a a © @ N Cy aS « ‘ rn A DIFFERENT COMPLETE STORY EVERY WEEK tssued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. by STREET & SMITH, 79-59 Seventh Avenue, New York, N. Y. ¥ No. 186 NEW YORK, JULY 14, 1906. Price, Five Cents Reining about, he was in time to see the bull turn and charge back. He did not wait for the animal to pass, but fired straight at one of those gleaming eyes. » fi Different Complete Story Every Week edssued Weekly. By subscription $2.50per year. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. by STREET & SMITH, 79°59 seventh Avenue, New York, NV. Y. NEW YORK, July 14, 1906. Price Five Cents, By HERBERT BELLWOOD. CHAPTER: 1, RAINBOW RANCH LOSES ITS MASCOT. “Going to leave? Did I understand you correctly, _ Steve Norman?” “I think you did, sir.” “But—but—I—don’t understand it! want to leave for?” » “Tl have very good reasons.’ nat Noten tein: meh at sure you will pardon me if I decline, Mr. Mil- ton. I will say, however, it is not on account of any ill treatment I have received at Rainbow Ranch. I have nothing but the kindest feelings for you and for all who have befriended me here.” Warren Milton, the owner of Rainbow Ranch, sur- veyed the young cowboy from head to feet. tee to. | must say I do not understand it,” declared the _ “She # “I can see no good reason why you should “JT wond On the contrary, there are the best of reasons | Fie pou should remain. You scarcely look like the sick couldivho came here two years ago, and we took you What do you eT on't think I fail to appreciate that!” hastily cut ‘in the young cattleman. “I can never forget all that you have done for me; I shall ever remember your kindness and that of—lIva.” “Yes, my daughter nursed you like you were her own brother.” “She saved my life, God bless her!” fervently. “T haven’t a doubt of it, Norman. She gave you the name of ‘the Ranch Mascot,’ for she declared you brought us good luck. I confess I was in a hard hole at the time pe root your appearance, and my fortune changed almost im- mediately. Ever since you have been with us, fortune has smiled on Rainbow Ranch. I am not superstitious, but Iva’s repeated declarations that you are a mascot have made an impression on me. Is it more than natural that I do not wish to lose you?” For a moment the young cowboy was silent, as if pondering on the words he should speak. He was a handsome fellow, five feet ten, square- shouldered and straight as an Indian. He was not more than twenty-two or three years of age, but he was the picture of perfect manhood. In his cheeks was the flush of health, and it did not seem possible he had ever been ill a day in his life. And Cowboy Steve, as he was called—Silver Spur Steve—was a person to command admiration. His plain cowboy garments fitted him unusually well. The heels of his boots were adorned by silver spurs—for which reason the young man had worn his sobriquet of Silver Spur Steve, in all that wide expanse of ranch and range. Over young Norman there hovered an air of mystery,” for he persistently avoided speaking of his past life. No one on Rainbow Ranch knew anything of him previous to his appearance there as an invalid. Warren Milton, the ranch owner, looked more’ | successful Eastern business‘ man than a ranchms in fact, the greater part of his money had been acqem in the East. He was about fifty years of age, slightly cynical and rather cold-blooded. Milton’s business traits so clung to him that he had caused a private office to be constructed in a small room of the ranch building, and there he could be found at his desk two hours every day. ; Far and wide he was known as “the. Tenderfoot — Rancher,” and as his early ventures in the cattle business — f bs a7 | BRAVE AND BOLD. had proved very disastrous through his lack off knowl- edge, the term seemed highly appropriate. It was just when ruin stared him in the face that Stephen Norman appeared, and singularly enough at that point Milton’s fortune changed, and it had flowed in his favor ever since. Iva, the rancher’s- handsome, dark-eyed daughter, firmly declared Steve was a mascot, and within her inno- cent little heart she devoutly believed he had brought them good luck. “You must see I regret leaving you, Mr. Milton,” the, young cowboy finally said, his eyes meeting the cold orbs Of the ranchman. “It is not from choice, but——” “TE you stay . “T canhot !” ~tow much per month must I add to your salary 2” Steve fell back a step, new color mounting to his face. Then he put out a hand appealingly. _, Can it be you really thought that of me?” demanded ‘the Ranch Mascot. “As if, after all you and Iva have _ done for me, I would attempt to work you in such a _ manner! It is not possible you imagined such a thing!” “T couldn’t seem to think of anything else,” the ranch owner asserted. lf that were true, I would be a most ungrateful } wretch, |< “I have found very little gratitudé in the world. Those whom one befriends the oftenest are the most liable to forget the favors done them.” “assure you I am not of that stamp. I hope the time will come when I cah convince you I speak the truth.” “YOu might give me your reason for leaving.” _ "Strange as it may seem to you, that is impossible.” __. Oh, vety well,” came frigidly from the rancher’s lips. ¢Tt isnot customary for me to allow any of my men to I should have treated you You have no reason to expect more con- know I wish to retain them. like the others. _ sideration,” Steve drew himself up proudly. _ ~E do not expect more, and I have never given you reason to think so.” ' The lines on: Milton's face deepened a trifle: i think you have Been paid in full for all services ?” ewes ?? - Your resignation is accepted. Good day!” _ For a moment the young cowboy hesitated, making a slight move as if to hold out his hand. Then he turned away, shaking his head. ; ' “Good day, sir!’ The office door closed, and Silver Spur. Steve was gone. “I will get away as soon as possible,” muttered the young cowboy, as he hurried toward his room. “I must not see Julia Ruthven again—nor Iva.” But Iva was descending the stairs, and they came face = very pretty and not over eighteen. just been up to see Dick Clark,” she said. | Yoor Dick has been very sick, but he is better now. Why, how strange you look, Steve!” He had not intended to tell her, he had thought of leaving a note to her, but now the words forced them- selves from his lips. "Will you say good-by to Dick for me?” She-fell back. “Good-by ?” she exclaimed. ‘“‘Why—why, what——” “I am going away.” “Going away. For how long?” ” “Forever !” qullthe color lett her-iace,” = ee “You cannot mean that!” she whispered, a choking sound in her voice. “Why should you go away? Th your home? Only last week you told me you had other.” “Many father——’ ; “Oh, has he done this? I will go to him! He sh not turn you away! If he does, I’ll—I’ll leave, too!” | The words touched him deeply. 7 “Your friendship is dearer than all else in the worf to me, Iva,” he asserted; his voice trembling with earnest ness and feeling. “Your father has not discharged m I gave up my position.” ee “What could make you do such a crazy thing?” she” cried. “Yourshall not leave! I won’t let you go! Why you are the best friend I have in the world, ex father” ' Le en *And Juliae” a “You come before Julia; Steve.” (17s aa, ze Then she clasped his arm with both her hands, addin; “You shall stay!’ eee He forced a smile. . “You do not understand,” he said. “I would stay I could, but it is impossible. I must go at once.” “But—but—but Julia,” she faltered, groping for so exctise to detain him. “You have not said good-by ‘Fokeas” et “Where is she?” “She has gone out for a ride.” Had ‘he spoken the feeling within his heart, the ex- pression would have been one of relief and thankfulnesé, “I cannot wait for her to return. You must express my regrets, Miss Milton.” - a “Miss Milton! Yesterday you called me Iva.” “Which was. presuming.” See : “Which was nothing of the kind! Don’t I call yo Steve? Rainbow Ranch cannot afford to lose its mascot, things may happen in a week. You You brought us good luck, and oe “Is that the reason you wish me to remain ?” “No, no, no! You know it is not! Once, ne long ago, you spoke to me of-—of—loving so Her voice had sunk very low and her eyes we ing, but she still clung to his arm. - a Within his breast the young, cowboy’s heart gave great leap. ae “Yes,” he answered; “but that person is $6 very far above me! I was foolish—mad!?™) “Nonsense! That’s all stuff! You said you da tell this person of your love.” . ST rie,! “That's where you’re a silly fellow. A chap Wi doesn’t have pluck enough to tell a girl he loves her _ isn’t a brave heart. I advise you to brace up, and——4 “It is not a case of courage—don’t think that. There are other reasons.” . eo. “If the girl lovés you, she’ll have you, for all of the _ other reasons.” “Oh, Iva, Iva! You must know the truth! There is only one girl in the wide, wide world, so far as I'am a concerned.” : At this moment a new thought struck her—a thought that drove the blood from her cheeks. ge befallen her. _ BRAVE AND BOLD. Why was he so anxious to get away from Rainbow ~ Ranch since her friend, Julia Ruthven, had arrived? It had been a surprise to Iva when Steve and Julia met and recognized each other. They had known each other in the past, but all the questions of the rancher’s daughter had failed to draw the story from Julia’s lips. “Fle loves her !” That was the thought which robbed Iva of her strength and silenced her tongue. Suddenly the young cowboy lifted one of her hands to his lips. As he did so, a quick step sounded close at hand, and they were confronted by Warren Milton. The ranchman was pale with passion. “So this is the way the land lays!” he said, holding himself in check. “I now understand there is a very good reason why you should leave Rainbow Ranch, ‘a Yeah man. The sooner you go, the better. Iva, come i A rudely he drew his daughter from the Ranch ascUt’s side. Steve bowed, retaining his self-possession. “I only ask to secure some | little trinkets from my -790m,” he said;. “then I will go.” Twenty minutes later he was riding to the southwest, | Rainbow Ranch at his back. CHAPTER II. _ THE ASHES OF A DEAD LOVE. “So ends another sweet dream!” muttered the young sOwboy. “Dear little Iva! I'll never see her again!’’ “nce or twice he looked back at the familiar outlines of the ranch. It seemed like home to him, and he felt that he was leaving it forever. “Suddenly he espied a saddled horse galloping wildly over the plain, its bridle-rein swinging loose. “What is the meaning of that?” he asked himself, as he wheeled his own animal to cut the other off. “The creature has broken away from some one, and—it’s Iva’s - Horse!” ween She approached the animal, he discovered the saddle upon its back was Iva’s. At first he could not under- __ stand it, for he was sure he had left the girl at the ranch. Then a sudden thought revealed the truth to him. _ “Iva must have let Julia have her horse. Something “has happened to Julia Ruthven.” The animal seemed blind with fright, and Steve was sired 10: use his rope in securing it. “She has been t:town from the saddle,” he decided. “I wonder if she jis severely injured.” ‘He had hoped to escape meeting her again, but he could not go on his way without learning what fate had Perhaps she was in danger and need of aid. Having quieted the frightened horse, he attempted to follow back along the trail the animal had left. This was not difficult, but it proved unnecessary. The distant report of a pistol reached his ears, coming, it seemed, from a little knot of timber directly in his ‘path. “T believe there is trouble there,” - touching his horse with the spur. He was taking Iva’s animal along, the creature having recovered from ‘its terror. é he muttered, lightly & Straight toward the little patch of timber he dashed, making sure his revolvers were ready for instant use. A second shot came to his ears, and he heard a faint cry for help. There was no longer any doubt about it; Julia was in trouble of some kind. Into the grove plunged the two horses, only to be suddenly flung upon their haunches by a pull at the bit and the leading-rope. Before him Cowboy Steve beheld an unusual sight. Clinging in the lower branches of a small tree was a decidedly beautiful girl, on whose face was a look of terror. She held a small 22 caliber revolver in her hand, but she was so frightened, apparently, that she could not have used the weapon effectually had it been a most deadly “bulldog.” Pawinge up the ground at the foot of the tree was a fiery- -eyed black bull. Now and then the bull would rattle its outspread horns against the bark of the tree, or butt it so fiercely it seemed as if the girl would be shaken from her perch. The imperiled maiden saw Steve, and uttered a cry of warning. “Look out! The creature is mad! beast, or it will shake me down on those horns! a ‘It took but a glance to convince the cowboy that the bull was indeed mad, for he had dealt with many such animals on the range. He knew there was but one way to cure them, and one of his long-barreled re- volvers left its holster for a place in his hand. The bull saw the newcomer and turned on him, its eyes glowing like two huge coals, every hair on its body seeming ‘to stand out like a bristle. Shaking its hard head, the creature gave a wild snort that caused both horses to rear and shy. Then the led animal, once more overcome by fear, wheeled and broke away. A few cool words calmed the young cowboy’s own horse. “Oh, do hurry and shoot the beast!” cried the girl in the tree. “I’m afraid I’m going to faint!” “Little danger of that!” muttered Steve, between his teeth. “I know you of old, my dear woman.’ He reined his horse to the right, watching a desl to send his first bullet where it would be effective, To. his disgust, the bull turned with him, keeping head on 1°? é “Just stand still a moment or two, old fellow!” urg d the Ranch Mascot. ‘“‘How do you expect me to s you when you won’t give me a show at a fatal spot?” The mad bull did not wait, and suddenly charged the cowboy. Steve had been watching for such a move, aa wai barely able to avoid the bull. As the animal went plunging past, the cowboy re- volver spoke. He knew the shot would not prove effec- tive the instant he pulled the trigger, and an exclamaay 8 | of disappointment left his lips. Reining about, he was in time to see the bull turn oe ba charge back. He did not wait for the animal to pass, ha fired straight at one of those gleaming eyes. Again avoiding the charge, he saw his second bullet had not been wasted. A third shot cut out the other eye, and the mad bull was blinded! Then Cowboy Steve deliberately dismounted and ap- proached the animal. A bullet back of the left shoulder Kill the pass a Al pitt 4 BRAVE AND BOLD. completed the work. The bull sank on its knees, then rolled slowly over on its side, “Bravo, bravo!’ cried a musical voice from the tree. ““That’s the way to do it! beast six times, and I don’t think I touched it at all.” Not until he was sure that his final shot had finished - the work did Steve Norman turn toward the girl he had saved. Then he gracefully lifted his hat and bowed, but there was not a trace of a smile on his calm face. “How am I to get down?” questioned the girl. oy had very little trouble about getting up. That beautiful beast assisted me.’ “T think I will be able to assist you down without trouble,” answered the young cattleman. “I will lead my horse under the tree, and you can swing down to its back.” Which he did, and in a few moments the girl was safely on the ground. “Oh, [ thank you very much!” she cried gushingly. “TI know I should have been killed if you hadn’t come to “my rescue. That horrid creature frightened my horse, and I was unceremoniously dumped from the saddle. For a wonder, the fall did not hurt me one bit. Just how came tip in this tree I'll never tell.” : ave evidently had a narrow escape from death, nton,” he calmly said. a [am so glad it was you who saved me! as if fate brought us together again, Steve.” “An adverse fate.” “Don’t speak like that!’ she entreated. She put out an appealing hand to him, touching him on the arm, but he recoiled quickly. oy bee of you, Miss Kenton—your pardon—Miss Ruthven.” “Steve, you are changed.” “And you—even your name is changed.” “You speak harshly.” “Why shouldn’t I? And still—why should I? What more could I expect than the treatment I received.” “You have not forgotten?” “Did you think I could forget so easily? I was nothing gbut a boy, and you—well, if not much older in years, “you were far older in experience. Bah! Why am I speaking of that! It brings a bitter taste to my mouth!” ' “Qh, come, Steve!’ she entreated, holding out her loved hands. ‘“That is all in the past. It is dead is my regard for you.” u loved me once.” 93 It seems V7 ‘SO, that love is dead. Why stir its ashes?’ Ou say, you were only a boy, and I——” , were years older, although you looked then, as you. appear now, like a girl of eighteen. How you retain your youth is a mystery forme,” _ “Tam not so very old,” she half laughed. ‘Tm only twenty-seven !” “No one would dream you had seen twenty.” “So much the better. You are a man now—fully old enough to vote. There are not so many years between us—not enough to keep us apart.” “Tt is not the years that separates us. I know you for what you are. How under heaven did you ever come to know and be friendly with Iva Milton?’ “T met her at boarding-school.” “Impossible! Why.should you be at such a place?” “Why, Steve, Why, I banged away at the “Business.” “Vou were looking for victims?” “Oh, that does not sound at all pleasant! T entered © the school for the purpose of getting acquainted with Ve girls whom I could use to advantage.” - There was a black look on the face of the young cowboy. “And Iva was one of them?” She faughed. “Don’t get worked up, old fellow. is rich. Why shouldn’t I—— £ “And I am going away—going to leave her to. your : mercy! You would ruin her in some way!’ A look of surprise filled the girl’s blue eyes. “Going away? When ?” “Now.” “Why: 7? “Because I cannot remain where you ares : _ Which is the same as a confession see! a care. ( “Which is nothing of the kind. I swear. 2 my : for you is dead and cold! But I feared I wou myself if I remained—I knew I would cal r name you bore in the East.” “And was it for me you cared so very much? you not think of yourself at all?” Steve’s face flushed a bit. “T confess I did not care to have you make public past. 39 “T thought as much. We are both in the. same box.” “No! . All my old life is put behind me. I confess rs gambled and drank. It was those vices which bre me close to death. You deserted me—left me t I did not die. I tried to follow you and Bartley Fri My strength failed me. They said I was dying. 1 taken in at Rainbow Ranch, and Iva—dear little Iv; nursed me back to life and health.” The color had fled from the face of the iotenae girl and her hands were clinched. “Tva!”’ she whispered. “I see—I understand—y love her!” a “If so, the more fool 1! I remember my record, what = I have been and what I am, and I do not dream | possessing her.’ “T would kill her, if I thought there was da would win her!” hoarsely declared the girl. He looked at her in surprise. “Can you be in earnest?’ exclaimed the cowboy. would think you really cared for me now “Care for you! Oh, Steve! you hav: Ww and handsome. I did think I had ceased to to but now I know I love you more madly than eve Won’t you believe me, Steve? Take me back! We ¥ go away from here—somewhere—anywhere! I will be only too glad to give up my present life, for [ am heartily sick of it. Together, where we are not known, we will begin all over again. Think, Steve, think what it means! T love you truly, with all my heart! You must believe! His reply was a laugh of scorn. Warren Milton oe : Did CHAPTER: IIT. LOVE OR HATRED? That laugh cut to her very heart. She fell back; lift one hand to her eyes, extending the other appealingly. “Don’t!” she gasped—‘ ‘please don’t! , ~ with your smiles for a time. “BRAVE AND BOLD. “I know you pretty well,” asserted Silver Spur Steve; “but cannot always tell when you are acting and when rou are in earnest.” ~ “Oh, Heaven! you are cruel!” “Cruel! What of yourself? I have not forgotten how yu took my last dollar and left me alone to die!’ *~*Oh, can’t you forgive? I -was mad! I confess I wronged you—-I confess everything—only forgive!” “T cannot. . Y@u ask too much. I have tried to forget, but I found that impossible. What were you when I first met you?. An adventuress—a blackmailer! With your sweet, innocent face and your seductive ways, you | led your victims into the traps you set. They were - usually middle-aged men, called respectable. You always chose those who had wives and families. When your web was well spun, you demanded hush-money.” “And usually received it,’ she said, with a touch of : wagger. “I played them well. I obtained their money, and in teturn they obtained—nothing at all. I was much O ivarp to ever lét one of them entrap me.” | You forget, fulia, There was -one. oul, and he meant to bring the matter to court. would have been sent up. Who saved you?’ “You did, Steve.” He had you You “T had money then, for the night before I had broken » *-a faro-bank. I saw you atrested. Fool that yl was, I “was struck by your face, and I put up my last dollar tO save you.” And succeeded:”’ “Which I have since then bitterly regretted. It would have been better for me had I failed... You rewarded me When I was down on: my “Back you took my money and fled with Frick, a worth- € less actor.” “I have confessed I wronged you. I did’so in a mo- ae of weakness, Now I am ready to do anything to - win you back.” “For what purpose? You might remain true for a time, were I fool enough to believé you, but you would _. finally tire of me. What then? It would be the same e ‘eld story.” s aio, ‘no; I swear. ouldn’t trust you, even though I believed you in at this moment. There is apparently nothing but ankness and honesty in your eyes, but they are as eacherous as your heart.” She suddenly faced him, throwing back her head de- " fiantly. “Be careful!” she cried. e-bitterest foe?” “7 choose your enmity to your friendship.” “7 may. make a stronger foe than you dream.” ~ He flung out one hand. “That is nothing.” “T will strike you in’ a way that will cut the deepest.” “Your threats are music.” “T will tell those who have trusted you all about your past—I will tell her!” “Even that. will not harm me, for I I am going far away, into some remote part of the country.