, March 24th, 1891. PUBLISHERS, _ Price, Five Cents. New Yorke $2.50 a*Year. 2S OS EI A A 0 a DO Ne pe Of Git-T ; Bullion Bret, fHE GIANT GRIP; Rai” The Ruction at Git-Thar. BY E DWARD LYTTON, THOR OF ‘' BILLY BUB,” ‘‘ RUSTLING ROB,” ETC., ETC, PROLOGUE... Dons ary galoot in this shebang desire to hey 4 pleasant'game o’ cards, wi’ a slight object attached?” This query was uttered when the mining-camp har was but a small scattering of shan- . tiés;.before the immensely valuable claims were saveloped, and when ‘ Molly ” Maguire’s ‘* Punch Bowl” was the only saloon in the. place. A delegation of grim-visaged miners were ) seated about the stove, in the above-mentioned resort, talking over the’then doubtful future of the Camp, when the door opened, a stranger stepped within the room, and doffed his som- brero gallantly, as he propounded the query. **Tt’s deuced wet outside, gents; supposin’ we wt our faces to the bar and sympathize?” he s added. It was a ** go.” No one ever asked a miner of -Git-Thar to drink, and be refused, So the men ranged along the bar with as much 4lacrity as if they had been called upon to repel ™ an Indian attack—if not more so. ™ The man who bad so generously invited them sto * smile” was a golden-haired indivicual;. that isyto say, his hair was sunny and fell in profu- sb sion over his shoulders. ie “night with/a 5 He also wore a blonde mustache and imperial, was handsome of face, and had a piercing brown »eye of wonderful magnetic influence. He was of good stature, and almost perfectly ‘proportioned, and clearly was no weakling in a » personal encounter, ~~» Doeskin breeches and knee boots, a belt at the ist, a red woolen shirt, arid his slouch som- brero made up his wardrobe. & hundred more remarkable-looking men than » be were easily tovbe found; yet a peculiar some- thing about his person) impressed the miners withthe conviction thatthe was something above he ordinary ran of humanity. “ Nothing like having wet on the inside when it’s wet on the out!” the stranger went on to as- ysure, hoisting his beverage lip higb, and balanc- /ing ‘the glass on the end of his finger. ‘‘ WhenI ‘imbibe, T allus like company—congenial com- Epany, Slip her off, galoots, and let’s see if we Meant drive off the blue phantoms of a rainy - of pasteboards, Give ye my word I don’t know much about ’em myself, an’ I git stuck nine out 0’ every ten games I play. But, ef I git stuck, { kin pay /” . + Bpose yer” lookin’ round fer fat?” one miner esneered. ‘You'll not find much in this camp.” “Tt reckon not, Don’t insult me by calling me a Sharp, because I’m nothing of the kind. My handle is Suke Silversmith, at your service, and 1am a wild oatfrom Wyoming. My motto is: fe Anything fer sociability and to keep peace in Ey ie %, the family!” The drinks were hoisted, and the men ex- changed glances. “Well, stranger, we’ll try ye a rub, but ef;we fiid you’re a skin, hanged ef we don’t fire ye.” **Of course. That’s perfectly right. I’m al- ways agreeable as long as there’s peace in the _ family. What will you play?” ‘Casino, omcourse! No one ever plays noth- in’ ise in Git-Thar!” old Bill Tobias declared, “lighting his stubby clay pipe, and laying a re- . Yolver upon the table, around which they be- came seated, The others, however, objected to this ‘ parlor | ame,” and it was finall aalaré a side, which Mr. Silversmith cheerfully agreed to, and selected his stake from out of the fat roll of fresh, crisp greenbacks, while the _ others'put up dust and nuggets. “Twouldn’t be bothered wi? sech stuff,” Sil- versmitn declared, ‘‘ Nothing is handier than > greenbacks. A beloved aunt of miue was kind -,’ enough to, and bequeath tape boodle, large share of as been dropped at the caril- Appe cas scemed to indicate that Mr. Sil- byersmith was in fair prosnect of losing another tion of his boodle, for three games saw him Inan, and—thirty dollars out. a the river, pecautly, me quite a Te mee made poker, for ten | Fae bite ay 18 i A: fourth resulted the same. Mr, Silversmith scowled, while the miners grew elated, = It was evident that they were playing ‘“snucks?’—that is, would divide thespoils when they got the honorable Mr, Silversmith cleaned out, and out of the way, «Just my old confounded Iuck!” the latter de- clared, as the fifth saw no change, ‘‘Somehow I kin never get a hand worth betting on!” On the sixth game he seemed somewhat more confident. ‘“\T see fifty dollars on my hand,” hesaid, when all bands were up to him, and Tobias. ‘““T see ten better!” Tobias responded, running over his cards. ‘‘I’d bet a farm on my hand, if necessary.” ‘‘And I a gold mine!” returned Silversmith, “T see a hundred.” ‘Two hundred, sir!” ** Good bluffing, but the Wild Oat of Wyoming am as game as deer at Christmas time, [ll whoop her up to five hundred. Show up!” “Not I} Seven hundred,” ‘Bosh! bombast, Eight!” Tobias turned to the other miners. “Pye reached the extremity of my pile, boys. Has any of you any loose about you? If so, you know me !” The miners began to spill out their cash and dust, and among them made up a purse of five hundred dollars, which they placed at Tobias’s disposal, as at that time he was considered the square man of the camp. Silversmith smiled quietly at this concerted action. “Do you make it twelve hundred?” he de- manded\grimly, “You bet—at a jump!” Tobias assured. “Dye give up?” “Not much!” said Sukey, ‘I just tip the balance of my scales of confidence at fifteen hundred, My fifteen hundred to your twelve on my hand, Isita go?” “Yes, Sbow up!” and Tobias laid down the cards—barely a good hand, ‘* Just as easy to beat as rollin’ off a log,” Sil- yersmith said, laying down his hand—tbe ace, deuce, jack, queen and teu-speot—and raking in the stake, ‘‘ Are you done, gents?” * No! they’re not!” announced Mr, ‘‘ Molly” Meguire, coming from behind the bar with a fistful of bills. “Ai start the boys wi’ ten dol- lars apjece, bedact Art ** DNdén’t blame mé if they lose i$, Silversmith said, storing his-winnings in his capacious pock- ets. ‘‘ Remember, however, it’s getting late, and I'll not play more’n long enough for you to win back as much as you’ve lost.” They started off afresh, Game after game did the stranger lose, in suc- cession, unti] but a hundred of Silversmith’s winnings remained. All that be had lost he paid up in paper, and now laid down a hundred-dollar note. ‘¢ My last game!” he said, grimly. . ‘‘ I’m tired of playing. Make it even sides.” The miners hesitated a moment, but finally agreed, and Tobias won the game. Silversmith then arose. ‘¢ Well, gents, ’m just as rich as I was when I began. So I suppose you'll all drink at my expense, and then ll leave you. T wish you’d givt me back my paper for this heavy stuff!” “Oh, no! We like paper as well as you!” Tobias sneered. ‘‘ We'll all drink with Tobias!” They did drink, and then, with a profound bow, Mr. Suke Silversmith took his departure. After he had gone, a slip of paper was found where he had sat—an elegantly-penned epistle, too, No unschooled galoot had written it, plainly. It/was as follows: *“Gtortous GALooTs or Grr-THAR:—These few lines is to inform you that I got thar. ‘The fact of it is, when] stopped astage, recently, a liberal-mimded gent gave me the greenbacks. Private examination warned me that I could not make them available, and as I was in need of good stuff, I concluded to exchange with you. As Git-Thar grows older, and the tide of immigration drops you more greenies, no doubt you can get rid of thé paper. Or, it is very good to kindle fire with. ‘Adieu, kittens, adieu! “ Ever yours. devotedly, “ Suk SILVYERSMITH, “« Msthetic Agent of the Avenues.” The greenbacks were counterfeit! Silversmith had taken away a ‘‘ boodle” that was.good, Didn’t the “ galoots ” of Git-Thar howl? And they all joined hands in solemn rage, and swere that the ‘next red-headed pilgrim who came to Git-Thar should swing! Whergpwiidngs a tale! a td re CHAPTER’. = THE GIANT, GRIP, Res ‘ Way, hello! pardner—haow d’ye do? ay “Bully, Ike, my friend—how @’ye. do your. self?’ and the second speaker seized the bony hand of the first and gave it a friendly pressure —so friendly, in fact, that the face of the\other assumed an expression of exquisite torturegand he fairly danced up and down, ; : “Let go! let go!” he howled, twistingjaud screwing about, and still failing to release is formidable paw from the white, womanlike hand of the man he-had accosted. ‘'Oh! rd, Jerusalem! Ouch! let go, ye darned galoof!” 5% “Why, what’s the matter?’ smiled theotheree complacently. ‘‘Hev ye got cramps in) the = stomach, or rheumatiz in yer conscienite? ~Ye cut up like a hornet war cavortin’ aroundin F area bosom uv yer pants,” ia “ Let go, please, fer the luy o’ Heaven let gol Ob! oh! ob! ye’r’ crushin’ my baud inter jelly 17 “Get out! Can’t a feller give yea friendly grip? S’posed ye knowed me!” j ’ “Ouch! Ob! 0-0-oh! Don’t know ye=néver seen ye before, Please Jet me go, mister?) And tears actually rolled down Upom "the strapping féllow’s cheeks, while the attitude of the other was of the most careless and unstudied character. ; : He finally released his seizuré of the man’s hand, with a dry sort of laugh, / ‘‘Next time don’t git acquainted too fasty’ he observed,*while the bullwhackéer gazed dole. fully at his unfortunate band, and shoole his head dubiously. The scene was in the young and go-ahead mining metropolis of Git-Thar, Idalio, and dated about a. year later than the events men- tioned in our prologue. Upon the main street, in front of Molly Ma- guire’s enlarged and improved Puneh Bows, the two strangely contrasted individuals had met, as the heterogeneous crowd surged noisily t% and fro, one balmy brilliantly moonlit night \ ; The larger of the twain, a rougblysdresseq? and gigantic mule-driver of the min stepped fairly in front of the other party, put out his band with a strange leer, and the’ tation to which the other had so promp' effectively responded. t The mule-driver was a typical specimen of the ‘“roughestyman in the mines,” and in brawn and streiigtb robably hid, au advantage over any Haya tfevor.p” | Vp eu sebcr ue Wag Dob hard -» tc gevalong with. “Vhen in liquor there were few who cared to incur his displeasume, ay, he was counted on as an exceptionally “* bad/man.” The individual whom he had actosted was evidently a new arrival, as the stage re- cently come in, and the stranger carried @ go00d- sized valise in his left hand. then He was probably between twenty-fepr.and twenty-eight years of age, and was ssed O£ an ordinary figure, as men average, imgpropor tions. There was nothing particular about his form to denote that he was more than an éveryda man, and bis attire was that of a business va ' with the exception that he wore one of the broad rim, slouch prairie bats that, in theeyes of many uninitiated ones, is the first com it part of a Western scout, ee He neither wore a belt, nor exposed weapor and had no particular appearance Of being=a border bravo, or a border hero; yet his)pi t treament of the mule-driver invpressed these who. had thronged around to believe be was one of the frequently met traveling shows that did not exhibit everything on the outside, “Ob! Jerusalem thunder! ye mean, skunk, ye’ve nigh about squashed my flipper imt® pum- miss!” the mule-driver growled, feeling tenderly of the victimized member. ‘‘ What kinder gri ye got, fer‘gracious sake? I thort my bree book war wedged in atwixt two ‘arthq ee “Tf T had given you a friendly y have thought still different, I) fam ot stranger replied. ‘“* You trotted@apeas im you knew me, and presuming such was the GaSe, bow could I do any better than “Oi? yous al hand-shake?” ™ Pe “Cordyel? Tarantlers of 2exash @pathets. what ye call cordyel, what d'yecam gh dead in ’arnest?. Lor’ amighty, sir} Pa he hev a full-grown grizzly hus Le mona “Well, you're satisfied now Youmans: kn me?” and a. merry twinkle entered She shi zi ace ‘ a Mi Know ye? “Oreoouwrse 1 didt't) AW, ww more, I don’t keer ter Know r MOY, 0! ther same direction, mold r Ke stiff, ther toughest old he-howler Jp - an’ you're ther first son.ohagum they made me how!!” , hea aa Pee ay Eg and = “Then, my. dear Knockemstiff, it does me proud to know that you, a ¢yclone so terrific, chanceth to be my initial conquest!” And, smiling, the stranger was about to con- tinue on his way, when Knockemstiff once more intercepted him. ** Hold up thar, pardner, afore ye go! S’posin’ ye let a feller know who jye aire, an’ whar ye’re vound to?” “Tf that concerns you to know, I am best known as Bullion Bret, and am sometimes. dub- bed the Giant Grip. You can bet I’m a lah-la!” and with another suave bow, thestranger moved on, ‘* By the patron saint!” Knockemstiff growled, glaring after him, ‘‘thet galoot is wuss’n the shock of an eléctric battery. Some o’ you fel- Jers what is hankerin’ arter a cheap drink like I was, orter go an’ fondle his paw! Thar ain’t nothin’ cloven-futted ner swiney about yours truly, the great, illustrious Knockemstiff of Git- Thar, but [ know when I hev got a supreem suf- ficiency.” **Ho! ho!” taunted a miner. ‘‘ Who'd ever thunk it—Uriaher Knockemstiff skeered ter death by a tenderfut, by Jeemenetta!” *\No sech a thing! no sech a thing!” the mule- driver expostulated., ‘‘ Thar war nevyer a man entered ther town o’ Git-Thar w’ot could 'skeer me, an’ ye know it, George Gumpert!” ‘Bullion Bret tuk the starch out 0’ ye, tho?!” chuckled Gumpert, whom nothing suited better than to coach upa fight. ‘‘ Ye dassent waltz up an’ pull the feller’s ear, you dassent, Uriaher— an’ you’re nigh big*enuff fer two o him!” ‘““Kerwhoop! What ye got thet sez I das- sent?” Knockemstiff growled. ‘'Thar nevyar was a two-legged critter thet I war afeard of!” “ve cot a mouth thet sez so!” Gumpert de- elared. “I ain’t a bettin’ man, sir!” It was a well-known fact that the aforesaid Gumpert was the ‘' weakest” man, pecuniarily, in the camp. “Tl bet you a V.,” said a bystander, stepping up, ‘‘ that you dare not go up to Giant Grip and twist his ear or nose, Uriah, and I’ll treat in the @argain if you do!” ‘All right, Mr, Yivian—[m yer huckle- berry!” roared Knockemstiff, executing a gro- tesque caper, ‘‘ Hooray fer the old he-howler o! >~—.Honduras!” And spitting on his hands, the mule-driver pranced off up.the. street in pursuit of Bullion Bret. t Of course a large majority of the crowd fvl- lowed. To remain behind, and miss a ‘ funeral” . of such a description as now seemed to be im- pending, was a thing that was utterly out of the question, With an easy, swinging stride, Bullion Bret bad made his way toward the post-office, which was pitched down in one end of.Levi Schneider’s * grocery-store, next door to the new bank, but not until the Giant Grip had entered the store did. the big mule-driver overtake him. Bret had paused at the counter, and was ex- amining some cooking utensils, when he sudden- ly felt his ear twisted with such force as to give bim a keen pang of pain. Wheeling quickly about, he found himself ounce more confronting the be-howler, whose ~~ face reflected a triumphant grin, “Oh! it’s me!” he assured, ‘They sed as how I dassent twig yer souse, an’ et’s a cold equinox when Uriaher Knockemstiff takes a dare. Guess we're about quits, ain’t we?” * By no means!” Bullion Bret replied, coldly. “*Tf you think I allow every overgrown ruffian to insult me without retaliation, you will be sur- prised to realize your mistake!” and with a sud- denness that astonished every one present, his left fist shot out and caught the mule-driver over the right eye, knocking him clean off his feet, y. Uriah came flat down upon the floor with a foree that made the building tremble. , A low murmur of applause was heard on either side,'while Knockemstiff scrambled to his feet, holding one hand over his injured optic, “Ou! ye durned son-of-a-gun!” be roared. * Jest ye wait, me stag, an’ ef I don’t git square wi’ you, my name ain’t Uriaher Knockemstiff !” “You'd better apply to Congress and have your name changed to something more appro- priate, or else let people alone!” Bullion Bret replied,, quietly. “If you bother around me any more, you'll be’ apt to get hurt, and don’t you forget to remember that, sir. If you are aching.to get hurt, keep right ov.” With this admonition, he turned once more to the counter, to price the goods he had pre- viously been examining. \), A greenish glitter entered the eyes of the mule- * 4 | ‘weaken now, would never do. driver, and an expression of malicious hatred shot athwart his rugged features, It was evident that he had no intentiom of heeding the plucky stranger’s warning; for, to He would lose all his prestige as being the bully and the terror of Git-Thar, and therefore lose, also, an innu- merable amount of free drinks;—for when the mule-drivér asked a miner to ‘‘ set ’em up,” the miner invariably felf in duty bound to do so, valuing his skull far more than he did the price of a “rat.” “Hell hurt me, will he?” Uriah chuckied, witha grin. ‘‘ We'll jest see!” He took a huge juicy quid of tobacco from his capacious mouth, and taking good aim, hurled it so accurately that it struck Bullion Bret fair upon the cheek, and flattening out adbered to it. As calmly as though nothing had happened, Bret finished paying for a couple of knives he had purchased: then he brushed the filthy mess from his cheek, and— ‘ Suddenly he left the floor, as though projected by a catapult, and landed upon the shoulders of ae mule-driver, completely crushing him to the oor, , Exclamations of wonderment burst from the lips of the spectators, with which the room was well-filled. Such an extraordinary spring, direct from a single standing position, was something they could not understand, Down upon the floor went the two men, Bret landing lightly upon his feet, In an instant more, he had seized the mule- driver, as though he were but a child, and be- fore any one could prevent, Bullion Bret had chucked him, head-foremost, into an open bar- rel of soft-soap, which stood close at hand. Allowing the frightened bully to struggle for an instant, he then dragged bim out, and puil- ing bim to the door, pitched him headlong in- to the street, with as little apparent concern as though the victim had been a worthless stick of wood! * CHAPTER II. VIRGIE, ALTHOUGH Git-Thar was practically a red- hot mining-town, it was also a Mormon strong- hold, and governed by the Latter Day Saints in most respects, As the reader is probably aware, the Mor- mons have been colonizing rapidly in the Ter- ritory of Idaho for the last few years, and Git-Thar was one of the strongest settlements in its particular section. Nestled down between the towering walls of a wild mountain gulch, where the very bowlders themselves were impregnated with silver and gold, the place might have had a future of prosperity before it, had not (when the.camp numbered less than three-score of inhabitants) a large colony of Mormons learned of the nat- ural and unusual advantages of the site and swooped down upon it, At first the miners had tried to drive them off; but it was like driving away the grasshoppers. The colony had come to stay! Arrangements were finally made by which the miners were allowed to retain what claims and property they were already in possession of, providing they kept at their own side of the camp, strictly paid attention to their own busi- ness, and conformed to the laws of Mormon legislation in regard to the town. As there was nothing else to do the miners consented, The Mormons built their habitations at the southern portion of the gulch, and colonized there; while the miners remained in the original portion of Git-Thar, One Elder Primrose was at the head of the Mormon clan, and he was ruler-in-chief of the town; he made the laws, and his,deputies were scattered about to see that they were enforced, Gentile legislation was a dead letter, and the Gentiles were expected to.do exactly as Elder Primrose might see fit to dictate, As the tide of emigration began to swell the size of the mining-camp, it became evident that little regard would be paid to Mormon authority, unless active measures were adopted; therefore it became necessary to multiply the Mormon male population, which was done; so that at the time of our story, the two factions were about alike in strength of numbers, and in the mining part of the town there was a bitter feeling toward the Mormon element, who still held com- mand of the camp. This feeling was the more bitter among the Gentiles from one particular and indisputable facta fact that was plainest to the older in- habitants,” = * 5 While'the power of the Mormons was on the increase, the value of the Gentile mining in- terests was daily growing greater, and it seemed. but a matter of time whén there would be an uprising of the Mormons, with the view of driv- ing the Gentiles from the camp, and appropriat- ing the mines to their own use. Within a radius of ten miles there were four other Mormon settlements, of growing popula- tions; so that any warlike demonstration on the part of the Gentiles would likely prove disastrous to them, in the extreme, as the different Mormon colonies would surely band together into one formidable body. Then, again, there was still another reason why the Gentiles were forced to regard their polygamous veighbors with hatred. Not only was the Mormon power being increased from outside settlements in Utah and Arizona, but their ranks were being swelled from the Gen- tiles’ own party. Man after man, miner after miner, and ruf- fian after ruffian had already gone over to the Mormon side, and those who had already gone were not lax in exercising their influence upon others to follow their example. And although the Mormons made free of the Gentile portion of Git-thar, Gentiles were for- bidden to enter the Mormon section, The penalty for such an offense, except the Gentile swore allegiance to the Mormon faith, was unlimited imprisonment. Thus, be it said, in favor of the larger Mor- mon districts, that Elder Primrose’s colony was more an outlaws’ stronghold, cloaked under the ‘Latter Day Saint” mask, than it was a reli- gious colony, based on the faith of the Mormon church, In such a way matters stood at the time of our story. The Gentiles would have raised a mutiny, had they dared; but they did not, and the rule of Git-Thar was subject to Elder Primrose’s will. And a more thorough-going, evil disposition- ed, tyrannical despot than he never was i= ed of power over the people in all the history of Far Western America, Among his own clan his simplest. word was law, and he was feared by his disciples and followers even more than jhe was hated by the Gentiles, s Ewelve wives already graced his home, and *twas said he was on the’ outlook for the thir teenth. But, with this brief explanation, let us pro- ceed with the thread of our story. : Witb the mining element, their part of. the camp was called Git-Thar; while the Mormon section was known as Pukeville. The latter sobriquet, presumably, was caleu- lated t~ express the average miner’s disgust for the personality of the neighboring sect. Tbe main street of Git-Thar was likewise the main street of Pukeville, and accordingly the street as a whole was a red-hot thoroughfare, lined on either side with the usual class of busi- ness establishments, poculiar to nearly every: young mining metropolis, At the out-of-town terminus of Git-Thar’s main street stood a comfortable log cabin; standing back a few yards from the stage trail, and surrounded by a neat, whitewashed picket- fence, within which was a carefully-cultivated flower and vegetable garden—a thing so seldom encountered in a place like wild, rugged Git- Thar, that it was really’ a novelty and a curi- osity. Ties little porch, with a thatched roof, and partly overgrown with creeping vines, shaded the doorway, from which a graveled -walk, * strewn with pearly pebbles, ran down £0 the willow gate. Day in and day out, a large rustic chair oceu- pied a portion of the porch, in the warm wonths of summer, and a decrepit old man, holding @ queer gnarled staff, sat there—sat there and:lis-/ tened to the babbling brook, yonder by the stage trail, and to the singing of the birds in a mesquite thicket near at hand, Watched a petite and lithesome figure that flitted airily about the cabin and ! bonny little maiden of seventeen su , a face as pretty as the golden sunshine” caressed the nodding fuchsias and pinks the graveled walk, A ar A sweet, intelligent face, of rarely pure Sehipar, ture, was that of Virgie Jamison, set omoby® starry eyes of exquisite power of expres-ion she was a mountain flower of greater beauty® than any other for miles upon miles around Git-Thar. ‘‘Jamison’s jewel” many called Here ee ? ae 66 without Teally pausing to;consider how.ay pro- priate was the appellation. site She was Jamison’s jewel, and po | deptha Jamison watched over her with the found’ adora- tion of a parent who,had no other hope or happi- ness in life than beragpeéatest welfare. They were rather aspuzzle, these Jamisons, to the people of Git-Thar’s magic town, They had come to the camp, purchased the cabin, and added the many home-like improvements which now characterized the place, They never left their cozy home, except when Virgie came to the store for such supplies as they needed, or to deliver little parcels of sewing for the miners; for upon the wicket gate a little tin sign announced: ‘Prain Srwina NEATLY Done.” Uriah Knockemstiff had been the first to no- tice the sign; he bad gone straight to his tent, ripped his Sunday shirt in a dozen places, and handed it to Miss Jamison for repairs. This piece of gallantry on the part of the burly mule-driver had so excited the envy of the other miners that there was henceforth a rivalry be~ tween them, to see who could give the pretty seamstress the most employment, and she was never left without something to do. That Virgie was the prettiest girl in the town no oné was prepared to deny, and although there were scores of big-headed miners who adored her ata distance, they could not summon up the requisite courage to approach her on the sub- ject, so that the fair daughter of the old cripple d literally no suitors, There was one young man, Val Vivian by name, who often paused by the garden gate to chat with her—the handsomest man in Git- Thar, this Vivian: a very Apollo in beauty and grace of figure and face, and possessed of the education and polish of a thoroughbred gentle- man. He'was the relative of old Septimus Singleton, the moneyed man and speculator of the rugged mountain town. How Vivian made out at the Rose Bower, as the Jamison cabin was called, no one1n Git-Thar exactly knew, but the frequency of his visits seemed to indicate that he was not regarded with particular disfavor. On the pleasant afternoon preceding the ar- rival of Bullion Bret in the mining-town, Virgie Jamison was busied ta pruning some bushes in the little yard in front of the cabin, while her father sat upon the ;porch, in his easy-chair, watching her. He was a man of five-and-fifty years, thin of figure and evidently a long sufferer. One sido of his body was paralyzed from the shoulder down, and he had to be assisted to move about. His face was pinched, his eyes sunken, and his hair and beard as white as driven snow. There were outlines in his countenance be- traying that he had once been a handsome man, Both his attire and that of Virgie was neat but very plain; the latter, however, looked eharming in a prettily-made pink gingham, with a jaunty sun-hat upon her fair wealth of hair. “Come, child, you’ve toiled long enough in the hot sun!” the old man called from the porch, ‘Those bushes can get along without you, I guess, until to-morrow!” “T don’t know about that!” Virgie replied, looking up, witha smile, ‘‘I am rather of the opinion that they would miss me were I not to watch over them, Look! seo what a beautiful red rose has blossomed out, to-day, papa!” “True, ’tis very pretty, my child, but no prettier than you, By the way, come along out of thesun, child, and tell me ‘bbe young Vivian had to say, to-day, when he paused at the gate.” “Oh! nothing much, papa!” and the little fairy of the flowers approached the porch and seated herself on the steps. ‘‘He spoke about my garden looking so nice, and wanted me to have him a bouquet made, by the time he comes, to-morrow.” ** T suppose you will do it, eh?” **Of course I shall. It would be real mean of me not to,” “Do you like him, Virgie?” * ¥Yes—after a fasbion, He’s nice to talk to —one Can learn much by conversing with a per- som whoemis well-posted, and uses such elegant ‘fanguage, . Vivian.” % » You do not think, then, that you @bave fallen in love with hirn?” § Virgie burst ito a merry laugh. ) et what an idea, papa! Fall in love with Mr. Vivian? Why, what in the world would f do that for when T have got you?” **But, my child, you may not always have me, and should look out for some worthy part- LB ; ga hee HL ner in lifé who would fill my place asa father, husband and protector, all in one.” * Plenty of time for that, papa. I do not an ticipate losing you, for years to come, and, sides that, I have never met a man I’d give thé snap of my finger for, as a husband.” Jeptha Jamison did not reply. His gaze was fixed up the road, where a man was coming toward the cabin on foot—-a portly, well-dressed individual, with a smooth, fattened face. He walked with a cane, and wore a polished silk bat, which glistened in the sunshine. ‘“Who is that man, Virgie?” the cripple asked, his features expressing unusual anxiety. Virgie looked quickly up, and a little laugh escaped her, ‘Why, father, you needn’t be afraid!” she said. ‘* That’s Peter Primrose, the Mormon El- der!’ Jeptha did not look less anxious at this in- formation. ‘* But, dear, why is he coming this way? The Mormons belong at the other end of the town.” “‘Oh! the Elder is probably trying to walk off some of the worry caused by the tongue-lashing of twelve wives,” Virgie merrily answered. The Elder leisurely drew near, and to the sur- prise of both Jeptha and his jewel, paused at the wicket-gate, opened it, and approached the eabin, a look of benign satisfaction upon his oily countenance, ‘*Good-afternoon, Brother Jeptha!” he sa- luted, as he drew near, ‘‘How does the day find you enjoying yourself?” ‘* 7 am as well as usual,” the old man respond- ed, coolly, while a chill of terror swept through Virgie’s frame as she felt the Elder’s burning gaze fastened upon her, ‘‘In what way are we indebted for this visit, sir?” ‘Oh, I heard of you, by chance, and thought I'd drop down and see you, Then, too, I have seen ;your daughter several times at the camp, and have become favorably impressed with her appearance, As the spirit has moved me to add another wife to my incomplete household, and not being pe busy to-day, I thoughtI’d run down here and take your fair daughter along back home with me, you see.” He spoke with the air of one who was certain of having his own way, in everything! And it was evidently his positive purpose to make Virgie the thirteenth Mrs. Primrose! CHAPTER IIL. SUKE SILVERSMITH AGAIN, Tu words of the Mormon Elder caused a greater expression of uneasiness to come upon the face of Jeptha Jamison, while Virgie drew back, terrified too much to give utterance to protest. ‘*You speak strangely, sir!” Jamison man- aged to say. ‘‘ You do not not know what you say, evidently. My daughter shall never go with you, sir!” ‘¢ Oh! yes, she willl” Primrose retorted, con- fidently. ‘‘She will accompany me without demur if she knows when she is well off.” ** Pll not do anything of the kind, you miser- able wretch!” Virgie spoke up, defiantly. ‘If you take me for a fool, you miss your reckoning. ave our premises, sir, or it will be worse for you!” Primrose laughed grimly. “Oh! I guess not, my beauty!” he said, evi- dently having no fear of unpleasant results, “It is not likely, after baving broken in a dozen wives, I should be intimidated by a tame little filly like you. I havedecided to make you the thirteenth Mrs, Primrose,and once I settlemy mind ona thing I’m not the one to let a little female squeamishness balk my plans, You know the power I possess, and that my will is law here in Git-Thar. It is my will to make you my most cherised wife, Virgie Jamison, and therefore it will. avail you nothing to be stubborn, as I shall possess you in spite of all you can say or do. Do you understand?” “fT do not understand!” Virgie responded, her eyes flashing. ‘‘If you think this is a country where you can compel one to marry against her free will, you will be disappointed when you try to work the game onme. Once more, sir, I command you to leave our prem- ises!” ‘*But I refuse until you bundle up your wear- ing apparel, and accompany me back to my home, where my wives will receive you with great eclat !” “Undoubtedly they would were I to join them in their misery and disgrace. But, as it hap- pens, Iam not so inclined. Do you see this, sir? ee Please understand, you Mormon beast, thaie. are not so defenseless as you imagine. “Go If you linger here five minutes more, VIl send a bullet through your festering heart; and L know the Gentiles will uphold me for doing so! She held a pistol in the grasp of her right hand, and it was not for Primrose to doubs but that she would do as she threatened. He plainly saw that she was a far different style of girl from what he bad expected, but her plucky resistance only fired him with great- er determination to possess and conquer her, ‘You had better put up that weapon!” he growled. ‘‘ Remember, Il am not the sort of & man to be trifled with, and you and your old scarecrow. of a parent shall suffer for your ob- stinacy!” ‘““ Will we? That remains to be proven! You had better start. When I count three I fire!” Virgie cried. ‘‘One—” “Stop! I will go,” assented the Mormon E- der, ‘but you need hope for but a short re- prieve, I swear you shall be mine, and that, too, ere many hours pass by. Then Pl break you in, my filly, as the mountaineer breaks’ in the buckin’ cayuse, Pll also turn your beloved. parent there over to the law that réaches forth to grasp him, - Ha! ha! a precious pair you are. in fancied security here; you little suspec that the rycord of your past would follow you even here. Good-day!” He shook his fist at them, and, turning on his heel, left the yard and walked back toward the mining-camp, his face stern and set in a Satanic expression. ‘“‘The infamous wretch!” Virgie cried indig- nantly. ‘‘ Why, papa, I’ve a mind to follow him and shoot him, as it is!” “No! no!-my child. Do not do anything like that!” old Jeptha answered, his voice crénailate with emotion, ‘tHe isa very bad man, and we are wholly at his mercy, Oh! that we had never come here!” “Pshaw! I’m not afraid of that polygamous pirate, papa. If he bothers us any more he'll not get off so easy as he did just now!” ‘* You forget, child. He rules this town, and as he says, his will is law, for no one dares stand up and dispute his authority, Then, too, it is evident he has learned something of the past!” A troubled look’came upon Virgie’s face, and she knelt beside the old man’s chair, and gazed ealtnestly up at him, } 0b, father, why will you not tell me what is this secret that has made us both outcasts, and is worrying you into the grave? Please tell me, father?” "No, no, child—I cannot—I cannot. It would do you no good to know, and I. cannot tell you. Do not ask me to again, I pray you,” ** But if you would only tell me t could lighten the burden from your shoulders, father, I could, », perhaps, set everything to rights!” ‘No! no! that would not be possible. The secret 1 must keep, and it shall follow.me down to the grave. e must, however, prépare to leave this place at once.” ‘*Oh, father, do not say so!” ‘It is necessary for us to go. You heard what the Mormon villain said. He is not only determined to force you to become his wife, but threatens me, He must know some part, or ail of my secret, or elso he would not speak as he did. In order to escape his persecutions it is necessary that we escape while there is time,” “Oh, father, this all seems so strange to me. Once before we had a far cozier home. than this, but this accursed mystery caused you to aban- don it and fly to these distant parts, Now again are you called upon to fly like a guilty culprit, The other time I) made no objection; but this time Ido. Refuse’ to explain the tityss tery tome if you choose, but I say no secret, nor no mysterious power shall again break ap our home,,,,Lam your daughter, and am strong! and brave, Let the enemies come! I will meet them and fight them to the death, but we shall remain here!” She spoke with a'tragic fire that proclaimed an indomitable resolution, that argument could not break, Jeptha Jamison gazed at her in surprised ad~ miration, It was something new of ber to spunk upin this manner—she, who was invariably so quiet, sweet, and even-tempered. “My child, you know not. what you says If you but knew the terrible significance at tached to our remaining here any lodger, you would not for an instant counsel sucha thing.” “Tt does not matter. I shall remain, an am sure you could not go without me, not Lae Fs ) | ¥ rs “think me hard-hearted, father, but J mean to ) Stand firm, and beat our enemies at their own ‘ame, if there has to be some shooting done. So° dismiss all thoughts of trouble from your mind, until trouble comes—then your ‘jewel’ will be prepared to cope with it in a warlike mapher that will totally conquer and demoral- ize it, you bet!” ‘““Good, by Jove!—bravely spoken, or I’m a Surro/” cried a hearty voice, and a stranger stepped around one corner of the cabin, where he had evidently been playing eavesdropper. ** And, my dear young lady, if you’re not able to handle the job. all alone, here’s a strong right arm belonging toa big-hearted mountain Micah, who would be only too glad of the honor to strike in behalf of one so young and fair as the daughter who would not shrink from facing her father’s foemen!” Both Virgie and old Jeptha started, and gazed &t the speaker with curiosity not unmixed with apprehension. e was a man of good figure, and in face rather prepossessing, his eyes being, dark and Magnetic. He wore an imperial, mustache, and jong wavy hair, which touched his shoulders, and all of a light-brown color. He was attired in a business suit, a slouch hat upon bis head, and had the general appearance of aman who would be a formidable antagonist in a fight. He wore no weapons in his belt, however, and gidmot in particular have the bearing uf a bor- der *‘ sport.” As they saw him, old Jeptha and Virgie could Dub be rather favorably impressed with his ap- pearance. “We are very ‘much obliged to you, I am __ Bure, for your kind offer, but I do not anticipate aimee t= ey, x that I shall need any assistance, sir,” Virgie responded, answering the stranger’s declara- tion. “Tf you do, I shall be only too proud of the honor of espousing your cause,” the stranger re- ied, bowing gallantly. ‘I overheard the Ormon rageal’s threats, and as 1 am on my way to.Git-Thar, lll take the trouble to call Upon Aim, and warn him that he will need to “pet measured for his coifin, if he troubles you again,” “Be careful, sir. ‘The Mormon element is powerful here, in this part of Idaho, and it is dangerous to cross any of the clan!” old Jeptha warned, p “ Don’t fret about me, sir.) It’s a wold dey when @ny of these Jatter-day cherubs scare me don’f¥ou forget that! I’ve got a particular dis- wlike fer ’em, and if some of ’em don’t bite the dust afore I leave the town of Git-Thar, my name ain’t Suke Silversmith!” ** What! are you the famous mountain foot- pad?” Virgie cried, in wonderment; for she had often heard Silversmith’s name mentioned, and, too, there was a reward-paper posted up in the post-oflice, offering two hundred dollars for the Yroad-agent’s arrest, “7 have the honor of being that first-class Robin Hood!” the stranger replied, exhibiting a row of pearly teeth as be smiled, ** You appear to have heard of me?” **f have heard of you as a bad man, sir. There is a reward-paper up, at the post-office,” ® ‘So I have heard, and it is on purpose to view this same paper that Iam hereto-day. That re- minds me—I must oe jogging along. Ill bid you good-afternoon, If the Mormon beast offers a molestation, you can bet high stakes thet *m bad man enough not to see you and the old gent come to harm!” *Then, tipping his jaunty prairie-hat, he bowed low, turned upon his heel and walked out of the yard, and away toward Git-Thar. “What a gentlemanly-appearing person,” Virgie said, turning to her father. ‘One could never suspect him of being an outlaw, I won- ler if he dares go boldly into the camp where a 8! y I he is wanted for so many stage-robberies?” Jeptha Jamison did not reply. He lay back in his chair, his gaze resting fixedly upon the white pebble walk in front of the cabin. And Mr. Suke Silversmith, gentleman road- agent, as le classed himself, strode directly on and entered tho bustling young mining-metropo- His of Git-Thar, CHAPTER [V. TOBIAS’S ACCUSATION, THE wonderful strength exhibited by Bullion Bret in his promiscuous handling of Uriah Knockemstiff caused a murmur of astonishment to. escape the spectators conzregated within Schneider’s grocery store Out into the street went the mule-driver, sprawling, and then he Jay where he landed, without an effort to arise, if indeed he were able to do so, : Not giving him a second glance, the man of the giant grip ayain turned his “attention to the counter, from which be bad twice been attracted, and finished his purchase, which consisted of some cooking utensils, plates, knives and forks, #2 such articles ss a man might need who proposed to be his own boarding-house keeper, While he was thus busied a group of mien at the opposite side of the room were watching him with hawk-like intensity, and exchanging some remarks in an undertone, P One of the party was the self-esteemed and ‘only ” William Tobias, than whom no man imagined himself of greater importance in the town of Git-Thar. ‘* Thar ain’t no shadder of a doubt about it!” he allowed, in reply to some previous remark of one of his companions, ‘‘I reckernise him jest as sure as I do ther nose on my face.” And accordingly there could be but little doubt about it, for Bill’s nose was one of the noticeable features of his ugly face, being of ab- normal size and colored upon the end as elabor- ately as a chromo sunset, *“*T dunno,” Mickey Maginn remarked, rather doubtfully. ‘‘It don’t strike me ther resem- blance aire quite sufficient ter warrant our bein’ hasty in pitchin’ onter him. Thar’s one thing sart?in—he’s no slouch, an’ et takes a good many ounces of man ter handle him.” “Pooh! psbaw! Aire we a set o’ babies ter be'afeard o’ him?” “ But jest luk how he waltzed inockemstiff!” suggested Cock-eyed Cal, who was noted as second-best tough to the notorious Uriah him- self, “ Pooh! pshaw! Uriah was too drunk to take keer of himself. Ye know the oath we took? Ef ye’r’ goin’ to flunk, why say so, an’ be done with it, Ye know the boodle we got skinned out of a year ago; \now’s our time fer revenge!” “*Nobody’s fiunkin’ as I knows of,” Maginn growled. ‘Ef it’s bound ter be a skewrup, sail in and open the argyment, and we'll help, when ther’s any shutin’ to be did,” ‘Ef we kin take ther galoot alive ther’ won't be no shutin’ to be did!” Tobias declared, ‘‘ Ye know thar’s a couple o’ hundred reward, an’ we tellers may as well have it 1s any oné else,, Aiu’t I right erbout that?” \ The obhers grunted asssndy Tobias was a ruling spirif among them, and as a general thing they went according to his orders. Tobias waited until Bullion Bret had finished paying for the articles he had purchased; then he stepped forward and tapped the Giant Grip upon the shoulder, Bullion Bret wheeled around so suddenly that Tobias involuntarily stepped back a couple of paces, as if fearing instant annibilation. ‘What do you want?” Bret demanded, his eyes glittering dangerously, and his position an attitude of defense, ‘‘ If you want what the mule-driver got, I can possibly accommodate you!” “Ye needn’t be so sassy ner aggressive!” To- bias declared, impudently. ‘‘ It won’t do yea bit 0’ good, fer thar’s ten 0’ us to oue ©’ you, an’ ye see we know you!” ‘Oh, ye do, eh?” and the glitter in Bullion Bret’s eyes did not lessen. ‘If so, I am not aware of it, except that I bad occasion to intro- duce myself a while ago, If you have anything of importance to communicate, please be as brief as possible!” “Ye mustn’t be in sech a blamed hurry, me cuck-coo!” Tobias advised. ‘‘ Fer a man o’ yer leisure minnits yo are deucedly fast. Ther fact is, we aire goin’ ter indooce ye ter remain among us fer some time, Mr. Suke Silversmith!” ‘* Excuse me, then, for you have made a mis- take in my appellation. Bullion Bret is the title I sail under!” ‘* Tt may be now—it weren’t a year ago, when ye soaked us on a skin-game o’ poker!” Tobias cried, fiercely; ‘‘ winnin’ all our good money, and givin’ us a batch o’ bogus stuff. Oh, thet were a nice sort o’ trick, you bet, but we swearedy vengeance on the next red-headed son- of-a-gun what set foot in Git-Thar. You be our mutton, an’, what’s more, you’re Suke Silver- smith, the road-agent, Thet little pun o’ yourn about ‘gittin’. thar’ comes in very nice, jest now, fer ye can bet yer sweet life you’ve ‘ got thar’ at last! Surrender, ye red-headed pirate, or we'll bore ye so full o’ holes ye won't never know what’s left 0’ you.” ‘What, I surrender t« a slouchy saphead like you?” Bret cried, scorniully. ‘Well, I rather i ¥ reckon Aot! When you’ can prove that I ever did you any harm, or was ever,in this camp be- fore, it will be time enough to talk of my sur- rendering. As it is, I shall mot be likely to do anything of the kind, and unless you are desir- ous of getting hurt you will consult your best interests by minding your Own business!” ** Will we, though? Waal, ess not! Thar’sa reward fer your arrest, an’ ef ye don’t surrender, why, we're goin’ to take you, that’s all,” “Very well, Before you take me, let me warn you that some of you will die in doing it, and L shal! not hold myself responsible for defending myself. You have heard me, and my name is Bullion Bret!” Tobias and his gang were not the only ones congregated within Schneider’s grocery store who heard the words of the Giant Grip. There were a number of miners, and citizens, and a young lady, well-dressed, and of pre- possessing appearance, She was the daughter of Septimus Singleton, who was the wealthiest Gentile in the town, le owning about two-thirds of the most valuable mines, Sadie Singleton was a stately, refined-looking girl; was remarkably intelligent and well-edu- cated, having graduated from a female college; and already had spent one winter in Washing- ton society, By many she was considered the peer of Virgie Jamison, in print of personal beauty and at traction, and being the mine-owner’s only child; she was pretty generally regarded with awe and respect. She had been in the store prior to the entran¢éé of Bullion Bret,and the fuss that had ensued; and had been too much frightened to attempt to escape. ‘ She now came forward, however, and paused. just in front of scowling William Tobias. ‘ “Tl am ashamed of you, sir!” she said, look ing him squarely in the face. ‘It is too bad that a stranger cannot ccme to this town, ak more, without being dragged into a quarre. Wit you and your ruffiianly companions, JI shall in- form my father of this matter, sir, and you will be discharged.” : ‘* Excuse me, Miss Sadie, but you see this hyer galoot be ther same Suke Silversmith w’at’s been robbin’ ther stages, o’ late, an’ ’m mighty sure your father can’t growl because we wanter Test him, when he hisself hes lest money by the stage robbin’!” ‘Ts it true, sir, that you are Suke Silver- ainith?” Sadie asked, gazing straight at the Giant Grip, Avith ber beautifnl dusky orbs, ‘Dear lady, it affords me the greatest of pleasure to assure you that I am not the much- wanted , Silversmith, never was that distin- uished individual, nor do I ever expoet to be. reton Beaufort answers me for @ name, although I am oftener dubbed the Giant Grip, and Bullion Bret—the former because I have sometimes a rather impressive way of shaking hands with people, and the latter, because I oc- casionally speculate in bullion, Hoping this will be sufficiently explanatory, I may addjthat those galoot: seem spoiling for a scrimmage and I presume I can accommodate Git-Thar by fur- nishing a few of them as subjects to start a grave-yard with!” ‘* No, no! there shall be no fight. I warn you, William Tobias, if further molestation is offered this gentleman, you shall be discharged from my father’s employ,” Sadie cried, firmly. ‘¢ Mebbe you’re runnin’ the old man’s business, an’ mebbe ye ain’t!” sneered Tobias, “Tf you have any desire to know, sir, allow me to inform you that my davghter has the power to discharge you at any time she may see tit!’ a deep base voice declared, and Septimus Singleton in person stepped into the room—a portly man, of commanding appearance, and a stern, worldly face, whose coldness was only partly relieved by a heavy iron-gray beard, Tobias shrunk back at sight of the mine-owner, who turned peremptorily to his daughter. “* Child! childi what are you doing here, im connection with this jangle?” ‘‘ Excuse me, for her,” Bullion Bret said, tip- ping his hat. ‘‘ Seeing that these ruffians were inclined te pick upon me, a stranger in your town, the young lady generously tried to per- suade them out of their purpose. I am sure she has my heartiest gratitude,” ‘¢Purty speech! purty speech!” sneered Tobias, loud enough to be heard. ‘* Tryin’ ter mash the heiress!” “That will do from you, sir!” Mr, Singleton said sternly, turning to the bullying miner. “You can consider yourself suspended from my employ, until you learn how to behave your= self. Come, Sadie!” and taking his daughter’s: zr - arm, he left thé'grocery, and set off top the Sin- “ gleton mansion, which was the most pretentious in the Git-Thar settlement. ° -_ Tobias glared after the pair until he could no longer see therm; then he burst into a coarse laugh. ? “Sep Singleton needn’t s’pect he’s greater than the hull,United States!” he grunted, “Ther? may be a day, not fur off, when he Mayn’t be so rich, ner half so powerful, I opine, An’I don’t keer a fig whether I works fer him or not. When I don’t work, I opine as - ther Union don’t!” Among the miners of Git-Thar there existed what was known as a Self-Protective Labor Union, and the great and only William Tobias was president of it, It therefore followed that as nearly all of the miners belonged to tie Union, the owners of the mines were forced to pay good wages to secure ‘the proper quantity and quality of help neces- “gary to the proper carrying on of their business, - Ata recent.meeting of the Union a resolution ' . had been drafted demanding an increase of ten per cent, on the already exorbitant scale of _ Wages, and the mine-owners had no immediate _ choice, owing toa scarcity of hands, but to ac- -cede.to the demand, _ Among the mine-owners it was feared to do ‘anytking to precipitate a strike, for it was ey generally believed by them that Elder rimrose and his Mormon clan stood only too ready to back the strikers, and encourage a Jabor revolt, hoping to get undisputed possession of everything in Git-Thar, and thus to drive out the Gentile element. The words uttered by Tobias after the depar- _ ture of the Singletons, seemed to be received with marked favor by the miners in the grocery, 1 there was an audible murmur of approval. _ Old Singleton thinks there’s no one so good “as him, since he’s made a boodle out o’ the sweat oO) our brows!” Cock-eyed Cal added maliciously. --** We orter show him that we don’t allow him ter hey all all ther fat ter himself.” “You bet! He'll find he can’t treat us with / ~*~ Ampunerty,” Tobias snarled, ‘‘I order a meet- in ey i's the Union two hours hence. We'll see ef % . 7m ter be discharged.” _ Bullion Bret had stood leaning idly against the counter, as if having no inclination what- ever to leave. After having delivered himself of the last- quoted remark, Tobias once more fastened his ~ malignant gaze upon the sportive stranger. ** 1 see ye ain’t makin’ any move to vamoose!” he growled, fiercely, ‘‘Ef ye donit wanter git ~ kick and thrash him, Therefore she threw her arms about the ox. like neck of her gigantic mule-driver, and ee eo ee plied a series of osculatory dabs at his chee cooing with dove-like serenity. “Thar, now, dearest, don’t be stubborn, You are just the best, goodest man in the world, and of course you shall get half of the money, ? come along, for the Elder is waiting!” tae Thus pacified, Uriah marched on, and was ~~ soon ushered into the private parlor of the Mor- : mon ruler of Git-Thar. seen dott The Elder sat tipped .back in an easy-chair, and after directing Araminta in a gruff manner _- to ‘git out,” he invited Uriah to occupy a seat, and help himself to cigars and wine, which sat upon a table near at hand. 3 > Tue Elder then looked the mule-driver over, critically. i : “Uriah!” he observed, ‘‘ I hear that youmste neglecting the lovely family that the Lord has permitted you to gather around you?” the Hider observed, earn “No sech a darned thing!’ Uriah declared, ~~ | with vehemence, ‘‘They’re neglecting me, sir. For six long weeks has thar beep a rent in my (my trowsers, and not one of the hull seven has _ offered to sew it up, or cover it with a patch.” “ Very likely, because they did not choose to dog you to a saloon, in order to do the job,” the = ~ Elder allowed, Eng va ‘“Mebbe I don’t know the conjergal relation o’ your houschold, Elder, but ef yer dozen wivege aire knee-high-ter-a-grasshopper as mean as my old Araminter, hell an’ all its three-tined piteb- forks would be sixty miles from nowhere, “I telk ye that old she-canary is a screamer, were to linger long in her presence, she’ door-mat iringed with patches of my scalp: The Hitar smiled, 5 He was aware of the fact that Arami not the only “screamer” in Pukeville. se He himself was the proud possessor of a couple” who would “take the shine” off the unconjugal Mrs. Knockemstiff, ; } ‘Well, Uriah, such is fate, and we must ail take our share of it. I sent for you, not to give you a Caudle lecture, but to give you an oppor- tunity to make a comfortable sum of money.” ie “Yas, so Araminta said, an’ she allowed she — — } war goin’ ter gobble onto it, arter I earned it.) “Bah! you do the job for me, and do it well, iN ds and I’ll guarantee that no second party shall get r a chance at the pay.” ‘* How much is it?” “A round bundred dollars!” ib 3 f “Too small, I can’t spill no blud short 0” five times thet amount!” Jo BP oa OY “But there’s no blood to be spilled, sir, The i job’s as light and simple'as ABC, All it re i quires is a little force, and it is a suecess.” ‘Waal, what is it?” : ‘* Promise me secrecy !” ‘On course I will, Did I evyer go back on you, Elder?” s “Perhaps not. If I ever catch you doing so, it will not be well for you, rest assured.” ; Z / i “Oh, ye needn't fear! Ther vocabulary-trap o’ Uriaher Knockemstiff kin be as open as the Arctic Ocean, or as close as a screwed-up vise.” Vs ‘Well, the job is this: You know that out Aen eae the gulch, the other side of Git-Thar, there live ae two persons named Jamison?” { “ Yos, I knows.” ‘hee “They're father and daughter, and the girl is as pretty as the prettiest flower that grows in the mountains,” A vs “Ye kin bet on that! I bev been thinkin” . some 0’ poppin’ to her myself.” 5 “Hal hal I fancy she would fall in lové with - roche at first sight, you ‘are so pretty,” Primrose — aughed. ‘‘But, to proceed. I baye for some ~ time set my mind upon having the girlfor my ==» J wife, and, with this purpose in view, went down Bi § after her to-day.” ey “ And didn’t get her?” : ‘Curse the luck, no!, She actually drove me off at the point of a pistol!” . /

ee ed. §*’Lain’t no fair fer a feller ter make "i prisoner of himself,” » ‘Can't belp that, Do as I say. and if you don’t do it right, I'll shoot off the end of your nose!” and he fingered his pistol menacingly, Fearing the cool dare-devil would be as good as his wogd, Uriah again obeyed, and in due time had his feet securely bound. Bret then proceeded to finish the job by bind- ing his wrists, and the redoubtable Knockem- stiff was as surely a captive as had been Virgie afew minutes before. Leaving the mule-driver sitting on the floor, Bret turned his attention to the young lady. Although she was still in a swoon he took note that she was marvelously pretty—a prettier girl, by far, than he had ever met before. As he had been near the Jamison cabin at the time of her cupture, he naturally concluded it » was her home, and had followed to her rescue, » . Before returning her to her home, she must sneeessarily be restored to consciousness, and having no water at hand, Bret was pondering how he would accomplish the Job, when he had the Satisfaction of seeing her open her eyes and _ . then quickly sit up. She glanced about her, seeming for the mo- » ment-not to comprehend her situation, When | she saw Bullion Bret, however. a light of recog- nition crept into her face. “Why, Mr. Silversmith, is that you? Did you rescue me from Mr, Vivian? Wheream I?” she asked, ; “Dhar! thar! 1 thort [’d,seen ’im afore!” Kmiockemstiff muttered to himself. ‘' He's Sil- »,~ Versmith, the road-agent.” Ag pe me, lady,” Bullior Bret spoke. ‘‘ It’s ~ trie I @reseue you, but you’ve made a little mistake in yegard to my name, I’m known as Bullion Bret—not Silversmith” » *Tndeed! ButI am sure I am not mistaken. Did you not pass our cabin and talk with us dur- Gi *: ).Seg She aftérnoon of the day just passer, when ‘* Most assuredly I did not, lady. Until I had the good luck to meet you here, I never had the honor of looking upon your face before.” ‘This is very strange. There must be two of you who look and dress precisely alike, then, for you are the living image of Suke Silversmith, the road-agent,” “Indeed! If this be true, I cannot say that I am particularly flattered over my own looks, then,” Bret laughed pleasantly. ‘‘It is not the first time to-night I have been confounded with this frisky individual, Silversmith. I think I shall bave to hunt the gentleman up, and de- mand an apology from him for daring to look like me, And now, lady, if you wish, I will conduct you,\back to your home.” ‘Tam ever so much obliged to you, sir. But how is it that this man is a prisoner? He is not Mr, Vivian.” “Hxactly! He labors under the name of Uriab Knockemstiff, and rescued you from your first. captor and brought you here, where it was bis intention to hold you a prisoner, until he could dispose of you to some Elder.” “ Ah! Elder Primrose.” “T reckon so.” ‘*Hlder Primrose, you know, is a Mormon, and yesterday asked me-to becomes his wife, When I indignantly refused, he threatened me, and I suppose he sent this ruffian to capture me,” “Very probably. But, come; let us not waste time here, I will see you to your home, as your parents are no doubt worried about you.” “ We will go, then, I presume my father has not yet discovered my absence.” ‘*T say, boss, what aire ye goin’ to do wi’ me?” the mule-driver growled, ‘Oh! you can remain behind. WhenI get a little spare time, ’ll come back and dispose of your case, as I may judge best,” Bret replied. ‘TI guess no one will disturb you, or prevent you having a good rest for the remainder of the night.” They then left the cabin, Knockemstiff’s furi- ous curses following them. Having marked the way well, Bullion Bret had no difficulty in finding the way to the Jami- son cabin again, where it was found that old Jeptha was’ still asleep. ; x Val Vivian had wisely withdrawn from the scene of his.attempige abduction. Bidding Virgie ah: ivht, and receiving her hearty thanks, Buifion Pret returned to Git- Thar, to dream of the pretty girl whom be had rescued, CHAPTER VIII. THE UNION CONVENES AND SILVERSMITH SUPER- VENES. ACCORDING to the orders of Bill Tobias, the Self-Protective Union met at midnight, in a hall over Git-Thar’s principal gaming-palace, known as the ‘* Full Hand.” As the meetings of the Union were conducted with secrecy, of course no one but the members were admitted, but these composed a goodly portion of the Gentile population, and several secret agents of the Mormon rule, whose business it was to abet the cause of the Union, and pro- vide any pecuniary assistance it might need— the main object being, of course, to forward the Mormon cause, These agents had been selected with care by Primrose; and by a liberal use of money—of which the Elder seemed to possess an unlimited amount—they succeeded in winning over more of the Gentiles’ good-will than that element, at large, had any idea of, Tobias’s ribs had been set by a local surgeon, and being full of grit, the ruffian had been car- ried to the lodge-room, and bolstered up as com- fortably as possible, as he must needs be present at the meeting. When all the laborers employed by Septimus Singleton had arrived, the meeting was called to order. Cock-eyed Cal presided. “Gentlemen,” he said, flourishing his arms, ‘“Gentlemen, we hev arrived at an important era in our existence as a brotherhood of labor- ers. Our worthy president, who is unfortunate- ly sufferiny from a ruffianly attack, bas called upon us to convene and gravely consider an important matter which intimately interests us all. Our brother has, for trivial offense, if any at all, been given notice of his discharge by bis tyrannical employer, Septimus Singleton, who Likewise is the taskmaster of nearly all of you! we, the working element and the undenk able means of support of a great and far- reaching country, are an oppressed and down- trodden people, crushed beneath the heel of that hydra-headed monster,the tyrannical capitalist !” d.clared Cock-Eye, with an elocutionary gesture of great impressiveness, Applause by over half a hundred pairs of hands and as many pairs of ponderous, stogy boot-heels, ‘**‘ Now. then,” pursued Cal, dramatically, * our brotber. a worthy man, has. at starving wages, acted as a foreman for one of the bloated ¢api- talists of the town. To him we owe a degree of respect and fraternai 1ove that it is the lot of but few men to command. for on several oceasions our brother has been the means of our getting mcreased wages and was the prime moyer in aniting us as a brotherhood, Why. then, should we not protect his interests. if need be, by sac- rificing our own?” .’ Applause” yelled Ben Bowser; and applause was heartily given, 1 am proud, gentlemen,” Cock-Eye went on; that our sentiments are in unison. Still; "tis but right. We were organized to put down Op- ression and the sooner we do it the better, I navo given you my views—will President Tobias be kind enough to suggest a measure to be taken in the matter?” **T propose we demand twenty-five per-cent, in- crease in salary!” Tobias spoke out, loudly, **If refused. we strike, and lick blazes out 0’ ary those as dares to take our places!” **¥ second the motion’ from Cock-eyed Cal. “| third it{” from Ben Bowser. * All in favor will make manifest by howl- tng «/” proclaimed the bias-eyed chairman valorously; and from the stentorian throats of the uncouth assemblage there arose a yell of © y— * 11"—* Tj” that fairly made the building shake, “That settles it. Secretary, prepare a resolu- tion to that effect, to be submitted to Septimus Singleton, and no man goes to work until a for- mal notice of acceptance is returned !” “ti beg leave to give notice,” said the chair- man, arising, ‘‘that the treasurer reports a scarcity of funds in his care, tor the support of the members, should the strike be in any way protracted,” ,*" Any difficulty in that line can be obviated by application to’ me or my friend Stark,” said Snelling, one of Eider Primrose’s agents, ** We are ordered to draw upon the right reverend Elder Primrose for funds whenever your worthy cause is in need. **Hurrali! hip! hip! hurrah for Primrose!” yelled Tobias, and the cheers were given heart- Ly. ‘ihe meeting then adjourned, with the under- standing that none of the employees of the Singleton mines should go to work. until old Septimus came to terms, and that no “scabs” should be permitted to fill the vacent places of the strikers, The secretary delivered the manifesto that ame night, in order that the wealthy mine- owner might have a good night’s sleep over it. It ho refused to accede to the demand, a strike was as good as sworn to, and a strike in a camp like Git-Thar had a deadly significance, entailing bloodshed and disaster From the lodge-room Bill Tobias was taken back to his own sbanty, fixed up comfortably for tho night, and left to reflect upon the paine ful result of his personal encounter with Bullion Bret, Having no other solace for his ruffled tempera- ment, he drew a jug from beneath the bed, and proceeded, by occasional swigs, to appease the pain of his injured ribs. The more bug-juice he imbibed, the less he realized his pain, until he became nodding and dozy—so dozy, in fact, that he failed to hear a key turn in the door-lock, or to see the door open, admitting no Jess a personage than Mr. Suke Silversmith, gentleman road-agent, After giving the wounded Tobias a sharp glance, the visitor closed and locked the door and brought a chair to the bedside, where he seated himself and gave the nodding William @ playful poke in the ribs, which elicited a yell of pain, and culminated in the discovery of the visitor’s presence, ‘* Woo oh!” howled Tobias, ‘‘ What d’ye mean, ye devil? What d’ye want here, cuss ye?” “Oh! don’t git squeamich, Billy,” Silversmith chuckled. ‘I just thought I’d come down and set up with the corpse!” ‘*The corpse! hat corpse?” ‘Yourself, to be, sure! I knew you would . » ee attr ‘a ae 4 pO el eet ite i | { F { re ¥ be lonely, and Iam the best .of: interesting company when I’m Py. nursed, you know. dust tip us the jug and let me smell of its breath!” **Cursa me ef I will!” Tobias growled, eying the caller suspiciously. ‘‘Ye’ve got a pile o’ gall, a-comin’ here, after breakin’ my ribs, If my revolvers weren’t over thar on the table I’d Dore a hole in yer head!” “*If Lagreed to the tunneling scheme, eh?— which I should not. As fer breakin’ your ribs, Billiam, I had no hand in that!” * Ye'r’ a duraed liar!” **You’re another, double dose. I saw the skewrup, and laffed to think o’ the gratuitous advertising I wgs getting. It was my double as did ye up—ther feller what looks like me!” *“*Git out! Who the deuce aire you, then?” “Suke Silversmith, at yer service—the Apollo of the Road, commonly dubbed a stage-robber!” Tobias stared at the man in a puzzled manner, Ye'r’ lyin’!” he growled. ‘‘I ain’t no fool. Ye may be Silversmith, but ye’r’ Bullion Bret, too! ** Not by jugs-ten-times-full! My station in life aire too elevated fer comparison wi’ Bullion Bret. I’m tho galoot, Billy, who ‘soaked’ yea year ago or so.” * You've got a durned heap o’ cheek in tellin’ of it. What d’ye want here?” **Oh, just a little chat, Toby. If there is any- thing in the world I like better than whisky an’ swag, it’s to shoot off my mouth, So pass over the juice and let me smell its breath.” Tobias obeyed. He rather fancied that Silver- Smith’s visit was not an unfriendly one. The genius of stage-robbing poised the jug on high, six inches from his mouth, and gradually tipping it up, allowed a little stream of the fiery iguor ta spill down his opened mouth. he little stream continued té*pour down as the seconds passed, until Tobias uttered a grow] of protest, when Silversmith put .down the ug. ** Ye ort not to stop a feller when he’s practic- in’ an act of magic!” he observed, rubbing the drops from his mustache, “Ef ye think you've struck a distillery, ye’r’ mistaken!” Tobias snarled. ‘' Thet aire family disturbanee costs money,.an’ ain’t meant to run grist-mills.” **Oh! don’t worry, Toby,” Silversmith said, serenely. ‘‘ Ill git you gallons of better stuff-- veal old booze, that goes down oreani through a lamp-chimney. Tie fact is, Toby, you an’ i aire to make a bargain!” ** How d’ye know?” **Oh, it’s a sworn-to fact—no discount. I Enow you're no fool, and noone but a fool will Tefuse a chance to collar a boodle—eh?” * Well, wi’ all my lung machinery I should cackle nay!” and Tobias gave an appreciative 9 like in, ee seat what I thought!” declared the road- agent, bestowing upon Tobias another playful poke in the ribs, thereby eliciting another how]. *Ialways suspected you of being naturally fly, and I know it now. You see, the matter is, Toby, Ihave a job to be performed which my elevated position will not permit me to tackle, and I don’t know of a man who could handle it better than you.” ‘* Humph! I reckon I couldn’t handle any- thing very large just now!” Tobias groaned, “with grim facetiousness, “*But you can work it all perkimskute. You see, Ihave an enemy who is admirably anxious to take my life, and I wish to prevent the disas- ter by getting rid of him, in advance of the cul- mination of his scheme.” * Who is he?” ‘A person for whom you have no extensive deerree of that blooming passion popularly known os love, or in other words, Bullion Bret!” * tal And why is it you hate him?” ** That is none of your business, sir.” *'Ye needn’t be so sassy !” *Perhaps I am the best judge of that, sir, I want Bullion Bret put out of the way. Will you do the job?” “*T don’t know how I can!” “Fasy enough. If you'll undertake to, I'll give you the cue.” Bas ell, go ahead. How much "ll ye pay fer the ‘Pll pay you enough so that you will not need to work for a time!” Tobias’s eyes looked less sleepy. ** How much?” Well, I'll explain: You see, this Bullion Bret has the misfortune of being a perfect coun- terpart of myself in the matter of looks, and might easily be accused of being me!” “So he has; I didit myself; but Sep Single- Bullion-Bret,the Giant Grip. | Pi a i: ee a! ton tae bis part and the thing didn’t work for a cen “Not? Well, it willbe apt tonow. Before coming here, I have paid a visit to the mining- office of Metler and Maguire, and appropriated to my own use ten thousand dollars in green- backs. Of course the robbery will create quite astir, as Ileft my visiting-card behind, and it will be a capital chance to work the thing off on Ballion Bret. D’ye see?” “Pm not blind!” ‘Of course not. All you have got to do is to see that popular indignation waxes so strong against him that some one will get up on his ear and organize a party, and lynch him.” “*Kerect! Reckon it can be did, assoon as I get out!” “Bah! It must be done at once, There is positively no time for delay. It must be done, to-morrow.” ‘* Well, mebbe I kin crawl out, an’ see to it, on a pinch.” “Doso, Ill give you half of what I got from the safe to-night!” ‘* What! five thousand dollars?” ** Yes, five thousand dollars.” ** Then, it’sa go, you bet. Pan out!” Silversmith took a roll of bills, of large de- nomination, from his pocket, and counted out the sum, handing it to the injured foreman. ‘* Mind, now: I shall expect you to do the job as agreed!” he said, grimly. ‘If you fail me, woe be unto you!” ““Yekin bet Bullion Bret dies to-morrow!” Tobias declared, viciously. Silversmith took his departure, chuckling as he went, CHAPTER IX. BULLION’S CLEVER SLIY. THE next morning was one of great excite- ment in Git-Thar. The robbery of Metler and Maguire’s office was discovered at an early hour, and the street was soon swarming with an excited populace, j who, in Youdest tones,,denounced Suke Silver- | ed smith, BullioneBret. cama srather early, from his room at the’ bo Sab awhile in the office, as breakfast ay Miready. Acmiral Abijah Doolittiewas ipfjdling deound, as usual, being, of necessity, his own clonkyy” “*Heerd about the robbery; s$' he remarked, = ‘* Robbery?--No, Who’ssbeemobbed?” “Why, I thort every one had heerd o’ that. Discovered this morning, aforedaylight. Heerd o’ Suke Silversmith, I jedge?” “Wor the first, last night.” “Thunder! Why you're ahind the times, Suke, he’s the road-agent, what stops the stages, hereabouts. Wal, Suke he war in town during the night, an’ robbed Metler an’ Maguire’s office o’ ten thousand dollars!” ‘Indeed! How came they to leave so great an amount exposed?” ‘oT wasn They had it locked up in their safe; yet he opened the safe, as neat as a pin, and got away with the boodle. Oh! he’s a ‘corker,’ is Suke, an’ ho laffs at locksmiths an’ law!” ‘““A very remarkable individual, I should say!” Bret replied, and was evidently indisposed to further talk when the Admiral spoke again: “Very dry weather we’re havin’—tremen- dous dry! Wonder the forests don’t take afire, Keeps on this way, the creek will dry up, an’ we won't hev no water. Hope it does—hope it does. Make my trade brisker, Ahem! ahem! of Jate something is the matter with my throat —dry, and parched-like, ye know. Never troubled that way, I reckon?” “*Oh! yes, once in awhile!” Bret replied, for he was not slow to take so broad a hint, ‘I presume it might strengthen our appetites for a good square breakfast 1f we were to irrigate— eh?” ‘* Happy thought! Happy thought! Ofcourse Tl join you—it does me proud!” Bret well knew it was sometimes best to get on the right side of a hotel-keeper; and he felt confident that a crisis was at hand when one friend would be better than half a dozen ene- mies, That he would be charged with the robbery be had little doubt. How was he to avert it? If he fled, it was as good as acknowledging that he was the guilty man. Nothing appeared so sensible to him as to stay and face the music, So they had their drink, and the Admiral , stranger?” volubly proposed a gallant toast ‘as a souiven i of his appreciation. ay Megeae Bullion Bret then went out upon teens and lighting a cigar, watched the ( 5 people upon the street, i. There could be no question but what they were a fearfully excited set of humans, and the name of Suke Silversmith was upon every tongue. Bret smiled grimly as he reflected what an abandant chance there would be of Silver-' smith’s getting lynched, were he present; and as for himself, he felt a little anxious, aud won- dered how it was that suspicion didn’t turn against him, “Tt will, sooner or later!” he muttered. “Tit keep indoors, however, and await deyelop- | ments,” ae He went inside, and up to his room. Here he threw himself upon the bed, and listened to the) hubbub of the crowd in the street below. 3 He had not lain long when there came a tap. upon the door—clearly a feminine tap at that, = ‘* Who’s there?” Bret demanded, sitting up on ” the bed, at once suspecting that it was a decoy sent to attract him from the room, < me “Tt is me—Miss Singletou. There iS trouble, in store for you. Why do you not flee while there is a chance, sir?” ‘* And thus acknowledge that I am the guilty man? [I think not!” 4 “But, sir, they will hang you without a trial!” j “Let ’em! Ican hibernate. After Pm buried ~ a couple of weeks, you can dig me up, and Pil” be just as lively as a big sunflower, the seventh son of a seventh son, you know!” ‘Nonsense! Come with me, at least, $6 our home, where you will have better protection than here.” ‘“‘T am a hundred times obliged fo you, Miss Singleton, but I prefer to stay here,” : He heard her hesitate a moment; then she turned abruptly, and her footsteps died away. ‘A sgueenly girl!” Bret mused. “Bat I wonder why she bothered her head énough to feink of my safety? Women are a puzzle, any- ow! He had not more than got fairly settled down again, when there came a second rap, sounding the same as the first. ‘Callers are numerous all at once!” Bret muttered, ‘* Who's there?” 4 “Tt is I, Virgie Jamison!” a pleasant yoice replitd. ‘May I see you a moment, sir?” > * Certainly!” Although he usually fought shy of the femi- nine sex, he could not refuse to be seén and in- terviewed by such a delightful morsel of hu- manity as Virgie Jamison; so he arose, opened the door and admitted her. She entered fearlessly and dropped upon a chair, her face several shades paler than usual. “Oh! Mr. Beaufort, what have you been do- ing?” she Eape, gazing at him earnestly. “Doing? hy, taking a tolerably fair night’s rest!” he replied, ‘‘except when my repose was pleasantly disturbed by the haunting vision of a pretty young lady!” A tinge of color crept into her cheeks, and. she dropped her gaze. ‘But, sir, can it be possible that you do not know—” ““T know that Metler and Maguire’s safe has been robbed, and by the mountain footpad, Sil- versmith, and I presume that suspicion will be leveled upon me on account of the resemblance I am said to bear to that individual.” “ft is indeed so, Bill Tobias has been putting it into the heads of the miners that you are un- doubtedly Silversmith, and they have surround ed the hotel and are waiting for you to come out, when they’re going to shoot you.” “Oh! they are?” ‘Yes, sir.” ‘Well, that looks rather bad, don’t it?” “Qh! yes, sir. Ob! sir, are you sure you are really not the road-agent?” ‘* Positively certain. Do you doubt me?” “Oh! no—but—but you look so very much like him.” ‘* A state of affairs over which I, of course, have no control—a thing very unfortunate, too. Let me see; I shall have to figure some way out of this difficulty.” ‘“‘T am so afraid, sir, there is no avenue of és- cape for you. The hotel is guarded on the back and front.” “Tt does look rather dubious for me, that’s a fact!” and the Giant Grip looked serious. “But my dear Miss Jamison, don’t you know you ought pot to have come here?” , ““Why not? Didn’t you save me from a fate éf worse than death? I thought it barely possible "7" ' Bullion Bret, the Giant Grio. seovered your peril, and would it into the hands of your enemies.” posing L was Silyersmith—what then?” Ty gratitude to you could be scarcely less, 8 - * You area noble young woman,” Bret said, azing at her, admiringly. ‘‘I fear you have imperiled yourself by coming here, but as you have been so kind as to feel interested in my be- half, I shall endeavor to see that no harm comes to you!” 8 strode across the room to the window and ‘i out, Below, the stréet was blocked with people, the most of whom were rough and dirty miners, ‘ It was evidently as Virgie had said; they . were waiting for Bret to appear, when, likely, they would shoot him down, without mercy. ? Ww the odds so largely against him, he was not willing to give them the chance, if he could help himself, **T guess I can’t get out that way,” he said, “and [ presume not in the rear, It looks pretty ; wee as if we were penned up for good, don’t my et? * Oh, dear, yes! Whatshall we do?” _ Thats a thing we'll have to meditate over. What buildings are on the two sides of this hotel?” . “On one side is a shanty, used down stairs as a Chinese laundry, and I believe the up-stairs partis vacant. Un the other side is a one-story * real estate office,” Bullion Bret took a case from an inner pocket, . and extracted a hunting-knife from it—a strong, _ keen-edged blade, “There is one chance for us,” he said. ‘If I can cut my way through the two partitions, into the room in the next building; it may be » possible to escape. Does the mob know that _ you are in the hotel?” ~ “Not that I am aware of, sir. I came by the back way, before the crowd had collected there, ' The Admiral was not inclined to let me come up; at first, but I gave him a good talking to, and explained matters to him, and he finally ' gave bis consent.” si eg most likely, he would favor my es- _ “believe so. He seemed to think that you ' were 4 pretty nice sort of a fellow.” , - “So much for treating him,” Bret mused. “T must make a desperate effort to find a way out, even if some one has to drop for it,” and witaout further delay he set to work, and soon had a small hole mate, to which he applied his eye. ; “Good fortune!” he exclaimed, ‘ There is but one thickness of boards, The other shanty is built up against this, saving one wall, It won’t take a great while to cut our way through!” Little by little the hole grow larger, while Virgie watched him anxiously, and yet with a degree of admiration for which she could hardly account, ‘ Outside, in the street, the bubbub of the mob _grew louder, and the sound of blasphemy was audible to Bret and his fair companion. “Ten to one they'll not wait much longer,” he thought, ‘“‘ before they make a raid up the stairs, in search of me. I'll have to be lively, I know.” ‘ With renowed efforts he cut away, the active exercise bringing beads of perspiration to his brow, Still noisier became the crowd on the street, and finally a number of revolver-bullets came crashing through the window. ‘The lion getteth hungry for his meat!” Bret observed, grimly. “Ob! are you not afraid they will come up and break down the door, Mr. Beaufort?” Virgie asked, pale and trembling. ; “Tf they do, lady, Bullion Bret is not afraid to face them like a man, and die in your defense, Rest easy, however. The aperture is nearly large enough. I believe we can escape from the next room,” In five minutes taore he had the hole large enough for them to enter the chamber of the next building, which they did, cautiously. “It was a good-sized room, and unfurnished. On the other side there was no building. An outer stairway led down from a doorway to the yacant lot. There was also a window fronting on the lot, and two upon the street. Looking out of the 2 as side window, Bret discovered that none of the mob were in that vicinity, but a fine saddle- horse was hitched there, “The road. to escape is open!” he cried, tri- ea “‘Tll use that horse. You descend _to the lot, and join the crowd, on the front side., AO A-few minutes later that horse shall take me out of Git-Thar!” Cs “Are yon not afraid they will pursue and overtake you?? © "= . ‘*No! Once on the back of that horse, which I should say was a ‘ goer,’ I'll defy them all!” ** You will not return again, then?” She looked trustingly up into his face as she spoke, and there-was a wistful something in the expression of her pretty eyes which made his heart pulsate in a way it bad never done before! ““Of course I shall return, Miss Virgie, for I must clear my character of this stain of sus- picion that stands against it. Then, too, I have other business to attend to, Would you like to see me again?” “*T should be very much pleased to,” she re- plied, putting out her hand, while ber gaze fell, and a charming blush suffused her cheeks, ‘Then, I shall be doubly pleased to call upon you, Lam sure,” he said, raising her hand gal- lantly to his lips, ‘‘ Now, then, we will make a move!” Fs She bowed, and opening the door, descended the stairs. Bullion Bret waited until he thought she had had time to mingle with the crowd—for it was composed of women as well as men; then he descended the stairs, untied the horse, and vaulted into the saddle, In an instant he was off at full speed, for he bad calculated rightly upon the horse being an animal of metal. Keeping on a direct line with the side of the shanty from which be had escaped, he was a full half-mile away ere a dull series of yells eee that his flight had been just discov- ered. Looking back, he saw that several horses were being saddled for pursuit, ‘“Ha! ba! come on, you hell-hounds!” he yeil- ed, ‘* Pll very soon show you that you’ve mis- calculated your man if you think to catch him now!” And although swift pursuit was given, Bul- lion Bret had vanished from view. CHAPTER X, oA OE SELIEF! THe man-hun uned to Git-Thar camp, raving and-eursing.@xtravagantly over their defeat, "Face All day long the street was thronged with a restless populace, for the escape of Bullion Bret b Sa not the Only mutter of astonishment in Git- bar. The miners had carried out their intention of not going to work, except for an increase of wages, and posted on the door of the mining- office of Septimus Singleton was the following notice; “ NOTICE “To Empioyers oF Seprimus SINGLETON! “No work will be done in the Singleton mines un- til you return at last-given wages, or until your places can be filled at the old prices. # “ [Signed] S. SINGLETON.” Of course this created a great deal of unfavor- able comment among the working-classes, and some bitter threats were made, menacing the mine-owner’s personal welfare, Septimus Singleton kept pretty closely to his own house, Val Vivian bringing in occasional bits of news, When the report of Bullion Bret’s escape was brought to him, he nodded knowingly. ‘Tam glad to hear of it!” he declared. ; ‘And why, uncle?” Vivian demanded. ‘The infernal rascal ought to have been taken out and lynched!” “Not a bit of it, So does Sadie!” ““T don’t presume to know, of course, but I'll bet he was the real Silversmith. By the way, uncle, if IT were you I'd grant the increase of wages. The feeling against you is increasing, hourly, and I’ve a notion that something bad will happen.” ‘Impossible, sir, You ought to know that, The men have already been getting better wages from me than from any other mining concern, and Vl not stand the attempt to bulldoze me!” “TY believe it was brought on by your pro- posal to discharge Tobias,” ‘I did discharge him, I'll not have the in- fernal rascal any Jonger in my employ!” ‘‘T don’t think the men ili go to work with- out him, as he is president of their Union.” ‘* Let them go to the deuce, then, and starve!” I believe he was innocent, nih’ They'll not starve. The Mormon Elder has agreed to back them’as long as they strike!” ** How do you know?” ‘That's the rumor on the street. at any rate! © ‘© What is his object?” ‘* Power! I suppose you are aware that some one is going over to the Mormon side daily, thereby increasing their strength as a colony. Primrose has an eye on the valuable mines of. Git-Thar, and eventually means to possess them, and the whole camp, You see, therefore, that he has a purpose in befriending the striking miners, as, ten to one, in case of an insurrec-_ tion, they would go over to the Mormon side.” Septimus Singleton looked thoughtful, ‘“This may possibly be true,” he said. ‘Is is nearer the facts of the case than [’d like to see it!” Vivian replied. “I presume, however, that all will be right if you grant the demends of the strikers.” “‘That I cannot do, Before I'll do it Pl im- port a new gang of men.” “The ktrikers swear they’ll kill every new man that attempts to go to work!” ‘““Maybe they won’t find that so easy as they imagine, If necessary, Pll bring a regiment of soldiers bere to keep the peace. Go send Metler and Maguire, and John Philips here, Id like to have a talk with them,” “Very well, sir. By the way—l nearly for- got—hbere is a letter for you which | just got out of the post-office,” And, delivering the letter, the handsome man took his departure, ae Septimus Singleton looked at the post-mark upon the envelope, then opened it, It was from Chicago, written in a handsome business-hand, and caused the mine‘owner to grow pale as he perused it. _ It was as follows: Ff ‘ 7? “Qnicaao, Sept. 1) ‘‘Spprrmus SINGLETON, Esq. !— “Dear Str:—I presume you will be surprised learn that I am still alive, and, moreover, in Amer- ica. The report tha‘ I perished during my trip to Egypt was without foundation. I have lost consid- erable money, however, and as your mortgage is overdue, I must have the money on it immed:ately, or shall be forced to foreclose it. as I believe you have not yet been able to accumulate the amount from your mining venture, I shall bring a couple of capitalists along with me who witl buy it in case you haven’t the money on hand. I shall follow this letter, as my needs are urgent, ** Respectfully, 3 “Sir Guy Monrrrvor,” Ag he finished the'perusal of this letter, Sep- timus Singleton buried his face in bis hands and uttered a groan of anguish, The letter had fluttered to the floor, The mine-owner’s frame shivered with emo~ tion, and he seemed to be greatly affected at the news be had received. ‘Papa, what does this mean?” He looked up with a start, Sadie stood beside him and held the letter in her band, ‘ ‘*'You here?” he gasped—‘‘ you? Oh! why did you come, when I am so miserable?” ‘“Why shouldn’t I come then, of all times? Am I not your daughter, and \is it not my duty to comfort you? Pray explain, papa: what doves this letter mean?” “Can't you see? I[t means ruin—disaster— disgrace, We are paupers!” ‘* But I don’t seehow, Have you not money?” ‘“* Very little, When I struck the mines now supposed to be owned by me, 1 borrowed ten thousand dollars from this Guy Montrevor, a rich Englishman, who used to be a schoolmate of mine. The money 1 used in opening the mine, and supplyin the necessary machinery. Being insufficient, Ihave had to use what the mines have produced in completing the liquidaa- tion of those expenses. I have really not one thousand dollars in cash to my name,” : ‘But there must surely be some way out of this difficulty. Can you not borrow enough to satisty tais creditor?” ‘“Of whom, pray? Metler and Maguire wers the only ones in the camp possessitty that amount of capital, and, as you know, they have ~ been cleane! out, No! God knows, there is no one, Montrevor will get the mines in spite of me. He knows their vastly increased value and will not give me a minute’s respite. If cannot hand him the money, with over one year’s interest, on demand, he will foreclose. the mortgage. purchasing it, but it will really go to himself,” ‘‘This is terrible. There must be some as yet unseén way of relief,” ** There is !” A clear, ringing voice uttered this declara- Ag tion, and Septimus Singleton and his daughter wheeled around in astonishment, There will be a pretense of some one ve ’ % t ‘ a es eT pe TE Pi bol {oe 1 je 13 liberty of dropping in on you at a time whén a jittle trouble prevails,” * “Be that as it may, what brings you here, sir?’ Singleton demanded, haughtily. ‘Excuse the intrusion, sir; but I came be- cause I felt I owed you a debt of gratitude, which I may requite by doing you a favor!” ‘A favor?” Yes, sir.” “Explain yourself, away from this town,” “That's what they .all suppose, fortunately for me,” with a dry laugh. ‘‘I’am back, bow- » ever, to learn that your men are on a strike.” { ‘«They are, sir.” * And are not likely to go to work until their demands are acceded to?” ‘Very possible.” “Well, sir, [came to say that I know of a hundred able-bodied men who are about to vamose an N. G. camp, a day’s ride to the northwest. Feeling tinder great obligations to you and your daughter’ for your interference in my behalf last night, 1 thought I would come and tell you of these men, and to say that I can get them for you.” ‘J am very much obliged to you, young man, but I fear I shall not need the men. Did you overhear our conversation, just now?” “T did. I was unintentionally an eavesdrop- per—for which 1 beg your pardon.” “Then you ~ill understand the situation I am placed in.” i - “Exactly. But you must not despair. Many eA aman has been on the verge of ruin, and has recovered.. I observed that there was a way out of your dilemma!” ‘‘ Wor Heayen’s sake, what is it?” **T can help you out of it. Although unex- pectedly accused of being a road-agent, Iam quite the contrary—being a hunter of the road brigands, and am by no meansa poor man, I _ have speculated a little, now and then, and am to-day worth twenty thousand dollars in spot cash!” Sadie uttered a little gasp of joy, while some- thing of an expression of relief swept over Sep- | ke timus Singleton’s face. Ae le __. * And what good does this do me? Surely you, an utter stranger, would not help me out, ; without abundant security!” ee Sigh “J will place the amount of money you need ; in your hands, on two conditions.” “ Name them!” ‘ “The first is, that you deed me a quarter in- terest in the mines, as a partner,” ** And the other?” “Ts this: I have led a roving sort of life long } enough, and am about prepared to settle down, oe and take things more soberly. I have traveled I supposed you well Pa far, and met many ladies; but none, ever, that if z has so favorably impressed me as your amiable ty e -daughter. I want a bright and intelligent wife wae who can make life a thing to live for, and I "6. believe your daughter can fill the bill most ac- aes ‘ceptably. The second condition, therefore is— : _ that she becomes my bride to-morrow night. [ j ain an honorable gentleman, and she will never ae ‘have cause to regret linking her life with F mine!” eee | Septimus Singleton and Sadie heard him if ; ee. The mine-owner’s face was grave and ; Stern, and the cold-gray eyes feasted upon the face of the handsome sport, searchingly. _ Sadie was pale, and kept her face averted, as “she stood by her father’s chair, one hand resting “upon his shoulder. It was several moments ere Septimus Single- ton opened his mouth to speak. “*Sir,” he said, finally, ‘‘ this is the strangest proposition I ever heard of. Do you suppose I would barter a child of mine away for money? You must be mad, man!” “TI am perfectly sane, sir, and expected you would regard my offer as unseemly, because at you do not know me as the man I am—honor- 1 1g oe able, respectable, and in every sense a gentle- 4 - man, It is your pleasure, of course, to act in ’ __. sthe matter as you deem just and right. If you |... say so, I will send a person to-night for your de- .s cision.” 3 ~ “You may do go,” Sadie said, turning her eine oo face toward him. ‘ Whatever the answer is, it ‘a . will be final,” ool “Very well. I take the pleasure of bidding »/ you a pleasant good-day.” _. . And bowing gracefully, he backed from the _» Toom, and was gone, - **And now,” Singleton said, turning to his & daughter, “‘ what in Heaven’s name do you pro- . ~ pose todo?” 7 UU wy, J '$ bs 4 go A Je. : af » * a = Boe :: } . + - \ “ Bullion Bret!” burst from Sadie’s lips, ‘*t intend to give him his answer,” Sadie re-| ‘‘I®say this is an outrageous indignity” -. “At your service,” was the reply, with a gal- | plied, stormed Sir Guy. “ We will have you arrested Jant bow. ‘‘It appears that I have taken the ‘* What shall it be—‘ No!’ of course?” for this!” * : : ‘On the contray—‘ Yes!’” ‘“ Are you, too, mad?, It must not—it shall not be!” ‘*I say it shall! I fancy he is sincere, and that I would grow to regard him.as a wife should regard a good husband, Then, too, it will save us from poverty and disgrace. Donot try to dissuade me, for it will be of nouse. I have formed my resolution, and nothing can deter me from carrying it out!” The mine-owner groaned aloud. “Oh, what torture! what torture!” he mur- mured, burying his face in his bands, CHAPTER XI. “matt! Tux night that followed the first day of the strike was, like it’s predecessor, a beautiful one. The air was soft and balmy, and the dome of heaven was blue as blue could be, dotted by myriads of twinkling stars, and lit up by a great soaring moon, which cast its light over the rug- ged and picturesque landscape of Silverland with mellow splendor, penetrating into deep gorges and wide canyons, even as it kissed the hoary and pine-clad mountain-tops, Bowling along through a wild and rugged gulch, on each side of which towering moun- tains rose in mighty grandeur, came the stage, drawn by four horses, and bound from Jimville to Git-Thar, the distance between the two camps being about fifteen miles, about half of which had been traversed as we look down upon the scene, The horses were still fresh and high-spirited, aud they tore along down the rough trail with the ponderous coach in a way that would have made an Eastern man’s hair stand on end, es- pecially if he was inside the ‘‘ hearse.” The driver, old Hank Hoagland, sat serene]. on his box, with his reins in one hand, and his long-lashed whip in the other, with which he seemed delighted to ‘‘ tickle” the leading horses’ ear, or else to hear the pistol-like crack of the snapper, which sent echoes reverberating along the mountain walls, Hank was an old-timer at the business, from ’way back in ’49, and he had often remarked that he expected to die with the ribbons in his hands, But, least of all did he expect that to-night was to be the one for him to ‘pass in his checks,” : He had a full load inside, of persons more im- portant than he had carried any day in a week, Among the party (one of whom wasa lady) a purse of ten dollars had been made up and pre- sented to the veteran Jehu at Jimville as an in- aieeepene for him to make extra speed for Git- ar. ‘“G'lang wi’ ye, daisies!” the old mansung out. ‘Don’t give carbuncles a chance ter grow on yer heels, fer it’s a bushel o’ oats to ye, an’ a quart o’ ‘red-nose’? fer Henery when we reach Git- Thar. G’lang! scoot! Jenny Lind, ye ornery beast, ef ye don’t quit bitin’ at Cleopatric, ll cut yer cussed ears off, Gang!” “Oh! a frog hopped up to ther mounting-top, Ter luk at ther risin’ sun, When out 0’ a rock did a black snake pop, An’ swaller down ther frog fer fun—” * Halt!” Stern and ringing the challenge. “Giang! out o’ the way, thar! No road- agent stops this hyer stage ter-night!” yelled Hank. A sharp pistol-report. Old Hank sunk back upon his seat and lay there, silent, motionless, The horses were thrown back upon their haunches almost at the same instant, and the stage-coach was brought to a halt, A moment later, Mr. Suke Silversmith stood at the stage door, which he had thrown open, with a revolver in his grasp, and a smile of tri- umph upon his face. ‘Hvening to you, Sir Guy Montrevor and suite!” he said coolly. ‘* Your valuables, if you please!” ‘* What means this sort of thing, sir? Driver?” “Tt means that [ am Silversmith, the road- agent, Sir Guy, and I either get your valuables, or the vultures get your cada vers—either oue or the other!” Suke replied, full-cocking his wea- pon. ‘The driver has retired from active ser- vice, already, to allow his spirit time to sprout wings, Pan out your money or jewels, I say, or Dll blow some o’ yer brains out!’ % Silvérsmith roared with laughter. e **Ho—ho—ho! That’s rich! Why, ye fool, the man hasn’t beer born yet who can take one‘ side of me!” “You lie! I’ve got you !” a Silversmith wheeled, with a furious curse, to find himself glaring into the muzzles of a pairof — revolvers, more formidable than his own. The Giant Grip held them! “Drop that tool, or die!” know me !” With a growl like a baffled tiger, Silversmith obeyed. The deadly gleam in the eyes of Bul- lion Bert was a warning against any resistance, His pistol] was flung upon the ground. “Now, watch yourself!” Brét ordered. “If you move a muscle, I'll drop you dead in your tracks.” He then addressed his remarks elsewhere, but without allowing his burning gaze to leave the road-agent for a moment. Sir Guy Montrevor, will you step forth from the coach? z The baronet obeyed. He was a distinguished- looking personage, with snowy hair and side- whiskers, although his face was more youthful- looking. “At your service, sir,” he said, i+ Bid hat. ‘‘To whom are we indebted for this timely interference?” > te ‘To Bullion Bret, the Giant Grip. When you, arrive in Git-Thar, tell the miners down there}, -. that Bullion Bret, whom they believed to & ' road-agent, had the honor of rescuing you fro the real road-agent, called Silversmith.” “J will do it with pleasure, sir!” (ee ‘Very good! Some of you will have to driv on to Git-Thar, as the driver was shot @ead b pe men wolf.” 3 af “But, what are you going to do, pray?” ® “Oh! Silversmith and I have got a Tits pri-. vate business to attend to. I’ve been seeking” an interview with him for some time, and as have got it, at last, I shall use it to the best sible advantuge. Tell the people of Git-Thar that, when Bullion Bret returns to their open arms, Suke Silversmith will no longer attempt to plunder the stages or to assassinate innocent — ‘ople. ; Ps he matter of driving on to Git-Thar wassoom | settled. One of the Montreyor party volunteered to handle the reins, and in five minutes nore the ponderous coach was lumbering away over the stony thail, + And there, in the brilliant September moon- ~ light, grim and stern, stood the counterparts, Bullion Bret and Silversmith, glaring at each other with expressions of undying hatred. Bret cried. “You CHAPTER XII. THE MEETING. A SILENCE of several minutes ensued after the sound of the stage-coach wheels ces LO? reverberate along the canyon walls, ere either — of the two enemies uttered a word or made a move, more than to glare savagely at each other. , : Bullion Bret was the first to break the silence, “Well!” he said, his voice cold and steel-like, “Tsee that fate has at last ordained that we should meet, Robert!” ‘“*T don’t know as fate had anything to do with it, in particular!” Silversmith, as we shall still call him, replied, ‘If it had, you’d have died long ago!” tA iby “ Pm not one of the kind who dies very readi- ly—I presume you know that. Heaven knows you have put me to enough trouble to hunt you , . up!” A savage growl escaped the road-agent. ; ‘*Well! what are you going to do about it, anyhow? You’ve dogged me here and there with the persistency of a bloodhound, and at last you think you have got me!” ee “T not only think [ve got you!” clapping one ~ hand upon Silversmith’s sboulder and giving =< ita grip that made him quail, “but age got you\” { me uit “T don’t know anything of the Kind!” and as he spoke be made a dart with one band tov his belt, but the muzzle of Bret’s revolw ing instantly amd hard against his temple him to desist. ‘* A hair’s breadth more and yoi been over the dam!” Bret said, sign’ “Curse ye, I'd like to get you bi I'd show ye a trick, Goon and have to say, and let up on this nonsense,” ¥ 4 ie ~ Nonsense is. a good word for you'to use, you scoundrel, whom I have followed over the world for buf one purpose. Tam going to kill ! *¢ Don’t be too sure, my man. I, toof.am one wwho don’t die easy. Besides, it was ‘not my hand that took your mother’s life years ago!” “Tjiar! coward! inhuman wretch! Who else did it but you?’ “Y could readily enlighten you were you in- ¢elined to listen to reason and solid truth.” “Thever kill without cause. If you have a defense to make I will hear it. ount that bowlder behind you!” : Silversmith, obeying, perched himself com- fortably upon the rock, while Bret leaned against another at hand. “ Now, then, what you have to say before I shoot you, say briefly, as1 am not in a mood to bear trifling.” *T wanted to make a little explanation,” Sil- versmith observed, apparently not noticing the other’s threat. ‘‘In order to doit we will have to.cross the Atlantic to England, and take a lit- tle trip down into Berkshire. Here, once uvon a time, dwelt two brothers named Beaufort. Both were farmers, but while one was fairly well- to-do the other was a cringing sort of villain, and was widely known as Chandos, the Child- stealer. He was known to have stolen several chitieen from wealthy families for the purpose of ‘obtaining ransom money. He had been married, and was the father of one child, a { boy. His wife died early after the birth, and Pi father and son dwelt alone in a hut. Jared ys Hfort also married, and had a son, the two © being about. the same age, and from earliest in- fancy were exact counterparts in every respect. ; }.fwo Be ceraphs from one negative could not *> have been more perfect, i “ Well, when the boys were about ten years old Jared Beaufort died. His wife had once been a flame of Chandos, and gossip said that fF she would now. eventually become his wife. Oné morning she appeared in possession of a babe, which she elaimed to have adopted, but every one had their opinion. Chandos had stolen, the child from somewhere, and Marie was keeping it. About the same time Chandos disappeared. As he.did not return, I was taken in and kept by your mother, but she and I could neveragree. We quarreled nearly all of . the time. “Finally, one day long after Chandos’s dis- Appearance, your mother was found murdered, the=house robbed, and J, and the little girl, missing. The crime was promptly laid upon my young shoulders, and a vigorous search was instituted for me, but all to no avail. I could mot ba found. You, I hear, took a tragic oath to hunt me down to death!” “T did, and I’ve kept it. now!” ** Hold! for God’s sake don’t shoot until I am done. I swear by all that I hold sacred that I did not kill your mother. You were at schoo that day. I was working in the garden when my own father came to the house, I ran in after him. He told Marie he had come for "the child, Sbe fiercely declared he shouldn't haye it; but he tore it from her arms and gave it to me, bidding me hold it. She had seized a knife and attacked him like a tigress, but he attempting to wrest it from her grasp, it was thrast to the hilt in her heart—whether by ac- cident or design I could not tell, I know my father was horrified at the act. He bade me come with him, and taking the child we fled. We hid in Liverpool for awhile, and then cross- ed the Atlantic to this country, In New York ‘the old man and I parted, he giving me five hun- dred dollars and telling me to shift for myself, > which I was quite willing to do.” ‘*T do not believe a word of what you say!” Bullion Bret responded, now white with his ter- Tible passion, ‘‘I’d sooner believe a lying Mex- ican; but to give yon the benefit of a doubt I will not shoot you like a dog, as you richly de- serve. You shall meet me. with pistols, at thirty paces. Dare you do it?” “Tam no coward. If you so desire it shall De as you wish?” “Then, pick up your pistol, there, and pace olf the distaice.” ) Silversmith obeyed, apparently delighted at 6 respite, irby paces were measured off. | Now, then, backs to each other, wheel and after each shot the same. Three, to wheel,” ed their backs, » shouted Bullion Bret. Wheeled and fired, almost simultane- Yo" os @ of them threw up his arms and fell. ‘You die here and lan Bullion Bret, the Tho other, hearing a horseman approaching, sprung away up a side ravine, and made his es- cape, CHAPTER XIII. WELCOME BULLION BRET. ANOTHER day had dawned over Git-Thar. The situation, however, was scarcely changed. The miners stubbornly refused to go to work unless an increase of twenty-five per cent. was given: them; but as Septimus Singleton posi- tively refused to accede to the demand, it was evident the strike would be protracted. The Montrevor party had arrived, and were quartered at the Punch Bowl Hotel. It consist- ed of Sir Guy Montrevor, Lady Montrevor, Sir August Reginald, a, wealthy young Englishman, and a couple of Chicago speculators, named respectively Avery and Wallace, Agreeably to his promise, Sir Guy called to- gether a crowd of miners, and explained to them the circumstance of the stage-coach attack, and the killing of old Hank Hoagland, and how they had been rescued by Bullion Bret, and the message he sent in regard to Silversmith, Now, be it said to their credit, there were some sensible men in Git-Tbar, and they at once received Sir Guy’s speech of vindication with applause, and voted that when Bullion Bret re- turned to the camp, he be received as befitted a hero, and be protected from the persecutions of any of those who bore him ill-will. So popular did the sentiment grow that a banner was prominently posted, bearing the fol- lowing: ‘“ WELCOME TO BULLION BRET!” Poor old Hank was taken in charge by a com- mittee of citizens, and preparations made to give him a decent burial. During the forenoon a horseman rode into town, mounted on the same animal that had helped the Giant Grip to escape. ‘*BullionsBret! Bullion Bret!” went up the ery. ‘‘ Hurrah)” And a curious crowd surrounded him, among whom were many who still regarded the sport- speculator with anything but love, ‘‘Whar’s the road-agent? Whar’s Stike Sil- versmith?’ was the cry that went up. “Dead!” was the solemn answer. ‘He'll never rob anothar stage.” “Ye hedn’t no right ter kill him, Whar’s his keerpse?” ‘* Buried where no one will ever find it, There was no money or valuables upon it. As for the right I had to kill him, he murdered my mother in cold blood, and I simply fulfilled my oath of vengeance. He being my own cousin, I saw fit to give him a decent burial. That’s all, gents. The stages will now run free for awhile, and I thank you for this welcome, which is quite a contrast with the circumstances of our parting. And now supposing we all have a drink—pro- vided my valise is yet in care of the Admiral. It contains what few shekels I have in this world.” The proposal, of course, was hailed with pleasure, and as many as could crowd into the bar-room did so, while the others impatiently waited on the outside for their turn. Yes, certainly, Bullion Bret’s valise was in the Admiral’s care, with the key sticking in it just as Bret had carelessly left it, The valise was produced, opened, and a little bag of gold- coin extracted, “Now then, boys, ‘nominate yer poison,’ as you all say here, while I let you into a little secret. There’s going to be a marriage in Git- Thar!” A cheer arose. ‘““Who yer goin’ ter marry?” demanded the Admiral, “The prettiest girl in Git-Thar—Sadie Sin- gleton. And that reminds mo that [ must be making a few preparations, What room shall I take, Admiral?” **Number 8, the way up?” “Oh! certainly, certainly,” and he got out of the crowd as best he could, In the mean time Sir Guy called upon Sep- timus Singleton, at that gentleman’s office, and found him in and alone, “T trust you have had a pleasant journey,” the mine-owner said, after the first greeting was over, which was rather formal, “Oh, remarkably so,” Sir Guy responded, seating himself. ‘‘In fact, Iam rather in love with this rough, wild country. I presume you were nofexpecting me?” ‘Until I became the recipient of your letter, Here's the key. Can you find rip. only yesterday, no. You gave me rather shor notice, sir,” ** Because I did not expect to need it until/T got to Chicago, and found an opening for spée ulation where I can, in a short time, double it, I trust I find you all nicely prepared.” **You don’t believe anything of the kind, Sir Guy Montrevor. Indeed, I doubt if you'd have left Chicago had you been certain that I had the money on hand to take up that mort- gage!” The baronet flushed rather uneasily. ‘ ‘““Why, bless you, Singleton, you talk very strangely, I should not have made a demand for it if ’'d not needed it.” Oh, well, we'll not quarrel over it, Your money will be réady at eight to-night, if you call at my house.” ‘Why delay the settlement till then? [ am anxious to get an early start for Boise City.”) Septimus Singleton uttered a grim laugh. ‘*T have made you a tender of the money at that hour. The law gives me that much grace, certainly. And I give you fair warning, if you try to foreclose that mortgage you'll never leave this town alive!” Sir Guy laughed oddly. ‘* Are you not in bad taste, Sep, to threaten me, your benefactor?” ‘*Not when you have a design to undermine me, by sweeping the mine from me—oh, no!” ‘* You should have paid up the mortgage when it was due. I shall foreclose it'as soon as JI can send tothe next town fora lawyer, as [ find there is none here, If you get the money by the time he arrives, of course I can’t refuse it. Good- day,\sir.” He arose and quitted the office, and Singleton drew a breath of relief as the Enghishman ‘dis- appeared, ‘Tf that lawyer don’t get here before I, can see Bullion Bret, I can, perhaps, basten matters sooner,” And he quitted the office, having learned a few minutes before that Bret had ar- rived in town, , ‘* Heaven! what a sacrifice Sadie is making for me!” he muttered. ‘‘ And she so pure, so good, and so innocent of knowing that she is not my\- child! Ah! it would kill meif she were to find out!” Val Vivian was sorely disappointed over his attempt to abduct Virgie Jamison, and being of by no means a positive nature, he rather feared to again visit the vicinity of the hermit- age. Not so with Elder Ptimrose. He had set his heart upon possessing the pretty girl, and as he had not yet heard from old Uriah Knockemstiff, a thing he wondered at greatly, he made up his mind to pay one more visit to the Jamison shanty. So, sprucing himself up, he set out late in the afternoon for the picturesque little home, Pausing at the gate, be beheld oid Jeptha Jami- son sleeping in his chair on the porch, a: usual afternoon custom of his, but Virgie was not im view, and there were no sounds to indicate her presence within the shanty. Opening the gate, the Elder advanced to the porch and touched the hermit on the arm, The old man awakened and uttered a faint ery of alarm. ‘Shut up!” Primrose admonished, sternly, **None of your nonsense, or you're a dead man, D’ye know me?” “Yes, You’re the Mormon,” “Hal ha! Of course ’mthe Mormon, Bnt do you know me by any other name than as Hil- der Primrose?” “No! no! I do not know. presence is not welcome here!” ‘““Tswt it? That is strange! daughter?” ~ “Ske is not at home. ness where she is,” “T beg to differ with you there, my dear sir As that girl is to become my wife, it is certainly my business to know where she is.” ‘“‘ Your wife? Never! You vile old repro- bate!” “ Bah! Chandos the Child-stealer !” Old Jeptha uttered a groan and partly started from his chair, ‘ ‘*'You lie!” he gasped, his fingers working n vously. ‘The very first thing a guilty man says nOWw- adays!” retorted the Elder, ‘ But you see £ know. Chandos, the Child-stealer, you were Im old England, and as Chandos you ought to know me. “T donot! Goaway! You are a monster!” ‘Then you acknowledge that you are old Chandos!” “No, not Go away—your Where is your It’s none of yourbusi- No, no!” Bullion Bret, the Giant Grip. | Soy ver ‘* Youmiserable old fossil and hypocrite! you » ought to be garroted, and you will be, too, for our brother’s son is on your trail, and in Git- bar, “he Old man became deathly pale, “t's a fact!” Primrose went on; “and as to miyself, Chandos, you must remember me, Do you not remember the night you stole the babe from Hazlehurst Manor? Who wasit that as- sisted you to get away with it?” “A servant—a young man named Paul Pot- r.” “©T am that man—the very same Paul Pot- ” ter. Jeptha gazed keenly at the Mormon, and then said; ‘Yes! I see, now; you are the same person, only grown much older.” ** Ab! then you admit that you are Chandos, tae Child-stealer?” *No! no, Nol no, 1am Jeptha Jamison.” "Oh, nonsense! Stick to it, if there’s any com- fort init, When yon stole the child from Hazle- harst, youvalso had another child of the same age and size, One of those two children you placed in an almshouse, and it was taken therefrom and adopted by Septimus Singleton, then an English farmer, hich child was it, Chandos Beaufort? Both of those children are here in Git-Thar. Which child did Singleton adopt?” ‘*Find out, if you want to know, you Mormon monster!” Jeptha cried. ‘‘ Rest assured I'll not well you!” “Won't you? We'll see about that, I think L oe make you. Ql kill youif you donot tell mie Kill, if you like! That will avail you noth- ing, for it would not unseal my lips! I have but a few days, comparatively, to live, anyhow, and it matters but little when I go.” The old man spoke as if he meant it, It exasperated the Elder, however, to a greater degree than he usually became, **No! Pi not kill you. I'll leave the law todo that. Listen. Sir Guy Montrevor is in this town, Whatdo you suppose be would do, if I were to deliver you up to him?” Scptha buried his face in his hands. ‘7 know!” Primrose hissed. ‘‘ He’d take you back to England, where you’d have to answer the charge of murder, in addition to that of child-stealing. Immense rewards are offered fur you, Chandos, and I could give you up and repe them in if I wanted to. ut I em not unxious to do this. One of these two girls— ‘argie Jamison or Sadie Singleton—is the fg@oghter of Sir Guy Montrevor, and succeeds ’ nis title, The other child you stole from a Yorkshire farmer, out of revenge for a fancied iv jary. The parents are since dead, leaving othing but a good name behind. Now, sir, I femand to know which child is Sir Guy’s daughter. That one I’m going to wed, by hook or crook, so as to have a hold upon the rich baronet, which will end my career of Mor- ism. Some aspiring fool can have my other wives!” and he laughed heartily at the thought. * As I said before, I'll never disclose the se- eret. Even were Sir Guy to command it, I’d laugh in his face, and defy him to find out. The serret lives with me, and it shall die with me!” 14 declared, Curses op your shriveled old heart! Will ‘u not tell me?” The Mormon siezed the old man’s arm in a .oree grasp, _ * Will you not tell me?” he hissed again. “Never!” the child-stealer replied, firmly. *'Then, by the great scourge, I’ll pay you for our obstinacy. Your girl is the one you call irs2, Oh! she’s a Virgin, is she? Curse her! Pi) Gumble her proud spirit. And now, you old wrtch, take that!” \ knife flashed; there was a sickening thud, i Jeptha fell to the floor. fe Hider gave vent to a brutal laugh, and .ked down to the gate, ''He’s done for!” he muttered. ‘Now, for girl! Once she is my wife, and Sir Guy ws all, what a sore will be burned in the ‘ial heart of that proud family—what a grip “al baye on their money-strings! Of course » ll give the girl up to them, and they take her “ack to Hngland and make a lady of her, Dll .et ’em do that. ll wait till she’s about to marry some lord or duke—then I’ll appear upon sie“ horizon and, oh! won't Sir Guy _come dox a bandsome to have no disgrace upon the fetity name! Oh! but I'll work it! Now, for b the g.rl!” He paused beyond the gate and looked back tertha, The old man was not moving, and 48 Lp parently dead. i t “ The gir] wasn’t in town, asl came threugh,” the Elder muséd. “‘Sbe generally goes there in the morning. Ah! I have an idea, There's a profusion of berries growing in the gulch yonder, around the bend. Perhaps she is there gathering some berries for supper. I'll go and investigate, at any rate.” He set forth briskly. Before leaving Pukeville he had provided himself with straps suitable for binding his captive, if he got her, All that was neces- sary was to get sight of her, he calculated, and it would be an easy matter to capture her, as he did not propose to give her an oppor- tunity to get the drop on him, as she had done before. In half an hour he reached the thicket of briers, at one side of the trail, better known as the berry patch. He cautiously skirted it, using the extreme watchfulness and.stealth that an Indian war- rior might have observed, At length he spied what he thought to be a straw hat, and he crept that way, and in a few minutes he had the satisfaction of spying his victim, She was busied picking berries and singing to herself, as if trying to outrival the birds, With devilish triumph in his eyes, Primrose crawled toward her, and sprung upon her, as a tiger might have done. he screamed, and struggled with all her strength, but despite all her efforts, he soon had her securely bound, band and foot, and her mouth so muffied with a bandage that she could make no outcry. ‘* Now, you wait bere till dark, and go with me to become the thirteenth Mrs, Primrose,” he leered, glaring down into her face, gloating- ly. ‘* Oh! I'll curb some of that fine temper of yours, I will!” Poor Virgie! She felt that her doom was sealed! CHAPTER XIV. JEPTHA’S DEATH. ‘“ LIEUTENANT, I can stay here nolonger. I now feel strong enough to seem like myself once more, and we will go to Git-Thar. Something seems to tell me that all) is not rieht here—some Giyiliry is going on that I afi cailvd upon to bafile.” There was but little light in the old dug-ott, where Knockemstiff had been made a prisoner, and that light came from a bed of dying embers on the hard floor, There were, however, three occupants, now, to the place. Old Knockemstiff still lay upon the floor, securely bound, and as sullen as a con- quered lion, Not far frem him, upona blanket, lay Bullion Bret, his head partly raised, and supported by his hand and elbow. His face was paler than usual, showing that he had suf- fered considerably. The other occupant of the habitation was a young and manly-looking personage, whose uni- form indicated him to be a lieutenant of the United States Cavalry. “T am afraid you are hardly strong enough, friend Bret,” he said, advisingly. ‘ Better wait till morning.” “No, I will not!” the Giant Grip replied, firmly. ‘‘I am going to Git-Thar to-night. It isn’t far! I’ve an intuition that something’s go- ing wrong there,” As the reader has probably surmised, this was the real Bullion Bret. The individual who had made terms with Septimus Singleton and his daughter, and who had. been received so heartily by the galoots of Git-Thar, was none other than Mr. Suke Silver- smith, who was playing a very clever little game on another man’s credit. Bullion Bret had been found lying senseless on tke dueling-ground, with a wound in his breast, which, fortunately, was more severe than dangerous. He had been brought to the dug-out by the lieutenant, whose tame was Langdon, and who chanced to be an old ac- quaintance, Having lost considerable blood, Bret was very weak, and Langdon had prevailed upon him to remain quiet until he had recovered sufficient strength to risk going out, “Well, if you are perfectly satisfied that you are strong enough, I shall not try to discourage ou,” Langdon said. {‘ Lshall remain with you, owever, until we can arrest this Silversmith. aoe are you going toe’ @6 with your pris- oner é “T hardly know. If some one would knock him in the head, it. would be a blessing to the | country.” “Say, boss, thar ain’ nothin’ very mean about me!” chirped Knockemstiff. ‘I hain’t half as bad as I luk, I acknowledges yer’ a better galoot than I, and I cave jest like a little chipmunk, I do. Ef ye’llgive a feller any sorter show, I'll prove to ye that I’m jest as squar’- futted as ye make ’em, an’ will do ye all the good turnsI kin. Tell ye suthin’—ef old Prim- rose has gcbbled onter that gal, I know ject whar he’ll hide her, an’ nary another galoob does know. heap o’ ways. Ye see, I don’t wanter shuffle off for a long time yet,” Bret regarded him keenly. **Do you mean it? Will you prove yourself aman, and stand in with us squarely?” he de- manded, ‘‘Ef I don’t, I'll give ye free permission ter skin me from the roots o’ my ha‘r— what little Araminta has left—to the blush end o’ my fin- ger-nails, an’ I'll present you with a chromo in the bargain. When I say bizness, I mean biz- “Well, I'll give you a trial. But, remember, if I catch you at any mischief, down goes your shanty!” “Kerect! Yll swaller every bullet ye can shoot ef I ain’t plumb squar’.” , Accordingly Knockemstiff was released, and the trio set out for Git-Thar. The night was vot as pleasant as had been its predecessor, the sky being overcast, which made it dark. A strong wind, too, gave token of an approaching storm. carcely speaking, they hurried along, Bret’s buoyant activity proving that he had an iron constitution, for that he was suffering consid- erable pain from his wound, was a matter of course, At last the Jamison cottage hove in sight, and the twinkling lights of Git;Thar’s camp 6m beyond it. j “TI have, as I have said, a strong foreboding: that something is wrong yonder!” Bret said, gloomily, indicating the cabin. ‘‘ We will stop and see,” @ They entered the little yard and drew near the house. Then they saw old Jeptha lying there, weltering in his own life-blood, He was not dead, for a groan escaped him as Bret and his companions approached. ‘Don’t todvh me?!” he gasped}faintly, “TF am dying; let me die here!” i ‘By Heaven! this is rough!” Bret cried, ‘* Who stabbed you, old man?” “The Mormon—Elder Primrose!” ‘* And the girl—your daughter?” “*T suspect he has captured her, She is nob my daughter. Listen: hear my dying oath,’ The girl is the daughter of Sir Guy Montreyor, and Sadie Singleton is the child of poor but honest English people, long since dead. And hear me—before my God, I swear I did not have a hand in the killing of Marie Beaufort, my brother’s wife!” ‘* What!” Bullion Bret cried, sternly—‘tare. you old Chandos, the Child-stealer?” “‘That was, You—you are—” ‘*My mother’s avenger—Breton Beaufort!” ‘‘Then listen, You just heard my oath, I did not kill your mother. I have long known you were hunting me, and it has made my lifea misery.. I did not do the deed. I happened in upon the murder scene just after my boy, in a fit of passion, bad committed the fatal act. I loved my boy; I took him and Virgie and fied to America, irgie is the daughter of Sir Guy Montrevor, and—” There was a gurgling sound in his throat, a spasm of mortal anguish, a deep, long-drawn sigh, and be never spoke again. Bullion Bret stood gazing at him, an ex- goeren of commiseration and pity upon his fine ace, ‘‘ Silversmith lied to me!” he mused. ‘The old man, in the face of death, would not try to deceive me, Oh, my diabolical cousin, we will yet meet again!” Turning to Langdon, he said: “You and Uriah carry bim inside ane. lay bim on the bed. We'll lock the place then until! we find the girl, She is in great peril, of course, and we must save her if we can.” They obeyed. When the place was securely closed up, Bret said: : ‘* Now it behooves us to see how the feeling is toward me in Git-Thar. Uriah, can I trusf you to go forward and ascertain?” “You bet you kin, old vise-grip, and I'll do the thing skientific, too,” ‘* Go, then, and hurry back.” Evidently elated to have such an honor con- I might be of sarvice to you in @ | bg zp 14 ferred upon him, Knockemstiff strutted away with the importance of @ turkey-gobbler, ‘Took out for Araminta!” Bret shouted. ‘*Oh, you bet!” was the laconic response. He was back even before they expected him, and his eyes were fairly bulging out with ex- citement. é ‘What do yer think?” he asked; puffiing like a porpoise. ‘' What d’ye s’pose?” ‘“Out with it,” Bret cried, ‘‘ Don’t keep us in suspense?” “Waal, ther camp is excited. The Singleton ‘~. shanty are all lit up, an’ the old man’s gal is goin’ ter git married!” * Ab! who:to?” ‘Bullion Bret!” ‘Hey! the deuce you say!” “Nary time! She’s goin’ ter marry Bullion Bret, an’ ther sarabmoney is goin’ ter take place within half an hour!” © Ah! light dawns upon me! D’ye see, Lang- don? Silversmith is playing it fine on me.’ By Jove! he’s our’ man! We will have to neglect Virgie a little, while we drop in and attend that wedding. Suke Silversmith, you’re playing it a little too bold fora successful ending of your career. I wonder if you really do imagine me to be dead? Come, boys!” CHAPTER XV. % EXIT SILVERSMITH! Just at dusk, that evening, Bill Tobias lay upon the rude bed in his shanty, groaning and cursing. His shanty was isolated, making it impossible for his cries to be heard, unless some one passed the place by chance; therefore, as he could make no one hear, he had no other comfort than to groan and curse the ill-luck that had befallen im, , The cabin was wrapped in deepest gloom, and being of a superstitious nature, Tobias started at every sound and rather expected to be con- fronted by some disembodied spirit. Accordingly, he fairly yelled, outright, when he felt his weapoms snatched from his belt and saw a figure towering above him. The next instant the slide was shot upon the sideof adark-lantern, and a stream of light lit up the scene. : Tobias utteied a growl as he saw Suke Silver- smith standing, before him. “ What dye want?” he gritted. ‘Vou may guess!” the road-agent laughed. ** What are men of my reputation general prowl- ing around after?” “Robbery and murder, cuss ye!” *'“% Hit the nail precisely on the head, Toby. Pye: come, for that little boodle 1 left in your keeping—five thousand dollars!” *©Vou-can’t have it. It’s mine!” “Wot if the court knows herself. You didn’t do yer job: The feller got away, and I demand it all back.” “{ won't give it up, curse you!” retorted To- bias, sullenly and viciously. Silversmith eyed him a moment, savagely; then, suddenly raising a revolver, he fired. Instantly a cfimson spot appeared upon the forehead of the wretched man, and he fell back dead; not a struggle followed the shot. He then ransacked the shanty in every part, but failed to find the money or any trace of it, until, finally, he chanced to litt up asmall board in the floor, There, beneath it, lay the roll of bills. all intact as he had given it to Tobias. ‘* Now then I’m solid!” ho said, exultantly. “*T can afford to part with ten thousand dollars, ‘were it even only for a small interest in the Sin- gleton mines, But, besides that, 1 get a lovely woman, and one who is priceless. In a secret interview I had with old Jamison, as he is known, a few weeks ago, he told me that Sadie Singleton was the girl he had once stolen from Sir Guy Montrevor, | After we are married, and every thing is settled, how proud I shall be to in- troduce my pretty bride to her aristocratic da- dah, and receive his blessing and an invitation to Hazlehurst Manor! Ha! ha! Suke Silver- smith, there’s nothing slow about you, is there? You'd better fire this. shanty, however, as some o the galoots o’ Git-Thar, may want to pre- serve a little of Tobias’s dust on ther parlor mantels.” He soon started a fire in such a manner that it wculd take considerable time to get going with much headway; then he left the place and betook himself to the Singleton residence. He found the mine-owner in the parlor, and also a very reverend-looking gentleman; for, al- It was Bullion Bret, the Giant Grip. eS oe ~ though Git-Thar had no Jawyer, a minister had already located tnere to do what good he could at reforming sinners. There was a look of impatience upon Septimus Singleton’s face, but it passed away as Silver- smith made his appearance. «Ab! you've come at last, eh? Tamglad. I am expecting Montrevor and the lawyer every minute. Are you ready?” “Quite. Is your daughter?” **Yes. Sadie dear!” Sadie immediately entered from an adjoining room, She was slightly pale, but otherwise apparently composed, “Mr. Beaufort wants to know if you are ready?” “T am ready!”) Sadie replied, with forced calmness. “Then, Mr. Beaufort, upon receipt of the money,I will bid the Reverend Mr. Spangler marry you!” Singleton said, “ Here are the ten thousand dollars. is all right.” Septimus Singleton counted the money over several times, as if to make sure that it was all right. “T find it correct, sir,” he said, at last, ‘‘ Mr. Spangler, you can marry the young people.” At this moment the parlor door was flung open, and Sir Guy Montrevor, all his suit, and lawyer Smith, of Jimville, entered. ““Mr, Septimus Singleton,” the baronet said Pee ‘* we are here!” ‘ST see you are—so am J!” the mine-owner re- plied, quite as coolly. ‘‘I presume you have a little document, which you want the money on!” “Lawyer Smith holds a mortgage against your property, with orders to foreclose it!’ ‘‘Lawyer Smith, you will please name the amount of this claim against me!” the mine- owner said, grimly. * Interest and all, sir—just ten thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars, and ninety- two cents, to date!” Smith replied. “Correct! Here is ten thousand dollars, and here is the balance! Count it, and see that it is all right!” A smothered imprecation escaped Sir Guy. ‘* Where did you get this money, Singleton?” he demanded, pale with excitement and rage, ‘*None of your business. Your claim is paid, It matters not to you from what source I got the amount,” , Well, maybe not, Be sure it is all right, Smith.” ‘*T find it correct, sir. Mr. Singleton, here is your mortgage, marked paid, and dejivered in the presence of these people.” Singleton received the document, and thrust it into his pocket, while Sir Guy also took posses- sion of the money. “Now then,” spoke up Silversmith, “‘ let this marriage ceremony take place.” “Not just yet, if you please, you road-agent devil!” a ringing voice cried, and three persons leaped simultaneously into the room and sprung together upon the scheming scoundrel. Although he struggled like a madman, the combined strength of the three men bore Silver- smith to the floor, and be was securely bound in a twinkling. The victorious trio were Bullion Bret, Lieu- tenant Langdon, and old Uriah Knockemsatiff, who had appeared in the very height of his See if it ory. “ What is the meaning of this?’ Septimus Sin- gloton demanded, while the others stood around in wonderment, ‘‘ It means, sir,” Bret returned, sternly, “‘ that that young lady, whom you were about to sacri- fice for the money of this villain, is saved from the unenviablo fate of marrying Silversmith, the road-agent!” Iam Bullion Bret!” Sadie staggered back with a horrified cry. Old Knockemstiff was stifling the captive’s furious curses by holding his hand over his mouth, Every one seemed thunderstruck, ‘*T shall have to have some positive assurance of this!” Septimus Singleton said, coldly. ** How do we know but you are the road-agent?” “T can set all doubts at rest in the matter!” Lieutenant Langdon said, touching bis hat, for I am Lieutenant Langdon, of the U. 8. cay- ars and I know this young man well, He is Bullion Bret, ostensibly a speculator, but in reality a detective, and is armed with papers for the arrest of the murderous ruffian, Silver- smith |” He failed to add that he had been the bearer of such papers to Bret, as it might not be consid- ered wise under the existing circumstances. “Tf this be true Iam under deep obligations to you, sir,” Singleton-said, turning and offerlng oa ie his hand to Bret, ‘1 speak for both myself and © ~ my daughter!” : “You are weally the most deligh’ful, aw, hero, evaw metl* exclaimed Sir August Reginald, who was a blooming specimen of an English dude. ‘© Aw! allow me—shake, my man!” ‘Yas, shake—shake wi’ a réal sir?’ roared Knockemstiff with a broad grin of anticipation, With a profound bow Bullion Bret accepted the dude’s gloved hand, The next minute Sir August was dancing up and down, and yelling like mad, “Ow! ow! let go—ochers! ow! ow! let go, ye nawsty brute!” he roared, wild with pain and terror. Bret let go with a laugh. ““ Why, what’s the matter?” he queried. ‘Did you never shake hands with a live man before?” The dude did not reply. He had sunk upon a chair, and was nursing and dolefully examining his hand, Just then as Silversmith had ceased tursing Kuockenistiff released his. grip, and the bound villain was raised to a sitting posture. This was the road-agent’s chance, “Ten million curses on you, Bret Beaufort!” he cried, his face livid with rage—‘‘ curses on you all! That girl isnot yours, Sep Siagleton. Oh, no!” The mine-owner turned pale. Sadie had grown as white as a sheet, ‘She is not yours.. I would not haye tried the game if she had been. You got her fron the poor-house, but she came of a good family, though.” She’s a—” At a motion from Bret old Knockemstifft blockaded the road-agent’s utterance, ‘‘ Let me explain!” the Giant Grip now spoke. “Mr. Singleton, as I know all, are you willing to confess that’ Miss Sadie is not of your own blood?” ‘(No! she is not!” Singleton confessed, bowing his bead, ‘Oh! papa! papal do not say that!” Sadie screamed, throwing herself at his feet and up- lifting her hands, while tears streamed down her cheeks. ‘‘Oh, tell me it is false!” a ‘* Be calm, dear lady,” Bret interposed, kindly. “Mr. Singleton has been a father to you, and you shall not be separated from bim, our own parents, from whom you were stolen, when small, were poor but highly honorable and re« spectéd, who have been dead many years.” ‘“ How know you all this?’ Singleton de- manded. : : “J will explain, if you will allow me, i any pose you all know that I am of English descent ~~ —from down among the Berksbire hills: and you also know tbat, years ago, there existed in. England a man known as Chandos, the Child- stealer?” “Chandos, the Child-stealer!” cried Sir Guy, “Speak, man, what know you of him?” ** Chandos, the Child-stealer |” echoed the dude, ‘*Did he have, aw, a grip like you?” i ‘* Be silent, if you expsct me to explain,” Bre commanded, authoritatively. “If interrupt- ed again I shall refuse. to speak. Chandos, the Child-stealer, was my father’s brother, and a bad man. [ do not know how many children he ever stole, but 1 know that he stole Miss Singleton, here, and also the daughter of Guy and Lady Montrevor. Miss Singletom placed in a poor-house; Sir Guy’s child brought to America, For good reasons I -hay followed him and his son. To-night, as the breath was leaving his body, I found the very man, An assassin had struck him: down, but ere he died he confessed to me, in the presence of my two companions, that Miss Singleton was: of humble yet most respectable parentage, while the young lady every one had supposed to be his own daughter was really the stolen child’of Sir Guy and Lady Montrevor!” “What! my child living, and here in camp? Go! quick! fetch her! God be praz Singleton, old boy, put it there! Shake! shal] have every cent of that money!” And the baronet was fairly beside himsel with joy as he danced about, while, to: add to thescene, as became a lady of her station Lady Montrevor, who was of the party, had fainted in the dude’s arms! : “Don’t work yourself into a quick consump= tion, sir!” Bret said, addressing the Englishman; “Your dangbter is alive and well, but at this moment is in bad hands, She has been Captured by a than named Primrose—a Mormon Hlder— who killed old Jeptha Jamison, or Chandos, as he really was. e must go to her rescue; buf first, some arrangements concerning my deteste-— ble cousin, here, the blooming Silversmith.~} Singleton, I desire that the matter of his capture be kept quiet, and that he be held a fs Ye a ‘ey prisoner 4 Soh = aay t 7 ——= + your house wntil tho sheriff.arrives fro:n is, If the moly gets wind of it, he won’t sonar |? Rai ner he a » a gruff yoice cried, and a ner, a swarm of grim miners, fH into the Poom. ‘We've heerd o’ ther ke from: the, Chinese servant, and while men obliged to yer, Bullion Bret, fer i *ou've did, ag’ sorry fer our cold shoulder iG YS, Wwe want that cuss, an’ we're goin’ to Whim, ef woedhey ter tear this shebang down over his head!” : ; “Bret looked sharply over the crowd. There ¥emel Ynalt a Hundred or more of them—all f = n-.. ged and merciless. © Ge glemen, if you are determined, of course fF un péwerless to stop you!” he said: ‘but I Lie of You to let the law deal with this villain.” ‘4a Lberlaw kin hey what's left of him after we > through!” the man retorted, ‘The skunk = no mercy on Hank Hoagland, an’ Hank war squarest boy as ever pulled a ribbon. Boys— hum py did “*suatch him” with avidity, and pa, eg nO atteution to his appeals for a fair triai, sore him from the mansion. Ir “ont of the Punch Bow! Hotel was a large free Wich had an outstretching limb, ten feet aboye ground, that’ seemed to have grown there ur ly for the needs of Judge Lynch. 0p this"Suke Silversmith was borne, placed mans feet, and the fatal noose adjusted about Dis aeek: 6 had ceased to hope for mercy, and his face wore am ugly expression of late and de- fiance ® Wx the unnoosed end of the rope was thrown ‘ ork 6 limb and seized and drawn taut, as an anti) im of what was to follow, tho big miner, i 13 Yazoo Bill, stepped forward. he. srsmith,” he said, “‘ we're goin’ to hang ee for one thing, but for many, « You’ve stages, ain’t you?” Jaconically. banks?” Re fear AO ye dropped down at the i yer, an’ soaked us out 0’ our g ‘A taint mile played about the doomed man’s SOrrecti” he responded. pe ALS” rane Hoagland, cuss ye?” 4 amd tore than that,)I° killed Bill 60, . ee! bis shanty is on fire!” 4 the direction whence a glow of %s Deginning to reflect against the sky! ye) Upp with tim!” Yazoo Bill gritted. 9 py the eurtain. CHAPTER XVI. ae CONCLUSION, af residence, after the excite- sen these events was somewhat sub- ‘lion Bret began to arrange for pine 0 te me Of Virgie Jamison, and too estat into his counsel, in’ no use 0’ a Gentile venturin’ into till every one’s asleep,” the mule- ared, ‘**ca’se it’s dangerous. Ef the Amit in fhe Hider’s house, sho is up ina i ees where he keeps them as is mulish pe Yem in. Tried to get him to put malinter through a course 0’ sprouts but fd she'd lick him, ’steado’ his whalin’ Ad better go an’ nose around Puke- find ef the Elder has returned. ie’s gone up in the mountains,” 5, and may God speed your favorable Snockemstiff departed in a hurry, xious to witness the lynching, and S just in time to view the painful | prepared to visit the Mormon settle- her, you ought to have a good aad with ye to keep off fever hab satan, or some other evil thing ey, seemed to whisper in the mule- ckeé stopped short, His gaze wander- Oe light over the entrance of the oon. There wasthe Admiral, for ee was noted for keeping a right le OF liquor. 8 ae Knockemstiff, ain’t ye ashamed o! Ef ye git more booze on board, where’lh bupat? Now you git up an’ git pt What Uriah said to himself, and, be Bullion Bret, the Giant Grip. { it said to his credit, he obeyed his own mandate and * got,” “ He went direct to,Pukeville, avoiding his own domicife, for fear of encountering Araminta, and several other Mrs. Knockemstiffs. Observing great caution, he instituted seem- ingly careless inquiries concerning the Eider, until; from the answers be received, he was sat isfied the Mormon abductor was not in the village. “know what I'll do!” he muttered. ‘‘ Tl cheat Bullion Bret o’ becomin’ a hero by tacklin’ the job myself. J’Ul rescue the gal, an’ git a lot 0 boodle for doin? it!” He knew pretty near where the cave was located, far up the mountain-side. It was a hard tramp, but be could doit. So he started, He had a pair of revolversand was not amean shot. If the Elder refused to give up the girl, it was his firm intention to shoot him on the spot. Up the mountain-side he toiled, stopping now and then for breath, At last he neared the vicinity of where he be- lieved the cave te be. “111 bet "tain’t fur off,” he murmured. ‘It’s nigh a big pine. Ah!— The moon had almost suddenly come from be- hind the breaking clouds, lighting up the moun- tain with a weird, wondrous beauty; but that was not what startled the mule-driter, Not ten feet away from him on a ledge stood Elder Prim- rose, holding Virgie in his arms! Ne Primrose uttered a snarl like an infuriated. wild beast at sight of his burly pursuer, and, dropping Virgie upon the ground, hesprung for- mata upon the mule-driver, uttering a savage oath. The two men clinched, and then began a strug- gle er could only end with the death of one or oth, Raising herself as best she could, Virgie looked down upon the scane with violently-beating heart and colorless face, well realizing that on the re- sult of the battle depended ber fate. “You'll dog me, will ye?” the Elder roared. “ll tear your accursed heart out!” “Ye haven’t got at it yit!” Knockemstiff roared. ‘*‘ What’s mgre ye ain’t goin’ to. Curse ye, bite will ye?, I kittdo that, too! Thar! thet was a piece 0’ yer souse, I know, ‘cause et tasted like whisky pickle. I'l] show ye what a scrouger I aire. hen, I git through thar’ll be twelve mournin’ Primroses in Pukeville. Buck heads, will Fe? Oh, bunt. thar’s jest whar live when fxr at-hum |” 0 And thus they desperately fought. They ceased to utter any sounds, but dog-like growls, and heavy gasps. It was, evidently, a fight to the death, Minute after minute passed, until it seemed to Virgie as if they had been fighk!ing for hours, Finally she noticed that their struggles were growing less and less desperate, They were be- coming weak and exhausted from terrible ex- ertion and the loss of blood, Weaker and weak- er—until they ceased struggling altogether. “Oh, I believe they are both dead!” Virgie gasped, a feeling of horror creeping over her, ‘i am all alone, ’way up here on the mountain. What will become of me?’ A sound in her rear startled her. She looked quickly around, and a wild scream of terror e3- caped her. A. huge grizzly bear was Jumberin mountain-side directly toward her. rible fate in store for her, too?” But—a rifle-shot! The bear paused, and pawed his face—then came on faster! Then followed a quick succession of rifle-shots, down the Was a hor- until the huge brute rolled over, dead, when, a | moment later, Bullion Bret leaped forward to Virgie’s side. “Oh, Mr. Beaufort! Thank God!” she cried. “How do you know it is Beaufort?’ he de- manded, curiously. . ‘* | know it is you, by—” She paused, and a wave of color swept over her face, “ Your heart, eh?” he finished, He cut her bonds, picked her up in his strong arms, as though she were but a child. Then he kissed her. ‘Was 1 right, dearest?” She did not answer, but nestled eloser to his manly breast. A few moments later Bret examined the re- on fighters, and found that Primrose was ead, Old Uriah, however, still had life in him; so Bret bravely shouldered the big bummer, and, with Virgie by his side, set out for Git-Thar. Frequent rests had to be made, but at last they reached the Singleton mansion, b. 1 } \ Down the street, looking ghastly pagh, the suspendéd remains of Sake Silversnith swayed to and fro in the wind, Sir Guy and Lady Montreyor reesived Virgie with protound joy, and the dude detlared on‘the spot that he was ready to marry her, but Bret dashed his expectations by annoencing that- Virgie had promised to become the future Mrs, Beaufort. | : Sir Guy and his lady at first objected to this, sudden arrangement, but when they found that Virgie had a will of her own they were forced to acquiesce, , The next day old Chandos was buried, and his wretched son by his side. The money which Silversmith gave to Sep- timus Singleton, of course belonged to’ Metler and Maguire, who made a demand for if, Though it turned out that Bullion Bret was by no means a poor man, yet the colonel gave him the amount represented by the mortgage, and he became an equal partner in the Singleton mines. . The next day, also, the miners concluded to: return to work, at old wages, and did So, The loss to the Mormon element of them leader rather demoralized them, and in Jess than a month Git-Thar was practically-4 ‘Gentile town —but comparatively few Mormons remaimingy Old Uriah Knockemstiff did not die. ~ After long months he recovered, and @6ver af- terward was a member of Bullion Bret’s house- hold—for his plurality of wives had gone with the Mormon evacuation. ‘ Before the return of Sir Guy’s party Virgie and Bret were married, and it was a quite grand affair, besides being the union of two trulydov- ing hearts—something very uncommon DGwae days! x * A little later, Sadie, who still regarded Rep. timus Singleton as a father, married Liew € Langdon. E As Git-Thar grew it demanded a city govern= ment and a mayor, and Bullion Bret was the choice of the people, and gave to the town a more classic name, And when he wants to have a little fun at some one’s expense he always ‘shakes *==for, probably no man lives with a stronger erip.than the Giant Grip of Git-Thar., = THE END. Beadle’s Dime Libfary. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING, 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective} 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective. 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. 575 Steady Hand, the Napoleon of Detectives. 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honeysuckle. 551 Garry Kean, the Man with Backbone, 539 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot: 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives. 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nést. 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 468 Gold Gauntlet, the Gulch Gladiatom® 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Hubtler of the Hillis, 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran. . 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives. 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill. 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spy. 405 Old Baldy, the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 885 Wili Dick Turpin, tne Leadville Lion. 297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur, 279 The Gold Dragoon, or, California Bloodhound. BY OLL COOMES. Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectives. One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter, Long Beard, the Giant Spy. The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. Red’Rob, the Boy Road-Agent, idaho Tom, the Young Outlaw of Silverland. 46 Bowie-Knife Ben, the Nor’west Hunter, 44 Old Dan Rackback, the Great Extarminator, 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger. 7 Death-Notch; the Destroyer: A new issue every Wedinesday. Beadie’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on” receipt of twelve, cents each, BRADL AND ADAMS, Pustisuers, 98 Williams Street, New York. - 619 148 137 99 51 48 -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. i: As no inferior or amateur production is admitted to the schedules, so everything of a questionable or % vitiating character is studiously excluded. » Porvnar Liprary is certain to win a wide popularity, and become one of the standards in. the literature Therefore, with the trade as well as with readers, , BEADLEYS.* 9) > ae oa, a oe eee SS ee a 3 : } ice a Noe | | ; eg | | BEADPER’S 4 Pe: joa | ee Te ae os GaN if ed Se 0, LS RED eae | joe sid 2 ; # Issued Livery Wednesday. Price, Hive Cents, HIS New Library will give only the Best Work of the Best Writers in PopuLAR 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. a v ? For sale by all newsdealers at five cents per copy, or sent. post-paid, on receipt of six cents eaghy | BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, a 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK 1 for the people. : ae 1 Dandy Dick, Detective; or, The Still Hunt [ 14 Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar; or, The Batti at Burnt Match. By Robert Randolph Inman. of the Blue Jeans. By Wm. West Wilden 2 The Three Spotters; or, Runaing Down the | w yoming Will. : . r Ra Rogues. By Marcus H. Waring,—‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” | #15 Lightning Leo, the Behind-the-Scenes Detec-. i iH tive; or, The Square Sport’s Secret Trust.’ ji! * 8 Cowboy Chris, the Man of Caliber ; of are | By Redmond Blake. ey re Menine ate By Wm. West Wilder,— 18 Dandy Dick's Decoy: or; The Rousing Times : ie ; i ; é i at RoughardTumble: Dy Robert R. pees. i ae 4 Bandy Dick’s Double; oy Tee 17 Biliy Bub, the Double Prize Detective; © . AS ae ara pity ae : Dey Mee: | Old Arsenice’s Secret. By Edward Lytton. & eh 5 VThé Street Spotters’ eir unt; or, e | 48 7" ‘ 3 Da ee 5 Ree petra il ustang Merle’s Merciless Foe; or, The Aes Genres aE By Mareus H. Waring, | cursed Brand. By Maj. SamS. Scott . +: ; ( x Sed . h Mh a 6 Mustang Merle, the Boy Rancher; or, Old | 19 The Three Spotters’ Hot Heat: or, Running |!* Joe Rundy's Wipe-out, By Maj. Sam 8. Scott. | ee the ee Sport. By Mareus Hey | faring, —‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” » % Flip Fred, the Pack-Peddler Prince; or, The | 3 Witch of the Black Swamp. By Edward Lytton. | 20 Perper: aie. the te Roa oe oe ing for e Human Hawk. 3B iliam West = 8 Cowboy Chris to the Fore; or, Scourging the Wilder,—*‘ Wyoming Will.” r MC ee Scourge ofthe Sanduan. By Wm. West Wilder, Shey ‘ Rite ing Will.” 21 Lightning Leo’s Luck; or, The Rats of thals.» IS te River. By Redmond Blake i 9 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery; or, | : ; : ee Blonde Bert of Brick Alley. By Marcus H. | 22 Dandy Dick’s Dead-lock; or, The Last Round Oe kr Waring,—‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” | at Nip-’n’-Tuck. By Robert Randolph inmam © yy) , | 28 Lion Heart Lee, the Lakeside Detectives on 10 Dandy Dick Deccyed ; or, The Terrible Tussle | p Fi : ak ai at atdn’s Delight. By Robert Randolph Inman. | Saved by the Skin of His Teeth, By F. Port. ‘ | %4 Bullion Bret, the Giant Grip; or, The Ru ae 11 Rustling Rob, the Tramp’s Protege; or, The at Git-Thar. By Edward Lytton. } Master of The Cedars. By Edward Lytton. : i | 25 The Three Spotters’ Convict Clidnt; or, A 12 Mustang Merle’s Mine; or, Dolores Dick and | Dead Man’s Device. By Marcus H. ware Pard. By Maj. Sam 8. Scott. Ready September 16th. ee ae e Spott ’ Duel in the Dark; or, | 26 Mustang Merle’s Mandate; or, Wiping? ee The Pied ati trai of Gotham. By Marcus the War Saddles. By Maj. Sam 8. Scotties H, Waring,--‘‘ Sergeant Mark.” Ready September 28d, 4 aoa ] ‘> ¥ ate oe