Waring,—-‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” Ready June 24th, Joe Bundy’s Wipe-out. By Maj. Sam S. Scott. : Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar; or, The Battle Flip Fred, the Pack-Peddler Prince; or, The of the Blue Jeans. By Wm. West Wilder,— Witch of the Black Swamp. By Edward re) ‘Wyoming Will.” Ready July ist. For sale by all newsdealers at five cents per copy, or sent. post-paid; on receipt of six cents each BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK,