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FaAPED THE THREE ASTONISHED CONSTABLES.

*

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

dssued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year.

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7

No. 94.

Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. ¥. Post Office, bv STREET & SMITH, 278 William bsg AVG Ye
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

NEW YORK, February 21,

   
   
 

1903. Price Five Cents.

 

MES AT

 

OR, th

Running Down the Outlaw’s Double. |.

i

 

Sree By W. B. LAWSON.

   
   
 

NTAIN:

 

CHAITER f

A DARING WAGER.

“Paul, would you dare?”

“You heard the proposal, Caleb.”

“But it would be madness.”

“That’s merely a matter of opinion.”

“You seem in dead earnest.”

MD ara

“And you intend to venture alone to Welsh Moun-
tain and interview the notorious Jesse James?”

“Tf I live to get there.”’ 2
: “What is the wager between you and Captain
“i Clyde?” :

“Five thousand apiece.”

“And the stipulations ?”’

“T am to. venture upon Welsh Mountain and cap-
ture the outlaw—that is, manage to effect his sur-
render.”’

“Thunder! the bargain is worse than I expected.
Before you start, I predict your failure.”

ee

 

ve

  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
    
      
       

The other smiled.

There was something about his expression of coun-
tenance that told his companion he would not lose the
wager without a great effort.

“Very good, Caleb, I shall make the effort all the
same.”

Paul and his companion sat in a small room in the
good city of Philadelphia.

It was Paul’s den.

He was a bachelor, and had already gained quite a
reputation in his profession of the law.

Before going into the legal line, Foul had aed the
protégé ofa noted detective.

He had given promise of a remarkable career in
this business, but it had-gone against his finer sensi-
bilities to hunt human beings. ue |

So he had given it up.

Since that time Hee had ey longed to go
back to the old profess ~— |

It had a‘peculi
had left it behind

 

  

 
  
 
 
a . THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

“The opportunity came in a manher most singular.

He was talking with a gentleman upon the sub-
ject. of the Jesse James gang which had left Missouri
on a wild raid and taken up quarters for a time at
~Jeast on Welsh Mountain, a high peak in the wildest
part of Pennsylvania.

During the course of his conversation he chanced
to say that it was his conviction Jesse James was more
sinned against than sinning, and that if the proper
means were applied, he could undoubtedly be induced
to come in and surrender.

His companion, a certain Captain Clyde,
at the idea.

laughed

‘He offered to wager any sum that no man could
accomplish the feat. |

His words seemed applied directly to Paul, and he
felt it so.
: a) turned slowly. Saal the captain.

“T accept your wager,” he said, quietly.

“For whom?’

' Myseit.’*

“You mean that you will bring in Jesse James?”

“I mean that through me he will surrender him-
self to the authorities inside of thirty days.”

“Done. What is the amount?’

‘Five thousand each.”

So the wager was made.

It seemed a dead open and shut game for the cap-
tain.

He made sure that the stakes were all up before
Paul departed, for it was clear to him that he would
never see that venturesome worthy again. _

Having completed his ar rangements, Paul left Phila-
delphia.

His friends knew not his mission, but supposed he
was bound for some fishing resort in the far North-
NVC SE: ee a

Caleb had been cautioned to silence, and he was not
the one to give the project away.

‘Still the mission of the young detective was known
to the man whom he went to hunt before he reached
the vicinity of Welsh Mountain.

Perhaps Captain Clyde might have told how this
came about.

At, atiy vate; he’ left - Philadelphia secretly, some
twelve hours before Fauiedid, ang upon the same route
that the other too ‘Rater on. ee

It was a mean piece oF

- the capture of this beld man,

Captain Clyde was not above such.

He was in secret a gambler, and had come to look
upon any piece of work as legitimate as long as it
paid.

Paul, of course, knew nothing of this.

It was fated to cause him much trouble before the
end came.

Within twenty- four hours of the time he left Phila-
delphia a queer-looking character approached a tavern
situated on the cross-roads near the foot of Welsh
Mountain.

The man was apparently a peddler of some sort.

Yet one who had traveled would be able to catch
a peculiar rolling gate in his walk that stamped him
a. sailor,

He seemed interested in the scenery around him.

Indeed, it was worthy of admiration, as much from
its solemn grandeur as any beauty to be found there.

The trees were backward in their foliage, and not
a trace, so to speak, of green, leaves was to be seen.

Welsh Mountain frowned upon the little cross-roads-
tavern, towering above its sister peaks.

It was a fit place for the secret den of an outlaw.

Jesse James knew what he was doing
leaving Missouri, he hid himself in these fagtnesses.

Many an expedition had been planned, looking to
who laughed at cin
suit.

One and all they had fallen through. |

Detectives had come to hunt him, but they found
the vicinity of Welsh Mountain beyond their ken.

It was dismal, indeed, and: the trouble seemed to
be that Jesse James the outlaw was like the Irishman’s
flea—when you went to put your finger on him, lo and
behold, he wasn’t there.

The peddler entered the tavern:

It was toward evening, and the May sun had long (

since vanished behind the ridges.

Somber shadows were beginning to gather, but
they only made the scene more entrancing.

Inside the tavern he found several men congre-
gated, ;

They eyed him without ceremony.

In that neighborhood a stranger was subjected to
a good deal of scrutiny.

There were a number of 1 men who did not bear too
clean a reputation, and these worthies had reason to

\

tear the presence of detectives,

 

when, after —
 

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES. : 7 3

Upon a post a small placard could be seen.
It read as follows:

$10,000 REWARD.

“The above sum will be paid to the party or parties
delivering into the hands of the proper authorities the
person of Jesse James, the notorious outlaw, who is
now at large in this vicinity.

“A portion of the above reward will be paid for
information given to the sheriff of this county, that

will lead to the capture of the said Jesse James.”

 
  
  
  
  

apne peddler came face to face with this placard as
he entered the place, and stopped to read it, appar-
ently regardless of the scrutinizing glances that were
being cast upon him.

A frown came upon his face as he read to the end.
~ He even half raised his hand as though to tear it
down, but thinking better of it, walked over to the
bar...

The proprietor assured him he could have lodgings
there as long as he chose to stay, providing he paid
for them in advance.

“What line are ye in anyhow?”
Then the peculiar peddler cocked his eye and looked
each member of the little company in the face.

“Landlord, are all these gents true blue?’

“VIL swear by ’em?”
“Not a cursed detective among ’em?”
“Took here, old man, we ain’t o’ that kind. This
man here is a friend ter Jesse Jam@, what I’ve no
doubt ye’ve heerd about.”

The peddler jerked his thumb over his shoulder in

the direction of the placard.

“Him what the reward’s up for?”

“Yes, an’ bet yer life his pards ain’t the men to ’so-
ciate with detectives.”’

“Well an’ good. Seein’ as how we're all good men
poe an’ true, I-don’t mind lettin’ ye see what I’ve got here.”
fi The peddler unfastened his pack. /
| It was not often a man of his stamp was seen in this
_ part of the country.

 
   
  
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 

take the risk.

It was said that more than one peddler and com-
mercial traveler had mysteriouslv disappeared in that
vicinity.

The men crowded around. i

Even the women folks of the tavern came into view,
being fully as much interested as the men.

One party alone held back.

   
  
  
  
  
  
  

Welsh Mountain bore too hard a name for them to -

He was a tall man, with a countenance at once cun-

-ning and somber,

Standing with his back against a post, this worthy
kept his eyes glued upon the peddler.

He was reading him.

First of all the peddler took out a lot of cigars.

“These never saw the custom house, but came
through from Havana in the bulkhead of a vessel.”

Next came some gaudy silks.

These caught the eyes of the women folks, and a
dicker was soon in progress.

They found the peddler willing to sell things at a
bargain, and it was not long before a portion of his
pack had been transferred to their keeping, while he
pocketed their coin.

The eyes of the silent man noted all this, and glit-
tered with eagerness as he watched the peddler put the
money away.

A few minutes later he brushed past the man of the
pack.

“T must see you alone.

49?

Follow me!

 

CHAPTER If.
A STRANGE INTERVIEW.

The peddler seemed surprised at the words of the
strange man.

Nevertheless, he took the first opportunity to obey.

When his pack was strapped up again he stepped out:
side.

The man awaited him.

“It’s well ye came,” said the man in-a significant
tone.

“Tm a reasonable man, stranger, and like to arty
any person’s curiosity. Now, what’s your business?
D’ye want to buy out my pack at a bargain?”

“No; I wanter tell ye something.”

“My ears ain’t closed up.”

“T know ye.”

“Stranger, have we ever met before?
ever before the mast?”

Never.)

“Then where did we meet?”

“In the tavern yonder for the first time, I reckon.”

“Then how in thunder d’ye know Zach Grumpus?”’

“That ain't you!”

“Come, now, Mr. Smart, ye’re getting too bright
for your boots.”

“TI tell you I know you.”

Was you

 
 

    

“You said that before, critter.”’

‘How d’ye feel this evenin’, Mr. Paul Gray?”

The peddler did not start.

He seemed to have perfect command over his feat-
ures.

“Pretty well, thank you.

“Fair to middlin’.
Mr, Detective.’ :

“T hope to know you better, sir, in the near future.”

‘iet ame ne myself.”

“With pleasure.’

“T’m Jesse James,”

“Oh! you are. Glad to meet you, Jesse.
hands.”

But the man drew. backs.

“No, you don't. That's

“Just as you please.’’

“T wanter give ye fair warnin’. Yer known. Now
turn back an’ leave these regions, or itll be the wuss
Lor ye.

“Thank you, Jesse, kindly.”

“But ye don't mean ter do it?”

“Vl think it over and give you my answer later.”

Jesse James uttered an oath.

“Ye've come ter yer death here. We've seen men as
brave as you ever dared to be, an’ they had ter cry
quits. If ye know what’s good fer ye, it won’t be long
afore ye makes for Philadelphia again.”

“Yow threaten, then.”

“We're used to runnin’ things to suit ourselves here.”

“Supposing I say Ill levant, would you mind telling
me how you came to know of my coming.”

The outlaw wagged his head.

“That's my secret.’’

“OF course I don’t want. you to tell if that’s the case,
but [ve a good suspicion as to the truth. I’ve got an-
other idea in my head, too, that I mean to work out
while here.”

“Take ¢ care.

How are you?’
I reckon you don’t know me,

Shake

enougn.

"Jesse James never gives another warn-
im.” : Be :
- “Then you mean that-some fine morning, as the
Irishman would say, (ll wake up to find myself dead:”

Thats about it, critter.”

“I’m not the man to be frightened by threats. Now
that you've come to that, I don’t mind telling you that
I shall stay about Welsh Mountain until I accomplish

my work.”

  

fesse James ground his teeth.

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

“You hound, what’s ter hinder me from leaping on —

ye now an’ cuttin’ yer black heart out?’
nS
A revolver flashed injthe twilight, as it was suddenly
brought under the outlaw’s nose.
He started back.

Jesse James had gained a name as the boldest outlaw :

of America.

Nothing was apparently too daring or too atrocious

for him to attempt.

Still, it was evident that he had a healthy regpect
for a revolver, especially when the latter was held in the ©

hand of a determined man.

Fle drew back.

“Hold on, Mr. Detective.
But I warn ye not ter try ter take me in.
friends in yonder, an’ they won't stand by an’ see Jesse
James hauled off. Try it, an’ yer crow’s meat.”

“I don’t mean to do it, Jesse James. But you haven’t
scared me a whit, and you'll see more of me before
long.”’

“Ditto, Mr. Detective. Yer another one added ter
the list o’ fools who have come lL.ere thinkin’ ter a
the money up for Jesse James.

  

I reckon some on ”

went back wiser nor idle’ came, an’ others ain't never,”

aden

been heard from yet.”

%
Every question has two sides,

Every crime done in the county was laid at his door, —

whether he wa@ guilty or not, and men came out to
hunt him as though he were a wild beast.

It was not the desire to rid the country of a hated
and feared outlaw that influenced them.

The ten-thousand-dollar reward was the beacon that,
led them on. a

Hence, but little pity could be wasted upon. them j in
their misfortune.

Paul had looked this matter in the face and realized
its true nature.

All that he cared about was that he di a not join the

great procession.

He had come there with a mission,

That work must be accomplished.

“Good-night, Jesse James.”

The other was heard to mutter something as he
turned and strode away, grasping his rifle in his hand.

Jesse James had gained an ugly name.

Fle was etual to any evil deed, if the stories told of
him were half of them true.

We'll cry quits jest now. —
Them’s my |

ee

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
 
  
   
  
 
    
   
  
 

As the man strode away the young detective stepped
behind a tree.

It was well he did. ; /

The man had not gone twenty yards before he
whirled around with his rifle to his shoulder.

There came a sharp spang.

A bullet cut the air in the spot where Paul had been
standing.

“That was a treacherous shot. If Jesse James is
that kind of a man, the sooner | make up my mind to
lose my bet, the quicker Ill be over the agony. But
I’ve an idea there’s something behind this that must be
looked after.”

Paul's words had a deep meaning.

What had entered his mind we shall presently dis-
cover,

THe walked into the tavern.

‘Lhe nen eyed him curiously.

Possibly they connected him with the rifle shot they
had heard, and. yet did not-fully understand how he
could be there and alive if this were so.

He ate his supper alone. -

All the time he was reading the ugly faces of the
men,

They. were tough. customers, and in an encounter

would make it decidedly warm for the bravest of men.

He could not help but notice that they eyed him in
an ugly way. ‘

Possibly they coveted the money which was known
to be in his possession.

When he retired he took his pack along.

The landlord showed him a room on the upper story.

It had one small window.

Leaning out of this Paul could hear the gurgling of

running water below him.

All was intensely dark, yet against the gloomy sky
he could discover the outlines of Welsh Mountain, tow-
ering in gloomy grandeur above.

The situation of the tavern was about as lonely as
one could imagine.

‘All that. could be heard beyond the murmur of the
stream was an occasional cry from a night bird in the

heavy forest that covered the mountain side,

After standing there for a short eae Paul turned
away.

He removed his shoes, and, walking to the door,
opened it.

The murmur of rough voices floated up from below.

There was also a crack where the door failed to

   

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES. 5

close, and through this came a slender line of light
falling on the stairs. :

Paul drew his revolver.

Then he crept down the box stairs with the agility
of a thief in the night.

Foot by foot he made his way down and finally
reached the bottom.

By placing his ear near the crack he could hear much’
that was said.

The first words caused a thrill to pass through his
frame.

That meant him, the pretended peddler.

These men were the ones who had been guilty of the
many dastardly crimes which had all been laid at Jesse
James’ door, from the burglarizing of the store up in
Clay down to the Linville tragedy.

They were ready for any work of the kind that
promised a reward.

“How shall it be done, Mart?”

eave at ter me!

“But the divide?’

“Shall be even all around, boys.
it. At midnight we'll fix him.”

Take a drink on

CHAPTER 111,
TRICKING THE ROGUES.

It was very comfortable to hear these remarks,

Especially was. this the case when the hearer knew
they were applied to himself.

He was the man who was to be “fixed” at midnight.

It was to be accomplished in the most scientific way
these villains could conjure up.

They talked about it as though such things were
matters of daily occurrence, and seldom arose bevond
the mere plane of the ordinary.

Paul listened as well as he could.

The fact that his life was in danger did not keep him
from being observant.

He finally decided that he had | heard quite enough.

There was time for escape.

Singular ly enough he did not think of this

He was an othcer of justice.

These wretches must be taken to account for thelr 4

: crimes.

Alone and single-handed he had entered the wilds”

of Pennsylvania, bent upon a certain mission.

And now he found himself face to face with a new |
danger, and instead of flying from it’ when the oppor-

JNA

    
 
   

a THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

tunity presented, he was about to take up cudgels in
defense of justice.

Were they connected with the notorious Jesse James,
he wondered.

That worthy had been among pes

He had called them friends.

This looked as though they were all in one league.

But Paul had his own opinion on this subject.

He left the doorway and made his way upstairs.

Once in his closet of a room, he looked around more
closely than he had done before.

Somehow, the detective became convinced that there

had been some ugly deeds committed in this tavern.
He looked under the bed.

Nothing there. :
Then he went over to a closet in the corner of the
room.

It was locked.
A moment’s search convinced him that the key was
missing.

To most men this would have been an insurmount-
able dilemma.

~ With the detective it was merely a necessity for fur-
ther work.

He had skeleton keys.

It was but the labor of a few minutes to turn the
ock. !

Then the door was open.

He looked inside.

The interior was dark, so that he had to bring a can-
die to bear upon the subject.

Paul's face showed that he had cvs quite a
shock, and yet he had expected all that his eyes now
beheld. “

Some clothes lay upon the floor.

As he bent over them he saw that in places they were
as stiff as boards.

An examination showed that this came from coagu-
‘lated blood.
He took up the vest.
Its pockets were turned inside out, and there was a
_ slit in the left breast just where the heart of the former
owner must have been.

There had been a murder done here, a crime such as
would shame the annals of history.

It was time this league of murder was being un-
earthed.
Perhaps ae unfortunate man had Brea a detective

seeking the reward that was offered for the conviction
or arrest of Jesse James.

More than one man had attempted to win this re-
ward.

Some had been scared off by the threats made.

This man might not have been one of the kind to : =

scare easily.

As a consequence he had met with foul play.

This was all Paul wanted to know.

He was in the midst of the murderous gang of cut-
throats who were responsible for all the crimes that
had been committed in the vicinity of Welsh Moun-
tain for years.

The hour was growing late, ~.

Paul shuddered as he took a last look at the blood-
stiffened garments, and then turned away.

He shut the closet door after him.

Then, as a last precaution, he looked to his revolver.

To his amazement he found that it had been tam-
pered with.

The cartridges were blank ones.

How in the world. this neat piece of manipulation
had been accomplished he could not imagine.

Only the hard fact stared him in the face and con-
vineed him of its truth.

He replaced the blank cartridges with ones contain- ~

ing lead.

Possibly some one would be slightly sed when
he pulled trigger for the first time.

The murderous fiends would not have the easy vic-
tory they anticipated.

Paul had fastened his door, but he was fully aware

that the enemy had some means of entering the room. .

of which he was not cognizant.
The candle burned low.
Paul had made a dummy upon the bed.
To all appearances the peddler was there fast asleep.

Paul crouched behind an old sofa in the corner of the

room.

He could from this point command a view of the

» whole interior.

Through his mind came thoughts of the man who

had attempted to take his life with that treacherous
shot.

The scheme bead foolish in the face of these de-
velopments, and yet Paul had hopes still.

The detective was startled from his thougm: by a
sound outside.

 

he
Shak
Shy
oe

 

 

Rie ih

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 
  

 

It sounded like the creaking of the stairs under’a
heavy weight.

Then they were coming.

The critical moment was near at hand.

Paul shut his teeth hard and calmly awaited de-
velopments.

More than once that peculiar creaking sound came
to him, and he knew that more than one of his enemies
were coming up to carry out the brutal scheme of
butchery. |

Let them come.

He was a match for all their cunning and diabolical
plots.

A hand tried the door.

After that one effort there was no attempt made to

 

 

 

4, open it.
ae The men did not care very much about that matter,
ses which was good evidence that they had some. other
means of entering the room.

What did that mean?

F.ven while Paul was looking he saw the wall oppo-
site to him move, and then a portion of it gave away.
There was a false door situated there.
human figure now came in sight, and Paul, even
1 the dim light, could recognize the rutfian whom he
~ had heard called Mart.

This was the man who had voluntarily taken it upon
himself. to do the ugly work.
Paul watched him eagerly.
The fellow was of a brutal type, and his ugly nature
could be read plainly upon his face.
_ He entered the room with a gliding movement.
The light of the candle caused a gleam to fall from
the object he grasped in his right hand.
It was a knife!
The same blade had doubtless done bloody execu-
tion before now. }

 

 

 
 
 
  
      
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  

Paul remembered the garments in the closet—the
blood-stiffened vest with the cut directly over where
‘the heart of its wearer must have been.

The thought nerved him for the work.

He would feel no scruples about putting such a
wretch out of the way.

  
 
  
  
  
  
 

In this he possessed an advantage which he. meant
to use to the utmost.

 
  
  

Mart, having entered the room, first looked eagerly
toward the bed. :
The dummy deceived him

   
  

THE, JESSE JAMES

From his position he could see and yet not be seen.

    

STORIES 4

   
   

é believed the game was entirély in his hands.
Such a look of fiendish satisfaction as came upon his
face—it made him appear a what he was in heart, a

» devil incarnate.

He advanced to his work.

Paulsaw him reach the bed.

Then the man leaned over, \

This caused the detective to hold his breath in sus-
pense.

The dummy had been well arranged, and a shadow
thrown upon the bed, so that even now the murderous
fiend did not see his blunder.

A flash! ,

It was the knife going up.

Another, followed by a heavy thud, as the blade
caine down, and was buried in the bundle of clothes
that served as a dummy.

CHAPTER LV.

PAUL S&S BSC A Pas,

It was a moment fraught with grave responsibilities.

The assassin knew the moment that he struck some-
thing was wrong.

Experience told him there was something about that
figure on the bed that was not natural.

He had no sooner made that terrible downward
stroke, which he had meant should send the life out
of a human being,
curse, and with his other hand tore down the. bed-
clothes.

This act revealed to him at once the pheat that had
been played. .

It was the supreme moment ‘of that man’s life.

He seemed to realize his fate.

Hence, he stood there as though bereft of motion,
and with his eyes set upon the dummy on the bed.

Paul arose.

“Foiled for once, you villain!”

The words were hissed across the bed.

They struck Mart’s ear, and turning he gazed into
the frowning tubes of a revolver.

At the same instant the weapon was discharged.

‘Mart staggered back and fell with a crash to the
floor, yelling that he was fatally struck, which was no.
doubt a fact. _ :

At this critical moment the cendie. gave a. flicker
and then went out, leaving the room in total darkness.

than he gave utterance to a tow (3G
     

~ Paul did not know a this was fortunate for
him or not.
He could hear the unfortunate man’s companions
dragging him out of the room, and was tempted to
fire a few shots among them, but on second thought
he held his fire.

They retreated down the stairs.

He wondered what would come next.

Now that he had avenged the death of the un-
known, Paul felt that it would be wise for him to leave
the place.

He had no desire to gratify these men in offering
up his life.

The window, though small, would allow the passage
of his body.

But it was quite a distance to the ground, and he
dared not jump.

Onge he thought of knotting- the bedclothes and
making a long rope out of them.

Upon investigation, however, he found that it would
be easier to carry out another scheme.

The roof was within reach.

He found the gutter was One and gave promise
of holding him.

To an agile man the task was not a terrible one.

Swinging out, he drew himself up.

In this act the window ledge gave him no little
assistarice.

He was now upon the sloping roof of the old two-
story tavern.

There must be some way of reaching the ground.

Tle took his observations.
Then he made his way to the side where some
trees were growing on the border of the creek.

If he could but find a limb that projected over the
house. all would yet be well.

Success attended his efforts.

What he looked for he found.
_ Again his athletic education was brought into play, .
and inside of a few minutes he was on the ground.

By this time his curiosity was aroused.

What were the men about?

Hatching new deviltry, no doubt.

He crawled around to the front of the house and
looked into the taproom.
_ What a strange scene met his eye.

Mart had evidently been the proprietér of the place.
Ir ‘ta © and from its rigid

 

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

position it was plain to be seen that the man had at
last paid the penalty for his crimes.

Paul shrugged his shoulders.

He did not like the idea of taking human life
under any circumstances, but a man so debased as
this fellow had shown himself to be, could only be
lodked upon in the light of a brute.

large.

He had nothing to reproach himself with.

But this was not all that attracted his attention.

There were three men in the room besides the dead
one.

In these worthies the detective recognized the com-
panions of the man he had shot.

To all appearances they had been engaged in drink-

ing heavily.

All of them showed strong signs of intoxication.

Two were still imbibing.

The third was cutting up capers in a drunken way,
and winning the approbation of his companions, who
indulged in hearty laughter.

Thus urged on to freaks of more daring, the, fool

finally seized a lamp near him and with a how dashed

it over the bar.

Possibly it was but a drunken act, but the result
was as disastrous as though his intention had been _ i

serious. .

The burning oil seized upon spirits of some kind,
and almost in a wink the whole bar was aflame.

It was plain that the tavern was now doomed.

The wretches retreated uttering cries of mingled
astonishment and satisfaction.

They had not forgotten that they had an enemy
upstairs.

Perhaps they were delighted at the prospect now
opening up before them, whereby that foe could be
destroyed.

Why had they not thought of it before?

The fire spread rapidly.

All escape was soon cut off,

When the three men saw this they took to their
heels.

Nor did Paul care to remain longer in the vicinity.

The light of the fire might attract parties to the
spot. Ais

‘If they found the remains of the landlord there. it
would be put down as the work of the Welsh Moun-

That shot had been for the good of the world at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
  
 

 

 

 
     
      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ae

 
  
  

 

 

 

 

 
  
  
 

 

 
  
 

tain gang, and it>might go hard with the detective to

be caught in the vicinity.

He made his way down the road.

An hour later he came to a barn, which he entered.

A match being struck, he took in his bearings and
made his way up to the hay loft.

Crawling in among the sweet hay he found it very
comfortable.

As Paul had not secured any sleep as yet during
this night, it may be believed he now stood sadly in
need of recuperation.

Sleep soon came to him.

How long it lasted he had not an idea.

He was aroused by the murmur of human voices.

Quickly he decided they came from below, and
soon he could hear men on the ladder ascending to the
loft.

What could this mean?

Were they hunting for him?

The recollection of the tragic scenes through which
he had so recently passed came vividly before him.

Paul drew his revolver.

If these were friends of the landlord’s they would
meet with a hot reception at his hands.

Of course the case would be different should they
turn out to be honest men, searching for him as a
member of the Welsh Mountain gang, although he
was ready to defend his life against any and all
comers.

Soon he began to realize, however, that these men

‘were of a breed different from either of the classes he

had thought of.
Their conversation gave him the points he was

_ waiting for.

These two men were self-styled detectives.

The names they mentioned from time to time in
speaking of themselves gave the detective some in-
formation. oie

These men, Gibson and Groff, were in reality es-
caped convicts. 7

They had come to the mountains in he endeavor

to capture Jesse James, for the sake of the reward..
Wishing some shelter for the remainder of the night,

they had sought this old barn.
Paul was in a dilemma.

He dared not go to sleep again for fear lest his
breathing should attract the. attention of these men.

An explanation of his presence might not be sat-
isfactory to them, and ugly work follow.

 

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES. | 3 9

From what he had heard of these men he knew them
to be hard customers. ,

Their presence here proved that they were daring,

A conflict alone with them was not very pleasant
to anticipate. 7

He remained as quiet as was possible, but framed
his plan of action.

When, later on, he heard the loud breathing of the
men, and deemed it assured that they were asleep,
he began to leave his hay tunnel.

Inch by inch he moved.

At last he was clear of the hay, and started on
the way to the ladder. .

While on the way down, one of the bars broke
under his weight, and he only saved himself from
falling by seizing hold again.

There was an exclamation above.

“What was that, Groff?”

“T don’t know. Something woke me up.”

“Me too. I believe there’s some one besides us
around.”

“Nonsense ’*Iwas the horses, I reckon. Let’s go
to sleep. It’s near daylight.”

Paul hung there on the ladder until all was quiet
again. .

Then he lowered himself to the barn floor, and for
the second time that night left his lodging behind.

ee

CHAPTIO Vv,
A NEGRO FRIEND.

Apietet he had only been within sight of gloomy
Welsh Mountain for a few hours, Paul had already
seen aa a number of adventures.

He was destined to meet with still more in the
near future.

When he left the barn he saw that morning was
near at hand.

As he walked along the road he soon came to a
shanty that stood beside the entrance to an old coal
mine that had never been much worked and was now
deserted.

Early as was the hour, there were signs of activity —
about the place.

Smoke came from the chimney.

A negro was cutting wood, and shouting an old
Methodist hymn as he wielded the ax.

“Now and then a fat wench would appear at the
door and: shout out ‘something to “Uncle Daniel.”

  
ie "THE JESSE JAMES

There was an odor in the air suggestive to a hungry
-man.:

It meant breakfast...

Paul stepped up and made the acquaintance of the
old darky.

He was led by Uncle Daniel to the cabin and intro-
duced to Aunt Dinah as a traveling parson who would
like a bite at their table, for which he was ready and
willing to pay.

At first the ancient negress was in doubt.

She showed it in her dubious looks.

Then Paul displayed his abilities.

In five minutes he had so won upon the warin
heart of the old black body, that there was nothing in
her power’ she would not have bestowed upon Bia,

That was a part of his business. ~

He could read people like a book and gauge their

thoughts.

‘After a time the simple but appetizing breakfast
was ready.

They sat down.

Paul was hungry, and did ample justice to the
victuals of Aunt Dinah.

They were nearly et the sie when a shadow
darkened the doorway

Two men strode into the room.

Paul realized at once that these were the same
men whose presence had driven him out of his re-
treat in the hay loft.

Somehow, their coming seemed to forebode trouble,

He did not like their looks as they strode rudely
into the room and stared around.

“Come, old woman, make room for two more at
yer table,” said Groff.

Aunt Dinah looked troubled.

**Deed, sah, dar’s room. enoff.”’

“Then look sharp and get up some breakfast.
We're half starved. Fry some eggs, you old wench.”

“Massa, dar ain’t a blessed egg in de house, dat’s
de trufe.”’

“Curse yer, git up an’ give us something, or by
thunder I’ll tan yer black hide.’’

TvbaAssa, (dat: ar’
Dan. )

“Shut up, ole wool-top, ‘less ye want us ter tie ye up
pand lay on the whip.”

my old ooman,”’ interposed Uncle

_ “Gentlemen, you forget this is the State of Penn-
 sylvania.”

STORIES,

The two men turned upon the mild-mannered par-—
son like wolves.

“And who're you?’ demanded Gibson, with an oath.
“A man of peace, the Rev. Jo. Jenkins, circuit rider
filled with benighted humanity.”

“Well, Mr. Jo. Jenkins, let me tell yer, that tongue
0’ yourn is too long. I’m agoin’ ter shorten it for ye.”

“What do you mean, sit?”

“Just what I say. I’ve allers had a desire ter tate
iried tongue, an’ I reckon a preacher’s’d be tender.’

The wretch was evidently joking,

He thought he had nnered man to deal
with, whom he could scare as he pleased.
1 knife, he took a step

for this district, so

a mild-ma
Picking up a horn-handle
toward the other.

“Sit down!”

The man laughed harshly,

“Tl want that tongue, parson,”

Paul’s hand held his revolver under the table.

He was tempted to shoot the wretch on sight, but
held his hand,

These men were escaped convicts, and the most
severe punishment that could be inflicted upon them
would be to send
pired terms,

This thought determined him not to take their lives '
unless it was an absolute necessity,

At the same time there was oceasion for the liveliest
action.

The ruffan was advancine toward him with the
catving-kinfe held in his hand, and he seemed about
to carry his dreadful threat into execution.

Suddenly Paul drew his hand out from under the
table, and brought the weapon it held aly upon the
wretch.

He paused.

Consternation followed bravado. :

Back of that leveled revolver he saw a determined
face.

them back to serve out their unex-.

IXyes flashed into his own snake-like orbs that were
not used to cringing.

There was a complete change in the appearance of

the circuit rider.

He no longer looked thé mild, inoffensive parson.
Somehkzaw his aspect had become terrible, and he
caused thee man to believe he had grown to double his

former sige.
“Hold on thar! don’t shoot, parson. I was only

in fun, hang it, man.”

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

“It’s my turn to have a little fun now, Groff. You
and Gibson make tracks out of here-in a lively way,
or there'll be a funeral around.”

The men looked at each other.

‘They were aghast.

Who was this man?

“Come, parson, yer mistaken about yer men. We're
only pilgrims what :
eit)”

_ “Now, look here, parson, this ain’t fair. “Cause ye
_ happen to have the upper hand it don’t do ter treat us
shabby. The time may come when q

“Tsay git!”

The man looked again at that terrible eye.

He saw shoot there.

There was no question about it and he had to go.

As he backed away his evil face glowed with rage.

Paul. knew that if fortune threw them together in
the future and the chances were in their favor, they
would not hesitate to use them.

5. This was aes men of their stamp could never
E forget.

They backed to the door.

For a moment they stood there, with eyes glued
upon the figure of the man who had humiliated them
.in the presence of the negroes.

“We'll see yer later, comrade.”

Then they passed out. Paul sprarg to the :door-
way.

Men of this brand had a very uncomfortable wer
of shooting back when. under cover.

_ He had experienced one narrow escape in that way
already.

That was quite Seoul for him.’

But the two men were seen making along the road
with their heads together as though. plotting some
new deviltry.

Evidently the fact that their identity was known
to this pretended preacher alarmed them.

Pessibly they saw something to fear in this matter,

 

 

even outside the fact that he had gotten the upper

 

. hand of them.

ie: When they were some little distance down the
~- road Groff chanced to Jook back.

He-may have been drawn by an invisible power. :

As he saw Paul standing in the doorway: of the.

shanty, he drew Gibson’s attention to the fact.

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Both turned and shook their fists in the air, shout-

oot

ing out a volley of oaths that completely buried what
they had to say.

Paul had no doubt but that it was a dire threa*. _

He turned and went back to the humble Gabe of
his black friends.

Here he finished his breakfast.

The darkies were warm in their thanks for the ser-
vice he had rendered them.

it was with difficulty he could make them accept of
the money he laid down upon the table, though Heaven
knows they needed it badly enough.

_ Paul resumed his journey .

After this adventure he believed it to be good policy
to resort to a change.

These two escaped convicts would be looking for the
pretended preacher.

He knew what manner of men he had to deal with.

Murder was not beyond them, provided they could
cover their tracks and avoid arrest.

When he came to a deserted charcoal burner’s hut
near the road, he entered it and began to transform
himself into the original possessor of the hut.

The transformation was complete.

No one seeing him emerge from that place would
imagine it was the same man. a

His face was black and good-natured, his clothing
in a measure consistent with his station, and his gait
a peculiar rolling one that gave forth the impression
that he was half seas over all the time.

To further countenance this idea, he put an old
whiskey bottle that he picked up in the hut in his
pocket.

Then with a song on his lips now and then, the
young detective bowled along the road that led to the
heart of the gloomy mountains.

CHAPTER Vi
THE WARNING.

He was naturally light of heart.

Thus it came very easy for him to assume the guise
of a good-natured, devil-may-care sort of fellow.

The pretended charcoal-burner off on a lark walked
along the road with steps at no time too steady.

He was once more at the foot of the well- Knowe,
Welsh Mountain.

This gloomy place had been chosen by Jesse ae
as his hiding spot for good reasons.

He knew it like a book.

  

 
 

 
  
     
  
    
  
   
   
  
 
 
   
   
   
    
    
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
      
     
         
       
      
      

There was no spot about it that he was not ac-

quainted with.

Here he was able to defy arrest, the officers not
_daring to venture into the mountains, unless in force,

and when this took place, Jesse received ample warn-
ing beforehand.

He had many brothers and friends in the vicin-
a |

‘They respected and feared him.

When danger threatened, the news was conveyed to
Jesse James with a rapidity exceeding telegraphy.
| _ All he had to do when he saw those smoke signals
- of danger was to plunge into the fastnesses of the
inountains and lie quiet until assured by some other
signal that his enemies had gone.

Of course it was not a fascinating sort of life.
A hunted man, however he may enjoy giving his

enemies the slip, soon wearies of such sport.

He is haunted by a dread of the inevitable.

However long the evil day may be put off, it will

come some time.

Retribution is sure when coupled with the hounds

of justice.

Of late Jesse

ordinary efforts
his capture.

He was in peril.

_At any time a secret shot might lay him low.

The wear and tear of this constant watchfulness
against open foes and secret treachery must be telling
upon the stalwart outlaw.

Rumors to this effect had already been heard.

It was because of them that Paul was in this region.

His mission was peculiar in its nature,

To carry out his wager he must be a colossus in
plenning. :

_ He had no fear as to the Tesult.

Complete confidence in one’s self is a good thing
to possess.

At the same time Paul was not the man to under-
rate the abilities of an enemy.

James had learned that more than
were about to be made looking to

Many a game that should have been won has been
lost by this proceeding.

Paul walked on. |

Now and then he passed a shanty at the side of
the road. j
The residents of this section were not over well
stocked, with means of any kind.
_ Perhaps it was as well.

 
 

12 co THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Their poverty was an effectual preventative against
robbery.

Had any one of them been even moderately well -

off, he might ere this have received a visit from the
dreaded Welsh Mountain gang, of whom Jesse James,
the outlaw, was popularly supposed to be in command.
More than one of these cabins Paul knew. were
occupied by those who were friendly to the outlaw.

In the course of an hour he had come upen one

where Jesse’s henchman Mart held forth.

Nearly all the Jesse James band had served their
terms in the penitentiary for various crimes.

Paul knew that Jesse James’ home was on the top
of the mountain. :

Vhis was reache
Lt the outlaw kept almost constant surveillance.

No man could reach that cabin on the hilltop with-
out falling under the eye of the outlaw.

He seemed to never sleep.

Paul turned in at the cabin of Mart, one of the band.

A rather surly-looking man met him at the door.

by. means of narrow paths over

It required only a glance to assure tae that this

worthy was Jesse.
“Hello, Mart?’ |
“Hello, yerself. Who the deuce are your”
“Jack Lawton, from over the valley yonder.”
“What d’ye want?”
‘The man was eying him in a suspicious manner.
He had seen detectives come in this manner.
Perhaps Mr. Jack Lawton was one of these gentry.
“I want to see Jesse James,”
“Yer do. What's yer business?” 3
“Thar’s trouble comin’, Mart. Jesse must see me.
I’ve got news for him,”
“Are ye alone?’
“Dead sure.”
“Wait till I get my shooter.”
A minute later he came into view bearing a rifle.
He was not alone,
A. second man, his brother, bore him company.
As if by some preconcerted action they took up their
station, one on each side of the detective.
When the path became too narrow for them to

walk abreast Mart took the lead, while his brother
fell behind.

They managed it so that Paul was always between
them.

And the man in the rear, it might be chticed, always
kept his rifle at full cock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST) Pee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

  

THE JESSE

It was evident that they meant to make it exceed-
ingly interesting for the charcoal burner, should he
_ turn out to be a detective who was daring enough to
iatronpt Jesse’s capture,
Thus the procession wound its way up Welsh Moun-
tain.
Paul was quite self-possessed.
He chatted with these men in an amiable manner,
‘ and sustained the character he had assumed.

 

most of the talking, the others returning short A dost

* that were almost surly.

They were slowly nearing: the old house on te huill-
top, when suddenly a figure leaped into the path
ahead, coming from behind a bowlder.

“J It was Jesse James. |

The notorious outlaw was dressed in a brown coat
and vest, cordurey breeches, and wore a purple flan-
nel shirt. :

A slouch hat covered his head.

“He held a gun in his hands.

~ Paul, looking closer, saw that it was of the Reming-

ton pattern, and the outlaw’s finger was “continually
on the hammer during the interview.

 

 

Few men: had met Jesse James face to face thus.

Many had attempted his capture, but he had been
able to laugh at their efforts.

It was a peculiar and thrilling position.

Paul rather enjoyed it.

‘He courted danger, and took pleasure in unraveling
| Wey problems.

_ The more difficult they were, the more H Bent he
would gain in solving them.
“Hello! Jesse!” he sang out.
The outlaw replied, at the same time looking
kance of his men.

LEW

Mart took it upon himself to explain.

 

    
      
    
  
 

“This critter came to my house and said as how
he wanted ter See you, Jesse, so we fetched him here.”
“What’s your business?”
outlaw.

“T came to warn ye, Jesse.”

“Of what?”

“Thar’s new danger in the air.”

OL knew 1,”

_ His coolness was interesting, but his words did not
_ have any surprise for Paul.

_As he had met Jesse at the cross-roads tavern, he

demanded the notorious

  
  
 

JAMES STORIES.

It-might have been noticed, however, that Paul did

 

13

was aware that the outlaw had in some way learned of
his coming.

It was his intention to discover, if possible, where
the man had obtained his information,

Toward that end he played his cards on the present
occasion.

He therefore pretended to be ped at Jesse's
words,

“T know yer cunnin’, Jesse, but it ain’t in natur’ that
you should know wet I’ve got ter-tell ye,”

“Spit her out, man.’

“Thar’s a man on the way here from Philadelphia,
what’s got a big sum staked on yer being nabbed.”

“Are his name Paul Gray?”

“Thunder-an’ lightnin’, it are. Jesse, yer a wizard.
iow in the deuce did yer find that out?’

Jesse James laughed.

He was not above flattery.

“Look at that”!

AAs he spoke he handed Paul a closed envelope. |

Opening it Paul found a picture of himself pasted
to the sheet, and under it the words: ©

“JESSE JAMES: Beware of this man. He is a Phila-
deiphia detective, Paul Gray by name, who has made a
wager to have you in prison in thirty days.
and hold him for that time. A FRIEND.”

Paul gritted his teeth.

To himself he thought: *

“The captain has played a double game.
all, but I swear to win yet.”

‘I see it

CHAPTER VIL
ON HIS .GUARD.

Pau: now had more difficulties in his way than ever.
Not only had the outlaw been warned of his com-
ing, but by the man who of all others was interested.
He handed the letter of warning back to Jesse
James.
“T’ve had my trouble for nothin’, it seems.”
“T don’t know about that, stranger, If ye've gor
to trouble on my account, I’m bound to remember it.”
“‘Nothin’ ’d please me better, Jesse. You've got a-
hard row to hoe here, an’ it seems to me yer bound
to go under yet. If I was in yer boots I'd try to make
some arrangement with these constables.”
“True enough, they’re pressing me mighty hard, ©

and when I think of my family kept alone up here in

 

Capture 4” o

   
  

 

14

the mountain, I sometimes feel that it must come to
an end,”

Paul felt his heart throb.

Perhaps this man might not be so’ hard to subdue
after all. | |

“But,” continued the outlaw, his face lighting up,
“they can never take me alive. If I make up my mind

to go in an’ surrender, no man is going to claim that

ten thousand dollars reward.

Paul was reading the man.

Were the numberless stories told about this man
true?

Could it be possible that he was the fiend they called
him? y

Murders and robberies had been laid at his door.

Up to this time few had doubted but what he was
guilty of every crime done in the neighborhood of
the Welsh Mountains for years.

Yet here was Jesse denying the soft impeachment,
and asserting that even the larger portion of his
previous sentence had been unmerited.

He looked back.

Within the last twenty hours his life had been at-
tempted by this man.

Had he two faces?

So it would seem.

At least there was a deep mystery connected with

him that would warrant a close examination.
‘Possibly he was subject to fits of madness, during
which he did the terrible acts attributed to him.

The subject was worthy of an investigation.

At present he could only content himself with watch-
ing this singular man and studying him.

He was not long in reaching a conclusion.

While he was reading the other, Jesse James’ eyes
were glued upon him in a suggestive way.

The outlaw suspected him.

This rhight lead to serious results yet.

Once Jesse got his mad fit upon him, and he would
as soon snuff out his life as wink.

“Can’t I meet yer family, Jesse? I wanter see how
ye’ve managed ter get on all the time they’ve been
huntin’ ye like a dog.”

Paul had an object in this. .

If he could gain the ear of Jesse’s wife, he felt that
he should have a strong ally.

The outlaw shook his head first. ‘

Then a look came upon his face that spoke of a
new thought, a ey

I swear it.”

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

“Come along then. Boys, go with us, won’t ye?”
The brothers assented. ve
They may have seen a wink or signal of some sort
from Jesse that told them what was in the wind, ~

Mart went ahead with Paul.

Jessezand the other followed.

The detective did not altogether like the aspect of
affairs. |
He found the path narrow and dient of ascent.
This was not what was troubling him, however.
He managed to look back, and saw the two mentin

his rear with their heads together watching him.

They were looking for.some betrayal on his part
that would decide the matter. .

Well, let it come.

Paul had even at one time contemplated allowing
himself to fall into the hands of the outlaw, believ-
ing he could work better while with Jesse.

They presently came in sight of a cabin.

It seemed deserted.

Mart pointed it out to Paul as the former residence
of Jesse James. ye!

He had.been nearly captured here at one time by
an ingenious trap. i

The bandit king sung out that he had some business
there, and that ae had best turn in.

“It’s coming,” thought Paul.

He was right.

The outlaw made up his mind. There was some-
thing about this supposed charcoal burner to be in
vestigated, and he purposed making that. investiga
tion at once.

a ve

 

 

  

 

o, mS

-

 
   
 
 
   
 
  
   
  

 

When Paul had entered the cabin he looked arou
him with interest.

Mart was at his side.

“How d’ye like it?” asked Jesse James, grimy
from the rear.

 

“Rather a dismal place, I reckon. Still, a man migh
be comfortable here.”

“I’m glad of that for your sake.”

“Ye talk in riddles, Jesse.”

_“T mean to be plain enough, Paul Gray. Here’s.
where you are going to board for a month to come.”

“Paul Gray! The man that was a figuring on thats
ere paper. Good gracious, Jesse, do I look like he?”

“I reckon thar are pints of resemblance, an’ there.

may be more when we get some of that black off'n
your phiz.”

4 But look here, Jesse i

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 
 

    

  

 

     
       
     

  
   

 

ae
wh

Nota word, not a move, my man, unless you want

a lead pill 1 in yer brain box.’

The man’s demeanor changed from a passive to an

active state.

He brought his long rifle to a level, and Paul could
ook into the black muzzle, which was only ag@buple of

Meet away.

Would he fire?
Paul could not forget the incident of the’ preced-

ing evening when that rifle had almost spoken his

death knell.’ ,
Still he looked in that tube calmly, and without

flinching.

df

“Do as you will, Jesse James.
“Then you acknowledge the corn?’
“admit that Lan Paul Gray.’
The outlaw’s eyes flashed,
His finger seemed to toy nery ously w ith the trigger
‘ot his gun.

One pressure and there must follow immediate

‘ death,

Even , the two other outlaws looked ferocious at
wil’s confession,

of hey believed he was a detective who had come to
he Welsh Mountain to secure Jesse hecause of the
reward.

AS such they conceived a hatred for the man.

“Mart was especially furious at having been taken

ag in and done for.

   

oes a risky thing to come here. on stich busineéss,”’

said Jesse = James, fnaliy.

His rough nature was impressed with the wonderiul

courage shown by the detective.
Such a man he could respect. :
He seemed the opposite of the sneaks who came

prowling ; around hoping to catch him napping, and

who were ready to cringe before his eyes.

@

“T don’t consider it so.
I lose, that’s the end of it.”
“Your life may pay the forfeit.”
“T don’t fear that. You are not the man to mur-

I’m here on a wager. If

_. det me. Besides, you mistake my motive in coming.’

Vis at '€Q capture Jesse James?”
Pe ltis tet.”
vo The deuce you say.’
: An incredulous sneer over the “outlaw’s face.
He was hard to convince.

For years he had been accustomed to looking upon

every man as his enemy until he proved himself a

THE JESSE JAMES

 

STORIES. 1§

friend, and he believed all were - lured on by the hope |

of rewarc
“I sua a wag r with a certain man that [ would
influence Jesse James to surrender inside of thirty
days. |
“That man-has played a> double part by warning
you ahead.” oe
“How d’ye know ‘twas him?”
“His handwriting tells the story.
pected me to read that letter, Jesse. My first inten-
tion was to come to you direct and see if I could not
do you some good. I changed my plan, and you got
the better of me. Now, do what you please.”
Jesse looked puzzled.
He hardly knew what to do.
Mart spoke to him in a low tone, and from the bit-
looks cast upon him, Paul conjectured that the

ae he was giving Jesse could not be favorable to

his interests.

“Well, what is it to be?’

The two men separated.

“You're a prisoner.”

Vigo. bein.

“Mart, disarm him.”

Paul did not resist

He had a weapon hidden away where it was not apt
to be found.

In case he could not escape from the cabin, it
might'serve him to see Jesse from time to time.

He believed the man could be worked upon ime
a manner that he would surrender hie? in ‘time
to save the wager. |

After disarming him, they left him in the cabin.

“Remember, one of us will be on the watch all the
time. Try to escape, Paul Gray, and you goto your
death,’ was fesse’s last admonition.

They fastened the door with a | piece of rope, and
Paul saw them move away.

 

CHAPTER VIIL
OVERMATCHED.

The detective was alone.
His situation was any thane, but pleasant, and yet he

did not despond.

There was hope yet.

He found a rude seat in the cabin and sat down. .

The day passed slowly. |
o

He never ex-

  
        
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
     

16

Toward evening Mart made his appearance with
some food.

He was as glum as an oyster, and yet he looked
at Paul curiously, as though he was growing some-
what interested in the man himself.

Paul ate ravenously.

He had not taken a bite since his meal with the
negroes in the morning.

Mart went away again, and the terrible mountain
solitude wrapped the lone cabin in its embrace.

Darkness crept on apace.

: Standing at the small window he looked out.

oe It was an interesting sight for him to watch the
: shades of night creeping over the side of Welsh
Mountain.

There was a grandeur in it that affected him
strangely,

His thoughts had begun to gather about the idea
of escape.

He had even concluded that the Gent plan under
the circumstances would be to force an exit through
“the roof, as that seemed to be the weakest part of
the cabin.

- All at once his attention was attracted by a moving
figure.

It was a man.

There seemed to be something suspicious in the fel-
low’s movements.

iot advancing boldly, but seemed to sneak
izing from treé to tree as though desirous
ig attention.

irse such action was suspicious.

nan did not want to be discovered.

om seem to indicate that he was no friend
es boys.

 

Noe: further, did it not follow that if he was on
terms of enmity with them. he would prove to be a
friend of the detective?

Not necessarily.

There were certain men who hated Jesse James, and
yet who were also enemies of Paul Gray.

Tne escaped convicts.

age toward the detective.

approaching was one of these worthies.
_ They meant mischief.
- Knowing that he was a pr isoner, and i in all poietic

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Groff and Gibson had sufficient reason to feel sav-"

"He jumped at once to the conclusion that this man

ity helpless, they could wreak their yenedanee upon

him without endangering their precious lives.
This would be like them.

Paul made up his mind to give them a little surprise. _

He had a small revolver. secreted on his person.

This he now secured. -

Let the two rascals try any of their tricks now, i
they wanted to. :

 

He stood ready to teach them lesson number two.

They would have cause to remember this for a long —

time to come.

The man came closer.

There was something about him that caused Paul to
utter a low cry.

He bent his head for a brett look.

Yes, it was so.

The man was Jesse James.

What did he want?

From his actions it was evident that his mission |

was not of an ordinary nature.

Perhaps the outlaw was bent upon having a secret as

interview.

What Paul had said may have impressed him a
the day, and. yet he did not want his outlaw band
know how he felt.

That would give the game to the young. detective. oe
He had strong hopes of this, and yet was too shrewd :

a man to be taken off his guard.
Leaving the slit'of a window he sat down again.

It was his intention to appear quite unconscious of

the other’s coming until he made his appearance.

The minutes slipped by.

Was that sonfé one at the door?» 7

Yes, and the rope was being unfastened with the
least noise possible.

The door opened. P

A.,head was poked in.

vCriiter, are ye thar?”

Was that Jesse James?

The voice was like his and yet it seemed different.

Paul looked up but did not answer.

He realized that in the cabin all was darkness.

The man in the doorway could not see him.

At the same time.that worthy was outlined against
the heavens.

 
  
 

4

It would have been eb for Paul to aus ate

swered at. once.
Some instinct restrained him.

\

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
   
 
   
  

_ Asecond look told him that he was wise in remain-
-ing quiet.
_ The man-in the doorway held a rifle in his hands
as though ready for instant and deadly use.
Paul jumped to a conclusion.
! : It was that the other was waiting for the snid
’ ey ‘ J of his voice to send a rifle ball on its mission of death.
eae He was horrified.
Jesse James was showing his mad nature again.
ss * In this condition it would be useless to reason with
him.
_ The man moved restlessly.
~ “Paul Gray, speak out. Whar are ye?”
The second query deserved a reply.
It came.
_ Paul was enough of a ventriloquist to throw his
voice a few feet away.
ef : | _ He made good use of this power on the present
- occasion. s
“Here I am, Jesse Ga in this corner.’
The man in the doorway turned like a flash.
His rifle came to his shoulder.
_ -. There was a loud bang, and Paul gave a cry cal-
- culated to deceive the bloody villain.
~ At the same time he sprang forward.
“ Jesse was just chuckling over the success of his
dastardly shot when the fe reached him.
The outlaw was a powerful man, even more so than
his frame would seem to promise.
No sooner did he realize that he had been deceived
than he dropped his rifle and turned at bay.
Paul had one hand at his throat by this time.
The two men closed.
It gave promise of proving a terrible duel in the
~ dark cabin.

_ Paul could have made use of his revolver,
_ preferred not to do so except as a last resort.
He kept his mission before his eyes all the time.

It was his work to convince this strange man that
he was his friend.

 

but he

 

Could he but gain his confidence and gratitude, the
rest would be easy enough.

_ Paul was no weakling.
; He had been well known as something of an ath-
s __lete in Philadelphia. Although his enemy was a
. strong man, his power consisted in brute strength only.
Asa part of his policy the detective first allowed

 

f the game.

 

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

his enemy to believe he was getting the better part

 

The knowledge of this fired the ms
caused him to put forth renewed exertion.

Paul watched his chance.

The man’s eyes were glaring at him in the gloom
of the cabin like the orbs of a wild beast.

His breath came in short gasps.

This proclaimed, as did nothing else, that he was
pretty well exhausted, and that the sto he now
made was a fictitious exhibition.

It was time for a change.

Paul made it.

Suddenly he changed his tactics.

Throwing his reserve strength into the business, he
brought to bear a coup d’état which he had learned
long before.

The result was astounding.

Jesse James was no longer able to hold his own.
_ Against such an adversary he was powerless.

He went over like the leading pin in a bowling alley,
struck by the furious onslaught of a ball.

Paul followed up his advantage.

He was not the man to make a brilliant stroke and
then lose it all by bad play later.

He fell upon the prostrate outlaw tooth and nail.

He smote him hip and thigh until the astounded
Jesse really believed he had run across a threshing
machine in full operation, and somehow got mixed up
in its working.

Finally he wound up with presenting his revolver
at the head of his fallen enemy, pressing it hard
against his forehead, to convince the man that his
struggles were hopeless.

“You are my prisoner, Jesse James.”

The man uttered a curse.

_ Possibly he saw his fate staring him in the face.

He had sworn never to be takeh alive, yet here he
was a captive.

  
  
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
    
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
  

| CHAPTER IX.
OVERHEARING A PLOT.

The game was going along smoothly after all

Paul could not wish for better. oe

This man was caged.

He could have carried him to Lancaster and threwn
him into jail had he been so minded.

This was not his plan.

His wager with Captain Clyde did not speak of the
outlaw’s capture, but of his voluntary surrender,
18

Phat was what must be accomplished, or all was
lost.

“Jesse James, you realize that I have you gaie in the
toils, don’t you?”

The bandit responded with a growl.

He was too mad for speech.

“Perhaps you'd like to know what I’m going to
do with you.”

Jesse did indeed feel some interest in that matter.

He did not say so, however.

Possibly he believed. he knew all about the affair.

A jail loomed up before his vision, and nine or ten
years of hard labor, with perhaps a new sentence added
to it for late misdemeanors, was not a pleasant sub-
ject for thought.

He still remained dumb.

The subject possessed little interest for Jesse James.

He would in fact have preferred to tall< upon other
matters. 7

Paul removed his weight from the body of the out-
law. .

“Get up!”

Wonderingly the outlaw obeyed.

He was puzzled.

This move was too much for his comprehension.

He had expected to feel a pair of steel bracelets
close affectionately over his wrists.

Instead of this not even a hand rested on his arm.

Virtually he was free.

Yet he had felt the cold muzzle of a revolver pressed.

against his temple while he lay upon the hard floor of
the cabin.
He believed bimselt to ‘be still covered by that
weapon,
It would be policy on “his part to keep quiet, and
learn what his captor wanted to communicate,
. He did so.
Paul was contented with the situation.
Me believed the leaven in his game was working
beautifully.
“‘Tesse James you are free to go where you please.”
. The outlaw uttered a cry. :
‘What does this mean?”
“T told you Il was your friend, Now, I mean to
prove it.”
“My fica! EP
. Exactly.’ |

“Ain't you a a detective: ”
Veg,”

THE JESSE sane STORIES.

‘Then how in thunder ean ye be a friend to Jesse
James ?”

“Come, come, there should be no mystery about
that. You remember the letter of warning you had.
It-said I was coming here to capture you. When you
put me in this den I assured you that it was a le—
that my wager was of a different nature.”

PGS

“T staked five thousand dollars that I would con-
vince you that it was policy to surrender to the au-
thorities. That is why I am here. As your friend 1
mean to stand by you. This life can't last long.
Already they are pressing you hard, Jesse.’

“T know it

“And the fact that I had you in my power just now.
should convince you that you are not invulnerable.”

Acie.”

“Some other man may do the same thing, and you
will then go to jail whether you wish if or not.”

“Then ye don’t mean to hold me?”

“T have said you were free to go when and where
you please.”

~ Theman chuckled.

He was making note of many little things for fur-
ther reference. : :

“T reckon Ill leave here, then.
too healthy for me.”

His words would seem to indicate that he was aware
of the presence of other men who hunted him for the
reward. |

This place ain’t any

A few thousand dollars was a great sum of money
to be earned in the eyes of many men.

They would go to considerable trouble, and ‘undee
take great risks, in order to secure such a windiall.

No wonder Jesse James’ position was growing un-
tenable.

He was hunted like a dog.

Constables dogged the steps of his brothers, hoping
to be led to his hiding-place.

Possibly some of them set eyes on him, but tole
fear of the terrible outlaw prevented et carers
oAP hese things would account for the” words Jeese
spoke. 7

There could also be another construction put upon
them

Paul had his aie

“Go if you please, Jesse.
again.

But I hope to see you
I want to talk with you about this business.”

 
     

\

_ There may be something I can do to help you hunt
up the’ witnesses I have heard mentioned.”
_ “Thar ain’t anything ye can do, man. The best
for you would be to get out of this part ut the coun-
_ try as fast as it stands to natur’ to let ye.”
“That I shall not do.”
“We may meet again.”
With that he slipped from the cabin into the dark-
ness without. i
Paul fancied there was a touch of deep meaning in
his last words. ,
It sounded as though the man did not believe his
pretenses of friendship, and would look upon him in
the light of an enemy in case they met.
“That man is a terrible mystery. He possesses a
double face. But I will unravel this mystery yet—I
_ swear it.” ;
Paul Gray had no desire to remain longer in the
cabin.
"He knew there was work before him that ald
: be looked after at once.
- "During the day, he had slept. much.
_ Hence he was now refreshed, and ready for bus-
| ines.
‘@e ~——sC+He left the place of his confinement and began to
\ . climb further up the ascent.

This was because he knew te had his home on
- the top of the mountain.

_ The outlaw-guarded the path that led up to it with
ceasing vigilance.
If Paul hoped to be successful in reaching his desti-
‘nation, he would have to be exceedingly careful.

  

:. Q
r,

  

He had no desire to try its
The good fortune that had watched over r him thus
Br might- for once desert him.
He picked his way along.
t was a rough night.
A storm seemed brewing and his way was made
oubly difficult by the intense darkness that prevailed.
The wind soughed through the trees, making mel-
ncholy noises.

In this solitude these sounds had a far different
meaning to what they woud have had in the wae
of civilization.

- Here they were a part ‘of the surroundings, a fea-
ture in the landscape.

_. Paul picked his way.

Slowly he ascended the mountain.

1 at once his attention was directed toward a

   
  
   
   
   
   
 
    
 
 
  
  

  

  

“It appeared to be at one ce of. the path that he
was following.

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES,

The third shot from that rifle might be a fatal one.

de

After looking at this for a few minutes he concluded
that it needed something of an investigation.

To accomplish this he had to leave the path.

When he drew nearer the light he saw that it pro-
ceeded from a small fire.

Two men were in sight. :

As Paul drew nearer he made a discovery.

These two men were no strangers.

He had met them before.

_ They were Groff and Gibson, the two escaped « con-
victs who had come to the Welsh Mountains to capture
Jesse James.

It began to look as though they meant business.

The worst of the matter was that they were of such
an unsavory reputation that the outlaw would be apt
to receive them with open arms.

Thus they could accomplish their purpose with ease.

Jesse would be taken off his guard.

Such treachery was disgusting to a man of Paul’s
caliber.

He made up his mind that under no circumstances
would he allow these men to carry out their plan.

Their motives were of the lowest order possible.

Love of gold was at the root of it all.

Crawling up close to the little fire’ he overheard their
plans.

They showed some cunning.

One of the men was to make out that he was hotly
hunted, and seek the company of Jesse James.

Later on he was: to propose an expedition for
plunder, and when the bandit king had been inveigled
down the mountain, the other man was to be in wait-
ing at a certain point, and, springing out, cover him.

' If Jesse James gave any sign of resistance he was
to be knocked down by the man who had professed to
be his friend.

They meant to carry the scheme out in as speedy
a manner as possible. ;

- Paul smiled as he listened.

One word from him would make their plans futile.

And he was ready to speak it.

He left them there.

The two rascals must be kept in the dark with re-
gard to his knowledge, and they would have a surprise
in store.

He crawled away as quietly as he had come, and left
them in oe glory.

CHAPTER x,
ATTACKED FROM BEHIND,

Paul kept on his way.

He had little trouble in dine the oath again,
thanks to the fact that he had taken his bearings.

As he advanced the route ery more ion andisic.
rugged. ee SG

Still he was persevering.

   

 
 
    
20

Paul Gray was not the man to give up without doing
everything that lay in his power. —

He knew he could not be far from the top.

The cabin home of Jesse James and his family must
be nearby.

Paul did not mean to intrude upen the outlaw again
on such short notice.

Jesse must be warned.

But, this could be done without the man’s seeing
him.

Suppose he was to write it down and slip the paper
under the door of the cabin.

Such a method would answer even better than a
meeting.

He sought the shelter of a rock where the wind

would not reach him.

Here he struck a match and ignited a stick of Shou

‘This was to serve him as a candle.

By its light he pursued his literary labor.

His material was not of the best.

A piece of paper was torn from a notebook.

Then the remnant of a pencil was discovered finally
in one of his vest pockets.

Using the smooth rock as a desk he managed to
scribble a few lines.*

These answered his purpose.

They informed Jesse James that he was being hunted
by two escaped jailbirds, who were even then in the
mountains close at hand.

Having completed his literary labor,
guished his extempore candle.

Then he proceeded.

Caution still characterized his progress.

He did not mean to fail.

That was not what he was there for.

In’ one way or another success must crown his
efforts.

Sefore ten minutes had passed by he was within

sight of the cabin.
Here the hunted outlaw lived with his family.
The cabin was so situated that at any time of the

day or night its inmates could see signals that would

be given by Jesse James’ friends and relations, should
a force attempt to enter the mountains at any point
bent on his capture.

All was quiet.

Paul took his observations before he began to ap-
proach.

He could see no signs of danger.

If Jesse James had any traps around to catch spies,
they were certainly kept well out of sight.

Satisfied upon this point the young detective crept
forward.

He reached the house, *

It was a rude but substantial affair, and had shel-
tered the hunted outlaw for some time back.

As yet no expedition to peor him had met with

ea success.

Paul enti.

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Paul stooped.

He had just inserted the note at warning cae the
door and was about gliding away when something
occurred.

A human figure dropped down upon him from
above.

The spring of the jungle tiger could not have been
more terrible.

Paul was lost!

His position was anything but favorable for the
resistance required to throw off this incubus,

Whoever his assailant was he had been actuated by
motives of hatred, for his impetuosity carried all be-
LOVE i, «

The detective was thrown upon the ground violently.

A knee was planted upon his breast in such a man-
ner that to move was with him an utter impossibility.

Above him he could see a human form, in black
silhouette against the gray heavens. .

Who his assailant was he had not the faintest idea. _

Yet because of his proximity to the cabin of Jesse
James, his thoughts naturally turned in that direction.

Was it Jesse?

He heard something of a commotion in the cabin.

Then the door opened.

“Who in thunder’s that?’

The voice was Jesse’s

It came from the door.

Therefore, before the other made reply, Paul knew
his captor was not the notorious outlaw.

“Tt’s me, Jesse.”

*You, Marte:

ry es,”

“What in Satan’s name are you driving at on the
ground? Got a fit?’ : :

“Got a spy.”

“The deuce you say.”

‘ome’ Here: esse,

There was no need of that.

Jesse was already advancing quickly,

“Who in tarnal natur is he?’’

“Don’t know.”

Jesse James bent down.

The darkness was too much for him, however, and
he had to acknowledge himself beaten. ,

“Whar’d you get him, Mart?

“Right here.)

“So close as that.
driving at?”’

“T can guess, I reckon,”

“TI wish ye would.”

“The critter was arrangin’ some sort of infernal

machine under the door of yer cabin.”

“What for?”

“T reckon he mearit to blow the hull James family

: up some time when we was all together.”

Paul was startled at the suggestion.

 

Curse the hound, what was he Shes
  

 

   

of Jesse James’ hot temper.
Still Paul could afford to smile.
There was little danger to be apprehended.

   
 

‘sure enough.
“tet me get at the critter, Mart.”
"What fer?’
“Til carve him into mincemeat, the devil.

my Cjesse James.”

@ ~=—s ‘I’ve no objections, Jesse.
Me atrifle.’

“What's the use?’

“Ye don’t know him.”

“T don’t care to: He deserves all hed @ét,”
“For my part I don’t want to have a
killing of a man that 1 don’t know.”
"Well, how can I satisfy ye?’

“Bring a light.’

PWeait.”

The outlaw. darted back into the cabin for the re
quired means of. illumination.

He soon reappeared,

In his hand he carried a lighted candle,
had to shield against the’ gusts. of wind.

With this he approached them.

Paul calmly awaited the result.
Indeed, there was resigned philosophy in his man-
\M ner, seeing that he could do nothing else but await
the result when that heavy knee was planted on. his

est.

He looked up into Jesse’s

The outlaw gave a grunt.
} ct was ‘evident that “he had recognized the detect-
Pive.

   
   

face.

  
  

wind blew out the candle just then, before Mart

  
  

asked, quic ck, me manner of

  
  
 
 
 
 

“Paul ae p
Tt was Mart’s turn now to ree astonishment.
The 1 man we left shut up?
€ same critter.”

w did he get out?”
k him?’
art turned to the man under him.

ye hear, critter; how’d ye chance ter get outer

ce es
ulked out.”

en somebody opened the door?”
reckon they did.’
‘Who was it?”

“I won't tell.” ;
Theatwo men looked at each

  
  
  
    
   
   
  

 
  
 

   
  
   

other.

 

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Tt was calculated to raise the old Ned with a man
| | The outlaw did grow! out a string of savage oaths,

/ He'll
. Me never come prowlin’ around here again to blow up

But suppose ye hold.on

hand in the

which he |

21

    

“He’s got friends in the mountains,”
finally.

Of course that was merely a little effort of his iS
throw suspicion in another direction.

Surely, if any man ought to know how the detect- _
ive had escaped from the cabin prison, that person
should be Jesse James.

He was there.

It had come through one of his devilish freaks of
malice.

But Paul did not betray him..

ay was making an especial study of the case, and .

1 time could draw his own conclusions,

“Keep yer secret, then. It won't do ye any good, .

“You would not harm me?”

“Wouldn’t eh? Well, Jesse’s going to kill you in
the quickest way he knows how.”

“That would be murder.”

“Murder! and I spose ye call it fun to come up
here an’ blow me an’ my whole family into the air,
ye cursed dog.. I'll give ye what ye deserve,”

“Wait! how do you know that?”

“Mart says so.’

“Mart can be mistaken.”

“TL seen him a-stickin’ something aes the door,
Vl swar.to it,” persisted the man, doggedly.

“True; how suppose, Jesse James, you go and see
what that i is.’

“Good,” ae the outlaw.

said Jesse,

CitAP eR XE

ON FRIENDLY TERMS WITH THE OUTLAW.

__ Jesse saw that the proposition made by Paul Gray

vas nothing but fair.

He returned to the cabin, for Mart and his captive

ay some six or eight feet away from it.

Ww hat’d ye find ?” asked Mart, as Aen returned.

“Nothing except this.”
“A piece of paper?’

HON ee 72 |

“An’ no infernal machine?”

“Nary a sign of one.”

“Come, I don’t understand this,”

“Neither do I, but thar’s one rns sure.
critter don’t need to die,’’”.

Mart shook his head.

Tle seemed more vindictive than Jesse James.

Gentlemen,” put in Paul, quietly, “suppose we ad-
journ to the cabin.” 3

“What for?”

“To see what is on that paper.”

“Agreed,” said Jesse.

“Remember, critter, [ve got a bead on ye, and at
the least sign of treachery I'll blow yer heart out.”

“Oh, you don’t need to fear my tr ying to run. aay,
I'll stick to Jesse if he’ll only let me.’

| " Phis

  

 
22

Mart growled an answer.

They entered the cabin.

Jesse lighted the candle.

‘He showed some signs of excitement, as. was
natural, for the peculiar actions of this detective were
beginning to create some confusion in his mind.

His eyes were at once glued upon the paper.

“Read her out, Jesse,” said Mart, not far behind
his chief in curiosity.

Jesse did so.

Paul’s note of warning was brief, ane read as fol-
lows:

son. They are in the mountains and mean to betray
you for the reward. One will join you and lead you
into an ambush. Trust them not. PAUL Gray.”

As Jesse read this out slowly, the others listened,
Paul with a smile on his face and Mart in open-
mouthed wonder.

This did not look like treachery on the part of Paul,

Still they were not prepared to trust him fully.

It might be only a ruse to gain the favor of Jesse
James.

Besides, if Paul Gray wanted to secure the outlaw
himself, would he not be apt to regard the efforts of
others in the light of an intrusion?

That was reasonable.

So Mart, although his anger against the detective
was considerably cooled, was not at all ready to look
upon him in the light of a friend.

These. men possessed.a certain charm for Paul.

He liked to study them.

Although not at-all in favor of the 1 many lawless
acts which in their time they had undoubtedly com-
mitted, still he realized that they were not the devils
they had been painted.

Their wild natures, and the lawless character of
the community in which they dwelt, had been in a
preat measure responsible for their work.

Neither were handsome men, but they. could com-. -

pare favorably with the criminals of the great cities.

Paul saw that the outlaw was in a far different mood
from his last meeting with him, an hour or two before.

He took advantage of the fact.

“Jesse James, you told me you were tired of being
hunted.” |

“Not that ee T could clear out, but it’s my
family that bothers me.” _

“The woman whose evidence convicted
dead?”

Paul had drawn him on with a purpose in view.

He had heard that. Jesse James was inclined to

you is

surrender himself, if he could hope for a lenient sen-

tence from a friendly judge, ae then live an honest
life.
This he now found true.
It was a promising sign.
_ Besides Jesse James seemed now to be conviriced

4

Bred

“Look out for two ceed convicts, Groff and Gib-

Rete

THE oe ie STORIES.

that the detective meant him no harm. He turned ;

over to him the revolver he had taken from him. os
allowed him to go in peace.

That night Jesse James caught the two cong a

napping. A few shots were fired, and when the smoke
cleared away both the men who had hoped to capture —

Jesse James lay dead.

CHAPTER XII.
JESSE JAMES TRIUMPH.

The detective camped out on the hillside and was —

not disturbed during the remainder of the night. —
When morning came he was up and doing.

Before he had gone a hundred yards the detect-_

ive came to a pause.
Before him he saw a camp.

There were three men in it, and they were appar
ay constables.

~ It was easy to determine their mission.

They were after Jesse ae

Standing behind a tree, he had a good view of the
camp.

partment.
The others
canvas,
anxiety, that spoke well for their appetites.
They were meanwhile smoking. ye
Paul knew none of them.
He could not but smile, however,
their coming to capture Jesse James,
an outfit with them.

at the idea of
ag ae

One of the men was engaged in the culinary de-—

we

Just as he was about to turn away his attention. was”

directed to a certain point where he fancied he saw
a movement ofthe bushes. et
Ah! what was that?
It looked like the form of a man crouching t
Again Paul examired it.
Sure enough, a man was there.
What did she want?
He was spying upon the camp, ‘that was sure.

Who was he?
Paul could suspect, but he had: no means off ma
ing sure.

The light in the aisles of the forest was not very
strong on this. gloomy day, and, besides, the man
crouching behind the bushes.

Ha! he was moving.

Now perhaps Paul would have an opportunity
learn his identity.

The man appeared to be advancing upon the ea

His -actions were so bold that the detective
astonished.

A few more steps, and he would pass out. from | ‘
shade into a streak of light. ,

Then Paul could learn all he wished.

He found his suspicions confirmed.

, Secure from the rain under a piece of ©
watched his operations with pleasure and ~

» |

a

 
THE JESSE JAMES |

The man amid the bushes, the apy On the camp, was
Jesse James! :

He was dressed just as Paul had seen him on that
cecasion when he held his interesting conversation
with him.

In his hand he carried his rifle, that weapon which
never left his possession, and which had already saved
his life on more than one occasion,

Was he intent on murder?

Paul’s interest had increased,

He now became riveted to the spot, his eyes glued .

tipon the spectacle.

“Jesse James was not creeping upon the camp like a
snake in the grass.

He approached boldly.
F As yet his presence was unst uspected by any of the
1 constables.
Paul saw him pause once.
It was to sweep a glance downward at his rifle, to
| see that it was ready for hot work if necessary.
; . At the same time he let his hand fall to his belt,
and touch the butt of a heav y revolver that lay there,
jesse did not intend to be leit in this encoutiter, if
_ he knew himself.
» At last he halted.
He was now within full view of the camp.
“Still they saw ‘him not.
| Breakfast engrossed their attention, and he might
| have stood there a long time unnoticed had he so
KC desir ed.
This was not his intention.

ae put one hand to his mouth and formed a prim-

Fite. speaking tube.
, “What, ho!”
fad he words were roared out like the bellow of a
Pull.
Such a shock as the campers received.
. The whole three of them sprang to their feet and
Hooked wildly around, here, there, and everywhere.’
: “Even now they did not at once discover that bronze-
Hike figure standing there.
F (ils way, gentlemen.”
i - Attracted by this new hail, they now turned their
gaze thither.
| What a sight they beheld.
There stood Jesse James with his hat off, his rifle
raised, and his keen eyes glued upon them.
mehow the sight about paralyzed them one and

ay stood as though glued to the spot.
Paul never forgot that tableau—the one man hold-
ing three enthralled by the power of his presence,
“What d’ye seek on Welsh Mountain?’ demanded
at length. oe
lye re after
“Good !”
an you tell us ee he’s to.be found, str anger?
had changes the appearance of his face, so that

» \

Jesse James.”

STORIES, 23
he would hardly be recognized by. one who knew him
the winter before.

“Depends on what it’s worth?”

The three men looked at each other.

Then one took out an. old purse.’

“This holds twenty- -five dollars.
can see Jesse and it’s yours.’

“Let me see it, gent.”

The constable pitched the little book up to him.

Jesse opened it, took out the money it contained,
rammed it in his pocket, and then tossed the empty
purse back.

Thanks.”

“Stop there, you villain. What d’ye mean taking
that cash?” demanded one of the gentlemen con-
stables, as he made a motion toward a weapon.

l'm keepin’ faith with you. This here’s the price
for showing you Jesse James. Listen, gentlemen.
You see the man you seek before you now,”

“What! you Jesse James i

‘Wess Vin that man.

The rifle was raised a trifle.

“Perhaps ye believe I’m not the man to bg fooled
with. One motion for a weapon, and the man who
makes it dies.”

Iie meant it.

The fact was patent in his whole demeanor.

It flashed from his keen ey es, stood out in his strik-
ing attitude, and showed itself in the manner in which
his rifle was made to cover the whole three of thet.

They could read the truth.

It was enough to dismay them.
Even brave men can be prudent, and these worthies’
knew they were in a corner from which there was no

escape unless they gave in.

They had come to hunt the outlaw, and had fallen
into his power.

Chagrin they might and must feel, but that did not
lesser¥ the w eight upon theni.

“Hold hard, Jesse James. We are officers of the
law, come to arrest you. I call upon you to surrender.”

It took a good deal of impudence to make this de-
mand. \

The outlaw laughed.

a rane think: the boot’s on the other leg, Joe
Martin. Now hear me. You are in my power. You
have come here seeking my. life. 1 will be perfectly
justified in sending a ‘bullet through each of your

Put us where we

heads.”

“That would be murder !’’ )
“So be it. [call it self-defense. I give you one
chance for life. “Refuse my terms, and as sure as there

is a sky above us [ll shoot you down where you stand

without a grain: at rompunehon.
‘What terms?
_ijJesse did not relax his vihilaaee
He was not taken off his guard.
ane rifle seldom: if ever lett nis hands.

 
24 | = THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

Once he had put it down to shaké hands and cap- CHAPTER Xi
ture had followed.

It had taught him a lesson he was never likely to
forget. It all became clear to Paul in a flash.

“Vou are to leave here at once, and swear never to This was the man who had caused Jesse James to
hunt Jesse James again.” be charged with many crimes he had never committed.

“And if we refuse?’ This was the man who had tried to kill him in the

“T’ll kill you, every mother’s son!” mountain cabin. As he looked Jesse James turned and
“The men looked at each other, caught sight of his. double.

It was a tough position. . There was a snarl of rage.
Yet better be laughed at than buried. « Jesse landed beside the man while he was giving
)agree, jesse!’ vent to that snarl of rage.

Toa Le ‘Tis first act was to throw out one of his arms.

“Me, too, curse the luck!’ It struck the man’s wrist and sent the revolver he

A grim smile appeared on the face of the outlaw. heid flying through the air. ;

“Yer wise men. If ye hadn't et SOUR When it fell upon the ground it was discharged, but
mighty quick I’d have sent you out o the world-in a the bullet did no harm. 2
hurry. Now, s’posen ye git out.”

“So soon ?”

The constables packed their goods, and’ were ready
for a move.

A more crestfallen trio it would have been hard to
have found.

To be beaten by one man was a fact they would
never feel like boasting about. - the end’s come now.’

Good-day, gentlemen. Carry my regards to your “Ve think a”
friends, and tell them Jesse James ‘Il never be taken ae think so.” i. me a
alive.” “T know so. That's why I’m here: I’ve got’ onter cae

They did not answer. — yet, devilish fine game.” 3 ot

No one would blame them. A ell, what ” re ye goin’ ter do co — -

Jesse James watched them walk away. “Fight.” < a. ae ae ae

As they vanished in a copse some little distance off, Ye might get licked. oe
he too stepped back to where the trees screened him. “Well and good. If ye're a better man 1 tha an me it 3

But the men were not villains. but fair ye should have your life.”’ ae

Their pledged word was sacred, even though it had “Mr. Gray, find a comfortable place,” said 1 fowe
been a terrible blow to give it to the outlaw.  - Jaines, grimly.

They were not the men to turn and take a treach- “This is good enough TOY tie.
erous bacle shot. “Is your ‘hand steady ?”

Paul now thought it high time for him to fake a “As a reck, }esse.
hand. Fuen take this.’
~ He saw the outlaw was walking in his divection. so -— Jesse James passed over a revolv...
he did not move. “What am [ to do?” :

“Jesse!” “Tl want to insure your safety, no matter what hap-

“What! you te pens to me.’

“Exactly.” Paul saw the point.

“Curse ye, why d’ye spy upon me?” oO \Viat am 1 to: dor). he asked,

“Because I am your friend. I would convince you . “Watch us. If he gets the better of me, let him ~
that it is better to surrender at once than be con- go free this time. Later on he can be taken into camp
tinually hunted like a dog, with the knowledge that and made to suffer for all the crimes he’s done in
your fate is bound to overtake you sooner or a, my name.” a
when you*will die in the ditch.” '. -* It was'a fair proposition.

“T know it, but hang the luck, what can a man do?” — Hope gleamed in the eyes of the wretch.

He grew moody at once. “There. was a chance, then, after all.

The satisfaction his savage spirit had found’in the — He braced himself. ae
discomfiture of the three constables, lasted no longer. The two men seemed about ee in all ordinary —

Suddenly the detective gave a ery of astonishment; respects. - . oa
a man was approaching Jesse James from behind, who Both were occas of etch str ae
was the pete, pe of os outlaw. ‘The result of the affair now about to take’ p

JESSE JAMES DOUBLE.

Then, as the man whirled around, he saw his coun- _
terpart there.
The two Jesse Jameses- were face to face!
woul: gasped the double e
Nes I red bove th
es, me, thurdere Jesse towering above. the
other in his righteous indignation. “Your game’s
plaved out, reptile, Ye ve kept it up a tone time, but,

Bite

4

a ;
2 -

a : :

ae Pet coe. ae

 
       
 

  

  

determine which of the two was the more ac-
plished in the arts of war.
“Look out for yourself, wretch.”
With this warning Jesse James leaped upon his
counterpart.
_ The other was keenly alive to his situation.
He knew what depended on his work. :
Therefore, when Jesse leaped, he was met by quite
a stunning blow, which he had some little. rae in
warding off.
They closed.
A thunderstorm had come up and rain poured down,
_ but no one paid any attention to it.
_. Nor did they see that already, with singular rapidity,
+a little stream nearby was rising. ;
It was a most singular spectacle to seegthese two
' men, so much alike in all respects, waving to and fro
' in a mighty struggle for the mastery.
| At times Jesse seemed to have the advantage, and
i f ~ then again his counterpart showed wonderful pow-
ers, or else brought some little piece of trickery to
P hear upon the case that gave him a temporary advan-
| tageand promised him some hope.
Paul watched them closely.
~ Then he made up his mind.
Jesse James had the game.

  

 

  

 

    
  

 

his. antagonist to wear himself out in the start.
When he went in to win, Jesse must carry all be-
| fore him like a whirlwind.
After realizing this Paul felt easier.
fe had a deep interest in the result.
His wager depended upon it.
A dead. man could never be induced to surrender

 

f

 

 

Brant
*

| terest ‘that Jesse did not get in that condition.
| Secretly he had made his mind up that if it came
' to the worst, in spite of what Jesse called fair play,
1e would take a part in the game.
| But from his judgment of the case noweit looked
as though he would have little occasion to repine over
esse’s shortcomings.
t worthy gave promise of being fully able to
re of himself.
as not long before he began to show his hand.
strong one it was, too.
Vhen the outlaw put forth his whole strength, and
ed it with a forward pressure, the man did not
rehend how he was to avert the catastrophe that
impendings °
coughed 7c
bent him over backward.

   
   
 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

 

gled on the sand.

fé was holding his powers in reserve and allowing

_ himself to the authorities, and it was to Paul’s in-~

fellow was oe and a goode wrestler, aay that:

at)

It was not the most pleasant thing in the world.
A small waterspout had burst upon the mountain.
Part of its volume was coming down the gully |

with a roar. : -

This was the only way in which he could explain
the fact.

Certain it is that a new danger had suddenly arisen.

He cried out in warning to Jesse.

The roar of the water avalanche was now growing
deafening.

Jesse looked up in the act of choking his enemy as
he held him on the ground.

“Make for the rocks, Jesse.”

Paul shouted this out.

At the same time he was carrying his words into
execution himself.

Already the swollen creek which ran nearby had
burst its barriers.

Its waters dashed over the two men who still strug-

 

CHARTER XiVi
TRIUMPHANT.

Paul held his breath.

He had already reached a place of temporary safety.

Turning, he watched the spot where the two men
had lain.

Both had sprung to their feet, but while one made
for the side of the gulch in mad haste, the other ap-
peared to be dazed by the position of affairs, for he
stood there in-a stupid manner.

Paul had reason to believe that this was the im-
postor.

If this were so, then the man who was clambering
up the side of the gulch in such mad haste must be
Jesse James.

Paul now. had to turn his attention to his own
condition.

He was not yet safe.

The roar of approaching waters told him that.

Unless he climbed higher he would be in danger
of being swept away.

He lost no time.

Still holding on to the lantern he climbed up foot by
foct.

In almost the time it takes to read it he had reached
a point where he believed he would be ae the
hungry reach of the water.

It went roaring past, fully ten feet in depth.

Presently the worst of the flood had gone by.

There remained a fair-sized torrent that made quite
a rumble, but Paul could hear his voice wee he
called out:

‘Vessel’ 4

“Helfo!” -
i “Are you. safe?” os
26

“What shall we do?” :

“Stay whar we are for the present The water’ ll
go down soon, and we can make our escape.”

““Where’s the other?” |

“Swept away by the flood. ¢

“Then he’s a gone coon.’

“T reckon 86, “though I'd have nde a strong night
in that water myself.’

As Jesse had said, the water wert down presently,
after the rain had ceased.

Paul descended from his perch and was soon joined
by Jesse.

Together they went along the gully.

At times they had to. wade in water, but it was ‘not
wery deep.

Finally they emerged from the deep defile.

Let the floods descend now——they were safe from
their. fury.

‘Paul, on the: way to Jesse’s cabin unfolded a plan.
lt was to have the outlaw surrender, but to have the
officer who was to take him in charge set him free
again.

He spent several days with the outlaw and his
family, and, having gained his purpose and become a
friend of the outlaw, finally persuaded him to.

Finally he had a last interview with Jesse James.

The outlaw had made up his mind that, if ever he
meant to surrender, now was the time.

“Y’m willing to help you win your bet,”
impressively.

—“Yowll carry out. your protnise, Jesse
as they shook hands at. parting.

“To the letter, sir.’”

““Good-by.”

Then the detective turned his back upon Welsh
‘Mountain.

In a clubroom in the good city of Philadelphia Sev-
eral gentlemen were seated, engaged i in conversation.

~ “Doctor, I think you might as well turn the stakes
over to me. The limitation expired at midnight.”
“Very true, captain, but we must wait a little longer.
You know that Paul said, even if he failed, he would
-be with us this morning.”

Tf alive: said) Caleb, Paul's

“Yes, if alive,”
in his biack eyes. :

He was positive Paul would not appear at all, for

he believed he had arranged matters properly.

But that was where he made a mistake.

The door opened.

-“Good-morning, gentlemen.”

“Ad's Paull”

The captain muttered an oath.

He had not gotten up at that hour in the morning

‘to look for defeat.

“Well, how is it, Gray? yy as s the beggar too ota

for you?”

Paul smiled.

he said,

eP’ he said,

’s stanch friend.
returned the captain. with a gleam

in hd 39

-and the Berry Gang;

Missouri he. took up. his headquarters

THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

“Have any of you 1 gentlenten seen the morning
papers (7 es

They looked at each other.

“T jeft mine at home. Didn’t even look it over, a
said the captain, uneasily.

He had read the paper nervously for nearly a
month; and had been agreeably pepo on each’
successive mor ning.

“Here's one,’ said the doctor, pulling it out of his
pocket, “I bought it on the way here, but only slanted |
at the Wall Street news.’

Paul ran his eye over it.

He was eagerly watched. ’

“Here, doctor, will you read that ane ?” he said,
quietly.

The doetor whistled.

“Ah! that looks like business.
men, headed:
Outlaw in Jail.

Here it is, gentle *,
‘Jesse James Surrenders! The Great

Then he went on to read the article.
It was a column or so in length.
The brothers of Jesse camé to the jail and tole the

sheriff the outlaw was coming in to surrender, but tats

no one must claim the rew are.
This was positively understood, and ere longs the
notorious outlaw cameé in and gave himself up. ©
Then followed another account. :
Both agreed as to the time this occurred. ie
It was several hours before: the limit of the wager.
Ete you satisfied, Captain?
The man’s eyes fell.
He would have liked to have declared otherwise,

but dared not.

So he grimly swallowed his choler and announced
himself satisfied.

_.He went. out, while Paul recounted many. of the ©
_adventures that had befallen him while working out _
his mission among the Welsh Mountains of Pennsyl- haa

yania. ¢. ¢
They could not but admire the grit that had carried
him to success. ihe
Jesse James did not remain in jail. He was sent |;
to Missouri, but the officer who took him in cust ae
was an intimate friend of Paul Gray.
The outlaw. escaped from his charge.

a

How .

‘never known, but many people think that Paul

could explain it if he wanted to.

THE END,

Next week's issue, No. 9s, wil contain “Jesse James
; or, A Kentucky Detective Among

When Jesse James got back to
in Gamby

The daring raids he made from his strong

Missouri Outlaws.”

‘County.

“hold on Bold-Knob Mountain and his nar row ane e4
: while there make interesting reading.

 

The strange manner of his coming |
 

 

 

 

WEY SS
as ave : "2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eee ae ge

Keep up the good fight until the end.
No foul blows will le allowed.
Everything must te according to rules.
The end of the contest is now in sight.
To the victo's will belong the p:izes.
For full particulars, see page 35.

 

‘ For a Club Membership.
__ (By Roy McCartney, Fond du Lac, Wis.)
This contest was between two boys, Charley Moore

r

mom Miller. The boys: had a club, and Tom. was

but Charley was not because the} y thought he was a
enderfoot. He wanted to be in it, but they would not
i But, at last, they told him if he could get the
f Tom in a boxing match they would let him be
_ Charley was a good boxer and a tricky fellow,
Se the challenge.
Round.—Charley walked out to the middle of the
begin a three-round contest. Tom leaped for
ad swung with his right. All thought it would
harley down, but he just ducked, and let Tom
1, Uppercut which staggered him. Charley took
ge of this, and sent a straight from the shoulder
nose, knocking him cower But he was up in
and at Char lev with the fierceness of a wolf.
i his left, but Charley blocked it, but before
could have time to block. another, Tom_ hit

and one right in the nose, which sent him down
made his nose bleed, as the bell rang.

nd Round—Tom rushed for Charley with his

s flying in all directions; and would have knocked

arley over the ropes had he got near him. Tom

tunning with all his might, but when he was: about

table ane ee adeopped bi his hands and knees.
“flew. into the air about four feet and landed on
ther side of the ropes with the wind all knocked
him. When he got up he went more slowly to-
Bc hatley, and made a break with his left hand which
was going to block, but Tom put his right in with

orce he could.

It neatly knocked Charley down,

but he balanced himself and then he went for Tom like
a cyclone and hit him right and left, and at last hit him
a straight left to the forehead which knocked him down
just as the bell rang.

Third Round.—-Tom went in with renewed vigor, but
was met with an uppercut that threw him off his feet.
He landed so hard that he could not get up for a few
seconds. When he did get up he went for Charley
like a mad dog, and knocked him down. Charley was
up in a few seconds. Then Tom sent a left which was
blocked. He quickly sent a right, which was ducked,
and then Charley sent him another uppercut and a
straight to the mouth. which split Tom’s lip. Tom
then sent a right to the head and a left, which was
blocked, and then Charley leaped forward and struck two
terrible blows, one to the left eye and one to the right
side of the head; which knocked Tom down and ended
the battle. T’om lay there and could not get up, as he was
dazed. The boys got some cold water and brought him
to, and, after that, Charley was the leader of the club.

Li tle John and Jim.
(By Will Gatbe, Chekalis, Wash.)

I hereby tell you about a contest that I witnessed al-
most a year ago. The boys were John Collier and Jim
Brown. We were walking along with Jolin one after-
noon, going to a boxing game, so we had a set of boxing
gloves. When, finally, we met Jim we shook hands and

then,Jim said to John, “Let’s put on the. cn So

John put them on with him, and went at- it.

First Round.—Jim went for John’s nose with left, fol-
lowing with right for John’s nose, with left, follow-
ing with right for jaw, but got. blocked,. and
so got a dandy in the mouth. That did not anger him

much, so he went Lean for John’ s nose with right, lead-

¥

 
“THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

ing left for jaw, in which he succeeded. This made
John’s nose bleed freely.

Second Round.—This time they went at it very coolly.
John led left for Jim’s nose, following with right for jaw,
in which he almost knocked Jim down. Blood was riin-
ning freely from Jim’s nose. After a while Jim got the
headache. But they kept a-pounding each other until,
all at once, John sent a double blow to the side which
knocked Jim down, and he was counted out. So, after
a hard fight, Little John won the battle.
one hundred and fifteen; Jim weighed one hundred and
twenty.

A Fierce Struggle.
(By Fred Talbot, Chicago, Il.)

There was a fight between two schoolmates who had
gotten into an argument. One was Vat McGall and
the other was Fred Swanson. They met in a small barn
to fight it out. It came oft as follows:

Furst Round.—They rushed at each other. red hit
Paton the jaw, but he returned it in the tight eve... Then
Fred aimed a blow at his opponent’s head, but Pat ducked
and landed a terrible blow between the eyes, which laid
Fred on his back. He was on his-feet again in. six
seconds. Gong strikes.

Second Round —T hey sparred a few seeonis . and then
Fred landed an uppercut which he followed up with a
blow .on the left cheek. .This. made Pat angrv, and he
tried to clinch, but Fred kept him off and also man-

-aged to land on his nose, which surrendered a copious

.flow of claret. Gong.

Third Round.— Pat rushed at Fred, who sidestepped,
and then landed hard on his jaw. By. this time both
were getting fagged, and we saw that. it could not last
much longer. They sparred for-a few. seconds, and
then Pat knocked down his opponent’s guard-and landed
a blow between the eyes, which he followed up with
a hard knock on the jaw. This fixed Fred in fine shape.
He was counted a Pat won.

Not a Foul.
( By Clifton Heights, Pa.)
‘This bout I saw down at the National Athletic Club
at Philadelphia. ~The contestants: were Jimmy Farren,
of Baltimore, and Griffith. Jones, of this city. They

‘hos. Bary,

were sclteduled to box six rounds, one arm free style

in the clinch; and break clean... The bout began as fol-
lows: ©

First Round. -Farren. leads with a tight for head and
Grif. ducks. They ¢linch, Grif starting to pottnd on
Jimmy’s kidneys. They break... Grif jabs lett to. “face.
Jimmie puts left and tight to body. ‘They clinch, with
Grif putting both hands to Farren’s stomach. - They
break. Farren. jabs left to iace and tight to ribs. Grif
tries tight for jaw, but Jimmie blocks it nicely; Grit
jabs left to face and right to ear. Farren jabs left to
‘chest as they clinch. ;

Second Round—Both come up fresh. Jones feints,
and Jimmie rushes him to ropes. landing right and lett
‘to body. Grif jabs left to face and ducks a right-hand
“Swing: for head. any clinch, with> Grif pounding. on

John weighed

rushes him to the ropes.

‘proached.

‘kept on pulling the youngster’
‘him a brutal’ kick.
- could endure.

pot heed them.

Farren is rather weak. He jabs for face, but.
Grif begins roughing it, but
is called to time for . They both try right for jaw.
but miss. They clinch: They both fall to floor. All
hands cry: “Foul,” but it doesn’t go.
Third Round —F arren looks all to the bad. Jones
jabs with left to mouth, ducks a well-meant right for jaw
and lands with both hands on, wind. Jimmie ts on Queer
Street.. He clittches and holds to stay the round out.
They break. Grif puts left to face and-gets two light
jabs to ribs #1 return. They clinch. Grif puts left toy
kidneys as they break. Jimmue feints with left, and Grif,

They are in a mix-up as the

bell rings. !

Fourth Round.—-Farren comes up fresh again. (Grif
jabs left to face and gets right and leit to body in Te-
turn. He rushes Jimmie to ropes and gets a right on the
head. He then jabs a leit to face and swings his right
to jaw, Jimmie goes down. Grif steps back. Jimmie
gets up, tuns wildly at Jones, and they clinch. They
break, and Patren, feints with Jeft. Grit puts leit to.
stomach, and steps back. Jimmie swings wildly with his
right. _ Grif ducks and swings a leit to solar plexus, and
it is all over, The crowd all yell, “Foul!” and the ring
is crowded with people. Farren did not come to for at.
least five minutes. [t is claimed that Jones hit him low,
but he didn’t. (

stomach.:
in return gets one on ae

Olid Age Triumphant.
(By Eric H. Palmer,
Che best exhibition of boxing it has been my a. .
fortune to witness took place on the street one day last-
September in New York 'C ee A tall, tough-looking
young man, with a bullet-head, square jaw and: ‘broad
shoulders, was abusine a little bov, and laughed heartily \
at the tears which flowed down the youngster’s
The child struggled feebly against the torments
persecuior, The brute seized the child by the h
bégan pulling it.) At this juncture an old n
He seemed to be feeble and hardly |
walk. His face underwent a change when he say
the billy was doing. The latter had not noticed hi
s hait: At tas
This was more than the

Brookiyn, Dae

"See here, vou brute! What ar
rh eave that child alone

“Aw, go chew With ver ol

e you co :

duffer,” polt itely | r

the tough., “Why don’t yer join de Starvation Army?

“T eave that child alone, I sav!” sterniv repeated. One. :
old man, looking the tough in the eve with the ait of a
man accustomed to be obeyed, :

“Who ver talkin’ ter?” and the tough pulled the box
hair all the harder. :

Quick as a fiash the old man tried to seize the boy and
take him away from his captor. The anger of the tough
knew no reason, and he drew back his powerful arm 4
punched the old man in the face.

A number of spectators had now gathered. C oO
“Shame!” went up, bit the tough and the old inan die
The latter took “or his hat. passed it)
a bystander, atid entreated, the tough to ‘ my i agait’

aes)

 
THE JESSE JAMES STORIES.

a hat considerably suihaeed worthy, confident of his own
ability, let go of the child and fet drive his right fist
for the old man’s face. The blow was ducked, and the
old man’s fist, strengthened by righteous indignation,
aw through the air. It landed with a thump on the
ough’s chest. The crowd cheered. The bully gasped
‘rom surprise and need of air. The old man had shown
he knew a thing or two.
The bully was now furious, and he rushed at his
_white-haired opponent like a cyclone. Something like a
smile flittered across the grave face of the old man, and,
‘quickly sidestepping, he allowed the bully to rush on.
Turning, both his fists straightened out. Crack! crack!
Both blows landed on the bully’s face. The crowd,
“constantly increasing, raised a cheer.. But the bully was
not conquered. Once more he stepped forward, but not
as confidently as before. He swung his big arms like
flails. All his blows were ducked, sidestepped, or par-
tied hy the wonderful old man, who at last. caught the
_bully squarely on the jaw, and he sank to the ground.

A policeman now approached and was told the par-
culars of the affair, He at once went up to the old man,
held out his hand, and said:

“Tf we had more like you, sir, there would be less need
f city police.”

The spectators cheered again, and Rice when the bully
‘ose to his feet and slid away as fast as his legs could
sarry him. The old man took his hat and walked away
s if nothing had happened.

“That man could trounce many a good prizefighter,”
said one, and everybody agreed with him, for the old man
had done what many a younger man couldn’t have ac-
~~ complished.

| A Game Fight.
| (By L. Schwartz, St. Paul; Minn.)
_. The best fight I ever saw was between Jack White and

mil Peterson. It lasted five rounds. The boys were
enly matched, each weighing one hundred and twen-
five pounds, Mr. James Young was the referee.
First Round.—White tried for body, but was short, and
_ got a stinging blow on the ear. Peterson tried for ear
and right for body, but missed, White rushed again,
Janding on Peterson’s ribs. Peterson rushed into a Hine h,
b ting White on the ribs.. They clinched. . White sw ung
for body, but was blocked, at the same time receiving
3 good blow in the ribs.
ht to ribs, White sending back right to the ribs.
Peterson got in close quarters, and hung on. After he
broke away, White sent a left to face, but Peterson drove
| back with a hard right on the wind. Peterson played
wind again, but fell short, and White forced him to
- ropes, sending a hard right to the ear.
lird Round.—White shot his left for face, but Peter-
on got away safely. White. tried again, but received a
linging blow on the left ear. Peterson put his left to
rhite’s jaw and jabbed his left to face and crossed his
ight to jaw.
Fourth Round.
eral lefts to the sede.

and put
“ae sot White up in his own

er and gave him some hard smashes. to body, which,

-ard tried to clinch.

_ Second Round.—Peterson hooked a left to head and

ne

dazed him. He then sent White to the ropes with right
and left swings, putting him on the defensive. Very
fast work followed, both men fighting fiercely with both
hands.

Fifth Round.—White sent a right to Peterson’s wind
and face, and gave him an uppercut which dazed him,
Peterson, after a clinch, started for his man, but was
sent back with a fierce uppercut on the chin. Peterson
showed great gameness. White drove a fierce right un-
der the heart, putting Peterson to the floor, where he tool
the count. When he got up, White sent him down with
a heavy right on the jaw, which dazed him. He started
to get up, but could not, and was counted out.

Out in Four Rounds.
(By Charles Horner, Brookland, D. C.)
Contestants: Will Ferris and Tom Howard.
Bang! went the gong as: Howard and Ferris walked’

to the middle of the floor, shook hands and then retired
to their corners. “Again the gong sounded, and they

‘went at it in earnest.

First Round.—Ferris led with a determination to force
Howard to the floor in a few seconds, but as Howard
began to feel his ribs and face he cooled: off and got down
to his old way. He landed a rough one on Howard’s
jaw and followed it up with a stiff jab to the chest.

Sécond Rownd.—Ferris landed his right on Howard’s
jaw, but received a blow on his nose that started the blood
flowing, and made him reckless. Howard took advan-
tage of his condition, and rushed him into the corner
and, with a stiff jab straight for the right ear, made
Ferris drop to his knees just as the referee called time.

Third Round.—Ferris returned looking stronger.

' Howard, greatly excited, started in to finish Ferris then

and there with a jab from the right that fell too short,
and gave Ferris a longed-for opening. He gave a swing
with his right that nearly stood Howard on his head; He
was down six seconds, but was game, and as he sprang
to his feet he blocked Ferris’ right, and sent his left to
Ferris’ chest, then clinched. ae ‘called,

Fourth Round.—Both looked weak and tired as they
started in this time. Howard struck straight for the face,
but Ferris ducked and sent his. left to "Howard’s jaw,
while, with his right, he blocked a blow that would have
struck him in the mouth. Both, were bleeding as How-
Ferris caught him full under the
jaw and Howard was counted out. Thus.ended the best
fight our club has seen for some time. |

Amusing the Crowd.
(By Harry L. Stone, Chicago, IIL.)

There was a boxing show here a few days ago, and
the wind-up was to be between Albert Kasdorf and, Hor-
ace Kern, alias ““The Mt. Carmel Kid,” but, for some un-
known reason, the Mt. Carmel Kid refused to go en.

While the management was hunting for an opponent
to Kasdorf, they put on another preliminary to amuse
the crowd while waiting.

The fighters were Nig Spider, of Chicago Heights,

é and Joe Drungoole, of Joliet, ih, but instead “of amusing

 
30 THE JESSE JAMES STORIES,

the crowd, they entertained them. They weighed one
hundred and six pounds and one hundred and five pounds,
and were evenly matched in height and reach.

First Round.—Joe began the round by rushing. Nig
clinched. They broke. Joe landed a right to shoulder.
Nig came back with an uppercut and landed on Joe’s jaw,
flooring him. Joe was up immediately, and rushed.
They clinched again and were breaking when the gong
sounded.

Second Round.—Joe started after Nig. Nig backed
around the ring. He suddenly stopped and went for Joe,
landing on face and body. Joe took his punishment with-
out flinching, and rushed Nig to ropes and made a ter-
rible right swing. Nig ducked, and landéd on Joe’s wind,
when Toe suddenly shot forward his left and hit Nig in
the eye and nearly closed that useful member. Then he
began and put right and left to Nig’s body. . Gong.

Third Round.—Joe feinted for Nig’s jaw. Nig
blocked, and gave Joe a short-arm jolt to ribs which
made Joe stagger. Joe rushed and clinched. They
broke. Joe rushed again. Nig sidestepped and Joe fell.
Nig stood ready to land when he got up. Joe suddenly
stood up and forced the fighting. Nig gave as well as
took. Gong.

Referee Stone gave decision to Nig Spider, which was
well received by the audience.

The original wind-up was declared off, nobody daring
.. to face Kasdorf, who is considered the best amateur

heavyweight in the State of Illinois,

My First Fight.
(By Arthur Jones, Sheffield, Ill.)

In the town where I lived there was a place where the
men of the town went to loaf, and one day I and another
boy were down there, and they wanted us to have a bout,
so we Sailed in.

First Round—We were both wary. I aimed a blow at
his nose, but he blocked it and punched me in. the nose.
I hit him in the stomach, and the gong sounded.

Second Round.—He led with a punch for my head, but
I dodged and landed on his nose, and nearly knocked
him down. He feinted, and hit the wind, and I rushed
him and nearly downed him. Gong sounded.

Fhird Round.—He was tired and so was I. He hit
me inthe head, but I slugged, and he gave a right arm
swing, but hit the air. @#hen we both rushed and knocked
wari ortaer down. So the fight was called off for the time.
kiopody whipped.

ror Good.
itBy mG. Wilson, Clarksville, Ohio.)

The other ne I witnessed a contest between two
young men. We have a pair of gloves in town owned by
the school teacher. The bout was between Fred Mtjoy
and Charles Williams. It was to be a knockout. Theo
Marshall was to be referee. Charles started with a left-
hook for the face, which was blocked by Fred. Fred
landed a hard left swing on Charles’ ribs, and received for

exchange a blow on the neck which came very near fixing .

Thee 8

him. They clinched and were parted by referce..
ey exchanged rights for the chest. Fral landed one

-stomach.

did but little damage.

receiving a hard one in the ribs in return.

on th ear, and Charles staggered. Fred swung a left
for the face and missed, but received a short jab in the
They exchanged rights for the face, and
Charles missed a left swing for the face. Then both
got mad and began slugging at each other hard, which
Fred swung a right for the face
but missed, and received a hard right on the pit of ae ;
jaw, and was down and out. |

The Shertes: Bout on Reccrd.
(By Robert H. G. Smeltzer, Philadelphia, Pa.)

~The contestants were Sam Miller and Jim Dugan,
both welter weights, and the bout took place at an
amateur tournament.

First: Round.—Dugan tried for the face, landing, and
Both sparred
lightly for a few moments, when Dugan feinted with his
left and sent his right to Miller’s jaw, sending him down
and out. The last. blow did not seem to have any force
behind it, and many of the spectators were of the opinion .
that Miller had quit, but it was several moments before he
could walk to his dr essing-room.

‘This was Miller’s first defeat, he having won two pre-
vious one hundred’ and twenty-eight- -pound tournaments.
UES came out first in the finals of this tournament. |

A B ty, Punished.
_(By David Cahill, Allegheny, Pa.)
It happened in Woods Run,

in Lower Allegheny.

There was a quiet boy named John Mulroy, and a boys.

who was like a bully, named Harry Jones. Harry was
always teasing John, and one day he hit him. Then
John got angry and told Harry to come up in the field -
to ficht. So we got a few other boys and went up.
We formed’a ‘ring and both stepped into it.

Harry rushed at John, but John stepped aside and

‘hit him'in the mouth and ribs, which made him stagger,
Then he rushed John again, hit him in the stomach and i rr

nose. John swung his right and hit him-in the ear, and —

a stiff one-in the eve, and Harry hit John in the chin

and ribs, which made him stagger. Then Harry rushed —
at John, but John stepped aside, and hit him in the eye,

and nearly closed it, and one in the stomach and another | he

in the ribs, and rushed him. Both started to swing.
You could not tell who it was. At last they broke away,
and John rushed Harry and hit him under the ear and in

the stomach and knocked him out, and then he gave up.

We cheered John. He was the hero of the day.

 

 

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~ Boys, have you any numbers of Golden Hours? If so, see if
the following are. among them: 134, {35, 156, 166, 167,
366, bie to $92; 296, 389, I will pay literal prices,
o _ Address, WILLIAMS, Box 192, New York Co

 

 

 

 

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Sets

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GIVEN AWAY AS PRIZES
In ihe New JESSE JAMES WEEKLY Boxing Contest
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“Is to write a description of any bout you have | JESSE JAMES WEEKLY BOXING CONTEST No. 4. _
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| accompanying coupon, properly filled out, to .f Natme..ssssssssresssssneseerseeners

JESSE JAMES WEEREYS Ne ee, | oe

Care-of
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238 WILLIAM ‘STREET, NEW YORK State ae sesceeesrecsne ae a eee

 

 

 

THIS CONTEST CLOSES MARCH ‘it 1903.

 

 

 

City OF TOWN. esssesssersssersensnasseececetanenasersevecannssrsesstoees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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The Best Stories Published of the Famous
Western Outlaw.

58—Jesse
59—Jesse
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63—Jesse
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66—Jesse
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74— Jesse
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84-—Jesse
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86—Jesse
87—Jesse
88—Jesse
89—Jesse
go—Jesse
gi—Jesse
g2—Jesse
93—Jesse

All of the above numbers always on hand.

James

 

James at the Stake; or, Doomed to Die by Fire.

James’ Trail of Death; or, The Hold-Up of the Yankee Hearse.
James’ Red Rival; or, The Miner of Madman’s Mountain.

James’ Detective Deal; or, The Mysterious Scout of Fort Fearless,
James’ Unmasked Foe; or, Playing the Same Game.

James’ Death Vendetta; or, The Robber Rangers of the Rio Grande,
James’ Discovery; or, The Gold Trail of Death Pass.

James’ Double Trouble; or, At the Mercy of a Foe.

James’ Death Track; or, The Nemesis on the Traitor’s Trail.

James’ Doomed Dozen; or, The Hold-Up Avengers.

James’ Avenging Hand; or, The Boy Jockey’s Terrible Secret

James’ Flight for Life; or, The Red Run of the Robber Riders.

James’ Haunted Life; or, Tracked by a Phantom Sleuth.

James’ Railroad Round-Up; or, The-Doom of the Detectives.

James’ Cowboy Clan; or, The Master of the Mysterious Ranch.
James’ Pitiless Pursuers; or, The Black Avengers of a Wrong.
James’ Saloon Hold-Up; or, Gathering in the Spoils.

James’ Girl Foe; or, Across the Dead Tine.

James’ Diamond Deal; or, Robbing the Red Hands.

James’ Devil’s Dungeon; or, The Lost Treasure of the Old Mission.
James Afloat; or, Holding Up the Coast Towns.

James’ Desperate Dash; or, Raiding the Ranches.

James’ Lone Hand; or, The Reckless Rider’s Red Run.

James’ Red Retribution; or, The Outlaws’ Fatal Brand.

James’ Demon Shadower; or, Under Many Masks.

James’ Boy Shadower; or, The Bandit King at Bay.

James Hard Driven; or, The Boy Sleuth’s Black Flag.

James’ Tireless Tracker; or, Daring Dan, Pinkerton’s Dandy Detective.
James’ Tug of War; or Daring Dan in Disguise.

James’ Mistake; or, The Boy Detective’s Plot.

James’ Fateful Feud; or, Squaring an Oath of Revenge.

James’ Strange Campaign; or, The Siege of the Lost Ranch.
Alarmed; or, Trailed by Old Zeke, the Detective.

James and Brant Girard; or, The Man Who Forced the Outlaws to the Wall.
James Besieged; or, The Robbery of the Panhandle Express.
James and the Lost Treasure; or, The Mystery of the Vanished Bank Notes.

If you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five cents a

copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid, STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 William Street, New York.
ea as ee ae a .