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+Project Gutenberg's Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+       The Stranger in Camp
+
+Author: Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+Release Date: August 24, 2009 [EBook #29792]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+
+OR,
+
+THE STRANGER IN CAMP
+
+By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+Author of the celebrated "Buffalo Bill" stories published in the BORDER
+STORIES. For other titles see catalogue.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+PUBLISHERS
+79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York
+
+Copyright, 1908
+By STREET & SMITH
+Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+
+All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign
+languages, including the Scandinavian.
+
+
+
+
+IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY
+
+(BUFFALO BILL).
+
+
+It is now some generations since Josh Billings, Ned Buntline, and
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, intimate friends of Colonel William F. Cody,
+used to forgather in the office of Francis S. Smith, then proprietor of
+the _New York Weekly_. It was a dingy little office on Rose Street, New
+York, but the breath of the great outdoors stirred there when these
+old-timers got together. As a result of these conversations, Colonel
+Ingraham and Ned Buntline began to write of the adventures of Buffalo
+Bill for Street & Smith.
+
+Colonel Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, February 26, 1846. Before
+he had reached his teens, his father, Isaac Cody, with his mother and
+two sisters, migrated to Kansas, which at that time was little more than
+a wilderness.
+
+When the elder Cody was killed shortly afterward in the Kansas "Border
+War," young Bill assumed the difficult role of family breadwinner.
+During 1860, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, Cody lived the
+arduous life of a pony-express rider. Cody volunteered his services as
+government scout and guide and served throughout the Civil War with
+Generals McNeil and A. J. Smith. He was a distinguished member of the
+Seventh Kansas Cavalry.
+
+During the Civil War, while riding through the streets of St. Louis,
+Cody rescued a frightened schoolgirl from a band of annoyers. In true
+romantic style, Cody and Louisa Federci, the girl, were married March 6,
+1866.
+
+In 1867 Cody was employed to furnish a specified amount of buffalo meat
+to the construction men at work on the Kansas Pacific Railroad. It was
+in this period that he received the sobriquet "Buffalo Bill."
+
+In 1868 and for four years thereafter Colonel Cody served as scout and
+guide in campaigns against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It was
+General Sheridan who conferred on Cody the honor of chief of scouts of
+the command.
+
+After completing a period of service in the Nebraska legislature, Cody
+joined the Fifth Cavalry in 1876, and was again appointed chief of
+scouts.
+
+Colonel Cody's fame had reached the East long before, and a great many
+New Yorkers went out to see him and join in his buffalo hunts, including
+such men as August Belmont, James Gordon Bennett, Anson Stager, and
+J. G. Heckscher. In entertaining these visitors at Fort McPherson, Cody
+was accustomed to arrange wild-West exhibitions. In return his friends
+invited him to visit New York. It was upon seeing his first play in the
+metropolis that Cody conceived the idea of going into the show business.
+
+Assisted by Ned Buntline, novelist, and Colonel Ingraham, he started his
+"Wild West" show, which later developed and expanded into "A Congress of
+the Rough-riders of the World," first presented at Omaha, Nebraska. In
+time it became a familiar yearly entertainment in the great cities of
+this country and Europe. Many famous personages attended the
+performances, and became his warm friends, including Mr. Gladstone, the
+Marquis of Lorne, King Edward, Queen Victoria, and the Prince of Wales,
+now King of England.
+
+At the outbreak of the Sioux, in 1890 and 1891, Colonel Cody served at
+the head of the Nebraska National Guard. In 1895 Cody took up the
+development of Wyoming Valley by introducing irrigation. Not long
+afterward he became judge advocate general of the Wyoming National
+Guard.
+
+Colonel Cody (Buffalo Bill) died in Denver, Colorado, on January 10,
+1917. His legacy to a grateful world was a large share in the
+development of the West, and a multitude of achievements in
+horsemanship, marksmanship, and endurance that will live for ages. His
+life will continue to be a leading example of the manliness, courage,
+and devotion to duty that belonged to a picturesque phase of American
+life now passed, like the great patriot whose career it typified, into
+the Great Beyond.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+I.        THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CAÑON            5
+II.       THE MINER'S SECRET                      14
+III.      THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP          20
+IV.       A VOW OF VENGEANCE                      28
+V.        MASKED AND MERCILESS                    33
+VI.       THE DUMB MESSENGER                      41
+VII.      DEATH AND MADNESS                       50
+VIII.     A STRANGE BURIAL                        62
+IX.       THE COURIER                             67
+X.        DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE                     76
+XI.       RUNNING THE GANTLET                     84
+XII.      A MAN'S NERVE                           92
+XIII.     A VOLUNTEER                             97
+XIV.      THE WAY IT WAS DONE                    105
+XV.       A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE             114
+XVI.      TAKING CHANCES                         122
+XVII.     A SECRET KEPT                          130
+XVIII.    A MYSTERIOUS SOUND                     138
+XIX.      A FAIR PASSENGER                       143
+XX.       MASKED FOES                            151
+XXI.      THE SACRIFICE                          159
+XXII.     THE RANSOM                             168
+XXIII.    THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE                   181
+XXIV.     THE TWO FUGITIVES                      186
+XXV.      THE OUTLAW LOVER                       195
+XXVI.     THE SECRET OUT                         200
+XXVII.    THE DEPARTURE                          210
+XXVIII.   THE LONE TRAIL                         219
+XXIX.     TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST              223
+XXX.      AT THE RENDEZVOUS                      231
+XXXI.     DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS             239
+XXXII.    THE MINERS' WELCOME                    248
+XXXIII.   THE COUNCIL                            252
+XXXIV.    A METAMORPHOSIS                        259
+XXXV.     THE DRIVER'S LETTER                    268
+XXXVI.    THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH                 272
+XXXVII.   THE MINER'S MISSION                    280
+XXXVIII.  A LEAF FROM THE PAST                   288
+XXXIX.    THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION                298
+XL.       TEARING OFF THE MASK                   303
+
+
+
+
+BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CAÑON.
+
+
+A horseman drew rein one morning, upon the brink of the Grand Cañon of
+the Colorado, a mighty abyss, too vast for the eye to take in its grand
+immensity; a mighty mountain rent asunder and forming a chasm which is a
+valley of grandeur and beauty, through which flows the Colorado Grande.
+Ranges of mountains tower to cloudland on all sides with cliffs of
+scarlet, blue, violet, yes, all hues of the rainbow; crystal streams
+flowing merrily along; verdant meadows, vales and hills, with massive
+forests everywhere--such was the sight that met the admiring gaze of the
+horseman as he sat there in his saddle, his horse looking down into the
+cañon.
+
+It was a spot avoided by Indians as the abiding-place of evil spirits; a
+scene shunned by white men, a mighty retreat where a fugitive, it would
+seem, would be forever safe, no matter what the crime that had driven
+him to seek a refuge there.
+
+Adown from where the horseman had halted, was the bare trace of a trail,
+winding around the edge of an overhanging rock by a shelf that was not a
+yard in width and which only a man could tread whose head was cool and
+heart fearless.
+
+Wrapt in admiration of the scene, the mist-clouds floating lazily upward
+from the cañon, the silver ribbon far away that revealed the winding
+river, and the songs of birds coming from a hundred leafy retreats on
+the hillsides, the horseman gave a deep sigh, as though memories most
+sad were awakened in his breast by the scene, and then dismounting began
+to unwrap a lariat from his saddle-horn.
+
+He was dressed as a miner, wore a slouch-hat, was of commanding
+presence, and his darkly bronzed face, heavily bearded, was full of
+determination, intelligence, and expression.
+
+Two led horses, carrying heavy packs, were behind the animal he rode,
+and attaching the lariats to their bits he took one end and led the way
+down the most perilous and picturesque trail along the shelf running
+around the jutting point of rocks.
+
+When he drew near the narrowest point, he took off the saddle and packs,
+and one at a time led the horses downward and around the hazardous
+rocks.
+
+A false step, a movement of fright in one of the animals, would send him
+downward to the depths more than a mile below.
+
+But the trembling animals seemed to have perfect confidence in their
+master, and after a long while he got them by the point of greatest
+peril.
+
+Going back and forward he carried the packs and saddles, and replacing
+them upon the animals began once more the descent of the only trail
+leading down into the Grand Cañon, from that side.
+
+The way was rugged, most dangerous in places, and several times his
+horses barely escaped a fall over the precipice, the coolness and strong
+arm of the man alone saving them from death, and his stores from
+destruction.
+
+It was nearly sunset when he at last reached the bottom of the
+stupendous rift, and only the tops of the cliffs were tinged with the
+golden light, the valley being in densest shadow.
+
+Going on along the cañon at a brisk pace, as though anxious to reach
+some camping-place before nightfall, after a ride of several miles he
+came in sight of a wooded cañon, entering the one he was then in, and
+with heights towering toward heaven so far that all below seemed as
+black as night.
+
+But a stream wound out of the cañon, to mingle its clear waters with the
+grand Colorado River a mile away, and massive trees grew near at hand,
+sheltering a cabin that stood upon the sloping hill at the base of a
+cliff that arose thousands of feet above it.
+
+When within a few hundred yards of the lone cabin, suddenly there was a
+crashing, grinding sound, a terrific roar, a rumbling, and the earth
+seemed shaken violently as the whole face of the mighty cliff came
+crushing down into the valley, sending up showers of splintered rocks
+and clouds of dust that were blinding and appalling!
+
+Back from the scene of danger fled the frightened horses, the rider
+showing no desire to check their flight until a spot of safety was
+reached.
+
+Then, half a mile from the fallen cliff, he paused, his face white, his
+whole form quivering, while his horses stood trembling with terror.
+
+"My God! the cliff has fallen upon my home, and my unfortunate comrade
+lies buried beneath a mountain of rocks. We mined too far beneath the
+cliff, thus causing a cave-in.
+
+"A few minutes more and I would also have shared poor Langley's fate;
+but a strange destiny it is that protects me from death--a strange one
+indeed! He is gone, and I alone am now the Hermit of the Grand Cañon, a
+Croesus in wealth of gold, yet a fugitive from my fellow men. What a
+fate is mine, and how will it all end, I wonder?"
+
+Thus musing the hermit-miner sat upon his own horse listening to the
+echoes rumbling through the Grand Cañon, growing fainter and fainter,
+like a retreating army fighting off its pursuing foes.
+
+An hour passed before the unnerved man felt able to seek a camp for the
+night, so great had been the shock of the falling cliff, and the fate he
+had felt had overtaken his comrade.
+
+At last he rode on up the cañon once more, determined to seek a spot he
+knew well where he could camp, a couple of miles above his destroyed
+home.
+
+He passed the pile of rocks, heaped far up the cliff from which they had
+fallen, looking upon them as the sepulcher of his companion.
+
+"Poor Lucas Langley! He, too, had his sorrows, and his secrets, which
+drove him, like me, to seek a retreat far from mankind, and become a
+hunted man. Alas! what has the future in store for me?"
+
+With a sigh he rode on up the valley, his way now guided by the
+moonlight alone, and at last turned into another cañon, for the Grand
+Cañon has hundreds of others branching off from it, some of them
+penetrating for miles back into the mountains.
+
+He had gone up this cañon for a few hundred yards, and was just about to
+halt, and go into camp upon the banks of a small stream, when his eyes
+caught sight of a light ahead.
+
+"Ah! what does that mean?" he ejaculated in surprise.
+
+Hardly had he spoken when from up the cañon came the deep voice of a dog
+barking, his scent telling him of a human presence near.
+
+"Ah! Savage is not dead then, and, after all, Lucas Langley may have
+escaped."
+
+The horseman rode quickly on toward the light. The barking of the dog
+continued, but it was not a note of warning but of welcome, and as the
+horseman drew rein by a camp-fire a huge brute sprang up and greeted him
+with every manifestation of delight, while a man came forward from the
+shadows of the trees and cried:
+
+"Thank Heaven you are back again, Pard Seldon, for I had begun to fear
+for your safety."
+
+"And I was sure that I would never meet you again in life, Lucas, for I
+believed you at the bottom of that mountain of rocks that fell from the
+cliff and crushed out our little home," and the hands of the two men met
+in a warm grasp.
+
+"It would have been so but for a warning I had, when working in the
+mine. I saw that the cliff was splitting and settling, and running out I
+discovered that it must fall, and before very long.
+
+"I at once got the two mules out of the cañon above, packed all our
+traps upon them, and hastened away to a spot of safety. Then I returned
+and got all else I could find, gathered up our gold, and came here and
+made our camp.
+
+"To-night the cliff fell, but not expecting you to arrive by night, I
+was to be on the watch for you in the morning; but thank Heaven you are
+safe and home again."
+
+"And I am happy to find you safe, Lucas. I was within an eighth of a
+mile of the cliff when it fell, and I shall never forget the sight, the
+sound, the appalling dread for a few moments, as I fled to a spot of
+safety, my horses bearing me along like the wind in their mad terror."
+
+"It was appalling, and I have not dared leave my camp since, far as I am
+from it, for it resounded through the cañons like a mighty battle with
+heavy guns. But come, comrade, and we will have supper and talk over all
+that has happened."
+
+The horses were staked out up the cañon, where grass and water were
+plentiful, and then the two men sat down to supper, though neither
+seemed to have much of an appetite after what had occurred.
+
+But Savage, the huge, vicious-looking dog, felt no bad results from his
+fright of a few hours before, and ate heartily.
+
+When their pipes were lighted the man who had lately arrived said:
+
+"Well, Lucas, I brought back provisions and other things to last us a
+year, and I care not to go again from this cañon until I carry a fortune
+in gold with me."
+
+"Yes, here we are safe, and I feel that something has happened to cause
+you to say what you do, pard."
+
+"And I will tell you what it is," impressively returned the one who had
+spoken of himself as the Hermit of the Grand Cañon.
+
+"Yes," he added slowly. "I will tell you a secret, comrade."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE MINER'S SECRET.
+
+
+"Pard, after what has happened, the falling of the cliff, and our narrow
+escape from death, I feel little like sleep, tired as I am, so, as I
+said, I will tell you a secret," continued Andrew Seldon, speaking in a
+way that showed his thoughts were roaming in the past.
+
+"You will have a good listener, pard," was the answer.
+
+"Yes, I feel that I will, and you having told me that you were a
+fugitive from the law, that your life had its curse upon it, I will tell
+you of mine, at least enough of it to prove to you that I also dare not
+show my face among my fellow men.
+
+"You know me as Andrew Seldon, and I have with me proof that I could
+show to convince one that such is my name; but, in reality, Andrew
+Seldon is dead, and I am simply playing his part in life, for I am not
+unlike him in appearance, and, as I said, I have the proofs that enable
+me to impersonate him.
+
+"My real name is Wallace Weston, whom circumstances beyond my control
+made a murderer and fugitive, and here I am. I entered the army as a
+private cavalry soldier, and worked my way up to sergeant, with the hope
+of getting a commission some day.
+
+"But one day another regiment came to the frontier post where I was
+stationed, and a member of it was the man to whom I owed all my sorrow
+and misfortune in life. Well, the recognition was mutual, a quarrel
+followed, and he--his name was Manton Mayhew--fell by my hand, and he,
+too, was a sergeant.
+
+"I said nothing in my defense, for I would not reopen the story of the
+past for curious eyes to gaze upon, and accepted my fate, my sentence
+being to be shot to death. On one occasion, in an Indian fight, I had
+saved the life of the scout Buffalo Bill----"
+
+"Ah, yes, I know of him," said the listener earnestly.
+
+"He, in return, rode through the Indian country, to the quarters of the
+district commander, to try and get a reprieve, hoping to glean new
+evidence to clear me. He was refused, and returned just as I was led
+down on the banks of the river for execution.
+
+"I heard the result and determined in a second to escape, or be killed
+in the attempt. Buffalo Bill's horse stood near, and with a bound I was
+upon his back, rushed him into the stream, swam across and escaped.
+
+"I was fired upon by the scout, under an order to do so, but his bullets
+were not aimed to kill me. Night was near at hand, and pursuit was
+begun, but I had a good start, reached the desert and entered it.
+
+"The next day, for the scout's horse was worn down, my pursuers would
+have overtaken me had I not suddenly come upon a stray horse in a clump
+of timber, an oasis in the desert.
+
+"I mounted him and pushed straight on into the desert, and the next day
+came upon a solitary rock, by which lay the dead body of a man upon
+which the coyotes had just begun to feed. He had starved to death in the
+desert, and the horse I had found was his.
+
+"At once an idea seized me to let my pursuer believe that _I_ was that
+dead man; so I dressed him in my uniform, killed the horse near him,
+left the scout's saddle and bridle there, and started off on foot over
+the desert, attired as the man whom I had found there.
+
+"With him I had found letters, papers, and a map and diary, and these
+gave me his name, and more, for I found that the map would lead me to a
+gold-mine, the one in this cañon in which we have worked so well to our
+great profit.
+
+"I wandered back, off the desert, and you know the rest: how I came to
+the camp where you lay wounded and threatened with death by your
+comrade, Black-heart Bill, who knew that you had a mine which he was
+determined to have.
+
+"In Black-heart Bill I recognized a brother of Sergeant Manton Mayhew,
+another man whom I sought revenge upon. Hugh Mayhew had also wronged me
+as his brothers had, for there were three of them, strange to
+say--triplets--Manton, Hugh, and Richard Mayhew, and to them I owed it
+that I became a fugitive from home.
+
+"You remember my duel with Hugh Mayhew, and that he fell by my hand?
+Well, there is one more yet, and some day we may meet, and then it must
+be his life or mine.
+
+"Taking the name of Andrew Seldon, and leaving all to believe that I,
+Wallace Weston, died in the desert, I came here, with you as my
+companion. We are growing rich, and though the Cliff Mine has fallen in,
+there are others that will pan out even better.
+
+"But, pard, when I went to the post this time for provisions, I came
+upon Buffalo Bill escorting a deserter to Fort Faraway, and a band of
+desperadoes from the mines of Last Chance had ambushed him to rescue the
+prisoner.
+
+"I went to the rescue of the scout, saved him and his prisoner, and went
+on my way to the post; but yet I half-believe, in spite of believing me
+dead, and my changed appearance with my long hair and beard, that
+Buffalo Bill half-recognized me.
+
+"I must take no more chances, so shall remain close in this cañon until
+ready to leave it and go far away with my fortune, to enjoy it
+elsewhere.
+
+"Again, pard: I had written to the home of Andrew Seldon, whom I am now
+impersonating, and I find that he too, was a fugitive from the law, and
+that there is no reason for me to share this fortune with any one there,
+as I had intended to do: so now let us be lost to the world, hermits
+here in this weird land of mystery, the Grand Cañon, where no one dares
+come, until we are ready to seek new associations and homes elsewhere,
+and enjoy our riches."
+
+"Pard, I thank you for your confidence, your secret. I felt that you had
+been a sufferer in the past, while I am sure you were not the one to do
+the first wrong. In all things I will be guided by you," said Lucas
+Langley warmly, and it being late the two men retired to their blankets
+to sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP.
+
+
+Two men had met in the remote wilds of the Grand Cañon country, as the
+district bordering upon the Colorado River was called, having appointed
+a mysterious, deserted camp as a rendezvous.
+
+One of these men needs no description from my pen, hardly more than a
+passing pen introduction to say that he bore the name of Buffalo Bill.
+
+He had come alone from Fort Faraway, to the deserted camp over a hundred
+miles from the nearest habitation, to meet a new-found friend, one known
+in Last Chance Claim as Doctor Dick, and a man of mystery.
+
+The latter was, in person, almost as striking in appearance as was
+handsome, dashing Bill Cody, for he was tall, sinewy in build, graceful,
+and dressed in a way to attract attention, with his cavalry-boots, gold
+spurs, corduroy pants, velvet jacket, silk shirt, and broad black
+sombrero encircled by a chain of gold links.
+
+Doctor Dick was not afraid, either, to make a lavish display of jewels.
+His weapons were gold-mounted, as was also his saddle and bridle, and
+from the fact that he was an ardent and successful gambler, and was
+supposed to be very rich, he was called in Last Chance The Gold King.
+
+Doctor Dick had made his début into Last Chance mining-camp, by bringing
+in the coach, one day, with the dead body of the driver on the box by
+his side, and two murdered passengers on the inside.
+
+He had run off, single-handed, the road-agents who had held up the
+coach, and therefore became a hero at once, adding to his fame very
+quickly by showing that he could "shoot to kill" when attacked.
+
+Signifying his intention of practising medicine and surgery in Last
+Chance, and gambling in his leisure moments, Doctor Dick had established
+himself in a pleasant cabin near the hotel, to at once become popular,
+and began to make money.
+
+When Buffalo Bill went to Last Chance on a special secret-service
+mission, to investigate the holding up of the coach, and had recognized
+there a deserter, whom he had orders to take "dead or alive," Doctor
+Dick had helped him out of what appeared to be a very ugly scrape, and
+thus the two men had become friends.
+
+Becoming confidential, Doctor Dick had told the scout a few chapters of
+his life, and he alone doubted that his foe from boyhood, Sergeant
+Wallace Weston--who had been reported as dying in the desert while
+seeking to escape--was dead, and the two, the scout and the
+gambler-doctor, had arranged to meet at the deserted camp and discover
+if the real truth could not be ascertained.
+
+So it was at the deserted camp they had met, and Doctor Dick had stood
+with uncovered head before a quaking aspen-tree, at the foot of which
+was a grave.
+
+Upon the tree had been cut a name and date, and this told that there lay
+the form of Hugh Mayhew, killed in a duel by one whom he had wronged.
+
+It further told that Hugh Mayhew was known in the mines as a desperado,
+whose cruel deeds had gained for him the sobriquet of Black-heart Bill.
+
+Convinced that the body in the grave was that of Hugh Mayhew, after he
+had unearthed the remains, and recognized in that decaying form his once
+brother--one of the triplets--Doctor Dick had seemed deeply moved when
+he told that he was the last of the trio and lived to avenge them: that
+he was sure Wallace Weston, their old foe, was their slayer, for he knew
+from the scout that he had killed his brother Manton at the fort, and
+hence he would not be convinced that the grave in the desert of Arizona
+held the body of Weston until he had certain proof of it.
+
+"That man who came to your rescue, who called himself the Hermit of the
+Grand Cañon, who sought to shun you after his service to you, is either
+Wallace Weston, or knows something of him, and it is his trail we must
+pick up on his return to his retreat, and follow to the end, before I am
+satisfied," Doctor Dick had said to Buffalo Bill.
+
+And so it was that the two had met at the deserted camp to pick up the
+trail of the hermit and follow it to the end, bring what it might to
+Doctor Dick.
+
+The trail was taken up and followed to the brink of the grandest view in
+all nature's marvels, the Grand Cañon of the Colorado.
+
+To a less experienced scout than Buffalo Bill, there would have appeared
+to be no trail down into the depths of that mighty chasm, and it would
+have been thought that the one whom they trailed had retraced his steps
+from there.
+
+But the scout was not one to be thrown off the trail by any obstacle
+that perseverance, pluck, and hard work could overcome, and so he set
+about finding a way down into the cañon, though there was no trace of a
+traveled path left on the solid rocks upon which he stood.
+
+Doctor Dick's determined assertion that he did not believe his old
+enemy, Wallace Weston, to be dead, really impressed the scout in spite
+of the fact that he had guided Lieutenant Tompkins and his troopers in
+the pursuit of the fugitive soldier, had found the body torn by wolves,
+dressed in uniform, and with his own saddle and bridle, taken when he
+had dashed away upon his horse, lying by his side.
+
+Still, in the face of all these seeming proofs, the fugitive sergeant
+might yet be alive and he would do all he could to solve the mystery as
+to whether he was or not.
+
+The scout had been anxious to go alone with the gambler-doctor in the
+search, for he did have the hope that, if really found, Wallace Weston
+might be reconciled with Doctor Dick, while, if taken by troopers, he
+would be returned to the fort and executed, as he was under
+death-sentence.
+
+Buffalo Bill never forgot a service rendered him, and he did not wish to
+see the sergeant put to death, when he was already believed to be dead,
+and the secret might be kept.
+
+After a long search Buffalo Bill found the perilous path down which the
+one he followed had gone with his packhorses.
+
+He revealed the fact to Doctor Dick, and the two, after a long
+consultation, decided to take the risk and make the descent into the
+grand valley.
+
+For men with less nerve than these two possessed it would have been
+impossible; and, as it was, there were times when the winding trail and
+dangers put their pluck to the test.
+
+At last the valley was reached, and, greatly relieved, the two went into
+camp before prosecuting their search further.
+
+The hermit had admitted to Buffalo Bill that he had a comrade dwelling
+with him in his retreat, wherever the retreat was.
+
+Would it be that they held a secret there they did not wish known, and
+so would resist the intrusion of others? It might be, and that a
+death-struggle would follow the discovery of their retreat.
+
+Still, Buffalo Bill was not one to dread whatever might turn up, and he
+had seen Doctor Dick tried and proven true as steel and brave as a lion.
+
+And so the search continued, the scout unerringly clinging to the trail
+until, just as the two felt that the retreat of those mysterious
+dwellers in the Grand Cañon was almost before them, they came upon a
+sight that caused them to draw rein and sit upon their horses appalled
+at the scene presented to their view.
+
+What they saw was the fallen cliff, and there, just peering out from
+among the piles of rocks, was the shattered end of a stout cabin. They
+had found the secret retreat, but they stood there feeling that those
+who had dwelt in that ruined cabin were beyond all human eye, buried
+beneath a monument of rocks an army could not remove in weeks.
+
+"And this is the end?" said Buffalo Bill, the first to speak, breaking a
+silence that was appalling.
+
+"Yes, his end, for he undoubtedly lies buried there beneath that mass of
+rocks. If it is my foe, Wallace Weston, who has met such a fate, so let
+it be."
+
+The two did not tarry long in the cañon, for a dread of the weird spot
+seemed to have come over them both.
+
+Doctor Dick roamed about, picking up bits of rock and examining it
+closely, while he muttered:
+
+"It was a gold-mine that held them here, but that falling cliff has
+hidden the secret forever."
+
+And Buffalo Bill went about searching for trails, yet made no comment,
+whether he found any or not, to indicate that the lone dwellers in the
+cañon had not both perished in their cabin, and lay buried beneath the
+hills of rock that had fallen from the heights above the valley.
+
+But, as the two men rode away up the dangerous mountain-trail, there
+were eyes peering upon them they little dreamed of, and Wallace Weston
+muttered:
+
+"They believe me dead now: so let it be."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A VOW OF VENGEANCE.
+
+
+The night after leaving the Grand Cañon, Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick
+camped again at the rendezvous of the deserted camp, which was marked by
+the grave of Black-heart Bill.
+
+The two friends talked until a late hour into the night, though they
+intended making an early start in the morning for their respective
+homes, the scout going to the fort, the doctor to Last Chance.
+
+"Well, Cody, you were satisfied before that Sergeant Wallace Weston was
+dead, that he died in the desert, but you yielded to my belief that he
+lived and was none other than the Hermit of the Grand Cañon who came to
+your rescue some time ago; but now you are assured that, the
+hermit-miner being buried beneath the walls of his cabin, there is no
+doubt left that, if he really was Wallace Weston, he is surely not among
+the living?"
+
+"Yes, doctor, I can hardly bring myself to believe that Weston's body
+was not the one we buried in the desert, yet I grant that, it was just
+possible that it might not have been his."
+
+"So you give up the search wholly?"
+
+"Yes, I return to my duties at Fort Faraway."
+
+"And I to my doctoring and gambling at Last Chance; but I thank you for
+coming with me on this trip, as my mind is made up."
+
+The doctor said no more then, but wrapped his blankets about him and lay
+down to rest.
+
+The next morning when the two were about to part Buffalo Bill said:
+
+"I wish you would keep your eye upon the suspicious characters in the
+mines, for I fear, with the temptations in their way to get hold of
+treasure in the coaches, there may be more mischief done."
+
+"I will keep a bright lookout, Cody, and at once send a courier to
+report at the fort any lawless deeds that may be done, for I know that
+your support will be prompt."
+
+Then the two parted, Buffalo Bill taking the trail for Fort Faraway and
+Doctor Dick going on to Last Chance mining-camp.
+
+But hardly had the scout disappeared from sight when the doctor halted,
+looked back and then slowly returned to the camp.
+
+Dismounting by the grave, he stood gazing at the inscription cut into
+the tree for some minutes, and then turned his eyes upon the mound at
+his feet.
+
+"Wicked, yes, hated and feared, yet my brother, and I loved him and my
+other brother, Manton, with a love that was greater than woman's love,
+and I revere their memory now.
+
+"Whatever they were, whatever the crimes that led to their losing their
+lives, I must avenge them, and I will, for Wallace Weston's hand it was
+that did the deed.
+
+"Yes, he killed Manton, and I am just as sure that he killed Hugh, who
+lies here at my feet. Buffalo Bill believes Wallace Weston dead; _but I
+do not_!
+
+"No, I can never believe that he could die except by my hand, and some
+day we two will meet face to face, and then he will die, and I will be
+avenged for Manton's and Hugh's deaths; so here I vow to take the life
+of Wallace Weston, and thus avenge my brothers."
+
+He raised his right hand as he spoke, pressed his left over his heart
+and so registered his vow of revenge.
+
+Then, mounting his horse, he rode away upon the trail he had before
+followed.
+
+He seemed in no hurry, rode slowly, made long noonday camps and camped
+early at night, so that it was the afternoon of the third day before he
+came in view of the scattered settlement of Last Chance Claim.
+
+Situated in a mountain cañon, which widened into a large valley after
+some miles, with towering cliffs, rugged passes and wild, picturesque
+scenery upon all sides, Last Chance Claim, or mining-camp, was scattered
+along for miles, the village portion, where the hotel, stores, and
+gambling-saloons were, being at the upper end.
+
+As he came out of a mountain pass into the valley proper, Doctor Dick
+beheld crowds of miners hastening toward the hotel, and all were
+carrying their rifles and had an excited air.
+
+"Well, pards, what has happened?" he asked as he put spurs to his horse
+and overtook a party of miners on the way to the hotel.
+
+The response he received caused him to spur forward and dash rapidly on
+to the head of the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MASKED AND MERCILESS.
+
+
+Dave Dockery had taken the place of driver on the Last Chance trail,
+after Bud Benton had been killed on the box by unknown parties.
+
+Dave Dockery was as shrewd as he was brave, and bore many scars of
+wounds received in the discharge of his duty, his nerve and endurance,
+it was said, saving his life where other men would surely have been
+killed.
+
+The coach out from Last Chance had gone on its dangerous run with a very
+large sum in gold-dust, but Dave had gotten safely through with it, and
+was congratulated by all who knew the chances he had taken of losing
+treasure and life.
+
+He had heard with regret, after reaching his eastern destination, that
+he was to be put to an equal strain going back, for a large sum of money
+in bank-bills was to be sent back to Last Chance in payment for several
+mines purchased there by outsiders.
+
+Dave was told that the box contained at least thirty thousand dollars,
+and so he hid it away as best he could in the coach.
+
+He also was carrying out as freight a dozen rifles of the last and most
+improved repeating pattern, and double as many revolvers, intended for
+the vigilantes of Last Chance, and who were personally unknown to any of
+the miners, though it was suspected that either Landlord Larry, the
+hotel-keeper, judge, storekeeper, and proprietor of the largest
+gambling-saloon in the place, or Doctor Dick, the gambler gold king, was
+the secret leader.
+
+Whoever the vigilante captain and his men might be, it was certain that
+they had a good influence over the most lawless spirits in the mines,
+the fact of their being unknown greatly aiding their good effect.
+
+Dave Dockery had hoped that he would have a stage-load of passengers
+upon the run to Last Chance, for he liked to have a crowd along, and
+then he felt that they were a safeguard as well, as in numbers there is
+strength.
+
+But, when the starting-time came, only two passengers appeared, one of
+them a miner going out to Last Chance to hunt for a fortune, and the
+other a young man who told Dave Dockery that he was only traveling from
+a love of adventure, and enjoyed the wild life he thus far had met with.
+
+He gave Dave a bunch of good cigars, showed him a silver flask of fine
+brandy, and was promptly invited to ride upon the box with him, an
+invitation that was as promptly accepted.
+
+Out of the little settlement rolled the coach, followed by a cheer from
+the crowd gathered to see it depart, for the going and coming of the
+coaches in border places are events of great moment to the dwellers
+there.
+
+The young man in search of adventure was upon the box with Dave, and the
+miner passenger was inside, where it was safer for him to ride, as he
+was in a hopeless state of intoxication.
+
+The horses dashed away in fine style, enthused by the cheer of the
+crowd, and Dave looked happy and proud, while his companion on the box
+appeared to enjoy the scene immensely.
+
+The young stranger was well dressed, for he had donned what was suitable
+for frontier roughing it, and wore in his belt a single revolver, as a
+means of defense rather than for show or bravado.
+
+He had a fine face, fearless and frank, and looked like a man of
+refinement and education.
+
+Dave Dockery was a good reader of human nature and took to his passenger
+at once, being really greatly pleased with his companionship.
+
+Three-fourths of the trail had been gone over without adventure, the
+three stops at the relay-stations, for changes of horses and meals for
+passengers, having been made on time, and Last Chance was only a dozen
+miles away, when, as they neared a dreary-looking spot in a gorge, Dave
+said:
+
+"There is where poor Bud Benton passed in his chips, pard, and I tell
+you I don't like the spot a bit."
+
+Hardly had he uttered the words when a sharp report rang out and Dave
+Dockery fell back upon the coach and lay motionless, while out of the
+shadows spurred a horseman dressed in black and wearing a red mask.
+
+With his revolver leveled at the stranger he said sharply:
+
+"Your turn next, sir, for I am out for blood and gold."
+
+Riding on the box with Dave Dockery, the young stranger had heard much
+of the wild ways of the border, and had been told that it would be
+madness to resist a "hold-up" of a coach, unless the chances were well
+on the side of those attacked.
+
+When, therefore, the sharp report of a revolver had been followed by the
+toppling over of poor Dave, and a masked horseman rode out of the
+shadows of the cliff, his revolver covering him, the young man did not
+just know what to do.
+
+He had with him a few hundred in money, his watch, chain, and a few
+articles of value, with some papers of importance.
+
+That the masked horseman was alone he could not believe, and yet he had,
+against all traditions of the border, begun by firing upon Dave Dockery,
+and not ordering him to halt first.
+
+That he had fired to kill the bullet-wound in the breast, and the
+motionless form of the driver as he lay back upon the top of the coach,
+were in evidence.
+
+Now he stood the chance himself of life and death, and he awaited the
+ordeal with white, but calm face.
+
+The horses had stopped in their tracks, and though no other persons were
+visible the stranger looked for others to appear. The thought flashed
+across him that he must lose all he had with him, but his life he could
+not believe was in danger, yet why the masked road-agent had killed
+Dockery without mercy he could not understand.
+
+"Do you mean to take my life, man?"
+
+"That depends whether it is worth more to kill you than to let you
+live," was the businesslike reply.
+
+But hardly had he spoken when from out of the coach window came a flash
+and report. The miner within, awakening to a sense of his danger, had
+taken a hand in the affair.
+
+The bullet barely missed the head of the masked horseman, who at once
+returned the fire, aiming first, however, at the young man on the box.
+
+With a groan the latter fell heavily to the ground, his revolver
+half-drawn from its holster, and the murderer, leaping from his saddle,
+took refuge among the horses while he called out:
+
+"I have killed your two comrades, and you share the same fate unless you
+surrender."
+
+"I cry quits, pard," came in frightened tones from the coach, and the
+man was evidently now sobered and greatly alarmed.
+
+"Then come out!"
+
+The miner quickly threw open the stage door, put his foot upon the step
+and then peered cautiously toward his foe.
+
+Instantly there came a shot, and, without a moan, he pitched forward
+head foremost and fell in a heap between the wheels.
+
+"Any more?" called out the road-agent sternly.
+
+No answer came, and, revolvers in hand, he stepped to one side and
+opened fire at the coach. He fired with both hands, and did not cease
+until he had emptied his weapons and riddled the coach.
+
+Then he unslung his rifle from his saddle-horn and cautiously
+approached, ready to fire at the first sign of danger to himself.
+
+But he had done his work well, and he had nothing to fear, so advancing
+to the coach, found that it was empty.
+
+Quickly he set about searching the vehicle for all of value that it
+might carry. He found a roll of bills belonging to the miner, and a few
+things of value in his valise.
+
+The young man panned out for him nearly a thousand in money, and some
+jewelry, and Dave Dockery was pretty well supplied with funds.
+
+But the masked marauder searched rapidly on, and evidently looked for a
+richer haul yet.
+
+The box was found with the money in it, and a bullet fired from his
+revolver shattered the lock.
+
+"Ah! here is a haul worth all risks to get," he muttered, and the
+contents of the chest were put in a sack and tied upon his saddle.
+
+His work thus far had taken but a few minutes, and, apparently satisfied
+with what booty he had secured, he shot one of the wheel-horses, to
+prevent the team going on with the coach, and, mounting the splendid
+animal he rode, and which was covered, head and all, with a black calico
+covering, he dashed away down the pass at a gallop.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE DUMB MESSENGER.
+
+
+Hardly had the masked road-agent ridden away, when a deep groan came
+from the lips of Dave Dockery. His eyes opened, and after a supreme
+effort, which cost him the greatest agony, as moans would force
+themselves through his shut teeth, he was able to slip down from the box
+to the ground.
+
+He knelt by the side of the man who had been his companion a few minutes
+before, full of life and vigor, and found him motionless. Then he crept
+on hands and knees to the side of the miner.
+
+"Dead!" came from between his clenched teeth.
+
+After several efforts he arose by aid of a wheel to his feet, and,
+taking a piece of paper and pencil from his pocket, wrote a few lines
+upon it with the greatest difficulty.
+
+Making his way, supported by the coach, step by step to the wheel-horse
+that stood chained to his dead comrade, he unhitched him from the pole,
+fastened the slip of paper to the bridle, and gave him a blow.
+
+"Go! old horse, for I cannot ride you; I am too weak to hold myself on
+your back. Go for help to Last Chance, and maybe if you hurry you may
+save my life."
+
+The horse seemed to understand what was said to him, and started off at
+a swift trot down the trail.
+
+He was just disappearing from sight when Dockery, unable to longer stand
+up, tottered and fell by the side of the trail, writhing in his agony.
+
+And while he lay thus the faithful horse increased his speed to a gallop
+and went along thus for miles, his trace-chains rattling an
+accompaniment to his hoof-falls as he followed the trail to Last Chance.
+
+Halting at a stream here and there for a drink of cool water, and at a
+grassy bank for a few mouthfuls of food, the horse held on his way, and
+a couple of hours after his departure from the coach galloped into the
+mining-camp.
+
+Those who saw him with the harness on felt sure that some harm had
+befallen the coach, and they hastened after the animal, who, avoiding
+capture, dashed up to the hotel door and halted.
+
+Lawrence Larrimore, nicknamed Landlord Larry, had seen him coming, and
+grasped his bridle-rein as he halted.
+
+He had caught sight of the white slip of paper tied upon the bridle, and
+quickly securing it, read what was written thereon in the weak and
+wavering hand of the wounded driver, but which was recognized as the
+writing of Dave Dockery.
+
+It was as follows, for Landlord Larry read it aloud, as the miners
+quickly gathered about him:
+
+     "Coach held up at Bud Benton's grave, and I fatally
+     wounded.
+
+     "One passenger on box killed; miner in coach also.
+
+     "Coach robbed of large sum.
+
+     "Road-agent was alone, wore black domino and red mask,
+     horse also masked, but feel sure I know him.
+
+     "I have just strength to write this, and beg quick aid,
+     sending it by one of my wheelers.
+
+     "Come quickly if you hope to find me alive.
+
+     "DAVE."
+
+A roar went up from the crowd of miners at the reading of this note from
+Dave Dockery, who even then might be dying, and Landlord Larry cried:
+
+"Spread the alarm, and let us go quickly to the spot, and try and save
+poor Dave, yes, and capture that masked road-agent, for he has got money
+in plenty.
+
+"Oh! if Doctor Dick was only here to look after poor Dave, he might save
+him. Let me see! the coach was due at Bud Benton's grave about two
+o'clock and it is now after three. Come, men, mount and follow me!"
+
+Dave Dockery was liked by all, and Landlord Larry was a very popular
+man; so, quickly, the miners obeyed the call to follow the one to the
+rescue of the other.
+
+Just as the party of mounted men were about to ride away from the hotel,
+under the leadership of Landlord Larry, a shout was heard down the
+valley, and then came the cry from a score of men:
+
+"There comes Doctor Dick!"
+
+With an exclamation of pleasure Landlord Larry put spurs to his horse
+and dashed forward to meet the doctor, who warmly grasped his hand as
+the two met and called out:
+
+"What is it, Landlord Larry?"
+
+"Read this paper from Dave Dockery, who even now may be dead. We are
+going to his aid."
+
+"And I will go with you."
+
+"But your horse is worn out, Doc, and you look tired after your long
+trail."
+
+"Don't mind me, for I will mount a fresh horse and follow," and Doctor
+Dick rode rapidly toward his own cabin.
+
+The eyes of the miners followed the doctor as though all depended upon
+him.
+
+They had come to almost revere this handsome, stern, mysterious man who
+had come to dwell among them, yet seemed so well fitted to adorn a far
+different life.
+
+His life was as a sealed book to them, yet his skill as physician and
+surgeon was great, his generosity unbounded, and his nerve and daring
+far above those whom he had been forced to meet in deadly encounter.
+
+He had made his home in a snugly built cabin under the shelter of a
+cliff within easy walk of the hotel, where he took his meals.
+
+He had fitted his frontier home with an extravagance and comfort that
+was surprising, and had in a cabin near several as fine horses as could
+be found among the mining-camps, with a Chinese servant to look after
+them and his wants.
+
+The doctor hastily dismounted, called to the Chinaman to throw his
+saddle upon another horse and look after the pack-animal, entered the
+cabin for a few moments, and before Landlord Larry and his party were a
+couple of miles away was in rapid pursuit.
+
+He did not spare his horse, and overtaking the crowd of half a hundred
+miner-horsemen, he was greeted with a cheer, which he acknowledged by
+gracefully raising his sombrero.
+
+Riding to the front of the column he took his place by the side of
+Landlord Larry, and set a faster pace than that at which they had been
+going.
+
+"You say that Dave Dockery was able to write a note, landlord?"
+
+"Yes, I handed it to you to-day."
+
+"I thrust it into my pocket unread," and Doctor Dick now glanced over
+the note as he rode along. "I fear he is too far gone, Larry, for if he
+had been able he would have come into the camp. I will ride still
+faster, for every moment counts with a badly wounded man, and you see I
+am mounted on my racer."
+
+"Push on, do, Doc, and I'll follow with the men as fast as I can," cried
+the landlord.
+
+With a word to Racer, the horse was off like an arrow, and fairly flew
+up and down hill along the rugged trail to reach the scene of the
+tragedy and lend aid to the wounded driver.
+
+At last the coach came in sight, and the coming miners were yet all of
+two miles behind. The four coach-horses, still attached to the pole,
+stood where they had been left by their driver, while the wheel-horse
+shot by the road-agent lay where he had fallen.
+
+Near the coach, to one side, and not twenty paces from where Bud Benton
+had been killed, lay the form of Dave Dockery.
+
+Throwing himself from his saddle Doctor Dick bent over him and said
+quickly:
+
+"He still lives! Dave! Dave! speak to me!"
+
+The eyes slowly opened, and there was a convulsive movement of the form,
+a struggle which, becoming violent, caused the doctor to grasp him
+firmly, and thus hold him.
+
+The dying man seemed in an agony of despair at being unable to speak,
+and after a slight resistance ceased his efforts and sank back
+exhausted.
+
+"Here, Dave, take this, for it will revive you," and Doctor Dick poured
+some medicine between the white lips.
+
+As he did so a groan from another quarter startled him, and, glancing in
+the direction from whence it came, he saw the form of the young
+passenger, who had been riding on the box, quiver slightly.
+
+In an instant he sprang to the side of the other sufferer, and bent over
+him, placing his hand upon his pulse.
+
+"The bullet struck him in the forehead, glancing along the skull and
+coming out, I see, at the back of the head. It remains to see whether
+the bone is fractured--ah! here they come," and up dashed Landlord Larry
+and those who had kept up with him.
+
+"How goes it, doctor?" asked Larry.
+
+"Dave is beyond hope, I fear, while this gentleman is alive, though I do
+not know yet how seriously wounded. That man in rough clothes there is
+dead, as you can see at a glance; but come, we will get the wounded men
+into the stage at once, and I will drive on to the camps."
+
+"And the road-agents?"
+
+"By all means send a party to hunt them down," was the stern rejoinder.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+DEATH AND MADNESS.
+
+
+All knew that Doctor Dick was a skilful driver, and that he would take
+the coach into Last Chance sooner than any one else could, so they
+hastened to get the team ready.
+
+The harness on the horse, which had been the dumb messenger to make
+known the tragedy, had been brought back, and two of the miners' horses
+were quickly put in as wheelers, while the wounded driver and passenger
+were tenderly lifted into the coach.
+
+In got a couple of miners to support them in their arms, while the body
+of the man killed by the road-agents was put upon the top of the coach.
+
+Landlord Larry had himself led the party in search of the trail of the
+road-agents, while, mounting the box, and leaving his horse to follow on
+behind, Doctor Dick sent the team along at a slapping pace for Last
+Chance Claim.
+
+As they went along they met other miners coming out to the scene, but
+these were turned back, as there was no need of their going, and
+Landlord Larry had with him all that was needed.
+
+It was just nightfall when the coach rolled by the door of the hotel,
+while, to the surprise of all, Doctor Dick did not draw rein there.
+Instead he went on to his own cabin and came to a halt, while he said to
+the miners who accompanied him:
+
+"If the lives of these two men are to be saved, it will only be by skill
+and devoted nursing, and I want them near me. Bring over two cots from
+the hotel, and we will soon make them as comfortable as possible."
+
+The two cots were soon brought, the wounded men tenderly lifted out, and
+the coach driven to the stables by a miner, while Doctor Dick set to
+work to see just what he could do for his patients.
+
+All knew that Driver Dave Dockery was a great favorite of the
+gambler-doctor and the remark was made:
+
+"He'll save Dave if it can be done, and he's the man to do it."
+
+Left alone with his patients, save his Chinese assistant, Doctor Dick
+threw off his coat and set to work in earnest to see what he could do
+for them, and how seriously they were wounded.
+
+He first went to Dave Dockery. The driver lay as quiet as though asleep.
+Placing his hand upon his heart, and then his ear close to his breast,
+Doctor Dick said calmly.
+
+"It is the sleep of death."
+
+With only a moment of thought, he straightened out the limbs, closed the
+eyes, folded the once strong, bronzed hands over the broad breast, and,
+throwing a blanket over the form, said to his Chinese servant, speaking
+in the Chinese tongue, and speaking it well:
+
+"Loo Foo, my friend is dead."
+
+The Chinaman replied in his idea of English:
+
+"Allee lightee, dockee, him wellee happy now allee samee 'Melican man
+angel."
+
+Loo Foo had been converted, it was said, when he carried on the business
+of washee-washee in a mining-camp, for, as he had expressed it:
+
+"More lovee 'Melican man Joss, gettee more washee."
+
+Going from the body of Dave Dockery, Doctor Dick bent over the form of
+the wounded stranger. He found him lying in a state of coma, breathing
+heavily and apparently very badly wounded.
+
+Examining the wound Doctor Dick saw that the bullet had glanced on the
+forehead, run along under the scalp to the back of the skull and there
+cut its way out.
+
+Dressing the wound carefully, and using restoratives, the doctor soon
+had the satisfaction of discovering that his patient was rallying; and
+within an hour's time his eyes opened, and he looked about him in a
+bewildered way.
+
+Passing his hand slowly over his face, he seemed trying to get his
+scattered thoughts, for he muttered something to himself and then
+suddenly burst into a violent fit of laughter.
+
+"Great God! he will live, but as a madman," cried Doctor Dick, moved by
+the sight of the strong man's brain having been crazed by the wound he
+had received.
+
+Having made him as comfortable as possible he left Loo Foo on watch and
+went over to the saloon to report the result, and found it more crowded
+than usual.
+
+Many had assembled there who did not generally frequent the place,
+preferring the quiet of their own cabins in the evening after a hard
+day's work.
+
+These were attracted by the happenings of the day, and the tragedy was
+being discussed in all its details, with the possibilities of the
+recovery of the driver and the young passenger, and the capture of the
+bold outlaws.
+
+The fact that Dave Dockery had hinted in his note to Landlord Larry that
+he could possibly tell who the masked road-agent was, was a cause of
+considerable excitement to all, for it would doubtless fall on one in
+Last Chance to be the accused.
+
+A hush fell upon the crowd as Doctor Dick entered, and the few who were
+gambling, for there were only a few that night, left their cards on the
+table to hear what would be said.
+
+"Pards," said the doctor, in his courtly way, "I am just from my cabin,
+where I have left one of the wounded men dead, the other a madman."
+
+A breathless silence followed these words, and then a voice broke it
+with:
+
+"Doc, who is the dead man?"
+
+"Dave Dockery."
+
+A low murmur of regret and sorrow passed over the crowd, and the doctor
+added:
+
+"He died soon after reaching the cabin."
+
+"And t'other, Doc?"
+
+"The bullet struck him in the head, slightly fracturing the bone, I
+fear, indenting it and causing a loss of reason, which I fear may never
+return to him."
+
+"Poor fellow! better be dead, like poor Dave," said one, and this view
+was the thought of all.
+
+"Pards, prepare for Dave's funeral to-morrow, and out of respect for
+him, let us close the saloon to-night, for I know Landlord Larry would
+wish it so."
+
+A general murmur of assent followed, and the doctor continued:
+
+"I wish two men as couriers at once, one to carry a note to Landlord
+Larry, for he can go to the scene of the hold-up, and start on the trail
+from there as soon as it is light enough to see."
+
+"I'll go, Doc," said a cheery voice, and a young man came forward.
+
+"Thank you, Wall, go with me to my cabin and I'll give you the note.
+Now, I wish a man to go as courier to Fort Faraway, and remember it is a
+dangerous and long ride."
+
+"I hain't afeered of the danger, or the ride, Doc, so I'm yer man," said
+a burly fellow coming forward, and his words were greeted with a cheer.
+
+Doctor Dick glanced at him and then said very calmly:
+
+"Thank you, Brassy, but I do not care to accept your services."
+
+"And just why?"
+
+"In the first place, I desire to send a letter to Buffalo Bill, and you
+have expressed openly your hatred for him, and to some day even up on
+him for not allowing you to have your way in certain matters."
+
+"I doesn't allow my hates to interfere with duty."
+
+"I do not care to accept your services, Brassy."
+
+"Now, I asks a reason why?"
+
+"I have given you one."
+
+"I wants another."
+
+"Is this a demand?"
+
+"It be."
+
+"You shall have it."
+
+"Then don't beat round the bush, but have the narve to come out with it
+like a man."
+
+All looked at Brassy with amazement. He had been drinking and was
+reckless.
+
+The doctor smiled, but answered complacently:
+
+"I always answer a demand, Brassy, so will tell you frankly, that I
+would not trust you with any message whatever."
+
+The words fell pat from the lips of the doctor, and there was no
+misunderstanding them, and Brassy did not, for with a yell he shouted:
+
+"Yer shall eat them insultin' words, Doctor Dick!" and quick as action
+could be, he had drawn his revolver and fired.
+
+The crowd had fallen back from about each man at Brassy's cry, and yet
+one man caught the bullet intended for the doctor in his shoulder.
+
+It was not a second after the shot of Brassy's before the doctor's
+weapon rang out.
+
+He had not expected Brassy to open fire so quickly, so was not prepared
+for defense; but he was just so little behind him in time, that before
+the man could pull trigger a second time, he fired, and his bullet went
+straight where aimed, between the eyes of the one he intended to kill,
+when he dropped his hand upon his revolver.
+
+Brassy's pistol fired a second shot as he fell, but it was from the
+death clutch upon the trigger, and the bullet went over the heads of the
+crowd, while instantly was heard the doctor's quiet tones:
+
+"Come, men, who volunteers as courier to Faraway?"
+
+A young man stepped promptly forward and answered:
+
+"I was a soldier at Faraway, sir, and know the trail. I will go."
+
+"You are the very man, Harding; come with Wall to my cabin. Good night,
+gentlemen, and remember, I pay the expenses of Brassy's funeral, so do
+not be mean in his burial outfit."
+
+With this Doctor Dick raised his sombrero and left the saloon, his
+admirers being still more impressed with his nerve and bearing after
+what had occurred.
+
+The body of Brassy was removed to his cabin by those who were his
+friends, and all agreed that he had brought his sudden fate upon
+himself, as the first reason given, of his hatred to Buffalo Bill, was
+excuse enough for refusing him as a courier.
+
+The saloon was closed, and the other gambling and drinking-places
+followed the example set and also closed their doors for the night, so
+that quiet soon rested in the mining-camp of Last Chance.
+
+In the meanwhile Doctor Dick, accompanied by Wall and Harding, had gone
+to his quarters, where Loo Foo was found making a cup of tea, alone with
+the dead and wounded, and seemingly unmindful of the fact.
+
+Entering the cabin the doctor drew the blanket back from the form of
+Dave Dockery and revealed to the two couriers the honest, brave face of
+the driver.
+
+"Poor Dave! He is on his last trail now," he said softly, and seating
+himself at his table he hastily wrote two letters. One read:
+
+     "DEAR LARRY: Dave died soon after reaching my cabin. If
+     you do not find trace of the outlaws by sunset, it
+     would be well to return sooner, if you can get no clue
+     whatever.
+
+     "I send Harding to Fort Faraway, with a note to Buffalo
+     Bill, as I promised to do, if there was another hold-up
+     on the Overland Trail.
+
+     "I had to kill Brassy to-night, but Ball will explain
+     the circumstances.
+
+     "Get back to poor Dave's funeral at sunset to-morrow,
+     if possible.
+
+     "I closed saloon to-night out of respect to Dave.
+
+     "The young passenger will be a madman if he recovers.
+
+     Yours, DOCTOR DICK."
+
+The note to Buffalo Bill told of the hold-up on the stage-trail, the
+death of one passenger, wounding of another, and killing of Dave
+Dockery, and closed with:
+
+     "Landlord Larry is on the trail of the outlaws, and all
+     will be done to hunt them down that it is possible to
+     do.
+
+     "I will drive the coach back on the run, and until
+     another driver can be found.
+
+     "If you cannot come now, state what you think best to
+     be done and it will be attended to.
+
+     "Yours, DOCTOR DICK."
+
+The couriers left as soon as the letters were finished, and having seen
+them depart Doctor Dick went over to the hotel to get his supper, which
+Loo Foo had ordered for him, after which he returned, looked at his
+patient, gave him a dose of medicine, and, throwing himself upon his
+bed, was soon fast asleep, wholly oblivious it seemed of the dead man
+and the sufferer within a few feet of him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A STRANGE BURIAL.
+
+
+The courier on the trail of Landlord Larry found him and his
+half-hundred miners trailing the mountains and valleys over in search of
+some trace of the coming of the road-agents to the scene of the tragedy,
+and their going therefrom.
+
+But the search of the evening before, and up to the arrival of Wall at
+noon, when they had gone into camp, had been wholly in vain.
+
+Not a hoof-track could be found of the road-agents' horses, nor a place
+where they had lain in wait until the stage came along.
+
+Landlord Larry was not one to waste energy upon impossibilities, and
+after reading Doctor Dick's letter he decided to return with his men to
+Last Chance.
+
+They set out soon after the midday rest and arrived in Last Chance just
+as all was in readiness for the burial of Dave Dockery and Brassy, for a
+double funeral was to be had.
+
+The landlord dismissed his men and went at once to the quarters of
+Doctor Dick, who greeted him warmly and asked:
+
+"Any success?"
+
+"Not a bit."
+
+"Too bad."
+
+"We could not find the photograph of a trail and to search longer was a
+waste of time, so as the men wished to go to Dave's funeral, I just came
+in."
+
+"It was about all you could do under the circumstances, Larry."
+
+"I see that they have got the corpse you furnished rigged out for burial
+too."
+
+"Brassy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why not, for he has a number of friends?"
+
+"Don't fear no trouble, do yer?"
+
+"No, I think not, for Brassy prescribed for himself and I administered
+the medicine."
+
+"Served him right for playing with edged tools."
+
+"I will not say that, poor fellow, for life was dear to him; but he
+should have been more careful."
+
+"We will go together to the burial."
+
+"By all means, and I'll give my friends a hint to be ready if Brassy's
+pards go to showing an ugly mood, while you will go prepared, Doc?"
+
+"I always am," was the laconic response.
+
+"Now, how's yer sick man?"
+
+"He will recover bodily, but never mentally I fear."
+
+"I'm sorry," and Landlord Larry went to prepare for the burial.
+
+In half an hour all was ready to start, and Doctor Dick and Landlord
+Larry were given the places of honor at the procession, or rather just
+following what was called "the band," and which consisted of a dozen men
+who _sang_, the leader alone playing on a cornet.
+
+Following the doctor and Landlord Larry, came the eight men bearing the
+body of Dave Dockery on a litter on their shoulders.
+
+The body was encased in a board coffin, and behind followed eight men
+carrying the body of Brassy.
+
+Following were the miners, marching eight abreast, and in solid column,
+nearly a thousand men being in line, and among them were led the horses
+which Dave Dockery was wont to drive, his belt of arms, hat, and whip
+being carried on top of his coffin.
+
+Up the cañon to the cemetery beneath the cliffs filed the column at
+funeral pace, keeping time to the splendid voices, that changed from air
+to air as they marched along, and which echoed and reechoed among the
+hills.
+
+The burying-ground was reached, the bodies placed by the side of the
+graves dug for them, and Landlord Larry consigned them to their last
+resting-place by repeating the words of the burial service over them, no
+partiality being shown.
+
+But when the coffin, with the weapons, hat, and whip of Dave Dockery was
+lowered into the grave, hundreds of bold, brawny men stepped forward and
+threw in upon it benches of wild flowers they had gathered, and when
+filled up, the little mound was covered from view by these sweet
+offerings of manly regard for the dead driver, while in strange contrast
+was the barren grave of Brassy, for his immediate friends had not
+thought of gathering flowers, there being no sentiment in his death.
+
+Doctor Dick looked calmly on, and perhaps it was his stern, fearless
+mien that stayed the trouble that several of Brassy's pards seemed to
+have decided upon there in the sacred resting-place of the dead,
+perhaps the belief that they would be quickly sent to join their
+comrade, for they created no disturbance, only with a significant glance
+at the gold-king gambler turned and walked away with the bearing of men
+who would bide their time to avenge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE COURIER.
+
+
+The man who had volunteered to take the long and dangerous ride to Fort
+Faraway, to carry a letter to Buffalo Bill, had ridden along steadily
+after leaving Last Chance, until a couple of hours before day. Then he
+halted, staked his horse out, and, wrapping himself in his blanket, went
+to sleep.
+
+For several hours he slept serenely, then awaking he cooked his
+breakfast and was soon again in the saddle.
+
+He seemed to understand frontier craft perfectly, and to appreciate just
+what his horse could stand, so did not press him too hard.
+
+Camping at nightfall, he was again on the trail at daybreak, and held
+steadily on during the day.
+
+Another night-camp and he rode into Fort Faraway the next morning before
+the hour of noon.
+
+He was directed at once to the quarters of Buffalo Bill, and though,
+having been a soldier there, he recognized many old friends, he saw
+that, dressed as he then was, and with his beard grown, the recognition
+was not mutual.
+
+But the moment he entered the presence of Buffalo Bill he was recognized
+and warmly greeted, for the scout had always liked the young soldier,
+who had been given his discharge on account of a severe wound received
+in an Indian fight, which it was thought would render him lame for life.
+
+"Well, Harding, I am glad to see you, and you deserve credit for the
+plucky ride you have made. How is the old wound getting on now?"
+
+"All right, Bill, for I am not at all lame, I am glad to say."
+
+"And you are getting rich, I suppose?"
+
+"Well, no, but I have laid up some money in mining, only I cannot stand
+upon my wounded leg long at a time, and so I am going to ask you to take
+me on as a scout under your command, if you can do so."
+
+"Harding, you are just the man I want, and you are in that very place
+where I need you, so you can return to your mine, and pretend to work as
+before, for there is where I wish you to serve me, since I received this
+letter from Doctor Dick."
+
+"Thank you, Pard Cody, for your kindness, and will be glad to do as you
+wish; but may I ask a favor?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"It is that no one knows that I am in your service, not even Landlord
+Larry or Doctor Dick, for I can work better, I am sure."
+
+"It might be a good idea to have it so, and it shall be as you wish, for
+you can do better work as a spy, and I have full confidence in you,
+Harding. But we will talk over just what it is best to do when I have
+reported to Major Randall the holding up of the coach and killing of
+Dave Dockery and the others."
+
+Buffalo Bill then left the courier and went to headquarters, where he
+held a long conversation with the commandant of the post.
+
+Returning to his own quarters he said to Harding, who was awaiting him:
+
+"Well, pard, the major has heard the whole story, and he has left it to
+me to go in my own way about running down these road-agents, for, though
+only one was seen, there were evidently more at the hold-up."
+
+"I do not doubt that, for one man would be a bold one to alone make an
+open attempt to hold up a coach with Dave Dockery on the box, and
+knowing that he had passengers with him."
+
+"Well, Harding, you are to return to Last Chance, and give letters I
+will write to Landlord Larry, and I wish you to go to work in my
+service, and secret service it must be, for what you do must be
+underhand, no one knowing that you are doing else than carrying on your
+mining as before. I will give you a paper which will protect you, for
+Major Randall will endorse it officially, and you can use it in case of
+trouble, or necessity; not otherwise."
+
+"I thank you, friend Bill, and I'll be discreet, I promise you; but now
+there is another thing I wish to tell you, and to ask what you think of
+it."
+
+"Well, what is it, Harding?"
+
+"Do you believe that Sergeant Wallace Weston is dead?" was the query, in
+a low, earnest tone.
+
+Buffalo Bill started at the unexpected question asked him, and gazing
+intently at Harding, asked:
+
+"Why do you ask such a question, Harding?"
+
+"I will tell you when you answer my question, Mr. Cody."
+
+"Whether I believe Sergeant Wallace Weston dead?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I do."
+
+"You have good reason for believing it, then?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"Please tell me what it is."
+
+"As you have some motive above curiosity in asking, I will do so,
+Harding," and Buffalo Bill told the whole story of Sergeant Weston's
+escape from execution, and the finding of a body in his uniform upon the
+desert, and burying it. But he added:
+
+"I confess, Harding, after a talk with Doctor Dick upon the subject, I
+was led to doubt to a certain degree the death of the sergeant, and even
+followed a trail which I supposed was his."
+
+"With what result, sir?"
+
+"That we found the trail led to a mine which had caved in and crushed
+the cabin home of those who dwelt there!"
+
+"When was this, sir?"
+
+"Only a short time ago."
+
+"Do you mind giving me the date?"
+
+Buffalo Bill took a note-book from his pocket and gave the exact date.
+
+"Now, Harding, you have some knowledge upon this subject; a secret to
+tell."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Out with it."
+
+"You will keep it in confidence, between us two?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You know that the sergeant was my friend, that he had saved my life
+twice in battle, and I loved him as I did a brother?"
+
+"I remember."
+
+"No man knew him better than I did in the fort, for we were boon
+comrades for over a year, and I knew his features perfectly, as well as
+other marks of identification."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"The sergeant had one mark that he was sensitive about, and kept hidden
+from all, though I saw it several times."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"He had a peculiar way of dressing his hair, with a curl hanging over
+his forehead."
+
+"I remember it."
+
+"Beneath that curl, sir, was a birthmark."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"It was a red cross an inch in length, and perfect in shape."
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Yes, and I saw that same mark on a man's forehead a few days before the
+date you say that Sergeant Weston, if it was he, was buried in the
+caved-in mine."
+
+"Ah! and where did you see it?"
+
+"I had gone to Wingate by coach, sir, to collect some money due me from
+several soldiers there, and in the sutler's store I saw a man whose face
+I was sure I had seen before.
+
+"He wore his hair and beard long, and seemed to stoop badly, or was
+round-shouldered, but the form otherwise was the same, so were the eyes
+and shape of the head, and he had a round gold filling the size of a
+pin's head in one of the front teeth.
+
+"Reading a letter that seemed to impress him, he took off his hat and
+pushed his hair back, and I saw the red cross on his forehead. I went up
+to see him as though to attract his attention, but he looked at me as
+though he had never seen me before, yet his face flushed and paled as he
+looked.
+
+"Now, Mr. Cody, that man was Sergeant Weston, and I'll swear to it, but
+I would not tell any other man than you, for if he escaped death no one
+is more glad of it than I, unless----"
+
+"Unless what, Harding?"
+
+"Unless, a poor man, and a hunted one, he turned road-agent and was the
+man who held up the coach, killing Dave Dockery."
+
+"No, Harding, I can hardly believe that of him, and then, too, the coach
+was just held up, and this man, with his pard, perished in the cave-in
+of their mine."
+
+"You are sure?"
+
+"I cannot see reason to doubt it, but now that you tell me what you do,
+the man who saved me from the gang of Headlight Joe, and then went on
+his way, recalled a face I could not place, and now I am sure that it
+was Sergeant Weston; but he too had round shoulders, while the sergeant
+did not have, and yet he was then on his way to Wingate, and it was upon
+his return that I followed his trail."
+
+"Well, sir, if it was in my power to capture Sergeant Weston, never
+would I lay hand upon him, and I believe you feel the same way, unless
+it was your orders to do so. Still, somehow, the thought came to me
+that, a fugitive, and friendless, he might have turned outlaw."
+
+"I do not think so, and I am sure now that, if it was Weston who came to
+my aid, and whom you saw, he perished in the mine; but now let us go
+over what I wish you to do, and my plan to run down these road-agents,
+who I am sure are from Last Chance Claim and nowhere else," said Buffalo
+Bill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE.
+
+
+A pall seemed to have fallen over Last Chance, in the death of Dave
+Dockery, and its life began to flag in gloom. Seeing this, and fearing
+that the hold-up of the coach might injure the mines, Landlord Larry
+decided to get up a scheme to attract outsiders to the mines, and so the
+rumor went out of a large find of gold in one of the cañons near the
+town.
+
+A couple of miners only were put there to work it, and the claim was
+known as the Doctor Dick Mine, as the gold king at once bought from the
+landlord a half-interest in it.
+
+This news stirred the miners to increased exertions in their own mines,
+and also caused prospectors to go out on the search for new "finds."
+
+The wounded passenger continued to steadily improve bodily, under the
+skill and kind care of Doctor Dick, but his mind was a wreck, and no one
+believed that he would ever regain his reason.
+
+Doctor Dick hinted at an operation some day that might relieve the
+pressure upon the brain, yet spoke of it also as an experiment and a
+dangerous one, only to be tried as a last resort.
+
+The man was as docile as a child, gave no trouble, and simply sat about
+whittling sticks into the shape of a revolver.
+
+At last the week passed by, when the stage was to start again upon its
+run eastward.
+
+A number of miners had volunteered as an escort, but Doctor Dick said he
+would drive on the run out and come back as a passenger; and he did not
+expect trouble, so would not accept an armed escort.
+
+The night before the stage was to start, Harding, the courier to Fort
+Faraway, returned. He brought with him a letter from Buffalo Bill to
+Doctor Dick, and another for Landlord Larry, stating that the troops at
+the fort were pressed just then with extra duty, as the Indians were in
+an angry mood, and for them to do what they could for the protection of
+the coaches until Major Randall could investigate and patrol the trail.
+
+Harding had little to say of his visit to the fort, more than to hint
+that the soldiers were too much occupied just then with their own
+affairs to care much for the killing of a stage-driver and couple of
+passengers.
+
+As no Government funds had been taken by the outlaws, the miners would
+have to look to their own protection, for a while at least.
+
+The courier also stated that there were stories at the fort of secret
+finds of gold in and about Last Chance, and he would give up his
+intention, expressed some time before, of selling out his mining
+interests, and instead, stick to hard work, in the hope of striking it
+rich in the end.
+
+The next morning the coach was to start, and as it was to go out at an
+early hour many of the miners decided to remain up all night gambling in
+order to see it leave; for it would be the Sabbath day, when they could
+rest.
+
+Doctor Dick had been too busy of late with his patient and other matters
+to devote much time to gambling, and so he also decided to make a night
+of it at the gambling-tables.
+
+When the dawn came many regretted that he had done so, for never had he
+played more recklessly, and never before had he been such a large
+winner, for luck seemed to go his way from the start.
+
+Play what game he might he was a winner, and going from table to table
+he "broke the combination," as one of the miners expressed it.
+
+The dawn was at hand when he went to his cabin for a bath, and in half
+an hour he came back to the hotel for breakfast, looking little like a
+man who had passed the night over a gambling-table.
+
+He was dressed in his best, was well armed, and coming out from a hearty
+breakfast lighted a cigar, and mounted to the stage-box at a single
+bound, an act that gained for him a cheer upon his agility.
+
+"All ready, Landlord Larry," he called out as he gathered up the reins,
+and the answer was:
+
+"No passengers, mails aboard, go!"
+
+Doctor Dick gathered up the reins in a way that showed him a master of
+the art of driving.
+
+He looked very dashing and handsome, as he sat on the box, his long hair
+falling upon his shoulders and his face showing no dread of what he
+might have to encounter upon his run.
+
+With a wave of the hand at the word, "go," he gave his whip-lash a quick
+whirl, and made the crack resound like a pistol-shot.
+
+The six horses bounded forward, and a wild yell of admiration of the
+volunteer driver's pluck went up from the crowd.
+
+As the coach rolled down the valley the miners came out from their
+cabins and gave him a cheer, and it was a constant yell along the line
+until he had left the last camp behind him.
+
+The six fine horses had been sent along at a rapid pace until the camps
+were left behind, the doctor showing his great skill as a driver in
+dashing over places, and around corners where others had found it safer
+to go slow; but when the last cabin disappeared the team was brought
+down to a jog, for the way was long before them.
+
+The scene of the last tragedy was passed at a walk, the doctor glancing
+calmly at the spot where Dave Dockery had lost his life, along with his
+passengers.
+
+The first relay was made, and the stock-tender there, who had heard the
+news of the hold-up from Landlord Larry's men when searching for the
+road-agents, expressed pleasure at seeing the coach come in safe and
+with Doctor Dick upon the box.
+
+"Anything suspicious about, pard?" asked the doctor.
+
+"No, sir, hain't seen a man around since poor Dave went by on the last
+run, which was his last run on earth."
+
+"Yes, poor fellow, he is gone."
+
+"You doesn't mean ter say that yer is going ter drive ther run, Doc?"
+
+"Only on this trip, pard, for I have other work to do; but there was no
+one at Last Chance to take the coach out, so I volunteered."
+
+"And you has the nerve ter run through, while yer handles ther ribbons
+as though yer was born on a stage-box. But yer'll find drivers scarce at
+t'other end, Doctor Dick, or I'm greatly mistook."
+
+"I hope not;" and the fresh team being ready, the doctor pushed on once
+more.
+
+The second relay-station was reached at noon, and here Doctor Dick had
+his dinner.
+
+He had come over the worst part of the road, as far as danger from
+attack was concerned, but had fifty miles yet before him, where a halt
+was always made for the night, as there was a cañon there to go through
+which could only be driven in daylight, and the relay of horses taken in
+the morning had to pull on into the station at the end of the ran for
+the driver on the Last Chance end of the line.
+
+But the doctor reached what was known as Cañon-end Station soon after
+dark, and after supper turned in in one of the cots in the cabin
+provided for passengers, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+He was up at an early hour, had breakfast, lighted his cigar, and with a
+spanking fine team took the perilous run through the cañon at a trot,
+driving the twenty miles that ended his run in a little over three
+hours.
+
+The stage rolling in at a brisk pace to the station at W----, was
+greeted with cheers, for the news had come from Fort Faraway the day
+before of Dave Dockery's death, the killing of one passenger, wounding
+of another, and the robbery of the coach.
+
+The brave man who had dared drive through was greeted with cheers, but
+he had hardly dismounted from the box when he was informed that he
+would have to drive back, as there was no driver there who would take
+the risk at any price.
+
+Other drivers had been sent for, men who were afraid of nothing, but no
+one had yet been found who would drive the run to Last Chance, which had
+been set down in the frontier vocabulary as the Sure-death Trail.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+RUNNING THE GANTLET.
+
+
+Doctor Dick agreed to drive the coach back on condition that the driver
+who came to take charge should come on to Last Chance on horseback and
+be ready to come back with it.
+
+He had shown that he did not fear the drive, but his business and
+professional duties demanded that he should be at Last Chance, and there
+he must remain.
+
+He was secretly told by the agent that there was a valuable mail to go
+through in registered letters, and asked if he dared risk carrying them.
+
+"By all means, sir, for I am driving to do my full duty," was the
+answer.
+
+So the mail was made up, and at the last moment two passengers applied
+for seats.
+
+They were strangers in W----, but said they were going to Last Chance to
+work in the mines, and they were accordingly given seats upon the box,
+as they preferred to ride outside.
+
+Then the coach started on its return to Last Chance with Doctor Dick
+still holding the reins.
+
+Having driven over the run once, and knowing what his relay teams could
+do, he started out to make the regular time on the run.
+
+But there was alarm felt at Last Chance when half an hour had passed
+over schedule-time and the coach did not put in an appearance, and
+nothing was seen of it on the three miles of trail visible down the
+valley.
+
+When an hour had passed the anxiety became great, for all conjectured
+that Doctor Dick had met the fate of Bud Benton and Dave Dockery.
+
+Some said that the delay was because the doctor was new on the road, and
+this appeared to be a reasonable explanation, but Landlord Larry grew
+more and more anxious, and at last decided to go out with a party on a
+search for the delayed coach.
+
+But, just as the men were told to get their horses, a shout arose down
+the valley that the coach was approaching, and soon after a cloud of
+dust was visible drifting along the stage-trail.
+
+A shout arose, for it showed that at least some one was there, whatever
+had happened, to drive the coach in.
+
+Then those who had said the delay was caused by the doctor being new to
+the trail began to crow, but only for a while, as Landlord Larry, who
+was gazing through a field-glass at the approaching stage, called out:
+
+"There are only four horses--two are missing, for some reason."
+
+It was now all conjecture as to the cause of delay. Again Landlord Larry
+had something to say, and it was to the effect that the coach was not
+dashing along with its accustomed speed in coming in at the end of the
+trail, that Doctor Dick was on the box, and alone, while he seemed to
+drive in a very careful manner, very different from his going away on
+his drive out.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the coach up the valley, every eye upon it, and
+all wondering, guessing, and asserting their views of what had happened.
+
+"The doctor is there, that is certain," said one.
+
+"Two horses have been killed," another remarked.
+
+"He may have lost them in the bad roads," was an answer.
+
+"Perhaps they were shot down by road-agents."
+
+"He has no passengers."
+
+"See how he drives."
+
+"He comes on as slow as a snail."
+
+"See, he is driving with one hand."
+
+"What does that mean?"
+
+"His left hand is hanging by his side."
+
+"He has surely been wounded."
+
+And so the comments ran around, as all stood watching the coming coach,
+which half an hour after coming in sight rolled up to the hotel, came to
+a halt and was greeted with a wild chorus of cheers from the assembled
+miners.
+
+The crowd that gazed at Doctor Dick saw that his handsome face was very
+pale, his eyes had a haggard look, and his teeth were firmly set. They
+knew that he had passed through some dread ordeal, and a silence fell
+upon all, awaiting for him to speak.
+
+They saw that his left arm was carried in a sling, his handkerchief
+knotted around his neck, and that a red stain was upon his sleeve.
+Furthermore, they saw that the two wheel-horses were missing, the center
+pair having been put back in their place.
+
+Upon opening the stage door to see if there were any passengers,
+Landlord Larry started back as the dead form of a man pitched out on his
+head.
+
+The door being open it was seen that a second form was in the coach, all
+in a heap in one corner.
+
+There were red stains upon the steps, and upon the leather cushions, and
+everything indicated that the stage had run a death-gantlet.
+
+But, excepting for his pale, stern face, the doctor was as serene as a
+May morn, though his voice showed weakness when he spoke.
+
+"I'll ask your aid, landlord, for I am weakened from loss of blood. Bind
+my arm up to stop the flow and I'll see how serious the wound is."
+
+He said no more, but was at once aided from the box and over to his
+cabin, Landlord Larry leaving his clerk to look after the mails and the
+dead passengers.
+
+Arriving at the cabin Doctor Dick had his coat-sleeve slit open and the
+bandage he had tied about his arm removed.
+
+His silk shirt-sleeve was also cut, and then the wound was revealed in
+the fleshy part of the arm.
+
+Taking a probe from his case Doctor Dick, after swallowing a glass of
+brandy, coolly probed the wound, found the ball, and, aided by Loo Foo,
+the Chinee, under his direction, soon extracted the bullet.
+
+Then the wound was skilfully dressed, the arm rested in a sling, and
+Doctor Dick lolling back in his easy chair asked with the greatest
+coolness:
+
+"Well, Landlord Larry, how goes all at Last Chance?"
+
+The landlord was amazed at the calmness of the man, and said quickly:
+
+"Oh, Last Chance is O. K.; but it is your run that we are dying to hear
+about, Doc."
+
+"Well, it was a close call for me, Larry, I admit, for I found foes
+where I expected friends."
+
+"You were held up?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"At what you have very appropriately named the Dead Line, Larry."
+
+"The place where Bud and Dave were killed?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It was the masked road-agents?"
+
+"Not this time."
+
+"Ah! who then?"
+
+"I did not form their acquaintance by name, but perhaps a search of the
+bodies may reveal."
+
+"You killed them?"
+
+"Two."
+
+"Where are the bodies?"
+
+"I brought them along in the coach."
+
+"I thought they were passengers who had been killed?"
+
+"They were."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"They left W---- booked as passengers, but reached Last Chance as
+dead-head road-agents."
+
+"Now I begin to understand. It was your two passengers who attacked
+you?"
+
+"Just so."
+
+"It is a wonder that they did not kill you."
+
+"They would easily have done so, had I not suspected them: but I grew
+suspicious, and without appearing to do so, watched their every look
+and move. When we drew near the Dead Line, they said they would lie down
+on top of the coach and rest, so they spread their blankets and did so.
+
+"I thought this strange, as just before I had told them we were
+approaching the scene of the hold-ups. But I kept my eye upon them, and,
+as we neared the cliff, the sun shone brightly down and I distinctly saw
+the shadows of the two men as they arose and drew their revolvers.
+
+"I drew mine as quick as a flash, turned, and caught this shot in the
+arm, while a second bullet whizzed by my head."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A MAN'S NERVE.
+
+
+The doctor paused in his story, as though recalling the thrilling scene
+which had so nearly cost him his life, and a sad look came into his eyes
+as though he felt that his mission seemed ever to kill.
+
+So lost was he in thought, that Landlord Larry had to recall him to his
+story by saying:
+
+"It was a very close call for you, Doc."
+
+"A close call indeed, and, but for the shadows on the cliff, revealing
+the hostility of my two passengers, my death would have followed. But my
+discovery of their intention, and quickness in facing them, disconcerted
+them both, destroying their aim, close as they were to me."
+
+"They did not fire again?"
+
+"Oh, yes; several shots, two of which killed my wheelers; but I got in
+my work by firing two shots, also."
+
+"Killing them?"
+
+"Yes, for you will find my bullet-brands in their foreheads. The horses
+had started forward at the shots, and as the wheelers fell, the coach
+gave a lurch which sent the two men from the top to the ground just as I
+fired on them.
+
+"I quieted my team, and first bound my arm up as tightly as I could to
+stop the flow of blood, and then, dismounting, picked up the two dead
+men, threw them into the coach, and drove on.
+
+"Of course my wounded arm gave me more and more trouble, and I could
+drive only very slowly with one hand, and hence my delay in arrival. But
+I got in without being robbed, which I am very glad of, for there is a
+large registered mail on this run.
+
+"Now I will have Loo Foo fetch me some supper and retire, for I am about
+played out, and you can search the two men and let me know the result in
+the morning. But one minute--how is my patient?"
+
+"Bodily all right, but his mind, as you said would be the case, is
+gone."
+
+"Poor fellow! Good night, Larry, and hurry Loo Foo over with my supper,
+please."
+
+Landlord Larry bade Doctor Dick good night and departed, more than ever
+impressed with the idea that the gold king gambler was a very remarkable
+man.
+
+Going to his hotel Landlord Larry found nearly every denizen of Last
+Chance awaiting him, and a suppressed excitement was apparent in all.
+
+The two bodies had been taken into the hotel office, to await the coming
+of the landlord, and there they lay covered with a blanket. The moment
+Landlord Larry was seen, coming from the cabin of Doctor Dick, cries
+arose of:
+
+"Speech! speech!
+
+"Tell the news, landlord!" and so on.
+
+Larry mounted to the piazza of the hotel and in a few words told the
+story of Doctor Dick's running the gantlet and the nerve he had shown in
+the ordeal he had passed through.
+
+"Oh, he's got ther narve of Old Nick, as we all knows," cried a miner,
+and this intended compliment was acquiesced in by one and all.
+
+Having learned the news the miners adjourned to the saloons and the
+toasts for the next few hours were to:
+
+"Doctor Dick, a man o' narve from Wayback."
+
+Until a late hour the miners drank and gambled, and then, toward dawn,
+quiet reigned in the camps, broken only now and then by a yell from some
+man who was too full of liquor to go to sleep.
+
+The next morning, greatly to the delight of all, Doctor Dick appeared at
+breakfast and received an ovation. Loo Foo had dressed his wounded arm,
+and though sore, it was all right, Doctor Dick said, yet he was pale
+from loss of blood.
+
+After breakfast he mounted his horse and took the rounds to see his
+patients, and everywhere he was greeted with a welcome that could not
+but flatter him.
+
+But the two weeks before date for the return of the coach--for the runs
+were semimonthly--passed away and no driver appeared from W---- to take
+the stage out. It began to look very much as though Doctor Dick would
+have to again take the reins.
+
+The search of the dead bodies of the two road-agents had revealed
+nothing as to their identity, for, excepting their weapons, a little
+money, some odds and ends in their pockets, they had nothing of value
+about them, and they were buried at the expense of Doctor Dick, who
+would have it so, as he very laconically remarked:
+
+"As I killed them, I should pay their expenses when they are unable to
+do so."
+
+At last the day for the starting of the coach came round, and Doctor
+Dick, as no one else volunteered, expressed his willingness to take the
+reins, though he remarked:
+
+"This will be the last run I shall make, so you must get a man here,
+Landlord Larry, to go, if I do not bring one back with me from W----."
+
+And once more Doctor Dick rolled away with a cheer from his admirers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A VOLUNTEER.
+
+
+Doctor Dick had an uneventful run to W----, and arrived without accident
+or delay on time at the end of his journey. He was well received, but
+the stage-agent told him that not a volunteer had put in an appearance
+for the place of driver. Double the price had been offered, but there
+were no takers, and the agent added:
+
+"You must find some daredevil at Last Chance who is willing to risk his
+life upon the box, while rest assured, Doctor Dick, I have reported your
+noble service for the company in its need and it will be appreciated."
+
+"I do not care for pay, or thanks, only I wish to be relieved of a duty
+I do not like, especially as it interferes with my own work," was the
+answer.
+
+Just before the time came for the starting of the coach a horseman rode
+up and dismounted at the stage office. He was an odd-looking individual,
+tall, but with a hump on his back, awkward in gait, and dressed in
+buckskin leggings and hunting-shirt.
+
+His hair was long, very long, bushy, and would have been white but for
+its soiled appearance, and he had it cropped, or banged in front like an
+Indian, or fashionable young miss, to keep it out of his eyes.
+
+His face was clean-shaven, but the hue of leather, and he wore a pair of
+iron-rimmed spectacles.
+
+His slouch-hat was worn in reality, for the rim fell down upon his
+shoulders, save in front where the flap was turned up and fastened with
+an army-button.
+
+He was armed with a pair of old, but serviceable revolvers, an
+ugly-looking bowie-knife with a deer-horn handle, and a combined rifle
+and shotgun, double-barreled.
+
+His horse was as queer as his master in appearance, being a large,
+raw-boned animal, with patches of hair upon him, a long tangled mane and
+tail, and he was unshod, though his hoofs looked as tough as iron.
+
+The saddle was also a back number, and the stake-rope served for a
+bridle as well. A lariat hung at the saddle-horn, also a hatchet, and in
+a large rubber blanket was rolled his bedding, while a bag contained a
+coffee-pot, frying-pan, tin cup, plate, and some provisions.
+
+He looked the crowd over as he drew rein, and asked quietly:
+
+"Who's boss o' this layout?"
+
+"I am," and the stage-agent stepped forward.
+
+"I hears thet yer wants a man ter drive yer old hearse on ther trail ter
+Last Chance and back."
+
+"I do."
+
+"I'm yer huckleberry."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yas, me."
+
+"Are you a driver?"
+
+"Ef I wasn't I'd not be sich a durned fool as ter trust myself on a
+two-story hearse, pard."
+
+"Who sent you here?"
+
+"Nobody, for I hain't one ter be sent."
+
+"Where did you come from?"
+
+"Ther up-country, whar I has been trappin', huntin', prospectin', and
+killin' a Injin or two--see!"
+
+"And now you wish to turn stage-driver?"
+
+"If it pays what they told me at Fort Faraway I does."
+
+"The pay is good; but have you no references?"
+
+"Yas."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Here."
+
+The old man put his hands upon his revolvers and drew them with a
+lightninglike motion that surprised the lookers-on.
+
+"They are pretty good references on a pinch, and you may have cause to
+use them if you drive this trail."
+
+"I has used them before, and I guess I kin do it ag'in," was the quiet
+response.
+
+"When could you begin?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Old Huckleberry, but the boys calls me old Huck for short; but durn
+ther name, call me what yer wants ter, and I'll be thar."
+
+"Well, Pard Huckleberry, I rather like your style, and have a mind to
+give you a trial."
+
+"Ef yer kin do better, don't do it; but if yer can't, count on me, for
+as I said afore, I'm yer huckleberry, and ready for the game."
+
+Doctor Dick had been closely looking at the old volunteer and said
+something in a whisper to the stage-agent, who at once said:
+
+"I'll take you, and the time for starting is almost up."
+
+"I'm ready, only take care of my horse at my expense," and the volunteer
+dismounted ready for work.
+
+When old Huckleberry mounted the stage-box, Doctor Dick yielded to him
+the reins, which he seized in a somewhat awkward manner, yet with the
+air of one who knew just what to do; took the whip, gave it a resounding
+crack, and started off at a brisk pace.
+
+There were four passengers inside, all miners going to Last Chance,
+lured there by the rumor of richer mines having been found, for the
+stories were circulating more and more that there were rich finds being
+discovered there every day.
+
+"That man knows how to handle the reins as well as the best of them, old
+though he may be, and a trifle awkward," said the stage-agent, as he saw
+the volunteer driver sending his team along, at a slapping pace, in
+spite of the fact that the trail was none of the best along there.
+
+The coach soon disappeared from the sight of those at W----, made the
+night halt on time, and as soon as he had had his supper the new driver
+wrapped himself in his blankets and threw himself down outdoors,
+declining the invitation of the stock-tender to sleep in the cabin.
+
+He was on his box on time the next morning, and with Doctor Dick by his
+side, went off on his run.
+
+He was a man disposed to silence, for he did not speak often, unless
+Doctor Dick addressed him. But he would ask now and then about the
+trails, and showed some interest in the gambler-king's stories of the
+different road-agents' attacks upon the way to Last Chance.
+
+He greeted the stock-tenders at the relay-stations pleasantly, said he
+hoped to be with them for some time, and kept the team at the pace set
+for schedule-time.
+
+Passing the scenes of the several tragedies, he drew rein for a few
+minutes and attentively regarded the surroundings, but drove on again
+without a word of comment.
+
+Doctor Dick had become more and more interested in the strange driver,
+had told him all he could about the trail, the time to make going and
+coming, and was anxious to have him make no mistakes, he said.
+
+He tried to draw him out time and again, but in vain. All he could learn
+from him was that he had lived for many years upon the frontier and
+preferred to do so for reasons best known to himself.
+
+He said he was trapper, Indian-fighter, hunter, and prospector, that was
+all, and he tried to do his duty in every work he undertook. More he
+would not say of himself, and the doctor gave up trying to "pump" him.
+
+When the coach came in sight of Last Chance, old Huckleberry showed no
+satisfaction at having made the run in safety, or excitement at driving
+in for the first time.
+
+He quickened the pace of his team, handled his reins with a skill that
+won the admiration, as he had all along, of Doctor Dick, and at last
+came to a halt before the hotel with a whoop and the words:
+
+"Here we be, boss!"
+
+Doctor Dick introduced old Huckleberry from the box, as soon as the
+cheer that greeted their arrival had died away.
+
+"Pards, I is glad ter know yer, and I greets yer," and with this old
+Huckleberry dismounted from the box and asked at once for the
+"feed-room."
+
+He ate his supper with a relish, smoked his pipe, and, declining a bed
+in the hotel, saying it would smother him to sleep in between walls,
+took an ax and hatchet, with a few nails, and, going up on the hillside
+where there was a thicket, soon built for himself a wickiup that would
+keep him sheltered even in a storm.
+
+He carried his few traps there, and then stuck up a notice which read:
+"Old Huckleberry's Claim."
+
+Having completed his quarters, he strolled about among the saloons and
+gambling-dens, watched the playing, but neither drank nor gambled, and
+at last, tiring of looking on, went to his roost and turned in for the
+night, an object of curiosity to all, yet also of admiration, for a man
+who would volunteer to drive the coach over that trail was one to
+command respect in Last Chance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE WAY IT WAS DONE.
+
+
+The new driver drove the run to W--- for several round trips, and not
+once was he held up.
+
+He made the regular time, drove without any accident whatever, attended
+to his business, associated with no one, or, that is, to be on intimate
+terms with any one, not even Doctor Dick, and still slept in his little
+shelter on the hill.
+
+He had fitted this up more comfortably, and said that he felt perfectly
+at home there, while on his return from W---- he had led his horse back
+behind the coach, wishing to have him at Last Chance, where his stay was
+always two weeks, for there was only a day's stop at the other end of
+the run.
+
+He was wont to go on long hunts, mounted upon Rawbones, as he called his
+horse, and he kept Landlord Larry well supplied with game.
+
+One day as old Huckleberry was returning to Last Chance, and neared the
+Dead Line, the scene of the other hold-up, he suddenly threw his rifle
+to his shoulder and sent a shower of buckshot into a thicket ahead.
+
+A rifle-bullet from the other barrel was sent to the other side, and the
+whip was brought down upon his team in a way that put them into a run.
+
+Seeing them well started he threw the reins over the brake and with a
+revolver in each hand opened a fusillade on both sides of the trail,
+while he called out to his passengers:
+
+"Blaze away into the bushes, durn yer, for thar is game thar ter kill!"
+
+All this had not taken over half a dozen seconds, and that there was
+"game" in the thickets, and dangerous game at that, was proven by
+hearing several loud cries of pain, and stern orders given, while men
+were seen hunting shelter from the unexpected fusillade opened upon
+them.
+
+There were eight passengers in the coach, and, urged by the old driver,
+several of them obeyed and opened fire from the windows.
+
+The result was that where road-agents had been lying in wait for the
+coach, and were just about to show themselves and command a halt, they
+were taken completely by surprise and forced to seek shelter from the
+leaden messengers flying about them.
+
+The rapid fire caused the road-agents to believe that there was a coach
+full of soldiers, that a trap was prepared for them, and ere they could
+rally and their leader could convince them that it was not so, the coach
+had gone by the Dead Line and was going along the pass at the full speed
+of its horses, the reins now in the hands of old Huck once more.
+
+The passengers all saw the panic-stricken road-agents, half a dozen in
+number, and, encouraged by the boldness of old Huck, kept up a hot fire,
+which they felt confident had not been thrown away.
+
+When pursuit was no longer feared, old Huck drew his team down to a
+trot, and, leaning over, called out:
+
+"We done 'em up thet time, pards."
+
+The passengers cheered the old driver, and when he drew rein at the
+hotel in Last Chance they quickly made known his act of heroism, for,
+throwing the reins upon the backs of his horses, he had gotten down from
+the box, reported the safe arrival of the coach to Landlord Larry, and
+gone in to his supper.
+
+When the story was told, of how bravely he had run the gantlet, Landlord
+Larry went in to have a talk with him, but found that he had finished
+his supper and gone.
+
+It was a cold evening, and there was snow flying, so, looking over to
+the hill where the little shanty of old Huck was located, Landlord Larry
+saw a bright fire burning and at once went there.
+
+There sat old Huck enjoying his pipe and warming his feet before the
+fire in the clay chimney he had built.
+
+He had a canvas covering the doorway, to keep out the cold and snow, and
+seemed as contented as could be in his lone quarters.
+
+"Well old man, you seem happy," he said.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"You brought in a valuable freight to-night, in money and registered
+letters."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"Do you know how much?"
+
+"Ther agent at W---- told me he thought about forty thousand, and so I
+made a rush, ter git through."
+
+"And did it grandly."
+
+"That's what I'm paid fer."
+
+"I have heard the story of your running the gantlet and surprising the
+road-agents."
+
+Old Huck laughed and replied:
+
+"Waal, I calkilate as how they was astonished. You see I seen the tracks
+on the trail, foot-tracks, and fresh ones, goin' on toward the Dead
+Line, and so I kinder felt sart'in o' a hold-up. When I come to ther
+pass I seen ther top o' a small tree wavin' and knowed somebody were up
+in it looking over t'other trees.
+
+"So I jist up with old drop-'em, and I let drive with a handful o'
+bullets I had dropped into ther shot-barrel, and I put a piece o' lead
+on t'other side o' trail, dropped ther ribbons and set my two puppies
+ter barking, as soon as I hed laid ther silk onter ther team and got 'em
+inter a run.
+
+"I tell yer, landlord, it were prime fun and no mistake, and as ther
+insiders helped with ther guns, you bet we waltzed through them scared
+road-agents in a way that crippled 'em; and we come in on time.
+
+"That's all thar is of ther story, boss," and old Huckleberry puffed
+away at his pipe again in the most unconcerned manner possible.
+
+Hardly had old Huckleberry finished his simple story of his brave act
+when a voice at the door said:
+
+"Ho, old gentleman, I have just heard at the hotel of your splendid work
+this afternoon and have come to congratulate you."
+
+"Come in, Pard Doc, and camp on that blanket thar before ther fire, I is
+glad to see yer, but I don't need no congratulations, for I hain't done
+nothing more than I oughter."
+
+"Well, old man, you saved the lives of your passengers, and a rich
+freight, I learn, and I know as well as any one how to appreciate what
+you did, for I have driven the trail, you remember."
+
+"I know it, and done it well."
+
+"I also praised old Huck, Doc, but he does not care to be thanked; but
+what is to be done about this attempted attack on the coach?" said
+Landlord Larry.
+
+"I'll go out so as ter git thar at daybreak, and see if thar can be any
+trail found. It is spittin' now, but not much, and I guess we can find
+if we done any harm in our fire and maybe track the varmints," said old
+Huck.
+
+"And I'll go with you," said Landlord Larry.
+
+"Count me another," the doctor added.
+
+Then it was decided to take a dozen men along, and the doctor and the
+landlord bade the old driver good night and departed, when he at once
+turned in, after throwing a large log upon his fire to burn until
+morning.
+
+"That is a strange old character, Larry," said Doctor Dick as the two
+walked back to the hotel.
+
+"He is, indeed, Doc. I do not understand him, for he is a mystery to
+me."
+
+"And to me; but do you think I should send another courier to Buffalo
+Bill making known this intended attack?"
+
+"No, write as you did before to him, and he'll get it by way of W----."
+
+"I'll do so; but did you learn anything in particular about this
+attack?"
+
+"Nothing more than that fully half a dozen road-agents were seen, and
+but for the bold and prompt act of old Huck there would have been death
+and robbery beyond all doubt."
+
+"He is a very daring man to do what he did."
+
+"He is indeed, and it will surely mark him for death with the
+road-agents."
+
+"Beyond all doubt; but we must make a start early enough to bring us to
+the scene by daybreak, so good night."
+
+The two separated to meet again when old Huck came up ready mounted to
+take the trail.
+
+The party who were to go were soon in the saddle, and they started off
+at a canter. There was just a trace of snow upon the ground, and they
+were glad to see that there was no more.
+
+A brisk gallop brought them to the Dead Line at dawn, and the search was
+at once begun.
+
+Hardly any snow had fallen there, and in the piñons there was none, so
+that in several places the ground was stained red, showing that the fire
+from the coach had not been useless if not fatal.
+
+Then old Huck showed his skill as a trailer, for he at once went to work
+in a way that revealed the fact that he was an old hand at the business.
+
+He went from blood-stain to blood-stain in silence, examined the
+position of the thicket, took in the whole situation, and the direction
+of the stage when the firing had been going on, and at last started off
+up the cañon following a trail that was so faint that a number of the
+party said that there was no trail at all.
+
+But he climbed up the steep side of the cañon end, followed by the
+others, and there on the top were found several red spots in different
+places.
+
+"Three, maybe dead, maybe only wounded," he said shortly.
+
+"Those three stains tell you that, old man?" asked Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yas, they took off their dead or wounded, as ther case might be, and
+halted ter rest after climbin' up here, and right here is whar they laid
+the dead or wounded down, while they was restin'."
+
+"Well, which way now, Huck, for your solution seems the right one," said
+Doctor Dick.
+
+"That's hard ter tell, for a horse wouldn't leave no track here," was
+the reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.
+
+
+That even old Huckleberry had lost his grip on the trail, after reaching
+the top of the ridge, was soon evident, for, search as he might, he
+could find no trace of a track in the hard, rocky soil about them.
+
+"We'll scatter, pards, and try ter find another place whar they has
+rested the'r loads, for they won't carry heavy weights far up this slope
+without restin'," he said.
+
+So the party separated, and half an hour later a halloo from old Huck
+brought them together again.
+
+There was another place where the road-agents had halted, for there were
+the three telltale spots of blood lying close together.
+
+Again they separated on a search, but after hours spent in vain, they
+were forced to give it up, old Huck remarking:
+
+"Thar is snow higher up, so it's no use, now."
+
+Back to Last Chance the party reluctantly retraced their way, after
+they had eaten their noonday meal, and all hope of finding a clue to the
+retreat of the road-agents was given up, save by old Huckleberry, who
+each day went off on a hunt, though many were sure that it was a trail,
+not game, that he was hunting.
+
+When at last the day came for him to start off on his run, he mounted
+his box without the slightest apparent reluctance, nodded good-by and
+drove off on his perilous journey.
+
+There was much anxiety felt at Last Chance for his return, and a number
+talked of riding out to the Dead Line and meeting him, but this was not
+done, as a suggestion was made that the old man might not take it
+kindly, but look upon it as an interference, a belief that he was not
+able to take care of himself.
+
+When, however, the time for his arrival came, and no stage appeared, men
+looked anxiously at each other and wondered if the old man was another
+victim to the road-agents' hunt for gold.
+
+When an hour passed and there was no stage in sight, Doctor Dick said
+that he would mount his horse and go to see what was the matter. He was
+not allowed to go alone, for a score of mounted men at once followed
+him, and the ride was a rapid one to the Dead Line, for the coach was
+not met on the way.
+
+Arriving at the Dead Line the coach loomed in sight. It was still, and
+dashing up the horses were found hitched to trees.
+
+But not a soul was visible. The box was empty, and not a soul was found
+within.
+
+Where was old Huck? That question could not be answered, and a search
+was at once begun.
+
+Upon the stage-box blood was found. That looked very bad for old Huck.
+
+Some one had hitched those horses to the trees surely, but who?
+
+The coach, had evidently been searched, for the cushions were thrown out
+and the boot open, and yet, strange to say, the mail-bag had escaped the
+eyes of the searchers, being found by Landlord Larry where old Huck
+always hid it, in one of the cushions arranged for the purpose by the
+old man.
+
+Who had been killed, or what the coach had been robbed of, was not
+revealed.
+
+The party camped all night upon the scene, and a thorough search was
+made the next morning again for the missing driver.
+
+Miles back on the trail had the miners ridden, and more, every rock and
+thicket by the way was thoroughly searched, yet all in vain.
+
+At last the party were reluctantly compelled to give up further search
+for old Huck, be he dead or alive, for not the slightest clue could be
+found, and there was no trace of any trail whatever.
+
+Doctor Dick mounted the box and drove the coach back to Last Chance, and
+the miners had knocked off work and were assembled to hear bad news,
+which the delay caused them to look for.
+
+Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick at once held a consultation upon their
+return, and it was decided to send Harding again to Fort Faraway as a
+courier with a message to Buffalo Bill.
+
+But when called upon to go, to the surprise of both, Harding refused.
+
+"You went before, Pard Harding, so why refuse this time, when you know
+it is our duty to report, as agreed, to Buffalo Bill the attacks of the
+road-agents upon the coaches, that he may place the matter before the
+commandant?" said Doctor Dick, who was anxious to have the mysterious
+disappearance of old Huckleberry known.
+
+"I went before, Doctor Dick, but I do not care to go again," was
+Harding's firm rejoinder.
+
+"Do you fear to go?" asked Landlord Larry, with a smile.
+
+"If you think that I am influenced by fear I will prove to the
+contrary," was the quiet rejoinder.
+
+"By going?"
+
+"No."
+
+"How then?"
+
+"Have you a driver to take the coach out to W---- on its next run,
+landlord?"
+
+"No, unless Doctor Dick will kindly do so."
+
+"I cannot," was the quick response of the doctor.
+
+"Then I will," said the young miner.
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, landlord."
+
+"Do you know how to drive?"
+
+"I have driven six-in-hand often."
+
+"When?"
+
+"I drove wagons and ambulances in the army, and on one occasion drove
+the general with four-in-hand over four hundred miles of the worst
+country I ever saw."
+
+"I guess you will do, then, and it is far easier to get a courier to go
+to the fort, than it is a driver for the coach."
+
+"Yes, as if I go under, Pard Larry, I will be number five."
+
+"Five?" asked the doctor meditatively.
+
+"Yes; Bud Benton was one, Dave Dockery two, Doctor Dick number three,
+and old Huckleberry number four, so I will come in as _five_."
+
+"You are right."
+
+"And you are in earnest, Harding?" asked the landlord.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You know all that you risk?"
+
+"Thoroughly."
+
+"Then I retract my words in asking you if you feared to go to the fort
+as courier, for your volunteering as driver proves that you fear
+nothing."
+
+"All right. Pard Larry, let it go at that."
+
+"Well, Harding, consider yourself engaged for the berth of driver, and
+be ready to take the coach out on its next run."
+
+"You will find me on hand."
+
+"And let me tell you that I am authorized to pay three times the regular
+wages."
+
+"It will be acceptable."
+
+"If you live to get it," was the suggestive response of Landlord Larry.
+
+This having been settled upon, greatly to Larry's relief, he further
+talked with Doctor Dick, and it was decided that as old Huck had only
+disappeared, and the coach had not been robbed of the mails, they would
+send no report of the affair to Buffalo Bill, but wait and see how
+Harding came out with his drive.
+
+The news soon spread about that Hal Harding had volunteered to drive the
+coach through to W---- and he at once became a hero in the camps, for
+those bold fellows always loved heroism in a man above all other
+qualities.
+
+He was, however, regarded as a dead man beforehand, for that he would be
+killed seemed a foregone conclusion, and many felt pity for the fate
+that they felt assured would befall the handsome young miner.
+
+But Harding seemed not to dread the drive in the least, but went on
+about his duties in his usual cheery way.
+
+Sticking to the work in his mine he had found that it panned out richer
+than he had anticipated, and he already had partnership offers, and a
+good price if he would sell.
+
+He had kept his eyes open, too, in his secret-service work for Buffalo
+Bill, and had noted down certain discoveries he had made of a suspicious
+nature, and also had the names of a few whom he considered worth while
+watching.
+
+At last the day came for the coach to start out, and as nothing had been
+heard of old Huck, Hal Harding reported at the hotel ready to mount the
+box and drive through.
+
+As he passed through the crowd he could not but hear several remarks
+that were made, one being:
+
+"He is number five, and he is doomed also."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TAKING CHANCES.
+
+
+There was not a shadow of dread, at the fate that might be his, upon the
+face of Hal Harding as he mounted to the stage-box and gathered up the
+reins.
+
+The mails were aboard, and he knew that he had a valuable freight hidden
+away, as best it could be, of gold-dust, being risked by miners who were
+sending it eastward.
+
+What gold was to be sent out was always kept a secret, known only to the
+senders, to Landlord Larry, and the driver, and though it was taking
+chances to let it go, the senders were risking it, as gamblers chance
+money in large sums upon the turn of a card.
+
+Then, too, there was a very strange feature in the holding up of the
+coaches, and that was the fact that they had never been halted on the
+outward run, no matter how much gold they carried out, but always when
+bringing back to Last Chance the exchange in bank-notes.
+
+The road-agents knew that they could carry large sums in money where
+they could not be bothered with gold in bulk, was the reason that
+Landlord Larry assigned for the attacks being made only on the westward
+runs of the coaches.
+
+Not a passenger was to go, and Harding sang out in a cheerful tone:
+
+"All ready."
+
+"Go," cried Larry, and the vehicle rolled away in a manner that showed
+that the young miner was a good driver, as he had asserted that he was.
+
+The crowd cheered wildly, the voices echoing down the cañon as he drove
+along, and now and then he would raise his hat to those who greeted him
+from their cabins and mines as he went along.
+
+Out of the valley he turned, swinging at a brisk trot along through
+cañons, over hills, up mountains, by the way of narrow passes and down
+again to the valleys.
+
+He reached the relay-station nearest Last Chance, and made known to the
+stock-tender the fate of old Huck.
+
+"You goes next, pard, for it won't be long afore Doctor Dick will come
+along and tell me that poor Hal Harding has gone under," said the
+sympathetic stock-tender.
+
+"Think so?"
+
+"Sure of it."
+
+"Why Doctor Dick?"
+
+"Waal, ef you gets kilt no other man in or out o' Last Chance will have
+ther grit to drive ther old death-trap, for thet hearse you is sittin'
+on is no more."
+
+"It is an unlucky old vehicle, I admit, pard; but I'll be going," and
+Harding drove on once more.
+
+He had not seen a soul at the Dead Line. All was as quiet at that dread
+spot as the forms of those who had lost their lives there.
+
+Only the stockmen at the station greeted him on the way, and at night he
+came to the halting-cabin a little ahead of time.
+
+He had the same story to tell at each one of the relay-stations, about
+the fate of old Huck, and an ominous shake of the head from those who
+listened convinced him that they expected him to be the next victim.
+
+The next morning he rolled into W---- a few minutes ahead of time, and
+the stage-agent seemed surprised to see a new man upon the box.
+
+He heard what Harding had to say of old Huck, listened to his report of
+his uneventful run, and received from him the way-bill of what he
+carried.
+
+"You have done well, Mr. Harding, and I hope we will hear no more of
+these attacks, so that you may escape, for, if they make a victim of
+you, I do not know who we can look to unless it be that fearless fellow,
+Doctor Dick."
+
+"And his practise, mining interests, and gambling occupy him so
+thoroughly that he will not drive again, sir, I am sure."
+
+"Not unless no other can be found, for he is just the man to step in
+then in open defiance of danger."
+
+"Yes, he is just what you say of him, sir."
+
+"Now, how is that poor passenger who was crazed by a shot from the
+road-agents?"
+
+"Aimlessly wandering about Last Chance, sir, harmless and to be pitied."
+
+"Well, I have received letters asking about him, and had to make a
+report of the circumstances. It will be upon your return trip that you
+will have to be watchful."
+
+"I will be, sir, never fear," was the cheery response.
+
+The news of the mysterious disappearance of the old driver soon spread
+about W----, and people gathered about the stage-office to have a look
+at the brave fellow who had, in the face of the past experience, brought
+the coach through.
+
+The agent had told Harding that if the mails had gone through nothing
+had been taken, for no freight had been sent and no passengers were
+along on that trip.
+
+As they had found nothing to take, the road-agents had doubtless visited
+their vengeance upon old Huck, especially to repay him for having run
+the gantlet on a former occasion.
+
+There were passengers booked for Last Chance by stage, but when it
+became known that old Huck had been killed, as all supposed he must have
+been, they concluded they were in no great hurry to reach the
+mining-camps and could wait a while longer.
+
+So Harding discovered that he would have to return with an empty coach,
+as far as passengers were concerned.
+
+He showed no disappointment, however, at having to return alone, and was
+told by the agent that he was to carry back considerable money and a
+valuable mail.
+
+"All right, sir, I'll do my best to go through in safety," he said, and
+he grasped the outstretched hand of the agent, who said:
+
+"I feel as though I was shaking hands with a man about to die."
+
+"Now, I don't feel that way in the least," was the laughing response,
+and Harding sprang up to the box, seized the reins, cracked his whip
+when he got the word, and was off.
+
+The crowd gathered there cheered him, of course, but a generally sad
+expression rested upon every face as they looked upon the brave young
+miner who had taken his life in his hand to drive what was now called
+the death-trap.
+
+Having halted for the night at the way cabin, Harding pushed on the next
+morning with the first glimmer of dawn, and reached the third relay at
+noon.
+
+There was then one more relay and the run into Last Chance, which in
+good weather could readily be made before sunset. He passed the last
+relay, and the stock-tender said, as he was about to start:
+
+"Good-by, pard, and do you know I kinder feels as if yer was a dead man
+already?"
+
+"Don't you believe it, for I am worth a dozen dead men, old man," was
+the laughing response, and Harding drove on, with the Dead Line rising
+in his mind before him.
+
+He drove more rapidly than was the schedule-time, and when he came into
+the pass, with the Dead Line just ahead, he had half an hour to spare.
+
+The horses pricked up their ears, as though they knew the doomed place
+well, and the leaders gave a snort as they beheld a form ahead. It was a
+man leaning against the cross erected in memory of Bud Benton.
+
+That Harding also saw the form was certain, for his eyes were riveted
+upon the spot. As he drew nearer, the man moved away from the cross and
+advanced down into the trail.
+
+Still Harding made no move to halt, to rush by, or appeared to take
+notice of him. The man placed himself by the side of the trail, and
+stood as still as a statue, after making a slight sign, as it appeared.
+
+The answer of Harding to this sign was to shake his head.
+
+On rolled the coach, and when it neared the silent form, without any
+command to do so, Harding drew hard upon the reins, pressed his foot
+heavily upon the brake, and brought the coach to a standstill, the
+horses, which had before drawn it through the deadly dangers it had
+passed at that spot, showing a restless dread and expectancy of the
+cracking of revolvers.
+
+But there was no weapon drawn either by the man on the side of the
+trail, or by Harding, and neither seemed to dread the other.
+
+The reason for this was that the one who had awaited the coming of the
+coach at the Dead Line was none other than old Huckleberry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A SECRET KEPT.
+
+
+Just fifteen minutes before the time of arrival set for the coach by
+schedule, Hal Harding drove up to the hotel at Last Chance.
+
+From his entering the valley, and passing the first mine, he had been
+followed by cheer after cheer, until when he reached Landlord Larry's
+tavern there were many there to swell the chorus of welcome.
+
+Larry greeted him most warmly, and when he saw what a valuable freight
+he had brought through with him, he told him that he was deserving of
+the highest praise.
+
+Harding received the honors heaped upon him in a modest manner, and when
+asked by Landlord Larry if he had seen any road-agents, answered:
+
+"Not one."
+
+"All quiet along the trail, then?"
+
+"As quiet as the grave."
+
+"I suppose you were anxious upon reaching the Dead Line?"
+
+"I think the horses were more nervous than I was, for they at least
+showed it."
+
+"You told the agent at W---- about old Huck's fate?"
+
+"Of course, sir, I told him of his mysterious disappearance."
+
+"Do you know I half-way hoped you would hear something of old Huck at
+W----."
+
+"No, I heard nothing of him there."
+
+"And none of the stock-tenders had seen him?"
+
+"They did not speak to me of having done so."
+
+"Well, he is gone, that is certain; but you have begun well, Harding,
+and I hope may keep it up."
+
+"Thank you, Landlord Larry, I hope that I will, for I have an abiding
+faith in the belief that I will live to be an old man."
+
+"I hope so sincerely," said the doctor, who had been an attentive
+listener to the conversation between the young miner and Larry.
+
+"They say at W----, Doctor Dick, that if I go under, you will be the
+only man who will dare drive the coach through."
+
+"And I will not do it unless we are doomed to be cut off from all
+communication, and I see that Last Chance will be ruined, from fear of
+traveling the trail to it," said Doctor Dick decidedly.
+
+"How is your patient, doctor?"
+
+"Which one, for I have a number of patients just now?"
+
+"The young man whose wound at the hands of the road-agents turned his
+brain."
+
+"I see him daily, and he is about the same, like a child, mentally."
+
+"They asked about him at W----, for the agent had received several
+letters regarding him."
+
+"Ah!" said Doctor Dick, with interest. "What was their tenor?"
+
+"That he had come out West upon a special mission, and with considerable
+money, and, since leaving W---- where he had written of his arrival, not
+a word had been heard from him."
+
+"I am glad that he has friends, then, for he will be cared for in his
+misfortune."
+
+"Yes, Doctor Dick, and the agent hinted that some one was coming out to
+look him up."
+
+"I rejoice at this, for he needs care," the doctor rejoined, and he
+added:
+
+"I have been convinced that he was no ordinary individual, and had been
+well reared; but what a blow it will be to his friends to find him as he
+is, poor fellow."
+
+After some further conversation Harding went to his cabin for the night;
+but he was not long in discovering that he was regarded as a hero by
+all.
+
+He had not made the slightest reference to having met old Huckleberry at
+the Dead Line, and as he thought over the fact that he had done so, and
+the secret that was known to him alone, he muttered to himself:
+
+"If they only knew, what a sensation it would be for Last Chance, yes,
+and for W---- as well, not to speak of the masked road-agent chief and
+his men, who thus far have been playing a winning game; but luck
+sometimes turns, and I guess it is nearing the turning-point now, and
+will come our way."
+
+Harding reported for duty promptly when the time came around for him to
+take the coach again on its perilous run.
+
+"We have got considerable gold-dust aboard, pard, and a big outgoing
+mail, so I hope you will go through all right," said Landlord Larry,
+while Doctor Dick, who just then came up, said:
+
+"Yes, Harding, I have several valuable letters in the mail with drafts
+for large sums which I sincerely hope will not miscarry."
+
+"I'll do the best I can, Doctor Dick," was the answer, and Harding went
+out and mounted the box.
+
+He could not but feel gratified at the size of the crowd that had
+gathered to see him depart, and he raised his sombrero politely in
+response to the cheers.
+
+He had gone through in safety once; but could he do it a second time?
+That was the thought in the brain of every man there assembled.
+
+At last the word was given, and away went the coach, cheered all the way
+down the valley until it was out of sight.
+
+As before, the young driver lost no time on the trail, but upon reaching
+the Dead Line, instead of seeming to dread the spot and wishing to drive
+rapidly by, he dismounted from the box, and, going to the cross, felt
+about among the wild flowers growing about it until he picked up a slip
+of paper, while he hastily read what he found written thereon.
+
+Taking from his pocket a similar slip, on which there was writing, he
+thrust it out of sight in the spot he had taken the other from. Then he
+returned to the coach and drove on once more as though he felt no fear
+of his surroundings.
+
+He reached the night-cabin on time, and surprised the stock-tender there
+by telling him that he intended to drive on to W---- that night.
+
+"You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+"Why, yer'll kill yer team, smash ther old box, and crush yerself to
+atoms."
+
+"I believe I can drive the road at night," was the firm response.
+
+"It's ther wust piece of road on ther whole Overland Trail."
+
+"It is a bad one, but I will depend upon my team mainly and risk it."
+
+"Why do you do it?"
+
+"I have an idea that it will be safer."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"Well, if there were road-agents on the trail to hold me up to-morrow,
+I'll miss them, that is all."
+
+"Right you are, pard; but I don't believe they is as dangerous as
+traveling this trail to-night."
+
+"I'll let you know what I think upon my return," was Harding's answer,
+and he drove on once more.
+
+Night had come on, and he well knew the dangers before him from a
+mistake in driving. He had been over the road perhaps half a dozen
+times, always riding upon the box, but upon his last run as driver he
+had most carefully noted every foot of the way.
+
+The night was dark, but he knew that he had the instinct of his team to
+depend upon, and this was more than half the battle.
+
+He was determined to push through and save his load of gold, and if he
+did make a successful run over that part of the trail by night, he would
+do what no other driver had done, and on this account his pride was at
+stake.
+
+So he started boldly yet cautiously upon his way, and when the sun was
+just rising in W---- the stage-agent there was awakened by wheels
+dashing up to his door and heard the call:
+
+"The coach from Last Chance has arrived."
+
+He was up in a hurry and congratulating the young driver upon his night
+drive, while he said:
+
+"Do you know I feared you would be held up to-day, for a party of
+desperadoes lately left W----, and I felt most anxious about you."
+
+"Yes, they are on the trail waiting for me now, not knowing that I
+slipped by in the night. I'll get together a band of brave fellows and
+go back after them," and an hour after Harding was mounted upon a fine
+horse and leading a dozen men back upon the trail he had safely driven
+over in the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A MYSTERIOUS SOUND.
+
+
+The stage-agent at W---- was right in declaring that the coach might be
+held up on the rough trail that was always driven by daylight, for the
+party he feared were some wild fellows who had ridden into the
+settlement two days before and stated that they were on their way to the
+mines.
+
+They were well mounted and armed, had several packhorses with them, and,
+though not having the excuse of drinking to make them dreaded, had
+carried on in a way that caused all peaceably disposed persons to dread
+them.
+
+Who they were no one knew, and when they left the place honest men
+breathed more freely and congratulated each other that no tragedy had
+occurred, as a reminder of their visit.
+
+They had gone out upon the trail to Last Chance late in the afternoon,
+and the agent felt sure that they would camp early and meet the coach
+the next morning, and the result he greatly feared, after a look at the
+party in question; so he was rejoiced to find that Harding had taken the
+great risk of driving through by night.
+
+The crowd that he dreaded were five in number, and they were young men,
+bronzed-faced, brawny, and with an air of recklessness stamped upon
+them. That they were a dangerous lot their appearance indicated, and few
+men would care to face them where no help was at hand.
+
+They had halted some dozen miles from W----, and gone into camp on a
+brook a few hundred yards from the trail the stage would follow. That
+they knew their way well their movements were proof of, for they rode at
+once to the camping-place, staked out their horses, spread their
+blankets, and gathered wood to cook their supper with.
+
+The spot chosen was one where they could command a view of the trail for
+a mile in both directions, yet remain in concealment themselves.
+
+They had supper, then gambled a while by the light of the fire, and
+afterward turned in, setting no watch.
+
+It was about midnight when one of the party awoke, half-arose and
+listened. He heard a rumbling sound that seemed to surprise him.
+
+"I say, pards," he called out.
+
+A man awoke, and asked drowsily:
+
+"What is it, Sully?"
+
+"I hear wheels."
+
+"Nonsense."
+
+"But I do."
+
+"It's the roar of the stream."
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"I does."
+
+Others were awakened and listened, and they distinctly heard a low,
+rumbling sound. But, after some minutes, the sound died away and the one
+who had first discovered it asked:
+
+"Do you think it could have been the coach?"
+
+"No, indeed."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"No man living would dare drive a coach over this trail at night."
+
+"It sounded to me like wheels."
+
+"There it is again."
+
+All listened attentively, and then one said:
+
+"It is the wind in the pines."
+
+The wind was rising and this solution of mysterious sound seemed to
+settle the matter, so all laid down in their blankets once more.
+
+The man who had discovered the sound was the one to arise first in the
+morning, and the day was just dawning when he left his blankets, gazed
+about him, and then walked over to where the stage-trail ran, several
+hundred yards from their camp, and along through a bit of meadow-land.
+
+He had hardly reached the trail when he gave a loud halloo, which
+brought his comrades from their blankets in an instant, and his call set
+them coming toward him at a run.
+
+"Look there, pards!" he cried, and as each man reached his side he stood
+gazing down at the trail.
+
+"The stage has gone by," said one, with an oath, as his eyes fell upon
+the tracks of the six horses and the wheel-marks, lately made.
+
+"Then one man was bold enough to dare the drive at night!"
+
+"Sure, and the chief will be furious with us!"
+
+"What is to be done now?"
+
+"The coach is safe in W---- now, for if that fellow drove safely over
+the back trail he had no trouble beyond here."
+
+"Then we had better get a move on us."
+
+"Sure, for that agent suspects us, and there'll be a gang on our heels
+mighty quick," and hastening back to camp, the party mounted and rode
+rapidly on toward the mountains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A FAIR PASSENGER.
+
+
+Harding had ridden rapidly upon the trail back toward the night relay,
+for he felt sure that the agent was right in his conjecture that the
+party of wild fellows who had left W---- had intended to hold him up on
+the trail the next day when he came along.
+
+In fact, the slip of paper he had picked up at the Dead Line had been a
+warning to that effect, and hence he had dared take the drive at night,
+hoping thus to elude his foes, and had been successful.
+
+When he reached the trail where the party had turned off to camp, they
+soon came upon their halting-place, and as the ashes of their fire was
+cold, it proved that they had departed before having breakfast there.
+
+"Something frightened them off," said Harding. "But I wonder they did
+not hear my wheels, camping as they did this near to the stage-trail."
+
+"They kept no watch, doubtless; but will you follow them?"
+
+"Yes, to the relay-station at least."
+
+Arriving there, for their trail had been lost in the rocky soil, Harding
+found that the men had not passed, so they turned back for W----,
+arriving there by nightfall.
+
+The coaches that came in from the South and East the next morning
+brought valuable mail for Last Chance, and, to the surprise of all, a
+lady passenger. She was young and veiled, but enough was seen of her
+face to reveal its beauty.
+
+She was dressed in perfect keeping for one on a long journey, and
+carried only a small trunk with her. She told the station-agent that her
+name was Celeste Seldon, and that she had come West for a double
+purpose, searching for her father, and one other whom she was most
+anxious to find.
+
+The last she had heard of her father was in a letter dated from W----,
+and a secret communication, also mailed from W----, was the last tidings
+received from the second person she sought.
+
+"I wrote you, Mr. Agent," she said in her sweet way, "asking about a
+young man, Bernard Brandon by name, who had come West upon a special
+mission. You replied that he had been to W---- and gone on from here to
+Last Chance, a mining-camp, and though I have written there, no response
+came, so I decided to come myself and investigate. Have you heard
+anything more of Mr. Brandon?"
+
+The agent looked troubled and, seeing it, she said quickly:
+
+"You have heard of him, so I beg you to tell me all."
+
+"I regret to say, miss, that he was wounded on his way to Last Chance,
+shot by road-agents; but here is Harding, the driver of the Last Chance
+coach, and he can tell you all."
+
+Harding did not appear to like having to give pain to the young girl,
+but he frankly told her of the wound of the young man, who could be no
+other than Bernard Brandon, and the pitiful result.
+
+"I will go to him. When do you start, sir?"
+
+"This afternoon, miss; but the trail is a very dangerous one, and I had
+better bring him back with me."
+
+"No, I will go with you and I will speak for the box-seat, if it is not
+engaged."
+
+"Oh, no; no seats are engaged, for all dread the trail between here and
+Last Chance."
+
+"I do not, so I ride with you, sir, on the box-seat," was the determined
+reply of the young girl.
+
+She paid her fare, and when the coach started, after having dinner at
+the agent's, mounted to the box with Harding's aid, and took her seat by
+the young driver, while the crowd yelled lustily as they drove off to
+face the dangers of the trail.
+
+Harding drove off with the air of one who felt his full responsibility
+in having the care of a young and beautiful girl, who dared risk the
+dangerous road he had to travel.
+
+He found that his fair companion, as soon as she left the settlement,
+was very beautiful, for she removed her veil when only having to be
+gazed upon by one person, and that one a very handsome young miner.
+
+It did not take her very long to discover that her companion, though
+driving an Overland coach, was above the average she had thus far met
+with among the Western wilds, for he was polite, well-informed, and his
+courage was proven by what he was then doing; for Miss Seldon had been
+told by the agent just what trouble they had had on the line.
+
+The night relay was reached, and as there had been no expectation of
+ever accommodating young ladies, no provision had been made for them, so
+Harding and the stock-tender yielded the cabin to the fair passenger,
+while they occupied a shanty near-by.
+
+The stock-tender exerted himself to make her comfortable, and to provide
+the best supper and breakfast his larder would allow.
+
+"What a surprise they will get in Last Chance when they see her, pard.
+Why, them miners will make a goddess of her, whatever that may be," said
+the stock-tender.
+
+"Yes, if we only get through, pard, for do you know I am more anxious
+now than when I am alone?"
+
+"Why is that?"
+
+"Well, I have my reasons; but let me tell you that I mean fight on this
+run if we are held up," and the eyes of the young driver flashed fire.
+
+The next morning the coach started upon its way half an hour earlier
+than usual, and Harding pushed his horses along at a far faster pace
+than they were accustomed to.
+
+For some reason he seemed anxious to get by the Dead Line far ahead of
+time, and to push on into Last Chance with all speed that was possible.
+
+He found his fair charge most entertaining, and she asked him all about
+life in the wild West, and he was surprised to discover how much she
+knew of the frontier and its characters.
+
+She spoke of army officers known to her well by name, mentioned Buffalo
+Bill as a hero well known in the East, and seemed anxious to glean all
+the information she could of the strange country into which she had
+ventured.
+
+At last she touched upon the cause of her coming, and her face saddened
+as she said:
+
+"It grieves me deeply to learn of the sad result of Mr. Brandon's wound,
+though I cannot but feel, as you say that he is bodily strong, that
+something can be done to restore his mind.
+
+"He came here on a mission for me, to find my father, who, I will
+confess to you, was driven West by pretended friends and false
+misrepresentations that kept him here, as though he had been the veriest
+criminal hiding from justice.
+
+"But it is not so, and I long to find my father and restore him to his
+home and those who love him. Have you ever heard of him here?--his name
+was Andrew Seldon."
+
+"No, Miss Seldon, I never have heard the name, that I now recall. Where
+was he when last you heard of him?"
+
+"Seven letters came into my possession long after they were written, for
+I have not seen my father for seven long years, and I was a little girl
+then, and the last of those letters was mailed at W----.
+
+"In it he stated that he had been in the mining country, had been most
+successful, and would come home within a year or two. But this letter
+did not come to my hands directly, and it was answered by others, his
+enemies and mine, and so I, upon learning the truth, and of a cruel plot
+against him and myself, got Mr. Brandon to come and look him up that he
+might know all.
+
+"As a dread came, upon receiving the agent's letter, that harm had
+befallen Mr. Brandon, I decided to come at once to the West myself, for
+I was reared on a plantation, am a good rider, have been inured to
+hardships and can handle firearms when there is need for them, so I was
+fitted for just such a trip as I am now taking; but here I am making a
+confidant of you, Mr. Harding, when I should be keeping my own counsel."
+
+"Oh, no, I am glad to know more of you, and it may be in my power to aid
+you, for I will gladly do all I can."
+
+"I feel that, and we will be friends; but why do you look so anxious?"
+
+"Do I?"
+
+"Yes, you do."
+
+"Well, to be candid, I am anxious for your sake, not mine, for I
+half-dread trouble on this run, and we are nearing the scene of several
+tragedies which the miners call the Dead Line. Will you not ride in the
+coach now?"
+
+"No; I take all chances with you and remain where I am," was the plucky
+reply of Celeste Seldon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+MASKED FOES.
+
+
+The brave response of Celeste Seldon pleased the young miner, though he
+did not wish her to remain upon the box. He knew the merciless nature of
+the road-agents, and that if they fired without challenging him, she
+stood, in as much danger as he did of being killed or wounded. So he
+said:
+
+"I would much rather that you should go inside the coach, especially
+until we pass the Dead Line."
+
+"No; I remain here."
+
+"You are determined?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Then I can say no more, and I hope, recognizing that I have a lady with
+me, they will not fire upon me."
+
+"You seem to confidently expect an attack."
+
+"I am sorry to say that I do."
+
+"May I ask your reasons?"
+
+"Well, I happen to know that one who was secretly on watch here on my
+last run is not here to-day, having been called away. I also know that
+five horsemen, whom I have reason to believe to be road-agents, left
+W---- ahead of me for the purpose of robbing the coach."
+
+"Have you much of value with you?"
+
+"I have considerable money in bank-notes for miners at Last Chance."
+
+"Is it too bulky for me to hide?"
+
+"I think not, miss."
+
+"Then let me try it."
+
+A halt was made and the money taken from its hiding-place. Then the girl
+asked:
+
+"Do you know the amount that is here?"
+
+"Yes, miss, it is stated here," and he handed out a paper.
+
+"I will take the paper and the money, for I can hide it," and with this
+she put it in a silk bag that she carried and fastened it securely
+beneath the skirt of her dress.
+
+Feeling relieved on this point, Harding drove on and soon after came in
+sight of the Dead Line.
+
+He had just come up level with the cross that marked the spot of former
+tragedies, and was talking to his team, which showed much nervousness at
+passing a scene which they realized as one to dread, when loud rang a
+voice:
+
+"Hold hard, Harding, or you are a dead man!"
+
+Not a soul was visible among the rocks or in the trees, and Harding had
+it flash through his mind to make a dash, when quickly the hand of the
+young girl was laid upon his arm and she said firmly:
+
+"Obey!"
+
+"I must do so," was the low reply, for the young man realized that it
+would bring a volley upon them to attempt to dash through.
+
+So his foot went hard down upon the brake, as he pulled his horses up
+and the stage came to a halt.
+
+"Make your lines fast around the brake and hands up now!" came the order
+from the unseen foe.
+
+"You must obey," said Celeste Seldon, as the driver hesitated.
+
+With a muttered imprecation Harding obeyed, and then out from the
+thicket came a horseman. His horse was enveloped in a black blanket, and
+the rider wore a black robe like a domino, shielding his form
+completely. His face was covered by a red, close-fitting mask, while a
+cowl covered his head.
+
+"The devil on horseback," muttered Harding, as he beheld the man, and
+right there he made up his mind that if he was the sole one who held up
+the coach, he would watch his chance, if he could get Celeste Seldon
+away from his side, and try a duel with him for mastery.
+
+But this hope died away when, as though suspecting the intention of
+Harding, the horseman called out:
+
+"Come, men, and let us get to work."
+
+Silently there came out of the thicket half a dozen men on foot, but all
+enveloped in black robes, wearing red masks, and with their feet clad in
+moccasins, while a quick glance at the hoofs of the horse ridden by the
+chief showed that he had muffles on, to prevent making a track.
+
+The girl calmly surveyed the scene.
+
+The half-dozen men appearing at the call of their chief seemed to be
+well trained, for two of them went to the heads of the horses, two more
+to either door of the coach, and the others awaited orders.
+
+The horseman rode close up to the side of the coach, his hand upon his
+revolver.
+
+"Harding, I see that you meditate resistance if opportunity offers, but
+let me warn you that you are a dead man the instant you make any attempt
+to escape or fire upon us. I would kill you now without the slightest
+hesitation, only I fear it would break up the line and travel to Last
+Chance, and that I do not wish. Dismount from that box, and, remember,
+my revolver covers you!"
+
+Harding obeyed in sullen silence.
+
+"Now, what freight have you on?"
+
+"I have the mails, and this lady passenger, but, low as you are, you
+will not rob her, I hope."
+
+"There was money sent through by you to Last Chance."
+
+"You pretend to know this, but I have no money for Last Chance."
+
+"I know better."
+
+"There is the coach, search it; but let me tell you, if you touch the
+United States mails you will have every soldier stationed at W---- and
+at Faraway on your track."
+
+"I believe you are right about that, and I do not care to fight the
+Government by robbing the mails; but the money I want."
+
+"I have not got any, I told you."
+
+"I do not believe you."
+
+"Then find it."
+
+"I will."
+
+A thorough search of the coach was made, and then the driver was
+searched, but without any money being found.
+
+"I know that the sum of thirty thousand dollars was to be sent by you to
+the miners in Last Chance."
+
+"You know this?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Never mind, but I know it."
+
+"Well, you see that your spy misinformed you."
+
+"As the money cannot be found it is a dead loss to me, and I hold you
+responsible."
+
+"All right, I am."
+
+"But, as I said, if I kill you no man will be found to take your
+place----"
+
+"Oh, yes, Doctor Dick will."
+
+"D---- Doctor Dick--I beg pardon, miss, but he refers to one whom I
+hate, and some day will be avenged upon."
+
+"Well, if you kill me you will have the chance, for he will drive."
+
+"With even that hope to get even with him, I will not kill you, yet I
+must have that money or a hostage."
+
+"Take me, then."
+
+"No, I could not realize the amount on you."
+
+"Then do without."
+
+"Not I, when there is a hostage at hand."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"This lady."
+
+"Coward! you would not dare."
+
+"Won't I? Then see, for that lady becomes my prisoner until I receive
+that money."
+
+"What money?"
+
+"The thirty thousand you beat me out of to-day."
+
+"How can you get it by taking me with you?" asked Celeste Seldon
+quietly.
+
+"Why, very easily, miss."
+
+"How so, may I ask?"
+
+"Harding will go on to Last Chance and report that I have you as my
+prisoner, to hold until the miners pay me the sum of--well, I'll add
+interest, so call it thirty-five thousand dollars."
+
+"The miners have nothing to do with me, sir, they do not even know me."
+
+"That does not matter, for they are a gallant lot of men, rough though
+they may look, and many of them be, so, when it is known what I have
+done, they will chip in generously and the money will be raised very
+quickly."
+
+"How will you get it?" asked Harding.
+
+"I will meet you on any day we may agree upon, at this spot, with this
+lady, and you will come alone, as I will, and the exchange of the
+hostage for the money will be made. If you come with others, or attempt
+treachery, I swear to you I will kill the girl before your eyes, so if
+you wish to have that done, play traitor, while, if you act squarely
+with me, all will be well. What do you say?"
+
+"I say, as it cannot be otherwise, I will be your hostage until the
+money is paid you," said Celeste Seldon firmly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE SACRIFICE.
+
+
+The plucky stand taken by Celeste Seldon won the admiration of Harding
+at once. He did not understand why she had been so prompt in her reply,
+so willing to at once yield herself as a hostage until a ransom was
+received for her release. But she did offer, and he at once decided what
+he should do.
+
+"See here, cutthroat," he said, "I have something to say to you."
+
+"Well, out with it, but be more choice in your epithets bestowed on me,
+if you wish to keep in good health."
+
+"What! don't like the name, eh? Well, I called you by a name that
+denotes your calling."
+
+"What have you to say?"
+
+"Just this, that if you will allow this young lady to ride on to Last
+Chance, on one of my stage-horses, for he will carry her safely there, I
+will remain your hostage until Landlord Larry sends the money out to you
+which you demand."
+
+"As a hostage you are of no value, but the lady is."
+
+"Well, again?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"If I pay you the amount you said was to be sent by me, will you let the
+lady go?"
+
+"When will you pay it?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"Do so, and I will let the lady go free."
+
+"No, no, sir, you have not the money," cried Celeste to Harding.
+
+"Yes, miss, I can make it good, for I have a little more saved up than
+he demands, and I can start over again to lay up a fortune, you see, for
+I am young yet."
+
+"I will not consent to that, except that I return you the money, my kind
+friend, for I am well able to do so. I will recompense you, by paying
+you back my ransom."
+
+"We will not quarrel on that score, miss, so give him the money," said
+Harding.
+
+Celeste turned, and, raising her skirt, took the bag of money from its
+hiding-place. This she handed to Harding, who threw it at the masked
+outlaw's feet with the remark:
+
+"Your spy informed you correctly; there is the money; just thirty-two
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Thank you," said the outlaw, quietly counting the money before he spoke
+again.
+
+"Yes, it is all here. Now, miss, had Harding ransomed you, it was your
+intention to have repaid him, you said."
+
+"By all means, for I have no claim upon that brave gentleman."
+
+"You are able to pay back so large a ransom, are you?"
+
+"Had I not been able to pay it back I would not have made the offer to
+do so."
+
+"You have not got the money with you?"
+
+"Oh, no, I am no traveling bank, nor am I a fool."
+
+"Well said; but as you are able to pay a ransom for yourself, I shall
+hold you a prisoner until you pay me the money I demand."
+
+An oath burst involuntarily from the lips of Harding at this treachery
+on the part of the road-agent, while the young girl turned pale with
+momentary dread. But she said firmly:
+
+"After receiving the money you demanded, and which I feel it my duty to
+pay back, as it is really my ransom, will you be so vile, so lost to all
+manhood, as to enforce your words against me?"
+
+"What more can you expect of one who has no character, who is already
+damned body and soul. Oh, no, I have no conscience, so do not appeal to
+me, for all I wish in the world is gold, and that I will have, no matter
+who the victim or what the means I have to take to get it."
+
+"You are indeed lost to every human feeling."
+
+"So I said, and you are my prisoner until this man, Harding, brings me,
+well, say thirty thousand dollars ransom money for your safe delivery to
+him once more. Now, miss, I will take your baggage along, for you may
+need it, and you will go with me."
+
+"Where would you take me?"
+
+"To my retreat, and you will be treated with respect; but money I must
+have. As for you, Harding, go on to Last Chance and raise the money for
+this lady's ransom. Give it to Doctor Dick, and let him come with you
+in your coach on your next run out.
+
+"Halt just here, and he will be met by one of my men with this lady. If
+others come, her life shall be the forfeit. When my messenger receives
+the money, this lady shall be given into the charge of Doctor Dick. Do
+you understand?"
+
+"I do, and you will understand that all of Last Chance, every man
+capable of carrying a gun, will be upon your trail before night."
+
+"Just let any one pursue me, and instead of finding me, you will
+discover the dead body of this young girl in the trail awaiting you.
+Remember, I am not to be followed, or intimidated. Do you understand
+now?"
+
+Harding made no reply, for he was too much overcome to speak; but the
+small leather trunk belonging to Celeste Seldon having been taken from
+the coach, along with a side-saddle and bridle she had brought with her,
+the driver clasped her hand in farewell.
+
+Harding was unable himself to speak, for his emotion at being unable to
+protect the girl. Celeste Seldon said to the outlaw:
+
+"I would like to have a word with this gentleman."
+
+"Before me, yes," said the masked chief.
+
+"Very well, I have no secret to make known to him, so you may hear."
+
+Then, turning to Harding, she continued:
+
+"You have been most kind to me, sir, and I appreciate it. You have done
+all in your power for me, no one could do more; but let me say to you if
+you can raise the sum demanded by this--this--robber, do so, and every
+dollar shall be refunded to you within a few days after my return East."
+
+"The men won't ask it, miss."
+
+"But I shall pay it. Now to the reason in part of my coming here."
+
+"Yes, miss."
+
+"Try to find out for me among the miners if a man by the name of Andrew
+Seldon is known to any of them, and, if so, where he is."
+
+"I will."
+
+"Try also to do all in your power for that poor young man Bernard
+Brandon, who, you told me, had been crazed by a bullet-wound, doubtless
+given by this very--murderer."
+
+"Yes, I shot him, and killed Dave Dockery, the driver, and a miner at
+the same time," was the remark of the masked road-agent, delivered with
+the utmost effrontery.
+
+"You seem proud of your red work, sir."
+
+"Yes, killing is a trade with me just now."
+
+Celeste Seldon turned from him with disgust and horror, and, addressing
+Harding, continued:
+
+"Ask the one you spoke of as Doctor Dick to do all in his power for that
+poor sufferer, and he shall be well rewarded for it. When I am released
+I will go to Last Chance, as it was my intention, and do all I can to
+find my father, and minister to the sufferings of poor Mr. Brandon. Now,
+I thank you once more and bid you good-by."
+
+Harding clasped her hand, dared not to trust himself to speak, but there
+were volumes in the look of intense hatred he cast upon the masked face
+of the road-agent chief. Then he mounted to the stage-box, gathered up
+his lines, and drove away in a silence that was most expressive.
+
+Harding glanced back as he came to the end of the cañon, but saw that
+the road-agents and their fair prisoner had already disappeared.
+
+Then the lash descended upon the backs of the startled horses and the
+team was sent along at a pace that was dangerous indeed.
+
+But Harding could only find vent for his pent-up feelings by rapid and
+reckless driving, and never before had the distance between the Dead
+Line and Last Chance been covered in the time in which he made it.
+
+Notwithstanding his delay at the Dead Line, he went thundering up the
+valley half an hour ahead of time, and when he drew rein before the
+hotel his horses were reeking with foam and panting like hard-run
+hounds, while his face was white, his eyes ablaze with anger and
+indignation, and his teeth set firmly.
+
+"Great God! Harding, what has happened?" cried Landlord Larry in alarm.
+
+Throwing the mail at the feet of the surprised landlord, Harding leaped
+to the ground and said hoarsely:
+
+"Come, I wish to speak to you."
+
+He led the way into the office and then told the whole story.
+
+"We will mount a hundred men and go in pursuit at once," cried Larry.
+
+"What! do you forget his threat?"
+
+"What threat?"
+
+"To kill the girl!"
+
+"He will not do it."
+
+"He will."
+
+"No, he dare not."
+
+"You do not know him--I do."
+
+"Well, what is to be done?"
+
+"Just what he demands."
+
+"What! pay him?"
+
+"By all means, and save the girl!"
+
+"You are right."
+
+"But have all ready then, the moment that she is safe, to throw five
+hundred mounted men on a hunt for him, have the entire country about
+Dead Line surrounded, and then hunt him and his men to death," savagely
+said Harding.
+
+"Yes, it must be done; but now to tell the men what has happened," and
+Landlord Larry went out, followed by Harding, to find a large crowd of
+miners gathered about the hotel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE RANSOM.
+
+
+Landlord Larry was considerably nonplused by what had been told him by
+Harding, and he hardly knew how to break the news to the miners.
+Hundreds had assembled, for the mad race of Harding's team up the valley
+had told them that something had gone wrong.
+
+So they had hurried in twos and by half-dozens to the hotel to hear what
+had happened.
+
+They were more eager to learn it all when it was told how Harding had
+made no report, but had led Landlord Larry into the office and been
+closeted there with him an hour.
+
+The panting horses had been led away to the stable, the mail had been
+opened by Landlord Larry's clerk, and many had gotten letters.
+
+But the interest in letters was lost in the desire to learn what had
+happened on Harding's run in.
+
+When the two men were seen coming out of the hotel, a wild yell greeted
+them.
+
+Landlord Larry stepped out upon the piazza, and at once a silence fell
+upon the crowd, while every eye was turned upon the white face of
+Harding.
+
+"Men, I have bad news for you," said Landlord Larry. "The coach has been
+held up again, and thirty-two thousand dollars in money, given to Driver
+Harding to bring to Last Chance, was taken. There are some forty of you
+who feel this loss, having sent your gold out to be exchanged for this
+money. But that is not the worst of it.
+
+"The mails were not disturbed, as the road-agent said that he wished no
+trouble with the Government. Nor is this all, for Harding had a
+passenger with him on this run, a young girl."
+
+"Where is she?" came in a chorus of voices.
+
+"I will tell you: There were seven road-agents, all masked, and their
+chief mounted. They held the coach up at the Dead Line, and they covered
+Harding with their rifles, and demanded the money which, in some way,
+they knew he had.
+
+"The young lady had hidden it for him, but as she was to be held for
+ransom, she gave it up, and, learning that she was rich, the road-agent
+chief then demanded ransom from her."
+
+And speaking slowly and distinctly Landlord Larry went on to tell the
+whole story of the coach and taking of Celeste Seldon captive.
+
+The crowd was as silent as death, except for the suppressed breathing of
+the men, and the bronzed faces of the miners paled and flushed by turns.
+When at last it was told how a ransom of thirty thousand dollars was
+demanded, before a word had been said that it would be paid back, a yell
+arose:
+
+"We'll raise it!"
+
+"Good! that is just what I knew you would do, pards, and I will head the
+list with five hundred," said Landlord Larry.
+
+"Put me down for five hundred," called out Harding, and the two offers
+were cheered, while a stern voice called out behind the landlord:
+
+"Put me down for a thousand, Larry, for I have heard all that you have
+told the men."
+
+It was Doctor Dick, who, seeing the crowd in front of the hotel, had
+come to the piazza by passing into the house through the rear door.
+
+Another cheer greeted the sum named by Doctor Dick, and there arose
+cries on all sides as men pressed forward:
+
+"I'll give a thousand, landlord!"
+
+"Name me for fifty."
+
+"Put me on the list for a hundred!"
+
+"Twenty-five for me!"
+
+And so on were the sums named by the noble-hearted and generous fellows,
+even those who had lost their money by the road-agents subscribing,
+until Doctor Dick called out, for he had been keeping account:
+
+"Hold on, all! The amount is already named. Now, men, form in line, and
+give your names as you pass along, and the money, those who have it."
+
+It was late when the ransom list was made up, and the men had not heeded
+the supper-gong until after they had paid their subscriptions.
+
+Then Landlord Larry packed the money away, and the crowd dispersed to
+their various occupations and pleasures for the night, which may be set
+down as consisting principally of drinking and gambling.
+
+The question regarding the unfortunate girl who had fallen into the
+hands of the masked and merciless outlaws being settled, the driver
+said to Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick, who had returned to the office
+in the hotel.
+
+"Now I wish to see about the poor fellow whom that young girl was coming
+out to see, and also to learn about her father."
+
+"Who was her father?" asked Landlord Larry.
+
+"Her name is Celeste Seldon, and she wished me to ascertain if her
+father had ever been heard of in the mines. His name was Andrew Seldon."
+
+"Andrew Seldon?" quickly said Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I know of such a man, or, rather, knew of him, for he is dead now," was
+the response of the gambler.
+
+A cloud passed over the face of Harding, and he remarked sadly:
+
+"That poor girl seems doomed to have sorrow dog her steps. But you knew
+her father, doctor?"
+
+"Yes, I knew him long years ago, and I happen to know of his having been
+out here, working for a fortune in the mines, I believe."
+
+"You are sure that it is the one she seeks?"
+
+"The names are the same. The Andrew Seldon I knew was from Tennessee."
+
+"So was her father, and he must be the man you refer to. But where did
+he die?"
+
+"I'll tell you what I have not made known to others. Buffalo Bill and I
+struck a trail to see what the end would bring to us, and the night
+before we came to the end those we sought were buried by the caving-in
+of a mine which they were working under a cliff. One of those men was
+Andrew Seldon, and he had a companion with him."
+
+"And they were killed?"
+
+"Yes, buried under the cliff, that fell upon their cabin, destroying
+all."
+
+"You must tell the story to the young girl, for I cannot, doctor."
+
+"I will do so, though I hate to give a woman pain."
+
+"Now, doctor, I wish to ask about the one she seeks here in Last
+Chance."
+
+"Who is he, Harding?"
+
+"The poor fellow you so devotedly cared for, but whose reason was
+destroyed by the wound he received from the road-agents."
+
+"Ah, yes, poor fellow, his mind is irrevocably wrecked."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Landlord Larry can tell you better than I, for he seems to avoid my
+cabin since I gave him up as a patient."
+
+"He wanders about among the camps at will; but that reminds me that I
+have not seen him to-day," the landlord said.
+
+"Is he the one the girl is coming to see?" asked Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yes, and his name is Bernard Brandon. He came out here on a special
+mission for her, I suppose to find her father, and not hearing from him
+she feared that he had gotten into trouble, so came West herself in
+search of him."
+
+"Well, her coming may bring back his reason, though I doubt it."
+
+"Will you not question him, doctor, telling him about her, and see if
+you cannot get him to talk rationally?"
+
+"Certainly, Harding, but where is he?"
+
+Landlord Larry asked his clerk about the man, but he had not seen him
+all day, and, the miners being questioned, not one recalled having seen
+him since the day before.
+
+In some dread that harm had befallen him, Harding then went out in
+search of the poor fellow. He went from miner to miner and camp to camp
+in his vain search, for not anywhere could he find any one who had seen
+the missing man for over twenty-four hours.
+
+Becoming really alarmed, when he realized the shock it would be to
+Celeste Seldon, whose hazardous and costly trip to the West would be
+utterly useless, Harding went back to the hotel to consult Doctor Dick
+and Landlord Larry about giving a general alarm.
+
+Then alarms were only given in times of direct need, for the miners were
+sworn to obey the call, and come from every camp and mine within the
+circuit of habitation about Last Chance.
+
+The alarm was given by sending a mounted bugler to every prominent point
+in the valley, where he was to sound the rally three times.
+
+A half-dozen positions thus visited would send the bugle-notes into
+every camp of the valley, and it was the duty of all miners to at once
+strike for the place of assembly at the hotel, and give the warning to
+all others whom they saw.
+
+Landlord Larry hearing the story of Harding's fruitless search for the
+stranger, at once decided to order the alarm sounded without consulting
+Doctor Dick, who was not at his cabin.
+
+So the bugler was called in, and, mounting a speedy horse, he placed the
+bugle to his lips and loud, clear, and ringing resounded the "rally."
+
+Then he dashed from point to point at the full speed of his horse, and
+within half an hour, from half a dozen prominent positions, the
+bugle-call assembling the miners had rung out and men were hastening to
+obey the summons.
+
+Within an hour every man in Last Chance had reported at the
+assembling-point, all eager to know the cause of the alarm.
+
+Again Landlord Larry was the speaker, and he began by asking if the
+unfortunate stranger, whose wound had crazed him, was in the crowd.
+
+Every eye was at once on the search for the man, but soon the reports
+came that Bernard Brandon was not in the crowd.
+
+Then Landlord Larry made known that the mysterious disappearance, at the
+time of Miss Seldon's capture by the road-agents, was a coincidence so
+strange that it needed explanation.
+
+Miss Seldon was coming to Last Chance to find that very young man, who
+had in turn come there in search of her father, and now, when she was a
+captive to the road-agents, to be given up only upon the payment of a
+large ransom, the stranger had most mysteriously disappeared.
+
+The name of the young lady's father was Andrew Seldon, and if any miner
+present could tell aught regarding him, or had known such a man, the
+landlord wished him to come and tell him all that he could about him.
+
+But it was the duty, and but justice, for one and all of them to set out
+on the search for the young stranger who had disappeared from their
+midst, and he wished to know if they would not take a day off and do
+so, for it might be that he had been injured, and was then lying
+suffering and deserving their sympathy and aid somewhere among the
+mountains.
+
+A perfect yell in answer to the request of Landlord Larry told him that
+Bernard Brandon would be found if he was in or near Last Chance, and so
+it was agreed that all would start at dawn the following morning, many
+mounted, many on foot, and report the result, if good or bad, at the
+hotel at night.
+
+So the miners' meeting broke up, and with the first gray in the east the
+following morning, four-fifths of Last Chance were off, searching for
+the missing man.
+
+As they wore themselves out, or completed the search over the circuit
+assigned them, the men came in and reported at the hotel. Each had the
+same story to tell, that the search had been a fruitless one.
+
+Many of the mounted men did not come in until after dark, but theirs was
+the same story, that no trace of the missing stranger could be found.
+
+At last every man who had been on the search had returned, and not the
+slightest trace of the missing Brandon had been discovered by a single
+one who had gone out to look for him.
+
+No one remembered to have seen him very lately, and so his fate was
+unsolved, and the miners put it down as unknown, with the belief that he
+had either been kidnaped by road-agents or had fallen into some stream,
+or from a cliff, and thus met his death.
+
+The belief of Landlord Larry and Harding was that Bernard Brandon had
+been captured, for some reason, by road-agents, and this convinced them
+that there were spies of the outlaws then dwelling in their midst; but
+what the motive for kidnaping the man was, they could only conjecture,
+believing it to be ransom that they thought the miners would pay, and,
+if they did not, that Celeste Seldon would.
+
+This belief, of spies in their midst, caused a very unpleasant and
+uneasy feeling among all, for hardly any man knew whether he could trust
+his own comrade or not.
+
+Doctor Dick came in late from his search and rounds to visit his
+patients, and listened in silence to the report that Bernard Brandon
+could not be found.
+
+He, however, would not believe that road-agents had kidnaped the crazed
+man, but said that he might have sprung from the cliff and taken his own
+life, have fallen over a precipice, or been devoured by the fierce
+mountain-wolves that hung in packs about the camps.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE.
+
+
+It was with a sinking heart that Celeste Seldon saw Harding drive away
+upon the stage, leaving her in the power of the road-agents. But she was
+a brave girl, and determined to show the outlaws that she did not fear
+them, no matter how great her dread of them was in reality.
+
+The saddle and bridle she had brought with her were carried along for a
+couple of miles, and placed upon a led horse, one of half a score hidden
+there, and the masked chief started to aid her to mount.
+
+But she said with a sneer:
+
+"I need no assistance from you."
+
+With this she placed her hands upon the horn and leaped lightly into the
+saddle.
+
+Her leather trunk was then strapped securely upon a pack-saddle, and the
+chief said:
+
+"Now, Miss Seldon, that you and my men are mounted, we will start."
+
+She turned her horse on the trail behind him, and the other outlaws
+followed, all riding in Indian file and with several packhorses bringing
+up the rear.
+
+After a ride of a dozen miles a halt was made for a rest, the chief
+said, and then Celeste Seldon observed that the hoofs of every horse
+were muffled, to prevent their leaving a trail.
+
+Having been left something over a couple of miles from the scene of the
+holding up of the stage, it would be next to impossible for the best of
+trailers to discover which way the road-agents had come to the spot and
+left it, for the chief's muffled-hoofed horse would leave no track to
+where the other animals were.
+
+Tired out and anxious, Celeste Seldon, after eating sparingly of the
+food given her by the chief, sat down with her back to a tree, and,
+closing her eyes, dropped into a deep sleep. When she was awakened to
+continue the journey she found that she had slept an hour.
+
+"We are ready to go miss," said the man who had appeared to be the
+chief's lieutenant, and whom he had called Wolf, whether because it was
+his real name, or on account of his nature, Celeste did not know.
+
+"I am ready," she said simply, refreshed by her short nap.
+
+"Shall I aid you to mount, miss?"
+
+"No, I can mount without your aid; but where is your chief?"
+
+"He has gone on ahead, miss, to prepare for your coming, leaving me to
+escort you."
+
+"I am content, for one is as bad as the other," was the reply, and,
+leaping into her saddle again, she fell in behind the man Wolf, and the
+march was again begun.
+
+Night came on, but the outlaws rode on for an hour or more, when they
+halted at a small spring in a thicket.
+
+Celeste was made more comfortable in a shelter of boughs, hastily cut
+and thrown up, and when supper was ready she ate heartily of
+antelope-steak, crackers, and coffee.
+
+She was rather glad to have got rid of the masked chief, of whom she
+stood in the greatest awe, and Wolf never spoke to her unless she
+addressed some remark to him.
+
+When she lay down upon the blanket-bed, spread upon fine straw, which
+he had made for her, she sank at once to sleep.
+
+She had no thought of escape, for what could she do there alone in that
+wild, trackless land? She would bide her time and await the result, be
+it what it might.
+
+She was awakened early in the morning, and the march was at once begun
+again, a halt being made a couple of hours later for breakfast.
+
+While it was being prepared she was allowed to wander at will, Wolf
+calling her only when it was ready, and thus showing that they had not
+the slightest idea that she would do so foolish a thing as to escape
+from them, to perish in the wilderness, or meet death by being attacked
+by wild beasts.
+
+When the start was again made, Wolf said:
+
+"When we halt for our noon camp, miss, I will have to blindfold you, and
+bind your hands."
+
+"Ah! you consider me very dangerous, then?" she said, with a smile.
+
+"You doubtless are dangerous, miss, in more ways than one; but it is to
+prevent your seeing where we take you that you are to be blindfolded."
+
+"Do you think I could guide a party after you?"
+
+"You have the nerve to do it, miss."
+
+"But why bind my hands?"
+
+"To prevent your removing the bandage from your eyes, miss."
+
+"I will pledge you my word that I will not do so."
+
+"I believe you would keep your word, miss; but the chief is a man who is
+merciless, and his orders were to blindfold and bind you, and if I
+disobey he would shoot me down as though I were in reality a wolf."
+
+"Perhaps not much loss, but I will submit," said Celeste with a sigh,
+for she had enjoyed the scenery, and her freedom as well this far, and
+now must be both blindfolded and bound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE TWO FUGITIVES.
+
+
+It will be remembered that when Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick rode away
+from the caved-in mine and crushed cabin of the two gold-hunters in the
+Grand Cañon, there were human eyes following their movements that they
+little dreamed were upon them.
+
+Gazing at them from a hiding-place half a mile away were two men whose
+faces showed much anxiety as they saw the scout and the gold king moving
+about their quarters, when they had believed themselves hidden from all
+search by friend or foe.
+
+Those two were Andrew Seldon and Lucas Langley.
+
+Their escape had been miraculous, from being buried in the mine beneath
+the cliff, and they had established for themselves new quarters up the
+Grand Cañon a few miles away from their former home.
+
+This new camping-place was more secluded than the former one, and
+approached by a narrow ridge that no one would believe a horse could
+pass along, for in places it was only eighteen inches wide.
+
+But Andrew Seldon had gone first along it on foot, and found beyond, up
+in the depths of a large cañon opening into the mightier one, a perfect
+garden spot and scene of beauty.
+
+A crystal stream trickled down a lofty precipice and flowed through the
+cañon, and in its bed glittered grains of gold innumerable.
+
+Back under the shadows of the towering cliffs there were found veins of
+precious metal giving promise of rich mines.
+
+There were trees growing luxuriously in this nature's park, velvety
+grass covering acres of meadow-land, wild fruits that were delicious,
+and everything to make this home a most charming one.
+
+They first made the effort to get their horses across the narrow ridge,
+upon either side of which was an abyss a quarter of a mile in depth,
+seamed with ravines, and looking like the craters of defunct volcanoes.
+
+The first horse tried, Andrew Seldon's own riding-animal, followed his
+master without hesitation along the dizzy, awful pathway.
+
+Turning, Seldon led him back again, and then the other animals followed
+slowly, and though nervously, yet without accident.
+
+They were repaid for their fright when turned loose upon the acres of
+luxuriant grass in the valley.
+
+A fence of poles made a barrier across the narrow entrance of the
+valley, and so the horses were allowed to roam at will.
+
+A stout cabin was next built, and the two men having made themselves
+comfortable for the winter, were ready to begin their search for gold,
+feeling safe once more in their retreat, for who would believe that they
+had crossed that narrow ridge to find a hiding-place beyond?
+
+And here these two men, so strangely met, with mysterious lives, and
+both in hiding from the world, settled down to win a fortune from the
+generous earth, to earn riches that would make them comfortable in their
+latter years far from the scenes that had known them in other days and
+to which they dared not return.
+
+Each day they worked several hours in their gold-hunting, and then one
+of them would take his gun and go in search of game, while the other
+would do the chores about their cabin.
+
+It was upon one of these hunting expeditions one day that Andrew Seldon
+found himself belated from having pursued his game much farther than he
+had thought.
+
+It was some miles back to camp and the sun had long since ceased to send
+its rays down into the depths of the mighty chasm of the Grand Cañon.
+
+He started back, with his game swung up on his back, and the shadows
+rapidly deepening about him.
+
+As he neared his old destroyed home he stopped suddenly, for across the
+cañon a light flashed before his gaze.
+
+"It is a firelight as sure as I live," he muttered.
+
+"What does it, what can it, mean?"
+
+He stood like one dazed by the sight for some time, and then slowly fell
+from his lips the words:
+
+"It can mean but one thing--_that some one has come into the cañon_."
+
+After a moment more of silent thought he said almost cheerily:
+
+"Ah! it is Lucas."
+
+But again his voice changed as he added:
+
+"No, he dreads the spot where he was so nearly buried alive and will not
+go there. Whoever it is, he is a stranger. I must know, for if they have
+come here to remain, if they are our foes we will be forewarned and
+hence forearmed.
+
+"I will at once solve the mystery, for I had hoped never to behold a
+human face here other than Lucas Langley's and my own," and the
+gold-hunter walked away in the direction of the firelight which had so
+startled him.
+
+He went cautiously, for he knew well the danger if he was discovered,
+and the builders of the camp-fire proved to be foes.
+
+He knew the locality well, and that he could approach within a hundred
+yards of the fire, and discover just what there was to be seen.
+
+Arriving within an eighth of a mile of the spot he halted, laid aside
+his game and rifle, and then moved forward from rock to rock, tree to
+tree, armed only with his revolvers.
+
+He now saw that there were three fires, two near together and one a
+couple of hundred feet apart and off to itself.
+
+The scene of the camp was a small cañon near his old home and on the
+trail leading to it. There was gold in the cañon, for he had discovered
+it there and taken some away, while he had marked it as his claim, it
+having been already staked as one of the finds and claims of the real
+Andrew Seldon.
+
+In truth, there were a dozen such claims in the Grand Cañon found by
+Andrew Seldon, all of them paying finds.
+
+Having reached a point within a hundred yards of the camp-fires, Seldon
+leaned over a rock and began to survey the scene.
+
+The three fires were burning brightly, and beyond the light fell upon a
+number of horses corralled in the cañon, where there was grass and
+water. There were brush shelters near, three in number, and about the
+fires in front of them were gathered a number of men.
+
+Counting them, Andrew Seldon found that there were eight in sight.
+
+There appeared to be no guard kept, and the camp was certainly not a
+very new one, apparently having been made there several weeks before.
+
+Emboldened by his discovery, the gold-hunter crept nearer and nearer,
+and then could see that the men were all masked.
+
+This struck him as being a very remarkable circumstance, indeed, since
+they were clad like miners, some of them wearing beards that came below
+their masks. All were armed thoroughly.
+
+They were eating their supper as Andrew Seldon looked at them.
+
+Gaining a point of observation still nearer, the gold-hunter obtained a
+view of the camp-fire apart from the others. A comfortable little cabin
+was just behind the fire, and a rustic bench had been made near it.
+
+A blanket hung over the door of the tiny cabin, and about the fire was
+the evidence of a supper recently eaten, for a cup, tin plate, and
+knives, with the remains of a meal, were upon a rock that served as a
+table.
+
+Upon the rustic seat sat one whose presence there was a great surprise
+to Andrew Seldon.
+
+"By Heaven, it is a woman!" he almost cried aloud in his amazement.
+
+Then he determined to get a still nearer view, and after surveying the
+position, he decided that he could do so by passing around to the edge
+of the cliff and creeping along it to a point not sixty feet away.
+
+As he, after very cautious work, reached the point he sought, some forty
+feet from the one at the camp-fire, gazing upon her he muttered to
+himself:
+
+"It is a young and beautiful girl, and why is she here with those
+strange men? Who is she, and what is this mystery? I must solve it."
+
+He noted that the single fire was just around a bend of the cañon, and
+that the men were camped below her.
+
+"This looks as though she was a prisoner. But how did they find this
+spot, and how dare they venture down that dangerous trail?
+
+"Well, Andrew Seldon the real did it, I did it, Lucas Langley also, and
+Buffalo Bill and the comrade with him were two more to make the
+venture, so why not these men?
+
+"But why are they masked, and what does it mean that they have that
+young girl in their midst? Beyond doubt she is a captive, and yet I dare
+not communicate with her. It would betray my presence and I would lose
+all, perhaps my life.
+
+"They do not know of my presence here in the Grand Cañon, and they will
+hardly find our camp, at least as long as they find gold where they are.
+Well, I will return to my home and tell Langley of my strange
+discovery."
+
+After so musing, and gazing the while at the girl, Andrew Seldon was
+about to leave his position, when he saw a horseman ride into the lower
+camp. The horse seemed to have been hard ridden, for he came in with
+lowered head, and that the newcomer was in authority there was shown by
+the men rising as he approached the fire, while one of them took care of
+his horse.
+
+"I will see what this arrival means," muttered Andrew Seldon, and he
+kept his position among the rocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE OUTLAW LOVER.
+
+
+The man who had ridden into camp gave some order, which Andrew Seldon
+could not hear, and one of those about the camp-fire at once set about
+preparing supper for him.
+
+There was upon his face a red mask, much as the others wore, but he was
+dressed in somewhat better style than they, wearing cavalry-boots
+instead of heavy ones such as his men had on, while his body dress was a
+velvet jacket.
+
+His hat was a slouch, encircled by a silver cord representing a snake,
+as the gold-hunter discovered, when he afterward got a closer view of
+him.
+
+He talked to his men for a few minutes, but what he said the gold-hunter
+was unable to hear. Then he walked away in the direction of the other
+fire.
+
+"Now I can know what this means," muttered Andrew Seldon eagerly.
+
+The young girl had certainly seen the man arrive in camp, but she had
+shown no interest apparently in his coming, and now, as he approached,
+she calmly remained seated, her eyes, however, following his movements.
+
+As he drew near he politely raised his sombrero and said:
+
+"I hope I find Miss Seldon well?"
+
+"Seldon! She bears the name I now am masquerading under," muttered the
+gold-hunter in intense surprise.
+
+"Miss Seldon is as well as could be expected under the existing
+circumstances, of being the captive of a band of cutthroats," was the
+cutting reply, and the listening man, who heard all, opened wide his
+eyes.
+
+"You are harsh in your terms, Miss Seldon."
+
+"Are you not road-agents, robbers, and murderers, and are you not
+holding me here for ransom, after having robbed me of a large sum in my
+keeping?"
+
+"Yes, such is the case."
+
+"Then why wince under the name of cutthroat? But you have been away for
+some days."
+
+"I have."
+
+"You have seen your chief?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"And what message does he send?"
+
+"You are to go with me at dawn to the rendezvous on the Overland Trail,
+where you are to be given over to the one sent by the miners of Last
+Chance to pay your ransom."
+
+"I am glad of this; but will your chief keep faith, or will he play the
+traitor for a third time and escape giving me up through some trick?"
+
+"No, for if he did he would surely be run down, as he knows, by the
+miners, even if your life was the forfeit."
+
+"I hope it may prove true that I am to be ransomed, and I will be ready
+to go with you; but where is your chief?"
+
+"He is in his other camp."
+
+"Then he has two?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Am I to be blindfolded and bound again when you are taking me from
+here?"
+
+"Such are his orders, Miss Seldon."
+
+"He fears that I, a young girl, may lead a force upon his secret
+retreat?"
+
+"That is just what he fears, Miss Seldon."
+
+"I only wish I _was_ able to do so."
+
+"Miss Seldon, may I speak a word to you?" suddenly said the masked
+outlaw, drawing nearer.
+
+"I believe there is no more to say, for I will be ready at the hour you
+desire to start."
+
+"There is more to say, and say it I will. I wish to tell you that I have
+been a very wicked man, that I went to the bad when hardly out of my
+teens, broke my mother's heart by my evil life, and ruined my father
+financially, driving him to suicide in his despair.
+
+"I came West and tried to redeem the past by becoming an honest miner;
+but luck went against me, and I at last turned once more to evil and
+found a band of outlaws. Money came to me in plenty, and at last I
+drifted into the band that our chief commands, and, as you know, I am
+his lieutenant.
+
+"He found this mine and sent us here to work it and have our retreat
+here also. Much gold is coming to us through our work, and also by our
+holding up the coaches on the Last Chance trail, for he posts us where
+to be on hand for an attack, as we have what we call the post-office
+half-way between our camp and his.
+
+"When he made you a prisoner I felt for you, and, as I was the one to
+hold you captive and bring you here, I grew more and more fond of you
+until now I must, I will tell you, that I love you with my whole heart
+and soul, Celeste Seldon."
+
+The young girl had not moved during the time that the outlaw lieutenant
+was speaking, but now, when he proclaimed his love for her, she arose,
+drew herself up, and said haughtily:
+
+"And I, Celeste Seldon, abhor such love as you, an outlaw, would feel
+for me, and command you not again to speak one word to me while I am in
+the hateful atmosphere of your presence as your prisoner."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE SECRET OUT.
+
+
+"Celeste Seldon! It was _her_ name--_his_ daughter's name, and yet the
+letter said that she was dead! Is this a coincidence, or is she alive,
+and is this young girl the child of Andrew Seldon the real?"
+
+So mused Andrew Seldon the impersonator, as he crouched among the rocks,
+his eyes riveted upon the girl not fifty feet from him, and who so
+boldly faced the outlaw officer who had dared breathe to her a word of
+love.
+
+The outlaw stood abashed at the manner in which his avowal of love had
+been received. There was no anger in his look, and he seemed hurt rather
+than offended.
+
+After Celeste Seldon's indignant response to him he half-turned away, as
+though to retire in silence, but then reconsidered his determination and
+said in a low tone full of feeling:
+
+"Pardon me, for I did wrong to think for a moment that an angel would
+look kindly upon a devil. I love you, and I could not but tell you of
+it, for you had decided me as to my own course, you had made me see my
+evil life as it is in all its enormity, and decide to make another
+struggle to go back to honor and truth."
+
+"This, at least, you deserve credit for, and I trust you may carry out
+your resolve, for in that you shall have my full sympathy."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Seldon; but I have something more to say to you."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"You are to be given up by the chief on the payment of your ransom."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wish I could prevent this robbery, but I cannot, as it is simply
+beyond my power to do so."
+
+"I do not ask it of you."
+
+"Granted; but your being returned will not end it all."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"You came here for an avowed purpose, as I understand it."
+
+"I did, Mr. Wolf."
+
+"That purpose was to find one who had come West on a special mission."
+
+"Granted again."
+
+"His mission was to find your father, Andrew Seldon."
+
+The listener crouching among the rocks started at this and set his teeth
+hard, while he awaited the reply of the young girl.
+
+"Yes; he came to find my father, Andrew Seldon, who, I had reason to
+believe, was in the mining-country about here."
+
+"You have not heard of the young man who came at your bidding?"
+
+"Let me say that he came of his own accord, knowing that a great wrong
+had been done my father by one whom he believed his dearest friend. He
+came to find him and tell him all the sad truth; but why am I telling
+_you_ this?"
+
+"Because you know that I am interested, that I can aid you."
+
+"Can you?" was the eager reply.
+
+"I can."
+
+"Do so, and----"
+
+"And what?"
+
+"I will reward you--generously."
+
+"I seek no reward, ask for none, would not accept any pay at your hands,
+other than to earn your good opinion and gratitude."
+
+"Well, sir?" said Celeste Seldon coolly.
+
+"Have you found your father?"
+
+"No, I regret to say I have not; but I was interrupted in my search by
+being captured by your robber chief."
+
+"Do you know what became of the young man who came West in search of
+him?"
+
+"I had a letter mailed at W---- from him, stating that he had heard of
+people at Last Chance who might tell him of my father, and that he was
+going there, and would at once communicate with me.
+
+"I had no other letter, and my communications remained unanswered, even
+my telegrams wired to Santa Fé and mailed there brought no response.
+Then I decided to come out here myself, and I acted promptly."
+
+"And you have not found the one you seek?"
+
+"I have discovered that the coach in which he left W---- was held up by
+your band, that he was wounded, and that though he was placed under the
+care of one known as Doctor Dick, a surgeon, though his life was saved,
+his reason was gone, and now he is wandering about the mines of Last
+Chance, a harmless lunatic."
+
+"He was until lately."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that he was kidnaped several days ago."
+
+"Kidnaped?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Seldon."
+
+"For what purpose?"
+
+"Ransom."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"My chief."
+
+"Ah! but what ransom can he get from him?"
+
+"I believe you told the chief that you were rich, and this poor fellow
+is your messenger."
+
+"I think I understand."
+
+"Yes, you will be returned, and then negotiations will be entered into
+for your messenger's ransom."
+
+"Ah! I am to be still further robbed?" said Celeste, with a sneer.
+
+"Yes, and that is not the end," came the significant reply.
+
+There was something in the response of the outlaw officer that impressed
+the young girl most strangely. What more could there be in store for her
+than she had already passed through, which caused him to say that the
+end was not yet?
+
+The listener among the rocks kept his eyes riveted upon the two, his
+ears turned to catch every word they uttered.
+
+He now knew that the letter he had received, telling him, as Andrew
+Seldon, that Celeste, the daughter, was dead, was false, and a fraud
+perpetrated for some reason upon the absent miner.
+
+"You say that the ransom of Bernard Brandon will not be the end?" asked
+Celeste, after a moment of meditation.
+
+"It will not."
+
+"What else can there be?"
+
+"A great deal."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"There will be a _third demand_."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Upon you."
+
+"For what?"
+
+"Gold."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"The chief."
+
+"What will the demand be for?"
+
+"I'll tell you the truth, as I happen to know it, or, rather, suspect
+it, from what I do know, have seen, and heard."
+
+"I hope that you will act squarely with me, Mr. Wolf."
+
+"Upon my life, I will, and though I cannot help you now, must even
+appear to be your foe, in the end I will help you and prove to be your
+friend."
+
+"I hope so."
+
+"You ask what this third demand will be?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you ransom Bernard Brandon?"
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"A fugitive."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"He will be in this camp to-morrow."
+
+"Ah! then I will see him?"
+
+"No; he will not arrive until after your departure."
+
+"I will await his coming."
+
+"That cannot be, for I have orders to start with you to be ransomed, and
+you are not supposed to know that he has been captured."
+
+"But you have told me so."
+
+"It was a confidential communication, and if you betray me I can render
+you no further service, for my usefulness will be gone; in fact, I would
+be put to death."
+
+"I will not betray you."
+
+"Thank you, but let me say that Brandon will be brought here, for two
+men now have him in charge, and are on the trail here."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will be ransomed, and then go to Last Chance. There you will learn
+of Brandon's mysterious disappearance, and a ransom will soon after be
+demanded for him."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will pay it?"
+
+"Of course I will."
+
+"Then comes the third trial."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"_You will be captured!_"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"It is true."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"The masked chief of The Cloven Hoofs of the Grand Cañon of the
+Colorado."
+
+"He will still hunt me down?"
+
+"He will."
+
+"Being forewarned is being forearmed."
+
+"Not in this case."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"He works in a most mysterious way, and do all you may you will be
+captured by him."
+
+"And another ransom demanded?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And so he will continue to rob me of my gold."
+
+"In this case, the ransom will not be of gold."
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"The ransom demanded _will be your hand in marriage_."
+
+Celeste uttered a cry of alarm, and started back with a look of horror
+upon her beautiful face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE DEPARTURE.
+
+
+The reply of the outlaw officer, telling what the third demand to be
+made upon Celeste Seldon would be, caused her face to pale and her lips
+quiver, while her eyes burned brightly with indignation. She stood for a
+moment in silence, and then asked:
+
+"Do you mean that he will make this demand upon me?"
+
+"I mean that the demand will be made upon you by one who will enforce
+it."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"That I cannot tell you, more I cannot say to you, yet I will relieve
+your anxiety by saying that I will protect you, cost whose life it may."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, if you are again captured, though, if I can prevent it, I will."
+
+"But if I am?"
+
+"It will end there, for then I will prove my reformation: I will
+protect you, and that poor fellow for whom you will have to pay ransom.
+When I do, I believe I will be able to return your gold, paid in ransom,
+to you again.
+
+"But, whether I do or not, you will go your way free, and Brandon also,
+and I will prove that you have reformed me, that my loving you has made
+me a different man. Now I cannot, will not say more; but remember that
+through all I will secretly be your friend, though openly appearing as
+your guard and enemy."
+
+"I thank you, and I will trust you," and stepping forward, Celeste
+Seldon held forth her hand.
+
+The man put forth his own, as though to grasp it, then hesitated, and
+said:
+
+"No, I will prove my reformation, my friendship, before I touch you with
+my crime-stained hand. I will call you at an early hour," and turning
+abruptly, the outlaw lover of Celeste Seldon walked away.
+
+Resuming her seat, the young girl became lost in thought, while Andrew
+Seldon, as we shall still call him, after gazing at her for a few
+moments in silence, turned away from his hiding-place, and crept
+cautiously back to where he had left his game and rifle.
+
+He knew that his comrade would be most anxious about him, yet he
+determined to remain there for the night, and see the departure in the
+morning. He would then know just how many outlaws went with Celeste
+Seldon as a guard, and how many remained.
+
+So he made himself as comfortable as possible, and sank to sleep, to
+awake an hour before dawn and see the camp-fires burning brightly.
+
+Creeping to the safest point of observation, from which he could retreat
+unseen after daylight, should any of the outlaws remain in their camp,
+he waited for developments.
+
+He had not long to wait before he saw a party approaching on horseback.
+There was one in the lead, and as he came within a few yards of where he
+lay, Andrew Seldon recognized the outlaw officer, Wolf.
+
+He held a lariat in his hand that was attached to the bit of the horse
+following, and upon which was mounted Celeste Seldon.
+
+In the dim gray of early dawn, Seldon saw that the eyes of Celeste were
+blindfolded, and her hands rested in her lap, as though bound.
+
+Behind her came, in single file, five outlaws, and like their leader,
+they were masked.
+
+Bringing up the rear were a couple of packhorses well laden.
+
+The party passed on, and then Andrew Seldon turned his attention to the
+outlaw camp, in which several of the men had been left.
+
+Having discovered this, Seldon then crept cautiously back, picked up his
+rifle and game, and started off at a double-quick for his own camp,
+anxious to relieve his pard's anxiety regarding him, and to tell him all
+that he had discovered.
+
+A man of great endurance, he made a rapid run to his home, and did not
+feel it in the least. He found Lucas Langley just starting off on a
+search for him, and the welcome he received was a sincere one.
+
+"How glad I am to see you, Pard Seldon. Surely you were not lost?" he
+said.
+
+"No, indeed; but have you any breakfast, for I am as ravenous as a wolf,
+as I went without dinner and supper yesterday, and did not delay to
+cook anything this morning."
+
+"You shall have something in a few minutes, so wash up, and I'll get it
+for you."
+
+"And then we must have a talk," said Seldon, as he went down toward the
+little stream for a refreshing plunge-bath.
+
+"He has had an adventure of some kind, I am sure," muttered Lucas
+Langley, as he threw a fine steak upon the coals and put some fresh
+coffee in the pot.
+
+Andrew Seldon's bath greatly refreshed him, and he ate his breakfast
+quietly, after which he said:
+
+"We'll not go gold-hunting to-day, pard, for I have something to tell
+you."
+
+"I feel that you have seen some one in the Grand Cañon."
+
+"You are right. I have."
+
+"Are they here to stay?"
+
+"Yes, they think so."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"They are masked men, outlaws, belonging, I feel sure, to the
+road-agent band I heard of when at W----."
+
+"They go masked in camp?"
+
+"They do."
+
+"How many?"
+
+"There are, I think, nearly a dozen of them."
+
+"Tell me of them, and where they are."
+
+"They are camped in the blue-cliff cañon, near our old home, and are
+working the mine we marked as number two on our map."
+
+"They are here for gold, then?"
+
+"Yes, gold-diggers in their idle moments, and at other times
+road-agents, making their retreat here, where they deem themselves
+safe."
+
+"They did not see you?"
+
+"No, indeed; but I got within fifty feet of one of their camp-fires, and
+where they had a captive."
+
+"Ah! a prisoner?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you know him?"
+
+"It was a young girl."
+
+"The devils!"
+
+"That is what they are, indeed; but let me tell you just what I
+discovered, overheard, and saw."
+
+Then Andrew Seldon told the story, and in Lucas Langley he found a most
+ready listener.
+
+"Oh, that we could rescue that girl!" said Langley, when he had heard
+all.
+
+"To make the attempt would be but to meet with signal failure now,
+Lucas."
+
+"I fear so."
+
+"Still, I will see that they are not left long to carry on their work of
+deviltry."
+
+"I am with you heart and soul."
+
+"I know that well, pard. But they will return the girl for the ransom
+demanded, and then they will get the amount they claim for the young man
+they spoke of."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"This will take some days, and in that time I shall act."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, they will lay their plans to kidnap the girl from Last Chance, to
+carry out this scheme of the chief to have his third demand come in,
+and right there I shall thwart them."
+
+"But how can you?"
+
+"I will start to-night for Fort Faraway."
+
+"Will you go there?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You told me that there were reasons why you would not go anywhere among
+those who might recognize you."
+
+"It is different now, and necessity demands that I take the risk. I have
+changed greatly, for my long hair and beard, my glasses and other
+changes completely disguise me from what I was, and so I will go to Fort
+Faraway."
+
+"For what purpose?"
+
+"I wish to see Buffalo Bill, and place these facts before him, for we
+can tell him where to find the outlaws' secret retreat, and I believe
+that the girl and the young man can be saved and every member of the
+robber band captured."
+
+"It would be a grand thing for you to do."
+
+"Yes, it is just what I wish to do, to render some valuable service to
+the Government."
+
+"When shall we start?"
+
+"I will start to-night, but you, pard, must remain here in possession of
+our mines."
+
+"As you wish, pard; but will you be gone long?"
+
+"Not a day longer than is necessary, pard."
+
+"Well, success go with you," was Lucas Langley's response, and the two
+men began to make preparations for the start of the one with information
+of where the retreat of the outlaw band could be found.
+
+Andrew Seldon did not care to take a packhorse, for he wished to make
+all the time possible, and when the sun went down he was ready for the
+trail, and, with Lucas Langley accompanying him, he started down the
+cañon to steal by the robbers' camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE LONE TRAIL.
+
+
+Well supplied with food and ammunition, having plenty of blankets along,
+for the nights were cold, and mounted upon the best one of their horses,
+Andrew Seldon felt ready to cope with whatever he might have to
+encounter in the way of hardships and dangers.
+
+Mufflers had been prepared for the hoofs of his horse, that he might
+leave no trail and make no sound in passing the robber camp, while a
+muzzle was carried for the nose of the animal, to prevent his neighing
+and thus betraying his presence to foes.
+
+After crossing the narrow ridge, the mufflers and muzzle were tied on,
+and the two men stole along, leading the horse, until they came in sight
+of the camp-fires. Only two were burning now, and about them only a few
+men were visible.
+
+The two men slipped by unseen with their horse, some eighth of a mile
+distant from the camp, and having seen his pard to safety, Lucas
+Langley bade him farewell, with many good wishes for his success, and
+started upon his return.
+
+Mounting then, Andrew Seldon set off on his lonely and perilous mission.
+He ascended the hazardous trail, stripped his horse of his trappings
+upon reaching the deadly cliff which he had to pass around, and got
+safely by with the animal. Then he brought his saddle and trappings
+around, led the horse to the top of the cañon rim, and, mounting, set
+off for Fort Faraway, taking the trail that must lead him by the
+deserted camp where he had killed Black-heart Bill in a duel, and where
+the desperado rested in his grave after his tumultuous life of evil.
+
+By rapid riding he reached the deserted camp soon after midnight, and,
+dismounting, prepared to go into camp.
+
+There was the best of water and grass there, and, to be merciful to his
+horse, Andrew Seldon did not allow his own feelings to cause him to camp
+elsewhere when the animal would be the sufferer.
+
+Having watered his horse and staked him out to feed, he sat down upon a
+log near the wickiup and ate his cold supper quietly.
+
+Then he lighted his pipe and began to smoke with a strange calmness of
+mien, when it is remembered that there, within a few yards of him, at
+the base of the quaking aspen whose white trunk looked ghostly in the
+moonlight, was the grave of the man he had killed, the man who had been
+his boyhood friend, and afterward his bitterest foe.
+
+Laying aside his pipe, he spread his blankets in the wickiup, and then
+walked quietly toward the quaking aspen.
+
+There was the mound that marked the last resting-place of Hugh Mayhew,
+whose deeds of wickedness had won for him the name of Black-heart Bill.
+
+What thoughts crowded upon him as he stood there gazing upon the little
+mound of earth, knowing that only a few feet below the surface the dead
+face of his one-time friend was upturned toward him, who can tell?
+
+For some time he stood there, his arms folded upon his broad breast, and
+his head bowed. At last, a sigh found its way between his set teeth,
+and he turned away.
+
+Reaching the wickiup, he paused, and mused aloud:
+
+"Well, I am making a bold venture to dare go to the fort from which I
+fled on the day appointed for my execution, fled to live on here in the
+wilderness, believed to be dead, yet living, my own name cast aside, and
+living under that of one I never knew in life.
+
+"How strange this life is, its bitterness, sorrows, realities, and
+romance, and how strange, indeed, has been my career. Well, what will
+the end be, I wonder?
+
+"I am taking my life in my hands to venture to the fort, but I must save
+that poor girl, run down those outlaws, and I can only do it through
+Buffalo Bill. Now to turn in, for I must get some rest, and will, even
+in this weird spot."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST.
+
+
+The miners of Last Chance were too much excited over the expected ransom
+of Celeste Seldon, and the thought of soon having a young and beautiful
+girl in the mining-camps, to devote themselves to steady work, after the
+situation was known to them.
+
+Then, too, they were greatly disturbed at the mysterious disappearance
+of Bernard Brandon, the young man whose mind had been destroyed by his
+wound, and which they could not comprehend, for not the slightest trace
+had been found of him, with all their searching.
+
+The fact that they had been robbed, and also Celeste Seldon, was another
+disturbing element, and so it was that little work was done in the mines
+during the time following Harding's arrival and the day set for Doctor
+Dick to go out with the ransom money for the young girl whom they all so
+longed to welcome in their frontier home.
+
+Landlord Larry had set the example of having things spruced up for her
+coming, and the miners had quickly followed his example, having put
+their cabins in better condition.
+
+A cabin which the landlord was having built for his own especial use,
+apart from the hotel, was hastened to completion, and then the very best
+the hotel could supply was put in it as furniture and to make it
+attractive to the fair visitor, who was to be regarded as the guest of
+Last Chance.
+
+At last, the eventful day arrived for the ransom to be paid, and the
+miners had all taken a peep into the quarters of Celeste Seldon, to see
+how attractive it was.
+
+Doctor Dick had furnished a number of things, and the miners who had any
+pretty robes, or souvenirs, did likewise, until it would have been a
+callous heart, indeed, that would not be touched by their devotion to
+one whom they had never seen.
+
+The question of an attempt to capture the road-agents had been fully
+discussed, but dismissed upon the advice of Landlord Larry, Doctor Dick,
+and Harding, who represented the danger that the girl would be in, at
+the hands of the merciless masked chief.
+
+That Doctor Dick was the right man to send out with the ransom all felt
+assured, for if there was any trickery on the part of the road-agents,
+he was the one to meet it.
+
+Doctor Dick had even offered to go out upon horseback alone, but it was
+thought best that the coach should be sent for the visitor, and Harding
+should drive, he having met her.
+
+The miners, however, arranged to meet her with a delegation at the
+entrance to the valley, and escort her to the hotel.
+
+Every man was to be dressed in his best, and, in honor of the occasion,
+the saloons were to be all closed.
+
+When, at last, the day arrived, Harding mounted his box and gathered up
+his reins, Doctor Dick following to a seat by his side a moment after.
+
+The bag containing the gold to be paid in ransom was placed between
+their feet, Landlord Larry gave the word to go, and the coach rolled
+away at a rapid pace, followed by the wildest cheering.
+
+The doctor was fixed up in his most magnificent attire. His jewels shone
+with more than accustomed luster, and there was an expression upon his
+face that boded no good for the road-agents if they meant treachery in
+their dealings.
+
+Harding was also rigged out in his finest, and wore a pleased look at
+the prospect of meeting Celeste again, upon whom he considered that he
+held a special claim, and yet, underlying all, was an anxiety that some
+hitch might occur in gaining her release that would destroy all prospect
+of seeing her.
+
+The coach had been cleaned up to look its best, and a United States flag
+floated from a staff fastened upon the rear.
+
+The harnesses had been burnished up, and red, white, and blue streamers
+had been attached to the bridles, so that the whole outfit presented a
+very gorgeous appearance, and one intended to impress the beholder with
+the grandeur of the occasion.
+
+And so it was that Doctor Dick went out with the ransom for Celeste
+Seldon, with Harding proud at holding the reins over the picked team
+that would take her back to Last Chance.
+
+"Well, Doctor Dick, what do you think of our chances?" asked Harding,
+when the coach had turned out of the valley and was fairly started upon
+the trail to the meeting with the masked road-agent chief.
+
+"How do you mean our chances, Harding?"
+
+"To get the young lady?"
+
+"You were the one to make the terms."
+
+"True, and I fear treachery."
+
+"What chance is there for it?"
+
+"We have the money."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We are but two."
+
+"Very true."
+
+"They have the captive."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And they can bring many against us."
+
+"Also very true, Harding."
+
+"Now, if the chief means treachery, and has his men there, he can hold
+us up, get the ransom money, still keep possession of the girl, and
+there it is."
+
+"He might do so; but I hardly believe we need submit to even half a
+dozen outlaws, where so much is at stake."
+
+"I'm with you, Doc, in whatever you say do."
+
+"I know that, Pard Harding; but there is another way to look at this
+affair."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"If those road-agents were treacherous, as you seem to fear, it would
+end in their utter annihilation."
+
+"How so, Doc?"
+
+"Why, the miners would send the alarm to W---- and to Fort Faraway, and
+we would have that splendid fellow, Buffalo Bill, leading a column of
+soldiers on the hunt for them from one point, another force would push
+out from W----, and a couple of hundred miners from Last Chance, and
+every outlaw in this part of the country would be caught and hanged."
+
+"I believe you are right, Doc. I had not thought of the result of
+treachery on their part, for they would get the worst of it; no, I guess
+all will go well."
+
+"I think so, and hope so sincerely," answered Doctor Dick, and the coach
+rolled on in silence for some time, when Harding asked:
+
+"What do you think of Brandon's disappearance, doctor?"
+
+"I hardly know what to think, unless he has fallen from some precipice
+and killed himself."
+
+"I guess that is it; but now let me give you a warning, Doc."
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"That young girl."
+
+"What have I to fear, pard?"
+
+"If you don't fall in love with her, you are a different man from what I
+take you to be."
+
+"You have been caught, I see."
+
+"Yes, I'm gone, clean gone; but I guess that is all the good it will do
+me, for I suppose her lover is that poor fellow Brandon."
+
+"You only think her lovely just because she is the only woman you have
+seen on the frontier. She is doubtless as ugly as an old maid."
+
+"Just wait and see her, and then say which of us is wrong," said
+Harding, with a confident smile.
+
+As the coach turned around a cliff, neither Doctor Dick nor Harding saw
+that there was a man standing among the piñons watching them. He had,
+from his position, been able to see the coach a mile away, as it wound
+along the valley, and he had watched it as it approached with seemingly
+the deepest interest.
+
+He stood erect, like a soldier on duty, one hand resting upon a
+repeating rifle, the other grasping a field-glass, which he had
+occasionally raised to his eyes and viewed the coming stage.
+
+He stood like a sentinel, and had been there for an hour or more before
+the coach rolled into view.
+
+A glance was sufficient to show that the silent sentinel on the cliff
+was none other than Buffalo Bill, the chief of scouts.
+
+He was dressed as was his wont, and back from the cliff a couple of
+hundred yards, grazing upon the ridge, was his horse.
+
+But, strangest of all, the scout-sentinel did not hail the coach, did
+not make his presence known, but allowed it to roll by, himself unseen,
+as though he wished to keep the fact of his being there a secret, even
+from Doctor Dick and Harding, his ally and spy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+AT THE RENDEZVOUS.
+
+
+As the coach drew near the rendezvous appointed by the masked road-agent
+chief, at the Dead Line, Harding breathed hard with suppressed emotion.
+
+He had really fallen in love with the beautiful girl, whom he felt he
+was in a manner the protector of, and he was most anxious as to the
+result.
+
+Aside from his regard for Celeste Seldon, her unprotected condition
+would have won his deepest sympathy under any circumstances.
+
+Doctor Dick, on the other hand, was calm and silent. He had the money
+demanded, and he had come to do his duty, but was prepared to face all
+emergencies that might arise.
+
+At last the scene of the tragedies came in view, the cross erected at
+the Dead Line was just before them, and then Harding grasped the reins,
+expecting a summons to halt.
+
+No one was visible in the pass, but that was no sign that there was no
+one there, as Harding and Doctor Dick well knew.
+
+Just as the leaders reached the cross, a voice called out:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Hard went the foot of the driver upon the brake, and his hands pulled
+the team to a sudden stop.
+
+Doctor Dick instinctively dropped his hand upon his revolver, but
+removed it instantly, and calmly awaited the issue.
+
+The coach having halted, the same voice called out:
+
+"Is there any one inside the coach?"
+
+"No one," answered Harding.
+
+"If you lie to me, Harding, your life will be the forfeit."
+
+"All right, so be it, sir; but Doctor Dick and I are all that came."
+
+"Who is following you?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"Did none of the miners come out from Last Chance?"
+
+"Not one."
+
+"You are sure?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"If we are attacked, both you and Doctor Dick shall die, and if the
+force is large enough to press me hard, I shall kill the girl."
+
+"You need have no fear of an attack; but I only wish we dared make the
+attempt, for I would like to see every one of you hanged."
+
+A laugh greeted this remark of the driver, and once again the unseen
+road-agent called out:
+
+"Did you bring the gold?"
+
+"Did you bring the young lady?"
+
+"Answer my question, Harding."
+
+"You answer mine."
+
+"I will reply when I have had an answer."
+
+"If you brought the young lady, as you pledged yourself to do, you can
+get the ransom money; but if you did not, you will have to fight to get
+it."
+
+"That is our trade; but the young lady is here."
+
+"Then get her out of your vile company as quickly as possible."
+
+"Where is the money?"
+
+Before Harding could reply, Doctor Dick said sternly:
+
+"A truce to this nonsensical parleying. I have the money, and will pay
+it over when the young lady is given into my charge, but not before.
+Where is she?"
+
+The road-agent seemed impressed by the stern words of Doctor Dick, and
+responded:
+
+"I will go and fetch her, while you turn your coach around."
+
+This Harding at once did, and coming to a halt again, Doctor Dick got
+down from the box, and the bag of gold was handed to him by Harding.
+
+There was a wait of a few minutes, and then out from among the pines in
+the pass came a man, followed by Celeste Seldon, a few feet behind him.
+As she approached the spot, she waved her hand to Harding, and said
+pleasantly:
+
+"We meet again, my good friend."
+
+"And mighty glad am I that we do, miss. Permit me to introduce to you
+the boss man of Last Chance, Doctor Dick, and he is here with the money
+to pay your ransom."
+
+Doctor Dick doffed his sombrero, bowed low, and then stepped forward, as
+Celeste held out her hand to him, and said in his courtly way:
+
+"I am happy in meeting Miss Seldon and receiving her in the name of the
+miners of Last Chance."
+
+The outlaw who accompanied Celeste was masked completely, and his form
+enveloped in a black robe that effectually concealed it. He stepped
+toward Doctor Dick, and said:
+
+"You, sir, have the ransom money for the return of this young lady?"
+
+"I have gold amounting to the sum demanded."
+
+"See here, Doc, I don't see why we should be robbed by one man, so let
+us run him in, now we have the young lady, and we will not have to pay
+the gold," and Harding suddenly covered the outlaw with his revolver.
+
+"No, no!" cried Celeste. "That will never do."
+
+"No, Harding, we must keep faith with him, even if he be a murderer and
+a thief. Put up your gun," said Doctor Dick.
+
+The masked outlaw had not moved at the action of Harding, but now said:
+
+"You wisely decide, Doctor Dick, for I am no fool to be caught in a
+trap, and I trust no man, so came prepared to meet treachery if it was
+intended, and this young lady will tell you that my men are within easy
+range, and you, Harding, in covering me with your revolver, took big
+chances."
+
+"I didn't believe you would come alone, and we were fools to do so, for
+we could have fought it out right here," grumbled the driver, greatly
+disappointed at his not carrying out his suddenly determined upon plot.
+
+The road-agent then took the bag, opened it, ran over the gold like one
+who knew its value, and then said:
+
+"Yes, there is the amount here, no more, no less. Ask Miss Seldon if she
+has not been treated with marked respect."
+
+"I can but answer yes, for I have been; but am I not to have my trunk
+and side-saddle?"
+
+"Oh, yes, certainly," and the road-agent gave a signal, which was
+promptly answered by two men appearing in the edge of the pines.
+
+They wore long black robes and red masks, also, and their appearance
+was proof that their leader had not come alone.
+
+"Bring the baggage belonging to this lady, and her side-saddle and
+bridle, also," called out the leader.
+
+The men disappeared, and Doctor Dick asked:
+
+"Do you expect to keep up your lawless acts much longer without meeting
+the fate you deserve, Sir Outlaw?"
+
+"Yes, for the money I get is worth taking big chances for, Doctor Dick,
+and, gambler that you are, you never do a better day's work than what
+sum this gold calls for."
+
+"It is a long lane that has no turn, and the turn will come for you some
+day," said Harding.
+
+A light laugh beneath the mask was the answer, and Celeste Seldon's face
+wore a clouded expression Harding was not slow to observe.
+
+"Then I am free to go, sir?" and Celeste turned to the outlaw.
+
+"You are, Miss Seldon," was the answer.
+
+She turned to the coach, and Doctor Dick aided her into it, just as the
+two outlaws came up with the small leather trunk she had brought with
+her and her saddle and bridle.
+
+Taking the back seat, Celeste leaned up in one corner, as though
+fatigued, and her baggage having been put on top, Dick and Harding
+mounted to the box, the outlaws attentively regarding them through the
+eye-holes in their masks.
+
+"Remember, pards, I still drive this trail," said the driver, with an
+air of defiance as he gathered up the reins.
+
+"I won't forget, Harding; but I advise you to keep in mind the story of
+the pitcher that went once too often to the well, for right here some
+day you may meet your fate."
+
+"If I do, you will not find me flinch from it," was the plucky response,
+and the driver called to his horses, and the team moved on.
+
+Looking back at the bend, the driver and Doctor Dick saw that the
+outlaws had already disappeared, while Celeste Seldon, gazing back also,
+noted the same fact, and murmured to herself:
+
+"What yet is before me, I wonder?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS.
+
+
+When the coach had got well away from the Dead Line, Harding gave a deep
+sigh of relief, for the first time feeling that Celeste was safe, and
+would not be retaken by the outlaws.
+
+"Well, Doc, she's safe now, and we didn't lose our scalps," he said.
+
+"It is a cause of congratulation all round, Harding."
+
+"Now, Doctor Dick, _you_ have got to tell the young lady about the poor
+crazy fellow."
+
+"Did you not tell her?"
+
+"That his wound had crazed him, yes; but that is not the worst of it."
+
+"Ah, yes, you mean that he has been captured?"
+
+"I cannot say that, Doc; but he has mysteriously disappeared."
+
+"Well, you wish me to break the news to her?"
+
+"I do, for I can't tell her what I know will hurt her, and it won't do
+for her to hear it from the men when she arrives in Last Chance."
+
+"I guess you are right, pard, so draw up, and I'll take a seat inside
+the coach, and tell her the news."
+
+"Be very gentle, Doc, for I have an idea she loves that young man."
+
+"I'll break it to her as gently as I can," was the response, and as
+Harding drew rein a moment after, Doctor Dick sprang down from the box,
+and said:
+
+"May I ride with you, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"Certainly, sir, if you desire."
+
+"I have something to talk to you about," said Doctor Dick, as he entered
+the coach and took the front seat.
+
+"I shall be glad to hear what you have to say, sir, and I desire now to
+thank you for your very great kindness toward me, while you risked your
+life in coming out here to serve me."
+
+"Do not speak of it, Miss Seldon, for the miners all chipped in and made
+up a purse for your ransom, while they are now anxiously awaiting your
+coming to give you a right royal welcome, for you will be the first lady
+who ever came to our camp."
+
+"Indeed! this will be an honor; but do you mean that there are none of
+my sex there?"
+
+"Not one, only rough men, but with noble hearts many of them, so that
+you will be made to feel at once at home."
+
+"How odd it will be, yet I have no hesitancy in going there, I assure
+you," and Celeste gazed into the face of the man before her with both
+interest and admiration.
+
+"He is strangely handsome, a manly fellow, brave, intelligent, yet a
+dangerous foe, and I wonder what has brought such a man as he to this
+far-away land?" ran her thoughts.
+
+"Miss Seldon, what I most wished to say to you I fear will deeply pain
+you," said Doctor Dick, after a pause.
+
+"Let me hear it, sir, for I am becoming accustomed to being pained of
+late," and Celeste was perfectly calm.
+
+"I was told by Harding, the driver, that you were on your way to Last
+Chance, to look up a friend who had come here on a mission for you, and
+who you had feared was in trouble?"
+
+"Yes, and my fears were realized when I learned that the coach in which
+he was a passenger had been held up, I believe that is what you call it,
+by road-agents, and Mr. Brandon was so severely wounded in the head that
+his brain was turned."
+
+"Yes, but that is not all, Miss Seldon."
+
+"Ah! what else is there to tell?"
+
+"He was under my care for a long while, and I did all that I could to
+restore his reason, except to perform an operation for his relief, which
+I feared to risk."
+
+"So Mr. Harding told me."
+
+"When his bodily health was restored he left my cabin and roamed about
+the camps up to a week ago, when he most mysteriously disappeared. We
+had all the miners out upon a search for him, did all in our power to
+find him, but in vain, and what his fate has been is only conjecture."
+
+"And what is that conjecture, Doctor Dick, for I believe you are so
+called?"
+
+"Yes, I am known to all solely as Doctor Dick; but let me answer your
+question by replying that we believe the poor fellow has lost his life
+by falling over a cliff."
+
+"Such is not the case, sir," was the reply that startled the doctor.
+"Mr. Brandon is now a captive of the road-agents."
+
+Doctor Dick gazed at Celeste Seldon in amazement.
+
+"Do you know this, Miss Seldon, or is it only conjecture on your part?"
+he asked, when he had recovered from his surprise.
+
+He had come prepared to console, but, instead, had found the young girl
+cool and with apparently knowledge which he did not possess regarding
+the man whom Harding had said he believed was her lover.
+
+"I know it, Doctor Dick."
+
+"May I ask how?"
+
+"I have just been a captive of the outlaws myself, and in coming here
+from their secret retreat we met two of the road-agents with a prisoner.
+The leader had some talk with them, but though I at once recognized Mr.
+Brandon, I was not allowed to speak with him."
+
+"Did you request it?"
+
+"Naturally."
+
+"But were refused?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Was any reason given?"
+
+"Simply that I would not be allowed to, and, if I did, Mr. Brandon would
+not know me, as he was crazy, while they did not care to have me do so."
+
+"Where was this, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"A short distance after we left their retreat."
+
+"Could you lead the way to their retreat?"
+
+"No, for I was blindfolded and bound miles before reaching there."
+
+"The outlaw chief did this?"
+
+"He was not along, but it was done by his orders."
+
+"Did you not speak to him of it?"
+
+"I have not seen him since."
+
+"Why, was not that the chief who gave you over to me to-day?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I certainly thought so."
+
+"It was his lieutenant, who took me to the retreat and back under his
+orders."
+
+"And where is the chief?"
+
+"At his other hiding-place, his men said."
+
+"You were well treated, I hope, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"With perfect respect and consideration, sir, I am happy to say, the
+only indignity being that I was blindfolded and had my hands bound in
+approaching and leaving the outlaw retreat; but I suppose that was
+necessary for the safety of the band."
+
+"You certainly take it most coolly."
+
+"Why do otherwise, sir?"
+
+"Do you know the motive of the road-agents in making that poor crazy
+fellow a prisoner?"
+
+"Money."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"They doubtless captured his baggage, and discovered by it papers that
+went to show that a big ransom would be paid for his release."
+
+"Ah! they will demand a ransom for him, then?"
+
+"Assuredly."
+
+"The miners will hardly pay it if it is a large sum."
+
+"I do not ask them to do so."
+
+"You do not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Who will pay it, then?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Pardon me, but you are a young girl, and----"
+
+"A rich one, nevertheless, Doctor Dick. I sent Mr. Brandon to the West
+on this mission, and he has met with misfortune. I will pay the ransom
+demanded, take him East, and place him in the care of the most eminent
+surgeons, that they may aid him if it is possible. You, as a skilled
+surgeon, for such I have heard you were, might tell me what you deem the
+chances are for his recovery?"
+
+"Miss Seldon, the blow of that bullet caused an indenture of the skull,
+which might be operated upon and successfully raised so as to restore
+his reason. The chances are ninety-nine to a hundred against success,
+and only the most skilful surgeon and nervy one could accomplish it, if
+done."
+
+"Thank you; the one chance in favor shall be taken, for without reason
+one might as well be dead--yes, far better."
+
+"And you will stand all this expense?"
+
+"Certainly, for it is my intention to pay back to the miners every
+dollar they subscribed for my ransom, for, as I said, I have the means
+to do it, and far more."
+
+"You are a plucky woman, Miss Seldon; but see, we are approaching the
+valley now, and you must prepare for a welcome," and Doctor Dick called
+to Harding to come to a halt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE MINERS' WELCOME.
+
+
+Harding drew up promptly at the call of Doctor Dick. He had heard the
+voices of the two within the stage, yet not what was said, and he was
+anxious to know how Celeste took the news of the disappearance of the
+man whom she had come to the wild Western frontier to see.
+
+"Do you mean that I shall mount to the box, sir?" asked Celeste, in
+answer to what the doctor had said after the coach halted.
+
+"I do, Miss Seldon, for the men will wish to see you, and within ten
+minutes more we will be in the valley."
+
+"Of course, I cannot refuse, sir," and Celeste sprang out of the coach
+and mounted to the box, taking her seat by the side of Harding, while
+Doctor Dick settled himself upon her trunk upon the top of the coach.
+
+"Now, miss, we'll make 'em hum," said Harding, and he cracked his whip
+in a way that sent the team along at a splendid pace.
+
+As they neared the turn into the valley, Harding took a bugle, in lieu
+of a stage-horn, and played in a skilful manner the ringing notes of
+"Annie Laurie," intending the sentiment to apply to Celeste, Doctor Dick
+from his perch the while taking the reins.
+
+The notes of the bugle ringing out, the touching air brought tears to
+the eyes of Celeste Seldon, who, however, was startled a moment after,
+as the stage came in sight of a hundred horsemen drawn up in two lines,
+one on either side of the trail.
+
+They were a wild, reckless-looking lot of rough riders, but the cheer
+they gave when they saw Celeste on the box came from their hearts.
+
+Their hats were doffed, and as the yells burst from their lips they
+closed in behind the coach, four abreast, and came dashing along as an
+escort.
+
+Celeste waved her handkerchief vigorously, her beautiful face flushed to
+crimson and her lips quivering, her eyes swimming with the emotion that
+almost overwhelmed her.
+
+"Three cheers for the lady of Last Chance," came in the deep voice of
+Doctor Dick, from the top of the coach, and they were given with savage
+earnestness.
+
+Along dashed the coach, Harding lashing his horses into a run and
+driving with marvelous skill, while behind them thundered the hundred
+horsemen, yelling like demons in their glad welcome to the first lady to
+visit their wild camp.
+
+Celeste saw the cabins along the cañon valley, perched here and there
+upon the hills, and at last discovered the group of buildings that
+marked the settlement the miners were pleased to call the "City" of Last
+Chance.
+
+Gathered there was a vast crowd of men, and when the stage came in
+sight, and three persons were seen on top, with the mounted escort
+hastening after, the yells of welcome began.
+
+The roar floated down the valley, and reached the ears of Celeste
+Seldon, and she muttered in a low tone:
+
+"How kind they all are. This is, indeed, a welcome to be proud of, and
+never can I forget it."
+
+"They mean it, miss," said Harding and he felt just pride in his
+frontier home at the reception, and the manner in which Celeste received
+it greatly pleased him.
+
+On flew the horses, and up the hill they dashed, to at last come to a
+halt before the hotel.
+
+The din was now terrific, for the voices of the horsemen joined in with
+the miners about the hotel, who, with one accord, drew their revolvers
+and began to empty them in the air.
+
+As there were hundreds of miners, and all were armed with a couple each
+of revolvers, the rattling of the fusillade may be imagined.
+
+Celeste bowed right and left, waving her handkerchief, until Landlord
+Larry aided her to dismount and led her into the hotel, and the welcome
+was at an end.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE COUNCIL.
+
+
+Celeste Seldon was not one to put on airs. She had been well reared, was
+refined, lovable by nature, plucky enough for a man, for she had the
+heart and will to do and dare anything where duty called, and yet she
+was as simple as a child by nature.
+
+She was deeply touched by the reception she had received, and, in
+glancing about, when she saw only a wild-looking set of men, rude log
+cabins, and an air of the far frontier pervading all, she knew that it
+was just what she must expect to see, and she at once adapted herself to
+circumstances.
+
+She was escorted by Landlord Larry to her cabin, Harding himself
+bringing her trunk and another miner her saddle and bridle.
+
+The appearance of the cabin revealed to her at a glance how much had
+been done to make her comfortable, and she praised the neat quarters and
+expressed the greatest satisfaction in her surroundings.
+
+When she went over to the hotel to dinner, the whole crowd of miners
+there rose at her entrance, and every hat was doffed and placed beneath
+the bench on which the man sat, for hat-racks were not one of the
+luxuries of the last Chance Hotel, and a miner would as soon have
+thought of parting with his pistols as his head-covering.
+
+At his own table, where sat, besides himself, Doctor Dick and Harding,
+Landlord Larry placed Celeste Seldon, and she was given the best the
+house afforded, and expressed herself as being treated far more kindly
+than she had had the slightest anticipation of.
+
+The meal concluded, Celeste said that she would like to consult with the
+three she regarded as her immediate protectors, the Landlord, Doctor
+Dick, and Harding.
+
+So the three met her in the landlord's private office, and Celeste at
+once said:
+
+"I wish first to thank all of my kind friends here, through you,
+gentlemen, for the very generous manner in which you have received and
+treated me here. I know that the ransom money demanded for my release
+was quickly raised by the people here, you three being particularly
+generous; but I desire to say that I have the money to pay you back, and
+will do so."
+
+"No, no, under no circumstances, Miss Seldon," said Doctor Dick eagerly,
+and the others chimed in with him.
+
+But Celeste was firm in her determination, and said:
+
+"I have no claim upon you, and, besides, I am very well off, so I shall
+insist, and, Landlord Larry, I will give you a draft for the amount upon
+an Eastern bank, and for more, as there will be another demand upon me,
+in the amount to ransom the one who came here for me, Mr. Bernard
+Brandon."
+
+"But will you pay his ransom, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"Why not, Landlord Larry?"
+
+"I think," said Doctor Dick, "that as you came to visit Last Chance, we,
+the dwellers here, should be responsible, and pay these ransoms."
+
+"So say I," put in Harding quickly.
+
+"And I agree with you," added the landlord.
+
+"Under no circumstances will I hear to it, for I will pay all, my own
+and the ransom of Mr. Brandon, so please send the draft through for the
+money, Landlord Larry, and while here I will take steps to find out all
+I can regarding my father, who was last heard of in this part of the
+country."
+
+"Miss Seldon, _I_ can tell you what you must know sooner or later about
+your father, who, let me say, was also my friend," said Doctor Dick.
+
+It seemed hard that, in the joy of her release from captivity in the
+hands of the outlaws, Celeste Seldon should feel the blow of knowing
+that the unfortunate Bernard Brandon had been captured and she would
+have to pay a ransom for him, while she also had to suffer still further
+in learning what was her father's fate, as told her by Doctor Dick.
+
+It had been a long time since she had seen her father, the last time
+when she was a little girl, and she remembered that he had left home
+under a cloud, and she had never expected to see him again.
+
+With her mother dead, and her father a fugitive wanderer, she had been
+sent by her guardian, left so by the wishes of her parents, to a
+Northern school, and there had had no one upon whom to lean.
+
+At the words and tone of Doctor Dick, she nerved herself to bear the
+worst; and asked calmly:
+
+"What have you to tell me, Doctor Dick?"
+
+"Of your father."
+
+"You knew him?"
+
+"Yes, for, though my senior in years, we were devoted friends."
+
+"Have you seen him since coming West?"
+
+"I have not; but let me tell you that, when on a scout with Buffalo
+Bill, the latter was rescued by a person who was alone, and on his way
+to W----. The scout had with him a prisoner, a deserter from the army
+and a murderer, who had been taken here in Last Chance, and he was
+taking him a prisoner to Fort Faraway, when he was attacked by a
+desperado by the name of Headlight Joe and his gang.
+
+"With his horse shot and falling upon him, Buffalo Bill would have been
+killed and his prisoner rescued, but for the coming of the horseman
+referred to, and who put the outlaws to flight. He gave the name of
+Andrew Seldon, said nothing as to why he was in that part of the
+country, or where he lived, and went on his way.
+
+"When I came up with Buffalo Bill, and heard his story of his rescue,
+and the name of his rescuer, it at once recalled my old-time friend,
+and, with the scout as my companion, we later sought to find him. We
+trailed him to his home, where he had dwelt with one other comrade."
+
+"And where was that, sir?"
+
+"In the Grand Cañon of the Colorado, Miss Seldon."
+
+"And you found him?" eagerly asked Celeste, while the landlord and
+Harding gazed at her with deepest sympathy at what they felt she must
+hear.
+
+"We found his house, or, rather, the wreck of it, for, mining under a
+cliff a thousand feet in height, it had caved in upon them, burying them
+beneath a mountain of red sandstone."
+
+Celeste shuddered and covered her face with her hands, but very quickly
+regained her composure, and said:
+
+"Are you sure that my father was in the mine when it caved in?"
+
+"I am very sure, Miss Seldon, that both he and his comrade were. We, the
+scout and myself, were camped in the cañon, and heard the cave-in, and
+it felt like a mighty earthquake, and was at night.
+
+"We made a thorough search the next day, but could not find any trace of
+a human being, and their horses shared the same fate, with a dog, also,
+which we heard barking that same night. Yes, there is no doubt of your
+father's fate."
+
+"I thank you, Doctor Dick, for your telling me all; but I must see
+Buffalo Bill, the famous scout, and ask him to guide me to the fatal
+spot, the scene of my father's lone life in these wilds, and of his
+death," said Celeste, in a low tone that revealed how deeply she felt
+her father's fate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+A METAMORPHOSIS.
+
+
+When Harding met with old Huckleberry, the stage-driver, who had so
+mysteriously disappeared, and whose fate was a mystery to the miners of
+Last Chance, that old worthy saw the coach drive on its way while he
+regarded its departure with the complacency of one not afraid to be left
+alone, and fully capable of taking care of himself.
+
+He stood for some time in silent meditation, after the coach had
+disappeared, and then, shouldering his rifle, struck off over the
+mountains, with an evident purpose in view.
+
+A walk of some ten miles brought him to a secluded nook in the
+mountains, a perfect basin a dozen acres in size, heavily wooded, with
+plenty of grass and water.
+
+A narrow pass, not twenty feet in width, was the only entrance to the
+basin, and this was securely fastened up with long poles.
+
+Over this old Huckleberry clambered, and as he walked into the basin, a
+couple of horses feeding there greeted him with a welcoming neigh. In
+the farther end, among the pines, was a brush cabin, and in it were
+blankets and a camping-outfit, with saddle, pack-saddle, and bridles.
+
+Old Huckleberry proceeded to build a fire and cook dinner, after which
+he caught one of his horses, saddled him, and strapped on some blankets
+and a bag of provisions.
+
+Leading the horse out of the basin, he replaced the barrier securely, so
+that the other animal could not get out, and, mounting, started off for
+the fort. As he rode alone, he muttered to himself:
+
+"I can do nothing alone, I feel certain, and by this time the one man
+whose aid I can best depend upon is at the fort, and he will gladly
+return with me."
+
+Pressing on at a steady gait, he did not halt until some time after
+nightfall, and then built no fire, but ate a cold supper, staked his
+horse out, rolled up in his blankets, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+He rose early, and the coming of day found him several miles on his way
+from his night camp.
+
+About eight o'clock he halted, built a fire, broiled the steak of an
+antelope he had killed, some crackers and bacon, his horse faring well
+on the grass near-by.
+
+A rest of an hour and a half, and he was again in the saddle, keeping up
+the same steady gait until noon, when another halt was made for a couple
+of hours. On through the afternoon he urged his horse once more, halting
+only after nightfall.
+
+Two hours before daybreak he was in the saddle, and now his horse was
+pushed more rapidly forward, as though a long rest lay not very far
+ahead.
+
+It was two hours before noon when the worn-out horse pricked up his ears
+as he saw a flag fluttering in the skies a mile ahead.
+
+In through the stockade gate of Fort Faraway rode old Huckleberry, and
+he asked to be at once taken to the quarters of the commanding officer.
+Major Randall surveyed the old fellow keenly, and said pleasantly:
+
+"Well, old man, what can I do for you?"
+
+"I'll tell yer, pard, soon as I sees ef thet gent in sojer clothes ain't
+goin' ter speak ter a old friend," and old Huck looked over to an
+officer who was talking to Major Randall when he entered. The man wore
+a fatigue uniform, and his shoulder-straps bore the rank of a captain,
+with the insignia of a surgeon of cavalry.
+
+He was tall, erect, had broad shoulders, and was of powerful build,
+while, strange to say for an officer, he wore his black hair long and
+falling in heavy masses down his back.
+
+His face was full of decision, courage, and intelligence, and handsome,
+as well, and in his dark, piercing eyes there was a strange mixture of
+gentleness and a fiery nature combined. In a voice strangely musical for
+a man's, he said, as he arose:
+
+"My dear old pard, am I so remiss as to forget the face of a friend,
+for, though I see that it is familiar, I cannot just place you."
+
+"Now, Pard Doc, I thinks that ain't jist squar' ter fergit a old
+friend," said old Huckleberry, while Major Randall said:
+
+"He certainly knows you well, Major Powell."
+
+"And I knows Major Randall well, too; but as you don't seem ter git
+onter jist who I is gents, I'll tell yer by taking off my wig and
+specs--see!"
+
+The wig, or shock, rather, of long gray hair was removed, the spectacles
+taken off, and the face of Buffalo Bill was revealed to the astonished
+gaze of Major Randall and Surgeon Powell, who both uttered an
+exclamation of amazement, and then burst out into hearty laughter, at
+the metamorphosis of old Huckleberry into the noted chief of scouts.
+
+"Well, Cody, what does this masquerading mean?" cried Major Randall,
+after he and Surgeon Powell had shaken hands with the scout.
+
+"It is a part of a plot, major, for I have been driving stage," answered
+the scout.
+
+"Driving stage?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I took the semimonthly coach running from W---- to Last
+Chance, after the road-agents had killed Benton and Dockery, and no one
+cared to drive the run, unless it was Doctor Dick, the gold-gambler of
+Last Chance."
+
+"Did he take the coach through, Cody?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir, he is not a man to scare, and he drove several runs; but
+then his professional duties as gambler and doctor kept him busy, and I
+rigged up as old Huckleberry, and drove the runs, to see what I could
+find out."
+
+"And what did you find out?"
+
+"I believe I discovered sufficient, sir, to stretch several ropes with
+human weights."
+
+"That means you are on the right trail to bag those road-agents?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"They appear to be well handled?"
+
+"They are, sir, for their chief is a man of remarkable pluck, cunning,
+and skill, and he handles them in a masterly manner."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"I do not believe his own men could tell you, sir, for he goes masked
+and robed in black, even covering up his horse from ears to tail."
+
+"That is strange."
+
+"It is the safest plan, sir."
+
+"And who is driving now?"
+
+"Harding, sir, the ex-soldier, and whom, I may confidentially say,
+major, I have taken into my service, not as a scout, but as a spy, at
+Last Chance."
+
+"A fine fellow, but I fear he will be killed as driver on that trail."
+
+"I hope not, sir, and he has escaped splendidly through great dangers
+thus far."
+
+"Well, what will be your plans now?"
+
+"I have been hanging on the trail, sir, since my mysterious
+disappearance as old Huckleberry, and have been hovering about the Death
+Line, taking notes and seeing what I could discover. I have a camp in a
+basin in the mountain range, and there I left my packhorse and outfit
+while I came here."
+
+"You have something to report to me, then?"
+
+"No, sir, not particularly, though I came for a purpose."
+
+"And that purpose, Cody?"
+
+"I was aware, sir, that Surgeon Frank Powell was coming to the fort, to
+relieve Doctor Dey, and that his duties as surgeon would not begin for
+some weeks yet. As we have been on so many scouting-expeditions
+together, and Doctor Powell is a regiment in himself, I wanted him to go
+back with me and unearth these road-agents, following their trail to the
+very end."
+
+"You could have no one better. What do you say, Powell?"
+
+"How could I refuse, major, after Bill's most flattering remarks about
+what I can do, and which prove he has Irish blood in his veins."
+
+"Ah! I knew that you would go, Frank," responded Cody.
+
+"Of course, I will, and am ready when you say the word, only I must ask
+Major Randall for a leave, should we not accomplish our purpose before I
+am ordered for duty here."
+
+"That will be all right, Powell. When will you start, Cody, for Doctor
+Powell will have to first relieve Doctor Dey, as that would be the best
+plan, and then go, leaving his assistant surgeon in charge."
+
+"It is for you to decide, major."
+
+"Very well, say in just ten days from now."
+
+"All right, sir; but, after a couple of days' rest, I had better return
+to my basin camp, and be on the watch, and I can tell Surgeon Powell
+just where I will meet him upon a certain date."
+
+"You know best, Cody; but do not venture much until Powell joins you,
+for well I know what a team you two make together."
+
+"I feel certain, sir, that together we can run down these masked
+marauders," was the confident reply of Buffalo Bill, and when he went to
+his quarters, soon after, Surgeon Powell accompanied him, for the two
+were the closest of friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE DRIVER'S LETTER.
+
+
+After several days' stay at the fort, Buffalo Bill started upon his
+return to his secret camp near Last Chance trail. He took with him
+another packhorse, well laden with bedding and supplies, for the weather
+was growing steadily colder and winter would soon be upon the land.
+
+He knew that little snow generally fell as far down as the Last Chance
+trail, but it would be well to be prepared for any emergency, and as the
+coaches ran through the winter, the road-agents would by no means take a
+rest.
+
+Riding leisurely on the back trail, not caring to push his horses too
+hard, Buffalo Bill reached his basin camp in the mountains on the third
+day, and the animal he left there pranced like a colt at seeing him come
+back.
+
+His first work was to make his quarters more secure and comfortable, and
+this took him a day, and the following, having strengthened the barrier
+in the pass, to prevent his horses from breaking out, he started off on
+foot for the W---- and Last Chance stage-trail.
+
+He would not ride, as he did not wish his trail to be seen by any
+prowling road-agents, and on foot he could accomplish more and be
+concealed far better than if he had gone mounted.
+
+Before parting with Surgeon Frank Powell at the fort, Buffalo Bill had
+drawn a map of the country, marking the trail the surgeon-scout was to
+follow, and also just where he was to meet him, the place of rendezvous
+being the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart Bill.
+
+When Buffalo Bill approached the trail, at the scene of the Dead Line
+tragedies, he went most cautiously. But no one was there, and going up
+to the little cross, the scout bent over and thrust his hand into the
+spot where, as old Huckleberry, he had his "post-office" with Harding.
+
+He took out a slip of paper, and read it with clouded brow. It was as
+follows:
+
+     "I slip away at night from Last Chance to leave this
+     here for you. It was unfortunate that you should have
+     had to go to the fort when you did, as on my run back I
+     was held up here by the agents.
+
+     "I had taken your advice, and pressed through the other
+     end at night, thus escaping men lying in wait for me.
+
+     "On my return I had a young lady passenger, a Miss
+     Celeste Seldon, coming out here to find her father, a
+     miner, and a young man whom she had sent in search of
+     him. It was the young man I told you of who had been
+     wounded and had never regained his reason.
+
+     "I had a large sum of money, which was taken, and Miss
+     Seldon was carried off as a captive, to be held for
+     ransom.
+
+     "The miners have subscribed the ransom money, and she
+     is to be released. I will let you know particulars more
+     fully as soon as I get the opportunity, endeavoring to
+     have a letter here for you when I come to make the
+     exchange, paying the ransom and receiving the lady from
+     the outlaws.
+
+     "Doctor Dick will come with me; but the outlaws
+     threaten to kill Miss Seldon if others come, or if any
+     one else leaves Last Chance to pursue them, and that
+     chief will keep his word.
+
+     HARDING."
+
+Then there followed a postscript, which read:
+
+     "The young messenger, Bernard Brandon, has most
+     mysteriously disappeared, and no search can find him.
+
+     "H."
+
+Buffalo Bill read this letter over twice, and said in a musing way:
+
+"Those outlaws are becoming bold, indeed, when they deliberately rob a
+young girl and make her their prisoner. The man Brandon was her
+messenger, sent in search of her father, and his mysterious
+disappearance, _to me_, means that he has been captured by the
+road-agents.
+
+"Now, I dare not halt the coach on the way to receive the girl, if the
+road-agents give her up; but I will be on the watch, see it go by, and
+be as near this spot when the ransom is paid as I dare be, for from here
+I may be able to track those devils to their lair."
+
+So saying, the scout set out upon his return for his basin camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill returned from the Dead Line to his secret camp, it was
+to prepare himself for several days' absence from it, for his intention
+was to hang about the Last Chance trail, discovering all that it was in
+his power to do.
+
+He found a retreat upon a cliff, where there was a thicket of pines,
+giving him a view in both directions of the trail for a mile or more.
+
+He saw from there the coach coming to the rendezvous, with the ransom
+money for Celeste Seldon's release, and upon the box beside the driver
+was Doctor Dick.
+
+Yet the scout did not know who might be inside the stage, so dared not
+make any sign of his presence.
+
+On went the coach, and Buffalo Bill at once started down from the cliff,
+and followed in its trail at an Indian trot, which kept him well up with
+it, yet just out of sight.
+
+As he approached the Dead Line, he went more cautiously, and, reaching
+the entrance to the pass, made a flank movement and climbed to the top
+of the ridge.
+
+It was after continued search that he at last found a point of
+observation, and he risked his life by reaching a spot where he would be
+dashed to death, hundreds of feet below, should his foot slip or nerve
+fail him.
+
+From this spot, where he clung to a tree, he turned his field-glass down
+the pass, and could see the coach standing at the Dead Line, a quarter
+of a mile away. He saw that the coach had been turned to the
+right-about, the team being headed back for Last Chance, and Doctor Dick
+was standing near it, Harding being still on the box and grasping the
+reins.
+
+Watching, with every nerve strung, the scout saw the masked road-agent
+appear, and later the fair captive. Then followed two other road-agents
+bearing the baggage of Celeste Seldon, and soon after the coach started
+upon its return.
+
+Buffalo Bill could not have reached a point to head it off had he tried,
+and he felt that he must still be cautious. But he was determined to
+reach the Dead Line and take up the trail from there, for certainly the
+road-agents had not allowed Celeste Seldon to walk to the scene of the
+exchange.
+
+After half an hour he gained a point just over the Dead Line, and from
+there saw that all was quiet. The outlaws had left, beyond all doubt.
+
+It was an hour before the scout could make his way around to the Dead
+Line, and there he felt in the little "post-office" for a letter from
+Harding. But none was there.
+
+"He dared not attempt it," he muttered.
+
+Then taking a leaf from his note-book, he wrote:
+
+     "I am again on the trail. I saw the lady returned to
+     you. I will take the outlaws' trail from here, and hope
+     to track them to their lair.
+
+     "In a few days, now, I will have the surgeon-scout with
+     me in my work, so the end is not far away.
+
+     "Keep me posted as before, as I will you.
+
+     "Yours, B. B."
+
+This was placed in the receptacle near the cross, and, shouldering his
+rifle, Buffalo Bill set out to look for trails.
+
+It took him a long while to satisfy himself that he was on the right
+track, but at last he struck off at a lively step along a trail which
+only a man of his frontier skill could have discovered.
+
+After a walk of a mile he suddenly came upon a spot where there were the
+tracks of a horse visible. These he followed a mile farther, and the
+scout saw that the ground was trampled down, but not by hoofs.
+
+The track he had followed thus far had been that of one hoof only,
+showing that the other three had been muffled, but one had lost its
+covering.
+
+The trampled grass and ground revealed that the horses had been left
+there, and all had had their hoofs muffled in some way.
+
+But the keen eyes of the scout picked up the trail, and he followed it
+quite rapidly until he came to a small stream.
+
+"There were eight horses along, as their tracks show here, but how many
+men I do not know. When they have gone some miles farther they will
+remove the muffles from their horses' hoofs, and then the trail will be
+easy to follow, and it now looks to me as though I will be able to track
+them to their retreat, and that means the end.
+
+"But night is coming on now, and this is just the place for me to branch
+off and go to my own camp, following the trail to-morrow on horseback."
+
+Buffalo Bill quickly decided what course he would pursue. He would walk
+to his camp, get some provisions and an increased outfit, return there
+for the balance of the night and go into camp, so as to make an early
+start in the morning directly on the trail.
+
+So he set out at a rapid walk, and within three hours' time had reached
+his basin camp. He quickly set to work to look up some provisions and
+get ready for his trail, and in an hour was ready to start, mounted upon
+his best horse.
+
+It was after midnight when he reached his camping-place, but he was soon
+asleep, wrapped snugly in his blankets, while his horse was resting and
+feeding.
+
+With the breaking of dawn he was up and ready to start, and a few miles
+away discovered the spot where the outlaws had removed the muffles from
+the hoofs of their horses.
+
+From there on he felt no further anxiety about the trail, so cooked his
+breakfast, ate it leisurely, and again started on his way.
+
+He understood now thoroughly why the outlaws had left no trails going to
+and coming from the Dead Line and other points upon the Overland Trail.
+The muffled hoofs of the horses explained this, and they stuck to their
+determination to leave no tracks until they got far away from the scene
+of their evil deeds.
+
+Buffalo Bill did not believe that he would have to go very far from the
+Dead Line before he found their retreat, and was expecting to find out
+where they were in hiding within half a day's ride from his
+starting-point.
+
+But noon came, and still the trail led him on. He had plenty of time, so
+did not hurry. He could do nothing alone, other than to discover the
+retreat, and then he would make for his rendezvous with the
+surgeon-scout, and together they would plan their future movements.
+
+But night came on, and found him still on the trail. He was compelled to
+go into camp, for he could not follow it by night, and he soon made
+himself comfortable.
+
+Again he started after daybreak, and a ride of several hours caused him
+to say:
+
+"This trail is surely leading direct to the Grand Cañon of the Colorado.
+Can they have sought that weird land for a retreat?--yet why not, for no
+safer one could be found."
+
+Within an hour more he felt that the country had a familiar look, and he
+was not long in discovering upon riding a few miles farther, that he had
+ridden right along there with Doctor Dick when on the trail of Andrew
+Seldon.
+
+Suddenly he came upon the grand vista of the cañon, and at once drew
+rein. There before him was the mighty view that had so impressed him on
+his former visit, and he knew that the outlaws must have found a retreat
+in the depths of the Grand Cañon.
+
+Not daring to go farther on horseback, he rode off the trail to find a
+hiding-place for his horse, and, after a search, discovered a little
+glen where he felt that he would be safe, unless his trail was
+discovered and he was tracked there.
+
+There was a pool of water in one end and grass about it, so he staked
+his horse out, feeling that he could at least subsist comfortably there
+for a couple of days, should he be kept away that long.
+
+Hiding his saddle and bridle he set out on foot, with a couple of
+blankets strapped on his back, his bag of provisions, rifle, lasso, and
+belt of arms.
+
+He went back to the trail and again took it up where he had left it to
+hide his horse. Every step forward now was one of caution, for the
+country was open in places, and he did not know what moment he might
+come upon a party of outlaws and have to fight for his life.
+
+But he reached the rim of the cañon by dark, and a short search revealed
+to him that the trail down into the depths of the tremendous chasm had
+been discovered also by the road-agents, and their tracks led down into
+it.
+
+The night passed with a cold supper and breakfast, and then he set off
+on foot down the dizzy pathway leading to the bottom of the cañon, for
+now he felt sure that he would discover the lair of the outlaws, and
+that done and his own presence unknown to them, he could arrange for an
+attack upon them at his leisure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE MINER'S MISSION.
+
+
+The gold-hunter, Andrew Seldon, rode on his way from his retreat in the
+cañon, determined to risk his life by returning to Fort Faraway and
+reporting the presence in the Grand Cañon of the masked outlaw band.
+
+If recognized as Sergeant Wallace Weston, under sentence of death, he
+would be at once arrested and his execution would follow.
+
+But he knew that Wallace Weston was believed to be dead, reported as
+dying of starvation in the desert at the time of his escape.
+
+As Sergeant Weston he had been an erect man of martial bearing, with a
+face smoothly shaven and hair cut short. As Andrew Seldon he wore his
+hair long, and his beard fell half-way down to his belt, while he
+further had a pair of spectacles to disguise his eyes with, and had
+manufactured a hump in the shoulders of his coat that gave him a changed
+form, like one who stoops badly.
+
+"But come what may, I shall risk it," he said firmly, as he went on his
+way.
+
+After his night in the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart
+Bill he struck out for Fort Faraway. Suddenly he drew his horse to a
+halt as he saw a dust-cloud far ahead. It was approaching him, and it
+was made by horses crossing a sandy part of the country.
+
+Out of the dust suddenly emerged a horseman, and behind him followed a
+pack-animal.
+
+Hidden in a clump of timber Andrew Seldon saw that it was a white man,
+and that the trail he was following would bring him near his position.
+
+"I believe that it is Buffalo Bill," he muttered, as he saw that the
+horseman was clad in buckskin and wore his hair long. But as he came
+nearer he said eagerly:
+
+"It is the surgeon-scout--Doctor Frank Powell!"
+
+The coming horseman eyed the timber carefully as he approached.
+Something had evidently made him suspicious of danger there, and,
+turning to the left, he was about to flank it, when Andrew Seldon rode
+into view and waved his hat.
+
+Then he rode forward once more, but cautiously, for the chances were
+that the man he saw might be a foe, he well knew.
+
+But Andrew Seldon raised his hands above his head, in token of peace,
+and Surgeon Powell rode straight toward him.
+
+"I dare not let him know who I am, though I would trust him, Heaven
+knows. He knows me as well as any man, and I'll see how I stand the test
+of his piercing eyes," muttered the gold-hunter, and, as the
+surgeon-scout drew nearer, he called out:
+
+"Are you Buffalo Bill, sir?"
+
+"No, I am Surgeon Frank Powell, of the army."
+
+"I see now, sir, that you are not Buffalo Bill, for I met him once when
+he was in a tight place with road-agents. Are you from Fort Faraway,
+sir?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"I was on my way there to see Buffalo Bill, when I saw you coming, sir."
+
+"And I am on my way to seek Buffalo Bill, for I have an appointment to
+meet him not many miles from here at a deserted camp, where there is a
+grave."
+
+"I know it well, sir, for I made the grave, and I stopped there last
+night."
+
+"You made what grave?"
+
+"The grave of Black-heart Bill, the desperado, who is buried there."
+
+"You killed him, you mean?"
+
+"I did, sir, for he had wronged me greatly."
+
+"Who are you, may I ask?"
+
+"My name is Andrew Seldon, sir, and I am a miner."
+
+"It seems to me that Buffalo Bill has spoken to me of you, in fact, I am
+sure of it now, for you it was who saved him from Headlight Joe and his
+outlaws."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"But Cody believes you to be dead."
+
+"How so, sir?"
+
+"He wished to find you, so tracked you into the Grand Cañon, to find
+your house buried beneath a fallen cliff, and he thought you were
+beneath it all."
+
+"No, sir, I escaped; but as you are going to seek Buffalo Bill may I
+join you?"
+
+"You may join me, Mr. Seldon, and I shall be glad to have your
+company," said Surgeon Powell, as he rode along by the side of the
+gold-hunter.
+
+"I will be your guide to the deserted camp, sir; but do you expect to
+find Mr. Cody there?"
+
+"I hope so, but should he not be I shall await him."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say that, sir, for I am most anxious to see him,
+and I will tell you why."
+
+"If you care to."
+
+"I know your secret, Surgeon Powell, and am delighted to feel that I
+will have your aid as well as Buffalo Bill's in what I wish to do."
+
+"And what do you wish to do, Mr. Seldon?"
+
+"I will have to ask you to keep my secret, sir."
+
+"I will do so."
+
+"Well, Surgeon Powell, I am a miner, and I strolled into the Grand Cañon
+of the Colorado in my prospecting tours, and there discovered several
+rich gold claims. On my way there it was that I came upon a camp, and in
+it I found an unfortunate fellow who was wounded, yet bound securely.
+
+"He had gone out in search of gold with a desperado by the name of
+Black-heart Bill, and, finding gold, the other sought to rob him of it,
+so shot him. Failing to find it, he was anxious to have his victim
+recover and show him where it was, intending then to kill him.
+
+"It was while Black-heart Bill was away from his camp that I came to it,
+and I heard his victim's story. Upon the return of the man I recognized
+him as an old foe of mine, one to whom, with others, I owed a wicked
+life.
+
+"I forced him to fight me a duel, and he fell. I buried him and cut his
+name on the quaking aspen near his grave, and then, nursing the wounded
+man to life, we went to his gold find. It did not pan out very rich, so
+I went to one I knew of, down in the Grand Cañon.
+
+"While I was away at W---- to get provisions, my partner heard the cliff
+cracking, and so moved away, up the cañon to another mine we had. He was
+just in time to save his life, for the cliff fell, and Buffalo Bill was
+in the valley that night with a comrade and heard the terrific roar of
+the falling cliff.
+
+"They believed that my comrade and myself were buried beneath the
+mountain of rock, but we were gazing at them the while and watched them
+ride away. Some time after I found that others had come into the cañon,
+and I discovered that it was a camp of outlaws, while more still, I saw
+that they had a female captive.
+
+"I crept near enough at night to hear and see all, and I saw a young and
+beautiful girl, and the outlaw lieutenant held her a captive for his
+chief, until a large ransom was paid for her by the miners of Last
+Chance.
+
+"I at once decided to act, and, having seen them start with her to give
+her up for ransom, I came on my way to find Buffalo Bill and guide him
+to the retreat of the outlaws. That young girl, sir, gave the name of
+Celeste Seldon. She is my daughter.
+
+"Now, Surgeon Powell, you have my story, and my comrade is in my camp,
+awaiting my return!"
+
+Frank Powell was greatly impressed with the story of the gold-hunter, to
+which he had listened with the deepest attention. After he had heard all
+he said:
+
+"My dear pard, you have made a very valuable discovery indeed, and
+Buffalo Bill will be only too glad to have you guide him to the outlaw
+camp, for that is his mission and mine here. I sincerely hope that your
+daughter will be given up in safety to the miners, and that her ransom
+will be recovered."
+
+"She will be given up in safety, sir, I am certain, for I have perfect
+confidence in the outlaw lieutenant, who told his story to Celeste, and
+I only ask that he may not share the fate of the other outlaws," and the
+gold-hunter made known what had occurred between Wolf and Celeste, and
+Doctor Powell replied:
+
+"I agree with you, and if he acts squarely toward Miss Seldon, I will
+urge that he be allowed to go free, when his comrades are to hang."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+A LEAF FROM THE PAST.
+
+
+When the surgeon-scout was guided to the deserted camp by Andrew Seldon,
+he at once saw that Buffalo Bill had not reached there. But there he was
+to wait for him, and so the horses were staked out and the two made
+themselves at home there.
+
+Doctor Powell went to have a look at the grave of Black-heart Bill, and
+the inscription upon the white bark of the aspen-tree, and said, as he
+read the name:
+
+"Hugh Mayhew was his name."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"There was a Sergeant Manton Mayhew killed at Fort Faraway by Sergeant
+Wallace Weston, who was sentenced to be shot for the deed, but escaped
+the very moment of his execution."
+
+"Was he never captured, sir?"
+
+"Poor fellow, he went to an even worse fate than being shot, for he
+wandered into the desert and died of starvation there. I knew that he
+was guilty of killing Manton Mayhew, but I am sure he had some grave
+reason for so doing, but which he would never make known.
+
+"He was a splendid soldier, brave and true, and he would have been
+commissioned had not that sad affair occurred."
+
+"Did he give no reason for his act, sir?"
+
+"None; he simply accepted his fate, though it was said to clear himself
+he would have had to compromise others, and this he would not do."
+
+"Poor fellow!"
+
+"Yes, I often think of his sad fate."
+
+An antelope was killed that afternoon, and after enjoying a good supper
+the surgeon and the gold-hunter lighted their pipes and sat down for a
+talk, both anxiously awaiting the coming of Buffalo Bill.
+
+After sitting in silence for some minutes the gold-hunter said:
+
+"Surgeon Powell, you were speaking of Wallace Weston to-day?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You may have noted that the name of Mayhew is upon yonder aspen-tree?"
+
+"And referred to the fact."
+
+"I put it there."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I knew who Black-heart Bill was."
+
+"That is so. I had not thought of that."
+
+"He was the brother of Manton Mayhew, the sergeant."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You knew Sergeant Mayhew, then?"
+
+"Intimately, for we were boys together."
+
+"Ah! tell me of him."
+
+"We lived near each other, sir, and Manton Mayhew was my rival at
+school, and also for the love of a pretty girl whom I idolized. He did
+all in his power to ruin me, and when I obtained a position in a bank,
+where he also was a clerk, he did wreck my life, for I was accused of
+robbery, and worse still, of murdering the watchman, who caught me in
+the act.
+
+"I would surely have been hanged but for the girl I spoke of, who forced
+me to fly for my life, aiding me to escape. I fled, to prove my
+innocence, and became a wanderer.
+
+"Then I received a letter from the woman I loved, telling me that she
+had discovered that I really was a thief and a murderer, and that she
+abhorred where she had loved me.
+
+"And more, when, in my despair I wrote to one who had been my friend to
+hear from home, I was told that Manton Mayhew had been the means of
+ruining my father financially, and the blow had driven him to suicide,
+while my poor mother, heart-broken, had died soon after my flight.
+
+"Nor was this all, for Hugh Mayhew, the brother of Manton, had married
+the girl I had loved.
+
+"Several years after other news came to me from my old home, and to the
+effect that Manton Mayhew had gone to the bad and in a drunken brawl had
+wounded a companion fatally as he had believed, and he had fled no one
+knew where.
+
+"His brother Hugh had wrecked his father's bank, and in a drunken frenzy
+had shot his wife one night, and he, too, had become a fugitive. Well,
+to end the story quickly, for I hate to dwell upon it, Manton Mayhew had
+joined the army, and, a good soldier, had become a sergeant."
+
+"Ordered to Fort Faraway he had met there Sergeant Weston, whom he
+recognized, and, fearing to be exposed in his crimes, he had at once
+attacked him, telling him he would kill him, and say that it was on
+account of his insubordination.
+
+"But Wallace Weston was armed, having just been given a revolver by an
+officer to take to his quarters, and he killed Mayhew as he was about to
+drive a knife to his heart.
+
+"Rather than bring out the old story, and, perhaps, be carried back East
+to be tried for the murder of the bank watchman, of which he was
+innocent, Sergeant Wallace Weston submitted in silence to his trial and
+accepted his fate, feeling that his life was one of despair."
+
+"And do you know all this to be as you have stated?" asked Surgeon
+Powell, when the gold-hunter had finished his story.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Knowing it, you did not come to the rescue of poor Weston?"
+
+"I did not, sir."
+
+"May I ask why?" and Frank Powell spoke sternly.
+
+"I will tell you the reason, Surgeon Powell, if you will pledge me your
+word to receive it in sacred confidence."
+
+"I will so pledge myself, Mr. Seldon."
+
+"Because, sir, _I am Wallace Weston_."
+
+Frank Powell was always a calm, cool man, but now he sprang to his feet,
+dropping his pipe, and cried:
+
+"Do you speak the truth?"
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Upon honor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I recognize the look that has so haunted me since I met you this
+morning. Upon my soul, Weston, I am glad to see that you are not dead,
+that you can clear up the story of Mayhew's killing and announce
+yourself once more a guiltless man."
+
+"But I cannot, sir, for you forget that I am accused of murdering the
+watchman and robbing the bank."
+
+"Is there no way in which you can disprove that?"
+
+"Only by the confession of the guilty ones."
+
+"Who were they?"
+
+"The Mayhews, and one other."
+
+"They were guilty?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And who was the other man?"
+
+"A clerk in the bank and devoted friend of the Mayhews."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"I do not know, sir."
+
+"And they are dead."
+
+"Manton and Hugh Mayhew are dead, by my hand, but where proof of their
+crime can be found I cannot tell, and so I am forced to hide under an
+assumed name--yes, Doctor Powell, the name of a dead man, Andrew Seldon,
+the one whose body was found by the rock in the desert and buried for
+mine."
+
+"You have had a remarkable escape, Weston----"
+
+"Seldon now sir, for that is the name I have taken, and let me now tell
+you how that poor man, the real Andrew Seldon, was plotted against."
+
+"I shall be glad to hear all that you are willing to tell me, Seldon."
+
+"Well, sir, it was while escaping from the pursuing soldiers, that I
+came upon a stray horse. He led me back to where his dead master lay
+upon the desert, and upon the body I found papers telling who he was,
+that he had left home under a cloud, had left a wife and child and
+riches, and come West to hide himself and hunt for gold until he dared
+return.
+
+"There was a map of gold finds he had discovered, and he had struck it
+rich and was on his way home. So I dressed him in my uniform, took his
+traps, and went my way, and he was buried as Wallace Weston.
+
+"It was when I was returning to the gold find of Andrew Seldon that I
+came upon Black-heart Bill's camp, and, finding in him Hugh Mayhew, I
+killed him. My intention was to take Andrew Seldon's name, dig his gold,
+and, to ease my conscience, give half to his family.
+
+"I imitated his writing and wrote to his lawyer and best friend, and
+little daughter, for his wife was dead, as letters told me which he had
+with him. In answer, at W---- I learned that I, as Andrew Seldon, dared
+not return home, that my daughter Celeste was dead, and my fortune gone.
+
+"When Celeste Seldon was captured, from her own lips I learned as she
+told the outlaw lieutenant, that all had been a plot to keep her father
+away, and, discovering the plot, she had come out here to find him,
+after the messenger had failed to write home to her later than on his
+arrival in W----.
+
+"Now, you know, Doctor Powell, why I was seeking Buffalo Bill, and it is
+my intention to seek that young girl, tell her all, and give her
+one-half of the fortune in gold I have found, through her father's maps
+and directions, in the Grand Cañon."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"I suppose I shall drift about the world, sir, unknown, leading an
+aimless life, or, perhaps, return to my gold-digging again."
+
+"No, Weston, such must not be your fate, for I shall take your case in
+hand and prove your innocence of robbing that bank and killing the
+watchman, for I believe your story, and then with Sergeant Mayhew's
+character proven, you can readily secure pardon for taking his life as
+you did in self-defense."
+
+"Heaven bless you, Surgeon Powell!"
+
+"I only make one request, Weston."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That Buffalo Bill hears your story as I have, for he believes in your
+innocence most thoroughly, and will be most happy to welcome you back to
+life."
+
+"I will be guided by you, sir, but some one is coming."
+
+"It is Buffalo Bill," cried Frank Powell, and just then the scout rode
+into the camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill went on his way down into the Grand Cañon, he
+continued on until he discovered just where the outlaws had made their
+retreat. This done, he retraced his way as rapidly as possible, and at
+once went back on the trail to where he had left his horse.
+
+The sun was just setting as he neared the spot, and he approached
+carefully, for he was not sure that some one had not been there and
+discovered the animal.
+
+Just as he caught sight of his horse he also saw that there was some one
+there, a horseman who had just ridden up to the spot.
+
+The face of the horseman was masked, and this told the story in an
+instant.
+
+But Buffalo Bill had been also discovered, and up to the outlaw's
+shoulder went his rifle, at the same instant that the weapon of the
+scout was leveled.
+
+The two rifles cracked almost as one, and the outlaw reeled, tried to
+spur his horse in flight, and fell to the ground. The scout at once
+advanced toward him, revolver in hand, when in faint voice came the
+words:
+
+"Don't fire again! Your shot is fatal!"
+
+The scout put his revolver in his belt, bent over and took the mask from
+the face of the wounded man, his horse following him to the spot.
+
+The face revealed was not a bad one--that of a man of thirty, with
+mustache, imperial, and hair worn long.
+
+The scout made him as comfortable as he could, for he saw that he had
+told the truth, that the wound he had received was fatal.
+
+Then he sat by the side of the wounded man for a while, the light of a
+full moon falling full in his face, and the scout heard him say:
+
+"I am glad that I missed you, for I have done evil enough in my time."
+
+"Who are you?" kindly asked the scout.
+
+"My name is Alvin Wolf, and I had just resolved to lead a different
+life, for I am an outlaw, one of the masked chief's band."
+
+"Yes, I thought as much."
+
+"I changed my life when I met a young girl who was the chief's captive,
+and I intended to thwart his plans to again capture her, for we gave her
+up for ransom two days ago, and, acting for him, I received the gold.
+
+"He gave me a written order to take the gold to a spot near Last Chance,
+and turn it over to him, which I did last night, for he met me there,
+and then he arranged to get a large ransom for a poor crazy fellow, the
+lover of the young girl, I believe, and so I had decided to act to
+protect her; but you can do so now, for I will tell you all, and then I
+can die content."
+
+"Yes, it is best to die with a free conscience."
+
+"I believe you, and more, I will tell you of one whom I helped to ruin
+in life, though he is dead now. He was a soldier at Fort Faraway, and
+his name was Wallace Weston.
+
+"We were boys together, though he was older than I, and I was led into
+temptation by others, the Mayhew brothers, and we robbed the bank we
+were working in, were discovered by the watchman, and Manton Mayhew
+killed him, and we had so planned that the robbery would fall upon the
+assistant cashier, Wallace Weston.
+
+"He fled, for we intended to hang him by our testimony, and then Hugh
+Mayhew forged letters and caused his sweetheart to believe him guilty,
+and she married him, Mayhew, to in the end lose her life at his hands.
+
+"Manton Mayhew always swore to me that he would kill Weston if he ever
+met him, and he said he had heard he was in the army, and so I suppose,
+when they met at Fort Faraway, he attempted to do so, and was killed
+himself.
+
+"Poor Weston did not dare tell of the past, so had to suffer; but you
+can make the real truth known to clear his name, for I have it all
+written out as it is in my diary, which I have always carried with me
+and will now give to you."
+
+"I am glad to learn all this; but let me ask you about your outlaw
+band?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How many are in it?"
+
+"Nine, without counting the chief."
+
+"Your retreat is in the Grand Cañon."
+
+"You know this?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Yes, our retreat is there."
+
+"And your chief?"
+
+The outlaw did not reply, and a shudder passed through his frame.
+
+The scout spoke again, and, leaning over, he heard a few whispered words
+from the dying lips which a moment after were sealed forever by death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+TEARING OFF THE MASK.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill rode into the camp where Surgeon Powell and the
+gold-hunter sat, it was seen that he was leading two horses, one
+carrying a pack-saddle, the other a heavy load.
+
+The surgeon-scout at once arose and greeted him, and said:
+
+"Ho, Bill, what game is that?"
+
+"A dead outlaw, the lieutenant of the band, whom I killed. But you are
+not alone, Frank?"
+
+"No, it is your old rescuer, who was on his way to the fort to see you,
+when he met me. He was going to tell you that the outlaws have their
+retreat in the Grand Cañon."
+
+"I have been to it; but how are you, Pard Seldon, and let me say that I
+have good news for you, as your daughter has come West to meet you and
+is now at Last Chance."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Cody, but I am aware of that fact, as Surgeon Powell
+can tell you; but come, look me squarely in the face, and see if you
+know who I am."
+
+Buffalo Bill gave a fixed look, and then cried excitedly:
+
+"By the gods of war, _you are Wallace Weston or his ghost_."
+
+"I am a very healthy ghost, sir; but I am Wallace Weston, and I leave it
+to Surgeon Powell to tell my story to you."
+
+The scout seized the gold-hunter's hand and wrung it hard, while he
+said:
+
+"Thank God you are not dead, Weston, for only this night have I heard
+the truth of your story from the lips of the dying outlaw, Alvin Wolf."
+
+"Ha! once my friend, then my foe, for he sided with the Mayhews against
+me."
+
+"He did, and I have his diary, which tells the whole story; but now let
+me tell mine, and then we can compare notes and decide what is best to
+be done."
+
+They first had supper, after staking out their horses, and afterward
+buried the body of the outlaw, Alvin Wolf.
+
+Then, until after midnight, they sat talking together, the surgeon, the
+scout, and the gold-hunter, about all that had happened, after which
+they retired to their blankets.
+
+It was just dawn the next morning when Wallace Weston rode away from the
+old camp to make all speed to Last Chance. His mission there was to take
+a letter to Driver Harding, which was as follows:
+
+     "Trust the bearer with your life. Pick out eight of the
+     best men in the camp, whom you can trust, and have them
+     pretend to start for W---- on business, going in your
+     coach.
+
+     "See that no one else goes. Have two leaders that are
+     good saddle-horses, and smuggle into the coach seven
+     saddles.
+
+     "I will meet you at Dead Line with horses, and prepare
+     to lose your leaders then, for four horses can readily
+     pull your empty coach on to W----.
+
+     "Your men must be the best, and fully armed.
+
+     "The bearer will bring your answer to me."
+
+     "Yours, B. B."
+
+Pushing rapidly on, Wallace Weston arrived in Last Chance that night and
+at once sought out Harding. Giving him his letter, he received his
+answer, after the two had had a talk together, and then, mounted upon a
+fresh horse furnished him by the driver, he started upon his return,
+having attracted no particular attention.
+
+It was the next day that the coach rolled out for W---- and it carried
+eight miners as passengers. Arriving at Dead Line, it was met there by
+Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, and Wallace Weston, and the eight miners
+joined them and went up to the scout's basin camp.
+
+Then, with the two leaders taken from Harding's coach, they had, with
+Wolf's horses and the pack-animals, enough to mount the party.
+
+The next morning the start was made for the Grand Cañon, and the descent
+was made on foot in the darkness of night, the horses having been left
+on the rim.
+
+The party were led by Wallace Weston, who knew the trail perfectly, and
+at midnight they rushed in upon the outlaw camp, giving them a complete
+surprise.
+
+Revolvers rattled, cries of alarm and pain were heard, cheers were
+given, and then silence reigned supreme, for the battle was won and four
+outlaws had been made prisoners--the rest were killed.
+
+One miner had been killed, and others wounded, though slightly, and
+these were cared for by Doctor Powell.
+
+In the camp the prisoner, Bernard Brandon, was found safe, but still
+unconscious of all about him, apparently.
+
+Wallace Weston had asked Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell to go on with
+him to his camp, and there they found Lucas Langley on guard, he having
+heard the echoes of the firing far down the cañon, and supposed that it
+meant an attack planned by his pard.
+
+Without letting the secret be known, that there was gold in the cañon,
+Buffalo Bill ordered an early start for Last Chance, and it was made by
+all except Lucas Langley, who remained at his cabin to await Weston's
+return.
+
+Upon nearing Last Chance Buffalo Bill halted the party, to follow on a
+few hours later, while he rode on with Surgeon Powell and Wallace
+Weston.
+
+The scout was recognized by the miners and warmly greeted, and, as he
+dismounted at the hotel and was welcomed by Landlord Larry and Harding,
+who had returned, Doctor Dick came forward and said:
+
+"Delighted to see you, Mr. Cody, again in Last Chance."
+
+"Yes, Doctor Dick, I am here to find Richard Mayhew, alias Doctor Dick,
+and, more still, the masked chief of the road-agents--hold! you are
+covered!"
+
+But Doctor Dick saw that all was lost, saw that the rope would be his
+end, and, in spite of the warning of the scout, he drew his revolver.
+
+But ere his finger touched the trigger he fell, a dead man, at the feet
+of Buffalo Bill, Celeste Seldon having come forward just in time to see
+him fall his length upon the earth.
+
+To the excited miners Buffalo Bill turned and made a speech, for he had
+killed their hero, the idol of Last Chance.
+
+He told them how the mask of the gambler had been torn off, by the
+confession of the outlaw Lieutenant Alvin Wolf, and how he had had his
+suspicions aroused, as had also Landlord Larry and Harding, by several
+things that had occurred.
+
+The whole story was made known, and, as the rest of the party came in,
+bearing the booty of the outlaws and the prisoners, and in Doctor Dick's
+cabin was found the very bag of gold that had been given for Celeste
+Seldon's ransom, and the money before taken from the coach, there was no
+doubting his guilt, and a howl of rage arose against him and his
+followers.
+
+Later, while Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, Wallace Weston, and Landlord
+Larry were at Celeste Seldon's cabin, telling her the true story
+regarding her father, the storm broke in fury, and Harding rushed in to
+say that the miners had seized the outlaw prisoners and were hanging
+them.
+
+An attempted rescue was made by Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill, but in
+vain; that mob would not, could not, be stayed in its madness, and the
+work of revenge was accomplished.
+
+The next day, as Surgeon Powell had said that the reason of Bernard
+Brandon could be restored by an operation, Celeste begged him to make
+the attempt, and, to the joy of all, it was crowned with perfect
+success.
+
+With his reason once on its throne, and learning all that had taken
+place, Bernard Brandon told how he had been the young partner of Lawyer
+Edgar Stone, who had kept his friend, Andrew Seldon, away from home by
+false letters, had written him that Celeste was dead, intending in the
+end to marry her and get the large fortune for himself, for the estate
+had greatly increased in value since the departure of its owner.
+
+He had at last decided to go to Celeste and confess all, and, learning
+that he had done so, Edgar Stone had fled to save imprisonment.
+
+In atonement Bernard Brandon had come West to find Andrew Seldon, and,
+not hearing from him, Celeste had followed him.
+
+Bernard Brandon hoped that his atonement might win the heart of Celeste,
+but instead she dismissed him with liberal payment and placed herself
+under the guardianship of Wallace Weston, who had taken her father's
+name.
+
+Bidding adieu to their pards at Last Chance, after sending Harding to
+the Grand Cañon to join Lucas Langley at the mine, Wallace Weston went
+East with Celeste, and going to his old home, he told the whole story of
+his life, and submitted letters from Doctor Powell, Buffalo Bill, and
+the diary of the outlaw officer as proof of his innocence, so that the
+charges against him were at once ended by legal process.
+
+Armed with proper papers, he presented himself before the President and
+received his pardon, after which, with Celeste Seldon as Mrs. Wallace
+Weston, he went to Fort Faraway and received a welcome from all his old
+officers and comrades that made his heart glad.
+
+As the mines in the Grand Cañon had ceased panning out as expected,
+Wallace Weston gave up his interest there to Lucas Langley and Harding,
+and returned East with his beautiful wife.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+"Buffalo Bill's Death Call" is the title of a weirdly thrilling series
+of adventures of the famous scout and his band in No. 42 of the BUFFALO
+BILL BORDER STORIES. No admirer of Colonel Cody and his exploits can
+afford to miss a volume of this series.
+
+
+
+
+History of the World War
+
+_By Thomas R. Best_
+
+
+The most portentous crisis in the history of the human family has just
+passed. The World War was conceived in greed and will be consummated in
+justice. It will prove a blessing to mankind, because it spells
+emancipation to countless unborn generations from enslaving political
+and social evils. It is a big subject and one that will be discussed in
+every household for many years to come. Questions will arise that only a
+clear, concise account of the war in handy form can settle.
+
+Therefore, we ask you to consider =History of the World War= by Thomas
+R. Best which has been written from the American standpoint. It is
+purely history--not vituperation. This volume has a chronology of
+important events that will prove of inestimable reference value.
+
+=Price 25 Cents=
+
+_If ordered by mail add four cents to cover cost of postage_
+
+
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+79 Seventh Avenue    New York City
+
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+=Beauty?=         =No!=
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+=Youth?=          =No!=
+=Femininity?=     =No!=
+
+
+=Seek the Superwoman=
+
+You will find her in almost every generation, in almost every country,
+in almost every city. She is not a typical adventuress, she is not a
+genius. The reason for her strong power is occult. The nameless charm is
+found as often in homely, clumsy, dull, old masculine women as in the
+reverse of these types.
+
+
+=What Makes a Superwoman?=
+
+If you think the problem worth while, why not try to solve it by reading
+Albert Payson Terhune's great book, SUPERWOMEN? From Cleopatra to Lady
+Hamilton--they are mighty interesting characters. Some of them smashed
+thrones, some of them were content with wholesale heart smashing. You
+will know their secret, or rather their secrets, for seldom did two of
+them follow the same plan of campaign.
+
+We have prepared a very handsome, special, limited edition of the book,
+worthy of a place on your "best book" shelf. If you subscribe to
+AINSLEE'S MAGAZINE now you can purchase it for 50¢. Send us a money
+order for $2.50 and receive SUPERWOMEN postpaid, and, in addition, over
+1900 pages of splendid fiction throughout the coming year. AINSLEE'S
+MAGAZINE is the best and smartest purely fiction magazine published. You
+cannot invest $2.50 in reading matter to better advantage than by
+availing yourself of this offer. Send check or money order or, if you
+remit in cash, do not fail to register the envelope. Act now!
+
+
+The Ainslee Magazine Company
+79 Seventh Avenue    New York City
+
+
+
+
+More Machinery
+
+
+That's what we needed to fill the demand for the S. & S. novels. You
+see, we were somewhat restricted in our output by the War Industries
+Board, with whose ruling we gladly complied for patriotic reasons. While
+the restrictions were on we used up pretty nearly all of our surplus
+stock so that when we were no longer under orders from the Government,
+we found ourselves with a lot of orders and very little stock.
+
+We have just about caught up now, thanks to some new machinery we have
+installed which turns out paper-covered books very fast.
+
+Therefore, you can get a very good assortment of the S. & S. novels from
+your news dealer, including the famous Horatio Alger books.
+
+That boy you know will be mighty glad to have you make him a present of
+one or two of the Alger books. Ask your dealer for a list of the titles.
+
+Here are some good ones that we published within the past two months:
+
+
+=The Backwoods Boy=        =No. 77=
+=Tom Temple's Career=      =No. 78=
+=Ben Bruce=                =No. 79=
+=The Young Musician=       =No. 80=
+=The Telegraph Boy=        =No. 81=
+
+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4¢ must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+We Need Your O. K.
+
+
+We must have it. We really cannot do business without it. If money's
+worth, cleanliness, and quality of interest meet with your approval, you
+are sure to "O. K." the S. & S. novels.
+
+There are some fifteen hundred titles in print in our lines, among which
+are the famous BERTHA CLAY books. There are some 125 of these in our
+present list. We give you the titles of a few exceptionally interesting
+ones. You won't make any mistake buying one or more of these titles in
+the NEW BERTHA CLAY LIBRARY:
+
+=For Life and Love=             =No. 93=
+=How Will It End?=              =No. 94=
+=Love's Warfare=                =No. 95=
+=The Burden of a Secret=        =No. 96=
+=Griselda=                      =No. 97=
+=A Woman's Witchery=            =No. 98=
+=An Ideal Love=                 =No. 99=
+=Lady Marchmont's Widowhood=    =No. 100=
+=The Romance of a Young Girl=   =No. 101=
+=The Price of a Bride=          =No. 102=
+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4¢ must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+Your Eyes Would Open
+
+if you could see how we print and bind the S. & S. novels. They start as
+rolls of blank paper, and are turned out by the thousands, without a
+hand touching them.
+
+You have heard wonderful stories about machines that turn out loaves of
+bread and crackers by the ton, all crisp and brown and ready to eat, but
+you have not heard anything about the machines that turn out
+paper-covered books all ready to read. We have them, however, and that
+is why we can sell such books as those in the NEW ROMANCE LIBRARY.
+
+This library is a veritable storehouse of good literature. There are
+love stories and mystery stories and stories of occult phenomena--each
+one a good, big generous money's worth. Tell your news dealer you want
+No. 49 NEW ROMANCE LIBRARY, "The Wreck of the _Grosvenor_", by W. Clark
+Russell. If he cannot supply you, send us    in stamps and we will send
+it to you postpaid. When you get it, you can confidently settle yourself
+down for two or three evenings of the best reading you ever had.
+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4¢ must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+Buffalo Bill Border Stories
+
+
+This line will be devoted exclusively to stories written by Colonel
+Prentiss Ingraham about his lifelong friend Buffalo Bill. These two men
+were inseparable companions, and Colonel Ingraham is therefore well
+qualified to write stories of the adventures of the old-time scout and
+plainsman. These stories are destined to be immensely popular, because
+they are drawn true to life. They bring the open plains right to the
+reader's front door, as it were.
+
+The fact that these stories are historically correct gives them a very
+secure place in American literature. Manifestly, no history was ever
+written that could give space in such detail to the adventures of a
+single man, no matter how important his life's work may have been; it
+really takes a line of so-called fiction to do it, and we can honestly
+say that the stories in this line do justice to the interesting
+character of Buffalo Bill.
+
+BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES are not for boys; they were written
+expressly for adults.
+
+1--Buffalo Bill, the Border King           By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+2--Buffalo Bill's Raid                     By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+3--Buffalo Bill's Bravery                  By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+4--Buffalo Bill's Trump Card               By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+5--Buffalo Bill's Pledge                   By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+6--Buffalo Bill's Vengeance                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+7--Buffalo Bill's Iron Grip                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+8--Buffalo Bill's Capture                  By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+9--Buffalo Bill's Danger Line              By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+10--Buffalo Bill's Comrades                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+11--Buffalo Bill's Reckoning               By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+12--Buffalo Bill's Warning                 By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+13--Buffalo Bill at Bay                    By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+14--Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Pards.         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+15--Buffalo Bill's Brand                   By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+16--Buffalo Bill's Honor                   By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+17--Buffalo Bill's Phantom Hunt            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+18--Buffalo Bill's Fight With Fire         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+19--Buffalo Bill's Danite Trail            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+20--Buffalo Bill's Ranch Riders            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+21--Buffalo Bill's Death Trail             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+22--Buffalo Bill's Trackers                By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+23--Buffalo Bill's Mid-air Flight          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+24--Buffalo Bill, Ambassador               By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+25--Buffalo Bill's Air Voyage              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+26--Buffalo Bill's Secret Mission          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+27--Buffalo Bill's Long Trail              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+28--Buffalo Bill Against Odds              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+29--Buffalo Bill's Hot Chase               By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+30--Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ally            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+31--Buffalo Bill's Treasure Trove          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+32--Buffalo Bill's Hidden Foes             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+33--Buffalo Bill's Crack Shot              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+34--Buffalo Bill's Close Call              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+35--Buffalo Bill's Double Surprise         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+36--Buffalo Bill's Ambush                  By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+37--Buffalo Bill's Outlaw Hunt             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+38--Buffalo Bill's Border Duel             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+39--Buffalo Bill's Bid for Fame            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+40--Buffalo Bill's Triumph                 By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+41--Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+42--Buffalo Bill's Death Call              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+43--Buffalo Bill's Body Guard              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+44--Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+45--Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen      By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+46--Buffalo Bill's Prairie Scout           By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+47--Buffalo Bill's Traitor Guide           By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+48--Buffalo Bill's Bonanza                 By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+The advertisement for Buffalo Bill's Border Stories has been moved from
+the front of the book to the back.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by 
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER ***
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+
+Project Gutenberg's Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+       The Stranger in Camp
+
+Author: Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+Release Date: August 24, 2009 [EBook #29792]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
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+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer</h1>
+
+<h2><span style="font-size: 60%;">OR,</span><br />
+THE STRANGER IN CAMP</h2>
+
+<h2><span style="font-size: 60%;">BY</span><br />
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Author of the celebrated "Buffalo Bill" stories published in the <span class="smcap">Border
+Stories</span>. For other titles see catalogue.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/logo.png" width="100" height="142" alt="publisher's logo" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">
+STREET &amp; SMITH CORPORATION<br />
+<span style="font-size: 80%;">PUBLISHERS</span><br />
+<span style="font-size: 90%;">79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">Copyright, 1908<br />
+By STREET &amp; SMITH<br />
+<br />
+Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer</p>
+
+<p class="center">All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign
+languages, including the Scandinavian.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY<br />
+<span style="font-size: 90%;">(BUFFALO BILL).</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>It is now some generations since Josh Billings, Ned Buntline, and
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, intimate friends of Colonel William F. Cody,
+used to forgather in the office of Francis S. Smith, then proprietor of
+the <i>New York Weekly</i>. It was a dingy little office on Rose Street, New
+York, but the breath of the great outdoors stirred there when these
+old-timers got together. As a result of these conversations, Colonel
+Ingraham and Ned Buntline began to write of the adventures of Buffalo
+Bill for Street &amp; Smith.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, February 26, 1846. Before
+he had reached his teens, his father, Isaac Cody, with his mother and
+two sisters, migrated to Kansas, which at that time was little more than
+a wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>When the elder Cody was killed shortly afterward in the Kansas "Border
+War," young Bill assumed the difficult role of family breadwinner.
+During 1860, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, Cody lived the
+arduous life of a pony-express rider. Cody volunteered his services as
+government scout and guide and served throughout the Civil War with
+Generals McNeil and A.&nbsp;J. Smith. He was a distinguished member of the
+Seventh Kansas Cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>During the Civil War, while riding through the streets of St. Louis,
+Cody rescued a frightened schoolgirl from a band of annoyers. In true
+romantic style, Cody and Louisa Federci, the girl, were married March 6,
+1866.</p>
+
+<p>In 1867 Cody was employed to furnish a specified amount of buffalo meat
+to the construction men at work on the Kansas Pacific Railroad. It was
+in this period that he received the sobriquet "Buffalo Bill."</p>
+
+<p>In 1868 and for four years thereafter Colonel Cody<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> served as scout and
+guide in campaigns against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It was
+General Sheridan who conferred on Cody the honor of chief of scouts of
+the command.</p>
+
+<p>After completing a period of service in the Nebraska legislature, Cody
+joined the Fifth Cavalry in 1876, and was again appointed chief of
+scouts.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Cody's fame had reached the East long before, and a great many
+New Yorkers went out to see him and join in his buffalo hunts, including
+such men as August Belmont, James Gordon Bennett, Anson Stager, and
+J.&nbsp;G. Heckscher. In entertaining these visitors at Fort McPherson, Cody
+was accustomed to arrange wild-West exhibitions. In return his friends
+invited him to visit New York. It was upon seeing his first play in the
+metropolis that Cody conceived the idea of going into the show business.</p>
+
+<p>Assisted by Ned Buntline, novelist, and Colonel Ingraham, he started his
+"Wild West" show, which later developed and expanded into "A Congress of
+the Rough-riders of the World," first presented at Omaha, Nebraska. In
+time it became a familiar yearly entertainment in the great cities of
+this country and Europe. Many famous personages attended the
+performances, and became his warm friends, including Mr. Gladstone, the
+Marquis of Lorne, King Edward, Queen Victoria, and the Prince of Wales,
+now King of England.</p>
+
+<p>At the outbreak of the Sioux, in 1890 and 1891, Colonel Cody served at
+the head of the Nebraska National Guard. In 1895 Cody took up the
+development of Wyoming Valley by introducing irrigation. Not long
+afterward he became judge advocate general of the Wyoming National
+Guard.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Cody (Buffalo Bill) died in Denver, Colorado, on January 10,
+1917. His legacy to a grateful world was a large share in the
+development of the West, and a multitude of achievements in
+horsemanship, marksmanship, and endurance that will live for ages. His
+life will continue to be a leading example of the manliness, courage,
+and devotion to duty that belonged to a picturesque phase of American
+life now passed, like the great patriot whose career it typified, into
+the Great Beyond.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">I.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CAÑON</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">5</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">II.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE MINER'S SECRET</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">14</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">III.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">20</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">IV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A VOW OF VENGEANCE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">28</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">V.</td>
+<td class="chapname">MASKED AND MERCILESS</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">33</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE DUMB MESSENGER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">41</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">DEATH AND MADNESS</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">50</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A STRANGE BURIAL</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">62</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">IX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE COURIER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">67</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">X.</td>
+<td class="chapname">DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">76</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">RUNNING THE GANTLET</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">84</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A MAN'S NERVE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">92</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A VOLUNTEER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">97</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE WAY IT WAS DONE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">105</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">114</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">TAKING CHANCES</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">122</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A SECRET KEPT</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">130</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A MYSTERIOUS SOUND</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">138</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A FAIR PASSENGER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">143</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">MASKED FOES</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">151</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE SACRIFICE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">159</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE RANSOM</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">168</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">181</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE TWO FUGITIVES</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">186</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE OUTLAW LOVER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">195</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE SECRET OUT</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">200</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE DEPARTURE</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">210</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE LONE TRAIL</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">219</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">223</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">AT THE RENDEZVOUS</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">231</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">239</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE MINERS' WELCOME</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">248</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE COUNCIL</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">252</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXIV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A METAMORPHOSIS</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">259</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE DRIVER'S LETTER</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">268</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXVI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">272</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXVII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE MINER'S MISSION</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">280</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXVIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A LEAF FROM THE PAST</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">288</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXIX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">298</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XL.</td>
+<td class="chapname">TEARING OFF THE MASK</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">303</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p>
+
+<h1>BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER.</h1>
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CA&Ntilde;ON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A horseman drew rein one morning, upon the brink of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of
+the Colorado, a mighty abyss, too vast for the eye to take in its grand
+immensity; a mighty mountain rent asunder and forming a chasm which is a
+valley of grandeur and beauty, through which flows the Colorado Grande.
+Ranges of mountains tower to cloudland on all sides with cliffs of
+scarlet, blue, violet, yes, all hues of the rainbow; crystal streams
+flowing merrily along; verdant meadows, vales and hills, with massive
+forests everywhere&mdash;such was the sight that met the admiring gaze of the
+horseman as he sat there in his saddle, his horse looking down into the
+ca&ntilde;on.</p>
+
+<p>It was a spot avoided by Indians as the abiding-place of evil spirits; a
+scene shunned by white men,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> a mighty retreat where a fugitive, it would
+seem, would be forever safe, no matter what the crime that had driven
+him to seek a refuge there.</p>
+
+<p>Adown from where the horseman had halted, was the bare trace of a trail,
+winding around the edge of an overhanging rock by a shelf that was not a
+yard in width and which only a man could tread whose head was cool and
+heart fearless.</p>
+
+<p>Wrapt in admiration of the scene, the mist-clouds floating lazily upward
+from the ca&ntilde;on, the silver ribbon far away that revealed the winding
+river, and the songs of birds coming from a hundred leafy retreats on
+the hillsides, the horseman gave a deep sigh, as though memories most
+sad were awakened in his breast by the scene, and then dismounting began
+to unwrap a lariat from his saddle-horn.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressed as a miner, wore a slouch-hat, was of commanding
+presence, and his darkly bronzed face, heavily bearded, was full of
+determination, intelligence, and expression.</p>
+
+<p>Two led horses, carrying heavy packs, were behind the animal he rode,
+and attaching the lariats to their bits he took one end and led the way
+down the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> most perilous and picturesque trail along the shelf running
+around the jutting point of rocks.</p>
+
+<p>When he drew near the narrowest point, he took off the saddle and packs,
+and one at a time led the horses downward and around the hazardous
+rocks.</p>
+
+<p>A false step, a movement of fright in one of the animals, would send him
+downward to the depths more than a mile below.</p>
+
+<p>But the trembling animals seemed to have perfect confidence in their
+master, and after a long while he got them by the point of greatest
+peril.</p>
+
+<p>Going back and forward he carried the packs and saddles, and replacing
+them upon the animals began once more the descent of the only trail
+leading down into the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, from that side.</p>
+
+<p>The way was rugged, most dangerous in places, and several times his
+horses barely escaped a fall over the precipice, the coolness and strong
+arm of the man alone saving them from death, and his stores from
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>It was nearly sunset when he at last reached the bottom of the
+stupendous rift, and only the tops of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> the cliffs were tinged with the
+golden light, the valley being in densest shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Going on along the ca&ntilde;on at a brisk pace, as though anxious to reach
+some camping-place before nightfall, after a ride of several miles he
+came in sight of a wooded ca&ntilde;on, entering the one he was then in, and
+with heights towering toward heaven so far that all below seemed as
+black as night.</p>
+
+<p>But a stream wound out of the ca&ntilde;on, to mingle its clear waters with the
+grand Colorado River a mile away, and massive trees grew near at hand,
+sheltering a cabin that stood upon the sloping hill at the base of a
+cliff that arose thousands of feet above it.</p>
+
+<p>When within a few hundred yards of the lone cabin, suddenly there was a
+crashing, grinding sound, a terrific roar, a rumbling, and the earth
+seemed shaken violently as the whole face of the mighty cliff came
+crushing down into the valley, sending up showers of splintered rocks
+and clouds of dust that were blinding and appalling!</p>
+
+<p>Back from the scene of danger fled the frightened horses, the rider
+showing no desire to check their flight until a spot of safety was
+reached.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>Then, half a mile from the fallen cliff, he paused, his face white, his
+whole form quivering, while his horses stood trembling with terror.</p>
+
+<p>"My God! the cliff has fallen upon my home, and my unfortunate comrade
+lies buried beneath a mountain of rocks. We mined too far beneath the
+cliff, thus causing a cave-in.</p>
+
+<p>"A few minutes more and I would also have shared poor Langley's fate;
+but a strange destiny it is that protects me from death&mdash;a strange one
+indeed! He is gone, and I alone am now the Hermit of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, a
+Cr&#339;sus in wealth of gold, yet a fugitive from my fellow men. What a fate
+is mine, and how will it all end, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>Thus musing the hermit-miner sat upon his own horse listening to the
+echoes rumbling through the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, growing fainter and fainter,
+like a retreating army fighting off its pursuing foes.</p>
+
+<p>An hour passed before the unnerved man felt able to seek a camp for the
+night, so great had been the shock of the falling cliff, and the fate he
+had felt had overtaken his comrade.</p>
+
+<p>At last he rode on up the ca&ntilde;on once more, de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>termined to seek a spot he
+knew well where he could camp, a couple of miles above his destroyed
+home.</p>
+
+<p>He passed the pile of rocks, heaped far up the cliff from which they had
+fallen, looking upon them as the sepulcher of his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Lucas Langley! He, too, had his sorrows, and his secrets, which
+drove him, like me, to seek a retreat far from mankind, and become a
+hunted man. Alas! what has the future in store for me?"</p>
+
+<p>With a sigh he rode on up the valley, his way now guided by the
+moonlight alone, and at last turned into another ca&ntilde;on, for the Grand
+Ca&ntilde;on has hundreds of others branching off from it, some of them
+penetrating for miles back into the mountains.</p>
+
+<p>He had gone up this ca&ntilde;on for a few hundred yards, and was just about to
+halt, and go into camp upon the banks of a small stream, when his eyes
+caught sight of a light ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! what does that mean?" he ejaculated in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had he spoken when from up the ca&ntilde;on came the deep voice of a dog
+barking, his scent telling him of a human presence near.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>"Ah! Savage is not dead then, and, after all, Lucas Langley may have
+escaped."</p>
+
+<p>The horseman rode quickly on toward the light. The barking of the dog
+continued, but it was not a note of warning but of welcome, and as the
+horseman drew rein by a camp-fire a huge brute sprang up and greeted him
+with every manifestation of delight, while a man came forward from the
+shadows of the trees and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Thank Heaven you are back again, Pard Seldon, for I had begun to fear
+for your safety."</p>
+
+<p>"And I was sure that I would never meet you again in life, Lucas, for I
+believed you at the bottom of that mountain of rocks that fell from the
+cliff and crushed out our little home," and the hands of the two men met
+in a warm grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been so but for a warning I had, when working in the
+mine. I saw that the cliff was splitting and settling, and running out I
+discovered that it must fall, and before very long.</p>
+
+<p>"I at once got the two mules out of the ca&ntilde;on above, packed all our
+traps upon them, and hastened away to a spot of safety. Then I returned
+and got all else<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> I could find, gathered up our gold, and came here and
+made our camp.</p>
+
+<p>"To-night the cliff fell, but not expecting you to arrive by night, I
+was to be on the watch for you in the morning; but thank Heaven you are
+safe and home again."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am happy to find you safe, Lucas. I was within an eighth of a
+mile of the cliff when it fell, and I shall never forget the sight, the
+sound, the appalling dread for a few moments, as I fled to a spot of
+safety, my horses bearing me along like the wind in their mad terror."</p>
+
+<p>"It was appalling, and I have not dared leave my camp since, far as I am
+from it, for it resounded through the ca&ntilde;ons like a mighty battle with
+heavy guns. But come, comrade, and we will have supper and talk over all
+that has happened."</p>
+
+<p>The horses were staked out up the ca&ntilde;on, where grass and water were
+plentiful, and then the two men sat down to supper, though neither
+seemed to have much of an appetite after what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>But Savage, the huge, vicious-looking dog, felt no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> bad results from his
+fright of a few hours before, and ate heartily.</p>
+
+<p>When their pipes were lighted the man who had lately arrived said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Lucas, I brought back provisions and other things to last us a
+year, and I care not to go again from this ca&ntilde;on until I carry a fortune
+in gold with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, here we are safe, and I feel that something has happened to cause
+you to say what you do, pard."</p>
+
+<p>"And I will tell you what it is," impressively returned the one who had
+spoken of himself as the Hermit of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he added slowly. "I will tell you a secret, comrade."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE MINER'S SECRET.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Pard, after what has happened, the falling of the cliff, and our narrow
+escape from death, I feel little like sleep, tired as I am, so, as I
+said, I will tell you a secret," continued Andrew Seldon, speaking in a
+way that showed his thoughts were roaming in the past.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have a good listener, pard," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I feel that I will, and you having told me that you were a
+fugitive from the law, that your life had its curse upon it, I will tell
+you of mine, at least enough of it to prove to you that I also dare not
+show my face among my fellow men.</p>
+
+<p>"You know me as Andrew Seldon, and I have with me proof that I could
+show to convince one that such is my name; but, in reality, Andrew
+Seldon is dead, and I am simply playing his part in life, for I am not
+unlike him in appearance, and, as I said, I have the proofs that enable
+me to impersonate him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>"My real name is Wallace Weston, whom circumstances beyond my control
+made a murderer and fugitive, and here I am. I entered the army as a
+private cavalry soldier, and worked my way up to sergeant, with the hope
+of getting a commission some day.</p>
+
+<p>"But one day another regiment came to the frontier post where I was
+stationed, and a member of it was the man to whom I owed all my sorrow
+and misfortune in life. Well, the recognition was mutual, a quarrel
+followed, and he&mdash;his name was Manton Mayhew&mdash;fell by my hand, and he,
+too, was a sergeant.</p>
+
+<p>"I said nothing in my defense, for I would not reopen the story of the
+past for curious eyes to gaze upon, and accepted my fate, my sentence
+being to be shot to death. On one occasion, in an Indian fight, I had
+saved the life of the scout Buffalo Bill&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, I know of him," said the listener earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"He, in return, rode through the Indian country, to the quarters of the
+district commander, to try and get a reprieve, hoping to glean new
+evidence to clear me. He was refused, and returned just as I was led
+down on the banks of the river for execution.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>"I heard the result and determined in a second to escape, or be killed
+in the attempt. Buffalo Bill's horse stood near, and with a bound I was
+upon his back, rushed him into the stream, swam across and escaped.</p>
+
+<p>"I was fired upon by the scout, under an order to do so, but his bullets
+were not aimed to kill me. Night was near at hand, and pursuit was
+begun, but I had a good start, reached the desert and entered it.</p>
+
+<p>"The next day, for the scout's horse was worn down, my pursuers would
+have overtaken me had I not suddenly come upon a stray horse in a clump
+of timber, an oasis in the desert.</p>
+
+<p>"I mounted him and pushed straight on into the desert, and the next day
+came upon a solitary rock, by which lay the dead body of a man upon
+which the coyotes had just begun to feed. He had starved to death in the
+desert, and the horse I had found was his.</p>
+
+<p>"At once an idea seized me to let my pursuer believe that <i>I</i> was that
+dead man; so I dressed him in my uniform, killed the horse near him,
+left the scout's saddle and bridle there, and started off on foot over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+the desert, attired as the man whom I had found there.</p>
+
+<p>"With him I had found letters, papers, and a map and diary, and these
+gave me his name, and more, for I found that the map would lead me to a
+gold-mine, the one in this ca&ntilde;on in which we have worked so well to our
+great profit.</p>
+
+<p>"I wandered back, off the desert, and you know the rest: how I came to
+the camp where you lay wounded and threatened with death by your
+comrade, Black-heart Bill, who knew that you had a mine which he was
+determined to have.</p>
+
+<p>"In Black-heart Bill I recognized a brother of Sergeant Manton Mayhew,
+another man whom I sought revenge upon. Hugh Mayhew had also wronged me
+as his brothers had, for there were three of them, strange to
+say&mdash;triplets&mdash;Manton, Hugh, and Richard Mayhew, and to them I owed it
+that I became a fugitive from home.</p>
+
+<p>"You remember my duel with Hugh Mayhew, and that he fell by my hand?
+Well, there is one more yet, and some day we may meet, and then it must
+be his life or mine.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>"Taking the name of Andrew Seldon, and leaving all to believe that I,
+Wallace Weston, died in the desert, I came here, with you as my
+companion. We are growing rich, and though the Cliff Mine has fallen in,
+there are others that will pan out even better.</p>
+
+<p>"But, pard, when I went to the post this time for provisions, I came
+upon Buffalo Bill escorting a deserter to Fort Faraway, and a band of
+desperadoes from the mines of Last Chance had ambushed him to rescue the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"I went to the rescue of the scout, saved him and his prisoner, and went
+on my way to the post; but yet I half-believe, in spite of believing me
+dead, and my changed appearance with my long hair and beard, that
+Buffalo Bill half-recognized me.</p>
+
+<p>"I must take no more chances, so shall remain close in this ca&ntilde;on until
+ready to leave it and go far away with my fortune, to enjoy it
+elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>"Again, pard: I had written to the home of Andrew Seldon, whom I am now
+impersonating, and I find that he too, was a fugitive from the law, and
+that there is no reason for me to share this fortune with any one there,
+as I had intended to do: so now let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> us be lost to the world, hermits
+here in this weird land of mystery, the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, where no one dares
+come, until we are ready to seek new associations and homes elsewhere,
+and enjoy our riches."</p>
+
+<p>"Pard, I thank you for your confidence, your secret. I felt that you had
+been a sufferer in the past, while I am sure you were not the one to do
+the first wrong. In all things I will be guided by you," said Lucas
+Langley warmly, and it being late the two men retired to their blankets
+to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Two men had met in the remote wilds of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on country, as the
+district bordering upon the Colorado River was called, having appointed
+a mysterious, deserted camp as a rendezvous.</p>
+
+<p>One of these men needs no description from my pen, hardly more than a
+passing pen introduction to say that he bore the name of Buffalo Bill.</p>
+
+<p>He had come alone from Fort Faraway, to the deserted camp over a hundred
+miles from the nearest habitation, to meet a new-found friend, one known
+in Last Chance Claim as Doctor Dick, and a man of mystery.</p>
+
+<p>The latter was, in person, almost as striking in appearance as was
+handsome, dashing Bill Cody, for he was tall, sinewy in build, graceful,
+and dressed in a way to attract attention, with his cavalry-boots, gold
+spurs, corduroy pants, velvet jacket, silk shirt, and broad black
+sombrero encircled by a chain of gold links.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>Doctor Dick was not afraid, either, to make a lavish display of jewels.
+His weapons were gold-mounted, as was also his saddle and bridle, and
+from the fact that he was an ardent and successful gambler, and was
+supposed to be very rich, he was called in Last Chance The Gold King.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had made his d&eacute;but into Last Chance mining-camp, by bringing
+in the coach, one day, with the dead body of the driver on the box by
+his side, and two murdered passengers on the inside.</p>
+
+<p>He had run off, single-handed, the road-agents who had held up the
+coach, and therefore became a hero at once, adding to his fame very
+quickly by showing that he could "shoot to kill" when attacked.</p>
+
+<p>Signifying his intention of practising medicine and surgery in Last
+Chance, and gambling in his leisure moments, Doctor Dick had established
+himself in a pleasant cabin near the hotel, to at once become popular,
+and began to make money.</p>
+
+<p>When Buffalo Bill went to Last Chance on a special secret-service
+mission, to investigate the holding up of the coach, and had recognized
+there a deserter, whom he had orders to take "dead or alive," Doctor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+Dick had helped him out of what appeared to be a very ugly scrape, and
+thus the two men had become friends.</p>
+
+<p>Becoming confidential, Doctor Dick had told the scout a few chapters of
+his life, and he alone doubted that his foe from boyhood, Sergeant
+Wallace Weston&mdash;who had been reported as dying in the desert while
+seeking to escape&mdash;was dead, and the two, the scout and the
+gambler-doctor, had arranged to meet at the deserted camp and discover
+if the real truth could not be ascertained.</p>
+
+<p>So it was at the deserted camp they had met, and Doctor Dick had stood
+with uncovered head before a quaking aspen-tree, at the foot of which
+was a grave.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the tree had been cut a name and date, and this told that there lay
+the form of Hugh Mayhew, killed in a duel by one whom he had wronged.</p>
+
+<p>It further told that Hugh Mayhew was known in the mines as a desperado,
+whose cruel deeds had gained for him the sobriquet of Black-heart Bill.</p>
+
+<p>Convinced that the body in the grave was that of Hugh Mayhew, after he
+had unearthed the remains, and recognized in that decaying form his once
+brother<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>&mdash;one of the triplets&mdash;Doctor Dick had seemed deeply moved when
+he told that he was the last of the trio and lived to avenge them: that
+he was sure Wallace Weston, their old foe, was their slayer, for he knew
+from the scout that he had killed his brother Manton at the fort, and
+hence he would not be convinced that the grave in the desert of Arizona
+held the body of Weston until he had certain proof of it.</p>
+
+<p>"That man who came to your rescue, who called himself the Hermit of the
+Grand Ca&ntilde;on, who sought to shun you after his service to you, is either
+Wallace Weston, or knows something of him, and it is his trail we must
+pick up on his return to his retreat, and follow to the end, before I am
+satisfied," Doctor Dick had said to Buffalo Bill.</p>
+
+<p>And so it was that the two had met at the deserted camp to pick up the
+trail of the hermit and follow it to the end, bring what it might to
+Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>The trail was taken up and followed to the brink of the grandest view in
+all nature's marvels, the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of the Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>To a less experienced scout than Buffalo Bill, there would have appeared
+to be no trail down into the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> depths of that mighty chasm, and it would
+have been thought that the one whom they trailed had retraced his steps
+from there.</p>
+
+<p>But the scout was not one to be thrown off the trail by any obstacle
+that perseverance, pluck, and hard work could overcome, and so he set
+about finding a way down into the ca&ntilde;on, though there was no trace of a
+traveled path left on the solid rocks upon which he stood.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick's determined assertion that he did not believe his old
+enemy, Wallace Weston, to be dead, really impressed the scout in spite
+of the fact that he had guided Lieutenant Tompkins and his troopers in
+the pursuit of the fugitive soldier, had found the body torn by wolves,
+dressed in uniform, and with his own saddle and bridle, taken when he
+had dashed away upon his horse, lying by his side.</p>
+
+<p>Still, in the face of all these seeming proofs, the fugitive sergeant
+might yet be alive and he would do all he could to solve the mystery as
+to whether he was or not.</p>
+
+<p>The scout had been anxious to go alone with the gambler-doctor in the
+search, for he did have the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> hope that, if really found, Wallace Weston
+might be reconciled with Doctor Dick, while, if taken by troopers, he
+would be returned to the fort and executed, as he was under
+death-sentence.</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill never forgot a service rendered him, and he did not wish to
+see the sergeant put to death, when he was already believed to be dead,
+and the secret might be kept.</p>
+
+<p>After a long search Buffalo Bill found the perilous path down which the
+one he followed had gone with his packhorses.</p>
+
+<p>He revealed the fact to Doctor Dick, and the two, after a long
+consultation, decided to take the risk and make the descent into the
+grand valley.</p>
+
+<p>For men with less nerve than these two possessed it would have been
+impossible; and, as it was, there were times when the winding trail and
+dangers put their pluck to the test.</p>
+
+<p>At last the valley was reached, and, greatly relieved, the two went into
+camp before prosecuting their search further.</p>
+
+<p>The hermit had admitted to Buffalo Bill that he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> had a comrade dwelling
+with him in his retreat, wherever the retreat was.</p>
+
+<p>Would it be that they held a secret there they did not wish known, and
+so would resist the intrusion of others? It might be, and that a
+death-struggle would follow the discovery of their retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Still, Buffalo Bill was not one to dread whatever might turn up, and he
+had seen Doctor Dick tried and proven true as steel and brave as a lion.</p>
+
+<p>And so the search continued, the scout unerringly clinging to the trail
+until, just as the two felt that the retreat of those mysterious
+dwellers in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on was almost before them, they came upon a
+sight that caused them to draw rein and sit upon their horses appalled
+at the scene presented to their view.</p>
+
+<p>What they saw was the fallen cliff, and there, just peering out from
+among the piles of rocks, was the shattered end of a stout cabin. They
+had found the secret retreat, but they stood there feeling that those
+who had dwelt in that ruined cabin were beyond all human eye, buried
+beneath a monument of rocks an army could not remove in weeks.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>"And this is the end?" said Buffalo Bill, the first to speak, breaking a
+silence that was appalling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, his end, for he undoubtedly lies buried there beneath that mass of
+rocks. If it is my foe, Wallace Weston, who has met such a fate, so let
+it be."</p>
+
+<p>The two did not tarry long in the ca&ntilde;on, for a dread of the weird spot
+seemed to have come over them both.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick roamed about, picking up bits of rock and examining it
+closely, while he muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"It was a gold-mine that held them here, but that falling cliff has
+hidden the secret forever."</p>
+
+<p>And Buffalo Bill went about searching for trails, yet made no comment,
+whether he found any or not, to indicate that the lone dwellers in the
+ca&ntilde;on had not both perished in their cabin, and lay buried beneath the
+hills of rock that had fallen from the heights above the valley.</p>
+
+<p>But, as the two men rode away up the dangerous mountain-trail, there
+were eyes peering upon them they little dreamed of, and Wallace Weston
+muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"They believe me dead now: so let it be."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A VOW OF VENGEANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The night after leaving the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick
+camped again at the rendezvous of the deserted camp, which was marked by
+the grave of Black-heart Bill.</p>
+
+<p>The two friends talked until a late hour into the night, though they
+intended making an early start in the morning for their respective
+homes, the scout going to the fort, the doctor to Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Cody, you were satisfied before that Sergeant Wallace Weston was
+dead, that he died in the desert, but you yielded to my belief that he
+lived and was none other than the Hermit of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on who came to
+your rescue some time ago; but now you are assured that, the
+hermit-miner being buried beneath the walls of his cabin, there is no
+doubt left that, if he really was Wallace Weston, he is surely not among
+the living?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>"Yes, doctor, I can hardly bring myself to believe that Weston's body
+was not the one we buried in the desert, yet I grant that, it was just
+possible that it might not have been his."</p>
+
+<p>"So you give up the search wholly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I return to my duties at Fort Faraway."</p>
+
+<p>"And I to my doctoring and gambling at Last Chance; but I thank you for
+coming with me on this trip, as my mind is made up."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor said no more then, but wrapped his blankets about him and lay
+down to rest.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning when the two were about to part Buffalo Bill said:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would keep your eye upon the suspicious characters in the
+mines, for I fear, with the temptations in their way to get hold of
+treasure in the coaches, there may be more mischief done."</p>
+
+<p>"I will keep a bright lookout, Cody, and at once send a courier to
+report at the fort any lawless deeds that may be done, for I know that
+your support will be prompt."</p>
+
+<p>Then the two parted, Buffalo Bill taking the trail<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> for Fort Faraway and
+Doctor Dick going on to Last Chance mining-camp.</p>
+
+<p>But hardly had the scout disappeared from sight when the doctor halted,
+looked back and then slowly returned to the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Dismounting by the grave, he stood gazing at the inscription cut into
+the tree for some minutes, and then turned his eyes upon the mound at
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Wicked, yes, hated and feared, yet my brother, and I loved him and my
+other brother, Manton, with a love that was greater than woman's love,
+and I revere their memory now.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever they were, whatever the crimes that led to their losing their
+lives, I must avenge them, and I will, for Wallace Weston's hand it was
+that did the deed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he killed Manton, and I am just as sure that he killed Hugh, who
+lies here at my feet. Buffalo Bill believes Wallace Weston dead; <i>but I
+do not!</i></p>
+
+<p>"No, I can never believe that he could die except by my hand, and some
+day we two will meet face to face, and then he will die, and I will be
+avenged for Manton's and Hugh's deaths; so here I vow to take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> the life
+of Wallace Weston, and thus avenge my brothers."</p>
+
+<p>He raised his right hand as he spoke, pressed his left over his heart
+and so registered his vow of revenge.</p>
+
+<p>Then, mounting his horse, he rode away upon the trail he had before
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed in no hurry, rode slowly, made long noonday camps and camped
+early at night, so that it was the afternoon of the third day before he
+came in view of the scattered settlement of Last Chance Claim.</p>
+
+<p>Situated in a mountain ca&ntilde;on, which widened into a large valley after
+some miles, with towering cliffs, rugged passes and wild, picturesque
+scenery upon all sides, Last Chance Claim, or mining-camp, was scattered
+along for miles, the village portion, where the hotel, stores, and
+gambling-saloons were, being at the upper end.</p>
+
+<p>As he came out of a mountain pass into the valley proper, Doctor Dick
+beheld crowds of miners hastening toward the hotel, and all were
+carrying their rifles and had an excited air.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>"Well, pards, what has happened?" he asked as he put spurs to his horse
+and overtook a party of miners on the way to the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>The response he received caused him to spur forward and dash rapidly on
+to the head of the valley.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">MASKED AND MERCILESS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Dave Dockery had taken the place of driver on the Last Chance trail,
+after Bud Benton had been killed on the box by unknown parties.</p>
+
+<p>Dave Dockery was as shrewd as he was brave, and bore many scars of
+wounds received in the discharge of his duty, his nerve and endurance,
+it was said, saving his life where other men would surely have been
+killed.</p>
+
+<p>The coach out from Last Chance had gone on its dangerous run with a very
+large sum in gold-dust, but Dave had gotten safely through with it, and
+was congratulated by all who knew the chances he had taken of losing
+treasure and life.</p>
+
+<p>He had heard with regret, after reaching his eastern destination, that
+he was to be put to an equal strain going back, for a large sum of money
+in bank-bills was to be sent back to Last Chance in payment for several
+mines purchased there by outsiders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>Dave was told that the box contained at least thirty thousand dollars,
+and so he hid it away as best he could in the coach.</p>
+
+<p>He also was carrying out as freight a dozen rifles of the last and most
+improved repeating pattern, and double as many revolvers, intended for
+the vigilantes of Last Chance, and who were personally unknown to any of
+the miners, though it was suspected that either Landlord Larry, the
+hotel-keeper, judge, storekeeper, and proprietor of the largest
+gambling-saloon in the place, or Doctor Dick, the gambler gold king, was
+the secret leader.</p>
+
+<p>Whoever the vigilante captain and his men might be, it was certain that
+they had a good influence over the most lawless spirits in the mines,
+the fact of their being unknown greatly aiding their good effect.</p>
+
+<p>Dave Dockery had hoped that he would have a stage-load of passengers
+upon the run to Last Chance, for he liked to have a crowd along, and
+then he felt that they were a safeguard as well, as in numbers there is
+strength.</p>
+
+<p>But, when the starting-time came, only two passengers appeared, one of
+them a miner going out to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> Last Chance to hunt for a fortune, and the
+other a young man who told Dave Dockery that he was only traveling from
+a love of adventure, and enjoyed the wild life he thus far had met with.</p>
+
+<p>He gave Dave a bunch of good cigars, showed him a silver flask of fine
+brandy, and was promptly invited to ride upon the box with him, an
+invitation that was as promptly accepted.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the little settlement rolled the coach, followed by a cheer from
+the crowd gathered to see it depart, for the going and coming of the
+coaches in border places are events of great moment to the dwellers
+there.</p>
+
+<p>The young man in search of adventure was upon the box with Dave, and the
+miner passenger was inside, where it was safer for him to ride, as he
+was in a hopeless state of intoxication.</p>
+
+<p>The horses dashed away in fine style, enthused by the cheer of the
+crowd, and Dave looked happy and proud, while his companion on the box
+appeared to enjoy the scene immensely.</p>
+
+<p>The young stranger was well dressed, for he had donned what was suitable
+for frontier roughing it,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> and wore in his belt a single revolver, as a
+means of defense rather than for show or bravado.</p>
+
+<p>He had a fine face, fearless and frank, and looked like a man of
+refinement and education.</p>
+
+<p>Dave Dockery was a good reader of human nature and took to his passenger
+at once, being really greatly pleased with his companionship.</p>
+
+<p>Three-fourths of the trail had been gone over without adventure, the
+three stops at the relay-stations, for changes of horses and meals for
+passengers, having been made on time, and Last Chance was only a dozen
+miles away, when, as they neared a dreary-looking spot in a gorge, Dave
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"There is where poor Bud Benton passed in his chips, pard, and I tell
+you I don't like the spot a bit."</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had he uttered the words when a sharp report rang out and Dave
+Dockery fell back upon the coach and lay motionless, while out of the
+shadows spurred a horseman dressed in black and wearing a red mask.</p>
+
+<p>With his revolver leveled at the stranger he said sharply:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>"Your turn next, sir, for I am out for blood and gold."</p>
+
+<p>Riding on the box with Dave Dockery, the young stranger had heard much
+of the wild ways of the border, and had been told that it would be
+madness to resist a "hold-up" of a coach, unless the chances were well
+on the side of those attacked.</p>
+
+<p>When, therefore, the sharp report of a revolver had been followed by the
+toppling over of poor Dave, and a masked horseman rode out of the
+shadows of the cliff, his revolver covering him, the young man did not
+just know what to do.</p>
+
+<p>He had with him a few hundred in money, his watch, chain, and a few
+articles of value, with some papers of importance.</p>
+
+<p>That the masked horseman was alone he could not believe, and yet he had,
+against all traditions of the border, begun by firing upon Dave Dockery,
+and not ordering him to halt first.</p>
+
+<p>That he had fired to kill the bullet-wound in the breast, and the
+motionless form of the driver as he lay back upon the top of the coach,
+were in evidence.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>Now he stood the chance himself of life and death, and he awaited the
+ordeal with white, but calm face.</p>
+
+<p>The horses had stopped in their tracks, and though no other persons were
+visible the stranger looked for others to appear. The thought flashed
+across him that he must lose all he had with him, but his life he could
+not believe was in danger, yet why the masked road-agent had killed
+Dockery without mercy he could not understand.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to take my life, man?"</p>
+
+<p>"That depends whether it is worth more to kill you than to let you
+live," was the businesslike reply.</p>
+
+<p>But hardly had he spoken when from out of the coach window came a flash
+and report. The miner within, awakening to a sense of his danger, had
+taken a hand in the affair.</p>
+
+<p>The bullet barely missed the head of the masked horseman, who at once
+returned the fire, aiming first, however, at the young man on the box.</p>
+
+<p>With a groan the latter fell heavily to the ground, his revolver
+half-drawn from its holster, and the murderer, leaping from his saddle,
+took refuge among the horses while he called out:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>"I have killed your two comrades, and you share the same fate unless you
+surrender."</p>
+
+<p>"I cry quits, pard," came in frightened tones from the coach, and the
+man was evidently now sobered and greatly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then come out!"</p>
+
+<p>The miner quickly threw open the stage door, put his foot upon the step
+and then peered cautiously toward his foe.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly there came a shot, and, without a moan, he pitched forward
+head foremost and fell in a heap between the wheels.</p>
+
+<p>"Any more?" called out the road-agent sternly.</p>
+
+<p>No answer came, and, revolvers in hand, he stepped to one side and
+opened fire at the coach. He fired with both hands, and did not cease
+until he had emptied his weapons and riddled the coach.</p>
+
+<p>Then he unslung his rifle from his saddle-horn and cautiously
+approached, ready to fire at the first sign of danger to himself.</p>
+
+<p>But he had done his work well, and he had nothing to fear, so advancing
+to the coach, found that it was empty.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>Quickly he set about searching the vehicle for all of value that it
+might carry. He found a roll of bills belonging to the miner, and a few
+things of value in his valise.</p>
+
+<p>The young man panned out for him nearly a thousand in money, and some
+jewelry, and Dave Dockery was pretty well supplied with funds.</p>
+
+<p>But the masked marauder searched rapidly on, and evidently looked for a
+richer haul yet.</p>
+
+<p>The box was found with the money in it, and a bullet fired from his
+revolver shattered the lock.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! here is a haul worth all risks to get," he muttered, and the
+contents of the chest were put in a sack and tied upon his saddle.</p>
+
+<p>His work thus far had taken but a few minutes, and, apparently satisfied
+with what booty he had secured, he shot one of the wheel-horses, to
+prevent the team going on with the coach, and, mounting the splendid
+animal he rode, and which was covered, head and all, with a black calico
+covering, he dashed away down the pass at a gallop.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE DUMB MESSENGER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Hardly had the masked road-agent ridden away, when a deep groan came
+from the lips of Dave Dockery. His eyes opened, and after a supreme
+effort, which cost him the greatest agony, as moans would force
+themselves through his shut teeth, he was able to slip down from the box
+to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>He knelt by the side of the man who had been his companion a few minutes
+before, full of life and vigor, and found him motionless. Then he crept
+on hands and knees to the side of the miner.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead!" came from between his clenched teeth.</p>
+
+<p>After several efforts he arose by aid of a wheel to his feet, and,
+taking a piece of paper and pencil from his pocket, wrote a few lines
+upon it with the greatest difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>Making his way, supported by the coach, step by step to the wheel-horse
+that stood chained to his dead comrade, he unhitched him from the pole,
+fastened the slip of paper to the bridle, and gave him a blow.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>"Go! old horse, for I cannot ride you; I am too weak to hold myself on
+your back. Go for help to Last Chance, and maybe if you hurry you may
+save my life."</p>
+
+<p>The horse seemed to understand what was said to him, and started off at
+a swift trot down the trail.</p>
+
+<p>He was just disappearing from sight when Dockery, unable to longer stand
+up, tottered and fell by the side of the trail, writhing in his agony.</p>
+
+<p>And while he lay thus the faithful horse increased his speed to a gallop
+and went along thus for miles, his trace-chains rattling an
+accompaniment to his hoof-falls as he followed the trail to Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>Halting at a stream here and there for a drink of cool water, and at a
+grassy bank for a few mouthfuls of food, the horse held on his way, and
+a couple of hours after his departure from the coach galloped into the
+mining-camp.</p>
+
+<p>Those who saw him with the harness on felt sure that some harm had
+befallen the coach, and they hastened after the animal, who, avoiding
+capture, dashed up to the hotel door and halted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>Lawrence Larrimore, nicknamed Landlord Larry, had seen him coming, and
+grasped his bridle-rein as he halted.</p>
+
+<p>He had caught sight of the white slip of paper tied upon the bridle, and
+quickly securing it, read what was written thereon in the weak and
+wavering hand of the wounded driver, but which was recognized as the
+writing of Dave Dockery.</p>
+
+<p>It was as follows, for Landlord Larry read it aloud, as the miners
+quickly gathered about him:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Coach held up at Bud Benton's grave, and I fatally
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>"One passenger on box killed; miner in coach also.</p>
+
+<p>"Coach robbed of large sum.</p>
+
+<p>"Road-agent was alone, wore black domino and red mask,
+horse also masked, but feel sure I know him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have just strength to write this, and beg quick aid,
+sending it by one of my wheelers.</p>
+
+<p>"Come quickly if you hope to find me alive.</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right;">"<span class="smcap">Dave.</span>"</p></div>
+
+<p>A roar went up from the crowd of miners at the reading of this note from
+Dave Dockery, who even then might be dying, and Landlord Larry cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Spread the alarm, and let us go quickly to the spot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>, and try and save
+poor Dave, yes, and capture that masked road-agent, for he has got money
+in plenty.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! if Doctor Dick was only here to look after poor Dave, he might save
+him. Let me see! the coach was due at Bud Benton's grave about two
+o'clock and it is now after three. Come, men, mount and follow me!"</p>
+
+<p>Dave Dockery was liked by all, and Landlord Larry was a very popular
+man; so, quickly, the miners obeyed the call to follow the one to the
+rescue of the other.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the party of mounted men were about to ride away from the hotel,
+under the leadership of Landlord Larry, a shout was heard down the
+valley, and then came the cry from a score of men:</p>
+
+<p>"There comes Doctor Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>With an exclamation of pleasure Landlord Larry put spurs to his horse
+and dashed forward to meet the doctor, who warmly grasped his hand as
+the two met and called out:</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Landlord Larry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Read this paper from Dave Dockery, who even now may be dead. We are
+going to his aid."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>"And I will go with you."</p>
+
+<p>"But your horse is worn out, Doc, and you look tired after your long
+trail."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind me, for I will mount a fresh horse and follow," and Doctor
+Dick rode rapidly toward his own cabin.</p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the miners followed the doctor as though all depended upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p>They had come to almost revere this handsome, stern, mysterious man who
+had come to dwell among them, yet seemed so well fitted to adorn a far
+different life.</p>
+
+<p>His life was as a sealed book to them, yet his skill as physician and
+surgeon was great, his generosity unbounded, and his nerve and daring
+far above those whom he had been forced to meet in deadly encounter.</p>
+
+<p>He had made his home in a snugly built cabin under the shelter of a
+cliff within easy walk of the hotel, where he took his meals.</p>
+
+<p>He had fitted his frontier home with an extravagance and comfort that
+was surprising, and had in a cabin near several as fine horses as could
+be found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> among the mining-camps, with a Chinese servant to look after
+them and his wants.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor hastily dismounted, called to the Chinaman to throw his
+saddle upon another horse and look after the pack-animal, entered the
+cabin for a few moments, and before Landlord Larry and his party were a
+couple of miles away was in rapid pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>He did not spare his horse, and overtaking the crowd of half a hundred
+miner-horsemen, he was greeted with a cheer, which he acknowledged by
+gracefully raising his sombrero.</p>
+
+<p>Riding to the front of the column he took his place by the side of
+Landlord Larry, and set a faster pace than that at which they had been
+going.</p>
+
+<p>"You say that Dave Dockery was able to write a note, landlord?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I handed it to you to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"I thrust it into my pocket unread," and Doctor Dick now glanced over
+the note as he rode along. "I fear he is too far gone, Larry, for if he
+had been able he would have come into the camp. I will ride still
+faster, for every moment counts with a badly wounded man, and you see I
+am mounted on my racer."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>"Push on, do, Doc, and I'll follow with the men as fast as I can," cried
+the landlord.</p>
+
+<p>With a word to Racer, the horse was off like an arrow, and fairly flew
+up and down hill along the rugged trail to reach the scene of the
+tragedy and lend aid to the wounded driver.</p>
+
+<p>At last the coach came in sight, and the coming miners were yet all of
+two miles behind. The four coach-horses, still attached to the pole,
+stood where they had been left by their driver, while the wheel-horse
+shot by the road-agent lay where he had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>Near the coach, to one side, and not twenty paces from where Bud Benton
+had been killed, lay the form of Dave Dockery.</p>
+
+<p>Throwing himself from his saddle Doctor Dick bent over him and said
+quickly:</p>
+
+<p>"He still lives! Dave! Dave! speak to me!"</p>
+
+<p>The eyes slowly opened, and there was a convulsive movement of the form,
+a struggle which, becoming violent, caused the doctor to grasp him
+firmly, and thus hold him.</p>
+
+<p>The dying man seemed in an agony of despair at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> being unable to speak,
+and after a slight resistance ceased his efforts and sank back
+exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Dave, take this, for it will revive you," and Doctor Dick poured
+some medicine between the white lips.</p>
+
+<p>As he did so a groan from another quarter startled him, and, glancing in
+the direction from whence it came, he saw the form of the young
+passenger, who had been riding on the box, quiver slightly.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant he sprang to the side of the other sufferer, and bent over
+him, placing his hand upon his pulse.</p>
+
+<p>"The bullet struck him in the forehead, glancing along the skull and
+coming out, I see, at the back of the head. It remains to see whether
+the bone is fractured&mdash;ah! here they come," and up dashed Landlord Larry
+and those who had kept up with him.</p>
+
+<p>"How goes it, doctor?" asked Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"Dave is beyond hope, I fear, while this gentleman is alive, though I do
+not know yet how seriously wounded. That man in rough clothes there is
+dead, as you can see at a glance; but come, we will get the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> wounded men
+into the stage at once, and I will drive on to the camps."</p>
+
+<p>"And the road-agents?"</p>
+
+<p>"By all means send a party to hunt them down," was the stern rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">DEATH AND MADNESS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>All knew that Doctor Dick was a skilful driver, and that he would take
+the coach into Last Chance sooner than any one else could, so they
+hastened to get the team ready.</p>
+
+<p>The harness on the horse, which had been the dumb messenger to make
+known the tragedy, had been brought back, and two of the miners' horses
+were quickly put in as wheelers, while the wounded driver and passenger
+were tenderly lifted into the coach.</p>
+
+<p>In got a couple of miners to support them in their arms, while the body
+of the man killed by the road-agents was put upon the top of the coach.</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry had himself led the party in search of the trail of the
+road-agents, while, mounting the box, and leaving his horse to follow on
+behind, Doctor Dick sent the team along at a slapping pace for Last
+Chance Claim.</p>
+
+<p>As they went along they met other miners coming<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> out to the scene, but
+these were turned back, as there was no need of their going, and
+Landlord Larry had with him all that was needed.</p>
+
+<p>It was just nightfall when the coach rolled by the door of the hotel,
+while, to the surprise of all, Doctor Dick did not draw rein there.
+Instead he went on to his own cabin and came to a halt, while he said to
+the miners who accompanied him:</p>
+
+<p>"If the lives of these two men are to be saved, it will only be by skill
+and devoted nursing, and I want them near me. Bring over two cots from
+the hotel, and we will soon make them as comfortable as possible."</p>
+
+<p>The two cots were soon brought, the wounded men tenderly lifted out, and
+the coach driven to the stables by a miner, while Doctor Dick set to
+work to see just what he could do for his patients.</p>
+
+<p>All knew that Driver Dave Dockery was a great favorite of the
+gambler-doctor and the remark was made:</p>
+
+<p>"He'll save Dave if it can be done, and he's the man to do it."</p>
+
+<p>Left alone with his patients, save his Chinese as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>sistant, Doctor Dick
+threw off his coat and set to work in earnest to see what he could do
+for them, and how seriously they were wounded.</p>
+
+<p>He first went to Dave Dockery. The driver lay as quiet as though asleep.
+Placing his hand upon his heart, and then his ear close to his breast,
+Doctor Dick said calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the sleep of death."</p>
+
+<p>With only a moment of thought, he straightened out the limbs, closed the
+eyes, folded the once strong, bronzed hands over the broad breast, and,
+throwing a blanket over the form, said to his Chinese servant, speaking
+in the Chinese tongue, and speaking it well:</p>
+
+<p>"Loo Foo, my friend is dead."</p>
+
+<p>The Chinaman replied in his idea of English:</p>
+
+<p>"Allee lightee, dockee, him wellee happy now allee samee 'Melican man
+angel."</p>
+
+<p>Loo Foo had been converted, it was said, when he carried on the business
+of washee-washee in a mining-camp, for, as he had expressed it:</p>
+
+<p>"More lovee 'Melican man Joss, gettee more washee."</p>
+
+<p>Going from the body of Dave Dockery, Doctor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> Dick bent over the form of
+the wounded stranger. He found him lying in a state of coma, breathing
+heavily and apparently very badly wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Examining the wound Doctor Dick saw that the bullet had glanced on the
+forehead, run along under the scalp to the back of the skull and there
+cut its way out.</p>
+
+<p>Dressing the wound carefully, and using restoratives, the doctor soon
+had the satisfaction of discovering that his patient was rallying; and
+within an hour's time his eyes opened, and he looked about him in a
+bewildered way.</p>
+
+<p>Passing his hand slowly over his face, he seemed trying to get his
+scattered thoughts, for he muttered something to himself and then
+suddenly burst into a violent fit of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Great God! he will live, but as a madman," cried Doctor Dick, moved by
+the sight of the strong man's brain having been crazed by the wound he
+had received.</p>
+
+<p>Having made him as comfortable as possible he left Loo Foo on watch and
+went over to the saloon to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> report the result, and found it more crowded
+than usual.</p>
+
+<p>Many had assembled there who did not generally frequent the place,
+preferring the quiet of their own cabins in the evening after a hard
+day's work.</p>
+
+<p>These were attracted by the happenings of the day, and the tragedy was
+being discussed in all its details, with the possibilities of the
+recovery of the driver and the young passenger, and the capture of the
+bold outlaws.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that Dave Dockery had hinted in his note to Landlord Larry that
+he could possibly tell who the masked road-agent was, was a cause of
+considerable excitement to all, for it would doubtless fall on one in
+Last Chance to be the accused.</p>
+
+<p>A hush fell upon the crowd as Doctor Dick entered, and the few who were
+gambling, for there were only a few that night, left their cards on the
+table to hear what would be said.</p>
+
+<p>"Pards," said the doctor, in his courtly way, "I am just from my cabin,
+where I have left one of the wounded men dead, the other a madman."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>A breathless silence followed these words, and then a voice broke it
+with:</p>
+
+<p>"Doc, who is the dead man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dave Dockery."</p>
+
+<p>A low murmur of regret and sorrow passed over the crowd, and the doctor
+added:</p>
+
+<p>"He died soon after reaching the cabin."</p>
+
+<p>"And t'other, Doc?"</p>
+
+<p>"The bullet struck him in the head, slightly fracturing the bone, I
+fear, indenting it and causing a loss of reason, which I fear may never
+return to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow! better be dead, like poor Dave," said one, and this view
+was the thought of all.</p>
+
+<p>"Pards, prepare for Dave's funeral to-morrow, and out of respect for
+him, let us close the saloon to-night, for I know Landlord Larry would
+wish it so."</p>
+
+<p>A general murmur of assent followed, and the doctor continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish two men as couriers at once, one to carry a note to Landlord
+Larry, for he can go to the scene of the hold-up, and start on the trail
+from there as soon as it is light enough to see."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>"I'll go, Doc," said a cheery voice, and a young man came forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Wall, go with me to my cabin and I'll give you the note.
+Now, I wish a man to go as courier to Fort Faraway, and remember it is a
+dangerous and long ride."</p>
+
+<p>"I hain't afeered of the danger, or the ride, Doc, so I'm yer man," said
+a burly fellow coming forward, and his words were greeted with a cheer.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick glanced at him and then said very calmly:</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Brassy, but I do not care to accept your services."</p>
+
+<p>"And just why?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, I desire to send a letter to Buffalo Bill, and you
+have expressed openly your hatred for him, and to some day even up on
+him for not allowing you to have your way in certain matters."</p>
+
+<p>"I doesn't allow my hates to interfere with duty."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not care to accept your services, Brassy."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I asks a reason why?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have given you one."</p>
+
+<p>"I wants another."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>"Is this a demand?"</p>
+
+<p>"It be."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't beat round the bush, but have the narve to come out with it
+like a man."</p>
+
+<p>All looked at Brassy with amazement. He had been drinking and was
+reckless.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor smiled, but answered complacently:</p>
+
+<p>"I always answer a demand, Brassy, so will tell you frankly, that I
+would not trust you with any message whatever."</p>
+
+<p>The words fell pat from the lips of the doctor, and there was no
+misunderstanding them, and Brassy did not, for with a yell he shouted:</p>
+
+<p>"Yer shall eat them insultin' words, Doctor Dick!" and quick as action
+could be, he had drawn his revolver and fired.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd had fallen back from about each man at Brassy's cry, and yet
+one man caught the bullet intended for the doctor in his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>It was not a second after the shot of Brassy's before the doctor's
+weapon rang out.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>He had not expected Brassy to open fire so quickly, so was not prepared
+for defense; but he was just so little behind him in time, that before
+the man could pull trigger a second time, he fired, and his bullet went
+straight where aimed, between the eyes of the one he intended to kill,
+when he dropped his hand upon his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>Brassy's pistol fired a second shot as he fell, but it was from the
+death clutch upon the trigger, and the bullet went over the heads of the
+crowd, while instantly was heard the doctor's quiet tones:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, men, who volunteers as courier to Faraway?"</p>
+
+<p>A young man stepped promptly forward and answered:</p>
+
+<p>"I was a soldier at Faraway, sir, and know the trail. I will go."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the very man, Harding; come with Wall to my cabin. Good night,
+gentlemen, and remember, I pay the expenses of Brassy's funeral, so do
+not be mean in his burial outfit."</p>
+
+<p>With this Doctor Dick raised his sombrero and left<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> the saloon, his
+admirers being still more impressed with his nerve and bearing after
+what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>The body of Brassy was removed to his cabin by those who were his
+friends, and all agreed that he had brought his sudden fate upon
+himself, as the first reason given, of his hatred to Buffalo Bill, was
+excuse enough for refusing him as a courier.</p>
+
+<p>The saloon was closed, and the other gambling and drinking-places
+followed the example set and also closed their doors for the night, so
+that quiet soon rested in the mining-camp of Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile Doctor Dick, accompanied by Wall and Harding, had gone
+to his quarters, where Loo Foo was found making a cup of tea, alone with
+the dead and wounded, and seemingly unmindful of the fact.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the cabin the doctor drew the blanket back from the form of
+Dave Dockery and revealed to the two couriers the honest, brave face of
+the driver.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Dave! He is on his last trail now," he said softly, and seating
+himself at his table he hastily wrote two letters. One read:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Larry</span>: Dave died soon after reaching my cabin. If
+you do not find trace of the outlaws by sunset, it
+would be well to return sooner, if you can get no clue
+whatever.</p>
+
+<p>"I send Harding to Fort Faraway, with a note to Buffalo
+Bill, as I promised to do, if there was another hold-up
+on the Overland Trail.</p>
+
+<p>"I had to kill Brassy to-night, but Ball will explain
+the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>"Get back to poor Dave's funeral at sunset to-morrow,
+if possible.</p>
+
+<p>"I closed saloon to-night out of respect to Dave.</p>
+
+<p>"The young passenger will be a madman if he recovers.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: right; padding-right: 5em;">Yours,</p>
+<p style="margin-top: 0em; text-align: right;"><span class="smcap">Doctor Dick</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>The note to Buffalo Bill told of the hold-up on the stage-trail, the
+death of one passenger, wounding of another, and killing of Dave
+Dockery, and closed with:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Landlord Larry is on the trail of the outlaws, and all
+will be done to hunt them down that it is possible to
+do.</p>
+
+<p>"I will drive the coach back on the run, and until
+another driver can be found.</p>
+
+<p>"If you cannot come now, state what you think best to
+be done and it will be attended to.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: right; padding-right: 5em;">Yours,</p>
+<p style="margin-top: 0em; text-align: right;"><span class="smcap">Doctor Dick</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>The couriers left as soon as the letters were finished, and having seen
+them depart Doctor Dick went over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> to the hotel to get his supper, which
+Loo Foo had ordered for him, after which he returned, looked at his
+patient, gave him a dose of medicine, and, throwing himself upon his
+bed, was soon fast asleep, wholly oblivious it seemed of the dead man
+and the sufferer within a few feet of him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A STRANGE BURIAL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The courier on the trail of Landlord Larry found him and his
+half-hundred miners trailing the mountains and valleys over in search of
+some trace of the coming of the road-agents to the scene of the tragedy,
+and their going therefrom.</p>
+
+<p>But the search of the evening before, and up to the arrival of Wall at
+noon, when they had gone into camp, had been wholly in vain.</p>
+
+<p>Not a hoof-track could be found of the road-agents' horses, nor a place
+where they had lain in wait until the stage came along.</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry was not one to waste energy upon impossibilities, and
+after reading Doctor Dick's letter he decided to return with his men to
+Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>They set out soon after the midday rest and arrived in Last Chance just
+as all was in readiness for the burial of Dave Dockery and Brassy, for a
+double funeral was to be had.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>The landlord dismissed his men and went at once to the quarters of
+Doctor Dick, who greeted him warmly and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Any success?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit."</p>
+
+<p>"Too bad."</p>
+
+<p>"We could not find the photograph of a trail and to search longer was a
+waste of time, so as the men wished to go to Dave's funeral, I just came
+in."</p>
+
+<p>"It was about all you could do under the circumstances, Larry."</p>
+
+<p>"I see that they have got the corpse you furnished rigged out for burial
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"Brassy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, for he has a number of friends?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't fear no trouble, do yer?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not, for Brassy prescribed for himself and I administered
+the medicine."</p>
+
+<p>"Served him right for playing with edged tools."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not say that, poor fellow, for life was dear to him; but he
+should have been more careful."</p>
+
+<p>"We will go together to the burial."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>"By all means, and I'll give my friends a hint to be ready if Brassy's
+pards go to showing an ugly mood, while you will go prepared, Doc?"</p>
+
+<p>"I always am," was the laconic response.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, how's yer sick man?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will recover bodily, but never mentally I fear."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry," and Landlord Larry went to prepare for the burial.</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour all was ready to start, and Doctor Dick and Landlord
+Larry were given the places of honor at the procession, or rather just
+following what was called "the band," and which consisted of a dozen men
+who <i>sang</i>, the leader alone playing on a cornet.</p>
+
+<p>Following the doctor and Landlord Larry, came the eight men bearing the
+body of Dave Dockery on a litter on their shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>The body was encased in a board coffin, and behind followed eight men
+carrying the body of Brassy.</p>
+
+<p>Following were the miners, marching eight abreast, and in solid column,
+nearly a thousand men being in line, and among them were led the horses
+which Dave Dockery was wont to drive, his belt of arms, hat, and whip
+being carried on top of his coffin.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>Up the ca&ntilde;on to the cemetery beneath the cliffs filed the column at
+funeral pace, keeping time to the splendid voices, that changed from air
+to air as they marched along, and which echoed and reechoed among the
+hills.</p>
+
+<p>The burying-ground was reached, the bodies placed by the side of the
+graves dug for them, and Landlord Larry consigned them to their last
+resting-place by repeating the words of the burial service over them, no
+partiality being shown.</p>
+
+<p>But when the coffin, with the weapons, hat, and whip of Dave Dockery was
+lowered into the grave, hundreds of bold, brawny men stepped forward and
+threw in upon it benches of wild flowers they had gathered, and when
+filled up, the little mound was covered from view by these sweet
+offerings of manly regard for the dead driver, while in strange contrast
+was the barren grave of Brassy, for his immediate friends had not
+thought of gathering flowers, there being no sentiment in his death.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick looked calmly on, and perhaps it was his stern, fearless
+mien that stayed the trouble that several of Brassy's pards seemed to
+have decided upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> there in the sacred resting-place of the dead,
+perhaps the belief that they would be quickly sent to join their
+comrade, for they created no disturbance, only with a significant glance
+at the gold-king gambler turned and walked away with the bearing of men
+who would bide their time to avenge.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE COURIER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The man who had volunteered to take the long and dangerous ride to Fort
+Faraway, to carry a letter to Buffalo Bill, had ridden along steadily
+after leaving Last Chance, until a couple of hours before day. Then he
+halted, staked his horse out, and, wrapping himself in his blanket, went
+to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>For several hours he slept serenely, then awaking he cooked his
+breakfast and was soon again in the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to understand frontier craft perfectly, and to appreciate just
+what his horse could stand, so did not press him too hard.</p>
+
+<p>Camping at nightfall, he was again on the trail at daybreak, and held
+steadily on during the day.</p>
+
+<p>Another night-camp and he rode into Fort Faraway the next morning before
+the hour of noon.</p>
+
+<p>He was directed at once to the quarters of Buffalo Bill, and though,
+having been a soldier there, he recognized many old friends, he saw
+that, dressed as he then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> was, and with his beard grown, the recognition
+was not mutual.</p>
+
+<p>But the moment he entered the presence of Buffalo Bill he was recognized
+and warmly greeted, for the scout had always liked the young soldier,
+who had been given his discharge on account of a severe wound received
+in an Indian fight, which it was thought would render him lame for life.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Harding, I am glad to see you, and you deserve credit for the
+plucky ride you have made. How is the old wound getting on now?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Bill, for I am not at all lame, I am glad to say."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are getting rich, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, no, but I have laid up some money in mining, only I cannot stand
+upon my wounded leg long at a time, and so I am going to ask you to take
+me on as a scout under your command, if you can do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Harding, you are just the man I want, and you are in that very place
+where I need you, so you can return to your mine, and pretend to work as
+before, for there is where I wish you to serve me, since I received this
+letter from Doctor Dick."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>"Thank you, Pard Cody, for your kindness, and will be glad to do as you
+wish; but may I ask a favor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"It is that no one knows that I am in your service, not even Landlord
+Larry or Doctor Dick, for I can work better, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>"It might be a good idea to have it so, and it shall be as you wish, for
+you can do better work as a spy, and I have full confidence in you,
+Harding. But we will talk over just what it is best to do when I have
+reported to Major Randall the holding up of the coach and killing of
+Dave Dockery and the others."</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill then left the courier and went to headquarters, where he
+held a long conversation with the commandant of the post.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to his own quarters he said to Harding, who was awaiting him:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, pard, the major has heard the whole story, and he has left it to
+me to go in my own way about running down these road-agents, for, though
+only one was seen, there were evidently more at the hold-up."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>"I do not doubt that, for one man would be a bold one to alone make an
+open attempt to hold up a coach with Dave Dockery on the box, and
+knowing that he had passengers with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Harding, you are to return to Last Chance, and give letters I
+will write to Landlord Larry, and I wish you to go to work in my
+service, and secret service it must be, for what you do must be
+underhand, no one knowing that you are doing else than carrying on your
+mining as before. I will give you a paper which will protect you, for
+Major Randall will endorse it officially, and you can use it in case of
+trouble, or necessity; not otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, friend Bill, and I'll be discreet, I promise you; but now
+there is another thing I wish to tell you, and to ask what you think of
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is it, Harding?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you believe that Sergeant Wallace Weston is dead?" was the query, in
+a low, earnest tone.</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill started at the unexpected question asked him, and gazing
+intently at Harding, asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask such a question, Harding?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>"I will tell you when you answer my question, Mr. Cody."</p>
+
+<p>"Whether I believe Sergeant Wallace Weston dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"You have good reason for believing it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have."</p>
+
+<p>"Please tell me what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"As you have some motive above curiosity in asking, I will do so,
+Harding," and Buffalo Bill told the whole story of Sergeant Weston's
+escape from execution, and the finding of a body in his uniform upon the
+desert, and burying it. But he added:</p>
+
+<p>"I confess, Harding, after a talk with Doctor Dick upon the subject, I
+was led to doubt to a certain degree the death of the sergeant, and even
+followed a trail which I supposed was his."</p>
+
+<p>"With what result, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"That we found the trail led to a mine which had caved in and crushed
+the cabin home of those who dwelt there!"</p>
+
+<p>"When was this, sir?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>"Only a short time ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mind giving me the date?"</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill took a note-book from his pocket and gave the exact date.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Harding, you have some knowledge upon this subject; a secret to
+tell."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Out with it."</p>
+
+<p>"You will keep it in confidence, between us two?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"You know that the sergeant was my friend, that he had saved my life
+twice in battle, and I loved him as I did a brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember."</p>
+
+<p>"No man knew him better than I did in the fort, for we were boon
+comrades for over a year, and I knew his features perfectly, as well as
+other marks of identification."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"The sergeant had one mark that he was sensitive about, and kept hidden
+from all, though I saw it several times."</p>
+
+<p>"What was it?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>"He had a peculiar way of dressing his hair, with a curl hanging over
+his forehead."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember it."</p>
+
+<p>"Beneath that curl, sir, was a birthmark."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"It was a red cross an inch in length, and perfect in shape."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I saw that same mark on a man's forehead a few days before the
+date you say that Sergeant Weston, if it was he, was buried in the
+caved-in mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! and where did you see it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had gone to Wingate by coach, sir, to collect some money due me from
+several soldiers there, and in the sutler's store I saw a man whose face
+I was sure I had seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"He wore his hair and beard long, and seemed to stoop badly, or was
+round-shouldered, but the form otherwise was the same, so were the eyes
+and shape of the head, and he had a round gold filling the size of a
+pin's head in one of the front teeth.</p>
+
+<p>"Reading a letter that seemed to impress him, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> took off his hat and
+pushed his hair back, and I saw the red cross on his forehead. I went up
+to see him as though to attract his attention, but he looked at me as
+though he had never seen me before, yet his face flushed and paled as he
+looked.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Cody, that man was Sergeant Weston, and I'll swear to it, but
+I would not tell any other man than you, for if he escaped death no one
+is more glad of it than I, unless&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Unless what, Harding?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unless, a poor man, and a hunted one, he turned road-agent and was the
+man who held up the coach, killing Dave Dockery."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Harding, I can hardly believe that of him, and then, too, the coach
+was just held up, and this man, with his pard, perished in the cave-in
+of their mine."</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot see reason to doubt it, but now that you tell me what you do,
+the man who saved me from the gang of Headlight Joe, and then went on
+his way, recalled a face I could not place, and now I am sure that it
+was Sergeant Weston; but he too had round<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> shoulders, while the sergeant
+did not have, and yet he was then on his way to Wingate, and it was upon
+his return that I followed his trail."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, if it was in my power to capture Sergeant Weston, never
+would I lay hand upon him, and I believe you feel the same way, unless
+it was your orders to do so. Still, somehow, the thought came to me
+that, a fugitive, and friendless, he might have turned outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think so, and I am sure now that, if it was Weston who came to
+my aid, and whom you saw, he perished in the mine; but now let us go
+over what I wish you to do, and my plan to run down these road-agents,
+who I am sure are from Last Chance Claim and nowhere else," said Buffalo
+Bill.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A pall seemed to have fallen over Last Chance, in the death of Dave
+Dockery, and its life began to flag in gloom. Seeing this, and fearing
+that the hold-up of the coach might injure the mines, Landlord Larry
+decided to get up a scheme to attract outsiders to the mines, and so the
+rumor went out of a large find of gold in one of the ca&ntilde;ons near the
+town.</p>
+
+<p>A couple of miners only were put there to work it, and the claim was
+known as the Doctor Dick Mine, as the gold king at once bought from the
+landlord a half-interest in it.</p>
+
+<p>This news stirred the miners to increased exertions in their own mines,
+and also caused prospectors to go out on the search for new "finds."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded passenger continued to steadily improve bodily, under the
+skill and kind care of Doctor Dick, but his mind was a wreck, and no one
+believed that he would ever regain his reason.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>Doctor Dick hinted at an operation some day that might relieve the
+pressure upon the brain, yet spoke of it also as an experiment and a
+dangerous one, only to be tried as a last resort.</p>
+
+<p>The man was as docile as a child, gave no trouble, and simply sat about
+whittling sticks into the shape of a revolver.</p>
+
+<p>At last the week passed by, when the stage was to start again upon its
+run eastward.</p>
+
+<p>A number of miners had volunteered as an escort, but Doctor Dick said he
+would drive on the run out and come back as a passenger; and he did not
+expect trouble, so would not accept an armed escort.</p>
+
+<p>The night before the stage was to start, Harding, the courier to Fort
+Faraway, returned. He brought with him a letter from Buffalo Bill to
+Doctor Dick, and another for Landlord Larry, stating that the troops at
+the fort were pressed just then with extra duty, as the Indians were in
+an angry mood, and for them to do what they could for the protection of
+the coaches until Major Randall could investigate and patrol the trail.</p>
+
+<p>Harding had little to say of his visit to the fort,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> more than to hint
+that the soldiers were too much occupied just then with their own
+affairs to care much for the killing of a stage-driver and couple of
+passengers.</p>
+
+<p>As no Government funds had been taken by the outlaws, the miners would
+have to look to their own protection, for a while at least.</p>
+
+<p>The courier also stated that there were stories at the fort of secret
+finds of gold in and about Last Chance, and he would give up his
+intention, expressed some time before, of selling out his mining
+interests, and instead, stick to hard work, in the hope of striking it
+rich in the end.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the coach was to start, and as it was to go out at an
+early hour many of the miners decided to remain up all night gambling in
+order to see it leave; for it would be the Sabbath day, when they could
+rest.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had been too busy of late with his patient and other matters
+to devote much time to gambling, and so he also decided to make a night
+of it at the gambling-tables.</p>
+
+<p>When the dawn came many regretted that he had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> done so, for never had he
+played more recklessly, and never before had he been such a large
+winner, for luck seemed to go his way from the start.</p>
+
+<p>Play what game he might he was a winner, and going from table to table
+he "broke the combination," as one of the miners expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>The dawn was at hand when he went to his cabin for a bath, and in half
+an hour he came back to the hotel for breakfast, looking little like a
+man who had passed the night over a gambling-table.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressed in his best, was well armed, and coming out from a hearty
+breakfast lighted a cigar, and mounted to the stage-box at a single
+bound, an act that gained for him a cheer upon his agility.</p>
+
+<p>"All ready, Landlord Larry," he called out as he gathered up the reins,
+and the answer was:</p>
+
+<p>"No passengers, mails aboard, go!"</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick gathered up the reins in a way that showed him a master of
+the art of driving.</p>
+
+<p>He looked very dashing and handsome, as he sat on the box, his long hair
+falling upon his shoulders and his face showing no dread of what he
+might have to encounter upon his run.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>With a wave of the hand at the word, "go," he gave his whip-lash a quick
+whirl, and made the crack resound like a pistol-shot.</p>
+
+<p>The six horses bounded forward, and a wild yell of admiration of the
+volunteer driver's pluck went up from the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>As the coach rolled down the valley the miners came out from their
+cabins and gave him a cheer, and it was a constant yell along the line
+until he had left the last camp behind him.</p>
+
+<p>The six fine horses had been sent along at a rapid pace until the camps
+were left behind, the doctor showing his great skill as a driver in
+dashing over places, and around corners where others had found it safer
+to go slow; but when the last cabin disappeared the team was brought
+down to a jog, for the way was long before them.</p>
+
+<p>The scene of the last tragedy was passed at a walk, the doctor glancing
+calmly at the spot where Dave Dockery had lost his life, along with his
+passengers.</p>
+
+<p>The first relay was made, and the stock-tender there, who had heard the
+news of the hold-up from Landlord Larry's men when searching for the
+road-agents, ex<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>pressed pleasure at seeing the coach come in safe and
+with Doctor Dick upon the box.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything suspicious about, pard?" asked the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, hain't seen a man around since poor Dave went by on the last
+run, which was his last run on earth."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, poor fellow, he is gone."</p>
+
+<p>"You doesn't mean ter say that yer is going ter drive ther run, Doc?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only on this trip, pard, for I have other work to do; but there was no
+one at Last Chance to take the coach out, so I volunteered."</p>
+
+<p>"And you has the nerve ter run through, while yer handles ther ribbons
+as though yer was born on a stage-box. But yer'll find drivers scarce at
+t'other end, Doctor Dick, or I'm greatly mistook."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not;" and the fresh team being ready, the doctor pushed on once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>The second relay-station was reached at noon, and here Doctor Dick had
+his dinner.</p>
+
+<p>He had come over the worst part of the road, as far as danger from
+attack was concerned, but had fifty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> miles yet before him, where a halt
+was always made for the night, as there was a ca&ntilde;on there to go through
+which could only be driven in daylight, and the relay of horses taken in
+the morning had to pull on into the station at the end of the ran for
+the driver on the Last Chance end of the line.</p>
+
+<p>But the doctor reached what was known as Ca&ntilde;on-end Station soon after
+dark, and after supper turned in in one of the cots in the cabin
+provided for passengers, and was soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>He was up at an early hour, had breakfast, lighted his cigar, and with a
+spanking fine team took the perilous run through the ca&ntilde;on at a trot,
+driving the twenty miles that ended his run in a little over three
+hours.</p>
+
+<p>The stage rolling in at a brisk pace to the station at W&mdash;&mdash;, was
+greeted with cheers, for the news had come from Fort Faraway the day
+before of Dave Dockery's death, the killing of one passenger, wounding
+of another, and the robbery of the coach.</p>
+
+<p>The brave man who had dared drive through was greeted with cheers, but
+he had hardly dismounted from the box when he was informed that he
+would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> have to drive back, as there was no driver there who would take
+the risk at any price.</p>
+
+<p>Other drivers had been sent for, men who were afraid of nothing, but no
+one had yet been found who would drive the run to Last Chance, which had
+been set down in the frontier vocabulary as the Sure-death Trail.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">RUNNING THE GANTLET.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Doctor Dick agreed to drive the coach back on condition that the driver
+who came to take charge should come on to Last Chance on horseback and
+be ready to come back with it.</p>
+
+<p>He had shown that he did not fear the drive, but his business and
+professional duties demanded that he should be at Last Chance, and there
+he must remain.</p>
+
+<p>He was secretly told by the agent that there was a valuable mail to go
+through in registered letters, and asked if he dared risk carrying them.</p>
+
+<p>"By all means, sir, for I am driving to do my full duty," was the
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>So the mail was made up, and at the last moment two passengers applied
+for seats.</p>
+
+<p>They were strangers in W&mdash;&mdash;, but said they were going to Last Chance to
+work in the mines, and they were accordingly given seats upon the box,
+as they preferred to ride outside.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>Then the coach started on its return to Last Chance with Doctor Dick
+still holding the reins.</p>
+
+<p>Having driven over the run once, and knowing what his relay teams could
+do, he started out to make the regular time on the run.</p>
+
+<p>But there was alarm felt at Last Chance when half an hour had passed
+over schedule-time and the coach did not put in an appearance, and
+nothing was seen of it on the three miles of trail visible down the
+valley.</p>
+
+<p>When an hour had passed the anxiety became great, for all conjectured
+that Doctor Dick had met the fate of Bud Benton and Dave Dockery.</p>
+
+<p>Some said that the delay was because the doctor was new on the road, and
+this appeared to be a reasonable explanation, but Landlord Larry grew
+more and more anxious, and at last decided to go out with a party on a
+search for the delayed coach.</p>
+
+<p>But, just as the men were told to get their horses, a shout arose down
+the valley that the coach was approaching, and soon after a cloud of
+dust was visible drifting along the stage-trail.</p>
+
+<p>A shout arose, for it showed that at least some one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> was there, whatever
+had happened, to drive the coach in.</p>
+
+<p>Then those who had said the delay was caused by the doctor being new to
+the trail began to crow, but only for a while, as Landlord Larry, who
+was gazing through a field-glass at the approaching stage, called out:</p>
+
+<p>"There are only four horses&mdash;two are missing, for some reason."</p>
+
+<p>It was now all conjecture as to the cause of delay. Again Landlord Larry
+had something to say, and it was to the effect that the coach was not
+dashing along with its accustomed speed in coming in at the end of the
+trail, that Doctor Dick was on the box, and alone, while he seemed to
+drive in a very careful manner, very different from his going away on
+his drive out.</p>
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the coach up the valley, every eye upon it, and
+all wondering, guessing, and asserting their views of what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"The doctor is there, that is certain," said one.</p>
+
+<p>"Two horses have been killed," another remarked.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>"He may have lost them in the bad roads," was an answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps they were shot down by road-agents."</p>
+
+<p>"He has no passengers."</p>
+
+<p>"See how he drives."</p>
+
+<p>"He comes on as slow as a snail."</p>
+
+<p>"See, he is driving with one hand."</p>
+
+<p>"What does that mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"His left hand is hanging by his side."</p>
+
+<p>"He has surely been wounded."</p>
+
+<p>And so the comments ran around, as all stood watching the coming coach,
+which half an hour after coming in sight rolled up to the hotel, came to
+a halt and was greeted with a wild chorus of cheers from the assembled
+miners.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd that gazed at Doctor Dick saw that his handsome face was very
+pale, his eyes had a haggard look, and his teeth were firmly set. They
+knew that he had passed through some dread ordeal, and a silence fell
+upon all, awaiting for him to speak.</p>
+
+<p>They saw that his left arm was carried in a sling, his handkerchief
+knotted around his neck, and that a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> red stain was upon his sleeve.
+Furthermore, they saw that the two wheel-horses were missing, the center
+pair having been put back in their place.</p>
+
+<p>Upon opening the stage door to see if there were any passengers,
+Landlord Larry started back as the dead form of a man pitched out on his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>The door being open it was seen that a second form was in the coach, all
+in a heap in one corner.</p>
+
+<p>There were red stains upon the steps, and upon the leather cushions, and
+everything indicated that the stage had run a death-gantlet.</p>
+
+<p>But, excepting for his pale, stern face, the doctor was as serene as a
+May morn, though his voice showed weakness when he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll ask your aid, landlord, for I am weakened from loss of blood. Bind
+my arm up to stop the flow and I'll see how serious the wound is."</p>
+
+<p>He said no more, but was at once aided from the box and over to his
+cabin, Landlord Larry leaving his clerk to look after the mails and the
+dead passengers.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the cabin Doctor Dick had his coat-sleeve slit open and the
+bandage he had tied about his arm removed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>His silk shirt-sleeve was also cut, and then the wound was revealed in
+the fleshy part of the arm.</p>
+
+<p>Taking a probe from his case Doctor Dick, after swallowing a glass of
+brandy, coolly probed the wound, found the ball, and, aided by Loo Foo,
+the Chinee, under his direction, soon extracted the bullet.</p>
+
+<p>Then the wound was skilfully dressed, the arm rested in a sling, and
+Doctor Dick lolling back in his easy chair asked with the greatest
+coolness:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Landlord Larry, how goes all at Last Chance?"</p>
+
+<p>The landlord was amazed at the calmness of the man, and said quickly:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Last Chance is O.&nbsp;K.; but it is your run that we are dying to hear
+about, Doc."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it was a close call for me, Larry, I admit, for I found foes
+where I expected friends."</p>
+
+<p>"You were held up?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"At what you have very appropriately named the Dead Line, Larry."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>"The place where Bud and Dave were killed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"It was the masked road-agents?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! who then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not form their acquaintance by name, but perhaps a search of the
+bodies may reveal."</p>
+
+<p>"You killed them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are the bodies?"</p>
+
+<p>"I brought them along in the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought they were passengers who had been killed?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"They left W&mdash;&mdash; booked as passengers, but reached Last Chance as
+dead-head road-agents."</p>
+
+<p>"Now I begin to understand. It was your two passengers who attacked
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just so."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a wonder that they did not kill you."</p>
+
+<p>"They would easily have done so, had I not suspected them: but I grew
+suspicious, and without ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>pearing to do so, watched their every look
+and move. When we drew near the Dead Line, they said they would lie down
+on top of the coach and rest, so they spread their blankets and did so.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought this strange, as just before I had told them we were
+approaching the scene of the hold-ups. But I kept my eye upon them, and,
+as we neared the cliff, the sun shone brightly down and I distinctly saw
+the shadows of the two men as they arose and drew their revolvers.</p>
+
+<p>"I drew mine as quick as a flash, turned, and caught this shot in the
+arm, while a second bullet whizzed by my head."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A MAN'S NERVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The doctor paused in his story, as though recalling the thrilling scene
+which had so nearly cost him his life, and a sad look came into his eyes
+as though he felt that his mission seemed ever to kill.</p>
+
+<p>So lost was he in thought, that Landlord Larry had to recall him to his
+story by saying:</p>
+
+<p>"It was a very close call for you, Doc."</p>
+
+<p>"A close call indeed, and, but for the shadows on the cliff, revealing
+the hostility of my two passengers, my death would have followed. But my
+discovery of their intention, and quickness in facing them, disconcerted
+them both, destroying their aim, close as they were to me."</p>
+
+<p>"They did not fire again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes; several shots, two of which killed my wheelers; but I got in
+my work by firing two shots, also."</p>
+
+<p>"Killing them?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>"Yes, for you will find my bullet-brands in their foreheads. The horses
+had started forward at the shots, and as the wheelers fell, the coach
+gave a lurch which sent the two men from the top to the ground just as I
+fired on them.</p>
+
+<p>"I quieted my team, and first bound my arm up as tightly as I could to
+stop the flow of blood, and then, dismounting, picked up the two dead
+men, threw them into the coach, and drove on.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course my wounded arm gave me more and more trouble, and I could
+drive only very slowly with one hand, and hence my delay in arrival. But
+I got in without being robbed, which I am very glad of, for there is a
+large registered mail on this run.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I will have Loo Foo fetch me some supper and retire, for I am about
+played out, and you can search the two men and let me know the result in
+the morning. But one minute&mdash;how is my patient?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bodily all right, but his mind, as you said would be the case, is
+gone."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow! Good night, Larry, and hurry Loo Foo over with my supper,
+please."</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry bade Doctor Dick good night and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> departed, more than ever
+impressed with the idea that the gold king gambler was a very remarkable
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Going to his hotel Landlord Larry found nearly every denizen of Last
+Chance awaiting him, and a suppressed excitement was apparent in all.</p>
+
+<p>The two bodies had been taken into the hotel office, to await the coming
+of the landlord, and there they lay covered with a blanket. The moment
+Landlord Larry was seen, coming from the cabin of Doctor Dick, cries
+arose of:</p>
+
+<p>"Speech! speech!</p>
+
+<p>"Tell the news, landlord!" and so on.</p>
+
+<p>Larry mounted to the piazza of the hotel and in a few words told the
+story of Doctor Dick's running the gantlet and the nerve he had shown in
+the ordeal he had passed through.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he's got ther narve of Old Nick, as we all knows," cried a miner,
+and this intended compliment was acquiesced in by one and all.</p>
+
+<p>Having learned the news the miners adjourned to the saloons and the
+toasts for the next few hours were to:</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor Dick, a man o' narve from Wayback."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>Until a late hour the miners drank and gambled, and then, toward dawn,
+quiet reigned in the camps, broken only now and then by a yell from some
+man who was too full of liquor to go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, greatly to the delight of all, Doctor Dick appeared at
+breakfast and received an ovation. Loo Foo had dressed his wounded arm,
+and though sore, it was all right, Doctor Dick said, yet he was pale
+from loss of blood.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast he mounted his horse and took the rounds to see his
+patients, and everywhere he was greeted with a welcome that could not
+but flatter him.</p>
+
+<p>But the two weeks before date for the return of the coach&mdash;for the runs
+were semimonthly&mdash;passed away and no driver appeared from W&mdash;&mdash; to take
+the stage out. It began to look very much as though Doctor Dick would
+have to again take the reins.</p>
+
+<p>The search of the dead bodies of the two road-agents had revealed
+nothing as to their identity, for, excepting their weapons, a little
+money, some odds and ends in their pockets, they had nothing of value
+about them, and they were buried at the expense of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> Doctor Dick, who
+would have it so, as he very laconically remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"As I killed them, I should pay their expenses when they are unable to
+do so."</p>
+
+<p>At last the day for the starting of the coach came round, and Doctor
+Dick, as no one else volunteered, expressed his willingness to take the
+reins, though he remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"This will be the last run I shall make, so you must get a man here,
+Landlord Larry, to go, if I do not bring one back with me from W&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>And once more Doctor Dick rolled away with a cheer from his admirers.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A VOLUNTEER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had an uneventful run to W&mdash;&mdash;, and arrived without accident
+or delay on time at the end of his journey. He was well received, but
+the stage-agent told him that not a volunteer had put in an appearance
+for the place of driver. Double the price had been offered, but there
+were no takers, and the agent added:</p>
+
+<p>"You must find some daredevil at Last Chance who is willing to risk his
+life upon the box, while rest assured, Doctor Dick, I have reported your
+noble service for the company in its need and it will be appreciated."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not care for pay, or thanks, only I wish to be relieved of a duty
+I do not like, especially as it interferes with my own work," was the
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>Just before the time came for the starting of the coach a horseman rode
+up and dismounted at the stage office. He was an odd-looking individual,
+tall, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> with a hump on his back, awkward in gait, and dressed in
+buckskin leggings and hunting-shirt.</p>
+
+<p>His hair was long, very long, bushy, and would have been white but for
+its soiled appearance, and he had it cropped, or banged in front like an
+Indian, or fashionable young miss, to keep it out of his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>His face was clean-shaven, but the hue of leather, and he wore a pair of
+iron-rimmed spectacles.</p>
+
+<p>His slouch-hat was worn in reality, for the rim fell down upon his
+shoulders, save in front where the flap was turned up and fastened with
+an army-button.</p>
+
+<p>He was armed with a pair of old, but serviceable revolvers, an
+ugly-looking bowie-knife with a deer-horn handle, and a combined rifle
+and shotgun, double-barreled.</p>
+
+<p>His horse was as queer as his master in appearance, being a large,
+raw-boned animal, with patches of hair upon him, a long tangled mane and
+tail, and he was unshod, though his hoofs looked as tough as iron.</p>
+
+<p>The saddle was also a back number, and the stake-rope served for a
+bridle as well. A lariat hung at the saddle-horn, also a hatchet, and in
+a large rubber blanket was rolled his bedding, while a bag contained<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> a
+coffee-pot, frying-pan, tin cup, plate, and some provisions.</p>
+
+<p>He looked the crowd over as he drew rein, and asked quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"Who's boss o' this layout?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," and the stage-agent stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>"I hears thet yer wants a man ter drive yer old hearse on ther trail ter
+Last Chance and back."</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm yer huckleberry."</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, me."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you a driver?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ef I wasn't I'd not be sich a durned fool as ter trust myself on a
+two-story hearse, pard."</p>
+
+<p>"Who sent you here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody, for I hain't one ter be sent."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ther up-country, whar I has been trappin', huntin', prospectin', and
+killin' a Injin or two&mdash;see!"</p>
+
+<p>"And now you wish to turn stage-driver?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it pays what they told me at Fort Faraway I does."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>"The pay is good; but have you no references?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yas."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here."</p>
+
+<p>The old man put his hands upon his revolvers and drew them with a
+lightninglike motion that surprised the lookers-on.</p>
+
+<p>"They are pretty good references on a pinch, and you may have cause to
+use them if you drive this trail."</p>
+
+<p>"I has used them before, and I guess I kin do it ag'in," was the quiet
+response.</p>
+
+<p>"When could you begin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now."</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Old Huckleberry, but the boys calls me old Huck for short; but durn
+ther name, call me what yer wants ter, and I'll be thar."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Pard Huckleberry, I rather like your style, and have a mind to
+give you a trial."</p>
+
+<p>"Ef yer kin do better, don't do it; but if yer can't, count on me, for
+as I said afore, I'm yer huckleberry, and ready for the game."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>Doctor Dick had been closely looking at the old volunteer and said
+something in a whisper to the stage-agent, who at once said:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take you, and the time for starting is almost up."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ready, only take care of my horse at my expense," and the volunteer
+dismounted ready for work.</p>
+
+<p>When old Huckleberry mounted the stage-box, Doctor Dick yielded to him
+the reins, which he seized in a somewhat awkward manner, yet with the
+air of one who knew just what to do; took the whip, gave it a resounding
+crack, and started off at a brisk pace.</p>
+
+<p>There were four passengers inside, all miners going to Last Chance,
+lured there by the rumor of richer mines having been found, for the
+stories were circulating more and more that there were rich finds being
+discovered there every day.</p>
+
+<p>"That man knows how to handle the reins as well as the best of them, old
+though he may be, and a trifle awkward," said the stage-agent, as he saw
+the volunteer driver sending his team along, at a slapping pace, in
+spite of the fact that the trail was none of the best along there.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>The coach soon disappeared from the sight of those at W&mdash;&mdash;, made the
+night halt on time, and as soon as he had had his supper the new driver
+wrapped himself in his blankets and threw himself down outdoors,
+declining the invitation of the stock-tender to sleep in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>He was on his box on time the next morning, and with Doctor Dick by his
+side, went off on his run.</p>
+
+<p>He was a man disposed to silence, for he did not speak often, unless
+Doctor Dick addressed him. But he would ask now and then about the
+trails, and showed some interest in the gambler-king's stories of the
+different road-agents' attacks upon the way to Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>He greeted the stock-tenders at the relay-stations pleasantly, said he
+hoped to be with them for some time, and kept the team at the pace set
+for schedule-time.</p>
+
+<p>Passing the scenes of the several tragedies, he drew rein for a few
+minutes and attentively regarded the surroundings, but drove on again
+without a word of comment.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had become more and more interested<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> in the strange driver,
+had told him all he could about the trail, the time to make going and
+coming, and was anxious to have him make no mistakes, he said.</p>
+
+<p>He tried to draw him out time and again, but in vain. All he could learn
+from him was that he had lived for many years upon the frontier and
+preferred to do so for reasons best known to himself.</p>
+
+<p>He said he was trapper, Indian-fighter, hunter, and prospector, that was
+all, and he tried to do his duty in every work he undertook. More he
+would not say of himself, and the doctor gave up trying to "pump" him.</p>
+
+<p>When the coach came in sight of Last Chance, old Huckleberry showed no
+satisfaction at having made the run in safety, or excitement at driving
+in for the first time.</p>
+
+<p>He quickened the pace of his team, handled his reins with a skill that
+won the admiration, as he had all along, of Doctor Dick, and at last
+came to a halt before the hotel with a whoop and the words:</p>
+
+<p>"Here we be, boss!"</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick introduced old Huckleberry from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> box, as soon as the
+cheer that greeted their arrival had died away.</p>
+
+<p>"Pards, I is glad ter know yer, and I greets yer," and with this old
+Huckleberry dismounted from the box and asked at once for the
+"feed-room."</p>
+
+<p>He ate his supper with a relish, smoked his pipe, and, declining a bed
+in the hotel, saying it would smother him to sleep in between walls,
+took an ax and hatchet, with a few nails, and, going up on the hillside
+where there was a thicket, soon built for himself a wickiup that would
+keep him sheltered even in a storm.</p>
+
+<p>He carried his few traps there, and then stuck up a notice which read:
+"Old Huckleberry's Claim."</p>
+
+<p>Having completed his quarters, he strolled about among the saloons and
+gambling-dens, watched the playing, but neither drank nor gambled, and
+at last, tiring of looking on, went to his roost and turned in for the
+night, an object of curiosity to all, yet also of admiration, for a man
+who would volunteer to drive the coach over that trail was one to
+command respect in Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE WAY IT WAS DONE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The new driver drove the run to W&mdash;- for several round trips, and not
+once was he held up.</p>
+
+<p>He made the regular time, drove without any accident whatever, attended
+to his business, associated with no one, or, that is, to be on intimate
+terms with any one, not even Doctor Dick, and still slept in his little
+shelter on the hill.</p>
+
+<p>He had fitted this up more comfortably, and said that he felt perfectly
+at home there, while on his return from W&mdash;&mdash; he had led his horse back
+behind the coach, wishing to have him at Last Chance, where his stay was
+always two weeks, for there was only a day's stop at the other end of
+the run.</p>
+
+<p>He was wont to go on long hunts, mounted upon Rawbones, as he called his
+horse, and he kept Landlord Larry well supplied with game.</p>
+
+<p>One day as old Huckleberry was returning to Last Chance, and neared the
+Dead Line, the scene of the other hold-up, he suddenly threw his rifle
+to his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> shoulder and sent a shower of buckshot into a thicket ahead.</p>
+
+<p>A rifle-bullet from the other barrel was sent to the other side, and the
+whip was brought down upon his team in a way that put them into a run.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing them well started he threw the reins over the brake and with a
+revolver in each hand opened a fusillade on both sides of the trail,
+while he called out to his passengers:</p>
+
+<p>"Blaze away into the bushes, durn yer, for thar is game thar ter kill!"</p>
+
+<p>All this had not taken over half a dozen seconds, and that there was
+"game" in the thickets, and dangerous game at that, was proven by
+hearing several loud cries of pain, and stern orders given, while men
+were seen hunting shelter from the unexpected fusillade opened upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>There were eight passengers in the coach, and, urged by the old driver,
+several of them obeyed and opened fire from the windows.</p>
+
+<p>The result was that where road-agents had been lying in wait for the
+coach, and were just about to show themselves and command a halt, they
+were taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> completely by surprise and forced to seek shelter from the
+leaden messengers flying about them.</p>
+
+<p>The rapid fire caused the road-agents to believe that there was a coach
+full of soldiers, that a trap was prepared for them, and ere they could
+rally and their leader could convince them that it was not so, the coach
+had gone by the Dead Line and was going along the pass at the full speed
+of its horses, the reins now in the hands of old Huck once more.</p>
+
+<p>The passengers all saw the panic-stricken road-agents, half a dozen in
+number, and, encouraged by the boldness of old Huck, kept up a hot fire,
+which they felt confident had not been thrown away.</p>
+
+<p>When pursuit was no longer feared, old Huck drew his team down to a
+trot, and, leaning over, called out:</p>
+
+<p>"We done 'em up thet time, pards."</p>
+
+<p>The passengers cheered the old driver, and when he drew rein at the
+hotel in Last Chance they quickly made known his act of heroism, for,
+throwing the reins upon the backs of his horses, he had gotten down from
+the box, reported the safe arrival of the coach to Landlord Larry, and
+gone in to his supper.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>When the story was told, of how bravely he had run the gantlet, Landlord
+Larry went in to have a talk with him, but found that he had finished
+his supper and gone.</p>
+
+<p>It was a cold evening, and there was snow flying, so, looking over to
+the hill where the little shanty of old Huck was located, Landlord Larry
+saw a bright fire burning and at once went there.</p>
+
+<p>There sat old Huck enjoying his pipe and warming his feet before the
+fire in the clay chimney he had built.</p>
+
+<p>He had a canvas covering the doorway, to keep out the cold and snow, and
+seemed as contented as could be in his lone quarters.</p>
+
+<p>"Well old man, you seem happy," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You brought in a valuable freight to-night, in money and registered
+letters."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know how much?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ther agent at W&mdash;&mdash; told me he thought about forty thousand, and so I
+made a rush, ter git through."</p>
+
+<p>"And did it grandly."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>"That's what I'm paid fer."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard the story of your running the gantlet and surprising the
+road-agents."</p>
+
+<p>Old Huck laughed and replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, I calkilate as how they was astonished. You see I seen the tracks
+on the trail, foot-tracks, and fresh ones, goin' on toward the Dead
+Line, and so I kinder felt sart'in o' a hold-up. When I come to ther
+pass I seen ther top o' a small tree wavin' and knowed somebody were up
+in it looking over t'other trees.</p>
+
+<p>"So I jist up with old drop-'em, and I let drive with a handful o'
+bullets I had dropped into ther shot-barrel, and I put a piece o' lead
+on t'other side o' trail, dropped ther ribbons and set my two puppies
+ter barking, as soon as I hed laid ther silk onter ther team and got 'em
+inter a run.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell yer, landlord, it were prime fun and no mistake, and as ther
+insiders helped with ther guns, you bet we waltzed through them scared
+road-agents in a way that crippled 'em; and we come in on time.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all thar is of ther story, boss," and old Huckleberry puffed
+away at his pipe again in the most unconcerned manner possible.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>Hardly had old Huckleberry finished his simple story of his brave act
+when a voice at the door said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, old gentleman, I have just heard at the hotel of your splendid work
+this afternoon and have come to congratulate you."</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Pard Doc, and camp on that blanket thar before ther fire, I is
+glad to see yer, but I don't need no congratulations, for I hain't done
+nothing more than I oughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, old man, you saved the lives of your passengers, and a rich
+freight, I learn, and I know as well as any one how to appreciate what
+you did, for I have driven the trail, you remember."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, and done it well."</p>
+
+<p>"I also praised old Huck, Doc, but he does not care to be thanked; but
+what is to be done about this attempted attack on the coach?" said
+Landlord Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go out so as ter git thar at daybreak, and see if thar can be any
+trail found. It is spittin' now, but not much, and I guess we can find
+if we done any harm in our fire and maybe track the varmints," said old
+Huck.</p>
+
+<p>"And I'll go with you," said Landlord Larry.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>"Count me another," the doctor added.</p>
+
+<p>Then it was decided to take a dozen men along, and the doctor and the
+landlord bade the old driver good night and departed, when he at once
+turned in, after throwing a large log upon his fire to burn until
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a strange old character, Larry," said Doctor Dick as the two
+walked back to the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"He is, indeed, Doc. I do not understand him, for he is a mystery to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"And to me; but do you think I should send another courier to Buffalo
+Bill making known this intended attack?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, write as you did before to him, and he'll get it by way of W&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so; but did you learn anything in particular about this
+attack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more than that fully half a dozen road-agents were seen, and
+but for the bold and prompt act of old Huck there would have been death
+and robbery beyond all doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a very daring man to do what he did."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"He is indeed, and it will surely mark him for death with the
+road-agents."</p>
+
+<p>"Beyond all doubt; but we must make a start early enough to bring us to
+the scene by daybreak, so good night."</p>
+
+<p>The two separated to meet again when old Huck came up ready mounted to
+take the trail.</p>
+
+<p>The party who were to go were soon in the saddle, and they started off
+at a canter. There was just a trace of snow upon the ground, and they
+were glad to see that there was no more.</p>
+
+<p>A brisk gallop brought them to the Dead Line at dawn, and the search was
+at once begun.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly any snow had fallen there, and in the pi&ntilde;ons there was none, so
+that in several places the ground was stained red, showing that the fire
+from the coach had not been useless if not fatal.</p>
+
+<p>Then old Huck showed his skill as a trailer, for he at once went to work
+in a way that revealed the fact that he was an old hand at the business.</p>
+
+<p>He went from blood-stain to blood-stain in silence, examined the
+position of the thicket, took in the whole situation, and the direction
+of the stage when the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> firing had been going on, and at last started off
+up the ca&ntilde;on following a trail that was so faint that a number of the
+party said that there was no trail at all.</p>
+
+<p>But he climbed up the steep side of the ca&ntilde;on end, followed by the
+others, and there on the top were found several red spots in different
+places.</p>
+
+<p>"Three, maybe dead, maybe only wounded," he said shortly.</p>
+
+<p>"Those three stains tell you that, old man?" asked Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, they took off their dead or wounded, as ther case might be, and
+halted ter rest after climbin' up here, and right here is whar they laid
+the dead or wounded down, while they was restin'."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, which way now, Huck, for your solution seems the right one," said
+Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>"That's hard ter tell, for a horse wouldn't leave no track here," was
+the reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>That even old Huckleberry had lost his grip on the trail, after reaching
+the top of the ridge, was soon evident, for, search as he might, he
+could find no trace of a track in the hard, rocky soil about them.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll scatter, pards, and try ter find another place whar they has
+rested the'r loads, for they won't carry heavy weights far up this slope
+without restin'," he said.</p>
+
+<p>So the party separated, and half an hour later a halloo from old Huck
+brought them together again.</p>
+
+<p>There was another place where the road-agents had halted, for there were
+the three telltale spots of blood lying close together.</p>
+
+<p>Again they separated on a search, but after hours spent in vain, they
+were forced to give it up, old Huck remarking:</p>
+
+<p>"Thar is snow higher up, so it's no use, now."</p>
+
+<p>Back to Last Chance the party reluctantly retraced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> their way, after
+they had eaten their noonday meal, and all hope of finding a clue to the
+retreat of the road-agents was given up, save by old Huckleberry, who
+each day went off on a hunt, though many were sure that it was a trail,
+not game, that he was hunting.</p>
+
+<p>When at last the day came for him to start off on his run, he mounted
+his box without the slightest apparent reluctance, nodded good-by and
+drove off on his perilous journey.</p>
+
+<p>There was much anxiety felt at Last Chance for his return, and a number
+talked of riding out to the Dead Line and meeting him, but this was not
+done, as a suggestion was made that the old man might not take it
+kindly, but look upon it as an interference, a belief that he was not
+able to take care of himself.</p>
+
+<p>When, however, the time for his arrival came, and no stage appeared, men
+looked anxiously at each other and wondered if the old man was another
+victim to the road-agents' hunt for gold.</p>
+
+<p>When an hour passed and there was no stage in sight, Doctor Dick said
+that he would mount his horse and go to see what was the matter. He was
+not allowed to go alone, for a score of mounted men at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> once followed
+him, and the ride was a rapid one to the Dead Line, for the coach was
+not met on the way.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the Dead Line the coach loomed in sight. It was still, and
+dashing up the horses were found hitched to trees.</p>
+
+<p>But not a soul was visible. The box was empty, and not a soul was found
+within.</p>
+
+<p>Where was old Huck? That question could not be answered, and a search
+was at once begun.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the stage-box blood was found. That looked very bad for old Huck.</p>
+
+<p>Some one had hitched those horses to the trees surely, but who?</p>
+
+<p>The coach, had evidently been searched, for the cushions were thrown out
+and the boot open, and yet, strange to say, the mail-bag had escaped the
+eyes of the searchers, being found by Landlord Larry where old Huck
+always hid it, in one of the cushions arranged for the purpose by the
+old man.</p>
+
+<p>Who had been killed, or what the coach had been robbed of, was not
+revealed.</p>
+
+<p>The party camped all night upon the scene, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> thorough search was
+made the next morning again for the missing driver.</p>
+
+<p>Miles back on the trail had the miners ridden, and more, every rock and
+thicket by the way was thoroughly searched, yet all in vain.</p>
+
+<p>At last the party were reluctantly compelled to give up further search
+for old Huck, be he dead or alive, for not the slightest clue could be
+found, and there was no trace of any trail whatever.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick mounted the box and drove the coach back to Last Chance, and
+the miners had knocked off work and were assembled to hear bad news,
+which the delay caused them to look for.</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick at once held a consultation upon their
+return, and it was decided to send Harding again to Fort Faraway as a
+courier with a message to Buffalo Bill.</p>
+
+<p>But when called upon to go, to the surprise of both, Harding refused.</p>
+
+<p>"You went before, Pard Harding, so why refuse this time, when you know
+it is our duty to report, as agreed, to Buffalo Bill the attacks of the
+road-agents upon the coaches, that he may place the matter before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> the
+commandant?" said Doctor Dick, who was anxious to have the mysterious
+disappearance of old Huckleberry known.</p>
+
+<p>"I went before, Doctor Dick, but I do not care to go again," was
+Harding's firm rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you fear to go?" asked Landlord Larry, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"If you think that I am influenced by fear I will prove to the
+contrary," was the quiet rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"By going?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"How then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you a driver to take the coach out to W&mdash;&mdash; on its next run,
+landlord?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, unless Doctor Dick will kindly do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot," was the quick response of the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will," said the young miner.</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, landlord."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know how to drive?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have driven six-in-hand often."</p>
+
+<p>"When?"</p>
+
+<p>"I drove wagons and ambulances in the army, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> on one occasion drove
+the general with four-in-hand over four hundred miles of the worst
+country I ever saw."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you will do, then, and it is far easier to get a courier to go
+to the fort, than it is a driver for the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, as if I go under, Pard Larry, I will be number five."</p>
+
+<p>"Five?" asked the doctor meditatively.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; Bud Benton was one, Dave Dockery two, Doctor Dick number three,
+and old Huckleberry number four, so I will come in as <i>five</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are in earnest, Harding?" asked the landlord.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"You know all that you risk?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thoroughly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I retract my words in asking you if you feared to go to the fort
+as courier, for your volunteering as driver proves that you fear
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Pard Larry, let it go at that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Harding, consider yourself engaged for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> berth of driver, and
+be ready to take the coach out on its next run."</p>
+
+<p>"You will find me on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"And let me tell you that I am authorized to pay three times the regular
+wages."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be acceptable."</p>
+
+<p>"If you live to get it," was the suggestive response of Landlord Larry.</p>
+
+<p>This having been settled upon, greatly to Larry's relief, he further
+talked with Doctor Dick, and it was decided that as old Huck had only
+disappeared, and the coach had not been robbed of the mails, they would
+send no report of the affair to Buffalo Bill, but wait and see how
+Harding came out with his drive.</p>
+
+<p>The news soon spread about that Hal Harding had volunteered to drive the
+coach through to W&mdash;&mdash; and he at once became a hero in the camps, for
+those bold fellows always loved heroism in a man above all other
+qualities.</p>
+
+<p>He was, however, regarded as a dead man beforehand, for that he would be
+killed seemed a foregone conclusion, and many felt pity for the fate
+that they felt assured would befall the handsome young miner.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>But Harding seemed not to dread the drive in the least, but went on
+about his duties in his usual cheery way.</p>
+
+<p>Sticking to the work in his mine he had found that it panned out richer
+than he had anticipated, and he already had partnership offers, and a
+good price if he would sell.</p>
+
+<p>He had kept his eyes open, too, in his secret-service work for Buffalo
+Bill, and had noted down certain discoveries he had made of a suspicious
+nature, and also had the names of a few whom he considered worth while
+watching.</p>
+
+<p>At last the day came for the coach to start out, and as nothing had been
+heard of old Huck, Hal Harding reported at the hotel ready to mount the
+box and drive through.</p>
+
+<p>As he passed through the crowd he could not but hear several remarks
+that were made, one being:</p>
+
+<p>"He is number five, and he is doomed also."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">TAKING CHANCES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>There was not a shadow of dread, at the fate that might be his, upon the
+face of Hal Harding as he mounted to the stage-box and gathered up the
+reins.</p>
+
+<p>The mails were aboard, and he knew that he had a valuable freight hidden
+away, as best it could be, of gold-dust, being risked by miners who were
+sending it eastward.</p>
+
+<p>What gold was to be sent out was always kept a secret, known only to the
+senders, to Landlord Larry, and the driver, and though it was taking
+chances to let it go, the senders were risking it, as gamblers chance
+money in large sums upon the turn of a card.</p>
+
+<p>Then, too, there was a very strange feature in the holding up of the
+coaches, and that was the fact that they had never been halted on the
+outward run, no matter how much gold they carried out, but always when
+bringing back to Last Chance the exchange in bank-notes.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>The road-agents knew that they could carry large sums in money where
+they could not be bothered with gold in bulk, was the reason that
+Landlord Larry assigned for the attacks being made only on the westward
+runs of the coaches.</p>
+
+<p>Not a passenger was to go, and Harding sang out in a cheerful tone:</p>
+
+<p>"All ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Go," cried Larry, and the vehicle rolled away in a manner that showed
+that the young miner was a good driver, as he had asserted that he was.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd cheered wildly, the voices echoing down the ca&ntilde;on as he drove
+along, and now and then he would raise his hat to those who greeted him
+from their cabins and mines as he went along.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the valley he turned, swinging at a brisk trot along through
+ca&ntilde;ons, over hills, up mountains, by the way of narrow passes and down
+again to the valleys.</p>
+
+<p>He reached the relay-station nearest Last Chance, and made known to the
+stock-tender the fate of old Huck.</p>
+
+<p>"You goes next, pard, for it won't be long afore<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> Doctor Dick will come
+along and tell me that poor Hal Harding has gone under," said the
+sympathetic stock-tender.</p>
+
+<p>"Think so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why Doctor Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, ef you gets kilt no other man in or out o' Last Chance will have
+ther grit to drive ther old death-trap, for thet hearse you is sittin'
+on is no more."</p>
+
+<p>"It is an unlucky old vehicle, I admit, pard; but I'll be going," and
+Harding drove on once more.</p>
+
+<p>He had not seen a soul at the Dead Line. All was as quiet at that dread
+spot as the forms of those who had lost their lives there.</p>
+
+<p>Only the stockmen at the station greeted him on the way, and at night he
+came to the halting-cabin a little ahead of time.</p>
+
+<p>He had the same story to tell at each one of the relay-stations, about
+the fate of old Huck, and an ominous shake of the head from those who
+listened convinced him that they expected him to be the next victim.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>The next morning he rolled into W&mdash;&mdash; a few minutes ahead of time, and
+the stage-agent seemed surprised to see a new man upon the box.</p>
+
+<p>He heard what Harding had to say of old Huck, listened to his report of
+his uneventful run, and received from him the way-bill of what he
+carried.</p>
+
+<p>"You have done well, Mr. Harding, and I hope we will hear no more of
+these attacks, so that you may escape, for, if they make a victim of
+you, I do not know who we can look to unless it be that fearless fellow,
+Doctor Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"And his practise, mining interests, and gambling occupy him so
+thoroughly that he will not drive again, sir, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless no other can be found, for he is just the man to step in
+then in open defiance of danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he is just what you say of him, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, how is that poor passenger who was crazed by a shot from the
+road-agents?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aimlessly wandering about Last Chance, sir, harmless and to be pitied."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have received letters asking about him, and had to make a
+report of the circumstances. It will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> be upon your return trip that you
+will have to be watchful."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be, sir, never fear," was the cheery response.</p>
+
+<p>The news of the mysterious disappearance of the old driver soon spread
+about W&mdash;&mdash;, and people gathered about the stage-office to have a look
+at the brave fellow who had, in the face of the past experience, brought
+the coach through.</p>
+
+<p>The agent had told Harding that if the mails had gone through nothing
+had been taken, for no freight had been sent and no passengers were
+along on that trip.</p>
+
+<p>As they had found nothing to take, the road-agents had doubtless visited
+their vengeance upon old Huck, especially to repay him for having run
+the gantlet on a former occasion.</p>
+
+<p>There were passengers booked for Last Chance by stage, but when it
+became known that old Huck had been killed, as all supposed he must have
+been, they concluded they were in no great hurry to reach the
+mining-camps and could wait a while longer.</p>
+
+<p>So Harding discovered that he would have to return<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> with an empty coach,
+as far as passengers were concerned.</p>
+
+<p>He showed no disappointment, however, at having to return alone, and was
+told by the agent that he was to carry back considerable money and a
+valuable mail.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir, I'll do my best to go through in safety," he said, and
+he grasped the outstretched hand of the agent, who said:</p>
+
+<p>"I feel as though I was shaking hands with a man about to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I don't feel that way in the least," was the laughing response,
+and Harding sprang up to the box, seized the reins, cracked his whip
+when he got the word, and was off.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd gathered there cheered him, of course, but a generally sad
+expression rested upon every face as they looked upon the brave young
+miner who had taken his life in his hand to drive what was now called
+the death-trap.</p>
+
+<p>Having halted for the night at the way cabin, Harding pushed on the next
+morning with the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> glimmer of dawn, and reached the third relay at
+noon.</p>
+
+<p>There was then one more relay and the run into Last Chance, which in
+good weather could readily be made before sunset. He passed the last
+relay, and the stock-tender said, as he was about to start:</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, pard, and do you know I kinder feels as if yer was a dead man
+already?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you believe it, for I am worth a dozen dead men, old man," was
+the laughing response, and Harding drove on, with the Dead Line rising
+in his mind before him.</p>
+
+<p>He drove more rapidly than was the schedule-time, and when he came into
+the pass, with the Dead Line just ahead, he had half an hour to spare.</p>
+
+<p>The horses pricked up their ears, as though they knew the doomed place
+well, and the leaders gave a snort as they beheld a form ahead. It was a
+man leaning against the cross erected in memory of Bud Benton.</p>
+
+<p>That Harding also saw the form was certain, for his eyes were riveted
+upon the spot. As he drew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> nearer, the man moved away from the cross and
+advanced down into the trail.</p>
+
+<p>Still Harding made no move to halt, to rush by, or appeared to take
+notice of him. The man placed himself by the side of the trail, and
+stood as still as a statue, after making a slight sign, as it appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The answer of Harding to this sign was to shake his head.</p>
+
+<p>On rolled the coach, and when it neared the silent form, without any
+command to do so, Harding drew hard upon the reins, pressed his foot
+heavily upon the brake, and brought the coach to a standstill, the
+horses, which had before drawn it through the deadly dangers it had
+passed at that spot, showing a restless dread and expectancy of the
+cracking of revolvers.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no weapon drawn either by the man on the side of the
+trail, or by Harding, and neither seemed to dread the other.</p>
+
+<p>The reason for this was that the one who had awaited the coming of the
+coach at the Dead Line was none other than old Huckleberry.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A SECRET KEPT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Just fifteen minutes before the time of arrival set for the coach by
+schedule, Hal Harding drove up to the hotel at Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>From his entering the valley, and passing the first mine, he had been
+followed by cheer after cheer, until when he reached Landlord Larry's
+tavern there were many there to swell the chorus of welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Larry greeted him most warmly, and when he saw what a valuable freight
+he had brought through with him, he told him that he was deserving of
+the highest praise.</p>
+
+<p>Harding received the honors heaped upon him in a modest manner, and when
+asked by Landlord Larry if he had seen any road-agents, answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Not one."</p>
+
+<p>"All quiet along the trail, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"As quiet as the grave."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you were anxious upon reaching the Dead Line?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>"I think the horses were more nervous than I was, for they at least
+showed it."</p>
+
+<p>"You told the agent at W&mdash;&mdash; about old Huck's fate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, sir, I told him of his mysterious disappearance."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know I half-way hoped you would hear something of old Huck at
+W&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I heard nothing of him there."</p>
+
+<p>"And none of the stock-tenders had seen him?"</p>
+
+<p>"They did not speak to me of having done so."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he is gone, that is certain; but you have begun well, Harding,
+and I hope may keep it up."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Landlord Larry, I hope that I will, for I have an abiding
+faith in the belief that I will live to be an old man."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so sincerely," said the doctor, who had been an attentive
+listener to the conversation between the young miner and Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"They say at W&mdash;&mdash;, Doctor Dick, that if I go under, you will be the
+only man who will dare drive the coach through."</p>
+
+<p>"And I will not do it unless we are doomed to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> cut off from all
+communication, and I see that Last Chance will be ruined, from fear of
+traveling the trail to it," said Doctor Dick decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"How is your patient, doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Which one, for I have a number of patients just now?"</p>
+
+<p>"The young man whose wound at the hands of the road-agents turned his
+brain."</p>
+
+<p>"I see him daily, and he is about the same, like a child, mentally."</p>
+
+<p>"They asked about him at W&mdash;&mdash;, for the agent had received several
+letters regarding him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Doctor Dick, with interest. "What was their tenor?"</p>
+
+<p>"That he had come out West upon a special mission, and with considerable
+money, and, since leaving W&mdash;&mdash; where he had written of his arrival, not
+a word had been heard from him."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad that he has friends, then, for he will be cared for in his
+misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Doctor Dick, and the agent hinted that some one was coming out to
+look him up."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>"I rejoice at this, for he needs care," the doctor rejoined, and he
+added:</p>
+
+<p>"I have been convinced that he was no ordinary individual, and had been
+well reared; but what a blow it will be to his friends to find him as he
+is, poor fellow."</p>
+
+<p>After some further conversation Harding went to his cabin for the night;
+but he was not long in discovering that he was regarded as a hero by
+all.</p>
+
+<p>He had not made the slightest reference to having met old Huckleberry at
+the Dead Line, and as he thought over the fact that he had done so, and
+the secret that was known to him alone, he muttered to himself:</p>
+
+<p>"If they only knew, what a sensation it would be for Last Chance, yes,
+and for W&mdash;&mdash; as well, not to speak of the masked road-agent chief and
+his men, who thus far have been playing a winning game; but luck
+sometimes turns, and I guess it is nearing the turning-point now, and
+will come our way."</p>
+
+<p>Harding reported for duty promptly when the time came around for him to
+take the coach again on its perilous run.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>"We have got considerable gold-dust aboard, pard, and a big outgoing
+mail, so I hope you will go through all right," said Landlord Larry,
+while Doctor Dick, who just then came up, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Harding, I have several valuable letters in the mail with drafts
+for large sums which I sincerely hope will not miscarry."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do the best I can, Doctor Dick," was the answer, and Harding went
+out and mounted the box.</p>
+
+<p>He could not but feel gratified at the size of the crowd that had
+gathered to see him depart, and he raised his sombrero politely in
+response to the cheers.</p>
+
+<p>He had gone through in safety once; but could he do it a second time?
+That was the thought in the brain of every man there assembled.</p>
+
+<p>At last the word was given, and away went the coach, cheered all the way
+down the valley until it was out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>As before, the young driver lost no time on the trail, but upon reaching
+the Dead Line, instead of seeming to dread the spot and wishing to drive
+rapidly by, he dismounted from the box, and, going to the cross, felt
+about among the wild flowers growing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> about it until he picked up a slip
+of paper, while he hastily read what he found written thereon.</p>
+
+<p>Taking from his pocket a similar slip, on which there was writing, he
+thrust it out of sight in the spot he had taken the other from. Then he
+returned to the coach and drove on once more as though he felt no fear
+of his surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>He reached the night-cabin on time, and surprised the stock-tender there
+by telling him that he intended to drive on to W&mdash;&mdash; that night.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly do."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yer'll kill yer team, smash ther old box, and crush yerself to
+atoms."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I can drive the road at night," was the firm response.</p>
+
+<p>"It's ther wust piece of road on ther whole Overland Trail."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a bad one, but I will depend upon my team mainly and risk it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea that it will be safer."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>"Well, if there were road-agents on the trail to hold me up to-morrow,
+I'll miss them, that is all."</p>
+
+<p>"Right you are, pard; but I don't believe they is as dangerous as
+traveling this trail to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll let you know what I think upon my return," was Harding's answer,
+and he drove on once more.</p>
+
+<p>Night had come on, and he well knew the dangers before him from a
+mistake in driving. He had been over the road perhaps half a dozen
+times, always riding upon the box, but upon his last run as driver he
+had most carefully noted every foot of the way.</p>
+
+<p>The night was dark, but he knew that he had the instinct of his team to
+depend upon, and this was more than half the battle.</p>
+
+<p>He was determined to push through and save his load of gold, and if he
+did make a successful run over that part of the trail by night, he would
+do what no other driver had done, and on this account his pride was at
+stake.</p>
+
+<p>So he started boldly yet cautiously upon his way, and when the sun was
+just rising in W&mdash;&mdash; the stage-agent there was awakened by wheels
+dashing up to his door and heard the call:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>"The coach from Last Chance has arrived."</p>
+
+<p>He was up in a hurry and congratulating the young driver upon his night
+drive, while he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know I feared you would be held up to-day, for a party of
+desperadoes lately left W&mdash;&mdash;, and I felt most anxious about you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they are on the trail waiting for me now, not knowing that I
+slipped by in the night. I'll get together a band of brave fellows and
+go back after them," and an hour after Harding was mounted upon a fine
+horse and leading a dozen men back upon the trail he had safely driven
+over in the night.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A MYSTERIOUS SOUND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The stage-agent at W&mdash;&mdash; was right in declaring that the coach might be
+held up on the rough trail that was always driven by daylight, for the
+party he feared were some wild fellows who had ridden into the
+settlement two days before and stated that they were on their way to the
+mines.</p>
+
+<p>They were well mounted and armed, had several packhorses with them, and,
+though not having the excuse of drinking to make them dreaded, had
+carried on in a way that caused all peaceably disposed persons to dread
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Who they were no one knew, and when they left the place honest men
+breathed more freely and congratulated each other that no tragedy had
+occurred, as a reminder of their visit.</p>
+
+<p>They had gone out upon the trail to Last Chance late in the afternoon,
+and the agent felt sure that they would camp early and meet the coach
+the next morn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>ing, and the result he greatly feared, after a look at the
+party in question; so he was rejoiced to find that Harding had taken the
+great risk of driving through by night.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd that he dreaded were five in number, and they were young men,
+bronzed-faced, brawny, and with an air of recklessness stamped upon
+them. That they were a dangerous lot their appearance indicated, and few
+men would care to face them where no help was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>They had halted some dozen miles from W&mdash;&mdash;, and gone into camp on a
+brook a few hundred yards from the trail the stage would follow. That
+they knew their way well their movements were proof of, for they rode at
+once to the camping-place, staked out their horses, spread their
+blankets, and gathered wood to cook their supper with.</p>
+
+<p>The spot chosen was one where they could command a view of the trail for
+a mile in both directions, yet remain in concealment themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They had supper, then gambled a while by the light of the fire, and
+afterward turned in, setting no watch.</p>
+
+<p>It was about midnight when one of the party awoke,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> half-arose and
+listened. He heard a rumbling sound that seemed to surprise him.</p>
+
+<p>"I say, pards," he called out.</p>
+
+<p>A man awoke, and asked drowsily:</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Sully?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hear wheels."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense."</p>
+
+<p>"But I do."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the roar of the stream."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so."</p>
+
+<p>"I does."</p>
+
+<p>Others were awakened and listened, and they distinctly heard a low,
+rumbling sound. But, after some minutes, the sound died away and the one
+who had first discovered it asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it could have been the coach?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"No man living would dare drive a coach over this trail at night."</p>
+
+<p>"It sounded to me like wheels."</p>
+
+<p>"There it is again."</p>
+
+<p>All listened attentively, and then one said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>"It is the wind in the pines."</p>
+
+<p>The wind was rising and this solution of mysterious sound seemed to
+settle the matter, so all laid down in their blankets once more.</p>
+
+<p>The man who had discovered the sound was the one to arise first in the
+morning, and the day was just dawning when he left his blankets, gazed
+about him, and then walked over to where the stage-trail ran, several
+hundred yards from their camp, and along through a bit of meadow-land.</p>
+
+<p>He had hardly reached the trail when he gave a loud halloo, which
+brought his comrades from their blankets in an instant, and his call set
+them coming toward him at a run.</p>
+
+<p>"Look there, pards!" he cried, and as each man reached his side he stood
+gazing down at the trail.</p>
+
+<p>"The stage has gone by," said one, with an oath, as his eyes fell upon
+the tracks of the six horses and the wheel-marks, lately made.</p>
+
+<p>"Then one man was bold enough to dare the drive at night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, and the chief will be furious with us!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is to be done now?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>"The coach is safe in W&mdash;&mdash; now, for if that fellow drove safely over
+the back trail he had no trouble beyond here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we had better get a move on us."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, for that agent suspects us, and there'll be a gang on our heels
+mighty quick," and hastening back to camp, the party mounted and rode
+rapidly on toward the mountains.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A FAIR PASSENGER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Harding had ridden rapidly upon the trail back toward the night relay,
+for he felt sure that the agent was right in his conjecture that the
+party of wild fellows who had left W&mdash;&mdash; had intended to hold him up on
+the trail the next day when he came along.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, the slip of paper he had picked up at the Dead Line had been a
+warning to that effect, and hence he had dared take the drive at night,
+hoping thus to elude his foes, and had been successful.</p>
+
+<p>When he reached the trail where the party had turned off to camp, they
+soon came upon their halting-place, and as the ashes of their fire was
+cold, it proved that they had departed before having breakfast there.</p>
+
+<p>"Something frightened them off," said Harding. "But I wonder they did
+not hear my wheels, camping as they did this near to the stage-trail."</p>
+
+<p>"They kept no watch, doubtless; but will you follow them?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>"Yes, to the relay-station at least."</p>
+
+<p>Arriving there, for their trail had been lost in the rocky soil, Harding
+found that the men had not passed, so they turned back for W&mdash;&mdash;,
+arriving there by nightfall.</p>
+
+<p>The coaches that came in from the South and East the next morning
+brought valuable mail for Last Chance, and, to the surprise of all, a
+lady passenger. She was young and veiled, but enough was seen of her
+face to reveal its beauty.</p>
+
+<p>She was dressed in perfect keeping for one on a long journey, and
+carried only a small trunk with her. She told the station-agent that her
+name was Celeste Seldon, and that she had come West for a double
+purpose, searching for her father, and one other whom she was most
+anxious to find.</p>
+
+<p>The last she had heard of her father was in a letter dated from W&mdash;&mdash;,
+and a secret communication, also mailed from W&mdash;&mdash;, was the last tidings
+received from the second person she sought.</p>
+
+<p>"I wrote you, Mr. Agent," she said in her sweet way, "asking about a
+young man, Bernard Brandon by name, who had come West upon a special
+mission.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> You replied that he had been to W&mdash;&mdash; and gone on from here to
+Last Chance, a mining-camp, and though I have written there, no response
+came, so I decided to come myself and investigate. Have you heard
+anything more of Mr. Brandon?"</p>
+
+<p>The agent looked troubled and, seeing it, she said quickly:</p>
+
+<p>"You have heard of him, so I beg you to tell me all."</p>
+
+<p>"I regret to say, miss, that he was wounded on his way to Last Chance,
+shot by road-agents; but here is Harding, the driver of the Last Chance
+coach, and he can tell you all."</p>
+
+<p>Harding did not appear to like having to give pain to the young girl,
+but he frankly told her of the wound of the young man, who could be no
+other than Bernard Brandon, and the pitiful result.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go to him. When do you start, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This afternoon, miss; but the trail is a very dangerous one, and I had
+better bring him back with me."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I will go with you and I will speak for the box-seat, if it is not
+engaged."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>"Oh, no; no seats are engaged, for all dread the trail between here and
+Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not, so I ride with you, sir, on the box-seat," was the determined
+reply of the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>She paid her fare, and when the coach started, after having dinner at
+the agent's, mounted to the box with Harding's aid, and took her seat by
+the young driver, while the crowd yelled lustily as they drove off to
+face the dangers of the trail.</p>
+
+<p>Harding drove off with the air of one who felt his full responsibility
+in having the care of a young and beautiful girl, who dared risk the
+dangerous road he had to travel.</p>
+
+<p>He found that his fair companion, as soon as she left the settlement,
+was very beautiful, for she removed her veil when only having to be
+gazed upon by one person, and that one a very handsome young miner.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take her very long to discover that her companion, though
+driving an Overland coach, was above the average she had thus far met
+with among the Western wilds, for he was polite, well-informed, and his
+courage was proven by what he was then do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>ing; for Miss Seldon had been
+told by the agent just what trouble they had had on the line.</p>
+
+<p>The night relay was reached, and as there had been no expectation of
+ever accommodating young ladies, no provision had been made for them, so
+Harding and the stock-tender yielded the cabin to the fair passenger,
+while they occupied a shanty near-by.</p>
+
+<p>The stock-tender exerted himself to make her comfortable, and to provide
+the best supper and breakfast his larder would allow.</p>
+
+<p>"What a surprise they will get in Last Chance when they see her, pard.
+Why, them miners will make a goddess of her, whatever that may be," said
+the stock-tender.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if we only get through, pard, for do you know I am more anxious
+now than when I am alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have my reasons; but let me tell you that I mean fight on this
+run if we are held up," and the eyes of the young driver flashed fire.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the coach started upon its way half an hour earlier
+than usual, and Harding pushed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> his horses along at a far faster pace
+than they were accustomed to.</p>
+
+<p>For some reason he seemed anxious to get by the Dead Line far ahead of
+time, and to push on into Last Chance with all speed that was possible.</p>
+
+<p>He found his fair charge most entertaining, and she asked him all about
+life in the wild West, and he was surprised to discover how much she
+knew of the frontier and its characters.</p>
+
+<p>She spoke of army officers known to her well by name, mentioned Buffalo
+Bill as a hero well known in the East, and seemed anxious to glean all
+the information she could of the strange country into which she had
+ventured.</p>
+
+<p>At last she touched upon the cause of her coming, and her face saddened
+as she said:</p>
+
+<p>"It grieves me deeply to learn of the sad result of Mr. Brandon's wound,
+though I cannot but feel, as you say that he is bodily strong, that
+something can be done to restore his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"He came here on a mission for me, to find my father, who, I will
+confess to you, was driven West<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> by pretended friends and false
+misrepresentations that kept him here, as though he had been the veriest
+criminal hiding from justice.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is not so, and I long to find my father and restore him to his
+home and those who love him. Have you ever heard of him here?&mdash;his name
+was Andrew Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Miss Seldon, I never have heard the name, that I now recall. Where
+was he when last you heard of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seven letters came into my possession long after they were written, for
+I have not seen my father for seven long years, and I was a little girl
+then, and the last of those letters was mailed at W&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>"In it he stated that he had been in the mining country, had been most
+successful, and would come home within a year or two. But this letter
+did not come to my hands directly, and it was answered by others, his
+enemies and mine, and so I, upon learning the truth, and of a cruel plot
+against him and myself, got Mr. Brandon to come and look him up that he
+might know all.</p>
+
+<p>"As a dread came, upon receiving the agent's letter,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> that harm had
+befallen Mr. Brandon, I decided to come at once to the West myself, for
+I was reared on a plantation, am a good rider, have been inured to
+hardships and can handle firearms when there is need for them, so I was
+fitted for just such a trip as I am now taking; but here I am making a
+confidant of you, Mr. Harding, when I should be keeping my own counsel."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I am glad to know more of you, and it may be in my power to aid
+you, for I will gladly do all I can."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel that, and we will be friends; but why do you look so anxious?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you do."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to be candid, I am anxious for your sake, not mine, for I
+half-dread trouble on this run, and we are nearing the scene of several
+tragedies which the miners call the Dead Line. Will you not ride in the
+coach now?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I take all chances with you and remain where I am," was the plucky
+reply of Celeste Seldon.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">MASKED FOES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The brave response of Celeste Seldon pleased the young miner, though he
+did not wish her to remain upon the box. He knew the merciless nature of
+the road-agents, and that if they fired without challenging him, she
+stood, in as much danger as he did of being killed or wounded. So he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"I would much rather that you should go inside the coach, especially
+until we pass the Dead Line."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I remain here."</p>
+
+<p>"You are determined?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I can say no more, and I hope, recognizing that I have a lady with
+me, they will not fire upon me."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to confidently expect an attack."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to say that I do."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask your reasons?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I happen to know that one who was secretly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> on watch here on my
+last run is not here to-day, having been called away. I also know that
+five horsemen, whom I have reason to believe to be road-agents, left
+W&mdash;&mdash; ahead of me for the purpose of robbing the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you much of value with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have considerable money in bank-notes for miners at Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it too bulky for me to hide?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me try it."</p>
+
+<p>A halt was made and the money taken from its hiding-place. Then the girl
+asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know the amount that is here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, miss, it is stated here," and he handed out a paper.</p>
+
+<p>"I will take the paper and the money, for I can hide it," and with this
+she put it in a silk bag that she carried and fastened it securely
+beneath the skirt of her dress.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling relieved on this point, Harding drove on and soon after came in
+sight of the Dead Line.</p>
+
+<p>He had just come up level with the cross that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> marked the spot of former
+tragedies, and was talking to his team, which showed much nervousness at
+passing a scene which they realized as one to dread, when loud rang a
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Hold hard, Harding, or you are a dead man!"</p>
+
+<p>Not a soul was visible among the rocks or in the trees, and Harding had
+it flash through his mind to make a dash, when quickly the hand of the
+young girl was laid upon his arm and she said firmly:</p>
+
+<p>"Obey!"</p>
+
+<p>"I must do so," was the low reply, for the young man realized that it
+would bring a volley upon them to attempt to dash through.</p>
+
+<p>So his foot went hard down upon the brake, as he pulled his horses up
+and the stage came to a halt.</p>
+
+<p>"Make your lines fast around the brake and hands up now!" came the order
+from the unseen foe.</p>
+
+<p>"You must obey," said Celeste Seldon, as the driver hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>With a muttered imprecation Harding obeyed, and then out from the
+thicket came a horseman. His horse was enveloped in a black blanket, and
+the rider wore a black robe like a domino, shielding his form<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+completely. His face was covered by a red, close-fitting mask, while a
+cowl covered his head.</p>
+
+<p>"The devil on horseback," muttered Harding, as he beheld the man, and
+right there he made up his mind that if he was the sole one who held up
+the coach, he would watch his chance, if he could get Celeste Seldon
+away from his side, and try a duel with him for mastery.</p>
+
+<p>But this hope died away when, as though suspecting the intention of
+Harding, the horseman called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, men, and let us get to work."</p>
+
+<p>Silently there came out of the thicket half a dozen men on foot, but all
+enveloped in black robes, wearing red masks, and with their feet clad in
+moccasins, while a quick glance at the hoofs of the horse ridden by the
+chief showed that he had muffles on, to prevent making a track.</p>
+
+<p>The girl calmly surveyed the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The half-dozen men appearing at the call of their chief seemed to be
+well trained, for two of them went to the heads of the horses, two more
+to either door of the coach, and the others awaited orders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>The horseman rode close up to the side of the coach, his hand upon his
+revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"Harding, I see that you meditate resistance if opportunity offers, but
+let me warn you that you are a dead man the instant you make any attempt
+to escape or fire upon us. I would kill you now without the slightest
+hesitation, only I fear it would break up the line and travel to Last
+Chance, and that I do not wish. Dismount from that box, and, remember,
+my revolver covers you!"</p>
+
+<p>Harding obeyed in sullen silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what freight have you on?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have the mails, and this lady passenger, but, low as you are, you
+will not rob her, I hope."</p>
+
+<p>"There was money sent through by you to Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"You pretend to know this, but I have no money for Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"I know better."</p>
+
+<p>"There is the coach, search it; but let me tell you, if you touch the
+United States mails you will have every soldier stationed at W&mdash;&mdash; and
+at Faraway on your track."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>"I believe you are right about that, and I do not care to fight the
+Government by robbing the mails; but the money I want."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not got any, I told you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then find it."</p>
+
+<p>"I will."</p>
+
+<p>A thorough search of the coach was made, and then the driver was
+searched, but without any money being found.</p>
+
+<p>"I know that the sum of thirty thousand dollars was to be sent by you to
+the miners in Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"You know this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, but I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see that your spy misinformed you."</p>
+
+<p>"As the money cannot be found it is a dead loss to me, and I hold you
+responsible."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I am."</p>
+
+<p>"But, as I said, if I kill you no man will be found to take your
+place&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, Doctor Dick will."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>"D&mdash;&mdash; Doctor Dick&mdash;I beg pardon, miss, but he refers to one whom I
+hate, and some day will be avenged upon."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you kill me you will have the chance, for he will drive."</p>
+
+<p>"With even that hope to get even with him, I will not kill you, yet I
+must have that money or a hostage."</p>
+
+<p>"Take me, then."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I could not realize the amount on you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do without."</p>
+
+<p>"Not I, when there is a hostage at hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Who?"</p>
+
+<p>"This lady."</p>
+
+<p>"Coward! you would not dare."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't I? Then see, for that lady becomes my prisoner until I receive
+that money."</p>
+
+<p>"What money?"</p>
+
+<p>"The thirty thousand you beat me out of to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you get it by taking me with you?" asked Celeste Seldon
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, very easily, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"How so, may I ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"Harding will go on to Last Chance and report<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> that I have you as my
+prisoner, to hold until the miners pay me the sum of&mdash;well, I'll add
+interest, so call it thirty-five thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"The miners have nothing to do with me, sir, they do not even know me."</p>
+
+<p>"That does not matter, for they are a gallant lot of men, rough though
+they may look, and many of them be, so, when it is known what I have
+done, they will chip in generously and the money will be raised very
+quickly."</p>
+
+<p>"How will you get it?" asked Harding.</p>
+
+<p>"I will meet you on any day we may agree upon, at this spot, with this
+lady, and you will come alone, as I will, and the exchange of the
+hostage for the money will be made. If you come with others, or attempt
+treachery, I swear to you I will kill the girl before your eyes, so if
+you wish to have that done, play traitor, while, if you act squarely
+with me, all will be well. What do you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say, as it cannot be otherwise, I will be your hostage until the
+money is paid you," said Celeste Seldon firmly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE SACRIFICE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The plucky stand taken by Celeste Seldon won the admiration of Harding
+at once. He did not understand why she had been so prompt in her reply,
+so willing to at once yield herself as a hostage until a ransom was
+received for her release. But she did offer, and he at once decided what
+he should do.</p>
+
+<p>"See here, cutthroat," he said, "I have something to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, out with it, but be more choice in your epithets bestowed on me,
+if you wish to keep in good health."</p>
+
+<p>"What! don't like the name, eh? Well, I called you by a name that
+denotes your calling."</p>
+
+<p>"What have you to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just this, that if you will allow this young lady to ride on to Last
+Chance, on one of my stage-horses, for he will carry her safely there, I
+will remain your hostage until Landlord Larry sends the money out to you
+which you demand."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>"As a hostage you are of no value, but the lady is."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, again?"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I pay you the amount you said was to be sent by me, will you let the
+lady go?"</p>
+
+<p>"When will you pay it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now."</p>
+
+<p>"Do so, and I will let the lady go free."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, sir, you have not the money," cried Celeste to Harding.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, miss, I can make it good, for I have a little more saved up than
+he demands, and I can start over again to lay up a fortune, you see, for
+I am young yet."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not consent to that, except that I return you the money, my kind
+friend, for I am well able to do so. I will recompense you, by paying
+you back my ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"We will not quarrel on that score, miss, so give him the money," said
+Harding.</p>
+
+<p>Celeste turned, and, raising her skirt, took the bag of money from its
+hiding-place. This she handed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> Harding, who threw it at the masked
+outlaw's feet with the remark:</p>
+
+<p>"Your spy informed you correctly; there is the money; just thirty-two
+thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said the outlaw, quietly counting the money before he spoke
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is all here. Now, miss, had Harding ransomed you, it was your
+intention to have repaid him, you said."</p>
+
+<p>"By all means, for I have no claim upon that brave gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"You are able to pay back so large a ransom, are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Had I not been able to pay it back I would not have made the offer to
+do so."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not got the money with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I am no traveling bank, nor am I a fool."</p>
+
+<p>"Well said; but as you are able to pay a ransom for yourself, I shall
+hold you a prisoner until you pay me the money I demand."</p>
+
+<p>An oath burst involuntarily from the lips of Harding at this treachery
+on the part of the road-agent,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> while the young girl turned pale with
+momentary dread. But she said firmly:</p>
+
+<p>"After receiving the money you demanded, and which I feel it my duty to
+pay back, as it is really my ransom, will you be so vile, so lost to all
+manhood, as to enforce your words against me?"</p>
+
+<p>"What more can you expect of one who has no character, who is already
+damned body and soul. Oh, no, I have no conscience, so do not appeal to
+me, for all I wish in the world is gold, and that I will have, no matter
+who the victim or what the means I have to take to get it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are indeed lost to every human feeling."</p>
+
+<p>"So I said, and you are my prisoner until this man, Harding, brings me,
+well, say thirty thousand dollars ransom money for your safe delivery to
+him once more. Now, miss, I will take your baggage along, for you may
+need it, and you will go with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Where would you take me?"</p>
+
+<p>"To my retreat, and you will be treated with respect; but money I must
+have. As for you, Harding, go on to Last Chance and raise the money for
+this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> lady's ransom. Give it to Doctor Dick, and let him come with you
+in your coach on your next run out.</p>
+
+<p>"Halt just here, and he will be met by one of my men with this lady. If
+others come, her life shall be the forfeit. When my messenger receives
+the money, this lady shall be given into the charge of Doctor Dick. Do
+you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, and you will understand that all of Last Chance, every man
+capable of carrying a gun, will be upon your trail before night."</p>
+
+<p>"Just let any one pursue me, and instead of finding me, you will
+discover the dead body of this young girl in the trail awaiting you.
+Remember, I am not to be followed, or intimidated. Do you understand
+now?"</p>
+
+<p>Harding made no reply, for he was too much overcome to speak; but the
+small leather trunk belonging to Celeste Seldon having been taken from
+the coach, along with a side-saddle and bridle she had brought with her,
+the driver clasped her hand in farewell.</p>
+
+<p>Harding was unable himself to speak, for his emotion at being unable to
+protect the girl. Celeste Seldon said to the outlaw:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>"I would like to have a word with this gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Before me, yes," said the masked chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, I have no secret to make known to him, so you may hear."</p>
+
+<p>Then, turning to Harding, she continued:</p>
+
+<p>"You have been most kind to me, sir, and I appreciate it. You have done
+all in your power for me, no one could do more; but let me say to you if
+you can raise the sum demanded by this&mdash;this&mdash;robber, do so, and every
+dollar shall be refunded to you within a few days after my return East."</p>
+
+<p>"The men won't ask it, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"But I shall pay it. Now to the reason in part of my coming here."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"Try to find out for me among the miners if a man by the name of Andrew
+Seldon is known to any of them, and, if so, where he is."</p>
+
+<p>"I will."</p>
+
+<p>"Try also to do all in your power for that poor young man Bernard
+Brandon, who, you told me, had been crazed by a bullet-wound, doubtless
+given by this very&mdash;murderer."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>"Yes, I shot him, and killed Dave Dockery, the driver, and a miner at
+the same time," was the remark of the masked road-agent, delivered with
+the utmost effrontery.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem proud of your red work, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, killing is a trade with me just now."</p>
+
+<p>Celeste Seldon turned from him with disgust and horror, and, addressing
+Harding, continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Ask the one you spoke of as Doctor Dick to do all in his power for that
+poor sufferer, and he shall be well rewarded for it. When I am released
+I will go to Last Chance, as it was my intention, and do all I can to
+find my father, and minister to the sufferings of poor Mr. Brandon. Now,
+I thank you once more and bid you good-by."</p>
+
+<p>Harding clasped her hand, dared not to trust himself to speak, but there
+were volumes in the look of intense hatred he cast upon the masked face
+of the road-agent chief. Then he mounted to the stage-box, gathered up
+his lines, and drove away in a silence that was most expressive.</p>
+
+<p>Harding glanced back as he came to the end of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> ca&ntilde;on, but saw that
+the road-agents and their fair prisoner had already disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Then the lash descended upon the backs of the startled horses and the
+team was sent along at a pace that was dangerous indeed.</p>
+
+<p>But Harding could only find vent for his pent-up feelings by rapid and
+reckless driving, and never before had the distance between the Dead
+Line and Last Chance been covered in the time in which he made it.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding his delay at the Dead Line, he went thundering up the
+valley half an hour ahead of time, and when he drew rein before the
+hotel his horses were reeking with foam and panting like hard-run
+hounds, while his face was white, his eyes ablaze with anger and
+indignation, and his teeth set firmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Great God! Harding, what has happened?" cried Landlord Larry in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Throwing the mail at the feet of the surprised landlord, Harding leaped
+to the ground and said hoarsely:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, I wish to speak to you."</p>
+
+<p>He led the way into the office and then told the whole story.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>"We will mount a hundred men and go in pursuit at once," cried Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"What! do you forget his threat?"</p>
+
+<p>"What threat?"</p>
+
+<p>"To kill the girl!"</p>
+
+<p>"He will not do it."</p>
+
+<p>"He will."</p>
+
+<p>"No, he dare not."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know him&mdash;I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just what he demands."</p>
+
+<p>"What! pay him?"</p>
+
+<p>"By all means, and save the girl!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are right."</p>
+
+<p>"But have all ready then, the moment that she is safe, to throw five
+hundred mounted men on a hunt for him, have the entire country about
+Dead Line surrounded, and then hunt him and his men to death," savagely
+said Harding.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it must be done; but now to tell the men what has happened," and
+Landlord Larry went out, followed by Harding, to find a large crowd of
+miners gathered about the hotel.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE RANSOM.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Landlord Larry was considerably nonplused by what had been told him by
+Harding, and he hardly knew how to break the news to the miners.
+Hundreds had assembled, for the mad race of Harding's team up the valley
+had told them that something had gone wrong.</p>
+
+<p>So they had hurried in twos and by half-dozens to the hotel to hear what
+had happened.</p>
+
+<p>They were more eager to learn it all when it was told how Harding had
+made no report, but had led Landlord Larry into the office and been
+closeted there with him an hour.</p>
+
+<p>The panting horses had been led away to the stable, the mail had been
+opened by Landlord Larry's clerk, and many had gotten letters.</p>
+
+<p>But the interest in letters was lost in the desire to learn what had
+happened on Harding's run in.</p>
+
+<p>When the two men were seen coming out of the hotel, a wild yell greeted
+them.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>Landlord Larry stepped out upon the piazza, and at once a silence fell
+upon the crowd, while every eye was turned upon the white face of
+Harding.</p>
+
+<p>"Men, I have bad news for you," said Landlord Larry. "The coach has been
+held up again, and thirty-two thousand dollars in money, given to Driver
+Harding to bring to Last Chance, was taken. There are some forty of you
+who feel this loss, having sent your gold out to be exchanged for this
+money. But that is not the worst of it.</p>
+
+<p>"The mails were not disturbed, as the road-agent said that he wished no
+trouble with the Government. Nor is this all, for Harding had a
+passenger with him on this run, a young girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she?" came in a chorus of voices.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you: There were seven road-agents, all masked, and their
+chief mounted. They held the coach up at the Dead Line, and they covered
+Harding with their rifles, and demanded the money which, in some way,
+they knew he had.</p>
+
+<p>"The young lady had hidden it for him, but as she was to be held for
+ransom, she gave it up, and,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> learning that she was rich, the road-agent
+chief then demanded ransom from her."</p>
+
+<p>And speaking slowly and distinctly Landlord Larry went on to tell the
+whole story of the coach and taking of Celeste Seldon captive.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd was as silent as death, except for the suppressed breathing of
+the men, and the bronzed faces of the miners paled and flushed by turns.
+When at last it was told how a ransom of thirty thousand dollars was
+demanded, before a word had been said that it would be paid back, a yell
+arose:</p>
+
+<p>"We'll raise it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good! that is just what I knew you would do, pards, and I will head the
+list with five hundred," said Landlord Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"Put me down for five hundred," called out Harding, and the two offers
+were cheered, while a stern voice called out behind the landlord:</p>
+
+<p>"Put me down for a thousand, Larry, for I have heard all that you have
+told the men."</p>
+
+<p>It was Doctor Dick, who, seeing the crowd in front of the hotel, had
+come to the piazza by passing into the house through the rear door.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>Another cheer greeted the sum named by Doctor Dick, and there arose
+cries on all sides as men pressed forward:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give a thousand, landlord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Name me for fifty."</p>
+
+<p>"Put me on the list for a hundred!"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-five for me!"</p>
+
+<p>And so on were the sums named by the noble-hearted and generous fellows,
+even those who had lost their money by the road-agents subscribing,
+until Doctor Dick called out, for he had been keeping account:</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, all! The amount is already named. Now, men, form in line, and
+give your names as you pass along, and the money, those who have it."</p>
+
+<p>It was late when the ransom list was made up, and the men had not heeded
+the supper-gong until after they had paid their subscriptions.</p>
+
+<p>Then Landlord Larry packed the money away, and the crowd dispersed to
+their various occupations and pleasures for the night, which may be set
+down as consisting principally of drinking and gambling.</p>
+
+<p>The question regarding the unfortunate girl who had fallen into the
+hands of the masked and merci<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>less outlaws being settled, the driver
+said to Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick, who had returned to the office
+in the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I wish to see about the poor fellow whom that young girl was coming
+out to see, and also to learn about her father."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was her father?" asked Landlord Larry.</p>
+
+<p>"Her name is Celeste Seldon, and she wished me to ascertain if her
+father had ever been heard of in the mines. His name was Andrew Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew Seldon?" quickly said Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"I know of such a man, or, rather, knew of him, for he is dead now," was
+the response of the gambler.</p>
+
+<p>A cloud passed over the face of Harding, and he remarked sadly:</p>
+
+<p>"That poor girl seems doomed to have sorrow dog her steps. But you knew
+her father, doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I knew him long years ago, and I happen to know of his having been
+out here, working for a fortune in the mines, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure that it is the one she seeks?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>"The names are the same. The Andrew Seldon I knew was from Tennessee."</p>
+
+<p>"So was her father, and he must be the man you refer to. But where did
+he die?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you what I have not made known to others. Buffalo Bill and I
+struck a trail to see what the end would bring to us, and the night
+before we came to the end those we sought were buried by the caving-in
+of a mine which they were working under a cliff. One of those men was
+Andrew Seldon, and he had a companion with him."</p>
+
+<p>"And they were killed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, buried under the cliff, that fell upon their cabin, destroying
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"You must tell the story to the young girl, for I cannot, doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so, though I hate to give a woman pain."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, doctor, I wish to ask about the one she seeks here in Last
+Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he, Harding?"</p>
+
+<p>"The poor fellow you so devotedly cared for, but whose reason was
+destroyed by the wound he received from the road-agents."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>"Ah, yes, poor fellow, his mind is irrevocably wrecked."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Landlord Larry can tell you better than I, for he seems to avoid my
+cabin since I gave him up as a patient."</p>
+
+<p>"He wanders about among the camps at will; but that reminds me that I
+have not seen him to-day," the landlord said.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he the one the girl is coming to see?" asked Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and his name is Bernard Brandon. He came out here on a special
+mission for her, I suppose to find her father, and not hearing from him
+she feared that he had gotten into trouble, so came West herself in
+search of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, her coming may bring back his reason, though I doubt it."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not question him, doctor, telling him about her, and see if
+you cannot get him to talk rationally?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Harding, but where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry asked his clerk about the man, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> he had not seen him
+all day, and, the miners being questioned, not one recalled having seen
+him since the day before.</p>
+
+<p>In some dread that harm had befallen him, Harding then went out in
+search of the poor fellow. He went from miner to miner and camp to camp
+in his vain search, for not anywhere could he find any one who had seen
+the missing man for over twenty-four hours.</p>
+
+<p>Becoming really alarmed, when he realized the shock it would be to
+Celeste Seldon, whose hazardous and costly trip to the West would be
+utterly useless, Harding went back to the hotel to consult Doctor Dick
+and Landlord Larry about giving a general alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Then alarms were only given in times of direct need, for the miners were
+sworn to obey the call, and come from every camp and mine within the
+circuit of habitation about Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>The alarm was given by sending a mounted bugler to every prominent point
+in the valley, where he was to sound the rally three times.</p>
+
+<p>A half-dozen positions thus visited would send the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> bugle-notes into
+every camp of the valley, and it was the duty of all miners to at once
+strike for the place of assembly at the hotel, and give the warning to
+all others whom they saw.</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry hearing the story of Harding's fruitless search for the
+stranger, at once decided to order the alarm sounded without consulting
+Doctor Dick, who was not at his cabin.</p>
+
+<p>So the bugler was called in, and, mounting a speedy horse, he placed the
+bugle to his lips and loud, clear, and ringing resounded the "rally."</p>
+
+<p>Then he dashed from point to point at the full speed of his horse, and
+within half an hour, from half a dozen prominent positions, the
+bugle-call assembling the miners had rung out and men were hastening to
+obey the summons.</p>
+
+<p>Within an hour every man in Last Chance had reported at the
+assembling-point, all eager to know the cause of the alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Again Landlord Larry was the speaker, and he began by asking if the
+unfortunate stranger, whose wound had crazed him, was in the crowd.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>Every eye was at once on the search for the man, but soon the reports
+came that Bernard Brandon was not in the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>Then Landlord Larry made known that the mysterious disappearance, at the
+time of Miss Seldon's capture by the road-agents, was a coincidence so
+strange that it needed explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Seldon was coming to Last Chance to find that very young man, who
+had in turn come there in search of her father, and now, when she was a
+captive to the road-agents, to be given up only upon the payment of a
+large ransom, the stranger had most mysteriously disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The name of the young lady's father was Andrew Seldon, and if any miner
+present could tell aught regarding him, or had known such a man, the
+landlord wished him to come and tell him all that he could about him.</p>
+
+<p>But it was the duty, and but justice, for one and all of them to set out
+on the search for the young stranger who had disappeared from their
+midst, and he wished to know if they would not take a day off<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> and do
+so, for it might be that he had been injured, and was then lying
+suffering and deserving their sympathy and aid somewhere among the
+mountains.</p>
+
+<p>A perfect yell in answer to the request of Landlord Larry told him that
+Bernard Brandon would be found if he was in or near Last Chance, and so
+it was agreed that all would start at dawn the following morning, many
+mounted, many on foot, and report the result, if good or bad, at the
+hotel at night.</p>
+
+<p>So the miners' meeting broke up, and with the first gray in the east the
+following morning, four-fifths of Last Chance were off, searching for
+the missing man.</p>
+
+<p>As they wore themselves out, or completed the search over the circuit
+assigned them, the men came in and reported at the hotel. Each had the
+same story to tell, that the search had been a fruitless one.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the mounted men did not come in until after dark, but theirs was
+the same story, that no trace of the missing stranger could be found.</p>
+
+<p>At last every man who had been on the search had returned, and not the
+slightest trace of the missing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> Brandon had been discovered by a single
+one who had gone out to look for him.</p>
+
+<p>No one remembered to have seen him very lately, and so his fate was
+unsolved, and the miners put it down as unknown, with the belief that he
+had either been kidnaped by road-agents or had fallen into some stream,
+or from a cliff, and thus met his death.</p>
+
+<p>The belief of Landlord Larry and Harding was that Bernard Brandon had
+been captured, for some reason, by road-agents, and this convinced them
+that there were spies of the outlaws then dwelling in their midst; but
+what the motive for kidnaping the man was, they could only conjecture,
+believing it to be ransom that they thought the miners would pay, and,
+if they did not, that Celeste Seldon would.</p>
+
+<p>This belief, of spies in their midst, caused a very unpleasant and
+uneasy feeling among all, for hardly any man knew whether he could trust
+his own comrade or not.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick came in late from his search and rounds to visit his
+patients, and listened in silence to the report that Bernard Brandon
+could not be found.</p>
+
+<p>He, however, would not believe that road-agents<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> had kidnaped the crazed
+man, but said that he might have sprung from the cliff and taken his own
+life, have fallen over a precipice, or been devoured by the fierce
+mountain-wolves that hung in packs about the camps.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was with a sinking heart that Celeste Seldon saw Harding drive away
+upon the stage, leaving her in the power of the road-agents. But she was
+a brave girl, and determined to show the outlaws that she did not fear
+them, no matter how great her dread of them was in reality.</p>
+
+<p>The saddle and bridle she had brought with her were carried along for a
+couple of miles, and placed upon a led horse, one of half a score hidden
+there, and the masked chief started to aid her to mount.</p>
+
+<p>But she said with a sneer:</p>
+
+<p>"I need no assistance from you."</p>
+
+<p>With this she placed her hands upon the horn and leaped lightly into the
+saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Her leather trunk was then strapped securely upon a pack-saddle, and the
+chief said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miss Seldon, that you and my men are mounted, we will start."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>She turned her horse on the trail behind him, and the other outlaws
+followed, all riding in Indian file and with several packhorses bringing
+up the rear.</p>
+
+<p>After a ride of a dozen miles a halt was made for a rest, the chief
+said, and then Celeste Seldon observed that the hoofs of every horse
+were muffled, to prevent their leaving a trail.</p>
+
+<p>Having been left something over a couple of miles from the scene of the
+holding up of the stage, it would be next to impossible for the best of
+trailers to discover which way the road-agents had come to the spot and
+left it, for the chief's muffled-hoofed horse would leave no track to
+where the other animals were.</p>
+
+<p>Tired out and anxious, Celeste Seldon, after eating sparingly of the
+food given her by the chief, sat down with her back to a tree, and,
+closing her eyes, dropped into a deep sleep. When she was awakened to
+continue the journey she found that she had slept an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ready to go miss," said the man who had appeared to be the
+chief's lieutenant, and whom he had called Wolf, whether because it was
+his real name, or on account of his nature, Celeste did not know.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>"I am ready," she said simply, refreshed by her short nap.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I aid you to mount, miss?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can mount without your aid; but where is your chief?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has gone on ahead, miss, to prepare for your coming, leaving me to
+escort you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am content, for one is as bad as the other," was the reply, and,
+leaping into her saddle again, she fell in behind the man Wolf, and the
+march was again begun.</p>
+
+<p>Night came on, but the outlaws rode on for an hour or more, when they
+halted at a small spring in a thicket.</p>
+
+<p>Celeste was made more comfortable in a shelter of boughs, hastily cut
+and thrown up, and when supper was ready she ate heartily of
+antelope-steak, crackers, and coffee.</p>
+
+<p>She was rather glad to have got rid of the masked chief, of whom she
+stood in the greatest awe, and Wolf never spoke to her unless she
+addressed some remark to him.</p>
+
+<p>When she lay down upon the blanket-bed, spread<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> upon fine straw, which
+he had made for her, she sank at once to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>She had no thought of escape, for what could she do there alone in that
+wild, trackless land? She would bide her time and await the result, be
+it what it might.</p>
+
+<p>She was awakened early in the morning, and the march was at once begun
+again, a halt being made a couple of hours later for breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>While it was being prepared she was allowed to wander at will, Wolf
+calling her only when it was ready, and thus showing that they had not
+the slightest idea that she would do so foolish a thing as to escape
+from them, to perish in the wilderness, or meet death by being attacked
+by wild beasts.</p>
+
+<p>When the start was again made, Wolf said:</p>
+
+<p>"When we halt for our noon camp, miss, I will have to blindfold you, and
+bind your hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you consider me very dangerous, then?" she said, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You doubtless are dangerous, miss, in more ways than one; but it is to
+prevent your seeing where we take you that you are to be blindfolded."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>"Do you think I could guide a party after you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have the nerve to do it, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"But why bind my hands?"</p>
+
+<p>"To prevent your removing the bandage from your eyes, miss."</p>
+
+<p>"I will pledge you my word that I will not do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you would keep your word, miss; but the chief is a man who is
+merciless, and his orders were to blindfold and bind you, and if I
+disobey he would shoot me down as though I were in reality a wolf."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not much loss, but I will submit," said Celeste with a sigh,
+for she had enjoyed the scenery, and her freedom as well this far, and
+now must be both blindfolded and bound.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE TWO FUGITIVES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It will be remembered that when Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick rode away
+from the caved-in mine and crushed cabin of the two gold-hunters in the
+Grand Ca&ntilde;on, there were human eyes following their movements that they
+little dreamed were upon them.</p>
+
+<p>Gazing at them from a hiding-place half a mile away were two men whose
+faces showed much anxiety as they saw the scout and the gold king moving
+about their quarters, when they had believed themselves hidden from all
+search by friend or foe.</p>
+
+<p>Those two were Andrew Seldon and Lucas Langley.</p>
+
+<p>Their escape had been miraculous, from being buried in the mine beneath
+the cliff, and they had established for themselves new quarters up the
+Grand Ca&ntilde;on a few miles away from their former home.</p>
+
+<p>This new camping-place was more secluded than the former one, and
+approached by a narrow ridge<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> that no one would believe a horse could
+pass along, for in places it was only eighteen inches wide.</p>
+
+<p>But Andrew Seldon had gone first along it on foot, and found beyond, up
+in the depths of a large ca&ntilde;on opening into the mightier one, a perfect
+garden spot and scene of beauty.</p>
+
+<p>A crystal stream trickled down a lofty precipice and flowed through the
+ca&ntilde;on, and in its bed glittered grains of gold innumerable.</p>
+
+<p>Back under the shadows of the towering cliffs there were found veins of
+precious metal giving promise of rich mines.</p>
+
+<p>There were trees growing luxuriously in this nature's park, velvety
+grass covering acres of meadow-land, wild fruits that were delicious,
+and everything to make this home a most charming one.</p>
+
+<p>They first made the effort to get their horses across the narrow ridge,
+upon either side of which was an abyss a quarter of a mile in depth,
+seamed with ravines, and looking like the craters of defunct volcanoes.</p>
+
+<p>The first horse tried, Andrew Seldon's own riding-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>animal, followed his
+master without hesitation along the dizzy, awful pathway.</p>
+
+<p>Turning, Seldon led him back again, and then the other animals followed
+slowly, and though nervously, yet without accident.</p>
+
+<p>They were repaid for their fright when turned loose upon the acres of
+luxuriant grass in the valley.</p>
+
+<p>A fence of poles made a barrier across the narrow entrance of the
+valley, and so the horses were allowed to roam at will.</p>
+
+<p>A stout cabin was next built, and the two men having made themselves
+comfortable for the winter, were ready to begin their search for gold,
+feeling safe once more in their retreat, for who would believe that they
+had crossed that narrow ridge to find a hiding-place beyond?</p>
+
+<p>And here these two men, so strangely met, with mysterious lives, and
+both in hiding from the world, settled down to win a fortune from the
+generous earth, to earn riches that would make them comfortable in their
+latter years far from the scenes that had known them in other days and
+to which they dared not return.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>Each day they worked several hours in their gold-hunting, and then one
+of them would take his gun and go in search of game, while the other
+would do the chores about their cabin.</p>
+
+<p>It was upon one of these hunting expeditions one day that Andrew Seldon
+found himself belated from having pursued his game much farther than he
+had thought.</p>
+
+<p>It was some miles back to camp and the sun had long since ceased to send
+its rays down into the depths of the mighty chasm of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on.</p>
+
+<p>He started back, with his game swung up on his back, and the shadows
+rapidly deepening about him.</p>
+
+<p>As he neared his old destroyed home he stopped suddenly, for across the
+ca&ntilde;on a light flashed before his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a firelight as sure as I live," he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>"What does it, what can it, mean?"</p>
+
+<p>He stood like one dazed by the sight for some time, and then slowly fell
+from his lips the words:</p>
+
+<p>"It can mean but one thing&mdash;<i>that some one has come into the ca&ntilde;on</i>."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>After a moment more of silent thought he said almost cheerily:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! it is Lucas."</p>
+
+<p>But again his voice changed as he added:</p>
+
+<p>"No, he dreads the spot where he was so nearly buried alive and will not
+go there. Whoever it is, he is a stranger. I must know, for if they have
+come here to remain, if they are our foes we will be forewarned and
+hence forearmed.</p>
+
+<p>"I will at once solve the mystery, for I had hoped never to behold a
+human face here other than Lucas Langley's and my own," and the
+gold-hunter walked away in the direction of the firelight which had so
+startled him.</p>
+
+<p>He went cautiously, for he knew well the danger if he was discovered,
+and the builders of the camp-fire proved to be foes.</p>
+
+<p>He knew the locality well, and that he could approach within a hundred
+yards of the fire, and discover just what there was to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving within an eighth of a mile of the spot he halted, laid aside
+his game and rifle, and then moved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> forward from rock to rock, tree to
+tree, armed only with his revolvers.</p>
+
+<p>He now saw that there were three fires, two near together and one a
+couple of hundred feet apart and off to itself.</p>
+
+<p>The scene of the camp was a small ca&ntilde;on near his old home and on the
+trail leading to it. There was gold in the ca&ntilde;on, for he had discovered
+it there and taken some away, while he had marked it as his claim, it
+having been already staked as one of the finds and claims of the real
+Andrew Seldon.</p>
+
+<p>In truth, there were a dozen such claims in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on found by
+Andrew Seldon, all of them paying finds.</p>
+
+<p>Having reached a point within a hundred yards of the camp-fires, Seldon
+leaned over a rock and began to survey the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The three fires were burning brightly, and beyond the light fell upon a
+number of horses corralled in the ca&ntilde;on, where there was grass and
+water. There were brush shelters near, three in number, and about the
+fires in front of them were gathered a number of men.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>Counting them, Andrew Seldon found that there were eight in sight.</p>
+
+<p>There appeared to be no guard kept, and the camp was certainly not a
+very new one, apparently having been made there several weeks before.</p>
+
+<p>Emboldened by his discovery, the gold-hunter crept nearer and nearer,
+and then could see that the men were all masked.</p>
+
+<p>This struck him as being a very remarkable circumstance, indeed, since
+they were clad like miners, some of them wearing beards that came below
+their masks. All were armed thoroughly.</p>
+
+<p>They were eating their supper as Andrew Seldon looked at them.</p>
+
+<p>Gaining a point of observation still nearer, the gold-hunter obtained a
+view of the camp-fire apart from the others. A comfortable little cabin
+was just behind the fire, and a rustic bench had been made near it.</p>
+
+<p>A blanket hung over the door of the tiny cabin, and about the fire was
+the evidence of a supper recently eaten, for a cup, tin plate, and
+knives, with the remains of a meal, were upon a rock that served as a
+table.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>Upon the rustic seat sat one whose presence there was a great surprise
+to Andrew Seldon.</p>
+
+<p>"By Heaven, it is a woman!" he almost cried aloud in his amazement.</p>
+
+<p>Then he determined to get a still nearer view, and after surveying the
+position, he decided that he could do so by passing around to the edge
+of the cliff and creeping along it to a point not sixty feet away.</p>
+
+<p>As he, after very cautious work, reached the point he sought, some forty
+feet from the one at the camp-fire, gazing upon her he muttered to
+himself:</p>
+
+<p>"It is a young and beautiful girl, and why is she here with those
+strange men? Who is she, and what is this mystery? I must solve it."</p>
+
+<p>He noted that the single fire was just around a bend of the ca&ntilde;on, and
+that the men were camped below her.</p>
+
+<p>"This looks as though she was a prisoner. But how did they find this
+spot, and how dare they venture down that dangerous trail?</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Andrew Seldon the real did it, I did it, Lucas Langley also, and
+Buffalo Bill and the comrade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> with him were two more to make the
+venture, so why not these men?</p>
+
+<p>"But why are they masked, and what does it mean that they have that
+young girl in their midst? Beyond doubt she is a captive, and yet I dare
+not communicate with her. It would betray my presence and I would lose
+all, perhaps my life.</p>
+
+<p>"They do not know of my presence here in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, and they will
+hardly find our camp, at least as long as they find gold where they are.
+Well, I will return to my home and tell Langley of my strange
+discovery."</p>
+
+<p>After so musing, and gazing the while at the girl, Andrew Seldon was
+about to leave his position, when he saw a horseman ride into the lower
+camp. The horse seemed to have been hard ridden, for he came in with
+lowered head, and that the newcomer was in authority there was shown by
+the men rising as he approached the fire, while one of them took care of
+his horse.</p>
+
+<p>"I will see what this arrival means," muttered Andrew Seldon, and he
+kept his position among the rocks.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE OUTLAW LOVER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The man who had ridden into camp gave some order, which Andrew Seldon
+could not hear, and one of those about the camp-fire at once set about
+preparing supper for him.</p>
+
+<p>There was upon his face a red mask, much as the others wore, but he was
+dressed in somewhat better style than they, wearing cavalry-boots
+instead of heavy ones such as his men had on, while his body dress was a
+velvet jacket.</p>
+
+<p>His hat was a slouch, encircled by a silver cord representing a snake,
+as the gold-hunter discovered, when he afterward got a closer view of
+him.</p>
+
+<p>He talked to his men for a few minutes, but what he said the gold-hunter
+was unable to hear. Then he walked away in the direction of the other
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I can know what this means," muttered Andrew Seldon eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl had certainly seen the man arrive in camp, but she had
+shown no interest apparently in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> his coming, and now, as he approached,
+she calmly remained seated, her eyes, however, following his movements.</p>
+
+<p>As he drew near he politely raised his sombrero and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I find Miss Seldon well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seldon! She bears the name I now am masquerading under," muttered the
+gold-hunter in intense surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Seldon is as well as could be expected under the existing
+circumstances, of being the captive of a band of cutthroats," was the
+cutting reply, and the listening man, who heard all, opened wide his
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"You are harsh in your terms, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you not road-agents, robbers, and murderers, and are you not
+holding me here for ransom, after having robbed me of a large sum in my
+keeping?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, such is the case."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why wince under the name of cutthroat? But you have been away for
+some days."</p>
+
+<p>"I have."</p>
+
+<p>"You have seen your chief?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>"And what message does he send?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are to go with me at dawn to the rendezvous on the Overland Trail,
+where you are to be given over to the one sent by the miners of Last
+Chance to pay your ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad of this; but will your chief keep faith, or will he play the
+traitor for a third time and escape giving me up through some trick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, for if he did he would surely be run down, as he knows, by the
+miners, even if your life was the forfeit."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it may prove true that I am to be ransomed, and I will be ready
+to go with you; but where is your chief?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is in his other camp."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has two?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I to be blindfolded and bound again when you are taking me from
+here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Such are his orders, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"He fears that I, a young girl, may lead a force upon his secret
+retreat?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what he fears, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>"I only wish I <i>was</i> able to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Seldon, may I speak a word to you?" suddenly said the masked
+outlaw, drawing nearer.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there is no more to say, for I will be ready at the hour you
+desire to start."</p>
+
+<p>"There is more to say, and say it I will. I wish to tell you that I have
+been a very wicked man, that I went to the bad when hardly out of my
+teens, broke my mother's heart by my evil life, and ruined my father
+financially, driving him to suicide in his despair.</p>
+
+<p>"I came West and tried to redeem the past by becoming an honest miner;
+but luck went against me, and I at last turned once more to evil and
+found a band of outlaws. Money came to me in plenty, and at last I
+drifted into the band that our chief commands, and, as you know, I am
+his lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"He found this mine and sent us here to work it and have our retreat
+here also. Much gold is coming to us through our work, and also by our
+holding up the coaches on the Last Chance trail, for he posts us where
+to be on hand for an attack, as we have what we call the post-office
+half-way between our camp and his.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>"When he made you a prisoner I felt for you, and, as I was the one to
+hold you captive and bring you here, I grew more and more fond of you
+until now I must, I will tell you, that I love you with my whole heart
+and soul, Celeste Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>The young girl had not moved during the time that the outlaw lieutenant
+was speaking, but now, when he proclaimed his love for her, she arose,
+drew herself up, and said haughtily:</p>
+
+<p>"And I, Celeste Seldon, abhor such love as you, an outlaw, would feel
+for me, and command you not again to speak one word to me while I am in
+the hateful atmosphere of your presence as your prisoner."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE SECRET OUT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Celeste Seldon! It was <i>her</i> name&mdash;<i>his</i> daughter's name, and yet the
+letter said that she was dead! Is this a coincidence, or is she alive,
+and is this young girl the child of Andrew Seldon the real?"</p>
+
+<p>So mused Andrew Seldon the impersonator, as he crouched among the rocks,
+his eyes riveted upon the girl not fifty feet from him, and who so
+boldly faced the outlaw officer who had dared breathe to her a word of
+love.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw stood abashed at the manner in which his avowal of love had
+been received. There was no anger in his look, and he seemed hurt rather
+than offended.</p>
+
+<p>After Celeste Seldon's indignant response to him he half-turned away, as
+though to retire in silence, but then reconsidered his determination and
+said in a low tone full of feeling:</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, for I did wrong to think for a moment that an angel would
+look kindly upon a devil.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> I love you, and I could not but tell you of
+it, for you had decided me as to my own course, you had made me see my
+evil life as it is in all its enormity, and decide to make another
+struggle to go back to honor and truth."</p>
+
+<p>"This, at least, you deserve credit for, and I trust you may carry out
+your resolve, for in that you shall have my full sympathy."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Miss Seldon; but I have something more to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are to be given up by the chief on the payment of your ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could prevent this robbery, but I cannot, as it is simply
+beyond my power to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not ask it of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Granted; but your being returned will not end it all."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You came here for an avowed purpose, as I understand it."</p>
+
+<p>"I did, Mr. Wolf."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>"That purpose was to find one who had come West on a special mission."</p>
+
+<p>"Granted again."</p>
+
+<p>"His mission was to find your father, Andrew Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>The listener crouching among the rocks started at this and set his teeth
+hard, while he awaited the reply of the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he came to find my father, Andrew Seldon, who, I had reason to
+believe, was in the mining-country about here."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not heard of the young man who came at your bidding?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me say that he came of his own accord, knowing that a great wrong
+had been done my father by one whom he believed his dearest friend. He
+came to find him and tell him all the sad truth; but why am I telling
+<i>you</i> this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you know that I am interested, that I can aid you."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you?" was the eager reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Do so, and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>"And what?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will reward you&mdash;generously."</p>
+
+<p>"I seek no reward, ask for none, would not accept any pay at your hands,
+other than to earn your good opinion and gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?" said Celeste Seldon coolly.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you found your father?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I regret to say I have not; but I was interrupted in my search by
+being captured by your robber chief."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know what became of the young man who came West in search of
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had a letter mailed at W&mdash;&mdash; from him, stating that he had heard of
+people at Last Chance who might tell him of my father, and that he was
+going there, and would at once communicate with me.</p>
+
+<p>"I had no other letter, and my communications remained unanswered, even
+my telegrams wired to Santa F&eacute; and mailed there brought no response.
+Then I decided to come out here myself, and I acted promptly."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have not found the one you seek?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>"I have discovered that the coach in which he left W&mdash;&mdash; was held up by
+your band, that he was wounded, and that though he was placed under the
+care of one known as Doctor Dick, a surgeon, though his life was saved,
+his reason was gone, and now he is wandering about the mines of Last
+Chance, a harmless lunatic."</p>
+
+<p>"He was until lately."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that he was kidnaped several days ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Kidnaped?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"For what purpose?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"By whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"My chief."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! but what ransom can he get from him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you told the chief that you were rich, and this poor fellow
+is your messenger."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you will be returned, and then negotiations will be entered into
+for your messenger's ransom."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>"Ah! I am to be still further robbed?" said Celeste, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and that is not the end," came the significant reply.</p>
+
+<p>There was something in the response of the outlaw officer that impressed
+the young girl most strangely. What more could there be in store for her
+than she had already passed through, which caused him to say that the
+end was not yet?</p>
+
+<p>The listener among the rocks kept his eyes riveted upon the two, his
+ears turned to catch every word they uttered.</p>
+
+<p>He now knew that the letter he had received, telling him, as Andrew
+Seldon, that Celeste, the daughter, was dead, was false, and a fraud
+perpetrated for some reason upon the absent miner.</p>
+
+<p>"You say that the ransom of Bernard Brandon will not be the end?" asked
+Celeste, after a moment of meditation.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not."</p>
+
+<p>"What else can there be?"</p>
+
+<p>"A great deal."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>"There will be a <i>third demand</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Upon you."</p>
+
+<p>"For what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gold."</p>
+
+<p>"By whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"The chief."</p>
+
+<p>"What will the demand be for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you the truth, as I happen to know it, or, rather, suspect
+it, from what I do know, have seen, and heard."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope that you will act squarely with me, Mr. Wolf."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my life, I will, and though I cannot help you now, must even
+appear to be your foe, in the end I will help you and prove to be your
+friend."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so."</p>
+
+<p>"You ask what this third demand will be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you ransom Bernard Brandon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"A fugitive."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>"He will be in this camp to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! then I will see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he will not arrive until after your departure."</p>
+
+<p>"I will await his coming."</p>
+
+<p>"That cannot be, for I have orders to start with you to be ransomed, and
+you are not supposed to know that he has been captured."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have told me so."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a confidential communication, and if you betray me I can render
+you no further service, for my usefulness will be gone; in fact, I would
+be put to death."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not betray you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, but let me say that Brandon will be brought here, for two
+men now have him in charge, and are on the trail here."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"You will be ransomed, and then go to Last Chance. There you will learn
+of Brandon's mysterious disappearance, and a ransom will soon after be
+demanded for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>"You will pay it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I will."</p>
+
+<p>"Then comes the third trial."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You will be captured!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is true."</p>
+
+<p>"By whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"The masked chief of The Cloven Hoofs of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of the
+Colorado."</p>
+
+<p>"He will still hunt me down?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will."</p>
+
+<p>"Being forewarned is being forearmed."</p>
+
+<p>"Not in this case."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so?"</p>
+
+<p>"He works in a most mysterious way, and do all you may you will be
+captured by him."</p>
+
+<p>"And another ransom demanded?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"And so he will continue to rob me of my gold."</p>
+
+<p>"In this case, the ransom will not be of gold."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>"I do not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"The ransom demanded <i>will be your hand in marriage</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Celeste uttered a cry of alarm, and started back with a look of horror
+upon her beautiful face.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE DEPARTURE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The reply of the outlaw officer, telling what the third demand to be
+made upon Celeste Seldon would be, caused her face to pale and her lips
+quiver, while her eyes burned brightly with indignation. She stood for a
+moment in silence, and then asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that he will make this demand upon me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that the demand will be made upon you by one who will enforce
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Who?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot tell you, more I cannot say to you, yet I will relieve
+your anxiety by saying that I will protect you, cost whose life it may."</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you are again captured, though, if I can prevent it, I will."</p>
+
+<p>"But if I am?"</p>
+
+<p>"It will end there, for then I will prove my ref<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>ormation: I will
+protect you, and that poor fellow for whom you will have to pay ransom.
+When I do, I believe I will be able to return your gold, paid in ransom,
+to you again.</p>
+
+<p>"But, whether I do or not, you will go your way free, and Brandon also,
+and I will prove that you have reformed me, that my loving you has made
+me a different man. Now I cannot, will not say more; but remember that
+through all I will secretly be your friend, though openly appearing as
+your guard and enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, and I will trust you," and stepping forward, Celeste
+Seldon held forth her hand.</p>
+
+<p>The man put forth his own, as though to grasp it, then hesitated, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"No, I will prove my reformation, my friendship, before I touch you with
+my crime-stained hand. I will call you at an early hour," and turning
+abruptly, the outlaw lover of Celeste Seldon walked away.</p>
+
+<p>Resuming her seat, the young girl became lost in thought, while Andrew
+Seldon, as we shall still call him, after gazing at her for a few
+moments in silence, turned away from his hiding-place, and crept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
+cautiously back to where he had left his game and rifle.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that his comrade would be most anxious about him, yet he
+determined to remain there for the night, and see the departure in the
+morning. He would then know just how many outlaws went with Celeste
+Seldon as a guard, and how many remained.</p>
+
+<p>So he made himself as comfortable as possible, and sank to sleep, to
+awake an hour before dawn and see the camp-fires burning brightly.</p>
+
+<p>Creeping to the safest point of observation, from which he could retreat
+unseen after daylight, should any of the outlaws remain in their camp,
+he waited for developments.</p>
+
+<p>He had not long to wait before he saw a party approaching on horseback.
+There was one in the lead, and as he came within a few yards of where he
+lay, Andrew Seldon recognized the outlaw officer, Wolf.</p>
+
+<p>He held a lariat in his hand that was attached to the bit of the horse
+following, and upon which was mounted Celeste Seldon.</p>
+
+<p>In the dim gray of early dawn, Seldon saw that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> the eyes of Celeste were
+blindfolded, and her hands rested in her lap, as though bound.</p>
+
+<p>Behind her came, in single file, five outlaws, and like their leader,
+they were masked.</p>
+
+<p>Bringing up the rear were a couple of packhorses well laden.</p>
+
+<p>The party passed on, and then Andrew Seldon turned his attention to the
+outlaw camp, in which several of the men had been left.</p>
+
+<p>Having discovered this, Seldon then crept cautiously back, picked up his
+rifle and game, and started off at a double-quick for his own camp,
+anxious to relieve his pard's anxiety regarding him, and to tell him all
+that he had discovered.</p>
+
+<p>A man of great endurance, he made a rapid run to his home, and did not
+feel it in the least. He found Lucas Langley just starting off on a
+search for him, and the welcome he received was a sincere one.</p>
+
+<p>"How glad I am to see you, Pard Seldon. Surely you were not lost?" he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed; but have you any breakfast, for I am as ravenous as a wolf,
+as I went without dinner and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> supper yesterday, and did not delay to
+cook anything this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have something in a few minutes, so wash up, and I'll get it
+for you."</p>
+
+<p>"And then we must have a talk," said Seldon, as he went down toward the
+little stream for a refreshing plunge-bath.</p>
+
+<p>"He has had an adventure of some kind, I am sure," muttered Lucas
+Langley, as he threw a fine steak upon the coals and put some fresh
+coffee in the pot.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Seldon's bath greatly refreshed him, and he ate his breakfast
+quietly, after which he said:</p>
+
+<p>"We'll not go gold-hunting to-day, pard, for I have something to tell
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel that you have seen some one in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right. I have."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they here to stay?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they think so."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are masked men, outlaws, belonging, I feel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> sure, to the
+road-agent band I heard of when at W&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"They go masked in camp?"</p>
+
+<p>"They do."</p>
+
+<p>"How many?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are, I think, nearly a dozen of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me of them, and where they are."</p>
+
+<p>"They are camped in the blue-cliff ca&ntilde;on, near our old home, and are
+working the mine we marked as number two on our map."</p>
+
+<p>"They are here for gold, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, gold-diggers in their idle moments, and at other times
+road-agents, making their retreat here, where they deem themselves
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>"They did not see you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed; but I got within fifty feet of one of their camp-fires, and
+where they had a captive."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! a prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you know him?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was a young girl."</p>
+
+<p>"The devils!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>"That is what they are, indeed; but let me tell you just what I
+discovered, overheard, and saw."</p>
+
+<p>Then Andrew Seldon told the story, and in Lucas Langley he found a most
+ready listener.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that we could rescue that girl!" said Langley, when he had heard
+all.</p>
+
+<p>"To make the attempt would be but to meet with signal failure now,
+Lucas."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear so."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, I will see that they are not left long to carry on their work of
+deviltry."</p>
+
+<p>"I am with you heart and soul."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that well, pard. But they will return the girl for the ransom
+demanded, and then they will get the amount they claim for the young man
+they spoke of."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"This will take some days, and in that time I shall act."</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they will lay their plans to kidnap the girl from Last Chance, to
+carry out this scheme of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> chief to have his third demand come in,
+and right there I shall thwart them."</p>
+
+<p>"But how can you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will start to-night for Fort Faraway."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you go there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"You told me that there were reasons why you would not go anywhere among
+those who might recognize you."</p>
+
+<p>"It is different now, and necessity demands that I take the risk. I have
+changed greatly, for my long hair and beard, my glasses and other
+changes completely disguise me from what I was, and so I will go to Fort
+Faraway."</p>
+
+<p>"For what purpose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to see Buffalo Bill, and place these facts before him, for we
+can tell him where to find the outlaws' secret retreat, and I believe
+that the girl and the young man can be saved and every member of the
+robber band captured."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a grand thing for you to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is just what I wish to do, to render some valuable service to
+the Government."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>"When shall we start?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will start to-night, but you, pard, must remain here in possession of
+our mines."</p>
+
+<p>"As you wish, pard; but will you be gone long?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a day longer than is necessary, pard."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, success go with you," was Lucas Langley's response, and the two
+men began to make preparations for the start of the one with information
+of where the retreat of the outlaw band could be found.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Seldon did not care to take a packhorse, for he wished to make
+all the time possible, and when the sun went down he was ready for the
+trail, and, with Lucas Langley accompanying him, he started down the
+ca&ntilde;on to steal by the robbers' camp.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE LONE TRAIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Well supplied with food and ammunition, having plenty of blankets along,
+for the nights were cold, and mounted upon the best one of their horses,
+Andrew Seldon felt ready to cope with whatever he might have to
+encounter in the way of hardships and dangers.</p>
+
+<p>Mufflers had been prepared for the hoofs of his horse, that he might
+leave no trail and make no sound in passing the robber camp, while a
+muzzle was carried for the nose of the animal, to prevent his neighing
+and thus betraying his presence to foes.</p>
+
+<p>After crossing the narrow ridge, the mufflers and muzzle were tied on,
+and the two men stole along, leading the horse, until they came in sight
+of the camp-fires. Only two were burning now, and about them only a few
+men were visible.</p>
+
+<p>The two men slipped by unseen with their horse, some eighth of a mile
+distant from the camp, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> having seen his pard to safety, Lucas
+Langley bade him farewell, with many good wishes for his success, and
+started upon his return.</p>
+
+<p>Mounting then, Andrew Seldon set off on his lonely and perilous mission.
+He ascended the hazardous trail, stripped his horse of his trappings
+upon reaching the deadly cliff which he had to pass around, and got
+safely by with the animal. Then he brought his saddle and trappings
+around, led the horse to the top of the ca&ntilde;on rim, and, mounting, set
+off for Fort Faraway, taking the trail that must lead him by the
+deserted camp where he had killed Black-heart Bill in a duel, and where
+the desperado rested in his grave after his tumultuous life of evil.</p>
+
+<p>By rapid riding he reached the deserted camp soon after midnight, and,
+dismounting, prepared to go into camp.</p>
+
+<p>There was the best of water and grass there, and, to be merciful to his
+horse, Andrew Seldon did not allow his own feelings to cause him to camp
+elsewhere when the animal would be the sufferer.</p>
+
+<p>Having watered his horse and staked him out to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> feed, he sat down upon a
+log near the wickiup and ate his cold supper quietly.</p>
+
+<p>Then he lighted his pipe and began to smoke with a strange calmness of
+mien, when it is remembered that there, within a few yards of him, at
+the base of the quaking aspen whose white trunk looked ghostly in the
+moonlight, was the grave of the man he had killed, the man who had been
+his boyhood friend, and afterward his bitterest foe.</p>
+
+<p>Laying aside his pipe, he spread his blankets in the wickiup, and then
+walked quietly toward the quaking aspen.</p>
+
+<p>There was the mound that marked the last resting-place of Hugh Mayhew,
+whose deeds of wickedness had won for him the name of Black-heart Bill.</p>
+
+<p>What thoughts crowded upon him as he stood there gazing upon the little
+mound of earth, knowing that only a few feet below the surface the dead
+face of his one-time friend was upturned toward him, who can tell?</p>
+
+<p>For some time he stood there, his arms folded upon his broad breast, and
+his head bowed. At last,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> a sigh found its way between his set teeth,
+and he turned away.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching the wickiup, he paused, and mused aloud:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am making a bold venture to dare go to the fort from which I
+fled on the day appointed for my execution, fled to live on here in the
+wilderness, believed to be dead, yet living, my own name cast aside, and
+living under that of one I never knew in life.</p>
+
+<p>"How strange this life is, its bitterness, sorrows, realities, and
+romance, and how strange, indeed, has been my career. Well, what will
+the end be, I wonder?</p>
+
+<p>"I am taking my life in my hands to venture to the fort, but I must save
+that poor girl, run down those outlaws, and I can only do it through
+Buffalo Bill. Now to turn in, for I must get some rest, and will, even
+in this weird spot."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The miners of Last Chance were too much excited over the expected ransom
+of Celeste Seldon, and the thought of soon having a young and beautiful
+girl in the mining-camps, to devote themselves to steady work, after the
+situation was known to them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, too, they were greatly disturbed at the mysterious disappearance
+of Bernard Brandon, the young man whose mind had been destroyed by his
+wound, and which they could not comprehend, for not the slightest trace
+had been found of him, with all their searching.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that they had been robbed, and also Celeste Seldon, was another
+disturbing element, and so it was that little work was done in the mines
+during the time following Harding's arrival and the day set for Doctor
+Dick to go out with the ransom money for the young girl whom they all so
+longed to welcome in their frontier home.</p>
+
+<p>Landlord Larry had set the example of having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> things spruced up for her
+coming, and the miners had quickly followed his example, having put
+their cabins in better condition.</p>
+
+<p>A cabin which the landlord was having built for his own especial use,
+apart from the hotel, was hastened to completion, and then the very best
+the hotel could supply was put in it as furniture and to make it
+attractive to the fair visitor, who was to be regarded as the guest of
+Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>At last, the eventful day arrived for the ransom to be paid, and the
+miners had all taken a peep into the quarters of Celeste Seldon, to see
+how attractive it was.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had furnished a number of things, and the miners who had any
+pretty robes, or souvenirs, did likewise, until it would have been a
+callous heart, indeed, that would not be touched by their devotion to
+one whom they had never seen.</p>
+
+<p>The question of an attempt to capture the road-agents had been fully
+discussed, but dismissed upon the advice of Landlord Larry, Doctor Dick,
+and Harding, who represented the danger that the girl would be in, at
+the hands of the merciless masked chief.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>That Doctor Dick was the right man to send out with the ransom all felt
+assured, for if there was any trickery on the part of the road-agents,
+he was the one to meet it.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick had even offered to go out upon horseback alone, but it was
+thought best that the coach should be sent for the visitor, and Harding
+should drive, he having met her.</p>
+
+<p>The miners, however, arranged to meet her with a delegation at the
+entrance to the valley, and escort her to the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>Every man was to be dressed in his best, and, in honor of the occasion,
+the saloons were to be all closed.</p>
+
+<p>When, at last, the day arrived, Harding mounted his box and gathered up
+his reins, Doctor Dick following to a seat by his side a moment after.</p>
+
+<p>The bag containing the gold to be paid in ransom was placed between
+their feet, Landlord Larry gave the word to go, and the coach rolled
+away at a rapid pace, followed by the wildest cheering.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor was fixed up in his most magnificent attire. His jewels shone
+with more than accustomed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> luster, and there was an expression upon his
+face that boded no good for the road-agents if they meant treachery in
+their dealings.</p>
+
+<p>Harding was also rigged out in his finest, and wore a pleased look at
+the prospect of meeting Celeste again, upon whom he considered that he
+held a special claim, and yet, underlying all, was an anxiety that some
+hitch might occur in gaining her release that would destroy all prospect
+of seeing her.</p>
+
+<p>The coach had been cleaned up to look its best, and a United States flag
+floated from a staff fastened upon the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The harnesses had been burnished up, and red, white, and blue streamers
+had been attached to the bridles, so that the whole outfit presented a
+very gorgeous appearance, and one intended to impress the beholder with
+the grandeur of the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>And so it was that Doctor Dick went out with the ransom for Celeste
+Seldon, with Harding proud at holding the reins over the picked team
+that would take her back to Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor Dick, what do you think of our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> chances?" asked Harding,
+when the coach had turned out of the valley and was fairly started upon
+the trail to the meeting with the masked road-agent chief.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean our chances, Harding?"</p>
+
+<p>"To get the young lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"You were the one to make the terms."</p>
+
+<p>"True, and I fear treachery."</p>
+
+<p>"What chance is there for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have the money."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"We are but two."</p>
+
+<p>"Very true."</p>
+
+<p>"They have the captive."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"And they can bring many against us."</p>
+
+<p>"Also very true, Harding."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, if the chief means treachery, and has his men there, he can hold
+us up, get the ransom money, still keep possession of the girl, and
+there it is."</p>
+
+<p>"He might do so; but I hardly believe we need submit to even half a
+dozen outlaws, where so much is at stake."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>"I'm with you, Doc, in whatever you say do."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, Pard Harding; but there is another way to look at this
+affair."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"If those road-agents were treacherous, as you seem to fear, it would
+end in their utter annihilation."</p>
+
+<p>"How so, Doc?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the miners would send the alarm to W&mdash;&mdash; and to Fort Faraway, and
+we would have that splendid fellow, Buffalo Bill, leading a column of
+soldiers on the hunt for them from one point, another force would push
+out from W&mdash;&mdash;, and a couple of hundred miners from Last Chance, and
+every outlaw in this part of the country would be caught and hanged."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you are right, Doc. I had not thought of the result of
+treachery on their part, for they would get the worst of it; no, I guess
+all will go well."</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, and hope so sincerely," answered Doctor Dick, and the coach
+rolled on in silence for some time, when Harding asked:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of Brandon's disappearance, doctor?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>"I hardly know what to think, unless he has fallen from some precipice
+and killed himself."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess that is it; but now let me give you a warning, Doc."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what?"</p>
+
+<p>"That young girl."</p>
+
+<p>"What have I to fear, pard?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't fall in love with her, you are a different man from what I
+take you to be."</p>
+
+<p>"You have been caught, I see."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I'm gone, clean gone; but I guess that is all the good it will do
+me, for I suppose her lover is that poor fellow Brandon."</p>
+
+<p>"You only think her lovely just because she is the only woman you have
+seen on the frontier. She is doubtless as ugly as an old maid."</p>
+
+<p>"Just wait and see her, and then say which of us is wrong," said
+Harding, with a confident smile.</p>
+
+<p>As the coach turned around a cliff, neither Doctor Dick nor Harding saw
+that there was a man standing among the pi&ntilde;ons watching them. He had,
+from his position, been able to see the coach a mile away, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> it wound
+along the valley, and he had watched it as it approached with seemingly
+the deepest interest.</p>
+
+<p>He stood erect, like a soldier on duty, one hand resting upon a
+repeating rifle, the other grasping a field-glass, which he had
+occasionally raised to his eyes and viewed the coming stage.</p>
+
+<p>He stood like a sentinel, and had been there for an hour or more before
+the coach rolled into view.</p>
+
+<p>A glance was sufficient to show that the silent sentinel on the cliff
+was none other than Buffalo Bill, the chief of scouts.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressed as was his wont, and back from the cliff a couple of
+hundred yards, grazing upon the ridge, was his horse.</p>
+
+<p>But, strangest of all, the scout-sentinel did not hail the coach, did
+not make his presence known, but allowed it to roll by, himself unseen,
+as though he wished to keep the fact of his being there a secret, even
+from Doctor Dick and Harding, his ally and spy.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">AT THE RENDEZVOUS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As the coach drew near the rendezvous appointed by the masked road-agent
+chief, at the Dead Line, Harding breathed hard with suppressed emotion.</p>
+
+<p>He had really fallen in love with the beautiful girl, whom he felt he
+was in a manner the protector of, and he was most anxious as to the
+result.</p>
+
+<p>Aside from his regard for Celeste Seldon, her unprotected condition
+would have won his deepest sympathy under any circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick, on the other hand, was calm and silent. He had the money
+demanded, and he had come to do his duty, but was prepared to face all
+emergencies that might arise.</p>
+
+<p>At last the scene of the tragedies came in view, the cross erected at
+the Dead Line was just before them, and then Harding grasped the reins,
+expecting a summons to halt.</p>
+
+<p>No one was visible in the pass, but that was no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> sign that there was no
+one there, as Harding and Doctor Dick well knew.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the leaders reached the cross, a voice called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Halt!"</p>
+
+<p>Hard went the foot of the driver upon the brake, and his hands pulled
+the team to a sudden stop.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick instinctively dropped his hand upon his revolver, but
+removed it instantly, and calmly awaited the issue.</p>
+
+<p>The coach having halted, the same voice called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any one inside the coach?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one," answered Harding.</p>
+
+<p>"If you lie to me, Harding, your life will be the forfeit."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, so be it, sir; but Doctor Dick and I are all that came."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is following you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one."</p>
+
+<p>"Did none of the miners come out from Last Chance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not one."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>"You are sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"If we are attacked, both you and Doctor Dick shall die, and if the
+force is large enough to press me hard, I shall kill the girl."</p>
+
+<p>"You need have no fear of an attack; but I only wish we dared make the
+attempt, for I would like to see every one of you hanged."</p>
+
+<p>A laugh greeted this remark of the driver, and once again the unseen
+road-agent called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Did you bring the gold?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you bring the young lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"Answer my question, Harding."</p>
+
+<p>"You answer mine."</p>
+
+<p>"I will reply when I have had an answer."</p>
+
+<p>"If you brought the young lady, as you pledged yourself to do, you can
+get the ransom money; but if you did not, you will have to fight to get
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is our trade; but the young lady is here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then get her out of your vile company as quickly as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the money?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>Before Harding could reply, Doctor Dick said sternly:</p>
+
+<p>"A truce to this nonsensical parleying. I have the money, and will pay
+it over when the young lady is given into my charge, but not before.
+Where is she?"</p>
+
+<p>The road-agent seemed impressed by the stern words of Doctor Dick, and
+responded:</p>
+
+<p>"I will go and fetch her, while you turn your coach around."</p>
+
+<p>This Harding at once did, and coming to a halt again, Doctor Dick got
+down from the box, and the bag of gold was handed to him by Harding.</p>
+
+<p>There was a wait of a few minutes, and then out from among the pines in
+the pass came a man, followed by Celeste Seldon, a few feet behind him.
+As she approached the spot, she waved her hand to Harding, and said
+pleasantly:</p>
+
+<p>"We meet again, my good friend."</p>
+
+<p>"And mighty glad am I that we do, miss. Permit me to introduce to you
+the boss man of Last Chance, Doctor Dick, and he is here with the money
+to pay your ransom."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>Doctor Dick doffed his sombrero, bowed low, and then stepped forward, as
+Celeste held out her hand to him, and said in his courtly way:</p>
+
+<p>"I am happy in meeting Miss Seldon and receiving her in the name of the
+miners of Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw who accompanied Celeste was masked completely, and his form
+enveloped in a black robe that effectually concealed it. He stepped
+toward Doctor Dick, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You, sir, have the ransom money for the return of this young lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have gold amounting to the sum demanded."</p>
+
+<p>"See here, Doc, I don't see why we should be robbed by one man, so let
+us run him in, now we have the young lady, and we will not have to pay
+the gold," and Harding suddenly covered the outlaw with his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" cried Celeste. "That will never do."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Harding, we must keep faith with him, even if he be a murderer and
+a thief. Put up your gun," said Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>The masked outlaw had not moved at the action of Harding, but now said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>"You wisely decide, Doctor Dick, for I am no fool to be caught in a
+trap, and I trust no man, so came prepared to meet treachery if it was
+intended, and this young lady will tell you that my men are within easy
+range, and you, Harding, in covering me with your revolver, took big
+chances."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't believe you would come alone, and we were fools to do so, for
+we could have fought it out right here," grumbled the driver, greatly
+disappointed at his not carrying out his suddenly determined upon plot.</p>
+
+<p>The road-agent then took the bag, opened it, ran over the gold like one
+who knew its value, and then said:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there is the amount here, no more, no less. Ask Miss Seldon if she
+has not been treated with marked respect."</p>
+
+<p>"I can but answer yes, for I have been; but am I not to have my trunk
+and side-saddle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, certainly," and the road-agent gave a signal, which was
+promptly answered by two men appearing in the edge of the pines.</p>
+
+<p>They wore long black robes and red masks, also,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> and their appearance
+was proof that their leader had not come alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring the baggage belonging to this lady, and her side-saddle and
+bridle, also," called out the leader.</p>
+
+<p>The men disappeared, and Doctor Dick asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you expect to keep up your lawless acts much longer without meeting
+the fate you deserve, Sir Outlaw?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, for the money I get is worth taking big chances for, Doctor Dick,
+and, gambler that you are, you never do a better day's work than what
+sum this gold calls for."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a long lane that has no turn, and the turn will come for you some
+day," said Harding.</p>
+
+<p>A light laugh beneath the mask was the answer, and Celeste Seldon's face
+wore a clouded expression Harding was not slow to observe.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am free to go, sir?" and Celeste turned to the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"You are, Miss Seldon," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>She turned to the coach, and Doctor Dick aided her into it, just as the
+two outlaws came up with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> the small leather trunk she had brought with
+her and her saddle and bridle.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the back seat, Celeste leaned up in one corner, as though
+fatigued, and her baggage having been put on top, Dick and Harding
+mounted to the box, the outlaws attentively regarding them through the
+eye-holes in their masks.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, pards, I still drive this trail," said the driver, with an
+air of defiance as he gathered up the reins.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't forget, Harding; but I advise you to keep in mind the story of
+the pitcher that went once too often to the well, for right here some
+day you may meet your fate."</p>
+
+<p>"If I do, you will not find me flinch from it," was the plucky response,
+and the driver called to his horses, and the team moved on.</p>
+
+<p>Looking back at the bend, the driver and Doctor Dick saw that the
+outlaws had already disappeared, while Celeste Seldon, gazing back also,
+noted the same fact, and murmured to herself:</p>
+
+<p>"What yet is before me, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the coach had got well away from the Dead Line, Harding gave a deep
+sigh of relief, for the first time feeling that Celeste was safe, and
+would not be retaken by the outlaws.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doc, she's safe now, and we didn't lose our scalps," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a cause of congratulation all round, Harding."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Doctor Dick, <i>you</i> have got to tell the young lady about the poor
+crazy fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not tell her?"</p>
+
+<p>"That his wound had crazed him, yes; but that is not the worst of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, you mean that he has been captured?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say that, Doc; but he has mysteriously disappeared."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you wish me to break the news to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, for I can't tell her what I know will hurt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> her, and it won't do
+for her to hear it from the men when she arrives in Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you are right, pard, so draw up, and I'll take a seat inside
+the coach, and tell her the news."</p>
+
+<p>"Be very gentle, Doc, for I have an idea she loves that young man."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll break it to her as gently as I can," was the response, and as
+Harding drew rein a moment after, Doctor Dick sprang down from the box,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"May I ride with you, Miss Seldon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir, if you desire."</p>
+
+<p>"I have something to talk to you about," said Doctor Dick, as he entered
+the coach and took the front seat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be glad to hear what you have to say, sir, and I desire now to
+thank you for your very great kindness toward me, while you risked your
+life in coming out here to serve me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not speak of it, Miss Seldon, for the miners all chipped in and made
+up a purse for your ransom, while they are now anxiously awaiting your
+coming to give you a right royal welcome, for you will be the first lady
+who ever came to our camp."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>"Indeed! this will be an honor; but do you mean that there are none of
+my sex there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not one, only rough men, but with noble hearts many of them, so that
+you will be made to feel at once at home."</p>
+
+<p>"How odd it will be, yet I have no hesitancy in going there, I assure
+you," and Celeste gazed into the face of the man before her with both
+interest and admiration.</p>
+
+<p>"He is strangely handsome, a manly fellow, brave, intelligent, yet a
+dangerous foe, and I wonder what has brought such a man as he to this
+far-away land?" ran her thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Seldon, what I most wished to say to you I fear will deeply pain
+you," said Doctor Dick, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me hear it, sir, for I am becoming accustomed to being pained of
+late," and Celeste was perfectly calm.</p>
+
+<p>"I was told by Harding, the driver, that you were on your way to Last
+Chance, to look up a friend who had come here on a mission for you, and
+who you had feared was in trouble?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>"Yes, and my fears were realized when I learned that the coach in which
+he was a passenger had been held up, I believe that is what you call it,
+by road-agents, and Mr. Brandon was so severely wounded in the head that
+his brain was turned."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but that is not all, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! what else is there to tell?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was under my care for a long while, and I did all that I could to
+restore his reason, except to perform an operation for his relief, which
+I feared to risk."</p>
+
+<p>"So Mr. Harding told me."</p>
+
+<p>"When his bodily health was restored he left my cabin and roamed about
+the camps up to a week ago, when he most mysteriously disappeared. We
+had all the miners out upon a search for him, did all in our power to
+find him, but in vain, and what his fate has been is only conjecture."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is that conjecture, Doctor Dick, for I believe you are so
+called?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am known to all solely as Doctor Dick; but let me answer your
+question by replying that we be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>lieve the poor fellow has lost his life
+by falling over a cliff."</p>
+
+<p>"Such is not the case, sir," was the reply that startled the doctor.
+"Mr. Brandon is now a captive of the road-agents."</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dick gazed at Celeste Seldon in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know this, Miss Seldon, or is it only conjecture on your part?"
+he asked, when he had recovered from his surprise.</p>
+
+<p>He had come prepared to console, but, instead, had found the young girl
+cool and with apparently knowledge which he did not possess regarding
+the man whom Harding had said he believed was her lover.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, Doctor Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask how?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have just been a captive of the outlaws myself, and in coming here
+from their secret retreat we met two of the road-agents with a prisoner.
+The leader had some talk with them, but though I at once recognized Mr.
+Brandon, I was not allowed to speak with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you request it?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>"Naturally."</p>
+
+<p>"But were refused?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Was any reason given?"</p>
+
+<p>"Simply that I would not be allowed to, and, if I did, Mr. Brandon would
+not know me, as he was crazy, while they did not care to have me do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Where was this, Miss Seldon?"</p>
+
+<p>"A short distance after we left their retreat."</p>
+
+<p>"Could you lead the way to their retreat?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, for I was blindfolded and bound miles before reaching there."</p>
+
+<p>"The outlaw chief did this?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was not along, but it was done by his orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not speak to him of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not seen him since."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, was not that the chief who gave you over to me to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly thought so."</p>
+
+<p>"It was his lieutenant, who took me to the retreat and back under his
+orders."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>"And where is the chief?"</p>
+
+<p>"At his other hiding-place, his men said."</p>
+
+<p>"You were well treated, I hope, Miss Seldon?"</p>
+
+<p>"With perfect respect and consideration, sir, I am happy to say, the
+only indignity being that I was blindfolded and had my hands bound in
+approaching and leaving the outlaw retreat; but I suppose that was
+necessary for the safety of the band."</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly take it most coolly."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do otherwise, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know the motive of the road-agents in making that poor crazy
+fellow a prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Money."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"They doubtless captured his baggage, and discovered by it papers that
+went to show that a big ransom would be paid for his release."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! they will demand a ransom for him, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Assuredly."</p>
+
+<p>"The miners will hardly pay it if it is a large sum."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not ask them to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>"Who will pay it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will."</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, but you are a young girl, and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A rich one, nevertheless, Doctor Dick. I sent Mr. Brandon to the West
+on this mission, and he has met with misfortune. I will pay the ransom
+demanded, take him East, and place him in the care of the most eminent
+surgeons, that they may aid him if it is possible. You, as a skilled
+surgeon, for such I have heard you were, might tell me what you deem the
+chances are for his recovery?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Seldon, the blow of that bullet caused an indenture of the skull,
+which might be operated upon and successfully raised so as to restore
+his reason. The chances are ninety-nine to a hundred against success,
+and only the most skilful surgeon and nervy one could accomplish it, if
+done."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; the one chance in favor shall be taken, for without reason
+one might as well be dead&mdash;yes, far better."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will stand all this expense?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>"Certainly, for it is my intention to pay back to the miners every
+dollar they subscribed for my ransom, for, as I said, I have the means
+to do it, and far more."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a plucky woman, Miss Seldon; but see, we are approaching the
+valley now, and you must prepare for a welcome," and Doctor Dick called
+to Harding to come to a halt.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE MINERS' WELCOME.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Harding drew up promptly at the call of Doctor Dick. He had heard the
+voices of the two within the stage, yet not what was said, and he was
+anxious to know how Celeste took the news of the disappearance of the
+man whom she had come to the wild Western frontier to see.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that I shall mount to the box, sir?" asked Celeste, in
+answer to what the doctor had said after the coach halted.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, Miss Seldon, for the men will wish to see you, and within ten
+minutes more we will be in the valley."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I cannot refuse, sir," and Celeste sprang out of the coach
+and mounted to the box, taking her seat by the side of Harding, while
+Doctor Dick settled himself upon her trunk upon the top of the coach.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, miss, we'll make 'em hum," said Harding,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> and he cracked his whip
+in a way that sent the team along at a splendid pace.</p>
+
+<p>As they neared the turn into the valley, Harding took a bugle, in lieu
+of a stage-horn, and played in a skilful manner the ringing notes of
+"Annie Laurie," intending the sentiment to apply to Celeste, Doctor Dick
+from his perch the while taking the reins.</p>
+
+<p>The notes of the bugle ringing out, the touching air brought tears to
+the eyes of Celeste Seldon, who, however, was startled a moment after,
+as the stage came in sight of a hundred horsemen drawn up in two lines,
+one on either side of the trail.</p>
+
+<p>They were a wild, reckless-looking lot of rough riders, but the cheer
+they gave when they saw Celeste on the box came from their hearts.</p>
+
+<p>Their hats were doffed, and as the yells burst from their lips they
+closed in behind the coach, four abreast, and came dashing along as an
+escort.</p>
+
+<p>Celeste waved her handkerchief vigorously, her beautiful face flushed to
+crimson and her lips quivering, her eyes swimming with the emotion that
+almost overwhelmed her.</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for the lady of Last Chance," came<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> in the deep voice of
+Doctor Dick, from the top of the coach, and they were given with savage
+earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>Along dashed the coach, Harding lashing his horses into a run and
+driving with marvelous skill, while behind them thundered the hundred
+horsemen, yelling like demons in their glad welcome to the first lady to
+visit their wild camp.</p>
+
+<p>Celeste saw the cabins along the ca&ntilde;on valley, perched here and there
+upon the hills, and at last discovered the group of buildings that
+marked the settlement the miners were pleased to call the "City" of Last
+Chance.</p>
+
+<p>Gathered there was a vast crowd of men, and when the stage came in
+sight, and three persons were seen on top, with the mounted escort
+hastening after, the yells of welcome began.</p>
+
+<p>The roar floated down the valley, and reached the ears of Celeste
+Seldon, and she muttered in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"How kind they all are. This is, indeed, a welcome to be proud of, and
+never can I forget it."</p>
+
+<p>"They mean it, miss," said Harding and he felt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> just pride in his
+frontier home at the reception, and the manner in which Celeste received
+it greatly pleased him.</p>
+
+<p>On flew the horses, and up the hill they dashed, to at last come to a
+halt before the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>The din was now terrific, for the voices of the horsemen joined in with
+the miners about the hotel, who, with one accord, drew their revolvers
+and began to empty them in the air.</p>
+
+<p>As there were hundreds of miners, and all were armed with a couple each
+of revolvers, the rattling of the fusillade may be imagined.</p>
+
+<p>Celeste bowed right and left, waving her handkerchief, until Landlord
+Larry aided her to dismount and led her into the hotel, and the welcome
+was at an end.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE COUNCIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Celeste Seldon was not one to put on airs. She had been well reared, was
+refined, lovable by nature, plucky enough for a man, for she had the
+heart and will to do and dare anything where duty called, and yet she
+was as simple as a child by nature.</p>
+
+<p>She was deeply touched by the reception she had received, and, in
+glancing about, when she saw only a wild-looking set of men, rude log
+cabins, and an air of the far frontier pervading all, she knew that it
+was just what she must expect to see, and she at once adapted herself to
+circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>She was escorted by Landlord Larry to her cabin, Harding himself
+bringing her trunk and another miner her saddle and bridle.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the cabin revealed to her at a glance how much had
+been done to make her comfortable, and she praised the neat quarters and
+expressed the greatest satisfaction in her surroundings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>When she went over to the hotel to dinner, the whole crowd of miners
+there rose at her entrance, and every hat was doffed and placed beneath
+the bench on which the man sat, for hat-racks were not one of the
+luxuries of the last Chance Hotel, and a miner would as soon have
+thought of parting with his pistols as his head-covering.</p>
+
+<p>At his own table, where sat, besides himself, Doctor Dick and Harding,
+Landlord Larry placed Celeste Seldon, and she was given the best the
+house afforded, and expressed herself as being treated far more kindly
+than she had had the slightest anticipation of.</p>
+
+<p>The meal concluded, Celeste said that she would like to consult with the
+three she regarded as her immediate protectors, the Landlord, Doctor
+Dick, and Harding.</p>
+
+<p>So the three met her in the landlord's private office, and Celeste at
+once said:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish first to thank all of my kind friends here, through you,
+gentlemen, for the very generous manner in which you have received and
+treated me here. I know that the ransom money demanded for my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> release
+was quickly raised by the people here, you three being particularly
+generous; but I desire to say that I have the money to pay you back, and
+will do so."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, under no circumstances, Miss Seldon," said Doctor Dick eagerly,
+and the others chimed in with him.</p>
+
+<p>But Celeste was firm in her determination, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have no claim upon you, and, besides, I am very well off, so I shall
+insist, and, Landlord Larry, I will give you a draft for the amount upon
+an Eastern bank, and for more, as there will be another demand upon me,
+in the amount to ransom the one who came here for me, Mr. Bernard
+Brandon."</p>
+
+<p>"But will you pay his ransom, Miss Seldon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Landlord Larry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think," said Doctor Dick, "that as you came to visit Last Chance, we,
+the dwellers here, should be responsible, and pay these ransoms."</p>
+
+<p>"So say I," put in Harding quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"And I agree with you," added the landlord.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>"Under no circumstances will I hear to it, for I will pay all, my own
+and the ransom of Mr. Brandon, so please send the draft through for the
+money, Landlord Larry, and while here I will take steps to find out all
+I can regarding my father, who was last heard of in this part of the
+country."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Seldon, <i>I</i> can tell you what you must know sooner or later about
+your father, who, let me say, was also my friend," said Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed hard that, in the joy of her release from captivity in the
+hands of the outlaws, Celeste Seldon should feel the blow of knowing
+that the unfortunate Bernard Brandon had been captured and she would
+have to pay a ransom for him, while she also had to suffer still further
+in learning what was her father's fate, as told her by Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>It had been a long time since she had seen her father, the last time
+when she was a little girl, and she remembered that he had left home
+under a cloud, and she had never expected to see him again.</p>
+
+<p>With her mother dead, and her father a fugitive wanderer, she had been
+sent by her guardian, left so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> by the wishes of her parents, to a
+Northern school, and there had had no one upon whom to lean.</p>
+
+<p>At the words and tone of Doctor Dick, she nerved herself to bear the
+worst; and asked calmly:</p>
+
+<p>"What have you to tell me, Doctor Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of your father."</p>
+
+<p>"You knew him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, for, though my senior in years, we were devoted friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen him since coming West?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not; but let me tell you that, when on a scout with Buffalo
+Bill, the latter was rescued by a person who was alone, and on his way
+to W&mdash;&mdash;. The scout had with him a prisoner, a deserter from the army
+and a murderer, who had been taken here in Last Chance, and he was
+taking him a prisoner to Fort Faraway, when he was attacked by a
+desperado by the name of Headlight Joe and his gang.</p>
+
+<p>"With his horse shot and falling upon him, Buffalo Bill would have been
+killed and his prisoner rescued, but for the coming of the horseman
+referred to, and who put the outlaws to flight. He gave the name of
+Andrew Seldon, said nothing as to why he was in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> that part of the
+country, or where he lived, and went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>"When I came up with Buffalo Bill, and heard his story of his rescue,
+and the name of his rescuer, it at once recalled my old-time friend,
+and, with the scout as my companion, we later sought to find him. We
+trailed him to his home, where he had dwelt with one other comrade."</p>
+
+<p>"And where was that, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of the Colorado, Miss Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"And you found him?" eagerly asked Celeste, while the landlord and
+Harding gazed at her with deepest sympathy at what they felt she must
+hear.</p>
+
+<p>"We found his house, or, rather, the wreck of it, for, mining under a
+cliff a thousand feet in height, it had caved in upon them, burying them
+beneath a mountain of red sandstone."</p>
+
+<p>Celeste shuddered and covered her face with her hands, but very quickly
+regained her composure, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure that my father was in the mine when it caved in?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>"I am very sure, Miss Seldon, that both he and his comrade were. We, the
+scout and myself, were camped in the ca&ntilde;on, and heard the cave-in, and
+it felt like a mighty earthquake, and was at night.</p>
+
+<p>"We made a thorough search the next day, but could not find any trace of
+a human being, and their horses shared the same fate, with a dog, also,
+which we heard barking that same night. Yes, there is no doubt of your
+father's fate."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, Doctor Dick, for your telling me all; but I must see
+Buffalo Bill, the famous scout, and ask him to guide me to the fatal
+spot, the scene of my father's lone life in these wilds, and of his
+death," said Celeste, in a low tone that revealed how deeply she felt
+her father's fate.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A METAMORPHOSIS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Harding met with old Huckleberry, the stage-driver, who had so
+mysteriously disappeared, and whose fate was a mystery to the miners of
+Last Chance, that old worthy saw the coach drive on its way while he
+regarded its departure with the complacency of one not afraid to be left
+alone, and fully capable of taking care of himself.</p>
+
+<p>He stood for some time in silent meditation, after the coach had
+disappeared, and then, shouldering his rifle, struck off over the
+mountains, with an evident purpose in view.</p>
+
+<p>A walk of some ten miles brought him to a secluded nook in the
+mountains, a perfect basin a dozen acres in size, heavily wooded, with
+plenty of grass and water.</p>
+
+<p>A narrow pass, not twenty feet in width, was the only entrance to the
+basin, and this was securely fastened up with long poles.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>Over this old Huckleberry clambered, and as he walked into the basin, a
+couple of horses feeding there greeted him with a welcoming neigh. In
+the farther end, among the pines, was a brush cabin, and in it were
+blankets and a camping-outfit, with saddle, pack-saddle, and bridles.</p>
+
+<p>Old Huckleberry proceeded to build a fire and cook dinner, after which
+he caught one of his horses, saddled him, and strapped on some blankets
+and a bag of provisions.</p>
+
+<p>Leading the horse out of the basin, he replaced the barrier securely, so
+that the other animal could not get out, and, mounting, started off for
+the fort. As he rode alone, he muttered to himself:</p>
+
+<p>"I can do nothing alone, I feel certain, and by this time the one man
+whose aid I can best depend upon is at the fort, and he will gladly
+return with me."</p>
+
+<p>Pressing on at a steady gait, he did not halt until some time after
+nightfall, and then built no fire, but ate a cold supper, staked his
+horse out, rolled up in his blankets, and was soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>He rose early, and the coming of day found him several miles on his way
+from his night camp.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>About eight o'clock he halted, built a fire, broiled the steak of an
+antelope he had killed, some crackers and bacon, his horse faring well
+on the grass near-by.</p>
+
+<p>A rest of an hour and a half, and he was again in the saddle, keeping up
+the same steady gait until noon, when another halt was made for a couple
+of hours. On through the afternoon he urged his horse once more, halting
+only after nightfall.</p>
+
+<p>Two hours before daybreak he was in the saddle, and now his horse was
+pushed more rapidly forward, as though a long rest lay not very far
+ahead.</p>
+
+<p>It was two hours before noon when the worn-out horse pricked up his ears
+as he saw a flag fluttering in the skies a mile ahead.</p>
+
+<p>In through the stockade gate of Fort Faraway rode old Huckleberry, and
+he asked to be at once taken to the quarters of the commanding officer.
+Major Randall surveyed the old fellow keenly, and said pleasantly:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, old man, what can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell yer, pard, soon as I sees ef thet gent in sojer clothes ain't
+goin' ter speak ter a old friend," and old Huck looked over to an
+officer who was talk<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>ing to Major Randall when he entered. The man wore
+a fatigue uniform, and his shoulder-straps bore the rank of a captain,
+with the insignia of a surgeon of cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>He was tall, erect, had broad shoulders, and was of powerful build,
+while, strange to say for an officer, he wore his black hair long and
+falling in heavy masses down his back.</p>
+
+<p>His face was full of decision, courage, and intelligence, and handsome,
+as well, and in his dark, piercing eyes there was a strange mixture of
+gentleness and a fiery nature combined. In a voice strangely musical for
+a man's, he said, as he arose:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear old pard, am I so remiss as to forget the face of a friend,
+for, though I see that it is familiar, I cannot just place you."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Pard Doc, I thinks that ain't jist squar' ter fergit a old
+friend," said old Huckleberry, while Major Randall said:</p>
+
+<p>"He certainly knows you well, Major Powell."</p>
+
+<p>"And I knows Major Randall well, too; but as you don't seem ter git
+onter jist who I is gents, I'll tell yer by taking off my wig and
+specs&mdash;see!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>The wig, or shock, rather, of long gray hair was removed, the spectacles
+taken off, and the face of Buffalo Bill was revealed to the astonished
+gaze of Major Randall and Surgeon Powell, who both uttered an
+exclamation of amazement, and then burst out into hearty laughter, at
+the metamorphosis of old Huckleberry into the noted chief of scouts.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Cody, what does this masquerading mean?" cried Major Randall,
+after he and Surgeon Powell had shaken hands with the scout.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a part of a plot, major, for I have been driving stage," answered
+the scout.</p>
+
+<p>"Driving stage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, I took the semimonthly coach running from W&mdash;&mdash; to Last
+Chance, after the road-agents had killed Benton and Dockery, and no one
+cared to drive the run, unless it was Doctor Dick, the gold-gambler of
+Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he take the coach through, Cody?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, sir, he is not a man to scare, and he drove several runs; but
+then his professional duties as gambler and doctor kept him busy, and I
+rigged up as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> old Huckleberry, and drove the runs, to see what I could
+find out."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did you find out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I discovered sufficient, sir, to stretch several ropes with
+human weights."</p>
+
+<p>"That means you are on the right trail to bag those road-agents?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"They appear to be well handled?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are, sir, for their chief is a man of remarkable pluck, cunning,
+and skill, and he handles them in a masterly manner."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe his own men could tell you, sir, for he goes masked
+and robed in black, even covering up his horse from ears to tail."</p>
+
+<p>"That is strange."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the safest plan, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And who is driving now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Harding, sir, the ex-soldier, and whom, I may confidentially say,
+major, I have taken into my service, not as a scout, but as a spy, at
+Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>"A fine fellow, but I fear he will be killed as driver on that trail."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not, sir, and he has escaped splendidly through great dangers
+thus far."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what will be your plans now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have been hanging on the trail, sir, since my mysterious
+disappearance as old Huckleberry, and have been hovering about the Death
+Line, taking notes and seeing what I could discover. I have a camp in a
+basin in the mountain range, and there I left my packhorse and outfit
+while I came here."</p>
+
+<p>"You have something to report to me, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, not particularly, though I came for a purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"And that purpose, Cody?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was aware, sir, that Surgeon Frank Powell was coming to the fort, to
+relieve Doctor Dey, and that his duties as surgeon would not begin for
+some weeks yet. As we have been on so many scouting-expeditions
+together, and Doctor Powell is a regiment in himself, I wanted him to go
+back with me and unearth these road-agents, following their trail to the
+very end."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>"You could have no one better. What do you say, Powell?"</p>
+
+<p>"How could I refuse, major, after Bill's most flattering remarks about
+what I can do, and which prove he has Irish blood in his veins."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I knew that you would go, Frank," responded Cody.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I will, and am ready when you say the word, only I must ask
+Major Randall for a leave, should we not accomplish our purpose before I
+am ordered for duty here."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be all right, Powell. When will you start, Cody, for Doctor
+Powell will have to first relieve Doctor Dey, as that would be the best
+plan, and then go, leaving his assistant surgeon in charge."</p>
+
+<p>"It is for you to decide, major."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, say in just ten days from now."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir; but, after a couple of days' rest, I had better return
+to my basin camp, and be on the watch, and I can tell Surgeon Powell
+just where I will meet him upon a certain date."</p>
+
+<p>"You know best, Cody; but do not venture much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> until Powell joins you,
+for well I know what a team you two make together."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel certain, sir, that together we can run down these masked
+marauders," was the confident reply of Buffalo Bill, and when he went to
+his quarters, soon after, Surgeon Powell accompanied him, for the two
+were the closest of friends.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE DRIVER'S LETTER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>After several days' stay at the fort, Buffalo Bill started upon his
+return to his secret camp near Last Chance trail. He took with him
+another packhorse, well laden with bedding and supplies, for the weather
+was growing steadily colder and winter would soon be upon the land.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that little snow generally fell as far down as the Last Chance
+trail, but it would be well to be prepared for any emergency, and as the
+coaches ran through the winter, the road-agents would by no means take a
+rest.</p>
+
+<p>Riding leisurely on the back trail, not caring to push his horses too
+hard, Buffalo Bill reached his basin camp in the mountains on the third
+day, and the animal he left there pranced like a colt at seeing him come
+back.</p>
+
+<p>His first work was to make his quarters more secure and comfortable, and
+this took him a day, and the following, having strengthened the barrier
+in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> pass, to prevent his horses from breaking out, he started off on
+foot for the W&mdash;&mdash; and Last Chance stage-trail.</p>
+
+<p>He would not ride, as he did not wish his trail to be seen by any
+prowling road-agents, and on foot he could accomplish more and be
+concealed far better than if he had gone mounted.</p>
+
+<p>Before parting with Surgeon Frank Powell at the fort, Buffalo Bill had
+drawn a map of the country, marking the trail the surgeon-scout was to
+follow, and also just where he was to meet him, the place of rendezvous
+being the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart Bill.</p>
+
+<p>When Buffalo Bill approached the trail, at the scene of the Dead Line
+tragedies, he went most cautiously. But no one was there, and going up
+to the little cross, the scout bent over and thrust his hand into the
+spot where, as old Huckleberry, he had his "post-office" with Harding.</p>
+
+<p>He took out a slip of paper, and read it with clouded brow. It was as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I slip away at night from Last Chance to leave this
+here for you. It was unfortunate that you should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> have
+had to go to the fort when you did, as on my run back I
+was held up here by the agents.</p>
+
+<p>"I had taken your advice, and pressed through the other
+end at night, thus escaping men lying in wait for me.</p>
+
+<p>"On my return I had a young lady passenger, a Miss
+Celeste Seldon, coming out here to find her father, a
+miner, and a young man whom she had sent in search of
+him. It was the young man I told you of who had been
+wounded and had never regained his reason.</p>
+
+<p>"I had a large sum of money, which was taken, and Miss
+Seldon was carried off as a captive, to be held for
+ransom.</p>
+
+<p>"The miners have subscribed the ransom money, and she
+is to be released. I will let you know particulars more
+fully as soon as I get the opportunity, endeavoring to
+have a letter here for you when I come to make the
+exchange, paying the ransom and receiving the lady from
+the outlaws.</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor Dick will come with me; but the outlaws
+threaten to kill Miss Seldon if others come, or if any
+one else leaves Last Chance to pursue them, and that
+chief will keep his word.</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="smcap">Harding</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>Then there followed a postscript, which read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The young messenger, Bernard Brandon, has most
+mysteriously disappeared, and no search can find him.</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right;">"H."</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>Buffalo Bill read this letter over twice, and said in a musing way:</p>
+
+<p>"Those outlaws are becoming bold, indeed, when they deliberately rob a
+young girl and make her their prisoner. The man Brandon was her
+messenger, sent in search of her father, and his mysterious
+disappearance, <i>to me</i>, means that he has been captured by the
+road-agents.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I dare not halt the coach on the way to receive the girl, if the
+road-agents give her up; but I will be on the watch, see it go by, and
+be as near this spot when the ransom is paid as I dare be, for from here
+I may be able to track those devils to their lair."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, the scout set out upon his return for his basin camp.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Buffalo Bill returned from the Dead Line to his secret camp, it was
+to prepare himself for several days' absence from it, for his intention
+was to hang about the Last Chance trail, discovering all that it was in
+his power to do.</p>
+
+<p>He found a retreat upon a cliff, where there was a thicket of pines,
+giving him a view in both directions of the trail for a mile or more.</p>
+
+<p>He saw from there the coach coming to the rendezvous, with the ransom
+money for Celeste Seldon's release, and upon the box beside the driver
+was Doctor Dick.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the scout did not know who might be inside the stage, so dared not
+make any sign of his presence.</p>
+
+<p>On went the coach, and Buffalo Bill at once started down from the cliff,
+and followed in its trail at an Indian trot, which kept him well up with
+it, yet just out of sight.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>As he approached the Dead Line, he went more cautiously, and, reaching
+the entrance to the pass, made a flank movement and climbed to the top
+of the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>It was after continued search that he at last found a point of
+observation, and he risked his life by reaching a spot where he would be
+dashed to death, hundreds of feet below, should his foot slip or nerve
+fail him.</p>
+
+<p>From this spot, where he clung to a tree, he turned his field-glass down
+the pass, and could see the coach standing at the Dead Line, a quarter
+of a mile away. He saw that the coach had been turned to the
+right-about, the team being headed back for Last Chance, and Doctor Dick
+was standing near it, Harding being still on the box and grasping the
+reins.</p>
+
+<p>Watching, with every nerve strung, the scout saw the masked road-agent
+appear, and later the fair captive. Then followed two other road-agents
+bearing the baggage of Celeste Seldon, and soon after the coach started
+upon its return.</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill could not have reached a point to head it off had he tried,
+and he felt that he must still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> be cautious. But he was determined to
+reach the Dead Line and take up the trail from there, for certainly the
+road-agents had not allowed Celeste Seldon to walk to the scene of the
+exchange.</p>
+
+<p>After half an hour he gained a point just over the Dead Line, and from
+there saw that all was quiet. The outlaws had left, beyond all doubt.</p>
+
+<p>It was an hour before the scout could make his way around to the Dead
+Line, and there he felt in the little "post-office" for a letter from
+Harding. But none was there.</p>
+
+<p>"He dared not attempt it," he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>Then taking a leaf from his note-book, he wrote:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am again on the trail. I saw the lady returned to
+you. I will take the outlaws' trail from here, and hope
+to track them to their lair.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few days, now, I will have the surgeon-scout with
+me in my work, so the end is not far away.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep me posted as before, as I will you.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: right; padding-right: 2em;">"Yours,</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top: 0em; text-align: right;">B.&nbsp;B."</p></div>
+
+<p>This was placed in the receptacle near the cross, and, shouldering his
+rifle, Buffalo Bill set out to look for trails.</p>
+
+<p>It took him a long while to satisfy himself that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> he was on the right
+track, but at last he struck off at a lively step along a trail which
+only a man of his frontier skill could have discovered.</p>
+
+<p>After a walk of a mile he suddenly came upon a spot where there were the
+tracks of a horse visible. These he followed a mile farther, and the
+scout saw that the ground was trampled down, but not by hoofs.</p>
+
+<p>The track he had followed thus far had been that of one hoof only,
+showing that the other three had been muffled, but one had lost its
+covering.</p>
+
+<p>The trampled grass and ground revealed that the horses had been left
+there, and all had had their hoofs muffled in some way.</p>
+
+<p>But the keen eyes of the scout picked up the trail, and he followed it
+quite rapidly until he came to a small stream.</p>
+
+<p>"There were eight horses along, as their tracks show here, but how many
+men I do not know. When they have gone some miles farther they will
+remove the muffles from their horses' hoofs, and then the trail will be
+easy to follow, and it now looks to me as though I will be able to track
+them to their retreat, and that means the end.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>"But night is coming on now, and this is just the place for me to branch
+off and go to my own camp, following the trail to-morrow on horseback."</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill quickly decided what course he would pursue. He would walk
+to his camp, get some provisions and an increased outfit, return there
+for the balance of the night and go into camp, so as to make an early
+start in the morning directly on the trail.</p>
+
+<p>So he set out at a rapid walk, and within three hours' time had reached
+his basin camp. He quickly set to work to look up some provisions and
+get ready for his trail, and in an hour was ready to start, mounted upon
+his best horse.</p>
+
+<p>It was after midnight when he reached his camping-place, but he was soon
+asleep, wrapped snugly in his blankets, while his horse was resting and
+feeding.</p>
+
+<p>With the breaking of dawn he was up and ready to start, and a few miles
+away discovered the spot where the outlaws had removed the muffles from
+the hoofs of their horses.</p>
+
+<p>From there on he felt no further anxiety about the trail, so cooked his
+breakfast, ate it leisurely, and again started on his way.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>He understood now thoroughly why the outlaws had left no trails going to
+and coming from the Dead Line and other points upon the Overland Trail.
+The muffled hoofs of the horses explained this, and they stuck to their
+determination to leave no tracks until they got far away from the scene
+of their evil deeds.</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill did not believe that he would have to go very far from the
+Dead Line before he found their retreat, and was expecting to find out
+where they were in hiding within half a day's ride from his
+starting-point.</p>
+
+<p>But noon came, and still the trail led him on. He had plenty of time, so
+did not hurry. He could do nothing alone, other than to discover the
+retreat, and then he would make for his rendezvous with the
+surgeon-scout, and together they would plan their future movements.</p>
+
+<p>But night came on, and found him still on the trail. He was compelled to
+go into camp, for he could not follow it by night, and he soon made
+himself comfortable.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>Again he started after daybreak, and a ride of several hours caused him
+to say:</p>
+
+<p>"This trail is surely leading direct to the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of the Colorado.
+Can they have sought that weird land for a retreat?&mdash;yet why not, for no
+safer one could be found."</p>
+
+<p>Within an hour more he felt that the country had a familiar look, and he
+was not long in discovering upon riding a few miles farther, that he had
+ridden right along there with Doctor Dick when on the trail of Andrew
+Seldon.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he came upon the grand vista of the ca&ntilde;on, and at once drew
+rein. There before him was the mighty view that had so impressed him on
+his former visit, and he knew that the outlaws must have found a retreat
+in the depths of the Grand Ca&ntilde;on.</p>
+
+<p>Not daring to go farther on horseback, he rode off the trail to find a
+hiding-place for his horse, and, after a search, discovered a little
+glen where he felt that he would be safe, unless his trail was
+discovered and he was tracked there.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pool of water in one end and grass<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> about it, so he staked
+his horse out, feeling that he could at least subsist comfortably there
+for a couple of days, should he be kept away that long.</p>
+
+<p>Hiding his saddle and bridle he set out on foot, with a couple of
+blankets strapped on his back, his bag of provisions, rifle, lasso, and
+belt of arms.</p>
+
+<p>He went back to the trail and again took it up where he had left it to
+hide his horse. Every step forward now was one of caution, for the
+country was open in places, and he did not know what moment he might
+come upon a party of outlaws and have to fight for his life.</p>
+
+<p>But he reached the rim of the ca&ntilde;on by dark, and a short search revealed
+to him that the trail down into the depths of the tremendous chasm had
+been discovered also by the road-agents, and their tracks led down into
+it.</p>
+
+<p>The night passed with a cold supper and breakfast, and then he set off
+on foot down the dizzy pathway leading to the bottom of the ca&ntilde;on, for
+now he felt sure that he would discover the lair of the outlaws, and
+that done and his own presence unknown to them, he could arrange for an
+attack upon them at his leisure.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE MINER'S MISSION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The gold-hunter, Andrew Seldon, rode on his way from his retreat in the
+ca&ntilde;on, determined to risk his life by returning to Fort Faraway and
+reporting the presence in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on of the masked outlaw band.</p>
+
+<p>If recognized as Sergeant Wallace Weston, under sentence of death, he
+would be at once arrested and his execution would follow.</p>
+
+<p>But he knew that Wallace Weston was believed to be dead, reported as
+dying of starvation in the desert at the time of his escape.</p>
+
+<p>As Sergeant Weston he had been an erect man of martial bearing, with a
+face smoothly shaven and hair cut short. As Andrew Seldon he wore his
+hair long, and his beard fell half-way down to his belt, while he
+further had a pair of spectacles to disguise his eyes with, and had
+manufactured a hump in the shoulders of his coat that gave him a changed
+form, like one who stoops badly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>"But come what may, I shall risk it," he said firmly, as he went on his
+way.</p>
+
+<p>After his night in the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart
+Bill he struck out for Fort Faraway. Suddenly he drew his horse to a
+halt as he saw a dust-cloud far ahead. It was approaching him, and it
+was made by horses crossing a sandy part of the country.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the dust suddenly emerged a horseman, and behind him followed a
+pack-animal.</p>
+
+<p>Hidden in a clump of timber Andrew Seldon saw that it was a white man,
+and that the trail he was following would bring him near his position.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that it is Buffalo Bill," he muttered, as he saw that the
+horseman was clad in buckskin and wore his hair long. But as he came
+nearer he said eagerly:</p>
+
+<p>"It is the surgeon-scout&mdash;Doctor Frank Powell!"</p>
+
+<p>The coming horseman eyed the timber carefully as he approached.
+Something had evidently made him suspicious of danger there, and,
+turning to the left, he was about to flank it, when Andrew Seldon rode
+into view and waved his hat.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>Then he rode forward once more, but cautiously, for the chances were
+that the man he saw might be a foe, he well knew.</p>
+
+<p>But Andrew Seldon raised his hands above his head, in token of peace,
+and Surgeon Powell rode straight toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare not let him know who I am, though I would trust him, Heaven
+knows. He knows me as well as any man, and I'll see how I stand the test
+of his piercing eyes," muttered the gold-hunter, and, as the
+surgeon-scout drew nearer, he called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you Buffalo Bill, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I am Surgeon Frank Powell, of the army."</p>
+
+<p>"I see now, sir, that you are not Buffalo Bill, for I met him once when
+he was in a tight place with road-agents. Are you from Fort Faraway,
+sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I was on my way there to see Buffalo Bill, when I saw you coming, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am on my way to seek Buffalo Bill, for I have an appointment to
+meet him not many miles from here at a deserted camp, where there is a
+grave."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>"I know it well, sir, for I made the grave, and I stopped there last
+night."</p>
+
+<p>"You made what grave?"</p>
+
+<p>"The grave of Black-heart Bill, the desperado, who is buried there."</p>
+
+<p>"You killed him, you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, sir, for he had wronged me greatly."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, may I ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Andrew Seldon, sir, and I am a miner."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me that Buffalo Bill has spoken to me of you, in fact, I am
+sure of it now, for you it was who saved him from Headlight Joe and his
+outlaws."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But Cody believes you to be dead."</p>
+
+<p>"How so, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"He wished to find you, so tracked you into the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, to find
+your house buried beneath a fallen cliff, and he thought you were
+beneath it all."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I escaped; but as you are going to seek Buffalo Bill may I
+join you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You may join me, Mr. Seldon, and I shall be glad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> to have your
+company," said Surgeon Powell, as he rode along by the side of the
+gold-hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"I will be your guide to the deserted camp, sir; but do you expect to
+find Mr. Cody there?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, but should he not be I shall await him."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear you say that, sir, for I am most anxious to see him,
+and I will tell you why."</p>
+
+<p>"If you care to."</p>
+
+<p>"I know your secret, Surgeon Powell, and am delighted to feel that I
+will have your aid as well as Buffalo Bill's in what I wish to do."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you wish to do, Mr. Seldon?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will have to ask you to keep my secret, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Surgeon Powell, I am a miner, and I strolled into the Grand Ca&ntilde;on
+of the Colorado in my prospecting tours, and there discovered several
+rich gold claims. On my way there it was that I came upon a camp, and in
+it I found an unfortunate fellow who was wounded, yet bound securely.</p>
+
+<p>"He had gone out in search of gold with a desperado by the name of
+Black-heart Bill, and, finding gold, the other sought to rob him of it,
+so shot him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> Failing to find it, he was anxious to have his victim
+recover and show him where it was, intending then to kill him.</p>
+
+<p>"It was while Black-heart Bill was away from his camp that I came to it,
+and I heard his victim's story. Upon the return of the man I recognized
+him as an old foe of mine, one to whom, with others, I owed a wicked
+life.</p>
+
+<p>"I forced him to fight me a duel, and he fell. I buried him and cut his
+name on the quaking aspen near his grave, and then, nursing the wounded
+man to life, we went to his gold find. It did not pan out very rich, so
+I went to one I knew of, down in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on.</p>
+
+<p>"While I was away at W&mdash;&mdash; to get provisions, my partner heard the cliff
+cracking, and so moved away, up the ca&ntilde;on to another mine we had. He was
+just in time to save his life, for the cliff fell, and Buffalo Bill was
+in the valley that night with a comrade and heard the terrific roar of
+the falling cliff.</p>
+
+<p>"They believed that my comrade and myself were buried beneath the
+mountain of rock, but we were gazing at them the while and watched them
+ride away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> Some time after I found that others had come into the ca&ntilde;on,
+and I discovered that it was a camp of outlaws, while more still, I saw
+that they had a female captive.</p>
+
+<p>"I crept near enough at night to hear and see all, and I saw a young and
+beautiful girl, and the outlaw lieutenant held her a captive for his
+chief, until a large ransom was paid for her by the miners of Last
+Chance.</p>
+
+<p>"I at once decided to act, and, having seen them start with her to give
+her up for ransom, I came on my way to find Buffalo Bill and guide him
+to the retreat of the outlaws. That young girl, sir, gave the name of
+Celeste Seldon. She is my daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Surgeon Powell, you have my story, and my comrade is in my camp,
+awaiting my return!"</p>
+
+<p>Frank Powell was greatly impressed with the story of the gold-hunter, to
+which he had listened with the deepest attention. After he had heard all
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear pard, you have made a very valuable discovery indeed, and
+Buffalo Bill will be only too glad to have you guide him to the outlaw
+camp, for that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> is his mission and mine here. I sincerely hope that your
+daughter will be given up in safety to the miners, and that her ransom
+will be recovered."</p>
+
+<p>"She will be given up in safety, sir, I am certain, for I have perfect
+confidence in the outlaw lieutenant, who told his story to Celeste, and
+I only ask that he may not share the fate of the other outlaws," and the
+gold-hunter made known what had occurred between Wolf and Celeste, and
+Doctor Powell replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, and if he acts squarely toward Miss Seldon, I will
+urge that he be allowed to go free, when his comrades are to hang."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">A LEAF FROM THE PAST.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the surgeon-scout was guided to the deserted camp by Andrew Seldon,
+he at once saw that Buffalo Bill had not reached there. But there he was
+to wait for him, and so the horses were staked out and the two made
+themselves at home there.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Powell went to have a look at the grave of Black-heart Bill, and
+the inscription upon the white bark of the aspen-tree, and said, as he
+read the name:</p>
+
+<p>"Hugh Mayhew was his name."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"There was a Sergeant Manton Mayhew killed at Fort Faraway by Sergeant
+Wallace Weston, who was sentenced to be shot for the deed, but escaped
+the very moment of his execution."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he never captured, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow, he went to an even worse fate than being shot, for he
+wandered into the desert and died of starvation there. I knew that he
+was guilty of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> killing Manton Mayhew, but I am sure he had some grave
+reason for so doing, but which he would never make known.</p>
+
+<p>"He was a splendid soldier, brave and true, and he would have been
+commissioned had not that sad affair occurred."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he give no reason for his act, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"None; he simply accepted his fate, though it was said to clear himself
+he would have had to compromise others, and this he would not do."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I often think of his sad fate."</p>
+
+<p>An antelope was killed that afternoon, and after enjoying a good supper
+the surgeon and the gold-hunter lighted their pipes and sat down for a
+talk, both anxiously awaiting the coming of Buffalo Bill.</p>
+
+<p>After sitting in silence for some minutes the gold-hunter said:</p>
+
+<p>"Surgeon Powell, you were speaking of Wallace Weston to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"You may have noted that the name of Mayhew is upon yonder aspen-tree?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>"And referred to the fact."</p>
+
+<p>"I put it there."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I knew who Black-heart Bill was."</p>
+
+<p>"That is so. I had not thought of that."</p>
+
+<p>"He was the brother of Manton Mayhew, the sergeant."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You knew Sergeant Mayhew, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Intimately, for we were boys together."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! tell me of him."</p>
+
+<p>"We lived near each other, sir, and Manton Mayhew was my rival at
+school, and also for the love of a pretty girl whom I idolized. He did
+all in his power to ruin me, and when I obtained a position in a bank,
+where he also was a clerk, he did wreck my life, for I was accused of
+robbery, and worse still, of murdering the watchman, who caught me in
+the act.</p>
+
+<p>"I would surely have been hanged but for the girl I spoke of, who forced
+me to fly for my life, aiding me to escape. I fled, to prove my
+innocence, and became a wanderer.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>"Then I received a letter from the woman I loved, telling me that she
+had discovered that I really was a thief and a murderer, and that she
+abhorred where she had loved me.</p>
+
+<p>"And more, when, in my despair I wrote to one who had been my friend to
+hear from home, I was told that Manton Mayhew had been the means of
+ruining my father financially, and the blow had driven him to suicide,
+while my poor mother, heart-broken, had died soon after my flight.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor was this all, for Hugh Mayhew, the brother of Manton, had married
+the girl I had loved.</p>
+
+<p>"Several years after other news came to me from my old home, and to the
+effect that Manton Mayhew had gone to the bad and in a drunken brawl had
+wounded a companion fatally as he had believed, and he had fled no one
+knew where.</p>
+
+<p>"His brother Hugh had wrecked his father's bank, and in a drunken frenzy
+had shot his wife one night, and he, too, had become a fugitive. Well,
+to end the story quickly, for I hate to dwell upon it, Manton Mayhew had
+joined the army, and, a good soldier, had become a sergeant."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>"Ordered to Fort Faraway he had met there Sergeant Weston, whom he
+recognized, and, fearing to be exposed in his crimes, he had at once
+attacked him, telling him he would kill him, and say that it was on
+account of his insubordination.</p>
+
+<p>"But Wallace Weston was armed, having just been given a revolver by an
+officer to take to his quarters, and he killed Mayhew as he was about to
+drive a knife to his heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Rather than bring out the old story, and, perhaps, be carried back East
+to be tried for the murder of the bank watchman, of which he was
+innocent, Sergeant Wallace Weston submitted in silence to his trial and
+accepted his fate, feeling that his life was one of despair."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know all this to be as you have stated?" asked Surgeon
+Powell, when the gold-hunter had finished his story.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Knowing it, you did not come to the rescue of poor Weston?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask why?" and Frank Powell spoke sternly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>"I will tell you the reason, Surgeon Powell, if you will pledge me your
+word to receive it in sacred confidence."</p>
+
+<p>"I will so pledge myself, Mr. Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"Because, sir, <i>I am Wallace Weston</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Frank Powell was always a calm, cool man, but now he sprang to his feet,
+dropping his pipe, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you speak the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon honor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Now I recognize the look that has so haunted me since I met you this
+morning. Upon my soul, Weston, I am glad to see that you are not dead,
+that you can clear up the story of Mayhew's killing and announce
+yourself once more a guiltless man."</p>
+
+<p>"But I cannot, sir, for you forget that I am accused of murdering the
+watchman and robbing the bank."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no way in which you can disprove that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only by the confession of the guilty ones."</p>
+
+<p>"Who were they?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>"The Mayhews, and one other."</p>
+
+<p>"They were guilty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And who was the other man?"</p>
+
+<p>"A clerk in the bank and devoted friend of the Mayhews."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And they are dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Manton and Hugh Mayhew are dead, by my hand, but where proof of their
+crime can be found I cannot tell, and so I am forced to hide under an
+assumed name&mdash;yes, Doctor Powell, the name of a dead man, Andrew Seldon,
+the one whose body was found by the rock in the desert and buried for
+mine."</p>
+
+<p>"You have had a remarkable escape, Weston&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Seldon now sir, for that is the name I have taken, and let me now tell
+you how that poor man, the real Andrew Seldon, was plotted against."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be glad to hear all that you are willing to tell me, Seldon."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, it was while escaping from the pursuing soldiers, that I
+came upon a stray horse. He led me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> back to where his dead master lay
+upon the desert, and upon the body I found papers telling who he was,
+that he had left home under a cloud, had left a wife and child and
+riches, and come West to hide himself and hunt for gold until he dared
+return.</p>
+
+<p>"There was a map of gold finds he had discovered, and he had struck it
+rich and was on his way home. So I dressed him in my uniform, took his
+traps, and went my way, and he was buried as Wallace Weston.</p>
+
+<p>"It was when I was returning to the gold find of Andrew Seldon that I
+came upon Black-heart Bill's camp, and, finding in him Hugh Mayhew, I
+killed him. My intention was to take Andrew Seldon's name, dig his gold,
+and, to ease my conscience, give half to his family.</p>
+
+<p>"I imitated his writing and wrote to his lawyer and best friend, and
+little daughter, for his wife was dead, as letters told me which he had
+with him. In answer, at W&mdash;&mdash; I learned that I, as Andrew Seldon, dared
+not return home, that my daughter Celeste was dead, and my fortune gone.</p>
+
+<p>"When Celeste Seldon was captured, from her own lips I learned as she
+told the outlaw lieutenant,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> that all had been a plot to keep her father
+away, and, discovering the plot, she had come out here to find him,
+after the messenger had failed to write home to her later than on his
+arrival in W&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, you know, Doctor Powell, why I was seeking Buffalo Bill, and it is
+my intention to seek that young girl, tell her all, and give her
+one-half of the fortune in gold I have found, through her father's maps
+and directions, in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on."</p>
+
+<p>"And then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I shall drift about the world, sir, unknown, leading an
+aimless life, or, perhaps, return to my gold-digging again."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Weston, such must not be your fate, for I shall take your case in
+hand and prove your innocence of robbing that bank and killing the
+watchman, for I believe your story, and then with Sergeant Mayhew's
+character proven, you can readily secure pardon for taking his life as
+you did in self-defense."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven bless you, Surgeon Powell!"</p>
+
+<p>"I only make one request, Weston."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That Buffalo Bill hears your story as I have, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> he believes in your
+innocence most thoroughly, and will be most happy to welcome you back to
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be guided by you, sir, but some one is coming."</p>
+
+<p>"It is Buffalo Bill," cried Frank Powell, and just then the scout rode
+into the camp.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Buffalo Bill went on his way down into the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, he
+continued on until he discovered just where the outlaws had made their
+retreat. This done, he retraced his way as rapidly as possible, and at
+once went back on the trail to where he had left his horse.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was just setting as he neared the spot, and he approached
+carefully, for he was not sure that some one had not been there and
+discovered the animal.</p>
+
+<p>Just as he caught sight of his horse he also saw that there was some one
+there, a horseman who had just ridden up to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>The face of the horseman was masked, and this told the story in an
+instant.</p>
+
+<p>But Buffalo Bill had been also discovered, and up to the outlaw's
+shoulder went his rifle, at the same instant that the weapon of the
+scout was leveled.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>The two rifles cracked almost as one, and the outlaw reeled, tried to
+spur his horse in flight, and fell to the ground. The scout at once
+advanced toward him, revolver in hand, when in faint voice came the
+words:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't fire again! Your shot is fatal!"</p>
+
+<p>The scout put his revolver in his belt, bent over and took the mask from
+the face of the wounded man, his horse following him to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>The face revealed was not a bad one&mdash;that of a man of thirty, with
+mustache, imperial, and hair worn long.</p>
+
+<p>The scout made him as comfortable as he could, for he saw that he had
+told the truth, that the wound he had received was fatal.</p>
+
+<p>Then he sat by the side of the wounded man for a while, the light of a
+full moon falling full in his face, and the scout heard him say:</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad that I missed you, for I have done evil enough in my time."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" kindly asked the scout.</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Alvin Wolf, and I had just resolved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> to lead a different
+life, for I am an outlaw, one of the masked chief's band."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I thought as much."</p>
+
+<p>"I changed my life when I met a young girl who was the chief's captive,
+and I intended to thwart his plans to again capture her, for we gave her
+up for ransom two days ago, and, acting for him, I received the gold.</p>
+
+<p>"He gave me a written order to take the gold to a spot near Last Chance,
+and turn it over to him, which I did last night, for he met me there,
+and then he arranged to get a large ransom for a poor crazy fellow, the
+lover of the young girl, I believe, and so I had decided to act to
+protect her; but you can do so now, for I will tell you all, and then I
+can die content."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is best to die with a free conscience."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you, and more, I will tell you of one whom I helped to ruin
+in life, though he is dead now. He was a soldier at Fort Faraway, and
+his name was Wallace Weston.</p>
+
+<p>"We were boys together, though he was older than I, and I was led into
+temptation by others, the May<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>hew brothers, and we robbed the bank we
+were working in, were discovered by the watchman, and Manton Mayhew
+killed him, and we had so planned that the robbery would fall upon the
+assistant cashier, Wallace Weston.</p>
+
+<p>"He fled, for we intended to hang him by our testimony, and then Hugh
+Mayhew forged letters and caused his sweetheart to believe him guilty,
+and she married him, Mayhew, to in the end lose her life at his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Manton Mayhew always swore to me that he would kill Weston if he ever
+met him, and he said he had heard he was in the army, and so I suppose,
+when they met at Fort Faraway, he attempted to do so, and was killed
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Weston did not dare tell of the past, so had to suffer; but you
+can make the real truth known to clear his name, for I have it all
+written out as it is in my diary, which I have always carried with me
+and will now give to you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to learn all this; but let me ask you about your outlaw
+band?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>"How many are in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nine, without counting the chief."</p>
+
+<p>"Your retreat is in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on."</p>
+
+<p>"You know this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, our retreat is there."</p>
+
+<p>"And your chief?"</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw did not reply, and a shudder passed through his frame.</p>
+
+<p>The scout spoke again, and, leaning over, he heard a few whispered words
+from the dying lips which a moment after were sealed forever by death.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL"></a>CHAPTER XL.</h2>
+
+<h3 class="newchapter2">TEARING OFF THE MASK.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Buffalo Bill rode into the camp where Surgeon Powell and the
+gold-hunter sat, it was seen that he was leading two horses, one
+carrying a pack-saddle, the other a heavy load.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeon-scout at once arose and greeted him, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, Bill, what game is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A dead outlaw, the lieutenant of the band, whom I killed. But you are
+not alone, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it is your old rescuer, who was on his way to the fort to see you,
+when he met me. He was going to tell you that the outlaws have their
+retreat in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been to it; but how are you, Pard Seldon, and let me say that I
+have good news for you, as your daughter has come West to meet you and
+is now at Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mr. Cody, but I am aware of that fact,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> as Surgeon Powell
+can tell you; but come, look me squarely in the face, and see if you
+know who I am."</p>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill gave a fixed look, and then cried excitedly:</p>
+
+<p>"By the gods of war, <i>you are Wallace Weston or his ghost</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a very healthy ghost, sir; but I am Wallace Weston, and I leave it
+to Surgeon Powell to tell my story to you."</p>
+
+<p>The scout seized the gold-hunter's hand and wrung it hard, while he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God you are not dead, Weston, for only this night have I heard
+the truth of your story from the lips of the dying outlaw, Alvin Wolf."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! once my friend, then my foe, for he sided with the Mayhews against
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"He did, and I have his diary, which tells the whole story; but now let
+me tell mine, and then we can compare notes and decide what is best to
+be done."</p>
+
+<p>They first had supper, after staking out their horses, and afterward
+buried the body of the outlaw, Alvin Wolf.</p>
+
+<p>Then, until after midnight, they sat talking to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>gether, the surgeon, the
+scout, and the gold-hunter, about all that had happened, after which
+they retired to their blankets.</p>
+
+<p>It was just dawn the next morning when Wallace Weston rode away from the
+old camp to make all speed to Last Chance. His mission there was to take
+a letter to Driver Harding, which was as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Trust the bearer with your life. Pick out eight of the
+best men in the camp, whom you can trust, and have them
+pretend to start for W&mdash;&mdash; on business, going in your
+coach.</p>
+
+<p>"See that no one else goes. Have two leaders that are
+good saddle-horses, and smuggle into the coach seven
+saddles.</p>
+
+<p>"I will meet you at Dead Line with horses, and prepare
+to lose your leaders then, for four horses can readily
+pull your empty coach on to W&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>"Your men must be the best, and fully armed.</p>
+
+<p>"The bearer will bring your answer to me."</p>
+
+<p style="margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: right; padding-right: 2em;">"Yours,</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top: 0em; text-align: right;">B.&nbsp;B."</p></div>
+
+<p>Pushing rapidly on, Wallace Weston arrived in Last Chance that night and
+at once sought out Harding. Giving him his letter, he received his
+answer, after the two had had a talk together, and then, mounted upon a
+fresh horse furnished him by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> driver, he started upon his return,
+having attracted no particular attention.</p>
+
+<p>It was the next day that the coach rolled out for W&mdash;&mdash; and it carried
+eight miners as passengers. Arriving at Dead Line, it was met there by
+Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, and Wallace Weston, and the eight miners
+joined them and went up to the scout's basin camp.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with the two leaders taken from Harding's coach, they had, with
+Wolf's horses and the pack-animals, enough to mount the party.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the start was made for the Grand Ca&ntilde;on, and the descent
+was made on foot in the darkness of night, the horses having been left
+on the rim.</p>
+
+<p>The party were led by Wallace Weston, who knew the trail perfectly, and
+at midnight they rushed in upon the outlaw camp, giving them a complete
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Revolvers rattled, cries of alarm and pain were heard, cheers were
+given, and then silence reigned supreme, for the battle was won and four
+outlaws had been made prisoners&mdash;the rest were killed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>One miner had been killed, and others wounded, though slightly, and
+these were cared for by Doctor Powell.</p>
+
+<p>In the camp the prisoner, Bernard Brandon, was found safe, but still
+unconscious of all about him, apparently.</p>
+
+<p>Wallace Weston had asked Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell to go on with
+him to his camp, and there they found Lucas Langley on guard, he having
+heard the echoes of the firing far down the ca&ntilde;on, and supposed that it
+meant an attack planned by his pard.</p>
+
+<p>Without letting the secret be known, that there was gold in the ca&ntilde;on,
+Buffalo Bill ordered an early start for Last Chance, and it was made by
+all except Lucas Langley, who remained at his cabin to await Weston's
+return.</p>
+
+<p>Upon nearing Last Chance Buffalo Bill halted the party, to follow on a
+few hours later, while he rode on with Surgeon Powell and Wallace
+Weston.</p>
+
+<p>The scout was recognized by the miners and warmly greeted, and, as he
+dismounted at the hotel and was welcomed by Landlord Larry and Harding,
+who had returned, Doctor Dick came forward and said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>"Delighted to see you, Mr. Cody, again in Last Chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Doctor Dick, I am here to find Richard Mayhew, alias Doctor Dick,
+and, more still, the masked chief of the road-agents&mdash;hold! you are
+covered!"</p>
+
+<p>But Doctor Dick saw that all was lost, saw that the rope would be his
+end, and, in spite of the warning of the scout, he drew his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>But ere his finger touched the trigger he fell, a dead man, at the feet
+of Buffalo Bill, Celeste Seldon having come forward just in time to see
+him fall his length upon the earth.</p>
+
+<p>To the excited miners Buffalo Bill turned and made a speech, for he had
+killed their hero, the idol of Last Chance.</p>
+
+<p>He told them how the mask of the gambler had been torn off, by the
+confession of the outlaw Lieutenant Alvin Wolf, and how he had had his
+suspicions aroused, as had also Landlord Larry and Harding, by several
+things that had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>The whole story was made known, and, as the rest of the party came in,
+bearing the booty of the outlaws and the prisoners, and in Doctor Dick's
+cabin was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> found the very bag of gold that had been given for Celeste
+Seldon's ransom, and the money before taken from the coach, there was no
+doubting his guilt, and a howl of rage arose against him and his
+followers.</p>
+
+<p>Later, while Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, Wallace Weston, and Landlord
+Larry were at Celeste Seldon's cabin, telling her the true story
+regarding her father, the storm broke in fury, and Harding rushed in to
+say that the miners had seized the outlaw prisoners and were hanging
+them.</p>
+
+<p>An attempted rescue was made by Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill, but in
+vain; that mob would not, could not, be stayed in its madness, and the
+work of revenge was accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, as Surgeon Powell had said that the reason of Bernard
+Brandon could be restored by an operation, Celeste begged him to make
+the attempt, and, to the joy of all, it was crowned with perfect
+success.</p>
+
+<p>With his reason once on its throne, and learning all that had taken
+place, Bernard Brandon told how he had been the young partner of Lawyer
+Edgar Stone,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> who had kept his friend, Andrew Seldon, away from home by
+false letters, had written him that Celeste was dead, intending in the
+end to marry her and get the large fortune for himself, for the estate
+had greatly increased in value since the departure of its owner.</p>
+
+<p>He had at last decided to go to Celeste and confess all, and, learning
+that he had done so, Edgar Stone had fled to save imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>In atonement Bernard Brandon had come West to find Andrew Seldon, and,
+not hearing from him, Celeste had followed him.</p>
+
+<p>Bernard Brandon hoped that his atonement might win the heart of Celeste,
+but instead she dismissed him with liberal payment and placed herself
+under the guardianship of Wallace Weston, who had taken her father's
+name.</p>
+
+<p>Bidding adieu to their pards at Last Chance, after sending Harding to
+the Grand Ca&ntilde;on to join Lucas Langley at the mine, Wallace Weston went
+East with Celeste, and going to his old home, he told the whole story of
+his life, and submitted letters from Doctor Powell, Buffalo Bill, and
+the diary of the outlaw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> officer as proof of his innocence, so that the
+charges against him were at once ended by legal process.</p>
+
+<p>Armed with proper papers, he presented himself before the President and
+received his pardon, after which, with Celeste Seldon as Mrs. Wallace
+Weston, he went to Fort Faraway and received a welcome from all his old
+officers and comrades that made his heart glad.</p>
+
+<p>As the mines in the Grand Ca&ntilde;on had ceased panning out as expected,
+Wallace Weston gave up his interest there to Lucas Langley and Harding,
+and returned East with his beautiful wife.</p>
+
+
+<p style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">THE END.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"Buffalo Bill's Death Call" is the title of a weirdly thrilling series
+of adventures of the famous scout and his band in No. 42 of the <span class="smcap">Buffalo
+Bill Border Stories</span>. No admirer of Colonel Cody and his exploits can
+afford to miss a volume of this series.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
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+
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+
+
+<p>That's what we needed to fill the demand for the S.&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;S. novels. You
+see, we were somewhat restricted in our output by the War Industries
+Board, with whose ruling we gladly complied for patriotic reasons. While
+the restrictions were on we used up pretty nearly all of our surplus
+stock so that when we were no longer under orders from the Government,
+we found ourselves with a lot of orders and very little stock.</p>
+
+<p>We have just about caught up now, thanks to some new machinery we have
+installed which turns out paper-covered books very fast.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore, you can get a very good assortment of the S.&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;S. novels from
+your news dealer, including the famous Horatio Alger books.</p>
+
+<p>That boy you know will be mighty glad to have you make him a present of
+one or two of the Alger books. Ask your dealer for a list of the titles.</p>
+
+<p>Here are some good ones that we published within the past two months:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Street and Smith novels">
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Backwoods Boy</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 77</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">Tom Temple's Career</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 78</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">Ben Bruce</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 79</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Young Musician</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 80</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Telegraph Boy</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 81</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4&cent; must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.</p>
+
+<p class="center">STREET &amp; SMITH CORPORATION<br />
+79 Seventh Avenue,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York City</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2>We Need Your O.&nbsp;K.</h2>
+
+
+<p>We must have it. We really cannot do business without it. If money's
+worth, cleanliness, and quality of interest meet with your approval, you
+are sure to "O.&nbsp;K." the S.&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;S. novels.</p>
+
+<p>There are some fifteen hundred titles in print in our lines, among which
+are the famous BERTHA CLAY books. There are some 125 of these in our
+present list. We give you the titles of a few exceptionally interesting
+ones. You won't make any mistake buying one or more of these titles in
+the <span class="smcap">New Bertha Clay Library</span>:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Street and Smith novels">
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">For Life and Love</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 93</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">How Will It End?</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 94</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">Love's Warfare</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 95</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Burden of a Secret</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 96</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">Griselda</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 97</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">A Woman's Witchery</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 98</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">An Ideal Love</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 99</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">Lady Marchmont's Widowhood</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 100</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Romance of a Young Girl</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 101</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="advert1">The Price of a Bride</td>
+<td class="advert2">No. 102</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4&cent; must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.</p>
+
+<p class="center">STREET &amp; SMITH CORPORATION<br />
+79 Seventh Avenue,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York City</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2>Your Eyes Would Open</h2>
+
+<p>if you could see how we print and bind the S.&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;S. novels. They start as
+rolls of blank paper, and are turned out by the thousands, without a
+hand touching them.</p>
+
+<p>You have heard wonderful stories about machines that turn out loaves of
+bread and crackers by the ton, all crisp and brown and ready to eat, but
+you have not heard anything about the machines that turn out
+paper-covered books all ready to read. We have them, however, and that
+is why we can sell such books as those in the <span class="smcap">New Romance Library</span>.</p>
+
+<p>This library is a veritable storehouse of good literature. There are
+love stories and mystery stories and stories of occult phenomena&mdash;each
+one a good, big generous money's worth. Tell your news dealer you want
+No. 49 <span class="smcap">New Romance Library</span>, "The Wreck of the <i>Grosvenor</i>", by W. Clark
+Russell. If he cannot supply you, send us&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;in stamps and we will send
+it to you postpaid. When you get it, you can confidently settle yourself
+down for two or three evenings of the best reading you ever had.</p>
+
+<p>If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4&cent; must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.</p>
+
+<p class="center">STREET &amp; SMITH CORPORATION<br />
+79 Seventh Avenue,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York City<br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h1>Buffalo Bill Border Stories</h1>
+
+
+<p>This line will be devoted exclusively to stories written by Colonel
+Prentiss Ingraham about his lifelong friend Buffalo Bill. These two men
+were inseparable companions, and Colonel Ingraham is therefore well
+qualified to write stories of the adventures of the old-time scout and
+plainsman. These stories are destined to be immensely popular, because
+they are drawn true to life. They bring the open plains right to the
+reader's front door, as it were.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that these stories are historically correct gives them a very
+secure place in American literature. Manifestly, no history was ever
+written that could give space in such detail to the adventures of a
+single man, no matter how important his life's work may have been; it
+really takes a line of so-called fiction to do it, and we can honestly
+say that the stories in this line do justice to the interesting
+character of Buffalo Bill.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Buffalo Bill Border Stories</span> are not for boys; they were written
+expressly for adults.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Buffalo Bill Border Stories">
+<tr>
+<td class="title">1&mdash;Buffalo Bill, the Border King</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">2&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Raid</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">3&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Bravery</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">4&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Trump Card</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">5&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Pledge</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">6&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Vengeance</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">7&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Iron Grip</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">8&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Capture</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">9&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Danger Line</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">10&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Comrades</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">11&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Reckoning</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">12&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Warning</td>
+<td class="author">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">13&mdash;Buffalo Bill at Bay</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">14&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Pards.</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">15&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Brand</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">16&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Honor</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">17&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Phantom Hunt</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">18&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Fight With Fire</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">19&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Danite Trail</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">20&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Ranch Riders</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">21&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Death Trail</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">22&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Trackers</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">23&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Mid-air Flight</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">24&mdash;Buffalo Bill, Ambassador</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">25&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Air Voyage</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">26&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Secret Mission</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">27&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Long Trail</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">28&mdash;Buffalo Bill Against Odds</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">29&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Hot Chase</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">30&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ally</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">31&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Treasure Trove</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">32&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Hidden Foes</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">33&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Crack Shot</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">34&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Close Call</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">35&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Double Surprise</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">36&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Ambush</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">37&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Outlaw Hunt</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">38&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Border Duel</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">39&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Bid for Fame</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">40&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Triumph</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">41&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">42&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Death Call</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">43&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Body Guard</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">44&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">45&mdash;Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">46&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Prairie Scout</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">47&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Traitor Guide</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="title">48&mdash;Buffalo Bill's Bonanza</td>
+<td class="author">By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>Transcriber's Note: Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. The
+advertisement for Buffalo Bill's Border Stories has been moved from the front
+of the book to the back.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by 
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER ***
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+Project Gutenberg's Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+       The Stranger in Camp
+
+Author: Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+Release Date: August 24, 2009 [EBook #29792]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+
+OR,
+
+THE STRANGER IN CAMP
+
+By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+Author of the celebrated "Buffalo Bill" stories published in the BORDER
+STORIES. For other titles see catalogue.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+PUBLISHERS
+79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York
+
+Copyright, 1908
+By STREET & SMITH
+Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer
+
+All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign
+languages, including the Scandinavian.
+
+
+
+
+IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY
+
+(BUFFALO BILL).
+
+
+It is now some generations since Josh Billings, Ned Buntline, and
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, intimate friends of Colonel William F. Cody,
+used to forgather in the office of Francis S. Smith, then proprietor of
+the _New York Weekly_. It was a dingy little office on Rose Street, New
+York, but the breath of the great outdoors stirred there when these
+old-timers got together. As a result of these conversations, Colonel
+Ingraham and Ned Buntline began to write of the adventures of Buffalo
+Bill for Street & Smith.
+
+Colonel Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, February 26, 1846. Before
+he had reached his teens, his father, Isaac Cody, with his mother and
+two sisters, migrated to Kansas, which at that time was little more than
+a wilderness.
+
+When the elder Cody was killed shortly afterward in the Kansas "Border
+War," young Bill assumed the difficult role of family breadwinner.
+During 1860, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, Cody lived the
+arduous life of a pony-express rider. Cody volunteered his services as
+government scout and guide and served throughout the Civil War with
+Generals McNeil and A. J. Smith. He was a distinguished member of the
+Seventh Kansas Cavalry.
+
+During the Civil War, while riding through the streets of St. Louis,
+Cody rescued a frightened schoolgirl from a band of annoyers. In true
+romantic style, Cody and Louisa Federci, the girl, were married March 6,
+1866.
+
+In 1867 Cody was employed to furnish a specified amount of buffalo meat
+to the construction men at work on the Kansas Pacific Railroad. It was
+in this period that he received the sobriquet "Buffalo Bill."
+
+In 1868 and for four years thereafter Colonel Cody served as scout and
+guide in campaigns against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It was
+General Sheridan who conferred on Cody the honor of chief of scouts of
+the command.
+
+After completing a period of service in the Nebraska legislature, Cody
+joined the Fifth Cavalry in 1876, and was again appointed chief of
+scouts.
+
+Colonel Cody's fame had reached the East long before, and a great many
+New Yorkers went out to see him and join in his buffalo hunts, including
+such men as August Belmont, James Gordon Bennett, Anson Stager, and
+J. G. Heckscher. In entertaining these visitors at Fort McPherson, Cody
+was accustomed to arrange wild-West exhibitions. In return his friends
+invited him to visit New York. It was upon seeing his first play in the
+metropolis that Cody conceived the idea of going into the show business.
+
+Assisted by Ned Buntline, novelist, and Colonel Ingraham, he started his
+"Wild West" show, which later developed and expanded into "A Congress of
+the Rough-riders of the World," first presented at Omaha, Nebraska. In
+time it became a familiar yearly entertainment in the great cities of
+this country and Europe. Many famous personages attended the
+performances, and became his warm friends, including Mr. Gladstone, the
+Marquis of Lorne, King Edward, Queen Victoria, and the Prince of Wales,
+now King of England.
+
+At the outbreak of the Sioux, in 1890 and 1891, Colonel Cody served at
+the head of the Nebraska National Guard. In 1895 Cody took up the
+development of Wyoming Valley by introducing irrigation. Not long
+afterward he became judge advocate general of the Wyoming National
+Guard.
+
+Colonel Cody (Buffalo Bill) died in Denver, Colorado, on January 10,
+1917. His legacy to a grateful world was a large share in the
+development of the West, and a multitude of achievements in
+horsemanship, marksmanship, and endurance that will live for ages. His
+life will continue to be a leading example of the manliness, courage,
+and devotion to duty that belonged to a picturesque phase of American
+life now passed, like the great patriot whose career it typified, into
+the Great Beyond.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+I.        THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CANYON           5
+II.       THE MINER'S SECRET                      14
+III.      THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP          20
+IV.       A VOW OF VENGEANCE                      28
+V.        MASKED AND MERCILESS                    33
+VI.       THE DUMB MESSENGER                      41
+VII.      DEATH AND MADNESS                       50
+VIII.     A STRANGE BURIAL                        62
+IX.       THE COURIER                             67
+X.        DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE                     76
+XI.       RUNNING THE GANTLET                     84
+XII.      A MAN'S NERVE                           92
+XIII.     A VOLUNTEER                             97
+XIV.      THE WAY IT WAS DONE                    105
+XV.       A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE             114
+XVI.      TAKING CHANCES                         122
+XVII.     A SECRET KEPT                          130
+XVIII.    A MYSTERIOUS SOUND                     138
+XIX.      A FAIR PASSENGER                       143
+XX.       MASKED FOES                            151
+XXI.      THE SACRIFICE                          159
+XXII.     THE RANSOM                             168
+XXIII.    THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE                   181
+XXIV.     THE TWO FUGITIVES                      186
+XXV.      THE OUTLAW LOVER                       195
+XXVI.     THE SECRET OUT                         200
+XXVII.    THE DEPARTURE                          210
+XXVIII.   THE LONE TRAIL                         219
+XXIX.     TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST              223
+XXX.      AT THE RENDEZVOUS                      231
+XXXI.     DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS             239
+XXXII.    THE MINERS' WELCOME                    248
+XXXIII.   THE COUNCIL                            252
+XXXIV.    A METAMORPHOSIS                        259
+XXXV.     THE DRIVER'S LETTER                    268
+XXXVI.    THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH                 272
+XXXVII.   THE MINER'S MISSION                    280
+XXXVIII.  A LEAF FROM THE PAST                   288
+XXXIX.    THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION                298
+XL.       TEARING OFF THE MASK                   303
+
+
+
+
+BUFFALO BILL'S SPY TRAILER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE HERMIT OF THE GRAND CANYON.
+
+
+A horseman drew rein one morning, upon the brink of the Grand Canyon of
+the Colorado, a mighty abyss, too vast for the eye to take in its grand
+immensity; a mighty mountain rent asunder and forming a chasm which is a
+valley of grandeur and beauty, through which flows the Colorado Grande.
+Ranges of mountains tower to cloudland on all sides with cliffs of
+scarlet, blue, violet, yes, all hues of the rainbow; crystal streams
+flowing merrily along; verdant meadows, vales and hills, with massive
+forests everywhere--such was the sight that met the admiring gaze of the
+horseman as he sat there in his saddle, his horse looking down into the
+canyon.
+
+It was a spot avoided by Indians as the abiding-place of evil spirits; a
+scene shunned by white men, a mighty retreat where a fugitive, it would
+seem, would be forever safe, no matter what the crime that had driven
+him to seek a refuge there.
+
+Adown from where the horseman had halted, was the bare trace of a trail,
+winding around the edge of an overhanging rock by a shelf that was not a
+yard in width and which only a man could tread whose head was cool and
+heart fearless.
+
+Wrapt in admiration of the scene, the mist-clouds floating lazily upward
+from the canyon, the silver ribbon far away that revealed the winding
+river, and the songs of birds coming from a hundred leafy retreats on
+the hillsides, the horseman gave a deep sigh, as though memories most
+sad were awakened in his breast by the scene, and then dismounting began
+to unwrap a lariat from his saddle-horn.
+
+He was dressed as a miner, wore a slouch-hat, was of commanding
+presence, and his darkly bronzed face, heavily bearded, was full of
+determination, intelligence, and expression.
+
+Two led horses, carrying heavy packs, were behind the animal he rode,
+and attaching the lariats to their bits he took one end and led the way
+down the most perilous and picturesque trail along the shelf running
+around the jutting point of rocks.
+
+When he drew near the narrowest point, he took off the saddle and packs,
+and one at a time led the horses downward and around the hazardous
+rocks.
+
+A false step, a movement of fright in one of the animals, would send him
+downward to the depths more than a mile below.
+
+But the trembling animals seemed to have perfect confidence in their
+master, and after a long while he got them by the point of greatest
+peril.
+
+Going back and forward he carried the packs and saddles, and replacing
+them upon the animals began once more the descent of the only trail
+leading down into the Grand Canyon, from that side.
+
+The way was rugged, most dangerous in places, and several times his
+horses barely escaped a fall over the precipice, the coolness and strong
+arm of the man alone saving them from death, and his stores from
+destruction.
+
+It was nearly sunset when he at last reached the bottom of the
+stupendous rift, and only the tops of the cliffs were tinged with the
+golden light, the valley being in densest shadow.
+
+Going on along the canyon at a brisk pace, as though anxious to reach
+some camping-place before nightfall, after a ride of several miles he
+came in sight of a wooded canyon, entering the one he was then in, and
+with heights towering toward heaven so far that all below seemed as
+black as night.
+
+But a stream wound out of the canyon, to mingle its clear waters with the
+grand Colorado River a mile away, and massive trees grew near at hand,
+sheltering a cabin that stood upon the sloping hill at the base of a
+cliff that arose thousands of feet above it.
+
+When within a few hundred yards of the lone cabin, suddenly there was a
+crashing, grinding sound, a terrific roar, a rumbling, and the earth
+seemed shaken violently as the whole face of the mighty cliff came
+crushing down into the valley, sending up showers of splintered rocks
+and clouds of dust that were blinding and appalling!
+
+Back from the scene of danger fled the frightened horses, the rider
+showing no desire to check their flight until a spot of safety was
+reached.
+
+Then, half a mile from the fallen cliff, he paused, his face white, his
+whole form quivering, while his horses stood trembling with terror.
+
+"My God! the cliff has fallen upon my home, and my unfortunate comrade
+lies buried beneath a mountain of rocks. We mined too far beneath the
+cliff, thus causing a cave-in.
+
+"A few minutes more and I would also have shared poor Langley's fate;
+but a strange destiny it is that protects me from death--a strange one
+indeed! He is gone, and I alone am now the Hermit of the Grand Canyon, a
+Croesus in wealth of gold, yet a fugitive from my fellow men. What a
+fate is mine, and how will it all end, I wonder?"
+
+Thus musing the hermit-miner sat upon his own horse listening to the
+echoes rumbling through the Grand Canyon, growing fainter and fainter,
+like a retreating army fighting off its pursuing foes.
+
+An hour passed before the unnerved man felt able to seek a camp for the
+night, so great had been the shock of the falling cliff, and the fate he
+had felt had overtaken his comrade.
+
+At last he rode on up the canyon once more, determined to seek a spot he
+knew well where he could camp, a couple of miles above his destroyed
+home.
+
+He passed the pile of rocks, heaped far up the cliff from which they had
+fallen, looking upon them as the sepulcher of his companion.
+
+"Poor Lucas Langley! He, too, had his sorrows, and his secrets, which
+drove him, like me, to seek a retreat far from mankind, and become a
+hunted man. Alas! what has the future in store for me?"
+
+With a sigh he rode on up the valley, his way now guided by the
+moonlight alone, and at last turned into another canyon, for the Grand
+Canyon has hundreds of others branching off from it, some of them
+penetrating for miles back into the mountains.
+
+He had gone up this canyon for a few hundred yards, and was just about to
+halt, and go into camp upon the banks of a small stream, when his eyes
+caught sight of a light ahead.
+
+"Ah! what does that mean?" he ejaculated in surprise.
+
+Hardly had he spoken when from up the canyon came the deep voice of a dog
+barking, his scent telling him of a human presence near.
+
+"Ah! Savage is not dead then, and, after all, Lucas Langley may have
+escaped."
+
+The horseman rode quickly on toward the light. The barking of the dog
+continued, but it was not a note of warning but of welcome, and as the
+horseman drew rein by a camp-fire a huge brute sprang up and greeted him
+with every manifestation of delight, while a man came forward from the
+shadows of the trees and cried:
+
+"Thank Heaven you are back again, Pard Seldon, for I had begun to fear
+for your safety."
+
+"And I was sure that I would never meet you again in life, Lucas, for I
+believed you at the bottom of that mountain of rocks that fell from the
+cliff and crushed out our little home," and the hands of the two men met
+in a warm grasp.
+
+"It would have been so but for a warning I had, when working in the
+mine. I saw that the cliff was splitting and settling, and running out I
+discovered that it must fall, and before very long.
+
+"I at once got the two mules out of the canyon above, packed all our
+traps upon them, and hastened away to a spot of safety. Then I returned
+and got all else I could find, gathered up our gold, and came here and
+made our camp.
+
+"To-night the cliff fell, but not expecting you to arrive by night, I
+was to be on the watch for you in the morning; but thank Heaven you are
+safe and home again."
+
+"And I am happy to find you safe, Lucas. I was within an eighth of a
+mile of the cliff when it fell, and I shall never forget the sight, the
+sound, the appalling dread for a few moments, as I fled to a spot of
+safety, my horses bearing me along like the wind in their mad terror."
+
+"It was appalling, and I have not dared leave my camp since, far as I am
+from it, for it resounded through the canyons like a mighty battle with
+heavy guns. But come, comrade, and we will have supper and talk over all
+that has happened."
+
+The horses were staked out up the canyon, where grass and water were
+plentiful, and then the two men sat down to supper, though neither
+seemed to have much of an appetite after what had occurred.
+
+But Savage, the huge, vicious-looking dog, felt no bad results from his
+fright of a few hours before, and ate heartily.
+
+When their pipes were lighted the man who had lately arrived said:
+
+"Well, Lucas, I brought back provisions and other things to last us a
+year, and I care not to go again from this canyon until I carry a fortune
+in gold with me."
+
+"Yes, here we are safe, and I feel that something has happened to cause
+you to say what you do, pard."
+
+"And I will tell you what it is," impressively returned the one who had
+spoken of himself as the Hermit of the Grand Canyon.
+
+"Yes," he added slowly. "I will tell you a secret, comrade."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE MINER'S SECRET.
+
+
+"Pard, after what has happened, the falling of the cliff, and our narrow
+escape from death, I feel little like sleep, tired as I am, so, as I
+said, I will tell you a secret," continued Andrew Seldon, speaking in a
+way that showed his thoughts were roaming in the past.
+
+"You will have a good listener, pard," was the answer.
+
+"Yes, I feel that I will, and you having told me that you were a
+fugitive from the law, that your life had its curse upon it, I will tell
+you of mine, at least enough of it to prove to you that I also dare not
+show my face among my fellow men.
+
+"You know me as Andrew Seldon, and I have with me proof that I could
+show to convince one that such is my name; but, in reality, Andrew
+Seldon is dead, and I am simply playing his part in life, for I am not
+unlike him in appearance, and, as I said, I have the proofs that enable
+me to impersonate him.
+
+"My real name is Wallace Weston, whom circumstances beyond my control
+made a murderer and fugitive, and here I am. I entered the army as a
+private cavalry soldier, and worked my way up to sergeant, with the hope
+of getting a commission some day.
+
+"But one day another regiment came to the frontier post where I was
+stationed, and a member of it was the man to whom I owed all my sorrow
+and misfortune in life. Well, the recognition was mutual, a quarrel
+followed, and he--his name was Manton Mayhew--fell by my hand, and he,
+too, was a sergeant.
+
+"I said nothing in my defense, for I would not reopen the story of the
+past for curious eyes to gaze upon, and accepted my fate, my sentence
+being to be shot to death. On one occasion, in an Indian fight, I had
+saved the life of the scout Buffalo Bill----"
+
+"Ah, yes, I know of him," said the listener earnestly.
+
+"He, in return, rode through the Indian country, to the quarters of the
+district commander, to try and get a reprieve, hoping to glean new
+evidence to clear me. He was refused, and returned just as I was led
+down on the banks of the river for execution.
+
+"I heard the result and determined in a second to escape, or be killed
+in the attempt. Buffalo Bill's horse stood near, and with a bound I was
+upon his back, rushed him into the stream, swam across and escaped.
+
+"I was fired upon by the scout, under an order to do so, but his bullets
+were not aimed to kill me. Night was near at hand, and pursuit was
+begun, but I had a good start, reached the desert and entered it.
+
+"The next day, for the scout's horse was worn down, my pursuers would
+have overtaken me had I not suddenly come upon a stray horse in a clump
+of timber, an oasis in the desert.
+
+"I mounted him and pushed straight on into the desert, and the next day
+came upon a solitary rock, by which lay the dead body of a man upon
+which the coyotes had just begun to feed. He had starved to death in the
+desert, and the horse I had found was his.
+
+"At once an idea seized me to let my pursuer believe that _I_ was that
+dead man; so I dressed him in my uniform, killed the horse near him,
+left the scout's saddle and bridle there, and started off on foot over
+the desert, attired as the man whom I had found there.
+
+"With him I had found letters, papers, and a map and diary, and these
+gave me his name, and more, for I found that the map would lead me to a
+gold-mine, the one in this canyon in which we have worked so well to our
+great profit.
+
+"I wandered back, off the desert, and you know the rest: how I came to
+the camp where you lay wounded and threatened with death by your
+comrade, Black-heart Bill, who knew that you had a mine which he was
+determined to have.
+
+"In Black-heart Bill I recognized a brother of Sergeant Manton Mayhew,
+another man whom I sought revenge upon. Hugh Mayhew had also wronged me
+as his brothers had, for there were three of them, strange to
+say--triplets--Manton, Hugh, and Richard Mayhew, and to them I owed it
+that I became a fugitive from home.
+
+"You remember my duel with Hugh Mayhew, and that he fell by my hand?
+Well, there is one more yet, and some day we may meet, and then it must
+be his life or mine.
+
+"Taking the name of Andrew Seldon, and leaving all to believe that I,
+Wallace Weston, died in the desert, I came here, with you as my
+companion. We are growing rich, and though the Cliff Mine has fallen in,
+there are others that will pan out even better.
+
+"But, pard, when I went to the post this time for provisions, I came
+upon Buffalo Bill escorting a deserter to Fort Faraway, and a band of
+desperadoes from the mines of Last Chance had ambushed him to rescue the
+prisoner.
+
+"I went to the rescue of the scout, saved him and his prisoner, and went
+on my way to the post; but yet I half-believe, in spite of believing me
+dead, and my changed appearance with my long hair and beard, that
+Buffalo Bill half-recognized me.
+
+"I must take no more chances, so shall remain close in this canyon until
+ready to leave it and go far away with my fortune, to enjoy it
+elsewhere.
+
+"Again, pard: I had written to the home of Andrew Seldon, whom I am now
+impersonating, and I find that he too, was a fugitive from the law, and
+that there is no reason for me to share this fortune with any one there,
+as I had intended to do: so now let us be lost to the world, hermits
+here in this weird land of mystery, the Grand Canyon, where no one dares
+come, until we are ready to seek new associations and homes elsewhere,
+and enjoy our riches."
+
+"Pard, I thank you for your confidence, your secret. I felt that you had
+been a sufferer in the past, while I am sure you were not the one to do
+the first wrong. In all things I will be guided by you," said Lucas
+Langley warmly, and it being late the two men retired to their blankets
+to sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAMP.
+
+
+Two men had met in the remote wilds of the Grand Canyon country, as the
+district bordering upon the Colorado River was called, having appointed
+a mysterious, deserted camp as a rendezvous.
+
+One of these men needs no description from my pen, hardly more than a
+passing pen introduction to say that he bore the name of Buffalo Bill.
+
+He had come alone from Fort Faraway, to the deserted camp over a hundred
+miles from the nearest habitation, to meet a new-found friend, one known
+in Last Chance Claim as Doctor Dick, and a man of mystery.
+
+The latter was, in person, almost as striking in appearance as was
+handsome, dashing Bill Cody, for he was tall, sinewy in build, graceful,
+and dressed in a way to attract attention, with his cavalry-boots, gold
+spurs, corduroy pants, velvet jacket, silk shirt, and broad black
+sombrero encircled by a chain of gold links.
+
+Doctor Dick was not afraid, either, to make a lavish display of jewels.
+His weapons were gold-mounted, as was also his saddle and bridle, and
+from the fact that he was an ardent and successful gambler, and was
+supposed to be very rich, he was called in Last Chance The Gold King.
+
+Doctor Dick had made his debut into Last Chance mining-camp, by bringing
+in the coach, one day, with the dead body of the driver on the box by
+his side, and two murdered passengers on the inside.
+
+He had run off, single-handed, the road-agents who had held up the
+coach, and therefore became a hero at once, adding to his fame very
+quickly by showing that he could "shoot to kill" when attacked.
+
+Signifying his intention of practising medicine and surgery in Last
+Chance, and gambling in his leisure moments, Doctor Dick had established
+himself in a pleasant cabin near the hotel, to at once become popular,
+and began to make money.
+
+When Buffalo Bill went to Last Chance on a special secret-service
+mission, to investigate the holding up of the coach, and had recognized
+there a deserter, whom he had orders to take "dead or alive," Doctor
+Dick had helped him out of what appeared to be a very ugly scrape, and
+thus the two men had become friends.
+
+Becoming confidential, Doctor Dick had told the scout a few chapters of
+his life, and he alone doubted that his foe from boyhood, Sergeant
+Wallace Weston--who had been reported as dying in the desert while
+seeking to escape--was dead, and the two, the scout and the
+gambler-doctor, had arranged to meet at the deserted camp and discover
+if the real truth could not be ascertained.
+
+So it was at the deserted camp they had met, and Doctor Dick had stood
+with uncovered head before a quaking aspen-tree, at the foot of which
+was a grave.
+
+Upon the tree had been cut a name and date, and this told that there lay
+the form of Hugh Mayhew, killed in a duel by one whom he had wronged.
+
+It further told that Hugh Mayhew was known in the mines as a desperado,
+whose cruel deeds had gained for him the sobriquet of Black-heart Bill.
+
+Convinced that the body in the grave was that of Hugh Mayhew, after he
+had unearthed the remains, and recognized in that decaying form his once
+brother--one of the triplets--Doctor Dick had seemed deeply moved when
+he told that he was the last of the trio and lived to avenge them: that
+he was sure Wallace Weston, their old foe, was their slayer, for he knew
+from the scout that he had killed his brother Manton at the fort, and
+hence he would not be convinced that the grave in the desert of Arizona
+held the body of Weston until he had certain proof of it.
+
+"That man who came to your rescue, who called himself the Hermit of the
+Grand Canyon, who sought to shun you after his service to you, is either
+Wallace Weston, or knows something of him, and it is his trail we must
+pick up on his return to his retreat, and follow to the end, before I am
+satisfied," Doctor Dick had said to Buffalo Bill.
+
+And so it was that the two had met at the deserted camp to pick up the
+trail of the hermit and follow it to the end, bring what it might to
+Doctor Dick.
+
+The trail was taken up and followed to the brink of the grandest view in
+all nature's marvels, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
+
+To a less experienced scout than Buffalo Bill, there would have appeared
+to be no trail down into the depths of that mighty chasm, and it would
+have been thought that the one whom they trailed had retraced his steps
+from there.
+
+But the scout was not one to be thrown off the trail by any obstacle
+that perseverance, pluck, and hard work could overcome, and so he set
+about finding a way down into the canyon, though there was no trace of a
+traveled path left on the solid rocks upon which he stood.
+
+Doctor Dick's determined assertion that he did not believe his old
+enemy, Wallace Weston, to be dead, really impressed the scout in spite
+of the fact that he had guided Lieutenant Tompkins and his troopers in
+the pursuit of the fugitive soldier, had found the body torn by wolves,
+dressed in uniform, and with his own saddle and bridle, taken when he
+had dashed away upon his horse, lying by his side.
+
+Still, in the face of all these seeming proofs, the fugitive sergeant
+might yet be alive and he would do all he could to solve the mystery as
+to whether he was or not.
+
+The scout had been anxious to go alone with the gambler-doctor in the
+search, for he did have the hope that, if really found, Wallace Weston
+might be reconciled with Doctor Dick, while, if taken by troopers, he
+would be returned to the fort and executed, as he was under
+death-sentence.
+
+Buffalo Bill never forgot a service rendered him, and he did not wish to
+see the sergeant put to death, when he was already believed to be dead,
+and the secret might be kept.
+
+After a long search Buffalo Bill found the perilous path down which the
+one he followed had gone with his packhorses.
+
+He revealed the fact to Doctor Dick, and the two, after a long
+consultation, decided to take the risk and make the descent into the
+grand valley.
+
+For men with less nerve than these two possessed it would have been
+impossible; and, as it was, there were times when the winding trail and
+dangers put their pluck to the test.
+
+At last the valley was reached, and, greatly relieved, the two went into
+camp before prosecuting their search further.
+
+The hermit had admitted to Buffalo Bill that he had a comrade dwelling
+with him in his retreat, wherever the retreat was.
+
+Would it be that they held a secret there they did not wish known, and
+so would resist the intrusion of others? It might be, and that a
+death-struggle would follow the discovery of their retreat.
+
+Still, Buffalo Bill was not one to dread whatever might turn up, and he
+had seen Doctor Dick tried and proven true as steel and brave as a lion.
+
+And so the search continued, the scout unerringly clinging to the trail
+until, just as the two felt that the retreat of those mysterious
+dwellers in the Grand Canyon was almost before them, they came upon a
+sight that caused them to draw rein and sit upon their horses appalled
+at the scene presented to their view.
+
+What they saw was the fallen cliff, and there, just peering out from
+among the piles of rocks, was the shattered end of a stout cabin. They
+had found the secret retreat, but they stood there feeling that those
+who had dwelt in that ruined cabin were beyond all human eye, buried
+beneath a monument of rocks an army could not remove in weeks.
+
+"And this is the end?" said Buffalo Bill, the first to speak, breaking a
+silence that was appalling.
+
+"Yes, his end, for he undoubtedly lies buried there beneath that mass of
+rocks. If it is my foe, Wallace Weston, who has met such a fate, so let
+it be."
+
+The two did not tarry long in the canyon, for a dread of the weird spot
+seemed to have come over them both.
+
+Doctor Dick roamed about, picking up bits of rock and examining it
+closely, while he muttered:
+
+"It was a gold-mine that held them here, but that falling cliff has
+hidden the secret forever."
+
+And Buffalo Bill went about searching for trails, yet made no comment,
+whether he found any or not, to indicate that the lone dwellers in the
+canyon had not both perished in their cabin, and lay buried beneath the
+hills of rock that had fallen from the heights above the valley.
+
+But, as the two men rode away up the dangerous mountain-trail, there
+were eyes peering upon them they little dreamed of, and Wallace Weston
+muttered:
+
+"They believe me dead now: so let it be."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A VOW OF VENGEANCE.
+
+
+The night after leaving the Grand Canyon, Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick
+camped again at the rendezvous of the deserted camp, which was marked by
+the grave of Black-heart Bill.
+
+The two friends talked until a late hour into the night, though they
+intended making an early start in the morning for their respective
+homes, the scout going to the fort, the doctor to Last Chance.
+
+"Well, Cody, you were satisfied before that Sergeant Wallace Weston was
+dead, that he died in the desert, but you yielded to my belief that he
+lived and was none other than the Hermit of the Grand Canyon who came to
+your rescue some time ago; but now you are assured that, the
+hermit-miner being buried beneath the walls of his cabin, there is no
+doubt left that, if he really was Wallace Weston, he is surely not among
+the living?"
+
+"Yes, doctor, I can hardly bring myself to believe that Weston's body
+was not the one we buried in the desert, yet I grant that, it was just
+possible that it might not have been his."
+
+"So you give up the search wholly?"
+
+"Yes, I return to my duties at Fort Faraway."
+
+"And I to my doctoring and gambling at Last Chance; but I thank you for
+coming with me on this trip, as my mind is made up."
+
+The doctor said no more then, but wrapped his blankets about him and lay
+down to rest.
+
+The next morning when the two were about to part Buffalo Bill said:
+
+"I wish you would keep your eye upon the suspicious characters in the
+mines, for I fear, with the temptations in their way to get hold of
+treasure in the coaches, there may be more mischief done."
+
+"I will keep a bright lookout, Cody, and at once send a courier to
+report at the fort any lawless deeds that may be done, for I know that
+your support will be prompt."
+
+Then the two parted, Buffalo Bill taking the trail for Fort Faraway and
+Doctor Dick going on to Last Chance mining-camp.
+
+But hardly had the scout disappeared from sight when the doctor halted,
+looked back and then slowly returned to the camp.
+
+Dismounting by the grave, he stood gazing at the inscription cut into
+the tree for some minutes, and then turned his eyes upon the mound at
+his feet.
+
+"Wicked, yes, hated and feared, yet my brother, and I loved him and my
+other brother, Manton, with a love that was greater than woman's love,
+and I revere their memory now.
+
+"Whatever they were, whatever the crimes that led to their losing their
+lives, I must avenge them, and I will, for Wallace Weston's hand it was
+that did the deed.
+
+"Yes, he killed Manton, and I am just as sure that he killed Hugh, who
+lies here at my feet. Buffalo Bill believes Wallace Weston dead; _but I
+do not_!
+
+"No, I can never believe that he could die except by my hand, and some
+day we two will meet face to face, and then he will die, and I will be
+avenged for Manton's and Hugh's deaths; so here I vow to take the life
+of Wallace Weston, and thus avenge my brothers."
+
+He raised his right hand as he spoke, pressed his left over his heart
+and so registered his vow of revenge.
+
+Then, mounting his horse, he rode away upon the trail he had before
+followed.
+
+He seemed in no hurry, rode slowly, made long noonday camps and camped
+early at night, so that it was the afternoon of the third day before he
+came in view of the scattered settlement of Last Chance Claim.
+
+Situated in a mountain canyon, which widened into a large valley after
+some miles, with towering cliffs, rugged passes and wild, picturesque
+scenery upon all sides, Last Chance Claim, or mining-camp, was scattered
+along for miles, the village portion, where the hotel, stores, and
+gambling-saloons were, being at the upper end.
+
+As he came out of a mountain pass into the valley proper, Doctor Dick
+beheld crowds of miners hastening toward the hotel, and all were
+carrying their rifles and had an excited air.
+
+"Well, pards, what has happened?" he asked as he put spurs to his horse
+and overtook a party of miners on the way to the hotel.
+
+The response he received caused him to spur forward and dash rapidly on
+to the head of the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MASKED AND MERCILESS.
+
+
+Dave Dockery had taken the place of driver on the Last Chance trail,
+after Bud Benton had been killed on the box by unknown parties.
+
+Dave Dockery was as shrewd as he was brave, and bore many scars of
+wounds received in the discharge of his duty, his nerve and endurance,
+it was said, saving his life where other men would surely have been
+killed.
+
+The coach out from Last Chance had gone on its dangerous run with a very
+large sum in gold-dust, but Dave had gotten safely through with it, and
+was congratulated by all who knew the chances he had taken of losing
+treasure and life.
+
+He had heard with regret, after reaching his eastern destination, that
+he was to be put to an equal strain going back, for a large sum of money
+in bank-bills was to be sent back to Last Chance in payment for several
+mines purchased there by outsiders.
+
+Dave was told that the box contained at least thirty thousand dollars,
+and so he hid it away as best he could in the coach.
+
+He also was carrying out as freight a dozen rifles of the last and most
+improved repeating pattern, and double as many revolvers, intended for
+the vigilantes of Last Chance, and who were personally unknown to any of
+the miners, though it was suspected that either Landlord Larry, the
+hotel-keeper, judge, storekeeper, and proprietor of the largest
+gambling-saloon in the place, or Doctor Dick, the gambler gold king, was
+the secret leader.
+
+Whoever the vigilante captain and his men might be, it was certain that
+they had a good influence over the most lawless spirits in the mines,
+the fact of their being unknown greatly aiding their good effect.
+
+Dave Dockery had hoped that he would have a stage-load of passengers
+upon the run to Last Chance, for he liked to have a crowd along, and
+then he felt that they were a safeguard as well, as in numbers there is
+strength.
+
+But, when the starting-time came, only two passengers appeared, one of
+them a miner going out to Last Chance to hunt for a fortune, and the
+other a young man who told Dave Dockery that he was only traveling from
+a love of adventure, and enjoyed the wild life he thus far had met with.
+
+He gave Dave a bunch of good cigars, showed him a silver flask of fine
+brandy, and was promptly invited to ride upon the box with him, an
+invitation that was as promptly accepted.
+
+Out of the little settlement rolled the coach, followed by a cheer from
+the crowd gathered to see it depart, for the going and coming of the
+coaches in border places are events of great moment to the dwellers
+there.
+
+The young man in search of adventure was upon the box with Dave, and the
+miner passenger was inside, where it was safer for him to ride, as he
+was in a hopeless state of intoxication.
+
+The horses dashed away in fine style, enthused by the cheer of the
+crowd, and Dave looked happy and proud, while his companion on the box
+appeared to enjoy the scene immensely.
+
+The young stranger was well dressed, for he had donned what was suitable
+for frontier roughing it, and wore in his belt a single revolver, as a
+means of defense rather than for show or bravado.
+
+He had a fine face, fearless and frank, and looked like a man of
+refinement and education.
+
+Dave Dockery was a good reader of human nature and took to his passenger
+at once, being really greatly pleased with his companionship.
+
+Three-fourths of the trail had been gone over without adventure, the
+three stops at the relay-stations, for changes of horses and meals for
+passengers, having been made on time, and Last Chance was only a dozen
+miles away, when, as they neared a dreary-looking spot in a gorge, Dave
+said:
+
+"There is where poor Bud Benton passed in his chips, pard, and I tell
+you I don't like the spot a bit."
+
+Hardly had he uttered the words when a sharp report rang out and Dave
+Dockery fell back upon the coach and lay motionless, while out of the
+shadows spurred a horseman dressed in black and wearing a red mask.
+
+With his revolver leveled at the stranger he said sharply:
+
+"Your turn next, sir, for I am out for blood and gold."
+
+Riding on the box with Dave Dockery, the young stranger had heard much
+of the wild ways of the border, and had been told that it would be
+madness to resist a "hold-up" of a coach, unless the chances were well
+on the side of those attacked.
+
+When, therefore, the sharp report of a revolver had been followed by the
+toppling over of poor Dave, and a masked horseman rode out of the
+shadows of the cliff, his revolver covering him, the young man did not
+just know what to do.
+
+He had with him a few hundred in money, his watch, chain, and a few
+articles of value, with some papers of importance.
+
+That the masked horseman was alone he could not believe, and yet he had,
+against all traditions of the border, begun by firing upon Dave Dockery,
+and not ordering him to halt first.
+
+That he had fired to kill the bullet-wound in the breast, and the
+motionless form of the driver as he lay back upon the top of the coach,
+were in evidence.
+
+Now he stood the chance himself of life and death, and he awaited the
+ordeal with white, but calm face.
+
+The horses had stopped in their tracks, and though no other persons were
+visible the stranger looked for others to appear. The thought flashed
+across him that he must lose all he had with him, but his life he could
+not believe was in danger, yet why the masked road-agent had killed
+Dockery without mercy he could not understand.
+
+"Do you mean to take my life, man?"
+
+"That depends whether it is worth more to kill you than to let you
+live," was the businesslike reply.
+
+But hardly had he spoken when from out of the coach window came a flash
+and report. The miner within, awakening to a sense of his danger, had
+taken a hand in the affair.
+
+The bullet barely missed the head of the masked horseman, who at once
+returned the fire, aiming first, however, at the young man on the box.
+
+With a groan the latter fell heavily to the ground, his revolver
+half-drawn from its holster, and the murderer, leaping from his saddle,
+took refuge among the horses while he called out:
+
+"I have killed your two comrades, and you share the same fate unless you
+surrender."
+
+"I cry quits, pard," came in frightened tones from the coach, and the
+man was evidently now sobered and greatly alarmed.
+
+"Then come out!"
+
+The miner quickly threw open the stage door, put his foot upon the step
+and then peered cautiously toward his foe.
+
+Instantly there came a shot, and, without a moan, he pitched forward
+head foremost and fell in a heap between the wheels.
+
+"Any more?" called out the road-agent sternly.
+
+No answer came, and, revolvers in hand, he stepped to one side and
+opened fire at the coach. He fired with both hands, and did not cease
+until he had emptied his weapons and riddled the coach.
+
+Then he unslung his rifle from his saddle-horn and cautiously
+approached, ready to fire at the first sign of danger to himself.
+
+But he had done his work well, and he had nothing to fear, so advancing
+to the coach, found that it was empty.
+
+Quickly he set about searching the vehicle for all of value that it
+might carry. He found a roll of bills belonging to the miner, and a few
+things of value in his valise.
+
+The young man panned out for him nearly a thousand in money, and some
+jewelry, and Dave Dockery was pretty well supplied with funds.
+
+But the masked marauder searched rapidly on, and evidently looked for a
+richer haul yet.
+
+The box was found with the money in it, and a bullet fired from his
+revolver shattered the lock.
+
+"Ah! here is a haul worth all risks to get," he muttered, and the
+contents of the chest were put in a sack and tied upon his saddle.
+
+His work thus far had taken but a few minutes, and, apparently satisfied
+with what booty he had secured, he shot one of the wheel-horses, to
+prevent the team going on with the coach, and, mounting the splendid
+animal he rode, and which was covered, head and all, with a black calico
+covering, he dashed away down the pass at a gallop.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE DUMB MESSENGER.
+
+
+Hardly had the masked road-agent ridden away, when a deep groan came
+from the lips of Dave Dockery. His eyes opened, and after a supreme
+effort, which cost him the greatest agony, as moans would force
+themselves through his shut teeth, he was able to slip down from the box
+to the ground.
+
+He knelt by the side of the man who had been his companion a few minutes
+before, full of life and vigor, and found him motionless. Then he crept
+on hands and knees to the side of the miner.
+
+"Dead!" came from between his clenched teeth.
+
+After several efforts he arose by aid of a wheel to his feet, and,
+taking a piece of paper and pencil from his pocket, wrote a few lines
+upon it with the greatest difficulty.
+
+Making his way, supported by the coach, step by step to the wheel-horse
+that stood chained to his dead comrade, he unhitched him from the pole,
+fastened the slip of paper to the bridle, and gave him a blow.
+
+"Go! old horse, for I cannot ride you; I am too weak to hold myself on
+your back. Go for help to Last Chance, and maybe if you hurry you may
+save my life."
+
+The horse seemed to understand what was said to him, and started off at
+a swift trot down the trail.
+
+He was just disappearing from sight when Dockery, unable to longer stand
+up, tottered and fell by the side of the trail, writhing in his agony.
+
+And while he lay thus the faithful horse increased his speed to a gallop
+and went along thus for miles, his trace-chains rattling an
+accompaniment to his hoof-falls as he followed the trail to Last Chance.
+
+Halting at a stream here and there for a drink of cool water, and at a
+grassy bank for a few mouthfuls of food, the horse held on his way, and
+a couple of hours after his departure from the coach galloped into the
+mining-camp.
+
+Those who saw him with the harness on felt sure that some harm had
+befallen the coach, and they hastened after the animal, who, avoiding
+capture, dashed up to the hotel door and halted.
+
+Lawrence Larrimore, nicknamed Landlord Larry, had seen him coming, and
+grasped his bridle-rein as he halted.
+
+He had caught sight of the white slip of paper tied upon the bridle, and
+quickly securing it, read what was written thereon in the weak and
+wavering hand of the wounded driver, but which was recognized as the
+writing of Dave Dockery.
+
+It was as follows, for Landlord Larry read it aloud, as the miners
+quickly gathered about him:
+
+     "Coach held up at Bud Benton's grave, and I fatally
+     wounded.
+
+     "One passenger on box killed; miner in coach also.
+
+     "Coach robbed of large sum.
+
+     "Road-agent was alone, wore black domino and red mask,
+     horse also masked, but feel sure I know him.
+
+     "I have just strength to write this, and beg quick aid,
+     sending it by one of my wheelers.
+
+     "Come quickly if you hope to find me alive.
+
+     "DAVE."
+
+A roar went up from the crowd of miners at the reading of this note from
+Dave Dockery, who even then might be dying, and Landlord Larry cried:
+
+"Spread the alarm, and let us go quickly to the spot, and try and save
+poor Dave, yes, and capture that masked road-agent, for he has got money
+in plenty.
+
+"Oh! if Doctor Dick was only here to look after poor Dave, he might save
+him. Let me see! the coach was due at Bud Benton's grave about two
+o'clock and it is now after three. Come, men, mount and follow me!"
+
+Dave Dockery was liked by all, and Landlord Larry was a very popular
+man; so, quickly, the miners obeyed the call to follow the one to the
+rescue of the other.
+
+Just as the party of mounted men were about to ride away from the hotel,
+under the leadership of Landlord Larry, a shout was heard down the
+valley, and then came the cry from a score of men:
+
+"There comes Doctor Dick!"
+
+With an exclamation of pleasure Landlord Larry put spurs to his horse
+and dashed forward to meet the doctor, who warmly grasped his hand as
+the two met and called out:
+
+"What is it, Landlord Larry?"
+
+"Read this paper from Dave Dockery, who even now may be dead. We are
+going to his aid."
+
+"And I will go with you."
+
+"But your horse is worn out, Doc, and you look tired after your long
+trail."
+
+"Don't mind me, for I will mount a fresh horse and follow," and Doctor
+Dick rode rapidly toward his own cabin.
+
+The eyes of the miners followed the doctor as though all depended upon
+him.
+
+They had come to almost revere this handsome, stern, mysterious man who
+had come to dwell among them, yet seemed so well fitted to adorn a far
+different life.
+
+His life was as a sealed book to them, yet his skill as physician and
+surgeon was great, his generosity unbounded, and his nerve and daring
+far above those whom he had been forced to meet in deadly encounter.
+
+He had made his home in a snugly built cabin under the shelter of a
+cliff within easy walk of the hotel, where he took his meals.
+
+He had fitted his frontier home with an extravagance and comfort that
+was surprising, and had in a cabin near several as fine horses as could
+be found among the mining-camps, with a Chinese servant to look after
+them and his wants.
+
+The doctor hastily dismounted, called to the Chinaman to throw his
+saddle upon another horse and look after the pack-animal, entered the
+cabin for a few moments, and before Landlord Larry and his party were a
+couple of miles away was in rapid pursuit.
+
+He did not spare his horse, and overtaking the crowd of half a hundred
+miner-horsemen, he was greeted with a cheer, which he acknowledged by
+gracefully raising his sombrero.
+
+Riding to the front of the column he took his place by the side of
+Landlord Larry, and set a faster pace than that at which they had been
+going.
+
+"You say that Dave Dockery was able to write a note, landlord?"
+
+"Yes, I handed it to you to-day."
+
+"I thrust it into my pocket unread," and Doctor Dick now glanced over
+the note as he rode along. "I fear he is too far gone, Larry, for if he
+had been able he would have come into the camp. I will ride still
+faster, for every moment counts with a badly wounded man, and you see I
+am mounted on my racer."
+
+"Push on, do, Doc, and I'll follow with the men as fast as I can," cried
+the landlord.
+
+With a word to Racer, the horse was off like an arrow, and fairly flew
+up and down hill along the rugged trail to reach the scene of the
+tragedy and lend aid to the wounded driver.
+
+At last the coach came in sight, and the coming miners were yet all of
+two miles behind. The four coach-horses, still attached to the pole,
+stood where they had been left by their driver, while the wheel-horse
+shot by the road-agent lay where he had fallen.
+
+Near the coach, to one side, and not twenty paces from where Bud Benton
+had been killed, lay the form of Dave Dockery.
+
+Throwing himself from his saddle Doctor Dick bent over him and said
+quickly:
+
+"He still lives! Dave! Dave! speak to me!"
+
+The eyes slowly opened, and there was a convulsive movement of the form,
+a struggle which, becoming violent, caused the doctor to grasp him
+firmly, and thus hold him.
+
+The dying man seemed in an agony of despair at being unable to speak,
+and after a slight resistance ceased his efforts and sank back
+exhausted.
+
+"Here, Dave, take this, for it will revive you," and Doctor Dick poured
+some medicine between the white lips.
+
+As he did so a groan from another quarter startled him, and, glancing in
+the direction from whence it came, he saw the form of the young
+passenger, who had been riding on the box, quiver slightly.
+
+In an instant he sprang to the side of the other sufferer, and bent over
+him, placing his hand upon his pulse.
+
+"The bullet struck him in the forehead, glancing along the skull and
+coming out, I see, at the back of the head. It remains to see whether
+the bone is fractured--ah! here they come," and up dashed Landlord Larry
+and those who had kept up with him.
+
+"How goes it, doctor?" asked Larry.
+
+"Dave is beyond hope, I fear, while this gentleman is alive, though I do
+not know yet how seriously wounded. That man in rough clothes there is
+dead, as you can see at a glance; but come, we will get the wounded men
+into the stage at once, and I will drive on to the camps."
+
+"And the road-agents?"
+
+"By all means send a party to hunt them down," was the stern rejoinder.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+DEATH AND MADNESS.
+
+
+All knew that Doctor Dick was a skilful driver, and that he would take
+the coach into Last Chance sooner than any one else could, so they
+hastened to get the team ready.
+
+The harness on the horse, which had been the dumb messenger to make
+known the tragedy, had been brought back, and two of the miners' horses
+were quickly put in as wheelers, while the wounded driver and passenger
+were tenderly lifted into the coach.
+
+In got a couple of miners to support them in their arms, while the body
+of the man killed by the road-agents was put upon the top of the coach.
+
+Landlord Larry had himself led the party in search of the trail of the
+road-agents, while, mounting the box, and leaving his horse to follow on
+behind, Doctor Dick sent the team along at a slapping pace for Last
+Chance Claim.
+
+As they went along they met other miners coming out to the scene, but
+these were turned back, as there was no need of their going, and
+Landlord Larry had with him all that was needed.
+
+It was just nightfall when the coach rolled by the door of the hotel,
+while, to the surprise of all, Doctor Dick did not draw rein there.
+Instead he went on to his own cabin and came to a halt, while he said to
+the miners who accompanied him:
+
+"If the lives of these two men are to be saved, it will only be by skill
+and devoted nursing, and I want them near me. Bring over two cots from
+the hotel, and we will soon make them as comfortable as possible."
+
+The two cots were soon brought, the wounded men tenderly lifted out, and
+the coach driven to the stables by a miner, while Doctor Dick set to
+work to see just what he could do for his patients.
+
+All knew that Driver Dave Dockery was a great favorite of the
+gambler-doctor and the remark was made:
+
+"He'll save Dave if it can be done, and he's the man to do it."
+
+Left alone with his patients, save his Chinese assistant, Doctor Dick
+threw off his coat and set to work in earnest to see what he could do
+for them, and how seriously they were wounded.
+
+He first went to Dave Dockery. The driver lay as quiet as though asleep.
+Placing his hand upon his heart, and then his ear close to his breast,
+Doctor Dick said calmly.
+
+"It is the sleep of death."
+
+With only a moment of thought, he straightened out the limbs, closed the
+eyes, folded the once strong, bronzed hands over the broad breast, and,
+throwing a blanket over the form, said to his Chinese servant, speaking
+in the Chinese tongue, and speaking it well:
+
+"Loo Foo, my friend is dead."
+
+The Chinaman replied in his idea of English:
+
+"Allee lightee, dockee, him wellee happy now allee samee 'Melican man
+angel."
+
+Loo Foo had been converted, it was said, when he carried on the business
+of washee-washee in a mining-camp, for, as he had expressed it:
+
+"More lovee 'Melican man Joss, gettee more washee."
+
+Going from the body of Dave Dockery, Doctor Dick bent over the form of
+the wounded stranger. He found him lying in a state of coma, breathing
+heavily and apparently very badly wounded.
+
+Examining the wound Doctor Dick saw that the bullet had glanced on the
+forehead, run along under the scalp to the back of the skull and there
+cut its way out.
+
+Dressing the wound carefully, and using restoratives, the doctor soon
+had the satisfaction of discovering that his patient was rallying; and
+within an hour's time his eyes opened, and he looked about him in a
+bewildered way.
+
+Passing his hand slowly over his face, he seemed trying to get his
+scattered thoughts, for he muttered something to himself and then
+suddenly burst into a violent fit of laughter.
+
+"Great God! he will live, but as a madman," cried Doctor Dick, moved by
+the sight of the strong man's brain having been crazed by the wound he
+had received.
+
+Having made him as comfortable as possible he left Loo Foo on watch and
+went over to the saloon to report the result, and found it more crowded
+than usual.
+
+Many had assembled there who did not generally frequent the place,
+preferring the quiet of their own cabins in the evening after a hard
+day's work.
+
+These were attracted by the happenings of the day, and the tragedy was
+being discussed in all its details, with the possibilities of the
+recovery of the driver and the young passenger, and the capture of the
+bold outlaws.
+
+The fact that Dave Dockery had hinted in his note to Landlord Larry that
+he could possibly tell who the masked road-agent was, was a cause of
+considerable excitement to all, for it would doubtless fall on one in
+Last Chance to be the accused.
+
+A hush fell upon the crowd as Doctor Dick entered, and the few who were
+gambling, for there were only a few that night, left their cards on the
+table to hear what would be said.
+
+"Pards," said the doctor, in his courtly way, "I am just from my cabin,
+where I have left one of the wounded men dead, the other a madman."
+
+A breathless silence followed these words, and then a voice broke it
+with:
+
+"Doc, who is the dead man?"
+
+"Dave Dockery."
+
+A low murmur of regret and sorrow passed over the crowd, and the doctor
+added:
+
+"He died soon after reaching the cabin."
+
+"And t'other, Doc?"
+
+"The bullet struck him in the head, slightly fracturing the bone, I
+fear, indenting it and causing a loss of reason, which I fear may never
+return to him."
+
+"Poor fellow! better be dead, like poor Dave," said one, and this view
+was the thought of all.
+
+"Pards, prepare for Dave's funeral to-morrow, and out of respect for
+him, let us close the saloon to-night, for I know Landlord Larry would
+wish it so."
+
+A general murmur of assent followed, and the doctor continued:
+
+"I wish two men as couriers at once, one to carry a note to Landlord
+Larry, for he can go to the scene of the hold-up, and start on the trail
+from there as soon as it is light enough to see."
+
+"I'll go, Doc," said a cheery voice, and a young man came forward.
+
+"Thank you, Wall, go with me to my cabin and I'll give you the note.
+Now, I wish a man to go as courier to Fort Faraway, and remember it is a
+dangerous and long ride."
+
+"I hain't afeered of the danger, or the ride, Doc, so I'm yer man," said
+a burly fellow coming forward, and his words were greeted with a cheer.
+
+Doctor Dick glanced at him and then said very calmly:
+
+"Thank you, Brassy, but I do not care to accept your services."
+
+"And just why?"
+
+"In the first place, I desire to send a letter to Buffalo Bill, and you
+have expressed openly your hatred for him, and to some day even up on
+him for not allowing you to have your way in certain matters."
+
+"I doesn't allow my hates to interfere with duty."
+
+"I do not care to accept your services, Brassy."
+
+"Now, I asks a reason why?"
+
+"I have given you one."
+
+"I wants another."
+
+"Is this a demand?"
+
+"It be."
+
+"You shall have it."
+
+"Then don't beat round the bush, but have the narve to come out with it
+like a man."
+
+All looked at Brassy with amazement. He had been drinking and was
+reckless.
+
+The doctor smiled, but answered complacently:
+
+"I always answer a demand, Brassy, so will tell you frankly, that I
+would not trust you with any message whatever."
+
+The words fell pat from the lips of the doctor, and there was no
+misunderstanding them, and Brassy did not, for with a yell he shouted:
+
+"Yer shall eat them insultin' words, Doctor Dick!" and quick as action
+could be, he had drawn his revolver and fired.
+
+The crowd had fallen back from about each man at Brassy's cry, and yet
+one man caught the bullet intended for the doctor in his shoulder.
+
+It was not a second after the shot of Brassy's before the doctor's
+weapon rang out.
+
+He had not expected Brassy to open fire so quickly, so was not prepared
+for defense; but he was just so little behind him in time, that before
+the man could pull trigger a second time, he fired, and his bullet went
+straight where aimed, between the eyes of the one he intended to kill,
+when he dropped his hand upon his revolver.
+
+Brassy's pistol fired a second shot as he fell, but it was from the
+death clutch upon the trigger, and the bullet went over the heads of the
+crowd, while instantly was heard the doctor's quiet tones:
+
+"Come, men, who volunteers as courier to Faraway?"
+
+A young man stepped promptly forward and answered:
+
+"I was a soldier at Faraway, sir, and know the trail. I will go."
+
+"You are the very man, Harding; come with Wall to my cabin. Good night,
+gentlemen, and remember, I pay the expenses of Brassy's funeral, so do
+not be mean in his burial outfit."
+
+With this Doctor Dick raised his sombrero and left the saloon, his
+admirers being still more impressed with his nerve and bearing after
+what had occurred.
+
+The body of Brassy was removed to his cabin by those who were his
+friends, and all agreed that he had brought his sudden fate upon
+himself, as the first reason given, of his hatred to Buffalo Bill, was
+excuse enough for refusing him as a courier.
+
+The saloon was closed, and the other gambling and drinking-places
+followed the example set and also closed their doors for the night, so
+that quiet soon rested in the mining-camp of Last Chance.
+
+In the meanwhile Doctor Dick, accompanied by Wall and Harding, had gone
+to his quarters, where Loo Foo was found making a cup of tea, alone with
+the dead and wounded, and seemingly unmindful of the fact.
+
+Entering the cabin the doctor drew the blanket back from the form of
+Dave Dockery and revealed to the two couriers the honest, brave face of
+the driver.
+
+"Poor Dave! He is on his last trail now," he said softly, and seating
+himself at his table he hastily wrote two letters. One read:
+
+     "DEAR LARRY: Dave died soon after reaching my cabin. If
+     you do not find trace of the outlaws by sunset, it
+     would be well to return sooner, if you can get no clue
+     whatever.
+
+     "I send Harding to Fort Faraway, with a note to Buffalo
+     Bill, as I promised to do, if there was another hold-up
+     on the Overland Trail.
+
+     "I had to kill Brassy to-night, but Ball will explain
+     the circumstances.
+
+     "Get back to poor Dave's funeral at sunset to-morrow,
+     if possible.
+
+     "I closed saloon to-night out of respect to Dave.
+
+     "The young passenger will be a madman if he recovers.
+
+     Yours, DOCTOR DICK."
+
+The note to Buffalo Bill told of the hold-up on the stage-trail, the
+death of one passenger, wounding of another, and killing of Dave
+Dockery, and closed with:
+
+     "Landlord Larry is on the trail of the outlaws, and all
+     will be done to hunt them down that it is possible to
+     do.
+
+     "I will drive the coach back on the run, and until
+     another driver can be found.
+
+     "If you cannot come now, state what you think best to
+     be done and it will be attended to.
+
+     "Yours, DOCTOR DICK."
+
+The couriers left as soon as the letters were finished, and having seen
+them depart Doctor Dick went over to the hotel to get his supper, which
+Loo Foo had ordered for him, after which he returned, looked at his
+patient, gave him a dose of medicine, and, throwing himself upon his
+bed, was soon fast asleep, wholly oblivious it seemed of the dead man
+and the sufferer within a few feet of him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A STRANGE BURIAL.
+
+
+The courier on the trail of Landlord Larry found him and his
+half-hundred miners trailing the mountains and valleys over in search of
+some trace of the coming of the road-agents to the scene of the tragedy,
+and their going therefrom.
+
+But the search of the evening before, and up to the arrival of Wall at
+noon, when they had gone into camp, had been wholly in vain.
+
+Not a hoof-track could be found of the road-agents' horses, nor a place
+where they had lain in wait until the stage came along.
+
+Landlord Larry was not one to waste energy upon impossibilities, and
+after reading Doctor Dick's letter he decided to return with his men to
+Last Chance.
+
+They set out soon after the midday rest and arrived in Last Chance just
+as all was in readiness for the burial of Dave Dockery and Brassy, for a
+double funeral was to be had.
+
+The landlord dismissed his men and went at once to the quarters of
+Doctor Dick, who greeted him warmly and asked:
+
+"Any success?"
+
+"Not a bit."
+
+"Too bad."
+
+"We could not find the photograph of a trail and to search longer was a
+waste of time, so as the men wished to go to Dave's funeral, I just came
+in."
+
+"It was about all you could do under the circumstances, Larry."
+
+"I see that they have got the corpse you furnished rigged out for burial
+too."
+
+"Brassy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why not, for he has a number of friends?"
+
+"Don't fear no trouble, do yer?"
+
+"No, I think not, for Brassy prescribed for himself and I administered
+the medicine."
+
+"Served him right for playing with edged tools."
+
+"I will not say that, poor fellow, for life was dear to him; but he
+should have been more careful."
+
+"We will go together to the burial."
+
+"By all means, and I'll give my friends a hint to be ready if Brassy's
+pards go to showing an ugly mood, while you will go prepared, Doc?"
+
+"I always am," was the laconic response.
+
+"Now, how's yer sick man?"
+
+"He will recover bodily, but never mentally I fear."
+
+"I'm sorry," and Landlord Larry went to prepare for the burial.
+
+In half an hour all was ready to start, and Doctor Dick and Landlord
+Larry were given the places of honor at the procession, or rather just
+following what was called "the band," and which consisted of a dozen men
+who _sang_, the leader alone playing on a cornet.
+
+Following the doctor and Landlord Larry, came the eight men bearing the
+body of Dave Dockery on a litter on their shoulders.
+
+The body was encased in a board coffin, and behind followed eight men
+carrying the body of Brassy.
+
+Following were the miners, marching eight abreast, and in solid column,
+nearly a thousand men being in line, and among them were led the horses
+which Dave Dockery was wont to drive, his belt of arms, hat, and whip
+being carried on top of his coffin.
+
+Up the canyon to the cemetery beneath the cliffs filed the column at
+funeral pace, keeping time to the splendid voices, that changed from air
+to air as they marched along, and which echoed and reechoed among the
+hills.
+
+The burying-ground was reached, the bodies placed by the side of the
+graves dug for them, and Landlord Larry consigned them to their last
+resting-place by repeating the words of the burial service over them, no
+partiality being shown.
+
+But when the coffin, with the weapons, hat, and whip of Dave Dockery was
+lowered into the grave, hundreds of bold, brawny men stepped forward and
+threw in upon it benches of wild flowers they had gathered, and when
+filled up, the little mound was covered from view by these sweet
+offerings of manly regard for the dead driver, while in strange contrast
+was the barren grave of Brassy, for his immediate friends had not
+thought of gathering flowers, there being no sentiment in his death.
+
+Doctor Dick looked calmly on, and perhaps it was his stern, fearless
+mien that stayed the trouble that several of Brassy's pards seemed to
+have decided upon there in the sacred resting-place of the dead,
+perhaps the belief that they would be quickly sent to join their
+comrade, for they created no disturbance, only with a significant glance
+at the gold-king gambler turned and walked away with the bearing of men
+who would bide their time to avenge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE COURIER.
+
+
+The man who had volunteered to take the long and dangerous ride to Fort
+Faraway, to carry a letter to Buffalo Bill, had ridden along steadily
+after leaving Last Chance, until a couple of hours before day. Then he
+halted, staked his horse out, and, wrapping himself in his blanket, went
+to sleep.
+
+For several hours he slept serenely, then awaking he cooked his
+breakfast and was soon again in the saddle.
+
+He seemed to understand frontier craft perfectly, and to appreciate just
+what his horse could stand, so did not press him too hard.
+
+Camping at nightfall, he was again on the trail at daybreak, and held
+steadily on during the day.
+
+Another night-camp and he rode into Fort Faraway the next morning before
+the hour of noon.
+
+He was directed at once to the quarters of Buffalo Bill, and though,
+having been a soldier there, he recognized many old friends, he saw
+that, dressed as he then was, and with his beard grown, the recognition
+was not mutual.
+
+But the moment he entered the presence of Buffalo Bill he was recognized
+and warmly greeted, for the scout had always liked the young soldier,
+who had been given his discharge on account of a severe wound received
+in an Indian fight, which it was thought would render him lame for life.
+
+"Well, Harding, I am glad to see you, and you deserve credit for the
+plucky ride you have made. How is the old wound getting on now?"
+
+"All right, Bill, for I am not at all lame, I am glad to say."
+
+"And you are getting rich, I suppose?"
+
+"Well, no, but I have laid up some money in mining, only I cannot stand
+upon my wounded leg long at a time, and so I am going to ask you to take
+me on as a scout under your command, if you can do so."
+
+"Harding, you are just the man I want, and you are in that very place
+where I need you, so you can return to your mine, and pretend to work as
+before, for there is where I wish you to serve me, since I received this
+letter from Doctor Dick."
+
+"Thank you, Pard Cody, for your kindness, and will be glad to do as you
+wish; but may I ask a favor?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"It is that no one knows that I am in your service, not even Landlord
+Larry or Doctor Dick, for I can work better, I am sure."
+
+"It might be a good idea to have it so, and it shall be as you wish, for
+you can do better work as a spy, and I have full confidence in you,
+Harding. But we will talk over just what it is best to do when I have
+reported to Major Randall the holding up of the coach and killing of
+Dave Dockery and the others."
+
+Buffalo Bill then left the courier and went to headquarters, where he
+held a long conversation with the commandant of the post.
+
+Returning to his own quarters he said to Harding, who was awaiting him:
+
+"Well, pard, the major has heard the whole story, and he has left it to
+me to go in my own way about running down these road-agents, for, though
+only one was seen, there were evidently more at the hold-up."
+
+"I do not doubt that, for one man would be a bold one to alone make an
+open attempt to hold up a coach with Dave Dockery on the box, and
+knowing that he had passengers with him."
+
+"Well, Harding, you are to return to Last Chance, and give letters I
+will write to Landlord Larry, and I wish you to go to work in my
+service, and secret service it must be, for what you do must be
+underhand, no one knowing that you are doing else than carrying on your
+mining as before. I will give you a paper which will protect you, for
+Major Randall will endorse it officially, and you can use it in case of
+trouble, or necessity; not otherwise."
+
+"I thank you, friend Bill, and I'll be discreet, I promise you; but now
+there is another thing I wish to tell you, and to ask what you think of
+it."
+
+"Well, what is it, Harding?"
+
+"Do you believe that Sergeant Wallace Weston is dead?" was the query, in
+a low, earnest tone.
+
+Buffalo Bill started at the unexpected question asked him, and gazing
+intently at Harding, asked:
+
+"Why do you ask such a question, Harding?"
+
+"I will tell you when you answer my question, Mr. Cody."
+
+"Whether I believe Sergeant Wallace Weston dead?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I do."
+
+"You have good reason for believing it, then?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"Please tell me what it is."
+
+"As you have some motive above curiosity in asking, I will do so,
+Harding," and Buffalo Bill told the whole story of Sergeant Weston's
+escape from execution, and the finding of a body in his uniform upon the
+desert, and burying it. But he added:
+
+"I confess, Harding, after a talk with Doctor Dick upon the subject, I
+was led to doubt to a certain degree the death of the sergeant, and even
+followed a trail which I supposed was his."
+
+"With what result, sir?"
+
+"That we found the trail led to a mine which had caved in and crushed
+the cabin home of those who dwelt there!"
+
+"When was this, sir?"
+
+"Only a short time ago."
+
+"Do you mind giving me the date?"
+
+Buffalo Bill took a note-book from his pocket and gave the exact date.
+
+"Now, Harding, you have some knowledge upon this subject; a secret to
+tell."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Out with it."
+
+"You will keep it in confidence, between us two?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You know that the sergeant was my friend, that he had saved my life
+twice in battle, and I loved him as I did a brother?"
+
+"I remember."
+
+"No man knew him better than I did in the fort, for we were boon
+comrades for over a year, and I knew his features perfectly, as well as
+other marks of identification."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"The sergeant had one mark that he was sensitive about, and kept hidden
+from all, though I saw it several times."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"He had a peculiar way of dressing his hair, with a curl hanging over
+his forehead."
+
+"I remember it."
+
+"Beneath that curl, sir, was a birthmark."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"It was a red cross an inch in length, and perfect in shape."
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Yes, and I saw that same mark on a man's forehead a few days before the
+date you say that Sergeant Weston, if it was he, was buried in the
+caved-in mine."
+
+"Ah! and where did you see it?"
+
+"I had gone to Wingate by coach, sir, to collect some money due me from
+several soldiers there, and in the sutler's store I saw a man whose face
+I was sure I had seen before.
+
+"He wore his hair and beard long, and seemed to stoop badly, or was
+round-shouldered, but the form otherwise was the same, so were the eyes
+and shape of the head, and he had a round gold filling the size of a
+pin's head in one of the front teeth.
+
+"Reading a letter that seemed to impress him, he took off his hat and
+pushed his hair back, and I saw the red cross on his forehead. I went up
+to see him as though to attract his attention, but he looked at me as
+though he had never seen me before, yet his face flushed and paled as he
+looked.
+
+"Now, Mr. Cody, that man was Sergeant Weston, and I'll swear to it, but
+I would not tell any other man than you, for if he escaped death no one
+is more glad of it than I, unless----"
+
+"Unless what, Harding?"
+
+"Unless, a poor man, and a hunted one, he turned road-agent and was the
+man who held up the coach, killing Dave Dockery."
+
+"No, Harding, I can hardly believe that of him, and then, too, the coach
+was just held up, and this man, with his pard, perished in the cave-in
+of their mine."
+
+"You are sure?"
+
+"I cannot see reason to doubt it, but now that you tell me what you do,
+the man who saved me from the gang of Headlight Joe, and then went on
+his way, recalled a face I could not place, and now I am sure that it
+was Sergeant Weston; but he too had round shoulders, while the sergeant
+did not have, and yet he was then on his way to Wingate, and it was upon
+his return that I followed his trail."
+
+"Well, sir, if it was in my power to capture Sergeant Weston, never
+would I lay hand upon him, and I believe you feel the same way, unless
+it was your orders to do so. Still, somehow, the thought came to me
+that, a fugitive, and friendless, he might have turned outlaw."
+
+"I do not think so, and I am sure now that, if it was Weston who came to
+my aid, and whom you saw, he perished in the mine; but now let us go
+over what I wish you to do, and my plan to run down these road-agents,
+who I am sure are from Last Chance Claim and nowhere else," said Buffalo
+Bill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+DOCTOR DICK'S DRIVE.
+
+
+A pall seemed to have fallen over Last Chance, in the death of Dave
+Dockery, and its life began to flag in gloom. Seeing this, and fearing
+that the hold-up of the coach might injure the mines, Landlord Larry
+decided to get up a scheme to attract outsiders to the mines, and so the
+rumor went out of a large find of gold in one of the canyons near the
+town.
+
+A couple of miners only were put there to work it, and the claim was
+known as the Doctor Dick Mine, as the gold king at once bought from the
+landlord a half-interest in it.
+
+This news stirred the miners to increased exertions in their own mines,
+and also caused prospectors to go out on the search for new "finds."
+
+The wounded passenger continued to steadily improve bodily, under the
+skill and kind care of Doctor Dick, but his mind was a wreck, and no one
+believed that he would ever regain his reason.
+
+Doctor Dick hinted at an operation some day that might relieve the
+pressure upon the brain, yet spoke of it also as an experiment and a
+dangerous one, only to be tried as a last resort.
+
+The man was as docile as a child, gave no trouble, and simply sat about
+whittling sticks into the shape of a revolver.
+
+At last the week passed by, when the stage was to start again upon its
+run eastward.
+
+A number of miners had volunteered as an escort, but Doctor Dick said he
+would drive on the run out and come back as a passenger; and he did not
+expect trouble, so would not accept an armed escort.
+
+The night before the stage was to start, Harding, the courier to Fort
+Faraway, returned. He brought with him a letter from Buffalo Bill to
+Doctor Dick, and another for Landlord Larry, stating that the troops at
+the fort were pressed just then with extra duty, as the Indians were in
+an angry mood, and for them to do what they could for the protection of
+the coaches until Major Randall could investigate and patrol the trail.
+
+Harding had little to say of his visit to the fort, more than to hint
+that the soldiers were too much occupied just then with their own
+affairs to care much for the killing of a stage-driver and couple of
+passengers.
+
+As no Government funds had been taken by the outlaws, the miners would
+have to look to their own protection, for a while at least.
+
+The courier also stated that there were stories at the fort of secret
+finds of gold in and about Last Chance, and he would give up his
+intention, expressed some time before, of selling out his mining
+interests, and instead, stick to hard work, in the hope of striking it
+rich in the end.
+
+The next morning the coach was to start, and as it was to go out at an
+early hour many of the miners decided to remain up all night gambling in
+order to see it leave; for it would be the Sabbath day, when they could
+rest.
+
+Doctor Dick had been too busy of late with his patient and other matters
+to devote much time to gambling, and so he also decided to make a night
+of it at the gambling-tables.
+
+When the dawn came many regretted that he had done so, for never had he
+played more recklessly, and never before had he been such a large
+winner, for luck seemed to go his way from the start.
+
+Play what game he might he was a winner, and going from table to table
+he "broke the combination," as one of the miners expressed it.
+
+The dawn was at hand when he went to his cabin for a bath, and in half
+an hour he came back to the hotel for breakfast, looking little like a
+man who had passed the night over a gambling-table.
+
+He was dressed in his best, was well armed, and coming out from a hearty
+breakfast lighted a cigar, and mounted to the stage-box at a single
+bound, an act that gained for him a cheer upon his agility.
+
+"All ready, Landlord Larry," he called out as he gathered up the reins,
+and the answer was:
+
+"No passengers, mails aboard, go!"
+
+Doctor Dick gathered up the reins in a way that showed him a master of
+the art of driving.
+
+He looked very dashing and handsome, as he sat on the box, his long hair
+falling upon his shoulders and his face showing no dread of what he
+might have to encounter upon his run.
+
+With a wave of the hand at the word, "go," he gave his whip-lash a quick
+whirl, and made the crack resound like a pistol-shot.
+
+The six horses bounded forward, and a wild yell of admiration of the
+volunteer driver's pluck went up from the crowd.
+
+As the coach rolled down the valley the miners came out from their
+cabins and gave him a cheer, and it was a constant yell along the line
+until he had left the last camp behind him.
+
+The six fine horses had been sent along at a rapid pace until the camps
+were left behind, the doctor showing his great skill as a driver in
+dashing over places, and around corners where others had found it safer
+to go slow; but when the last cabin disappeared the team was brought
+down to a jog, for the way was long before them.
+
+The scene of the last tragedy was passed at a walk, the doctor glancing
+calmly at the spot where Dave Dockery had lost his life, along with his
+passengers.
+
+The first relay was made, and the stock-tender there, who had heard the
+news of the hold-up from Landlord Larry's men when searching for the
+road-agents, expressed pleasure at seeing the coach come in safe and
+with Doctor Dick upon the box.
+
+"Anything suspicious about, pard?" asked the doctor.
+
+"No, sir, hain't seen a man around since poor Dave went by on the last
+run, which was his last run on earth."
+
+"Yes, poor fellow, he is gone."
+
+"You doesn't mean ter say that yer is going ter drive ther run, Doc?"
+
+"Only on this trip, pard, for I have other work to do; but there was no
+one at Last Chance to take the coach out, so I volunteered."
+
+"And you has the nerve ter run through, while yer handles ther ribbons
+as though yer was born on a stage-box. But yer'll find drivers scarce at
+t'other end, Doctor Dick, or I'm greatly mistook."
+
+"I hope not;" and the fresh team being ready, the doctor pushed on once
+more.
+
+The second relay-station was reached at noon, and here Doctor Dick had
+his dinner.
+
+He had come over the worst part of the road, as far as danger from
+attack was concerned, but had fifty miles yet before him, where a halt
+was always made for the night, as there was a canyon there to go through
+which could only be driven in daylight, and the relay of horses taken in
+the morning had to pull on into the station at the end of the ran for
+the driver on the Last Chance end of the line.
+
+But the doctor reached what was known as Canyon-end Station soon after
+dark, and after supper turned in in one of the cots in the cabin
+provided for passengers, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+He was up at an early hour, had breakfast, lighted his cigar, and with a
+spanking fine team took the perilous run through the canyon at a trot,
+driving the twenty miles that ended his run in a little over three
+hours.
+
+The stage rolling in at a brisk pace to the station at W----, was
+greeted with cheers, for the news had come from Fort Faraway the day
+before of Dave Dockery's death, the killing of one passenger, wounding
+of another, and the robbery of the coach.
+
+The brave man who had dared drive through was greeted with cheers, but
+he had hardly dismounted from the box when he was informed that he
+would have to drive back, as there was no driver there who would take
+the risk at any price.
+
+Other drivers had been sent for, men who were afraid of nothing, but no
+one had yet been found who would drive the run to Last Chance, which had
+been set down in the frontier vocabulary as the Sure-death Trail.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+RUNNING THE GANTLET.
+
+
+Doctor Dick agreed to drive the coach back on condition that the driver
+who came to take charge should come on to Last Chance on horseback and
+be ready to come back with it.
+
+He had shown that he did not fear the drive, but his business and
+professional duties demanded that he should be at Last Chance, and there
+he must remain.
+
+He was secretly told by the agent that there was a valuable mail to go
+through in registered letters, and asked if he dared risk carrying them.
+
+"By all means, sir, for I am driving to do my full duty," was the
+answer.
+
+So the mail was made up, and at the last moment two passengers applied
+for seats.
+
+They were strangers in W----, but said they were going to Last Chance to
+work in the mines, and they were accordingly given seats upon the box,
+as they preferred to ride outside.
+
+Then the coach started on its return to Last Chance with Doctor Dick
+still holding the reins.
+
+Having driven over the run once, and knowing what his relay teams could
+do, he started out to make the regular time on the run.
+
+But there was alarm felt at Last Chance when half an hour had passed
+over schedule-time and the coach did not put in an appearance, and
+nothing was seen of it on the three miles of trail visible down the
+valley.
+
+When an hour had passed the anxiety became great, for all conjectured
+that Doctor Dick had met the fate of Bud Benton and Dave Dockery.
+
+Some said that the delay was because the doctor was new on the road, and
+this appeared to be a reasonable explanation, but Landlord Larry grew
+more and more anxious, and at last decided to go out with a party on a
+search for the delayed coach.
+
+But, just as the men were told to get their horses, a shout arose down
+the valley that the coach was approaching, and soon after a cloud of
+dust was visible drifting along the stage-trail.
+
+A shout arose, for it showed that at least some one was there, whatever
+had happened, to drive the coach in.
+
+Then those who had said the delay was caused by the doctor being new to
+the trail began to crow, but only for a while, as Landlord Larry, who
+was gazing through a field-glass at the approaching stage, called out:
+
+"There are only four horses--two are missing, for some reason."
+
+It was now all conjecture as to the cause of delay. Again Landlord Larry
+had something to say, and it was to the effect that the coach was not
+dashing along with its accustomed speed in coming in at the end of the
+trail, that Doctor Dick was on the box, and alone, while he seemed to
+drive in a very careful manner, very different from his going away on
+his drive out.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the coach up the valley, every eye upon it, and
+all wondering, guessing, and asserting their views of what had happened.
+
+"The doctor is there, that is certain," said one.
+
+"Two horses have been killed," another remarked.
+
+"He may have lost them in the bad roads," was an answer.
+
+"Perhaps they were shot down by road-agents."
+
+"He has no passengers."
+
+"See how he drives."
+
+"He comes on as slow as a snail."
+
+"See, he is driving with one hand."
+
+"What does that mean?"
+
+"His left hand is hanging by his side."
+
+"He has surely been wounded."
+
+And so the comments ran around, as all stood watching the coming coach,
+which half an hour after coming in sight rolled up to the hotel, came to
+a halt and was greeted with a wild chorus of cheers from the assembled
+miners.
+
+The crowd that gazed at Doctor Dick saw that his handsome face was very
+pale, his eyes had a haggard look, and his teeth were firmly set. They
+knew that he had passed through some dread ordeal, and a silence fell
+upon all, awaiting for him to speak.
+
+They saw that his left arm was carried in a sling, his handkerchief
+knotted around his neck, and that a red stain was upon his sleeve.
+Furthermore, they saw that the two wheel-horses were missing, the center
+pair having been put back in their place.
+
+Upon opening the stage door to see if there were any passengers,
+Landlord Larry started back as the dead form of a man pitched out on his
+head.
+
+The door being open it was seen that a second form was in the coach, all
+in a heap in one corner.
+
+There were red stains upon the steps, and upon the leather cushions, and
+everything indicated that the stage had run a death-gantlet.
+
+But, excepting for his pale, stern face, the doctor was as serene as a
+May morn, though his voice showed weakness when he spoke.
+
+"I'll ask your aid, landlord, for I am weakened from loss of blood. Bind
+my arm up to stop the flow and I'll see how serious the wound is."
+
+He said no more, but was at once aided from the box and over to his
+cabin, Landlord Larry leaving his clerk to look after the mails and the
+dead passengers.
+
+Arriving at the cabin Doctor Dick had his coat-sleeve slit open and the
+bandage he had tied about his arm removed.
+
+His silk shirt-sleeve was also cut, and then the wound was revealed in
+the fleshy part of the arm.
+
+Taking a probe from his case Doctor Dick, after swallowing a glass of
+brandy, coolly probed the wound, found the ball, and, aided by Loo Foo,
+the Chinee, under his direction, soon extracted the bullet.
+
+Then the wound was skilfully dressed, the arm rested in a sling, and
+Doctor Dick lolling back in his easy chair asked with the greatest
+coolness:
+
+"Well, Landlord Larry, how goes all at Last Chance?"
+
+The landlord was amazed at the calmness of the man, and said quickly:
+
+"Oh, Last Chance is O. K.; but it is your run that we are dying to hear
+about, Doc."
+
+"Well, it was a close call for me, Larry, I admit, for I found foes
+where I expected friends."
+
+"You were held up?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"At what you have very appropriately named the Dead Line, Larry."
+
+"The place where Bud and Dave were killed?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It was the masked road-agents?"
+
+"Not this time."
+
+"Ah! who then?"
+
+"I did not form their acquaintance by name, but perhaps a search of the
+bodies may reveal."
+
+"You killed them?"
+
+"Two."
+
+"Where are the bodies?"
+
+"I brought them along in the coach."
+
+"I thought they were passengers who had been killed?"
+
+"They were."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"They left W---- booked as passengers, but reached Last Chance as
+dead-head road-agents."
+
+"Now I begin to understand. It was your two passengers who attacked
+you?"
+
+"Just so."
+
+"It is a wonder that they did not kill you."
+
+"They would easily have done so, had I not suspected them: but I grew
+suspicious, and without appearing to do so, watched their every look
+and move. When we drew near the Dead Line, they said they would lie down
+on top of the coach and rest, so they spread their blankets and did so.
+
+"I thought this strange, as just before I had told them we were
+approaching the scene of the hold-ups. But I kept my eye upon them, and,
+as we neared the cliff, the sun shone brightly down and I distinctly saw
+the shadows of the two men as they arose and drew their revolvers.
+
+"I drew mine as quick as a flash, turned, and caught this shot in the
+arm, while a second bullet whizzed by my head."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A MAN'S NERVE.
+
+
+The doctor paused in his story, as though recalling the thrilling scene
+which had so nearly cost him his life, and a sad look came into his eyes
+as though he felt that his mission seemed ever to kill.
+
+So lost was he in thought, that Landlord Larry had to recall him to his
+story by saying:
+
+"It was a very close call for you, Doc."
+
+"A close call indeed, and, but for the shadows on the cliff, revealing
+the hostility of my two passengers, my death would have followed. But my
+discovery of their intention, and quickness in facing them, disconcerted
+them both, destroying their aim, close as they were to me."
+
+"They did not fire again?"
+
+"Oh, yes; several shots, two of which killed my wheelers; but I got in
+my work by firing two shots, also."
+
+"Killing them?"
+
+"Yes, for you will find my bullet-brands in their foreheads. The horses
+had started forward at the shots, and as the wheelers fell, the coach
+gave a lurch which sent the two men from the top to the ground just as I
+fired on them.
+
+"I quieted my team, and first bound my arm up as tightly as I could to
+stop the flow of blood, and then, dismounting, picked up the two dead
+men, threw them into the coach, and drove on.
+
+"Of course my wounded arm gave me more and more trouble, and I could
+drive only very slowly with one hand, and hence my delay in arrival. But
+I got in without being robbed, which I am very glad of, for there is a
+large registered mail on this run.
+
+"Now I will have Loo Foo fetch me some supper and retire, for I am about
+played out, and you can search the two men and let me know the result in
+the morning. But one minute--how is my patient?"
+
+"Bodily all right, but his mind, as you said would be the case, is
+gone."
+
+"Poor fellow! Good night, Larry, and hurry Loo Foo over with my supper,
+please."
+
+Landlord Larry bade Doctor Dick good night and departed, more than ever
+impressed with the idea that the gold king gambler was a very remarkable
+man.
+
+Going to his hotel Landlord Larry found nearly every denizen of Last
+Chance awaiting him, and a suppressed excitement was apparent in all.
+
+The two bodies had been taken into the hotel office, to await the coming
+of the landlord, and there they lay covered with a blanket. The moment
+Landlord Larry was seen, coming from the cabin of Doctor Dick, cries
+arose of:
+
+"Speech! speech!
+
+"Tell the news, landlord!" and so on.
+
+Larry mounted to the piazza of the hotel and in a few words told the
+story of Doctor Dick's running the gantlet and the nerve he had shown in
+the ordeal he had passed through.
+
+"Oh, he's got ther narve of Old Nick, as we all knows," cried a miner,
+and this intended compliment was acquiesced in by one and all.
+
+Having learned the news the miners adjourned to the saloons and the
+toasts for the next few hours were to:
+
+"Doctor Dick, a man o' narve from Wayback."
+
+Until a late hour the miners drank and gambled, and then, toward dawn,
+quiet reigned in the camps, broken only now and then by a yell from some
+man who was too full of liquor to go to sleep.
+
+The next morning, greatly to the delight of all, Doctor Dick appeared at
+breakfast and received an ovation. Loo Foo had dressed his wounded arm,
+and though sore, it was all right, Doctor Dick said, yet he was pale
+from loss of blood.
+
+After breakfast he mounted his horse and took the rounds to see his
+patients, and everywhere he was greeted with a welcome that could not
+but flatter him.
+
+But the two weeks before date for the return of the coach--for the runs
+were semimonthly--passed away and no driver appeared from W---- to take
+the stage out. It began to look very much as though Doctor Dick would
+have to again take the reins.
+
+The search of the dead bodies of the two road-agents had revealed
+nothing as to their identity, for, excepting their weapons, a little
+money, some odds and ends in their pockets, they had nothing of value
+about them, and they were buried at the expense of Doctor Dick, who
+would have it so, as he very laconically remarked:
+
+"As I killed them, I should pay their expenses when they are unable to
+do so."
+
+At last the day for the starting of the coach came round, and Doctor
+Dick, as no one else volunteered, expressed his willingness to take the
+reins, though he remarked:
+
+"This will be the last run I shall make, so you must get a man here,
+Landlord Larry, to go, if I do not bring one back with me from W----."
+
+And once more Doctor Dick rolled away with a cheer from his admirers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A VOLUNTEER.
+
+
+Doctor Dick had an uneventful run to W----, and arrived without accident
+or delay on time at the end of his journey. He was well received, but
+the stage-agent told him that not a volunteer had put in an appearance
+for the place of driver. Double the price had been offered, but there
+were no takers, and the agent added:
+
+"You must find some daredevil at Last Chance who is willing to risk his
+life upon the box, while rest assured, Doctor Dick, I have reported your
+noble service for the company in its need and it will be appreciated."
+
+"I do not care for pay, or thanks, only I wish to be relieved of a duty
+I do not like, especially as it interferes with my own work," was the
+answer.
+
+Just before the time came for the starting of the coach a horseman rode
+up and dismounted at the stage office. He was an odd-looking individual,
+tall, but with a hump on his back, awkward in gait, and dressed in
+buckskin leggings and hunting-shirt.
+
+His hair was long, very long, bushy, and would have been white but for
+its soiled appearance, and he had it cropped, or banged in front like an
+Indian, or fashionable young miss, to keep it out of his eyes.
+
+His face was clean-shaven, but the hue of leather, and he wore a pair of
+iron-rimmed spectacles.
+
+His slouch-hat was worn in reality, for the rim fell down upon his
+shoulders, save in front where the flap was turned up and fastened with
+an army-button.
+
+He was armed with a pair of old, but serviceable revolvers, an
+ugly-looking bowie-knife with a deer-horn handle, and a combined rifle
+and shotgun, double-barreled.
+
+His horse was as queer as his master in appearance, being a large,
+raw-boned animal, with patches of hair upon him, a long tangled mane and
+tail, and he was unshod, though his hoofs looked as tough as iron.
+
+The saddle was also a back number, and the stake-rope served for a
+bridle as well. A lariat hung at the saddle-horn, also a hatchet, and in
+a large rubber blanket was rolled his bedding, while a bag contained a
+coffee-pot, frying-pan, tin cup, plate, and some provisions.
+
+He looked the crowd over as he drew rein, and asked quietly:
+
+"Who's boss o' this layout?"
+
+"I am," and the stage-agent stepped forward.
+
+"I hears thet yer wants a man ter drive yer old hearse on ther trail ter
+Last Chance and back."
+
+"I do."
+
+"I'm yer huckleberry."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yas, me."
+
+"Are you a driver?"
+
+"Ef I wasn't I'd not be sich a durned fool as ter trust myself on a
+two-story hearse, pard."
+
+"Who sent you here?"
+
+"Nobody, for I hain't one ter be sent."
+
+"Where did you come from?"
+
+"Ther up-country, whar I has been trappin', huntin', prospectin', and
+killin' a Injin or two--see!"
+
+"And now you wish to turn stage-driver?"
+
+"If it pays what they told me at Fort Faraway I does."
+
+"The pay is good; but have you no references?"
+
+"Yas."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Here."
+
+The old man put his hands upon his revolvers and drew them with a
+lightninglike motion that surprised the lookers-on.
+
+"They are pretty good references on a pinch, and you may have cause to
+use them if you drive this trail."
+
+"I has used them before, and I guess I kin do it ag'in," was the quiet
+response.
+
+"When could you begin?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Old Huckleberry, but the boys calls me old Huck for short; but durn
+ther name, call me what yer wants ter, and I'll be thar."
+
+"Well, Pard Huckleberry, I rather like your style, and have a mind to
+give you a trial."
+
+"Ef yer kin do better, don't do it; but if yer can't, count on me, for
+as I said afore, I'm yer huckleberry, and ready for the game."
+
+Doctor Dick had been closely looking at the old volunteer and said
+something in a whisper to the stage-agent, who at once said:
+
+"I'll take you, and the time for starting is almost up."
+
+"I'm ready, only take care of my horse at my expense," and the volunteer
+dismounted ready for work.
+
+When old Huckleberry mounted the stage-box, Doctor Dick yielded to him
+the reins, which he seized in a somewhat awkward manner, yet with the
+air of one who knew just what to do; took the whip, gave it a resounding
+crack, and started off at a brisk pace.
+
+There were four passengers inside, all miners going to Last Chance,
+lured there by the rumor of richer mines having been found, for the
+stories were circulating more and more that there were rich finds being
+discovered there every day.
+
+"That man knows how to handle the reins as well as the best of them, old
+though he may be, and a trifle awkward," said the stage-agent, as he saw
+the volunteer driver sending his team along, at a slapping pace, in
+spite of the fact that the trail was none of the best along there.
+
+The coach soon disappeared from the sight of those at W----, made the
+night halt on time, and as soon as he had had his supper the new driver
+wrapped himself in his blankets and threw himself down outdoors,
+declining the invitation of the stock-tender to sleep in the cabin.
+
+He was on his box on time the next morning, and with Doctor Dick by his
+side, went off on his run.
+
+He was a man disposed to silence, for he did not speak often, unless
+Doctor Dick addressed him. But he would ask now and then about the
+trails, and showed some interest in the gambler-king's stories of the
+different road-agents' attacks upon the way to Last Chance.
+
+He greeted the stock-tenders at the relay-stations pleasantly, said he
+hoped to be with them for some time, and kept the team at the pace set
+for schedule-time.
+
+Passing the scenes of the several tragedies, he drew rein for a few
+minutes and attentively regarded the surroundings, but drove on again
+without a word of comment.
+
+Doctor Dick had become more and more interested in the strange driver,
+had told him all he could about the trail, the time to make going and
+coming, and was anxious to have him make no mistakes, he said.
+
+He tried to draw him out time and again, but in vain. All he could learn
+from him was that he had lived for many years upon the frontier and
+preferred to do so for reasons best known to himself.
+
+He said he was trapper, Indian-fighter, hunter, and prospector, that was
+all, and he tried to do his duty in every work he undertook. More he
+would not say of himself, and the doctor gave up trying to "pump" him.
+
+When the coach came in sight of Last Chance, old Huckleberry showed no
+satisfaction at having made the run in safety, or excitement at driving
+in for the first time.
+
+He quickened the pace of his team, handled his reins with a skill that
+won the admiration, as he had all along, of Doctor Dick, and at last
+came to a halt before the hotel with a whoop and the words:
+
+"Here we be, boss!"
+
+Doctor Dick introduced old Huckleberry from the box, as soon as the
+cheer that greeted their arrival had died away.
+
+"Pards, I is glad ter know yer, and I greets yer," and with this old
+Huckleberry dismounted from the box and asked at once for the
+"feed-room."
+
+He ate his supper with a relish, smoked his pipe, and, declining a bed
+in the hotel, saying it would smother him to sleep in between walls,
+took an ax and hatchet, with a few nails, and, going up on the hillside
+where there was a thicket, soon built for himself a wickiup that would
+keep him sheltered even in a storm.
+
+He carried his few traps there, and then stuck up a notice which read:
+"Old Huckleberry's Claim."
+
+Having completed his quarters, he strolled about among the saloons and
+gambling-dens, watched the playing, but neither drank nor gambled, and
+at last, tiring of looking on, went to his roost and turned in for the
+night, an object of curiosity to all, yet also of admiration, for a man
+who would volunteer to drive the coach over that trail was one to
+command respect in Last Chance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE WAY IT WAS DONE.
+
+
+The new driver drove the run to W--- for several round trips, and not
+once was he held up.
+
+He made the regular time, drove without any accident whatever, attended
+to his business, associated with no one, or, that is, to be on intimate
+terms with any one, not even Doctor Dick, and still slept in his little
+shelter on the hill.
+
+He had fitted this up more comfortably, and said that he felt perfectly
+at home there, while on his return from W---- he had led his horse back
+behind the coach, wishing to have him at Last Chance, where his stay was
+always two weeks, for there was only a day's stop at the other end of
+the run.
+
+He was wont to go on long hunts, mounted upon Rawbones, as he called his
+horse, and he kept Landlord Larry well supplied with game.
+
+One day as old Huckleberry was returning to Last Chance, and neared the
+Dead Line, the scene of the other hold-up, he suddenly threw his rifle
+to his shoulder and sent a shower of buckshot into a thicket ahead.
+
+A rifle-bullet from the other barrel was sent to the other side, and the
+whip was brought down upon his team in a way that put them into a run.
+
+Seeing them well started he threw the reins over the brake and with a
+revolver in each hand opened a fusillade on both sides of the trail,
+while he called out to his passengers:
+
+"Blaze away into the bushes, durn yer, for thar is game thar ter kill!"
+
+All this had not taken over half a dozen seconds, and that there was
+"game" in the thickets, and dangerous game at that, was proven by
+hearing several loud cries of pain, and stern orders given, while men
+were seen hunting shelter from the unexpected fusillade opened upon
+them.
+
+There were eight passengers in the coach, and, urged by the old driver,
+several of them obeyed and opened fire from the windows.
+
+The result was that where road-agents had been lying in wait for the
+coach, and were just about to show themselves and command a halt, they
+were taken completely by surprise and forced to seek shelter from the
+leaden messengers flying about them.
+
+The rapid fire caused the road-agents to believe that there was a coach
+full of soldiers, that a trap was prepared for them, and ere they could
+rally and their leader could convince them that it was not so, the coach
+had gone by the Dead Line and was going along the pass at the full speed
+of its horses, the reins now in the hands of old Huck once more.
+
+The passengers all saw the panic-stricken road-agents, half a dozen in
+number, and, encouraged by the boldness of old Huck, kept up a hot fire,
+which they felt confident had not been thrown away.
+
+When pursuit was no longer feared, old Huck drew his team down to a
+trot, and, leaning over, called out:
+
+"We done 'em up thet time, pards."
+
+The passengers cheered the old driver, and when he drew rein at the
+hotel in Last Chance they quickly made known his act of heroism, for,
+throwing the reins upon the backs of his horses, he had gotten down from
+the box, reported the safe arrival of the coach to Landlord Larry, and
+gone in to his supper.
+
+When the story was told, of how bravely he had run the gantlet, Landlord
+Larry went in to have a talk with him, but found that he had finished
+his supper and gone.
+
+It was a cold evening, and there was snow flying, so, looking over to
+the hill where the little shanty of old Huck was located, Landlord Larry
+saw a bright fire burning and at once went there.
+
+There sat old Huck enjoying his pipe and warming his feet before the
+fire in the clay chimney he had built.
+
+He had a canvas covering the doorway, to keep out the cold and snow, and
+seemed as contented as could be in his lone quarters.
+
+"Well old man, you seem happy," he said.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"You brought in a valuable freight to-night, in money and registered
+letters."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"Do you know how much?"
+
+"Ther agent at W---- told me he thought about forty thousand, and so I
+made a rush, ter git through."
+
+"And did it grandly."
+
+"That's what I'm paid fer."
+
+"I have heard the story of your running the gantlet and surprising the
+road-agents."
+
+Old Huck laughed and replied:
+
+"Waal, I calkilate as how they was astonished. You see I seen the tracks
+on the trail, foot-tracks, and fresh ones, goin' on toward the Dead
+Line, and so I kinder felt sart'in o' a hold-up. When I come to ther
+pass I seen ther top o' a small tree wavin' and knowed somebody were up
+in it looking over t'other trees.
+
+"So I jist up with old drop-'em, and I let drive with a handful o'
+bullets I had dropped into ther shot-barrel, and I put a piece o' lead
+on t'other side o' trail, dropped ther ribbons and set my two puppies
+ter barking, as soon as I hed laid ther silk onter ther team and got 'em
+inter a run.
+
+"I tell yer, landlord, it were prime fun and no mistake, and as ther
+insiders helped with ther guns, you bet we waltzed through them scared
+road-agents in a way that crippled 'em; and we come in on time.
+
+"That's all thar is of ther story, boss," and old Huckleberry puffed
+away at his pipe again in the most unconcerned manner possible.
+
+Hardly had old Huckleberry finished his simple story of his brave act
+when a voice at the door said:
+
+"Ho, old gentleman, I have just heard at the hotel of your splendid work
+this afternoon and have come to congratulate you."
+
+"Come in, Pard Doc, and camp on that blanket thar before ther fire, I is
+glad to see yer, but I don't need no congratulations, for I hain't done
+nothing more than I oughter."
+
+"Well, old man, you saved the lives of your passengers, and a rich
+freight, I learn, and I know as well as any one how to appreciate what
+you did, for I have driven the trail, you remember."
+
+"I know it, and done it well."
+
+"I also praised old Huck, Doc, but he does not care to be thanked; but
+what is to be done about this attempted attack on the coach?" said
+Landlord Larry.
+
+"I'll go out so as ter git thar at daybreak, and see if thar can be any
+trail found. It is spittin' now, but not much, and I guess we can find
+if we done any harm in our fire and maybe track the varmints," said old
+Huck.
+
+"And I'll go with you," said Landlord Larry.
+
+"Count me another," the doctor added.
+
+Then it was decided to take a dozen men along, and the doctor and the
+landlord bade the old driver good night and departed, when he at once
+turned in, after throwing a large log upon his fire to burn until
+morning.
+
+"That is a strange old character, Larry," said Doctor Dick as the two
+walked back to the hotel.
+
+"He is, indeed, Doc. I do not understand him, for he is a mystery to
+me."
+
+"And to me; but do you think I should send another courier to Buffalo
+Bill making known this intended attack?"
+
+"No, write as you did before to him, and he'll get it by way of W----."
+
+"I'll do so; but did you learn anything in particular about this
+attack?"
+
+"Nothing more than that fully half a dozen road-agents were seen, and
+but for the bold and prompt act of old Huck there would have been death
+and robbery beyond all doubt."
+
+"He is a very daring man to do what he did."
+
+"He is indeed, and it will surely mark him for death with the
+road-agents."
+
+"Beyond all doubt; but we must make a start early enough to bring us to
+the scene by daybreak, so good night."
+
+The two separated to meet again when old Huck came up ready mounted to
+take the trail.
+
+The party who were to go were soon in the saddle, and they started off
+at a canter. There was just a trace of snow upon the ground, and they
+were glad to see that there was no more.
+
+A brisk gallop brought them to the Dead Line at dawn, and the search was
+at once begun.
+
+Hardly any snow had fallen there, and in the pinons there was none, so
+that in several places the ground was stained red, showing that the fire
+from the coach had not been useless if not fatal.
+
+Then old Huck showed his skill as a trailer, for he at once went to work
+in a way that revealed the fact that he was an old hand at the business.
+
+He went from blood-stain to blood-stain in silence, examined the
+position of the thicket, took in the whole situation, and the direction
+of the stage when the firing had been going on, and at last started off
+up the canyon following a trail that was so faint that a number of the
+party said that there was no trail at all.
+
+But he climbed up the steep side of the canyon end, followed by the
+others, and there on the top were found several red spots in different
+places.
+
+"Three, maybe dead, maybe only wounded," he said shortly.
+
+"Those three stains tell you that, old man?" asked Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yas, they took off their dead or wounded, as ther case might be, and
+halted ter rest after climbin' up here, and right here is whar they laid
+the dead or wounded down, while they was restin'."
+
+"Well, which way now, Huck, for your solution seems the right one," said
+Doctor Dick.
+
+"That's hard ter tell, for a horse wouldn't leave no track here," was
+the reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.
+
+
+That even old Huckleberry had lost his grip on the trail, after reaching
+the top of the ridge, was soon evident, for, search as he might, he
+could find no trace of a track in the hard, rocky soil about them.
+
+"We'll scatter, pards, and try ter find another place whar they has
+rested the'r loads, for they won't carry heavy weights far up this slope
+without restin'," he said.
+
+So the party separated, and half an hour later a halloo from old Huck
+brought them together again.
+
+There was another place where the road-agents had halted, for there were
+the three telltale spots of blood lying close together.
+
+Again they separated on a search, but after hours spent in vain, they
+were forced to give it up, old Huck remarking:
+
+"Thar is snow higher up, so it's no use, now."
+
+Back to Last Chance the party reluctantly retraced their way, after
+they had eaten their noonday meal, and all hope of finding a clue to the
+retreat of the road-agents was given up, save by old Huckleberry, who
+each day went off on a hunt, though many were sure that it was a trail,
+not game, that he was hunting.
+
+When at last the day came for him to start off on his run, he mounted
+his box without the slightest apparent reluctance, nodded good-by and
+drove off on his perilous journey.
+
+There was much anxiety felt at Last Chance for his return, and a number
+talked of riding out to the Dead Line and meeting him, but this was not
+done, as a suggestion was made that the old man might not take it
+kindly, but look upon it as an interference, a belief that he was not
+able to take care of himself.
+
+When, however, the time for his arrival came, and no stage appeared, men
+looked anxiously at each other and wondered if the old man was another
+victim to the road-agents' hunt for gold.
+
+When an hour passed and there was no stage in sight, Doctor Dick said
+that he would mount his horse and go to see what was the matter. He was
+not allowed to go alone, for a score of mounted men at once followed
+him, and the ride was a rapid one to the Dead Line, for the coach was
+not met on the way.
+
+Arriving at the Dead Line the coach loomed in sight. It was still, and
+dashing up the horses were found hitched to trees.
+
+But not a soul was visible. The box was empty, and not a soul was found
+within.
+
+Where was old Huck? That question could not be answered, and a search
+was at once begun.
+
+Upon the stage-box blood was found. That looked very bad for old Huck.
+
+Some one had hitched those horses to the trees surely, but who?
+
+The coach, had evidently been searched, for the cushions were thrown out
+and the boot open, and yet, strange to say, the mail-bag had escaped the
+eyes of the searchers, being found by Landlord Larry where old Huck
+always hid it, in one of the cushions arranged for the purpose by the
+old man.
+
+Who had been killed, or what the coach had been robbed of, was not
+revealed.
+
+The party camped all night upon the scene, and a thorough search was
+made the next morning again for the missing driver.
+
+Miles back on the trail had the miners ridden, and more, every rock and
+thicket by the way was thoroughly searched, yet all in vain.
+
+At last the party were reluctantly compelled to give up further search
+for old Huck, be he dead or alive, for not the slightest clue could be
+found, and there was no trace of any trail whatever.
+
+Doctor Dick mounted the box and drove the coach back to Last Chance, and
+the miners had knocked off work and were assembled to hear bad news,
+which the delay caused them to look for.
+
+Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick at once held a consultation upon their
+return, and it was decided to send Harding again to Fort Faraway as a
+courier with a message to Buffalo Bill.
+
+But when called upon to go, to the surprise of both, Harding refused.
+
+"You went before, Pard Harding, so why refuse this time, when you know
+it is our duty to report, as agreed, to Buffalo Bill the attacks of the
+road-agents upon the coaches, that he may place the matter before the
+commandant?" said Doctor Dick, who was anxious to have the mysterious
+disappearance of old Huckleberry known.
+
+"I went before, Doctor Dick, but I do not care to go again," was
+Harding's firm rejoinder.
+
+"Do you fear to go?" asked Landlord Larry, with a smile.
+
+"If you think that I am influenced by fear I will prove to the
+contrary," was the quiet rejoinder.
+
+"By going?"
+
+"No."
+
+"How then?"
+
+"Have you a driver to take the coach out to W---- on its next run,
+landlord?"
+
+"No, unless Doctor Dick will kindly do so."
+
+"I cannot," was the quick response of the doctor.
+
+"Then I will," said the young miner.
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, landlord."
+
+"Do you know how to drive?"
+
+"I have driven six-in-hand often."
+
+"When?"
+
+"I drove wagons and ambulances in the army, and on one occasion drove
+the general with four-in-hand over four hundred miles of the worst
+country I ever saw."
+
+"I guess you will do, then, and it is far easier to get a courier to go
+to the fort, than it is a driver for the coach."
+
+"Yes, as if I go under, Pard Larry, I will be number five."
+
+"Five?" asked the doctor meditatively.
+
+"Yes; Bud Benton was one, Dave Dockery two, Doctor Dick number three,
+and old Huckleberry number four, so I will come in as _five_."
+
+"You are right."
+
+"And you are in earnest, Harding?" asked the landlord.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You know all that you risk?"
+
+"Thoroughly."
+
+"Then I retract my words in asking you if you feared to go to the fort
+as courier, for your volunteering as driver proves that you fear
+nothing."
+
+"All right. Pard Larry, let it go at that."
+
+"Well, Harding, consider yourself engaged for the berth of driver, and
+be ready to take the coach out on its next run."
+
+"You will find me on hand."
+
+"And let me tell you that I am authorized to pay three times the regular
+wages."
+
+"It will be acceptable."
+
+"If you live to get it," was the suggestive response of Landlord Larry.
+
+This having been settled upon, greatly to Larry's relief, he further
+talked with Doctor Dick, and it was decided that as old Huck had only
+disappeared, and the coach had not been robbed of the mails, they would
+send no report of the affair to Buffalo Bill, but wait and see how
+Harding came out with his drive.
+
+The news soon spread about that Hal Harding had volunteered to drive the
+coach through to W---- and he at once became a hero in the camps, for
+those bold fellows always loved heroism in a man above all other
+qualities.
+
+He was, however, regarded as a dead man beforehand, for that he would be
+killed seemed a foregone conclusion, and many felt pity for the fate
+that they felt assured would befall the handsome young miner.
+
+But Harding seemed not to dread the drive in the least, but went on
+about his duties in his usual cheery way.
+
+Sticking to the work in his mine he had found that it panned out richer
+than he had anticipated, and he already had partnership offers, and a
+good price if he would sell.
+
+He had kept his eyes open, too, in his secret-service work for Buffalo
+Bill, and had noted down certain discoveries he had made of a suspicious
+nature, and also had the names of a few whom he considered worth while
+watching.
+
+At last the day came for the coach to start out, and as nothing had been
+heard of old Huck, Hal Harding reported at the hotel ready to mount the
+box and drive through.
+
+As he passed through the crowd he could not but hear several remarks
+that were made, one being:
+
+"He is number five, and he is doomed also."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TAKING CHANCES.
+
+
+There was not a shadow of dread, at the fate that might be his, upon the
+face of Hal Harding as he mounted to the stage-box and gathered up the
+reins.
+
+The mails were aboard, and he knew that he had a valuable freight hidden
+away, as best it could be, of gold-dust, being risked by miners who were
+sending it eastward.
+
+What gold was to be sent out was always kept a secret, known only to the
+senders, to Landlord Larry, and the driver, and though it was taking
+chances to let it go, the senders were risking it, as gamblers chance
+money in large sums upon the turn of a card.
+
+Then, too, there was a very strange feature in the holding up of the
+coaches, and that was the fact that they had never been halted on the
+outward run, no matter how much gold they carried out, but always when
+bringing back to Last Chance the exchange in bank-notes.
+
+The road-agents knew that they could carry large sums in money where
+they could not be bothered with gold in bulk, was the reason that
+Landlord Larry assigned for the attacks being made only on the westward
+runs of the coaches.
+
+Not a passenger was to go, and Harding sang out in a cheerful tone:
+
+"All ready."
+
+"Go," cried Larry, and the vehicle rolled away in a manner that showed
+that the young miner was a good driver, as he had asserted that he was.
+
+The crowd cheered wildly, the voices echoing down the canyon as he drove
+along, and now and then he would raise his hat to those who greeted him
+from their cabins and mines as he went along.
+
+Out of the valley he turned, swinging at a brisk trot along through
+canyons, over hills, up mountains, by the way of narrow passes and down
+again to the valleys.
+
+He reached the relay-station nearest Last Chance, and made known to the
+stock-tender the fate of old Huck.
+
+"You goes next, pard, for it won't be long afore Doctor Dick will come
+along and tell me that poor Hal Harding has gone under," said the
+sympathetic stock-tender.
+
+"Think so?"
+
+"Sure of it."
+
+"Why Doctor Dick?"
+
+"Waal, ef you gets kilt no other man in or out o' Last Chance will have
+ther grit to drive ther old death-trap, for thet hearse you is sittin'
+on is no more."
+
+"It is an unlucky old vehicle, I admit, pard; but I'll be going," and
+Harding drove on once more.
+
+He had not seen a soul at the Dead Line. All was as quiet at that dread
+spot as the forms of those who had lost their lives there.
+
+Only the stockmen at the station greeted him on the way, and at night he
+came to the halting-cabin a little ahead of time.
+
+He had the same story to tell at each one of the relay-stations, about
+the fate of old Huck, and an ominous shake of the head from those who
+listened convinced him that they expected him to be the next victim.
+
+The next morning he rolled into W---- a few minutes ahead of time, and
+the stage-agent seemed surprised to see a new man upon the box.
+
+He heard what Harding had to say of old Huck, listened to his report of
+his uneventful run, and received from him the way-bill of what he
+carried.
+
+"You have done well, Mr. Harding, and I hope we will hear no more of
+these attacks, so that you may escape, for, if they make a victim of
+you, I do not know who we can look to unless it be that fearless fellow,
+Doctor Dick."
+
+"And his practise, mining interests, and gambling occupy him so
+thoroughly that he will not drive again, sir, I am sure."
+
+"Not unless no other can be found, for he is just the man to step in
+then in open defiance of danger."
+
+"Yes, he is just what you say of him, sir."
+
+"Now, how is that poor passenger who was crazed by a shot from the
+road-agents?"
+
+"Aimlessly wandering about Last Chance, sir, harmless and to be pitied."
+
+"Well, I have received letters asking about him, and had to make a
+report of the circumstances. It will be upon your return trip that you
+will have to be watchful."
+
+"I will be, sir, never fear," was the cheery response.
+
+The news of the mysterious disappearance of the old driver soon spread
+about W----, and people gathered about the stage-office to have a look
+at the brave fellow who had, in the face of the past experience, brought
+the coach through.
+
+The agent had told Harding that if the mails had gone through nothing
+had been taken, for no freight had been sent and no passengers were
+along on that trip.
+
+As they had found nothing to take, the road-agents had doubtless visited
+their vengeance upon old Huck, especially to repay him for having run
+the gantlet on a former occasion.
+
+There were passengers booked for Last Chance by stage, but when it
+became known that old Huck had been killed, as all supposed he must have
+been, they concluded they were in no great hurry to reach the
+mining-camps and could wait a while longer.
+
+So Harding discovered that he would have to return with an empty coach,
+as far as passengers were concerned.
+
+He showed no disappointment, however, at having to return alone, and was
+told by the agent that he was to carry back considerable money and a
+valuable mail.
+
+"All right, sir, I'll do my best to go through in safety," he said, and
+he grasped the outstretched hand of the agent, who said:
+
+"I feel as though I was shaking hands with a man about to die."
+
+"Now, I don't feel that way in the least," was the laughing response,
+and Harding sprang up to the box, seized the reins, cracked his whip
+when he got the word, and was off.
+
+The crowd gathered there cheered him, of course, but a generally sad
+expression rested upon every face as they looked upon the brave young
+miner who had taken his life in his hand to drive what was now called
+the death-trap.
+
+Having halted for the night at the way cabin, Harding pushed on the next
+morning with the first glimmer of dawn, and reached the third relay at
+noon.
+
+There was then one more relay and the run into Last Chance, which in
+good weather could readily be made before sunset. He passed the last
+relay, and the stock-tender said, as he was about to start:
+
+"Good-by, pard, and do you know I kinder feels as if yer was a dead man
+already?"
+
+"Don't you believe it, for I am worth a dozen dead men, old man," was
+the laughing response, and Harding drove on, with the Dead Line rising
+in his mind before him.
+
+He drove more rapidly than was the schedule-time, and when he came into
+the pass, with the Dead Line just ahead, he had half an hour to spare.
+
+The horses pricked up their ears, as though they knew the doomed place
+well, and the leaders gave a snort as they beheld a form ahead. It was a
+man leaning against the cross erected in memory of Bud Benton.
+
+That Harding also saw the form was certain, for his eyes were riveted
+upon the spot. As he drew nearer, the man moved away from the cross and
+advanced down into the trail.
+
+Still Harding made no move to halt, to rush by, or appeared to take
+notice of him. The man placed himself by the side of the trail, and
+stood as still as a statue, after making a slight sign, as it appeared.
+
+The answer of Harding to this sign was to shake his head.
+
+On rolled the coach, and when it neared the silent form, without any
+command to do so, Harding drew hard upon the reins, pressed his foot
+heavily upon the brake, and brought the coach to a standstill, the
+horses, which had before drawn it through the deadly dangers it had
+passed at that spot, showing a restless dread and expectancy of the
+cracking of revolvers.
+
+But there was no weapon drawn either by the man on the side of the
+trail, or by Harding, and neither seemed to dread the other.
+
+The reason for this was that the one who had awaited the coming of the
+coach at the Dead Line was none other than old Huckleberry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A SECRET KEPT.
+
+
+Just fifteen minutes before the time of arrival set for the coach by
+schedule, Hal Harding drove up to the hotel at Last Chance.
+
+From his entering the valley, and passing the first mine, he had been
+followed by cheer after cheer, until when he reached Landlord Larry's
+tavern there were many there to swell the chorus of welcome.
+
+Larry greeted him most warmly, and when he saw what a valuable freight
+he had brought through with him, he told him that he was deserving of
+the highest praise.
+
+Harding received the honors heaped upon him in a modest manner, and when
+asked by Landlord Larry if he had seen any road-agents, answered:
+
+"Not one."
+
+"All quiet along the trail, then?"
+
+"As quiet as the grave."
+
+"I suppose you were anxious upon reaching the Dead Line?"
+
+"I think the horses were more nervous than I was, for they at least
+showed it."
+
+"You told the agent at W---- about old Huck's fate?"
+
+"Of course, sir, I told him of his mysterious disappearance."
+
+"Do you know I half-way hoped you would hear something of old Huck at
+W----."
+
+"No, I heard nothing of him there."
+
+"And none of the stock-tenders had seen him?"
+
+"They did not speak to me of having done so."
+
+"Well, he is gone, that is certain; but you have begun well, Harding,
+and I hope may keep it up."
+
+"Thank you, Landlord Larry, I hope that I will, for I have an abiding
+faith in the belief that I will live to be an old man."
+
+"I hope so sincerely," said the doctor, who had been an attentive
+listener to the conversation between the young miner and Larry.
+
+"They say at W----, Doctor Dick, that if I go under, you will be the
+only man who will dare drive the coach through."
+
+"And I will not do it unless we are doomed to be cut off from all
+communication, and I see that Last Chance will be ruined, from fear of
+traveling the trail to it," said Doctor Dick decidedly.
+
+"How is your patient, doctor?"
+
+"Which one, for I have a number of patients just now?"
+
+"The young man whose wound at the hands of the road-agents turned his
+brain."
+
+"I see him daily, and he is about the same, like a child, mentally."
+
+"They asked about him at W----, for the agent had received several
+letters regarding him."
+
+"Ah!" said Doctor Dick, with interest. "What was their tenor?"
+
+"That he had come out West upon a special mission, and with considerable
+money, and, since leaving W---- where he had written of his arrival, not
+a word had been heard from him."
+
+"I am glad that he has friends, then, for he will be cared for in his
+misfortune."
+
+"Yes, Doctor Dick, and the agent hinted that some one was coming out to
+look him up."
+
+"I rejoice at this, for he needs care," the doctor rejoined, and he
+added:
+
+"I have been convinced that he was no ordinary individual, and had been
+well reared; but what a blow it will be to his friends to find him as he
+is, poor fellow."
+
+After some further conversation Harding went to his cabin for the night;
+but he was not long in discovering that he was regarded as a hero by
+all.
+
+He had not made the slightest reference to having met old Huckleberry at
+the Dead Line, and as he thought over the fact that he had done so, and
+the secret that was known to him alone, he muttered to himself:
+
+"If they only knew, what a sensation it would be for Last Chance, yes,
+and for W---- as well, not to speak of the masked road-agent chief and
+his men, who thus far have been playing a winning game; but luck
+sometimes turns, and I guess it is nearing the turning-point now, and
+will come our way."
+
+Harding reported for duty promptly when the time came around for him to
+take the coach again on its perilous run.
+
+"We have got considerable gold-dust aboard, pard, and a big outgoing
+mail, so I hope you will go through all right," said Landlord Larry,
+while Doctor Dick, who just then came up, said:
+
+"Yes, Harding, I have several valuable letters in the mail with drafts
+for large sums which I sincerely hope will not miscarry."
+
+"I'll do the best I can, Doctor Dick," was the answer, and Harding went
+out and mounted the box.
+
+He could not but feel gratified at the size of the crowd that had
+gathered to see him depart, and he raised his sombrero politely in
+response to the cheers.
+
+He had gone through in safety once; but could he do it a second time?
+That was the thought in the brain of every man there assembled.
+
+At last the word was given, and away went the coach, cheered all the way
+down the valley until it was out of sight.
+
+As before, the young driver lost no time on the trail, but upon reaching
+the Dead Line, instead of seeming to dread the spot and wishing to drive
+rapidly by, he dismounted from the box, and, going to the cross, felt
+about among the wild flowers growing about it until he picked up a slip
+of paper, while he hastily read what he found written thereon.
+
+Taking from his pocket a similar slip, on which there was writing, he
+thrust it out of sight in the spot he had taken the other from. Then he
+returned to the coach and drove on once more as though he felt no fear
+of his surroundings.
+
+He reached the night-cabin on time, and surprised the stock-tender there
+by telling him that he intended to drive on to W---- that night.
+
+"You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+"Why, yer'll kill yer team, smash ther old box, and crush yerself to
+atoms."
+
+"I believe I can drive the road at night," was the firm response.
+
+"It's ther wust piece of road on ther whole Overland Trail."
+
+"It is a bad one, but I will depend upon my team mainly and risk it."
+
+"Why do you do it?"
+
+"I have an idea that it will be safer."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"Well, if there were road-agents on the trail to hold me up to-morrow,
+I'll miss them, that is all."
+
+"Right you are, pard; but I don't believe they is as dangerous as
+traveling this trail to-night."
+
+"I'll let you know what I think upon my return," was Harding's answer,
+and he drove on once more.
+
+Night had come on, and he well knew the dangers before him from a
+mistake in driving. He had been over the road perhaps half a dozen
+times, always riding upon the box, but upon his last run as driver he
+had most carefully noted every foot of the way.
+
+The night was dark, but he knew that he had the instinct of his team to
+depend upon, and this was more than half the battle.
+
+He was determined to push through and save his load of gold, and if he
+did make a successful run over that part of the trail by night, he would
+do what no other driver had done, and on this account his pride was at
+stake.
+
+So he started boldly yet cautiously upon his way, and when the sun was
+just rising in W---- the stage-agent there was awakened by wheels
+dashing up to his door and heard the call:
+
+"The coach from Last Chance has arrived."
+
+He was up in a hurry and congratulating the young driver upon his night
+drive, while he said:
+
+"Do you know I feared you would be held up to-day, for a party of
+desperadoes lately left W----, and I felt most anxious about you."
+
+"Yes, they are on the trail waiting for me now, not knowing that I
+slipped by in the night. I'll get together a band of brave fellows and
+go back after them," and an hour after Harding was mounted upon a fine
+horse and leading a dozen men back upon the trail he had safely driven
+over in the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A MYSTERIOUS SOUND.
+
+
+The stage-agent at W---- was right in declaring that the coach might be
+held up on the rough trail that was always driven by daylight, for the
+party he feared were some wild fellows who had ridden into the
+settlement two days before and stated that they were on their way to the
+mines.
+
+They were well mounted and armed, had several packhorses with them, and,
+though not having the excuse of drinking to make them dreaded, had
+carried on in a way that caused all peaceably disposed persons to dread
+them.
+
+Who they were no one knew, and when they left the place honest men
+breathed more freely and congratulated each other that no tragedy had
+occurred, as a reminder of their visit.
+
+They had gone out upon the trail to Last Chance late in the afternoon,
+and the agent felt sure that they would camp early and meet the coach
+the next morning, and the result he greatly feared, after a look at the
+party in question; so he was rejoiced to find that Harding had taken the
+great risk of driving through by night.
+
+The crowd that he dreaded were five in number, and they were young men,
+bronzed-faced, brawny, and with an air of recklessness stamped upon
+them. That they were a dangerous lot their appearance indicated, and few
+men would care to face them where no help was at hand.
+
+They had halted some dozen miles from W----, and gone into camp on a
+brook a few hundred yards from the trail the stage would follow. That
+they knew their way well their movements were proof of, for they rode at
+once to the camping-place, staked out their horses, spread their
+blankets, and gathered wood to cook their supper with.
+
+The spot chosen was one where they could command a view of the trail for
+a mile in both directions, yet remain in concealment themselves.
+
+They had supper, then gambled a while by the light of the fire, and
+afterward turned in, setting no watch.
+
+It was about midnight when one of the party awoke, half-arose and
+listened. He heard a rumbling sound that seemed to surprise him.
+
+"I say, pards," he called out.
+
+A man awoke, and asked drowsily:
+
+"What is it, Sully?"
+
+"I hear wheels."
+
+"Nonsense."
+
+"But I do."
+
+"It's the roar of the stream."
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"I does."
+
+Others were awakened and listened, and they distinctly heard a low,
+rumbling sound. But, after some minutes, the sound died away and the one
+who had first discovered it asked:
+
+"Do you think it could have been the coach?"
+
+"No, indeed."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"No man living would dare drive a coach over this trail at night."
+
+"It sounded to me like wheels."
+
+"There it is again."
+
+All listened attentively, and then one said:
+
+"It is the wind in the pines."
+
+The wind was rising and this solution of mysterious sound seemed to
+settle the matter, so all laid down in their blankets once more.
+
+The man who had discovered the sound was the one to arise first in the
+morning, and the day was just dawning when he left his blankets, gazed
+about him, and then walked over to where the stage-trail ran, several
+hundred yards from their camp, and along through a bit of meadow-land.
+
+He had hardly reached the trail when he gave a loud halloo, which
+brought his comrades from their blankets in an instant, and his call set
+them coming toward him at a run.
+
+"Look there, pards!" he cried, and as each man reached his side he stood
+gazing down at the trail.
+
+"The stage has gone by," said one, with an oath, as his eyes fell upon
+the tracks of the six horses and the wheel-marks, lately made.
+
+"Then one man was bold enough to dare the drive at night!"
+
+"Sure, and the chief will be furious with us!"
+
+"What is to be done now?"
+
+"The coach is safe in W---- now, for if that fellow drove safely over
+the back trail he had no trouble beyond here."
+
+"Then we had better get a move on us."
+
+"Sure, for that agent suspects us, and there'll be a gang on our heels
+mighty quick," and hastening back to camp, the party mounted and rode
+rapidly on toward the mountains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A FAIR PASSENGER.
+
+
+Harding had ridden rapidly upon the trail back toward the night relay,
+for he felt sure that the agent was right in his conjecture that the
+party of wild fellows who had left W---- had intended to hold him up on
+the trail the next day when he came along.
+
+In fact, the slip of paper he had picked up at the Dead Line had been a
+warning to that effect, and hence he had dared take the drive at night,
+hoping thus to elude his foes, and had been successful.
+
+When he reached the trail where the party had turned off to camp, they
+soon came upon their halting-place, and as the ashes of their fire was
+cold, it proved that they had departed before having breakfast there.
+
+"Something frightened them off," said Harding. "But I wonder they did
+not hear my wheels, camping as they did this near to the stage-trail."
+
+"They kept no watch, doubtless; but will you follow them?"
+
+"Yes, to the relay-station at least."
+
+Arriving there, for their trail had been lost in the rocky soil, Harding
+found that the men had not passed, so they turned back for W----,
+arriving there by nightfall.
+
+The coaches that came in from the South and East the next morning
+brought valuable mail for Last Chance, and, to the surprise of all, a
+lady passenger. She was young and veiled, but enough was seen of her
+face to reveal its beauty.
+
+She was dressed in perfect keeping for one on a long journey, and
+carried only a small trunk with her. She told the station-agent that her
+name was Celeste Seldon, and that she had come West for a double
+purpose, searching for her father, and one other whom she was most
+anxious to find.
+
+The last she had heard of her father was in a letter dated from W----,
+and a secret communication, also mailed from W----, was the last tidings
+received from the second person she sought.
+
+"I wrote you, Mr. Agent," she said in her sweet way, "asking about a
+young man, Bernard Brandon by name, who had come West upon a special
+mission. You replied that he had been to W---- and gone on from here to
+Last Chance, a mining-camp, and though I have written there, no response
+came, so I decided to come myself and investigate. Have you heard
+anything more of Mr. Brandon?"
+
+The agent looked troubled and, seeing it, she said quickly:
+
+"You have heard of him, so I beg you to tell me all."
+
+"I regret to say, miss, that he was wounded on his way to Last Chance,
+shot by road-agents; but here is Harding, the driver of the Last Chance
+coach, and he can tell you all."
+
+Harding did not appear to like having to give pain to the young girl,
+but he frankly told her of the wound of the young man, who could be no
+other than Bernard Brandon, and the pitiful result.
+
+"I will go to him. When do you start, sir?"
+
+"This afternoon, miss; but the trail is a very dangerous one, and I had
+better bring him back with me."
+
+"No, I will go with you and I will speak for the box-seat, if it is not
+engaged."
+
+"Oh, no; no seats are engaged, for all dread the trail between here and
+Last Chance."
+
+"I do not, so I ride with you, sir, on the box-seat," was the determined
+reply of the young girl.
+
+She paid her fare, and when the coach started, after having dinner at
+the agent's, mounted to the box with Harding's aid, and took her seat by
+the young driver, while the crowd yelled lustily as they drove off to
+face the dangers of the trail.
+
+Harding drove off with the air of one who felt his full responsibility
+in having the care of a young and beautiful girl, who dared risk the
+dangerous road he had to travel.
+
+He found that his fair companion, as soon as she left the settlement,
+was very beautiful, for she removed her veil when only having to be
+gazed upon by one person, and that one a very handsome young miner.
+
+It did not take her very long to discover that her companion, though
+driving an Overland coach, was above the average she had thus far met
+with among the Western wilds, for he was polite, well-informed, and his
+courage was proven by what he was then doing; for Miss Seldon had been
+told by the agent just what trouble they had had on the line.
+
+The night relay was reached, and as there had been no expectation of
+ever accommodating young ladies, no provision had been made for them, so
+Harding and the stock-tender yielded the cabin to the fair passenger,
+while they occupied a shanty near-by.
+
+The stock-tender exerted himself to make her comfortable, and to provide
+the best supper and breakfast his larder would allow.
+
+"What a surprise they will get in Last Chance when they see her, pard.
+Why, them miners will make a goddess of her, whatever that may be," said
+the stock-tender.
+
+"Yes, if we only get through, pard, for do you know I am more anxious
+now than when I am alone?"
+
+"Why is that?"
+
+"Well, I have my reasons; but let me tell you that I mean fight on this
+run if we are held up," and the eyes of the young driver flashed fire.
+
+The next morning the coach started upon its way half an hour earlier
+than usual, and Harding pushed his horses along at a far faster pace
+than they were accustomed to.
+
+For some reason he seemed anxious to get by the Dead Line far ahead of
+time, and to push on into Last Chance with all speed that was possible.
+
+He found his fair charge most entertaining, and she asked him all about
+life in the wild West, and he was surprised to discover how much she
+knew of the frontier and its characters.
+
+She spoke of army officers known to her well by name, mentioned Buffalo
+Bill as a hero well known in the East, and seemed anxious to glean all
+the information she could of the strange country into which she had
+ventured.
+
+At last she touched upon the cause of her coming, and her face saddened
+as she said:
+
+"It grieves me deeply to learn of the sad result of Mr. Brandon's wound,
+though I cannot but feel, as you say that he is bodily strong, that
+something can be done to restore his mind.
+
+"He came here on a mission for me, to find my father, who, I will
+confess to you, was driven West by pretended friends and false
+misrepresentations that kept him here, as though he had been the veriest
+criminal hiding from justice.
+
+"But it is not so, and I long to find my father and restore him to his
+home and those who love him. Have you ever heard of him here?--his name
+was Andrew Seldon."
+
+"No, Miss Seldon, I never have heard the name, that I now recall. Where
+was he when last you heard of him?"
+
+"Seven letters came into my possession long after they were written, for
+I have not seen my father for seven long years, and I was a little girl
+then, and the last of those letters was mailed at W----.
+
+"In it he stated that he had been in the mining country, had been most
+successful, and would come home within a year or two. But this letter
+did not come to my hands directly, and it was answered by others, his
+enemies and mine, and so I, upon learning the truth, and of a cruel plot
+against him and myself, got Mr. Brandon to come and look him up that he
+might know all.
+
+"As a dread came, upon receiving the agent's letter, that harm had
+befallen Mr. Brandon, I decided to come at once to the West myself, for
+I was reared on a plantation, am a good rider, have been inured to
+hardships and can handle firearms when there is need for them, so I was
+fitted for just such a trip as I am now taking; but here I am making a
+confidant of you, Mr. Harding, when I should be keeping my own counsel."
+
+"Oh, no, I am glad to know more of you, and it may be in my power to aid
+you, for I will gladly do all I can."
+
+"I feel that, and we will be friends; but why do you look so anxious?"
+
+"Do I?"
+
+"Yes, you do."
+
+"Well, to be candid, I am anxious for your sake, not mine, for I
+half-dread trouble on this run, and we are nearing the scene of several
+tragedies which the miners call the Dead Line. Will you not ride in the
+coach now?"
+
+"No; I take all chances with you and remain where I am," was the plucky
+reply of Celeste Seldon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+MASKED FOES.
+
+
+The brave response of Celeste Seldon pleased the young miner, though he
+did not wish her to remain upon the box. He knew the merciless nature of
+the road-agents, and that if they fired without challenging him, she
+stood, in as much danger as he did of being killed or wounded. So he
+said:
+
+"I would much rather that you should go inside the coach, especially
+until we pass the Dead Line."
+
+"No; I remain here."
+
+"You are determined?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Then I can say no more, and I hope, recognizing that I have a lady with
+me, they will not fire upon me."
+
+"You seem to confidently expect an attack."
+
+"I am sorry to say that I do."
+
+"May I ask your reasons?"
+
+"Well, I happen to know that one who was secretly on watch here on my
+last run is not here to-day, having been called away. I also know that
+five horsemen, whom I have reason to believe to be road-agents, left
+W---- ahead of me for the purpose of robbing the coach."
+
+"Have you much of value with you?"
+
+"I have considerable money in bank-notes for miners at Last Chance."
+
+"Is it too bulky for me to hide?"
+
+"I think not, miss."
+
+"Then let me try it."
+
+A halt was made and the money taken from its hiding-place. Then the girl
+asked:
+
+"Do you know the amount that is here?"
+
+"Yes, miss, it is stated here," and he handed out a paper.
+
+"I will take the paper and the money, for I can hide it," and with this
+she put it in a silk bag that she carried and fastened it securely
+beneath the skirt of her dress.
+
+Feeling relieved on this point, Harding drove on and soon after came in
+sight of the Dead Line.
+
+He had just come up level with the cross that marked the spot of former
+tragedies, and was talking to his team, which showed much nervousness at
+passing a scene which they realized as one to dread, when loud rang a
+voice:
+
+"Hold hard, Harding, or you are a dead man!"
+
+Not a soul was visible among the rocks or in the trees, and Harding had
+it flash through his mind to make a dash, when quickly the hand of the
+young girl was laid upon his arm and she said firmly:
+
+"Obey!"
+
+"I must do so," was the low reply, for the young man realized that it
+would bring a volley upon them to attempt to dash through.
+
+So his foot went hard down upon the brake, as he pulled his horses up
+and the stage came to a halt.
+
+"Make your lines fast around the brake and hands up now!" came the order
+from the unseen foe.
+
+"You must obey," said Celeste Seldon, as the driver hesitated.
+
+With a muttered imprecation Harding obeyed, and then out from the
+thicket came a horseman. His horse was enveloped in a black blanket, and
+the rider wore a black robe like a domino, shielding his form
+completely. His face was covered by a red, close-fitting mask, while a
+cowl covered his head.
+
+"The devil on horseback," muttered Harding, as he beheld the man, and
+right there he made up his mind that if he was the sole one who held up
+the coach, he would watch his chance, if he could get Celeste Seldon
+away from his side, and try a duel with him for mastery.
+
+But this hope died away when, as though suspecting the intention of
+Harding, the horseman called out:
+
+"Come, men, and let us get to work."
+
+Silently there came out of the thicket half a dozen men on foot, but all
+enveloped in black robes, wearing red masks, and with their feet clad in
+moccasins, while a quick glance at the hoofs of the horse ridden by the
+chief showed that he had muffles on, to prevent making a track.
+
+The girl calmly surveyed the scene.
+
+The half-dozen men appearing at the call of their chief seemed to be
+well trained, for two of them went to the heads of the horses, two more
+to either door of the coach, and the others awaited orders.
+
+The horseman rode close up to the side of the coach, his hand upon his
+revolver.
+
+"Harding, I see that you meditate resistance if opportunity offers, but
+let me warn you that you are a dead man the instant you make any attempt
+to escape or fire upon us. I would kill you now without the slightest
+hesitation, only I fear it would break up the line and travel to Last
+Chance, and that I do not wish. Dismount from that box, and, remember,
+my revolver covers you!"
+
+Harding obeyed in sullen silence.
+
+"Now, what freight have you on?"
+
+"I have the mails, and this lady passenger, but, low as you are, you
+will not rob her, I hope."
+
+"There was money sent through by you to Last Chance."
+
+"You pretend to know this, but I have no money for Last Chance."
+
+"I know better."
+
+"There is the coach, search it; but let me tell you, if you touch the
+United States mails you will have every soldier stationed at W---- and
+at Faraway on your track."
+
+"I believe you are right about that, and I do not care to fight the
+Government by robbing the mails; but the money I want."
+
+"I have not got any, I told you."
+
+"I do not believe you."
+
+"Then find it."
+
+"I will."
+
+A thorough search of the coach was made, and then the driver was
+searched, but without any money being found.
+
+"I know that the sum of thirty thousand dollars was to be sent by you to
+the miners in Last Chance."
+
+"You know this?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Never mind, but I know it."
+
+"Well, you see that your spy misinformed you."
+
+"As the money cannot be found it is a dead loss to me, and I hold you
+responsible."
+
+"All right, I am."
+
+"But, as I said, if I kill you no man will be found to take your
+place----"
+
+"Oh, yes, Doctor Dick will."
+
+"D---- Doctor Dick--I beg pardon, miss, but he refers to one whom I
+hate, and some day will be avenged upon."
+
+"Well, if you kill me you will have the chance, for he will drive."
+
+"With even that hope to get even with him, I will not kill you, yet I
+must have that money or a hostage."
+
+"Take me, then."
+
+"No, I could not realize the amount on you."
+
+"Then do without."
+
+"Not I, when there is a hostage at hand."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"This lady."
+
+"Coward! you would not dare."
+
+"Won't I? Then see, for that lady becomes my prisoner until I receive
+that money."
+
+"What money?"
+
+"The thirty thousand you beat me out of to-day."
+
+"How can you get it by taking me with you?" asked Celeste Seldon
+quietly.
+
+"Why, very easily, miss."
+
+"How so, may I ask?"
+
+"Harding will go on to Last Chance and report that I have you as my
+prisoner, to hold until the miners pay me the sum of--well, I'll add
+interest, so call it thirty-five thousand dollars."
+
+"The miners have nothing to do with me, sir, they do not even know me."
+
+"That does not matter, for they are a gallant lot of men, rough though
+they may look, and many of them be, so, when it is known what I have
+done, they will chip in generously and the money will be raised very
+quickly."
+
+"How will you get it?" asked Harding.
+
+"I will meet you on any day we may agree upon, at this spot, with this
+lady, and you will come alone, as I will, and the exchange of the
+hostage for the money will be made. If you come with others, or attempt
+treachery, I swear to you I will kill the girl before your eyes, so if
+you wish to have that done, play traitor, while, if you act squarely
+with me, all will be well. What do you say?"
+
+"I say, as it cannot be otherwise, I will be your hostage until the
+money is paid you," said Celeste Seldon firmly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE SACRIFICE.
+
+
+The plucky stand taken by Celeste Seldon won the admiration of Harding
+at once. He did not understand why she had been so prompt in her reply,
+so willing to at once yield herself as a hostage until a ransom was
+received for her release. But she did offer, and he at once decided what
+he should do.
+
+"See here, cutthroat," he said, "I have something to say to you."
+
+"Well, out with it, but be more choice in your epithets bestowed on me,
+if you wish to keep in good health."
+
+"What! don't like the name, eh? Well, I called you by a name that
+denotes your calling."
+
+"What have you to say?"
+
+"Just this, that if you will allow this young lady to ride on to Last
+Chance, on one of my stage-horses, for he will carry her safely there, I
+will remain your hostage until Landlord Larry sends the money out to you
+which you demand."
+
+"As a hostage you are of no value, but the lady is."
+
+"Well, again?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"If I pay you the amount you said was to be sent by me, will you let the
+lady go?"
+
+"When will you pay it?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"Do so, and I will let the lady go free."
+
+"No, no, sir, you have not the money," cried Celeste to Harding.
+
+"Yes, miss, I can make it good, for I have a little more saved up than
+he demands, and I can start over again to lay up a fortune, you see, for
+I am young yet."
+
+"I will not consent to that, except that I return you the money, my kind
+friend, for I am well able to do so. I will recompense you, by paying
+you back my ransom."
+
+"We will not quarrel on that score, miss, so give him the money," said
+Harding.
+
+Celeste turned, and, raising her skirt, took the bag of money from its
+hiding-place. This she handed to Harding, who threw it at the masked
+outlaw's feet with the remark:
+
+"Your spy informed you correctly; there is the money; just thirty-two
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Thank you," said the outlaw, quietly counting the money before he spoke
+again.
+
+"Yes, it is all here. Now, miss, had Harding ransomed you, it was your
+intention to have repaid him, you said."
+
+"By all means, for I have no claim upon that brave gentleman."
+
+"You are able to pay back so large a ransom, are you?"
+
+"Had I not been able to pay it back I would not have made the offer to
+do so."
+
+"You have not got the money with you?"
+
+"Oh, no, I am no traveling bank, nor am I a fool."
+
+"Well said; but as you are able to pay a ransom for yourself, I shall
+hold you a prisoner until you pay me the money I demand."
+
+An oath burst involuntarily from the lips of Harding at this treachery
+on the part of the road-agent, while the young girl turned pale with
+momentary dread. But she said firmly:
+
+"After receiving the money you demanded, and which I feel it my duty to
+pay back, as it is really my ransom, will you be so vile, so lost to all
+manhood, as to enforce your words against me?"
+
+"What more can you expect of one who has no character, who is already
+damned body and soul. Oh, no, I have no conscience, so do not appeal to
+me, for all I wish in the world is gold, and that I will have, no matter
+who the victim or what the means I have to take to get it."
+
+"You are indeed lost to every human feeling."
+
+"So I said, and you are my prisoner until this man, Harding, brings me,
+well, say thirty thousand dollars ransom money for your safe delivery to
+him once more. Now, miss, I will take your baggage along, for you may
+need it, and you will go with me."
+
+"Where would you take me?"
+
+"To my retreat, and you will be treated with respect; but money I must
+have. As for you, Harding, go on to Last Chance and raise the money for
+this lady's ransom. Give it to Doctor Dick, and let him come with you
+in your coach on your next run out.
+
+"Halt just here, and he will be met by one of my men with this lady. If
+others come, her life shall be the forfeit. When my messenger receives
+the money, this lady shall be given into the charge of Doctor Dick. Do
+you understand?"
+
+"I do, and you will understand that all of Last Chance, every man
+capable of carrying a gun, will be upon your trail before night."
+
+"Just let any one pursue me, and instead of finding me, you will
+discover the dead body of this young girl in the trail awaiting you.
+Remember, I am not to be followed, or intimidated. Do you understand
+now?"
+
+Harding made no reply, for he was too much overcome to speak; but the
+small leather trunk belonging to Celeste Seldon having been taken from
+the coach, along with a side-saddle and bridle she had brought with her,
+the driver clasped her hand in farewell.
+
+Harding was unable himself to speak, for his emotion at being unable to
+protect the girl. Celeste Seldon said to the outlaw:
+
+"I would like to have a word with this gentleman."
+
+"Before me, yes," said the masked chief.
+
+"Very well, I have no secret to make known to him, so you may hear."
+
+Then, turning to Harding, she continued:
+
+"You have been most kind to me, sir, and I appreciate it. You have done
+all in your power for me, no one could do more; but let me say to you if
+you can raise the sum demanded by this--this--robber, do so, and every
+dollar shall be refunded to you within a few days after my return East."
+
+"The men won't ask it, miss."
+
+"But I shall pay it. Now to the reason in part of my coming here."
+
+"Yes, miss."
+
+"Try to find out for me among the miners if a man by the name of Andrew
+Seldon is known to any of them, and, if so, where he is."
+
+"I will."
+
+"Try also to do all in your power for that poor young man Bernard
+Brandon, who, you told me, had been crazed by a bullet-wound, doubtless
+given by this very--murderer."
+
+"Yes, I shot him, and killed Dave Dockery, the driver, and a miner at
+the same time," was the remark of the masked road-agent, delivered with
+the utmost effrontery.
+
+"You seem proud of your red work, sir."
+
+"Yes, killing is a trade with me just now."
+
+Celeste Seldon turned from him with disgust and horror, and, addressing
+Harding, continued:
+
+"Ask the one you spoke of as Doctor Dick to do all in his power for that
+poor sufferer, and he shall be well rewarded for it. When I am released
+I will go to Last Chance, as it was my intention, and do all I can to
+find my father, and minister to the sufferings of poor Mr. Brandon. Now,
+I thank you once more and bid you good-by."
+
+Harding clasped her hand, dared not to trust himself to speak, but there
+were volumes in the look of intense hatred he cast upon the masked face
+of the road-agent chief. Then he mounted to the stage-box, gathered up
+his lines, and drove away in a silence that was most expressive.
+
+Harding glanced back as he came to the end of the canyon, but saw that
+the road-agents and their fair prisoner had already disappeared.
+
+Then the lash descended upon the backs of the startled horses and the
+team was sent along at a pace that was dangerous indeed.
+
+But Harding could only find vent for his pent-up feelings by rapid and
+reckless driving, and never before had the distance between the Dead
+Line and Last Chance been covered in the time in which he made it.
+
+Notwithstanding his delay at the Dead Line, he went thundering up the
+valley half an hour ahead of time, and when he drew rein before the
+hotel his horses were reeking with foam and panting like hard-run
+hounds, while his face was white, his eyes ablaze with anger and
+indignation, and his teeth set firmly.
+
+"Great God! Harding, what has happened?" cried Landlord Larry in alarm.
+
+Throwing the mail at the feet of the surprised landlord, Harding leaped
+to the ground and said hoarsely:
+
+"Come, I wish to speak to you."
+
+He led the way into the office and then told the whole story.
+
+"We will mount a hundred men and go in pursuit at once," cried Larry.
+
+"What! do you forget his threat?"
+
+"What threat?"
+
+"To kill the girl!"
+
+"He will not do it."
+
+"He will."
+
+"No, he dare not."
+
+"You do not know him--I do."
+
+"Well, what is to be done?"
+
+"Just what he demands."
+
+"What! pay him?"
+
+"By all means, and save the girl!"
+
+"You are right."
+
+"But have all ready then, the moment that she is safe, to throw five
+hundred mounted men on a hunt for him, have the entire country about
+Dead Line surrounded, and then hunt him and his men to death," savagely
+said Harding.
+
+"Yes, it must be done; but now to tell the men what has happened," and
+Landlord Larry went out, followed by Harding, to find a large crowd of
+miners gathered about the hotel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE RANSOM.
+
+
+Landlord Larry was considerably nonplused by what had been told him by
+Harding, and he hardly knew how to break the news to the miners.
+Hundreds had assembled, for the mad race of Harding's team up the valley
+had told them that something had gone wrong.
+
+So they had hurried in twos and by half-dozens to the hotel to hear what
+had happened.
+
+They were more eager to learn it all when it was told how Harding had
+made no report, but had led Landlord Larry into the office and been
+closeted there with him an hour.
+
+The panting horses had been led away to the stable, the mail had been
+opened by Landlord Larry's clerk, and many had gotten letters.
+
+But the interest in letters was lost in the desire to learn what had
+happened on Harding's run in.
+
+When the two men were seen coming out of the hotel, a wild yell greeted
+them.
+
+Landlord Larry stepped out upon the piazza, and at once a silence fell
+upon the crowd, while every eye was turned upon the white face of
+Harding.
+
+"Men, I have bad news for you," said Landlord Larry. "The coach has been
+held up again, and thirty-two thousand dollars in money, given to Driver
+Harding to bring to Last Chance, was taken. There are some forty of you
+who feel this loss, having sent your gold out to be exchanged for this
+money. But that is not the worst of it.
+
+"The mails were not disturbed, as the road-agent said that he wished no
+trouble with the Government. Nor is this all, for Harding had a
+passenger with him on this run, a young girl."
+
+"Where is she?" came in a chorus of voices.
+
+"I will tell you: There were seven road-agents, all masked, and their
+chief mounted. They held the coach up at the Dead Line, and they covered
+Harding with their rifles, and demanded the money which, in some way,
+they knew he had.
+
+"The young lady had hidden it for him, but as she was to be held for
+ransom, she gave it up, and, learning that she was rich, the road-agent
+chief then demanded ransom from her."
+
+And speaking slowly and distinctly Landlord Larry went on to tell the
+whole story of the coach and taking of Celeste Seldon captive.
+
+The crowd was as silent as death, except for the suppressed breathing of
+the men, and the bronzed faces of the miners paled and flushed by turns.
+When at last it was told how a ransom of thirty thousand dollars was
+demanded, before a word had been said that it would be paid back, a yell
+arose:
+
+"We'll raise it!"
+
+"Good! that is just what I knew you would do, pards, and I will head the
+list with five hundred," said Landlord Larry.
+
+"Put me down for five hundred," called out Harding, and the two offers
+were cheered, while a stern voice called out behind the landlord:
+
+"Put me down for a thousand, Larry, for I have heard all that you have
+told the men."
+
+It was Doctor Dick, who, seeing the crowd in front of the hotel, had
+come to the piazza by passing into the house through the rear door.
+
+Another cheer greeted the sum named by Doctor Dick, and there arose
+cries on all sides as men pressed forward:
+
+"I'll give a thousand, landlord!"
+
+"Name me for fifty."
+
+"Put me on the list for a hundred!"
+
+"Twenty-five for me!"
+
+And so on were the sums named by the noble-hearted and generous fellows,
+even those who had lost their money by the road-agents subscribing,
+until Doctor Dick called out, for he had been keeping account:
+
+"Hold on, all! The amount is already named. Now, men, form in line, and
+give your names as you pass along, and the money, those who have it."
+
+It was late when the ransom list was made up, and the men had not heeded
+the supper-gong until after they had paid their subscriptions.
+
+Then Landlord Larry packed the money away, and the crowd dispersed to
+their various occupations and pleasures for the night, which may be set
+down as consisting principally of drinking and gambling.
+
+The question regarding the unfortunate girl who had fallen into the
+hands of the masked and merciless outlaws being settled, the driver
+said to Landlord Larry and Doctor Dick, who had returned to the office
+in the hotel.
+
+"Now I wish to see about the poor fellow whom that young girl was coming
+out to see, and also to learn about her father."
+
+"Who was her father?" asked Landlord Larry.
+
+"Her name is Celeste Seldon, and she wished me to ascertain if her
+father had ever been heard of in the mines. His name was Andrew Seldon."
+
+"Andrew Seldon?" quickly said Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I know of such a man, or, rather, knew of him, for he is dead now," was
+the response of the gambler.
+
+A cloud passed over the face of Harding, and he remarked sadly:
+
+"That poor girl seems doomed to have sorrow dog her steps. But you knew
+her father, doctor?"
+
+"Yes, I knew him long years ago, and I happen to know of his having been
+out here, working for a fortune in the mines, I believe."
+
+"You are sure that it is the one she seeks?"
+
+"The names are the same. The Andrew Seldon I knew was from Tennessee."
+
+"So was her father, and he must be the man you refer to. But where did
+he die?"
+
+"I'll tell you what I have not made known to others. Buffalo Bill and I
+struck a trail to see what the end would bring to us, and the night
+before we came to the end those we sought were buried by the caving-in
+of a mine which they were working under a cliff. One of those men was
+Andrew Seldon, and he had a companion with him."
+
+"And they were killed?"
+
+"Yes, buried under the cliff, that fell upon their cabin, destroying
+all."
+
+"You must tell the story to the young girl, for I cannot, doctor."
+
+"I will do so, though I hate to give a woman pain."
+
+"Now, doctor, I wish to ask about the one she seeks here in Last
+Chance."
+
+"Who is he, Harding?"
+
+"The poor fellow you so devotedly cared for, but whose reason was
+destroyed by the wound he received from the road-agents."
+
+"Ah, yes, poor fellow, his mind is irrevocably wrecked."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Landlord Larry can tell you better than I, for he seems to avoid my
+cabin since I gave him up as a patient."
+
+"He wanders about among the camps at will; but that reminds me that I
+have not seen him to-day," the landlord said.
+
+"Is he the one the girl is coming to see?" asked Doctor Dick.
+
+"Yes, and his name is Bernard Brandon. He came out here on a special
+mission for her, I suppose to find her father, and not hearing from him
+she feared that he had gotten into trouble, so came West herself in
+search of him."
+
+"Well, her coming may bring back his reason, though I doubt it."
+
+"Will you not question him, doctor, telling him about her, and see if
+you cannot get him to talk rationally?"
+
+"Certainly, Harding, but where is he?"
+
+Landlord Larry asked his clerk about the man, but he had not seen him
+all day, and, the miners being questioned, not one recalled having seen
+him since the day before.
+
+In some dread that harm had befallen him, Harding then went out in
+search of the poor fellow. He went from miner to miner and camp to camp
+in his vain search, for not anywhere could he find any one who had seen
+the missing man for over twenty-four hours.
+
+Becoming really alarmed, when he realized the shock it would be to
+Celeste Seldon, whose hazardous and costly trip to the West would be
+utterly useless, Harding went back to the hotel to consult Doctor Dick
+and Landlord Larry about giving a general alarm.
+
+Then alarms were only given in times of direct need, for the miners were
+sworn to obey the call, and come from every camp and mine within the
+circuit of habitation about Last Chance.
+
+The alarm was given by sending a mounted bugler to every prominent point
+in the valley, where he was to sound the rally three times.
+
+A half-dozen positions thus visited would send the bugle-notes into
+every camp of the valley, and it was the duty of all miners to at once
+strike for the place of assembly at the hotel, and give the warning to
+all others whom they saw.
+
+Landlord Larry hearing the story of Harding's fruitless search for the
+stranger, at once decided to order the alarm sounded without consulting
+Doctor Dick, who was not at his cabin.
+
+So the bugler was called in, and, mounting a speedy horse, he placed the
+bugle to his lips and loud, clear, and ringing resounded the "rally."
+
+Then he dashed from point to point at the full speed of his horse, and
+within half an hour, from half a dozen prominent positions, the
+bugle-call assembling the miners had rung out and men were hastening to
+obey the summons.
+
+Within an hour every man in Last Chance had reported at the
+assembling-point, all eager to know the cause of the alarm.
+
+Again Landlord Larry was the speaker, and he began by asking if the
+unfortunate stranger, whose wound had crazed him, was in the crowd.
+
+Every eye was at once on the search for the man, but soon the reports
+came that Bernard Brandon was not in the crowd.
+
+Then Landlord Larry made known that the mysterious disappearance, at the
+time of Miss Seldon's capture by the road-agents, was a coincidence so
+strange that it needed explanation.
+
+Miss Seldon was coming to Last Chance to find that very young man, who
+had in turn come there in search of her father, and now, when she was a
+captive to the road-agents, to be given up only upon the payment of a
+large ransom, the stranger had most mysteriously disappeared.
+
+The name of the young lady's father was Andrew Seldon, and if any miner
+present could tell aught regarding him, or had known such a man, the
+landlord wished him to come and tell him all that he could about him.
+
+But it was the duty, and but justice, for one and all of them to set out
+on the search for the young stranger who had disappeared from their
+midst, and he wished to know if they would not take a day off and do
+so, for it might be that he had been injured, and was then lying
+suffering and deserving their sympathy and aid somewhere among the
+mountains.
+
+A perfect yell in answer to the request of Landlord Larry told him that
+Bernard Brandon would be found if he was in or near Last Chance, and so
+it was agreed that all would start at dawn the following morning, many
+mounted, many on foot, and report the result, if good or bad, at the
+hotel at night.
+
+So the miners' meeting broke up, and with the first gray in the east the
+following morning, four-fifths of Last Chance were off, searching for
+the missing man.
+
+As they wore themselves out, or completed the search over the circuit
+assigned them, the men came in and reported at the hotel. Each had the
+same story to tell, that the search had been a fruitless one.
+
+Many of the mounted men did not come in until after dark, but theirs was
+the same story, that no trace of the missing stranger could be found.
+
+At last every man who had been on the search had returned, and not the
+slightest trace of the missing Brandon had been discovered by a single
+one who had gone out to look for him.
+
+No one remembered to have seen him very lately, and so his fate was
+unsolved, and the miners put it down as unknown, with the belief that he
+had either been kidnaped by road-agents or had fallen into some stream,
+or from a cliff, and thus met his death.
+
+The belief of Landlord Larry and Harding was that Bernard Brandon had
+been captured, for some reason, by road-agents, and this convinced them
+that there were spies of the outlaws then dwelling in their midst; but
+what the motive for kidnaping the man was, they could only conjecture,
+believing it to be ransom that they thought the miners would pay, and,
+if they did not, that Celeste Seldon would.
+
+This belief, of spies in their midst, caused a very unpleasant and
+uneasy feeling among all, for hardly any man knew whether he could trust
+his own comrade or not.
+
+Doctor Dick came in late from his search and rounds to visit his
+patients, and listened in silence to the report that Bernard Brandon
+could not be found.
+
+He, however, would not believe that road-agents had kidnaped the crazed
+man, but said that he might have sprung from the cliff and taken his own
+life, have fallen over a precipice, or been devoured by the fierce
+mountain-wolves that hung in packs about the camps.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE.
+
+
+It was with a sinking heart that Celeste Seldon saw Harding drive away
+upon the stage, leaving her in the power of the road-agents. But she was
+a brave girl, and determined to show the outlaws that she did not fear
+them, no matter how great her dread of them was in reality.
+
+The saddle and bridle she had brought with her were carried along for a
+couple of miles, and placed upon a led horse, one of half a score hidden
+there, and the masked chief started to aid her to mount.
+
+But she said with a sneer:
+
+"I need no assistance from you."
+
+With this she placed her hands upon the horn and leaped lightly into the
+saddle.
+
+Her leather trunk was then strapped securely upon a pack-saddle, and the
+chief said:
+
+"Now, Miss Seldon, that you and my men are mounted, we will start."
+
+She turned her horse on the trail behind him, and the other outlaws
+followed, all riding in Indian file and with several packhorses bringing
+up the rear.
+
+After a ride of a dozen miles a halt was made for a rest, the chief
+said, and then Celeste Seldon observed that the hoofs of every horse
+were muffled, to prevent their leaving a trail.
+
+Having been left something over a couple of miles from the scene of the
+holding up of the stage, it would be next to impossible for the best of
+trailers to discover which way the road-agents had come to the spot and
+left it, for the chief's muffled-hoofed horse would leave no track to
+where the other animals were.
+
+Tired out and anxious, Celeste Seldon, after eating sparingly of the
+food given her by the chief, sat down with her back to a tree, and,
+closing her eyes, dropped into a deep sleep. When she was awakened to
+continue the journey she found that she had slept an hour.
+
+"We are ready to go miss," said the man who had appeared to be the
+chief's lieutenant, and whom he had called Wolf, whether because it was
+his real name, or on account of his nature, Celeste did not know.
+
+"I am ready," she said simply, refreshed by her short nap.
+
+"Shall I aid you to mount, miss?"
+
+"No, I can mount without your aid; but where is your chief?"
+
+"He has gone on ahead, miss, to prepare for your coming, leaving me to
+escort you."
+
+"I am content, for one is as bad as the other," was the reply, and,
+leaping into her saddle again, she fell in behind the man Wolf, and the
+march was again begun.
+
+Night came on, but the outlaws rode on for an hour or more, when they
+halted at a small spring in a thicket.
+
+Celeste was made more comfortable in a shelter of boughs, hastily cut
+and thrown up, and when supper was ready she ate heartily of
+antelope-steak, crackers, and coffee.
+
+She was rather glad to have got rid of the masked chief, of whom she
+stood in the greatest awe, and Wolf never spoke to her unless she
+addressed some remark to him.
+
+When she lay down upon the blanket-bed, spread upon fine straw, which
+he had made for her, she sank at once to sleep.
+
+She had no thought of escape, for what could she do there alone in that
+wild, trackless land? She would bide her time and await the result, be
+it what it might.
+
+She was awakened early in the morning, and the march was at once begun
+again, a halt being made a couple of hours later for breakfast.
+
+While it was being prepared she was allowed to wander at will, Wolf
+calling her only when it was ready, and thus showing that they had not
+the slightest idea that she would do so foolish a thing as to escape
+from them, to perish in the wilderness, or meet death by being attacked
+by wild beasts.
+
+When the start was again made, Wolf said:
+
+"When we halt for our noon camp, miss, I will have to blindfold you, and
+bind your hands."
+
+"Ah! you consider me very dangerous, then?" she said, with a smile.
+
+"You doubtless are dangerous, miss, in more ways than one; but it is to
+prevent your seeing where we take you that you are to be blindfolded."
+
+"Do you think I could guide a party after you?"
+
+"You have the nerve to do it, miss."
+
+"But why bind my hands?"
+
+"To prevent your removing the bandage from your eyes, miss."
+
+"I will pledge you my word that I will not do so."
+
+"I believe you would keep your word, miss; but the chief is a man who is
+merciless, and his orders were to blindfold and bind you, and if I
+disobey he would shoot me down as though I were in reality a wolf."
+
+"Perhaps not much loss, but I will submit," said Celeste with a sigh,
+for she had enjoyed the scenery, and her freedom as well this far, and
+now must be both blindfolded and bound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE TWO FUGITIVES.
+
+
+It will be remembered that when Buffalo Bill and Doctor Dick rode away
+from the caved-in mine and crushed cabin of the two gold-hunters in the
+Grand Canyon, there were human eyes following their movements that they
+little dreamed were upon them.
+
+Gazing at them from a hiding-place half a mile away were two men whose
+faces showed much anxiety as they saw the scout and the gold king moving
+about their quarters, when they had believed themselves hidden from all
+search by friend or foe.
+
+Those two were Andrew Seldon and Lucas Langley.
+
+Their escape had been miraculous, from being buried in the mine beneath
+the cliff, and they had established for themselves new quarters up the
+Grand Canyon a few miles away from their former home.
+
+This new camping-place was more secluded than the former one, and
+approached by a narrow ridge that no one would believe a horse could
+pass along, for in places it was only eighteen inches wide.
+
+But Andrew Seldon had gone first along it on foot, and found beyond, up
+in the depths of a large canyon opening into the mightier one, a perfect
+garden spot and scene of beauty.
+
+A crystal stream trickled down a lofty precipice and flowed through the
+canyon, and in its bed glittered grains of gold innumerable.
+
+Back under the shadows of the towering cliffs there were found veins of
+precious metal giving promise of rich mines.
+
+There were trees growing luxuriously in this nature's park, velvety
+grass covering acres of meadow-land, wild fruits that were delicious,
+and everything to make this home a most charming one.
+
+They first made the effort to get their horses across the narrow ridge,
+upon either side of which was an abyss a quarter of a mile in depth,
+seamed with ravines, and looking like the craters of defunct volcanoes.
+
+The first horse tried, Andrew Seldon's own riding-animal, followed his
+master without hesitation along the dizzy, awful pathway.
+
+Turning, Seldon led him back again, and then the other animals followed
+slowly, and though nervously, yet without accident.
+
+They were repaid for their fright when turned loose upon the acres of
+luxuriant grass in the valley.
+
+A fence of poles made a barrier across the narrow entrance of the
+valley, and so the horses were allowed to roam at will.
+
+A stout cabin was next built, and the two men having made themselves
+comfortable for the winter, were ready to begin their search for gold,
+feeling safe once more in their retreat, for who would believe that they
+had crossed that narrow ridge to find a hiding-place beyond?
+
+And here these two men, so strangely met, with mysterious lives, and
+both in hiding from the world, settled down to win a fortune from the
+generous earth, to earn riches that would make them comfortable in their
+latter years far from the scenes that had known them in other days and
+to which they dared not return.
+
+Each day they worked several hours in their gold-hunting, and then one
+of them would take his gun and go in search of game, while the other
+would do the chores about their cabin.
+
+It was upon one of these hunting expeditions one day that Andrew Seldon
+found himself belated from having pursued his game much farther than he
+had thought.
+
+It was some miles back to camp and the sun had long since ceased to send
+its rays down into the depths of the mighty chasm of the Grand Canyon.
+
+He started back, with his game swung up on his back, and the shadows
+rapidly deepening about him.
+
+As he neared his old destroyed home he stopped suddenly, for across the
+canyon a light flashed before his gaze.
+
+"It is a firelight as sure as I live," he muttered.
+
+"What does it, what can it, mean?"
+
+He stood like one dazed by the sight for some time, and then slowly fell
+from his lips the words:
+
+"It can mean but one thing--_that some one has come into the canyon_."
+
+After a moment more of silent thought he said almost cheerily:
+
+"Ah! it is Lucas."
+
+But again his voice changed as he added:
+
+"No, he dreads the spot where he was so nearly buried alive and will not
+go there. Whoever it is, he is a stranger. I must know, for if they have
+come here to remain, if they are our foes we will be forewarned and
+hence forearmed.
+
+"I will at once solve the mystery, for I had hoped never to behold a
+human face here other than Lucas Langley's and my own," and the
+gold-hunter walked away in the direction of the firelight which had so
+startled him.
+
+He went cautiously, for he knew well the danger if he was discovered,
+and the builders of the camp-fire proved to be foes.
+
+He knew the locality well, and that he could approach within a hundred
+yards of the fire, and discover just what there was to be seen.
+
+Arriving within an eighth of a mile of the spot he halted, laid aside
+his game and rifle, and then moved forward from rock to rock, tree to
+tree, armed only with his revolvers.
+
+He now saw that there were three fires, two near together and one a
+couple of hundred feet apart and off to itself.
+
+The scene of the camp was a small canyon near his old home and on the
+trail leading to it. There was gold in the canyon, for he had discovered
+it there and taken some away, while he had marked it as his claim, it
+having been already staked as one of the finds and claims of the real
+Andrew Seldon.
+
+In truth, there were a dozen such claims in the Grand Canyon found by
+Andrew Seldon, all of them paying finds.
+
+Having reached a point within a hundred yards of the camp-fires, Seldon
+leaned over a rock and began to survey the scene.
+
+The three fires were burning brightly, and beyond the light fell upon a
+number of horses corralled in the canyon, where there was grass and
+water. There were brush shelters near, three in number, and about the
+fires in front of them were gathered a number of men.
+
+Counting them, Andrew Seldon found that there were eight in sight.
+
+There appeared to be no guard kept, and the camp was certainly not a
+very new one, apparently having been made there several weeks before.
+
+Emboldened by his discovery, the gold-hunter crept nearer and nearer,
+and then could see that the men were all masked.
+
+This struck him as being a very remarkable circumstance, indeed, since
+they were clad like miners, some of them wearing beards that came below
+their masks. All were armed thoroughly.
+
+They were eating their supper as Andrew Seldon looked at them.
+
+Gaining a point of observation still nearer, the gold-hunter obtained a
+view of the camp-fire apart from the others. A comfortable little cabin
+was just behind the fire, and a rustic bench had been made near it.
+
+A blanket hung over the door of the tiny cabin, and about the fire was
+the evidence of a supper recently eaten, for a cup, tin plate, and
+knives, with the remains of a meal, were upon a rock that served as a
+table.
+
+Upon the rustic seat sat one whose presence there was a great surprise
+to Andrew Seldon.
+
+"By Heaven, it is a woman!" he almost cried aloud in his amazement.
+
+Then he determined to get a still nearer view, and after surveying the
+position, he decided that he could do so by passing around to the edge
+of the cliff and creeping along it to a point not sixty feet away.
+
+As he, after very cautious work, reached the point he sought, some forty
+feet from the one at the camp-fire, gazing upon her he muttered to
+himself:
+
+"It is a young and beautiful girl, and why is she here with those
+strange men? Who is she, and what is this mystery? I must solve it."
+
+He noted that the single fire was just around a bend of the canyon, and
+that the men were camped below her.
+
+"This looks as though she was a prisoner. But how did they find this
+spot, and how dare they venture down that dangerous trail?
+
+"Well, Andrew Seldon the real did it, I did it, Lucas Langley also, and
+Buffalo Bill and the comrade with him were two more to make the
+venture, so why not these men?
+
+"But why are they masked, and what does it mean that they have that
+young girl in their midst? Beyond doubt she is a captive, and yet I dare
+not communicate with her. It would betray my presence and I would lose
+all, perhaps my life.
+
+"They do not know of my presence here in the Grand Canyon, and they will
+hardly find our camp, at least as long as they find gold where they are.
+Well, I will return to my home and tell Langley of my strange
+discovery."
+
+After so musing, and gazing the while at the girl, Andrew Seldon was
+about to leave his position, when he saw a horseman ride into the lower
+camp. The horse seemed to have been hard ridden, for he came in with
+lowered head, and that the newcomer was in authority there was shown by
+the men rising as he approached the fire, while one of them took care of
+his horse.
+
+"I will see what this arrival means," muttered Andrew Seldon, and he
+kept his position among the rocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE OUTLAW LOVER.
+
+
+The man who had ridden into camp gave some order, which Andrew Seldon
+could not hear, and one of those about the camp-fire at once set about
+preparing supper for him.
+
+There was upon his face a red mask, much as the others wore, but he was
+dressed in somewhat better style than they, wearing cavalry-boots
+instead of heavy ones such as his men had on, while his body dress was a
+velvet jacket.
+
+His hat was a slouch, encircled by a silver cord representing a snake,
+as the gold-hunter discovered, when he afterward got a closer view of
+him.
+
+He talked to his men for a few minutes, but what he said the gold-hunter
+was unable to hear. Then he walked away in the direction of the other
+fire.
+
+"Now I can know what this means," muttered Andrew Seldon eagerly.
+
+The young girl had certainly seen the man arrive in camp, but she had
+shown no interest apparently in his coming, and now, as he approached,
+she calmly remained seated, her eyes, however, following his movements.
+
+As he drew near he politely raised his sombrero and said:
+
+"I hope I find Miss Seldon well?"
+
+"Seldon! She bears the name I now am masquerading under," muttered the
+gold-hunter in intense surprise.
+
+"Miss Seldon is as well as could be expected under the existing
+circumstances, of being the captive of a band of cutthroats," was the
+cutting reply, and the listening man, who heard all, opened wide his
+eyes.
+
+"You are harsh in your terms, Miss Seldon."
+
+"Are you not road-agents, robbers, and murderers, and are you not
+holding me here for ransom, after having robbed me of a large sum in my
+keeping?"
+
+"Yes, such is the case."
+
+"Then why wince under the name of cutthroat? But you have been away for
+some days."
+
+"I have."
+
+"You have seen your chief?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"And what message does he send?"
+
+"You are to go with me at dawn to the rendezvous on the Overland Trail,
+where you are to be given over to the one sent by the miners of Last
+Chance to pay your ransom."
+
+"I am glad of this; but will your chief keep faith, or will he play the
+traitor for a third time and escape giving me up through some trick?"
+
+"No, for if he did he would surely be run down, as he knows, by the
+miners, even if your life was the forfeit."
+
+"I hope it may prove true that I am to be ransomed, and I will be ready
+to go with you; but where is your chief?"
+
+"He is in his other camp."
+
+"Then he has two?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Am I to be blindfolded and bound again when you are taking me from
+here?"
+
+"Such are his orders, Miss Seldon."
+
+"He fears that I, a young girl, may lead a force upon his secret
+retreat?"
+
+"That is just what he fears, Miss Seldon."
+
+"I only wish I _was_ able to do so."
+
+"Miss Seldon, may I speak a word to you?" suddenly said the masked
+outlaw, drawing nearer.
+
+"I believe there is no more to say, for I will be ready at the hour you
+desire to start."
+
+"There is more to say, and say it I will. I wish to tell you that I have
+been a very wicked man, that I went to the bad when hardly out of my
+teens, broke my mother's heart by my evil life, and ruined my father
+financially, driving him to suicide in his despair.
+
+"I came West and tried to redeem the past by becoming an honest miner;
+but luck went against me, and I at last turned once more to evil and
+found a band of outlaws. Money came to me in plenty, and at last I
+drifted into the band that our chief commands, and, as you know, I am
+his lieutenant.
+
+"He found this mine and sent us here to work it and have our retreat
+here also. Much gold is coming to us through our work, and also by our
+holding up the coaches on the Last Chance trail, for he posts us where
+to be on hand for an attack, as we have what we call the post-office
+half-way between our camp and his.
+
+"When he made you a prisoner I felt for you, and, as I was the one to
+hold you captive and bring you here, I grew more and more fond of you
+until now I must, I will tell you, that I love you with my whole heart
+and soul, Celeste Seldon."
+
+The young girl had not moved during the time that the outlaw lieutenant
+was speaking, but now, when he proclaimed his love for her, she arose,
+drew herself up, and said haughtily:
+
+"And I, Celeste Seldon, abhor such love as you, an outlaw, would feel
+for me, and command you not again to speak one word to me while I am in
+the hateful atmosphere of your presence as your prisoner."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE SECRET OUT.
+
+
+"Celeste Seldon! It was _her_ name--_his_ daughter's name, and yet the
+letter said that she was dead! Is this a coincidence, or is she alive,
+and is this young girl the child of Andrew Seldon the real?"
+
+So mused Andrew Seldon the impersonator, as he crouched among the rocks,
+his eyes riveted upon the girl not fifty feet from him, and who so
+boldly faced the outlaw officer who had dared breathe to her a word of
+love.
+
+The outlaw stood abashed at the manner in which his avowal of love had
+been received. There was no anger in his look, and he seemed hurt rather
+than offended.
+
+After Celeste Seldon's indignant response to him he half-turned away, as
+though to retire in silence, but then reconsidered his determination and
+said in a low tone full of feeling:
+
+"Pardon me, for I did wrong to think for a moment that an angel would
+look kindly upon a devil. I love you, and I could not but tell you of
+it, for you had decided me as to my own course, you had made me see my
+evil life as it is in all its enormity, and decide to make another
+struggle to go back to honor and truth."
+
+"This, at least, you deserve credit for, and I trust you may carry out
+your resolve, for in that you shall have my full sympathy."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Seldon; but I have something more to say to you."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"You are to be given up by the chief on the payment of your ransom."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wish I could prevent this robbery, but I cannot, as it is simply
+beyond my power to do so."
+
+"I do not ask it of you."
+
+"Granted; but your being returned will not end it all."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"You came here for an avowed purpose, as I understand it."
+
+"I did, Mr. Wolf."
+
+"That purpose was to find one who had come West on a special mission."
+
+"Granted again."
+
+"His mission was to find your father, Andrew Seldon."
+
+The listener crouching among the rocks started at this and set his teeth
+hard, while he awaited the reply of the young girl.
+
+"Yes; he came to find my father, Andrew Seldon, who, I had reason to
+believe, was in the mining-country about here."
+
+"You have not heard of the young man who came at your bidding?"
+
+"Let me say that he came of his own accord, knowing that a great wrong
+had been done my father by one whom he believed his dearest friend. He
+came to find him and tell him all the sad truth; but why am I telling
+_you_ this?"
+
+"Because you know that I am interested, that I can aid you."
+
+"Can you?" was the eager reply.
+
+"I can."
+
+"Do so, and----"
+
+"And what?"
+
+"I will reward you--generously."
+
+"I seek no reward, ask for none, would not accept any pay at your hands,
+other than to earn your good opinion and gratitude."
+
+"Well, sir?" said Celeste Seldon coolly.
+
+"Have you found your father?"
+
+"No, I regret to say I have not; but I was interrupted in my search by
+being captured by your robber chief."
+
+"Do you know what became of the young man who came West in search of
+him?"
+
+"I had a letter mailed at W---- from him, stating that he had heard of
+people at Last Chance who might tell him of my father, and that he was
+going there, and would at once communicate with me.
+
+"I had no other letter, and my communications remained unanswered, even
+my telegrams wired to Santa Fe and mailed there brought no response.
+Then I decided to come out here myself, and I acted promptly."
+
+"And you have not found the one you seek?"
+
+"I have discovered that the coach in which he left W---- was held up by
+your band, that he was wounded, and that though he was placed under the
+care of one known as Doctor Dick, a surgeon, though his life was saved,
+his reason was gone, and now he is wandering about the mines of Last
+Chance, a harmless lunatic."
+
+"He was until lately."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that he was kidnaped several days ago."
+
+"Kidnaped?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Seldon."
+
+"For what purpose?"
+
+"Ransom."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"My chief."
+
+"Ah! but what ransom can he get from him?"
+
+"I believe you told the chief that you were rich, and this poor fellow
+is your messenger."
+
+"I think I understand."
+
+"Yes, you will be returned, and then negotiations will be entered into
+for your messenger's ransom."
+
+"Ah! I am to be still further robbed?" said Celeste, with a sneer.
+
+"Yes, and that is not the end," came the significant reply.
+
+There was something in the response of the outlaw officer that impressed
+the young girl most strangely. What more could there be in store for her
+than she had already passed through, which caused him to say that the
+end was not yet?
+
+The listener among the rocks kept his eyes riveted upon the two, his
+ears turned to catch every word they uttered.
+
+He now knew that the letter he had received, telling him, as Andrew
+Seldon, that Celeste, the daughter, was dead, was false, and a fraud
+perpetrated for some reason upon the absent miner.
+
+"You say that the ransom of Bernard Brandon will not be the end?" asked
+Celeste, after a moment of meditation.
+
+"It will not."
+
+"What else can there be?"
+
+"A great deal."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"There will be a _third demand_."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Upon you."
+
+"For what?"
+
+"Gold."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"The chief."
+
+"What will the demand be for?"
+
+"I'll tell you the truth, as I happen to know it, or, rather, suspect
+it, from what I do know, have seen, and heard."
+
+"I hope that you will act squarely with me, Mr. Wolf."
+
+"Upon my life, I will, and though I cannot help you now, must even
+appear to be your foe, in the end I will help you and prove to be your
+friend."
+
+"I hope so."
+
+"You ask what this third demand will be?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you ransom Bernard Brandon?"
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"A fugitive."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"He will be in this camp to-morrow."
+
+"Ah! then I will see him?"
+
+"No; he will not arrive until after your departure."
+
+"I will await his coming."
+
+"That cannot be, for I have orders to start with you to be ransomed, and
+you are not supposed to know that he has been captured."
+
+"But you have told me so."
+
+"It was a confidential communication, and if you betray me I can render
+you no further service, for my usefulness will be gone; in fact, I would
+be put to death."
+
+"I will not betray you."
+
+"Thank you, but let me say that Brandon will be brought here, for two
+men now have him in charge, and are on the trail here."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will be ransomed, and then go to Last Chance. There you will learn
+of Brandon's mysterious disappearance, and a ransom will soon after be
+demanded for him."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will pay it?"
+
+"Of course I will."
+
+"Then comes the third trial."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"_You will be captured!_"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"It is true."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"The masked chief of The Cloven Hoofs of the Grand Canyon of the
+Colorado."
+
+"He will still hunt me down?"
+
+"He will."
+
+"Being forewarned is being forearmed."
+
+"Not in this case."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"He works in a most mysterious way, and do all you may you will be
+captured by him."
+
+"And another ransom demanded?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And so he will continue to rob me of my gold."
+
+"In this case, the ransom will not be of gold."
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"The ransom demanded _will be your hand in marriage_."
+
+Celeste uttered a cry of alarm, and started back with a look of horror
+upon her beautiful face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE DEPARTURE.
+
+
+The reply of the outlaw officer, telling what the third demand to be
+made upon Celeste Seldon would be, caused her face to pale and her lips
+quiver, while her eyes burned brightly with indignation. She stood for a
+moment in silence, and then asked:
+
+"Do you mean that he will make this demand upon me?"
+
+"I mean that the demand will be made upon you by one who will enforce
+it."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"That I cannot tell you, more I cannot say to you, yet I will relieve
+your anxiety by saying that I will protect you, cost whose life it may."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, if you are again captured, though, if I can prevent it, I will."
+
+"But if I am?"
+
+"It will end there, for then I will prove my reformation: I will
+protect you, and that poor fellow for whom you will have to pay ransom.
+When I do, I believe I will be able to return your gold, paid in ransom,
+to you again.
+
+"But, whether I do or not, you will go your way free, and Brandon also,
+and I will prove that you have reformed me, that my loving you has made
+me a different man. Now I cannot, will not say more; but remember that
+through all I will secretly be your friend, though openly appearing as
+your guard and enemy."
+
+"I thank you, and I will trust you," and stepping forward, Celeste
+Seldon held forth her hand.
+
+The man put forth his own, as though to grasp it, then hesitated, and
+said:
+
+"No, I will prove my reformation, my friendship, before I touch you with
+my crime-stained hand. I will call you at an early hour," and turning
+abruptly, the outlaw lover of Celeste Seldon walked away.
+
+Resuming her seat, the young girl became lost in thought, while Andrew
+Seldon, as we shall still call him, after gazing at her for a few
+moments in silence, turned away from his hiding-place, and crept
+cautiously back to where he had left his game and rifle.
+
+He knew that his comrade would be most anxious about him, yet he
+determined to remain there for the night, and see the departure in the
+morning. He would then know just how many outlaws went with Celeste
+Seldon as a guard, and how many remained.
+
+So he made himself as comfortable as possible, and sank to sleep, to
+awake an hour before dawn and see the camp-fires burning brightly.
+
+Creeping to the safest point of observation, from which he could retreat
+unseen after daylight, should any of the outlaws remain in their camp,
+he waited for developments.
+
+He had not long to wait before he saw a party approaching on horseback.
+There was one in the lead, and as he came within a few yards of where he
+lay, Andrew Seldon recognized the outlaw officer, Wolf.
+
+He held a lariat in his hand that was attached to the bit of the horse
+following, and upon which was mounted Celeste Seldon.
+
+In the dim gray of early dawn, Seldon saw that the eyes of Celeste were
+blindfolded, and her hands rested in her lap, as though bound.
+
+Behind her came, in single file, five outlaws, and like their leader,
+they were masked.
+
+Bringing up the rear were a couple of packhorses well laden.
+
+The party passed on, and then Andrew Seldon turned his attention to the
+outlaw camp, in which several of the men had been left.
+
+Having discovered this, Seldon then crept cautiously back, picked up his
+rifle and game, and started off at a double-quick for his own camp,
+anxious to relieve his pard's anxiety regarding him, and to tell him all
+that he had discovered.
+
+A man of great endurance, he made a rapid run to his home, and did not
+feel it in the least. He found Lucas Langley just starting off on a
+search for him, and the welcome he received was a sincere one.
+
+"How glad I am to see you, Pard Seldon. Surely you were not lost?" he
+said.
+
+"No, indeed; but have you any breakfast, for I am as ravenous as a wolf,
+as I went without dinner and supper yesterday, and did not delay to
+cook anything this morning."
+
+"You shall have something in a few minutes, so wash up, and I'll get it
+for you."
+
+"And then we must have a talk," said Seldon, as he went down toward the
+little stream for a refreshing plunge-bath.
+
+"He has had an adventure of some kind, I am sure," muttered Lucas
+Langley, as he threw a fine steak upon the coals and put some fresh
+coffee in the pot.
+
+Andrew Seldon's bath greatly refreshed him, and he ate his breakfast
+quietly, after which he said:
+
+"We'll not go gold-hunting to-day, pard, for I have something to tell
+you."
+
+"I feel that you have seen some one in the Grand Canyon."
+
+"You are right. I have."
+
+"Are they here to stay?"
+
+"Yes, they think so."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"They are masked men, outlaws, belonging, I feel sure, to the
+road-agent band I heard of when at W----."
+
+"They go masked in camp?"
+
+"They do."
+
+"How many?"
+
+"There are, I think, nearly a dozen of them."
+
+"Tell me of them, and where they are."
+
+"They are camped in the blue-cliff canyon, near our old home, and are
+working the mine we marked as number two on our map."
+
+"They are here for gold, then?"
+
+"Yes, gold-diggers in their idle moments, and at other times
+road-agents, making their retreat here, where they deem themselves
+safe."
+
+"They did not see you?"
+
+"No, indeed; but I got within fifty feet of one of their camp-fires, and
+where they had a captive."
+
+"Ah! a prisoner?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you know him?"
+
+"It was a young girl."
+
+"The devils!"
+
+"That is what they are, indeed; but let me tell you just what I
+discovered, overheard, and saw."
+
+Then Andrew Seldon told the story, and in Lucas Langley he found a most
+ready listener.
+
+"Oh, that we could rescue that girl!" said Langley, when he had heard
+all.
+
+"To make the attempt would be but to meet with signal failure now,
+Lucas."
+
+"I fear so."
+
+"Still, I will see that they are not left long to carry on their work of
+deviltry."
+
+"I am with you heart and soul."
+
+"I know that well, pard. But they will return the girl for the ransom
+demanded, and then they will get the amount they claim for the young man
+they spoke of."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"This will take some days, and in that time I shall act."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes, they will lay their plans to kidnap the girl from Last Chance, to
+carry out this scheme of the chief to have his third demand come in,
+and right there I shall thwart them."
+
+"But how can you?"
+
+"I will start to-night for Fort Faraway."
+
+"Will you go there?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You told me that there were reasons why you would not go anywhere among
+those who might recognize you."
+
+"It is different now, and necessity demands that I take the risk. I have
+changed greatly, for my long hair and beard, my glasses and other
+changes completely disguise me from what I was, and so I will go to Fort
+Faraway."
+
+"For what purpose?"
+
+"I wish to see Buffalo Bill, and place these facts before him, for we
+can tell him where to find the outlaws' secret retreat, and I believe
+that the girl and the young man can be saved and every member of the
+robber band captured."
+
+"It would be a grand thing for you to do."
+
+"Yes, it is just what I wish to do, to render some valuable service to
+the Government."
+
+"When shall we start?"
+
+"I will start to-night, but you, pard, must remain here in possession of
+our mines."
+
+"As you wish, pard; but will you be gone long?"
+
+"Not a day longer than is necessary, pard."
+
+"Well, success go with you," was Lucas Langley's response, and the two
+men began to make preparations for the start of the one with information
+of where the retreat of the outlaw band could be found.
+
+Andrew Seldon did not care to take a packhorse, for he wished to make
+all the time possible, and when the sun went down he was ready for the
+trail, and, with Lucas Langley accompanying him, he started down the
+canyon to steal by the robbers' camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE LONE TRAIL.
+
+
+Well supplied with food and ammunition, having plenty of blankets along,
+for the nights were cold, and mounted upon the best one of their horses,
+Andrew Seldon felt ready to cope with whatever he might have to
+encounter in the way of hardships and dangers.
+
+Mufflers had been prepared for the hoofs of his horse, that he might
+leave no trail and make no sound in passing the robber camp, while a
+muzzle was carried for the nose of the animal, to prevent his neighing
+and thus betraying his presence to foes.
+
+After crossing the narrow ridge, the mufflers and muzzle were tied on,
+and the two men stole along, leading the horse, until they came in sight
+of the camp-fires. Only two were burning now, and about them only a few
+men were visible.
+
+The two men slipped by unseen with their horse, some eighth of a mile
+distant from the camp, and having seen his pard to safety, Lucas
+Langley bade him farewell, with many good wishes for his success, and
+started upon his return.
+
+Mounting then, Andrew Seldon set off on his lonely and perilous mission.
+He ascended the hazardous trail, stripped his horse of his trappings
+upon reaching the deadly cliff which he had to pass around, and got
+safely by with the animal. Then he brought his saddle and trappings
+around, led the horse to the top of the canyon rim, and, mounting, set
+off for Fort Faraway, taking the trail that must lead him by the
+deserted camp where he had killed Black-heart Bill in a duel, and where
+the desperado rested in his grave after his tumultuous life of evil.
+
+By rapid riding he reached the deserted camp soon after midnight, and,
+dismounting, prepared to go into camp.
+
+There was the best of water and grass there, and, to be merciful to his
+horse, Andrew Seldon did not allow his own feelings to cause him to camp
+elsewhere when the animal would be the sufferer.
+
+Having watered his horse and staked him out to feed, he sat down upon a
+log near the wickiup and ate his cold supper quietly.
+
+Then he lighted his pipe and began to smoke with a strange calmness of
+mien, when it is remembered that there, within a few yards of him, at
+the base of the quaking aspen whose white trunk looked ghostly in the
+moonlight, was the grave of the man he had killed, the man who had been
+his boyhood friend, and afterward his bitterest foe.
+
+Laying aside his pipe, he spread his blankets in the wickiup, and then
+walked quietly toward the quaking aspen.
+
+There was the mound that marked the last resting-place of Hugh Mayhew,
+whose deeds of wickedness had won for him the name of Black-heart Bill.
+
+What thoughts crowded upon him as he stood there gazing upon the little
+mound of earth, knowing that only a few feet below the surface the dead
+face of his one-time friend was upturned toward him, who can tell?
+
+For some time he stood there, his arms folded upon his broad breast, and
+his head bowed. At last, a sigh found its way between his set teeth,
+and he turned away.
+
+Reaching the wickiup, he paused, and mused aloud:
+
+"Well, I am making a bold venture to dare go to the fort from which I
+fled on the day appointed for my execution, fled to live on here in the
+wilderness, believed to be dead, yet living, my own name cast aside, and
+living under that of one I never knew in life.
+
+"How strange this life is, its bitterness, sorrows, realities, and
+romance, and how strange, indeed, has been my career. Well, what will
+the end be, I wonder?
+
+"I am taking my life in my hands to venture to the fort, but I must save
+that poor girl, run down those outlaws, and I can only do it through
+Buffalo Bill. Now to turn in, for I must get some rest, and will, even
+in this weird spot."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+TO WELCOME THE FAIR GUEST.
+
+
+The miners of Last Chance were too much excited over the expected ransom
+of Celeste Seldon, and the thought of soon having a young and beautiful
+girl in the mining-camps, to devote themselves to steady work, after the
+situation was known to them.
+
+Then, too, they were greatly disturbed at the mysterious disappearance
+of Bernard Brandon, the young man whose mind had been destroyed by his
+wound, and which they could not comprehend, for not the slightest trace
+had been found of him, with all their searching.
+
+The fact that they had been robbed, and also Celeste Seldon, was another
+disturbing element, and so it was that little work was done in the mines
+during the time following Harding's arrival and the day set for Doctor
+Dick to go out with the ransom money for the young girl whom they all so
+longed to welcome in their frontier home.
+
+Landlord Larry had set the example of having things spruced up for her
+coming, and the miners had quickly followed his example, having put
+their cabins in better condition.
+
+A cabin which the landlord was having built for his own especial use,
+apart from the hotel, was hastened to completion, and then the very best
+the hotel could supply was put in it as furniture and to make it
+attractive to the fair visitor, who was to be regarded as the guest of
+Last Chance.
+
+At last, the eventful day arrived for the ransom to be paid, and the
+miners had all taken a peep into the quarters of Celeste Seldon, to see
+how attractive it was.
+
+Doctor Dick had furnished a number of things, and the miners who had any
+pretty robes, or souvenirs, did likewise, until it would have been a
+callous heart, indeed, that would not be touched by their devotion to
+one whom they had never seen.
+
+The question of an attempt to capture the road-agents had been fully
+discussed, but dismissed upon the advice of Landlord Larry, Doctor Dick,
+and Harding, who represented the danger that the girl would be in, at
+the hands of the merciless masked chief.
+
+That Doctor Dick was the right man to send out with the ransom all felt
+assured, for if there was any trickery on the part of the road-agents,
+he was the one to meet it.
+
+Doctor Dick had even offered to go out upon horseback alone, but it was
+thought best that the coach should be sent for the visitor, and Harding
+should drive, he having met her.
+
+The miners, however, arranged to meet her with a delegation at the
+entrance to the valley, and escort her to the hotel.
+
+Every man was to be dressed in his best, and, in honor of the occasion,
+the saloons were to be all closed.
+
+When, at last, the day arrived, Harding mounted his box and gathered up
+his reins, Doctor Dick following to a seat by his side a moment after.
+
+The bag containing the gold to be paid in ransom was placed between
+their feet, Landlord Larry gave the word to go, and the coach rolled
+away at a rapid pace, followed by the wildest cheering.
+
+The doctor was fixed up in his most magnificent attire. His jewels shone
+with more than accustomed luster, and there was an expression upon his
+face that boded no good for the road-agents if they meant treachery in
+their dealings.
+
+Harding was also rigged out in his finest, and wore a pleased look at
+the prospect of meeting Celeste again, upon whom he considered that he
+held a special claim, and yet, underlying all, was an anxiety that some
+hitch might occur in gaining her release that would destroy all prospect
+of seeing her.
+
+The coach had been cleaned up to look its best, and a United States flag
+floated from a staff fastened upon the rear.
+
+The harnesses had been burnished up, and red, white, and blue streamers
+had been attached to the bridles, so that the whole outfit presented a
+very gorgeous appearance, and one intended to impress the beholder with
+the grandeur of the occasion.
+
+And so it was that Doctor Dick went out with the ransom for Celeste
+Seldon, with Harding proud at holding the reins over the picked team
+that would take her back to Last Chance.
+
+"Well, Doctor Dick, what do you think of our chances?" asked Harding,
+when the coach had turned out of the valley and was fairly started upon
+the trail to the meeting with the masked road-agent chief.
+
+"How do you mean our chances, Harding?"
+
+"To get the young lady?"
+
+"You were the one to make the terms."
+
+"True, and I fear treachery."
+
+"What chance is there for it?"
+
+"We have the money."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We are but two."
+
+"Very true."
+
+"They have the captive."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And they can bring many against us."
+
+"Also very true, Harding."
+
+"Now, if the chief means treachery, and has his men there, he can hold
+us up, get the ransom money, still keep possession of the girl, and
+there it is."
+
+"He might do so; but I hardly believe we need submit to even half a
+dozen outlaws, where so much is at stake."
+
+"I'm with you, Doc, in whatever you say do."
+
+"I know that, Pard Harding; but there is another way to look at this
+affair."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"If those road-agents were treacherous, as you seem to fear, it would
+end in their utter annihilation."
+
+"How so, Doc?"
+
+"Why, the miners would send the alarm to W---- and to Fort Faraway, and
+we would have that splendid fellow, Buffalo Bill, leading a column of
+soldiers on the hunt for them from one point, another force would push
+out from W----, and a couple of hundred miners from Last Chance, and
+every outlaw in this part of the country would be caught and hanged."
+
+"I believe you are right, Doc. I had not thought of the result of
+treachery on their part, for they would get the worst of it; no, I guess
+all will go well."
+
+"I think so, and hope so sincerely," answered Doctor Dick, and the coach
+rolled on in silence for some time, when Harding asked:
+
+"What do you think of Brandon's disappearance, doctor?"
+
+"I hardly know what to think, unless he has fallen from some precipice
+and killed himself."
+
+"I guess that is it; but now let me give you a warning, Doc."
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"That young girl."
+
+"What have I to fear, pard?"
+
+"If you don't fall in love with her, you are a different man from what I
+take you to be."
+
+"You have been caught, I see."
+
+"Yes, I'm gone, clean gone; but I guess that is all the good it will do
+me, for I suppose her lover is that poor fellow Brandon."
+
+"You only think her lovely just because she is the only woman you have
+seen on the frontier. She is doubtless as ugly as an old maid."
+
+"Just wait and see her, and then say which of us is wrong," said
+Harding, with a confident smile.
+
+As the coach turned around a cliff, neither Doctor Dick nor Harding saw
+that there was a man standing among the pinons watching them. He had,
+from his position, been able to see the coach a mile away, as it wound
+along the valley, and he had watched it as it approached with seemingly
+the deepest interest.
+
+He stood erect, like a soldier on duty, one hand resting upon a
+repeating rifle, the other grasping a field-glass, which he had
+occasionally raised to his eyes and viewed the coming stage.
+
+He stood like a sentinel, and had been there for an hour or more before
+the coach rolled into view.
+
+A glance was sufficient to show that the silent sentinel on the cliff
+was none other than Buffalo Bill, the chief of scouts.
+
+He was dressed as was his wont, and back from the cliff a couple of
+hundred yards, grazing upon the ridge, was his horse.
+
+But, strangest of all, the scout-sentinel did not hail the coach, did
+not make his presence known, but allowed it to roll by, himself unseen,
+as though he wished to keep the fact of his being there a secret, even
+from Doctor Dick and Harding, his ally and spy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+AT THE RENDEZVOUS.
+
+
+As the coach drew near the rendezvous appointed by the masked road-agent
+chief, at the Dead Line, Harding breathed hard with suppressed emotion.
+
+He had really fallen in love with the beautiful girl, whom he felt he
+was in a manner the protector of, and he was most anxious as to the
+result.
+
+Aside from his regard for Celeste Seldon, her unprotected condition
+would have won his deepest sympathy under any circumstances.
+
+Doctor Dick, on the other hand, was calm and silent. He had the money
+demanded, and he had come to do his duty, but was prepared to face all
+emergencies that might arise.
+
+At last the scene of the tragedies came in view, the cross erected at
+the Dead Line was just before them, and then Harding grasped the reins,
+expecting a summons to halt.
+
+No one was visible in the pass, but that was no sign that there was no
+one there, as Harding and Doctor Dick well knew.
+
+Just as the leaders reached the cross, a voice called out:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Hard went the foot of the driver upon the brake, and his hands pulled
+the team to a sudden stop.
+
+Doctor Dick instinctively dropped his hand upon his revolver, but
+removed it instantly, and calmly awaited the issue.
+
+The coach having halted, the same voice called out:
+
+"Is there any one inside the coach?"
+
+"No one," answered Harding.
+
+"If you lie to me, Harding, your life will be the forfeit."
+
+"All right, so be it, sir; but Doctor Dick and I are all that came."
+
+"Who is following you?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"Did none of the miners come out from Last Chance?"
+
+"Not one."
+
+"You are sure?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"If we are attacked, both you and Doctor Dick shall die, and if the
+force is large enough to press me hard, I shall kill the girl."
+
+"You need have no fear of an attack; but I only wish we dared make the
+attempt, for I would like to see every one of you hanged."
+
+A laugh greeted this remark of the driver, and once again the unseen
+road-agent called out:
+
+"Did you bring the gold?"
+
+"Did you bring the young lady?"
+
+"Answer my question, Harding."
+
+"You answer mine."
+
+"I will reply when I have had an answer."
+
+"If you brought the young lady, as you pledged yourself to do, you can
+get the ransom money; but if you did not, you will have to fight to get
+it."
+
+"That is our trade; but the young lady is here."
+
+"Then get her out of your vile company as quickly as possible."
+
+"Where is the money?"
+
+Before Harding could reply, Doctor Dick said sternly:
+
+"A truce to this nonsensical parleying. I have the money, and will pay
+it over when the young lady is given into my charge, but not before.
+Where is she?"
+
+The road-agent seemed impressed by the stern words of Doctor Dick, and
+responded:
+
+"I will go and fetch her, while you turn your coach around."
+
+This Harding at once did, and coming to a halt again, Doctor Dick got
+down from the box, and the bag of gold was handed to him by Harding.
+
+There was a wait of a few minutes, and then out from among the pines in
+the pass came a man, followed by Celeste Seldon, a few feet behind him.
+As she approached the spot, she waved her hand to Harding, and said
+pleasantly:
+
+"We meet again, my good friend."
+
+"And mighty glad am I that we do, miss. Permit me to introduce to you
+the boss man of Last Chance, Doctor Dick, and he is here with the money
+to pay your ransom."
+
+Doctor Dick doffed his sombrero, bowed low, and then stepped forward, as
+Celeste held out her hand to him, and said in his courtly way:
+
+"I am happy in meeting Miss Seldon and receiving her in the name of the
+miners of Last Chance."
+
+The outlaw who accompanied Celeste was masked completely, and his form
+enveloped in a black robe that effectually concealed it. He stepped
+toward Doctor Dick, and said:
+
+"You, sir, have the ransom money for the return of this young lady?"
+
+"I have gold amounting to the sum demanded."
+
+"See here, Doc, I don't see why we should be robbed by one man, so let
+us run him in, now we have the young lady, and we will not have to pay
+the gold," and Harding suddenly covered the outlaw with his revolver.
+
+"No, no!" cried Celeste. "That will never do."
+
+"No, Harding, we must keep faith with him, even if he be a murderer and
+a thief. Put up your gun," said Doctor Dick.
+
+The masked outlaw had not moved at the action of Harding, but now said:
+
+"You wisely decide, Doctor Dick, for I am no fool to be caught in a
+trap, and I trust no man, so came prepared to meet treachery if it was
+intended, and this young lady will tell you that my men are within easy
+range, and you, Harding, in covering me with your revolver, took big
+chances."
+
+"I didn't believe you would come alone, and we were fools to do so, for
+we could have fought it out right here," grumbled the driver, greatly
+disappointed at his not carrying out his suddenly determined upon plot.
+
+The road-agent then took the bag, opened it, ran over the gold like one
+who knew its value, and then said:
+
+"Yes, there is the amount here, no more, no less. Ask Miss Seldon if she
+has not been treated with marked respect."
+
+"I can but answer yes, for I have been; but am I not to have my trunk
+and side-saddle?"
+
+"Oh, yes, certainly," and the road-agent gave a signal, which was
+promptly answered by two men appearing in the edge of the pines.
+
+They wore long black robes and red masks, also, and their appearance
+was proof that their leader had not come alone.
+
+"Bring the baggage belonging to this lady, and her side-saddle and
+bridle, also," called out the leader.
+
+The men disappeared, and Doctor Dick asked:
+
+"Do you expect to keep up your lawless acts much longer without meeting
+the fate you deserve, Sir Outlaw?"
+
+"Yes, for the money I get is worth taking big chances for, Doctor Dick,
+and, gambler that you are, you never do a better day's work than what
+sum this gold calls for."
+
+"It is a long lane that has no turn, and the turn will come for you some
+day," said Harding.
+
+A light laugh beneath the mask was the answer, and Celeste Seldon's face
+wore a clouded expression Harding was not slow to observe.
+
+"Then I am free to go, sir?" and Celeste turned to the outlaw.
+
+"You are, Miss Seldon," was the answer.
+
+She turned to the coach, and Doctor Dick aided her into it, just as the
+two outlaws came up with the small leather trunk she had brought with
+her and her saddle and bridle.
+
+Taking the back seat, Celeste leaned up in one corner, as though
+fatigued, and her baggage having been put on top, Dick and Harding
+mounted to the box, the outlaws attentively regarding them through the
+eye-holes in their masks.
+
+"Remember, pards, I still drive this trail," said the driver, with an
+air of defiance as he gathered up the reins.
+
+"I won't forget, Harding; but I advise you to keep in mind the story of
+the pitcher that went once too often to the well, for right here some
+day you may meet your fate."
+
+"If I do, you will not find me flinch from it," was the plucky response,
+and the driver called to his horses, and the team moved on.
+
+Looking back at the bend, the driver and Doctor Dick saw that the
+outlaws had already disappeared, while Celeste Seldon, gazing back also,
+noted the same fact, and murmured to herself:
+
+"What yet is before me, I wonder?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+DOCTOR DICK TELLS THE NEWS.
+
+
+When the coach had got well away from the Dead Line, Harding gave a deep
+sigh of relief, for the first time feeling that Celeste was safe, and
+would not be retaken by the outlaws.
+
+"Well, Doc, she's safe now, and we didn't lose our scalps," he said.
+
+"It is a cause of congratulation all round, Harding."
+
+"Now, Doctor Dick, _you_ have got to tell the young lady about the poor
+crazy fellow."
+
+"Did you not tell her?"
+
+"That his wound had crazed him, yes; but that is not the worst of it."
+
+"Ah, yes, you mean that he has been captured?"
+
+"I cannot say that, Doc; but he has mysteriously disappeared."
+
+"Well, you wish me to break the news to her?"
+
+"I do, for I can't tell her what I know will hurt her, and it won't do
+for her to hear it from the men when she arrives in Last Chance."
+
+"I guess you are right, pard, so draw up, and I'll take a seat inside
+the coach, and tell her the news."
+
+"Be very gentle, Doc, for I have an idea she loves that young man."
+
+"I'll break it to her as gently as I can," was the response, and as
+Harding drew rein a moment after, Doctor Dick sprang down from the box,
+and said:
+
+"May I ride with you, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"Certainly, sir, if you desire."
+
+"I have something to talk to you about," said Doctor Dick, as he entered
+the coach and took the front seat.
+
+"I shall be glad to hear what you have to say, sir, and I desire now to
+thank you for your very great kindness toward me, while you risked your
+life in coming out here to serve me."
+
+"Do not speak of it, Miss Seldon, for the miners all chipped in and made
+up a purse for your ransom, while they are now anxiously awaiting your
+coming to give you a right royal welcome, for you will be the first lady
+who ever came to our camp."
+
+"Indeed! this will be an honor; but do you mean that there are none of
+my sex there?"
+
+"Not one, only rough men, but with noble hearts many of them, so that
+you will be made to feel at once at home."
+
+"How odd it will be, yet I have no hesitancy in going there, I assure
+you," and Celeste gazed into the face of the man before her with both
+interest and admiration.
+
+"He is strangely handsome, a manly fellow, brave, intelligent, yet a
+dangerous foe, and I wonder what has brought such a man as he to this
+far-away land?" ran her thoughts.
+
+"Miss Seldon, what I most wished to say to you I fear will deeply pain
+you," said Doctor Dick, after a pause.
+
+"Let me hear it, sir, for I am becoming accustomed to being pained of
+late," and Celeste was perfectly calm.
+
+"I was told by Harding, the driver, that you were on your way to Last
+Chance, to look up a friend who had come here on a mission for you, and
+who you had feared was in trouble?"
+
+"Yes, and my fears were realized when I learned that the coach in which
+he was a passenger had been held up, I believe that is what you call it,
+by road-agents, and Mr. Brandon was so severely wounded in the head that
+his brain was turned."
+
+"Yes, but that is not all, Miss Seldon."
+
+"Ah! what else is there to tell?"
+
+"He was under my care for a long while, and I did all that I could to
+restore his reason, except to perform an operation for his relief, which
+I feared to risk."
+
+"So Mr. Harding told me."
+
+"When his bodily health was restored he left my cabin and roamed about
+the camps up to a week ago, when he most mysteriously disappeared. We
+had all the miners out upon a search for him, did all in our power to
+find him, but in vain, and what his fate has been is only conjecture."
+
+"And what is that conjecture, Doctor Dick, for I believe you are so
+called?"
+
+"Yes, I am known to all solely as Doctor Dick; but let me answer your
+question by replying that we believe the poor fellow has lost his life
+by falling over a cliff."
+
+"Such is not the case, sir," was the reply that startled the doctor.
+"Mr. Brandon is now a captive of the road-agents."
+
+Doctor Dick gazed at Celeste Seldon in amazement.
+
+"Do you know this, Miss Seldon, or is it only conjecture on your part?"
+he asked, when he had recovered from his surprise.
+
+He had come prepared to console, but, instead, had found the young girl
+cool and with apparently knowledge which he did not possess regarding
+the man whom Harding had said he believed was her lover.
+
+"I know it, Doctor Dick."
+
+"May I ask how?"
+
+"I have just been a captive of the outlaws myself, and in coming here
+from their secret retreat we met two of the road-agents with a prisoner.
+The leader had some talk with them, but though I at once recognized Mr.
+Brandon, I was not allowed to speak with him."
+
+"Did you request it?"
+
+"Naturally."
+
+"But were refused?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Was any reason given?"
+
+"Simply that I would not be allowed to, and, if I did, Mr. Brandon would
+not know me, as he was crazy, while they did not care to have me do so."
+
+"Where was this, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"A short distance after we left their retreat."
+
+"Could you lead the way to their retreat?"
+
+"No, for I was blindfolded and bound miles before reaching there."
+
+"The outlaw chief did this?"
+
+"He was not along, but it was done by his orders."
+
+"Did you not speak to him of it?"
+
+"I have not seen him since."
+
+"Why, was not that the chief who gave you over to me to-day?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I certainly thought so."
+
+"It was his lieutenant, who took me to the retreat and back under his
+orders."
+
+"And where is the chief?"
+
+"At his other hiding-place, his men said."
+
+"You were well treated, I hope, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"With perfect respect and consideration, sir, I am happy to say, the
+only indignity being that I was blindfolded and had my hands bound in
+approaching and leaving the outlaw retreat; but I suppose that was
+necessary for the safety of the band."
+
+"You certainly take it most coolly."
+
+"Why do otherwise, sir?"
+
+"Do you know the motive of the road-agents in making that poor crazy
+fellow a prisoner?"
+
+"Money."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"They doubtless captured his baggage, and discovered by it papers that
+went to show that a big ransom would be paid for his release."
+
+"Ah! they will demand a ransom for him, then?"
+
+"Assuredly."
+
+"The miners will hardly pay it if it is a large sum."
+
+"I do not ask them to do so."
+
+"You do not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Who will pay it, then?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Pardon me, but you are a young girl, and----"
+
+"A rich one, nevertheless, Doctor Dick. I sent Mr. Brandon to the West
+on this mission, and he has met with misfortune. I will pay the ransom
+demanded, take him East, and place him in the care of the most eminent
+surgeons, that they may aid him if it is possible. You, as a skilled
+surgeon, for such I have heard you were, might tell me what you deem the
+chances are for his recovery?"
+
+"Miss Seldon, the blow of that bullet caused an indenture of the skull,
+which might be operated upon and successfully raised so as to restore
+his reason. The chances are ninety-nine to a hundred against success,
+and only the most skilful surgeon and nervy one could accomplish it, if
+done."
+
+"Thank you; the one chance in favor shall be taken, for without reason
+one might as well be dead--yes, far better."
+
+"And you will stand all this expense?"
+
+"Certainly, for it is my intention to pay back to the miners every
+dollar they subscribed for my ransom, for, as I said, I have the means
+to do it, and far more."
+
+"You are a plucky woman, Miss Seldon; but see, we are approaching the
+valley now, and you must prepare for a welcome," and Doctor Dick called
+to Harding to come to a halt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE MINERS' WELCOME.
+
+
+Harding drew up promptly at the call of Doctor Dick. He had heard the
+voices of the two within the stage, yet not what was said, and he was
+anxious to know how Celeste took the news of the disappearance of the
+man whom she had come to the wild Western frontier to see.
+
+"Do you mean that I shall mount to the box, sir?" asked Celeste, in
+answer to what the doctor had said after the coach halted.
+
+"I do, Miss Seldon, for the men will wish to see you, and within ten
+minutes more we will be in the valley."
+
+"Of course, I cannot refuse, sir," and Celeste sprang out of the coach
+and mounted to the box, taking her seat by the side of Harding, while
+Doctor Dick settled himself upon her trunk upon the top of the coach.
+
+"Now, miss, we'll make 'em hum," said Harding, and he cracked his whip
+in a way that sent the team along at a splendid pace.
+
+As they neared the turn into the valley, Harding took a bugle, in lieu
+of a stage-horn, and played in a skilful manner the ringing notes of
+"Annie Laurie," intending the sentiment to apply to Celeste, Doctor Dick
+from his perch the while taking the reins.
+
+The notes of the bugle ringing out, the touching air brought tears to
+the eyes of Celeste Seldon, who, however, was startled a moment after,
+as the stage came in sight of a hundred horsemen drawn up in two lines,
+one on either side of the trail.
+
+They were a wild, reckless-looking lot of rough riders, but the cheer
+they gave when they saw Celeste on the box came from their hearts.
+
+Their hats were doffed, and as the yells burst from their lips they
+closed in behind the coach, four abreast, and came dashing along as an
+escort.
+
+Celeste waved her handkerchief vigorously, her beautiful face flushed to
+crimson and her lips quivering, her eyes swimming with the emotion that
+almost overwhelmed her.
+
+"Three cheers for the lady of Last Chance," came in the deep voice of
+Doctor Dick, from the top of the coach, and they were given with savage
+earnestness.
+
+Along dashed the coach, Harding lashing his horses into a run and
+driving with marvelous skill, while behind them thundered the hundred
+horsemen, yelling like demons in their glad welcome to the first lady to
+visit their wild camp.
+
+Celeste saw the cabins along the canyon valley, perched here and there
+upon the hills, and at last discovered the group of buildings that
+marked the settlement the miners were pleased to call the "City" of Last
+Chance.
+
+Gathered there was a vast crowd of men, and when the stage came in
+sight, and three persons were seen on top, with the mounted escort
+hastening after, the yells of welcome began.
+
+The roar floated down the valley, and reached the ears of Celeste
+Seldon, and she muttered in a low tone:
+
+"How kind they all are. This is, indeed, a welcome to be proud of, and
+never can I forget it."
+
+"They mean it, miss," said Harding and he felt just pride in his
+frontier home at the reception, and the manner in which Celeste received
+it greatly pleased him.
+
+On flew the horses, and up the hill they dashed, to at last come to a
+halt before the hotel.
+
+The din was now terrific, for the voices of the horsemen joined in with
+the miners about the hotel, who, with one accord, drew their revolvers
+and began to empty them in the air.
+
+As there were hundreds of miners, and all were armed with a couple each
+of revolvers, the rattling of the fusillade may be imagined.
+
+Celeste bowed right and left, waving her handkerchief, until Landlord
+Larry aided her to dismount and led her into the hotel, and the welcome
+was at an end.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE COUNCIL.
+
+
+Celeste Seldon was not one to put on airs. She had been well reared, was
+refined, lovable by nature, plucky enough for a man, for she had the
+heart and will to do and dare anything where duty called, and yet she
+was as simple as a child by nature.
+
+She was deeply touched by the reception she had received, and, in
+glancing about, when she saw only a wild-looking set of men, rude log
+cabins, and an air of the far frontier pervading all, she knew that it
+was just what she must expect to see, and she at once adapted herself to
+circumstances.
+
+She was escorted by Landlord Larry to her cabin, Harding himself
+bringing her trunk and another miner her saddle and bridle.
+
+The appearance of the cabin revealed to her at a glance how much had
+been done to make her comfortable, and she praised the neat quarters and
+expressed the greatest satisfaction in her surroundings.
+
+When she went over to the hotel to dinner, the whole crowd of miners
+there rose at her entrance, and every hat was doffed and placed beneath
+the bench on which the man sat, for hat-racks were not one of the
+luxuries of the last Chance Hotel, and a miner would as soon have
+thought of parting with his pistols as his head-covering.
+
+At his own table, where sat, besides himself, Doctor Dick and Harding,
+Landlord Larry placed Celeste Seldon, and she was given the best the
+house afforded, and expressed herself as being treated far more kindly
+than she had had the slightest anticipation of.
+
+The meal concluded, Celeste said that she would like to consult with the
+three she regarded as her immediate protectors, the Landlord, Doctor
+Dick, and Harding.
+
+So the three met her in the landlord's private office, and Celeste at
+once said:
+
+"I wish first to thank all of my kind friends here, through you,
+gentlemen, for the very generous manner in which you have received and
+treated me here. I know that the ransom money demanded for my release
+was quickly raised by the people here, you three being particularly
+generous; but I desire to say that I have the money to pay you back, and
+will do so."
+
+"No, no, under no circumstances, Miss Seldon," said Doctor Dick eagerly,
+and the others chimed in with him.
+
+But Celeste was firm in her determination, and said:
+
+"I have no claim upon you, and, besides, I am very well off, so I shall
+insist, and, Landlord Larry, I will give you a draft for the amount upon
+an Eastern bank, and for more, as there will be another demand upon me,
+in the amount to ransom the one who came here for me, Mr. Bernard
+Brandon."
+
+"But will you pay his ransom, Miss Seldon?"
+
+"Why not, Landlord Larry?"
+
+"I think," said Doctor Dick, "that as you came to visit Last Chance, we,
+the dwellers here, should be responsible, and pay these ransoms."
+
+"So say I," put in Harding quickly.
+
+"And I agree with you," added the landlord.
+
+"Under no circumstances will I hear to it, for I will pay all, my own
+and the ransom of Mr. Brandon, so please send the draft through for the
+money, Landlord Larry, and while here I will take steps to find out all
+I can regarding my father, who was last heard of in this part of the
+country."
+
+"Miss Seldon, _I_ can tell you what you must know sooner or later about
+your father, who, let me say, was also my friend," said Doctor Dick.
+
+It seemed hard that, in the joy of her release from captivity in the
+hands of the outlaws, Celeste Seldon should feel the blow of knowing
+that the unfortunate Bernard Brandon had been captured and she would
+have to pay a ransom for him, while she also had to suffer still further
+in learning what was her father's fate, as told her by Doctor Dick.
+
+It had been a long time since she had seen her father, the last time
+when she was a little girl, and she remembered that he had left home
+under a cloud, and she had never expected to see him again.
+
+With her mother dead, and her father a fugitive wanderer, she had been
+sent by her guardian, left so by the wishes of her parents, to a
+Northern school, and there had had no one upon whom to lean.
+
+At the words and tone of Doctor Dick, she nerved herself to bear the
+worst; and asked calmly:
+
+"What have you to tell me, Doctor Dick?"
+
+"Of your father."
+
+"You knew him?"
+
+"Yes, for, though my senior in years, we were devoted friends."
+
+"Have you seen him since coming West?"
+
+"I have not; but let me tell you that, when on a scout with Buffalo
+Bill, the latter was rescued by a person who was alone, and on his way
+to W----. The scout had with him a prisoner, a deserter from the army
+and a murderer, who had been taken here in Last Chance, and he was
+taking him a prisoner to Fort Faraway, when he was attacked by a
+desperado by the name of Headlight Joe and his gang.
+
+"With his horse shot and falling upon him, Buffalo Bill would have been
+killed and his prisoner rescued, but for the coming of the horseman
+referred to, and who put the outlaws to flight. He gave the name of
+Andrew Seldon, said nothing as to why he was in that part of the
+country, or where he lived, and went on his way.
+
+"When I came up with Buffalo Bill, and heard his story of his rescue,
+and the name of his rescuer, it at once recalled my old-time friend,
+and, with the scout as my companion, we later sought to find him. We
+trailed him to his home, where he had dwelt with one other comrade."
+
+"And where was that, sir?"
+
+"In the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, Miss Seldon."
+
+"And you found him?" eagerly asked Celeste, while the landlord and
+Harding gazed at her with deepest sympathy at what they felt she must
+hear.
+
+"We found his house, or, rather, the wreck of it, for, mining under a
+cliff a thousand feet in height, it had caved in upon them, burying them
+beneath a mountain of red sandstone."
+
+Celeste shuddered and covered her face with her hands, but very quickly
+regained her composure, and said:
+
+"Are you sure that my father was in the mine when it caved in?"
+
+"I am very sure, Miss Seldon, that both he and his comrade were. We, the
+scout and myself, were camped in the canyon, and heard the cave-in, and
+it felt like a mighty earthquake, and was at night.
+
+"We made a thorough search the next day, but could not find any trace of
+a human being, and their horses shared the same fate, with a dog, also,
+which we heard barking that same night. Yes, there is no doubt of your
+father's fate."
+
+"I thank you, Doctor Dick, for your telling me all; but I must see
+Buffalo Bill, the famous scout, and ask him to guide me to the fatal
+spot, the scene of my father's lone life in these wilds, and of his
+death," said Celeste, in a low tone that revealed how deeply she felt
+her father's fate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+A METAMORPHOSIS.
+
+
+When Harding met with old Huckleberry, the stage-driver, who had so
+mysteriously disappeared, and whose fate was a mystery to the miners of
+Last Chance, that old worthy saw the coach drive on its way while he
+regarded its departure with the complacency of one not afraid to be left
+alone, and fully capable of taking care of himself.
+
+He stood for some time in silent meditation, after the coach had
+disappeared, and then, shouldering his rifle, struck off over the
+mountains, with an evident purpose in view.
+
+A walk of some ten miles brought him to a secluded nook in the
+mountains, a perfect basin a dozen acres in size, heavily wooded, with
+plenty of grass and water.
+
+A narrow pass, not twenty feet in width, was the only entrance to the
+basin, and this was securely fastened up with long poles.
+
+Over this old Huckleberry clambered, and as he walked into the basin, a
+couple of horses feeding there greeted him with a welcoming neigh. In
+the farther end, among the pines, was a brush cabin, and in it were
+blankets and a camping-outfit, with saddle, pack-saddle, and bridles.
+
+Old Huckleberry proceeded to build a fire and cook dinner, after which
+he caught one of his horses, saddled him, and strapped on some blankets
+and a bag of provisions.
+
+Leading the horse out of the basin, he replaced the barrier securely, so
+that the other animal could not get out, and, mounting, started off for
+the fort. As he rode alone, he muttered to himself:
+
+"I can do nothing alone, I feel certain, and by this time the one man
+whose aid I can best depend upon is at the fort, and he will gladly
+return with me."
+
+Pressing on at a steady gait, he did not halt until some time after
+nightfall, and then built no fire, but ate a cold supper, staked his
+horse out, rolled up in his blankets, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+He rose early, and the coming of day found him several miles on his way
+from his night camp.
+
+About eight o'clock he halted, built a fire, broiled the steak of an
+antelope he had killed, some crackers and bacon, his horse faring well
+on the grass near-by.
+
+A rest of an hour and a half, and he was again in the saddle, keeping up
+the same steady gait until noon, when another halt was made for a couple
+of hours. On through the afternoon he urged his horse once more, halting
+only after nightfall.
+
+Two hours before daybreak he was in the saddle, and now his horse was
+pushed more rapidly forward, as though a long rest lay not very far
+ahead.
+
+It was two hours before noon when the worn-out horse pricked up his ears
+as he saw a flag fluttering in the skies a mile ahead.
+
+In through the stockade gate of Fort Faraway rode old Huckleberry, and
+he asked to be at once taken to the quarters of the commanding officer.
+Major Randall surveyed the old fellow keenly, and said pleasantly:
+
+"Well, old man, what can I do for you?"
+
+"I'll tell yer, pard, soon as I sees ef thet gent in sojer clothes ain't
+goin' ter speak ter a old friend," and old Huck looked over to an
+officer who was talking to Major Randall when he entered. The man wore
+a fatigue uniform, and his shoulder-straps bore the rank of a captain,
+with the insignia of a surgeon of cavalry.
+
+He was tall, erect, had broad shoulders, and was of powerful build,
+while, strange to say for an officer, he wore his black hair long and
+falling in heavy masses down his back.
+
+His face was full of decision, courage, and intelligence, and handsome,
+as well, and in his dark, piercing eyes there was a strange mixture of
+gentleness and a fiery nature combined. In a voice strangely musical for
+a man's, he said, as he arose:
+
+"My dear old pard, am I so remiss as to forget the face of a friend,
+for, though I see that it is familiar, I cannot just place you."
+
+"Now, Pard Doc, I thinks that ain't jist squar' ter fergit a old
+friend," said old Huckleberry, while Major Randall said:
+
+"He certainly knows you well, Major Powell."
+
+"And I knows Major Randall well, too; but as you don't seem ter git
+onter jist who I is gents, I'll tell yer by taking off my wig and
+specs--see!"
+
+The wig, or shock, rather, of long gray hair was removed, the spectacles
+taken off, and the face of Buffalo Bill was revealed to the astonished
+gaze of Major Randall and Surgeon Powell, who both uttered an
+exclamation of amazement, and then burst out into hearty laughter, at
+the metamorphosis of old Huckleberry into the noted chief of scouts.
+
+"Well, Cody, what does this masquerading mean?" cried Major Randall,
+after he and Surgeon Powell had shaken hands with the scout.
+
+"It is a part of a plot, major, for I have been driving stage," answered
+the scout.
+
+"Driving stage?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I took the semimonthly coach running from W---- to Last
+Chance, after the road-agents had killed Benton and Dockery, and no one
+cared to drive the run, unless it was Doctor Dick, the gold-gambler of
+Last Chance."
+
+"Did he take the coach through, Cody?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir, he is not a man to scare, and he drove several runs; but
+then his professional duties as gambler and doctor kept him busy, and I
+rigged up as old Huckleberry, and drove the runs, to see what I could
+find out."
+
+"And what did you find out?"
+
+"I believe I discovered sufficient, sir, to stretch several ropes with
+human weights."
+
+"That means you are on the right trail to bag those road-agents?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"They appear to be well handled?"
+
+"They are, sir, for their chief is a man of remarkable pluck, cunning,
+and skill, and he handles them in a masterly manner."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"I do not believe his own men could tell you, sir, for he goes masked
+and robed in black, even covering up his horse from ears to tail."
+
+"That is strange."
+
+"It is the safest plan, sir."
+
+"And who is driving now?"
+
+"Harding, sir, the ex-soldier, and whom, I may confidentially say,
+major, I have taken into my service, not as a scout, but as a spy, at
+Last Chance."
+
+"A fine fellow, but I fear he will be killed as driver on that trail."
+
+"I hope not, sir, and he has escaped splendidly through great dangers
+thus far."
+
+"Well, what will be your plans now?"
+
+"I have been hanging on the trail, sir, since my mysterious
+disappearance as old Huckleberry, and have been hovering about the Death
+Line, taking notes and seeing what I could discover. I have a camp in a
+basin in the mountain range, and there I left my packhorse and outfit
+while I came here."
+
+"You have something to report to me, then?"
+
+"No, sir, not particularly, though I came for a purpose."
+
+"And that purpose, Cody?"
+
+"I was aware, sir, that Surgeon Frank Powell was coming to the fort, to
+relieve Doctor Dey, and that his duties as surgeon would not begin for
+some weeks yet. As we have been on so many scouting-expeditions
+together, and Doctor Powell is a regiment in himself, I wanted him to go
+back with me and unearth these road-agents, following their trail to the
+very end."
+
+"You could have no one better. What do you say, Powell?"
+
+"How could I refuse, major, after Bill's most flattering remarks about
+what I can do, and which prove he has Irish blood in his veins."
+
+"Ah! I knew that you would go, Frank," responded Cody.
+
+"Of course, I will, and am ready when you say the word, only I must ask
+Major Randall for a leave, should we not accomplish our purpose before I
+am ordered for duty here."
+
+"That will be all right, Powell. When will you start, Cody, for Doctor
+Powell will have to first relieve Doctor Dey, as that would be the best
+plan, and then go, leaving his assistant surgeon in charge."
+
+"It is for you to decide, major."
+
+"Very well, say in just ten days from now."
+
+"All right, sir; but, after a couple of days' rest, I had better return
+to my basin camp, and be on the watch, and I can tell Surgeon Powell
+just where I will meet him upon a certain date."
+
+"You know best, Cody; but do not venture much until Powell joins you,
+for well I know what a team you two make together."
+
+"I feel certain, sir, that together we can run down these masked
+marauders," was the confident reply of Buffalo Bill, and when he went to
+his quarters, soon after, Surgeon Powell accompanied him, for the two
+were the closest of friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE DRIVER'S LETTER.
+
+
+After several days' stay at the fort, Buffalo Bill started upon his
+return to his secret camp near Last Chance trail. He took with him
+another packhorse, well laden with bedding and supplies, for the weather
+was growing steadily colder and winter would soon be upon the land.
+
+He knew that little snow generally fell as far down as the Last Chance
+trail, but it would be well to be prepared for any emergency, and as the
+coaches ran through the winter, the road-agents would by no means take a
+rest.
+
+Riding leisurely on the back trail, not caring to push his horses too
+hard, Buffalo Bill reached his basin camp in the mountains on the third
+day, and the animal he left there pranced like a colt at seeing him come
+back.
+
+His first work was to make his quarters more secure and comfortable, and
+this took him a day, and the following, having strengthened the barrier
+in the pass, to prevent his horses from breaking out, he started off on
+foot for the W---- and Last Chance stage-trail.
+
+He would not ride, as he did not wish his trail to be seen by any
+prowling road-agents, and on foot he could accomplish more and be
+concealed far better than if he had gone mounted.
+
+Before parting with Surgeon Frank Powell at the fort, Buffalo Bill had
+drawn a map of the country, marking the trail the surgeon-scout was to
+follow, and also just where he was to meet him, the place of rendezvous
+being the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart Bill.
+
+When Buffalo Bill approached the trail, at the scene of the Dead Line
+tragedies, he went most cautiously. But no one was there, and going up
+to the little cross, the scout bent over and thrust his hand into the
+spot where, as old Huckleberry, he had his "post-office" with Harding.
+
+He took out a slip of paper, and read it with clouded brow. It was as
+follows:
+
+     "I slip away at night from Last Chance to leave this
+     here for you. It was unfortunate that you should have
+     had to go to the fort when you did, as on my run back I
+     was held up here by the agents.
+
+     "I had taken your advice, and pressed through the other
+     end at night, thus escaping men lying in wait for me.
+
+     "On my return I had a young lady passenger, a Miss
+     Celeste Seldon, coming out here to find her father, a
+     miner, and a young man whom she had sent in search of
+     him. It was the young man I told you of who had been
+     wounded and had never regained his reason.
+
+     "I had a large sum of money, which was taken, and Miss
+     Seldon was carried off as a captive, to be held for
+     ransom.
+
+     "The miners have subscribed the ransom money, and she
+     is to be released. I will let you know particulars more
+     fully as soon as I get the opportunity, endeavoring to
+     have a letter here for you when I come to make the
+     exchange, paying the ransom and receiving the lady from
+     the outlaws.
+
+     "Doctor Dick will come with me; but the outlaws
+     threaten to kill Miss Seldon if others come, or if any
+     one else leaves Last Chance to pursue them, and that
+     chief will keep his word.
+
+     HARDING."
+
+Then there followed a postscript, which read:
+
+     "The young messenger, Bernard Brandon, has most
+     mysteriously disappeared, and no search can find him.
+
+     "H."
+
+Buffalo Bill read this letter over twice, and said in a musing way:
+
+"Those outlaws are becoming bold, indeed, when they deliberately rob a
+young girl and make her their prisoner. The man Brandon was her
+messenger, sent in search of her father, and his mysterious
+disappearance, _to me_, means that he has been captured by the
+road-agents.
+
+"Now, I dare not halt the coach on the way to receive the girl, if the
+road-agents give her up; but I will be on the watch, see it go by, and
+be as near this spot when the ransom is paid as I dare be, for from here
+I may be able to track those devils to their lair."
+
+So saying, the scout set out upon his return for his basin camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE SCOUT ON THE WATCH.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill returned from the Dead Line to his secret camp, it was
+to prepare himself for several days' absence from it, for his intention
+was to hang about the Last Chance trail, discovering all that it was in
+his power to do.
+
+He found a retreat upon a cliff, where there was a thicket of pines,
+giving him a view in both directions of the trail for a mile or more.
+
+He saw from there the coach coming to the rendezvous, with the ransom
+money for Celeste Seldon's release, and upon the box beside the driver
+was Doctor Dick.
+
+Yet the scout did not know who might be inside the stage, so dared not
+make any sign of his presence.
+
+On went the coach, and Buffalo Bill at once started down from the cliff,
+and followed in its trail at an Indian trot, which kept him well up with
+it, yet just out of sight.
+
+As he approached the Dead Line, he went more cautiously, and, reaching
+the entrance to the pass, made a flank movement and climbed to the top
+of the ridge.
+
+It was after continued search that he at last found a point of
+observation, and he risked his life by reaching a spot where he would be
+dashed to death, hundreds of feet below, should his foot slip or nerve
+fail him.
+
+From this spot, where he clung to a tree, he turned his field-glass down
+the pass, and could see the coach standing at the Dead Line, a quarter
+of a mile away. He saw that the coach had been turned to the
+right-about, the team being headed back for Last Chance, and Doctor Dick
+was standing near it, Harding being still on the box and grasping the
+reins.
+
+Watching, with every nerve strung, the scout saw the masked road-agent
+appear, and later the fair captive. Then followed two other road-agents
+bearing the baggage of Celeste Seldon, and soon after the coach started
+upon its return.
+
+Buffalo Bill could not have reached a point to head it off had he tried,
+and he felt that he must still be cautious. But he was determined to
+reach the Dead Line and take up the trail from there, for certainly the
+road-agents had not allowed Celeste Seldon to walk to the scene of the
+exchange.
+
+After half an hour he gained a point just over the Dead Line, and from
+there saw that all was quiet. The outlaws had left, beyond all doubt.
+
+It was an hour before the scout could make his way around to the Dead
+Line, and there he felt in the little "post-office" for a letter from
+Harding. But none was there.
+
+"He dared not attempt it," he muttered.
+
+Then taking a leaf from his note-book, he wrote:
+
+     "I am again on the trail. I saw the lady returned to
+     you. I will take the outlaws' trail from here, and hope
+     to track them to their lair.
+
+     "In a few days, now, I will have the surgeon-scout with
+     me in my work, so the end is not far away.
+
+     "Keep me posted as before, as I will you.
+
+     "Yours, B. B."
+
+This was placed in the receptacle near the cross, and, shouldering his
+rifle, Buffalo Bill set out to look for trails.
+
+It took him a long while to satisfy himself that he was on the right
+track, but at last he struck off at a lively step along a trail which
+only a man of his frontier skill could have discovered.
+
+After a walk of a mile he suddenly came upon a spot where there were the
+tracks of a horse visible. These he followed a mile farther, and the
+scout saw that the ground was trampled down, but not by hoofs.
+
+The track he had followed thus far had been that of one hoof only,
+showing that the other three had been muffled, but one had lost its
+covering.
+
+The trampled grass and ground revealed that the horses had been left
+there, and all had had their hoofs muffled in some way.
+
+But the keen eyes of the scout picked up the trail, and he followed it
+quite rapidly until he came to a small stream.
+
+"There were eight horses along, as their tracks show here, but how many
+men I do not know. When they have gone some miles farther they will
+remove the muffles from their horses' hoofs, and then the trail will be
+easy to follow, and it now looks to me as though I will be able to track
+them to their retreat, and that means the end.
+
+"But night is coming on now, and this is just the place for me to branch
+off and go to my own camp, following the trail to-morrow on horseback."
+
+Buffalo Bill quickly decided what course he would pursue. He would walk
+to his camp, get some provisions and an increased outfit, return there
+for the balance of the night and go into camp, so as to make an early
+start in the morning directly on the trail.
+
+So he set out at a rapid walk, and within three hours' time had reached
+his basin camp. He quickly set to work to look up some provisions and
+get ready for his trail, and in an hour was ready to start, mounted upon
+his best horse.
+
+It was after midnight when he reached his camping-place, but he was soon
+asleep, wrapped snugly in his blankets, while his horse was resting and
+feeding.
+
+With the breaking of dawn he was up and ready to start, and a few miles
+away discovered the spot where the outlaws had removed the muffles from
+the hoofs of their horses.
+
+From there on he felt no further anxiety about the trail, so cooked his
+breakfast, ate it leisurely, and again started on his way.
+
+He understood now thoroughly why the outlaws had left no trails going to
+and coming from the Dead Line and other points upon the Overland Trail.
+The muffled hoofs of the horses explained this, and they stuck to their
+determination to leave no tracks until they got far away from the scene
+of their evil deeds.
+
+Buffalo Bill did not believe that he would have to go very far from the
+Dead Line before he found their retreat, and was expecting to find out
+where they were in hiding within half a day's ride from his
+starting-point.
+
+But noon came, and still the trail led him on. He had plenty of time, so
+did not hurry. He could do nothing alone, other than to discover the
+retreat, and then he would make for his rendezvous with the
+surgeon-scout, and together they would plan their future movements.
+
+But night came on, and found him still on the trail. He was compelled to
+go into camp, for he could not follow it by night, and he soon made
+himself comfortable.
+
+Again he started after daybreak, and a ride of several hours caused him
+to say:
+
+"This trail is surely leading direct to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
+Can they have sought that weird land for a retreat?--yet why not, for no
+safer one could be found."
+
+Within an hour more he felt that the country had a familiar look, and he
+was not long in discovering upon riding a few miles farther, that he had
+ridden right along there with Doctor Dick when on the trail of Andrew
+Seldon.
+
+Suddenly he came upon the grand vista of the canyon, and at once drew
+rein. There before him was the mighty view that had so impressed him on
+his former visit, and he knew that the outlaws must have found a retreat
+in the depths of the Grand Canyon.
+
+Not daring to go farther on horseback, he rode off the trail to find a
+hiding-place for his horse, and, after a search, discovered a little
+glen where he felt that he would be safe, unless his trail was
+discovered and he was tracked there.
+
+There was a pool of water in one end and grass about it, so he staked
+his horse out, feeling that he could at least subsist comfortably there
+for a couple of days, should he be kept away that long.
+
+Hiding his saddle and bridle he set out on foot, with a couple of
+blankets strapped on his back, his bag of provisions, rifle, lasso, and
+belt of arms.
+
+He went back to the trail and again took it up where he had left it to
+hide his horse. Every step forward now was one of caution, for the
+country was open in places, and he did not know what moment he might
+come upon a party of outlaws and have to fight for his life.
+
+But he reached the rim of the canyon by dark, and a short search revealed
+to him that the trail down into the depths of the tremendous chasm had
+been discovered also by the road-agents, and their tracks led down into
+it.
+
+The night passed with a cold supper and breakfast, and then he set off
+on foot down the dizzy pathway leading to the bottom of the canyon, for
+now he felt sure that he would discover the lair of the outlaws, and
+that done and his own presence unknown to them, he could arrange for an
+attack upon them at his leisure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE MINER'S MISSION.
+
+
+The gold-hunter, Andrew Seldon, rode on his way from his retreat in the
+canyon, determined to risk his life by returning to Fort Faraway and
+reporting the presence in the Grand Canyon of the masked outlaw band.
+
+If recognized as Sergeant Wallace Weston, under sentence of death, he
+would be at once arrested and his execution would follow.
+
+But he knew that Wallace Weston was believed to be dead, reported as
+dying of starvation in the desert at the time of his escape.
+
+As Sergeant Weston he had been an erect man of martial bearing, with a
+face smoothly shaven and hair cut short. As Andrew Seldon he wore his
+hair long, and his beard fell half-way down to his belt, while he
+further had a pair of spectacles to disguise his eyes with, and had
+manufactured a hump in the shoulders of his coat that gave him a changed
+form, like one who stoops badly.
+
+"But come what may, I shall risk it," he said firmly, as he went on his
+way.
+
+After his night in the deserted camp where was the grave of Black-heart
+Bill he struck out for Fort Faraway. Suddenly he drew his horse to a
+halt as he saw a dust-cloud far ahead. It was approaching him, and it
+was made by horses crossing a sandy part of the country.
+
+Out of the dust suddenly emerged a horseman, and behind him followed a
+pack-animal.
+
+Hidden in a clump of timber Andrew Seldon saw that it was a white man,
+and that the trail he was following would bring him near his position.
+
+"I believe that it is Buffalo Bill," he muttered, as he saw that the
+horseman was clad in buckskin and wore his hair long. But as he came
+nearer he said eagerly:
+
+"It is the surgeon-scout--Doctor Frank Powell!"
+
+The coming horseman eyed the timber carefully as he approached.
+Something had evidently made him suspicious of danger there, and,
+turning to the left, he was about to flank it, when Andrew Seldon rode
+into view and waved his hat.
+
+Then he rode forward once more, but cautiously, for the chances were
+that the man he saw might be a foe, he well knew.
+
+But Andrew Seldon raised his hands above his head, in token of peace,
+and Surgeon Powell rode straight toward him.
+
+"I dare not let him know who I am, though I would trust him, Heaven
+knows. He knows me as well as any man, and I'll see how I stand the test
+of his piercing eyes," muttered the gold-hunter, and, as the
+surgeon-scout drew nearer, he called out:
+
+"Are you Buffalo Bill, sir?"
+
+"No, I am Surgeon Frank Powell, of the army."
+
+"I see now, sir, that you are not Buffalo Bill, for I met him once when
+he was in a tight place with road-agents. Are you from Fort Faraway,
+sir?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"I was on my way there to see Buffalo Bill, when I saw you coming, sir."
+
+"And I am on my way to seek Buffalo Bill, for I have an appointment to
+meet him not many miles from here at a deserted camp, where there is a
+grave."
+
+"I know it well, sir, for I made the grave, and I stopped there last
+night."
+
+"You made what grave?"
+
+"The grave of Black-heart Bill, the desperado, who is buried there."
+
+"You killed him, you mean?"
+
+"I did, sir, for he had wronged me greatly."
+
+"Who are you, may I ask?"
+
+"My name is Andrew Seldon, sir, and I am a miner."
+
+"It seems to me that Buffalo Bill has spoken to me of you, in fact, I am
+sure of it now, for you it was who saved him from Headlight Joe and his
+outlaws."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"But Cody believes you to be dead."
+
+"How so, sir?"
+
+"He wished to find you, so tracked you into the Grand Canyon, to find
+your house buried beneath a fallen cliff, and he thought you were
+beneath it all."
+
+"No, sir, I escaped; but as you are going to seek Buffalo Bill may I
+join you?"
+
+"You may join me, Mr. Seldon, and I shall be glad to have your
+company," said Surgeon Powell, as he rode along by the side of the
+gold-hunter.
+
+"I will be your guide to the deserted camp, sir; but do you expect to
+find Mr. Cody there?"
+
+"I hope so, but should he not be I shall await him."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say that, sir, for I am most anxious to see him,
+and I will tell you why."
+
+"If you care to."
+
+"I know your secret, Surgeon Powell, and am delighted to feel that I
+will have your aid as well as Buffalo Bill's in what I wish to do."
+
+"And what do you wish to do, Mr. Seldon?"
+
+"I will have to ask you to keep my secret, sir."
+
+"I will do so."
+
+"Well, Surgeon Powell, I am a miner, and I strolled into the Grand Canyon
+of the Colorado in my prospecting tours, and there discovered several
+rich gold claims. On my way there it was that I came upon a camp, and in
+it I found an unfortunate fellow who was wounded, yet bound securely.
+
+"He had gone out in search of gold with a desperado by the name of
+Black-heart Bill, and, finding gold, the other sought to rob him of it,
+so shot him. Failing to find it, he was anxious to have his victim
+recover and show him where it was, intending then to kill him.
+
+"It was while Black-heart Bill was away from his camp that I came to it,
+and I heard his victim's story. Upon the return of the man I recognized
+him as an old foe of mine, one to whom, with others, I owed a wicked
+life.
+
+"I forced him to fight me a duel, and he fell. I buried him and cut his
+name on the quaking aspen near his grave, and then, nursing the wounded
+man to life, we went to his gold find. It did not pan out very rich, so
+I went to one I knew of, down in the Grand Canyon.
+
+"While I was away at W---- to get provisions, my partner heard the cliff
+cracking, and so moved away, up the canyon to another mine we had. He was
+just in time to save his life, for the cliff fell, and Buffalo Bill was
+in the valley that night with a comrade and heard the terrific roar of
+the falling cliff.
+
+"They believed that my comrade and myself were buried beneath the
+mountain of rock, but we were gazing at them the while and watched them
+ride away. Some time after I found that others had come into the canyon,
+and I discovered that it was a camp of outlaws, while more still, I saw
+that they had a female captive.
+
+"I crept near enough at night to hear and see all, and I saw a young and
+beautiful girl, and the outlaw lieutenant held her a captive for his
+chief, until a large ransom was paid for her by the miners of Last
+Chance.
+
+"I at once decided to act, and, having seen them start with her to give
+her up for ransom, I came on my way to find Buffalo Bill and guide him
+to the retreat of the outlaws. That young girl, sir, gave the name of
+Celeste Seldon. She is my daughter.
+
+"Now, Surgeon Powell, you have my story, and my comrade is in my camp,
+awaiting my return!"
+
+Frank Powell was greatly impressed with the story of the gold-hunter, to
+which he had listened with the deepest attention. After he had heard all
+he said:
+
+"My dear pard, you have made a very valuable discovery indeed, and
+Buffalo Bill will be only too glad to have you guide him to the outlaw
+camp, for that is his mission and mine here. I sincerely hope that your
+daughter will be given up in safety to the miners, and that her ransom
+will be recovered."
+
+"She will be given up in safety, sir, I am certain, for I have perfect
+confidence in the outlaw lieutenant, who told his story to Celeste, and
+I only ask that he may not share the fate of the other outlaws," and the
+gold-hunter made known what had occurred between Wolf and Celeste, and
+Doctor Powell replied:
+
+"I agree with you, and if he acts squarely toward Miss Seldon, I will
+urge that he be allowed to go free, when his comrades are to hang."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+A LEAF FROM THE PAST.
+
+
+When the surgeon-scout was guided to the deserted camp by Andrew Seldon,
+he at once saw that Buffalo Bill had not reached there. But there he was
+to wait for him, and so the horses were staked out and the two made
+themselves at home there.
+
+Doctor Powell went to have a look at the grave of Black-heart Bill, and
+the inscription upon the white bark of the aspen-tree, and said, as he
+read the name:
+
+"Hugh Mayhew was his name."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"There was a Sergeant Manton Mayhew killed at Fort Faraway by Sergeant
+Wallace Weston, who was sentenced to be shot for the deed, but escaped
+the very moment of his execution."
+
+"Was he never captured, sir?"
+
+"Poor fellow, he went to an even worse fate than being shot, for he
+wandered into the desert and died of starvation there. I knew that he
+was guilty of killing Manton Mayhew, but I am sure he had some grave
+reason for so doing, but which he would never make known.
+
+"He was a splendid soldier, brave and true, and he would have been
+commissioned had not that sad affair occurred."
+
+"Did he give no reason for his act, sir?"
+
+"None; he simply accepted his fate, though it was said to clear himself
+he would have had to compromise others, and this he would not do."
+
+"Poor fellow!"
+
+"Yes, I often think of his sad fate."
+
+An antelope was killed that afternoon, and after enjoying a good supper
+the surgeon and the gold-hunter lighted their pipes and sat down for a
+talk, both anxiously awaiting the coming of Buffalo Bill.
+
+After sitting in silence for some minutes the gold-hunter said:
+
+"Surgeon Powell, you were speaking of Wallace Weston to-day?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You may have noted that the name of Mayhew is upon yonder aspen-tree?"
+
+"And referred to the fact."
+
+"I put it there."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I knew who Black-heart Bill was."
+
+"That is so. I had not thought of that."
+
+"He was the brother of Manton Mayhew, the sergeant."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You knew Sergeant Mayhew, then?"
+
+"Intimately, for we were boys together."
+
+"Ah! tell me of him."
+
+"We lived near each other, sir, and Manton Mayhew was my rival at
+school, and also for the love of a pretty girl whom I idolized. He did
+all in his power to ruin me, and when I obtained a position in a bank,
+where he also was a clerk, he did wreck my life, for I was accused of
+robbery, and worse still, of murdering the watchman, who caught me in
+the act.
+
+"I would surely have been hanged but for the girl I spoke of, who forced
+me to fly for my life, aiding me to escape. I fled, to prove my
+innocence, and became a wanderer.
+
+"Then I received a letter from the woman I loved, telling me that she
+had discovered that I really was a thief and a murderer, and that she
+abhorred where she had loved me.
+
+"And more, when, in my despair I wrote to one who had been my friend to
+hear from home, I was told that Manton Mayhew had been the means of
+ruining my father financially, and the blow had driven him to suicide,
+while my poor mother, heart-broken, had died soon after my flight.
+
+"Nor was this all, for Hugh Mayhew, the brother of Manton, had married
+the girl I had loved.
+
+"Several years after other news came to me from my old home, and to the
+effect that Manton Mayhew had gone to the bad and in a drunken brawl had
+wounded a companion fatally as he had believed, and he had fled no one
+knew where.
+
+"His brother Hugh had wrecked his father's bank, and in a drunken frenzy
+had shot his wife one night, and he, too, had become a fugitive. Well,
+to end the story quickly, for I hate to dwell upon it, Manton Mayhew had
+joined the army, and, a good soldier, had become a sergeant."
+
+"Ordered to Fort Faraway he had met there Sergeant Weston, whom he
+recognized, and, fearing to be exposed in his crimes, he had at once
+attacked him, telling him he would kill him, and say that it was on
+account of his insubordination.
+
+"But Wallace Weston was armed, having just been given a revolver by an
+officer to take to his quarters, and he killed Mayhew as he was about to
+drive a knife to his heart.
+
+"Rather than bring out the old story, and, perhaps, be carried back East
+to be tried for the murder of the bank watchman, of which he was
+innocent, Sergeant Wallace Weston submitted in silence to his trial and
+accepted his fate, feeling that his life was one of despair."
+
+"And do you know all this to be as you have stated?" asked Surgeon
+Powell, when the gold-hunter had finished his story.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Knowing it, you did not come to the rescue of poor Weston?"
+
+"I did not, sir."
+
+"May I ask why?" and Frank Powell spoke sternly.
+
+"I will tell you the reason, Surgeon Powell, if you will pledge me your
+word to receive it in sacred confidence."
+
+"I will so pledge myself, Mr. Seldon."
+
+"Because, sir, _I am Wallace Weston_."
+
+Frank Powell was always a calm, cool man, but now he sprang to his feet,
+dropping his pipe, and cried:
+
+"Do you speak the truth?"
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Upon honor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I recognize the look that has so haunted me since I met you this
+morning. Upon my soul, Weston, I am glad to see that you are not dead,
+that you can clear up the story of Mayhew's killing and announce
+yourself once more a guiltless man."
+
+"But I cannot, sir, for you forget that I am accused of murdering the
+watchman and robbing the bank."
+
+"Is there no way in which you can disprove that?"
+
+"Only by the confession of the guilty ones."
+
+"Who were they?"
+
+"The Mayhews, and one other."
+
+"They were guilty?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And who was the other man?"
+
+"A clerk in the bank and devoted friend of the Mayhews."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"I do not know, sir."
+
+"And they are dead."
+
+"Manton and Hugh Mayhew are dead, by my hand, but where proof of their
+crime can be found I cannot tell, and so I am forced to hide under an
+assumed name--yes, Doctor Powell, the name of a dead man, Andrew Seldon,
+the one whose body was found by the rock in the desert and buried for
+mine."
+
+"You have had a remarkable escape, Weston----"
+
+"Seldon now sir, for that is the name I have taken, and let me now tell
+you how that poor man, the real Andrew Seldon, was plotted against."
+
+"I shall be glad to hear all that you are willing to tell me, Seldon."
+
+"Well, sir, it was while escaping from the pursuing soldiers, that I
+came upon a stray horse. He led me back to where his dead master lay
+upon the desert, and upon the body I found papers telling who he was,
+that he had left home under a cloud, had left a wife and child and
+riches, and come West to hide himself and hunt for gold until he dared
+return.
+
+"There was a map of gold finds he had discovered, and he had struck it
+rich and was on his way home. So I dressed him in my uniform, took his
+traps, and went my way, and he was buried as Wallace Weston.
+
+"It was when I was returning to the gold find of Andrew Seldon that I
+came upon Black-heart Bill's camp, and, finding in him Hugh Mayhew, I
+killed him. My intention was to take Andrew Seldon's name, dig his gold,
+and, to ease my conscience, give half to his family.
+
+"I imitated his writing and wrote to his lawyer and best friend, and
+little daughter, for his wife was dead, as letters told me which he had
+with him. In answer, at W---- I learned that I, as Andrew Seldon, dared
+not return home, that my daughter Celeste was dead, and my fortune gone.
+
+"When Celeste Seldon was captured, from her own lips I learned as she
+told the outlaw lieutenant, that all had been a plot to keep her father
+away, and, discovering the plot, she had come out here to find him,
+after the messenger had failed to write home to her later than on his
+arrival in W----.
+
+"Now, you know, Doctor Powell, why I was seeking Buffalo Bill, and it is
+my intention to seek that young girl, tell her all, and give her
+one-half of the fortune in gold I have found, through her father's maps
+and directions, in the Grand Canyon."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"I suppose I shall drift about the world, sir, unknown, leading an
+aimless life, or, perhaps, return to my gold-digging again."
+
+"No, Weston, such must not be your fate, for I shall take your case in
+hand and prove your innocence of robbing that bank and killing the
+watchman, for I believe your story, and then with Sergeant Mayhew's
+character proven, you can readily secure pardon for taking his life as
+you did in self-defense."
+
+"Heaven bless you, Surgeon Powell!"
+
+"I only make one request, Weston."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That Buffalo Bill hears your story as I have, for he believes in your
+innocence most thoroughly, and will be most happy to welcome you back to
+life."
+
+"I will be guided by you, sir, but some one is coming."
+
+"It is Buffalo Bill," cried Frank Powell, and just then the scout rode
+into the camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE OUTLAW'S CONFESSION.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill went on his way down into the Grand Canyon, he
+continued on until he discovered just where the outlaws had made their
+retreat. This done, he retraced his way as rapidly as possible, and at
+once went back on the trail to where he had left his horse.
+
+The sun was just setting as he neared the spot, and he approached
+carefully, for he was not sure that some one had not been there and
+discovered the animal.
+
+Just as he caught sight of his horse he also saw that there was some one
+there, a horseman who had just ridden up to the spot.
+
+The face of the horseman was masked, and this told the story in an
+instant.
+
+But Buffalo Bill had been also discovered, and up to the outlaw's
+shoulder went his rifle, at the same instant that the weapon of the
+scout was leveled.
+
+The two rifles cracked almost as one, and the outlaw reeled, tried to
+spur his horse in flight, and fell to the ground. The scout at once
+advanced toward him, revolver in hand, when in faint voice came the
+words:
+
+"Don't fire again! Your shot is fatal!"
+
+The scout put his revolver in his belt, bent over and took the mask from
+the face of the wounded man, his horse following him to the spot.
+
+The face revealed was not a bad one--that of a man of thirty, with
+mustache, imperial, and hair worn long.
+
+The scout made him as comfortable as he could, for he saw that he had
+told the truth, that the wound he had received was fatal.
+
+Then he sat by the side of the wounded man for a while, the light of a
+full moon falling full in his face, and the scout heard him say:
+
+"I am glad that I missed you, for I have done evil enough in my time."
+
+"Who are you?" kindly asked the scout.
+
+"My name is Alvin Wolf, and I had just resolved to lead a different
+life, for I am an outlaw, one of the masked chief's band."
+
+"Yes, I thought as much."
+
+"I changed my life when I met a young girl who was the chief's captive,
+and I intended to thwart his plans to again capture her, for we gave her
+up for ransom two days ago, and, acting for him, I received the gold.
+
+"He gave me a written order to take the gold to a spot near Last Chance,
+and turn it over to him, which I did last night, for he met me there,
+and then he arranged to get a large ransom for a poor crazy fellow, the
+lover of the young girl, I believe, and so I had decided to act to
+protect her; but you can do so now, for I will tell you all, and then I
+can die content."
+
+"Yes, it is best to die with a free conscience."
+
+"I believe you, and more, I will tell you of one whom I helped to ruin
+in life, though he is dead now. He was a soldier at Fort Faraway, and
+his name was Wallace Weston.
+
+"We were boys together, though he was older than I, and I was led into
+temptation by others, the Mayhew brothers, and we robbed the bank we
+were working in, were discovered by the watchman, and Manton Mayhew
+killed him, and we had so planned that the robbery would fall upon the
+assistant cashier, Wallace Weston.
+
+"He fled, for we intended to hang him by our testimony, and then Hugh
+Mayhew forged letters and caused his sweetheart to believe him guilty,
+and she married him, Mayhew, to in the end lose her life at his hands.
+
+"Manton Mayhew always swore to me that he would kill Weston if he ever
+met him, and he said he had heard he was in the army, and so I suppose,
+when they met at Fort Faraway, he attempted to do so, and was killed
+himself.
+
+"Poor Weston did not dare tell of the past, so had to suffer; but you
+can make the real truth known to clear his name, for I have it all
+written out as it is in my diary, which I have always carried with me
+and will now give to you."
+
+"I am glad to learn all this; but let me ask you about your outlaw
+band?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How many are in it?"
+
+"Nine, without counting the chief."
+
+"Your retreat is in the Grand Canyon."
+
+"You know this?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Yes, our retreat is there."
+
+"And your chief?"
+
+The outlaw did not reply, and a shudder passed through his frame.
+
+The scout spoke again, and, leaning over, he heard a few whispered words
+from the dying lips which a moment after were sealed forever by death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+TEARING OFF THE MASK.
+
+
+When Buffalo Bill rode into the camp where Surgeon Powell and the
+gold-hunter sat, it was seen that he was leading two horses, one
+carrying a pack-saddle, the other a heavy load.
+
+The surgeon-scout at once arose and greeted him, and said:
+
+"Ho, Bill, what game is that?"
+
+"A dead outlaw, the lieutenant of the band, whom I killed. But you are
+not alone, Frank?"
+
+"No, it is your old rescuer, who was on his way to the fort to see you,
+when he met me. He was going to tell you that the outlaws have their
+retreat in the Grand Canyon."
+
+"I have been to it; but how are you, Pard Seldon, and let me say that I
+have good news for you, as your daughter has come West to meet you and
+is now at Last Chance."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Cody, but I am aware of that fact, as Surgeon Powell
+can tell you; but come, look me squarely in the face, and see if you
+know who I am."
+
+Buffalo Bill gave a fixed look, and then cried excitedly:
+
+"By the gods of war, _you are Wallace Weston or his ghost_."
+
+"I am a very healthy ghost, sir; but I am Wallace Weston, and I leave it
+to Surgeon Powell to tell my story to you."
+
+The scout seized the gold-hunter's hand and wrung it hard, while he
+said:
+
+"Thank God you are not dead, Weston, for only this night have I heard
+the truth of your story from the lips of the dying outlaw, Alvin Wolf."
+
+"Ha! once my friend, then my foe, for he sided with the Mayhews against
+me."
+
+"He did, and I have his diary, which tells the whole story; but now let
+me tell mine, and then we can compare notes and decide what is best to
+be done."
+
+They first had supper, after staking out their horses, and afterward
+buried the body of the outlaw, Alvin Wolf.
+
+Then, until after midnight, they sat talking together, the surgeon, the
+scout, and the gold-hunter, about all that had happened, after which
+they retired to their blankets.
+
+It was just dawn the next morning when Wallace Weston rode away from the
+old camp to make all speed to Last Chance. His mission there was to take
+a letter to Driver Harding, which was as follows:
+
+     "Trust the bearer with your life. Pick out eight of the
+     best men in the camp, whom you can trust, and have them
+     pretend to start for W---- on business, going in your
+     coach.
+
+     "See that no one else goes. Have two leaders that are
+     good saddle-horses, and smuggle into the coach seven
+     saddles.
+
+     "I will meet you at Dead Line with horses, and prepare
+     to lose your leaders then, for four horses can readily
+     pull your empty coach on to W----.
+
+     "Your men must be the best, and fully armed.
+
+     "The bearer will bring your answer to me."
+
+     "Yours, B. B."
+
+Pushing rapidly on, Wallace Weston arrived in Last Chance that night and
+at once sought out Harding. Giving him his letter, he received his
+answer, after the two had had a talk together, and then, mounted upon a
+fresh horse furnished him by the driver, he started upon his return,
+having attracted no particular attention.
+
+It was the next day that the coach rolled out for W---- and it carried
+eight miners as passengers. Arriving at Dead Line, it was met there by
+Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, and Wallace Weston, and the eight miners
+joined them and went up to the scout's basin camp.
+
+Then, with the two leaders taken from Harding's coach, they had, with
+Wolf's horses and the pack-animals, enough to mount the party.
+
+The next morning the start was made for the Grand Canyon, and the descent
+was made on foot in the darkness of night, the horses having been left
+on the rim.
+
+The party were led by Wallace Weston, who knew the trail perfectly, and
+at midnight they rushed in upon the outlaw camp, giving them a complete
+surprise.
+
+Revolvers rattled, cries of alarm and pain were heard, cheers were
+given, and then silence reigned supreme, for the battle was won and four
+outlaws had been made prisoners--the rest were killed.
+
+One miner had been killed, and others wounded, though slightly, and
+these were cared for by Doctor Powell.
+
+In the camp the prisoner, Bernard Brandon, was found safe, but still
+unconscious of all about him, apparently.
+
+Wallace Weston had asked Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell to go on with
+him to his camp, and there they found Lucas Langley on guard, he having
+heard the echoes of the firing far down the canyon, and supposed that it
+meant an attack planned by his pard.
+
+Without letting the secret be known, that there was gold in the canyon,
+Buffalo Bill ordered an early start for Last Chance, and it was made by
+all except Lucas Langley, who remained at his cabin to await Weston's
+return.
+
+Upon nearing Last Chance Buffalo Bill halted the party, to follow on a
+few hours later, while he rode on with Surgeon Powell and Wallace
+Weston.
+
+The scout was recognized by the miners and warmly greeted, and, as he
+dismounted at the hotel and was welcomed by Landlord Larry and Harding,
+who had returned, Doctor Dick came forward and said:
+
+"Delighted to see you, Mr. Cody, again in Last Chance."
+
+"Yes, Doctor Dick, I am here to find Richard Mayhew, alias Doctor Dick,
+and, more still, the masked chief of the road-agents--hold! you are
+covered!"
+
+But Doctor Dick saw that all was lost, saw that the rope would be his
+end, and, in spite of the warning of the scout, he drew his revolver.
+
+But ere his finger touched the trigger he fell, a dead man, at the feet
+of Buffalo Bill, Celeste Seldon having come forward just in time to see
+him fall his length upon the earth.
+
+To the excited miners Buffalo Bill turned and made a speech, for he had
+killed their hero, the idol of Last Chance.
+
+He told them how the mask of the gambler had been torn off, by the
+confession of the outlaw Lieutenant Alvin Wolf, and how he had had his
+suspicions aroused, as had also Landlord Larry and Harding, by several
+things that had occurred.
+
+The whole story was made known, and, as the rest of the party came in,
+bearing the booty of the outlaws and the prisoners, and in Doctor Dick's
+cabin was found the very bag of gold that had been given for Celeste
+Seldon's ransom, and the money before taken from the coach, there was no
+doubting his guilt, and a howl of rage arose against him and his
+followers.
+
+Later, while Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell, Wallace Weston, and Landlord
+Larry were at Celeste Seldon's cabin, telling her the true story
+regarding her father, the storm broke in fury, and Harding rushed in to
+say that the miners had seized the outlaw prisoners and were hanging
+them.
+
+An attempted rescue was made by Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill, but in
+vain; that mob would not, could not, be stayed in its madness, and the
+work of revenge was accomplished.
+
+The next day, as Surgeon Powell had said that the reason of Bernard
+Brandon could be restored by an operation, Celeste begged him to make
+the attempt, and, to the joy of all, it was crowned with perfect
+success.
+
+With his reason once on its throne, and learning all that had taken
+place, Bernard Brandon told how he had been the young partner of Lawyer
+Edgar Stone, who had kept his friend, Andrew Seldon, away from home by
+false letters, had written him that Celeste was dead, intending in the
+end to marry her and get the large fortune for himself, for the estate
+had greatly increased in value since the departure of its owner.
+
+He had at last decided to go to Celeste and confess all, and, learning
+that he had done so, Edgar Stone had fled to save imprisonment.
+
+In atonement Bernard Brandon had come West to find Andrew Seldon, and,
+not hearing from him, Celeste had followed him.
+
+Bernard Brandon hoped that his atonement might win the heart of Celeste,
+but instead she dismissed him with liberal payment and placed herself
+under the guardianship of Wallace Weston, who had taken her father's
+name.
+
+Bidding adieu to their pards at Last Chance, after sending Harding to
+the Grand Canyon to join Lucas Langley at the mine, Wallace Weston went
+East with Celeste, and going to his old home, he told the whole story of
+his life, and submitted letters from Doctor Powell, Buffalo Bill, and
+the diary of the outlaw officer as proof of his innocence, so that the
+charges against him were at once ended by legal process.
+
+Armed with proper papers, he presented himself before the President and
+received his pardon, after which, with Celeste Seldon as Mrs. Wallace
+Weston, he went to Fort Faraway and received a welcome from all his old
+officers and comrades that made his heart glad.
+
+As the mines in the Grand Canyon had ceased panning out as expected,
+Wallace Weston gave up his interest there to Lucas Langley and Harding,
+and returned East with his beautiful wife.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+"Buffalo Bill's Death Call" is the title of a weirdly thrilling series
+of adventures of the famous scout and his band in No. 42 of the BUFFALO
+BILL BORDER STORIES. No admirer of Colonel Cody and his exploits can
+afford to miss a volume of this series.
+
+
+
+
+History of the World War
+
+_By Thomas R. Best_
+
+
+The most portentous crisis in the history of the human family has just
+passed. The World War was conceived in greed and will be consummated in
+justice. It will prove a blessing to mankind, because it spells
+emancipation to countless unborn generations from enslaving political
+and social evils. It is a big subject and one that will be discussed in
+every household for many years to come. Questions will arise that only a
+clear, concise account of the war in handy form can settle.
+
+Therefore, we ask you to consider =History of the World War= by Thomas
+R. Best which has been written from the American standpoint. It is
+purely history--not vituperation. This volume has a chronology of
+important events that will prove of inestimable reference value.
+
+=Price 25 Cents=
+
+_If ordered by mail add four cents to cover cost of postage_
+
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue    New York City
+
+
+
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+
+=Beauty?=         =No!=
+=Daintiness?=     =No!=
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+=Youth?=          =No!=
+=Femininity?=     =No!=
+
+
+=Seek the Superwoman=
+
+You will find her in almost every generation, in almost every country,
+in almost every city. She is not a typical adventuress, she is not a
+genius. The reason for her strong power is occult. The nameless charm is
+found as often in homely, clumsy, dull, old masculine women as in the
+reverse of these types.
+
+
+=What Makes a Superwoman?=
+
+If you think the problem worth while, why not try to solve it by reading
+Albert Payson Terhune's great book, SUPERWOMEN? From Cleopatra to Lady
+Hamilton--they are mighty interesting characters. Some of them smashed
+thrones, some of them were content with wholesale heart smashing. You
+will know their secret, or rather their secrets, for seldom did two of
+them follow the same plan of campaign.
+
+We have prepared a very handsome, special, limited edition of the book,
+worthy of a place on your "best book" shelf. If you subscribe to
+AINSLEE'S MAGAZINE now you can purchase it for 50c. Send us a money
+order for $2.50 and receive SUPERWOMEN postpaid, and, in addition, over
+1900 pages of splendid fiction throughout the coming year. AINSLEE'S
+MAGAZINE is the best and smartest purely fiction magazine published. You
+cannot invest $2.50 in reading matter to better advantage than by
+availing yourself of this offer. Send check or money order or, if you
+remit in cash, do not fail to register the envelope. Act now!
+
+
+The Ainslee Magazine Company
+79 Seventh Avenue    New York City
+
+
+
+
+More Machinery
+
+
+That's what we needed to fill the demand for the S. & S. novels. You
+see, we were somewhat restricted in our output by the War Industries
+Board, with whose ruling we gladly complied for patriotic reasons. While
+the restrictions were on we used up pretty nearly all of our surplus
+stock so that when we were no longer under orders from the Government,
+we found ourselves with a lot of orders and very little stock.
+
+We have just about caught up now, thanks to some new machinery we have
+installed which turns out paper-covered books very fast.
+
+Therefore, you can get a very good assortment of the S. & S. novels from
+your news dealer, including the famous Horatio Alger books.
+
+That boy you know will be mighty glad to have you make him a present of
+one or two of the Alger books. Ask your dealer for a list of the titles.
+
+Here are some good ones that we published within the past two months:
+
+
+=The Backwoods Boy=        =No. 77=
+=Tom Temple's Career=      =No. 78=
+=Ben Bruce=                =No. 79=
+=The Young Musician=       =No. 80=
+=The Telegraph Boy=        =No. 81=
+
+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4c must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+We Need Your O. K.
+
+
+We must have it. We really cannot do business without it. If money's
+worth, cleanliness, and quality of interest meet with your approval, you
+are sure to "O. K." the S. & S. novels.
+
+There are some fifteen hundred titles in print in our lines, among which
+are the famous BERTHA CLAY books. There are some 125 of these in our
+present list. We give you the titles of a few exceptionally interesting
+ones. You won't make any mistake buying one or more of these titles in
+the NEW BERTHA CLAY LIBRARY:
+
+=For Life and Love=             =No. 93=
+=How Will It End?=              =No. 94=
+=Love's Warfare=                =No. 95=
+=The Burden of a Secret=        =No. 96=
+=Griselda=                      =No. 97=
+=A Woman's Witchery=            =No. 98=
+=An Ideal Love=                 =No. 99=
+=Lady Marchmont's Widowhood=    =No. 100=
+=The Romance of a Young Girl=   =No. 101=
+=The Price of a Bride=          =No. 102=
+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4c must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+Your Eyes Would Open
+
+if you could see how we print and bind the S. & S. novels. They start as
+rolls of blank paper, and are turned out by the thousands, without a
+hand touching them.
+
+You have heard wonderful stories about machines that turn out loaves of
+bread and crackers by the ton, all crisp and brown and ready to eat, but
+you have not heard anything about the machines that turn out
+paper-covered books all ready to read. We have them, however, and that
+is why we can sell such books as those in the NEW ROMANCE LIBRARY.
+
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+love stories and mystery stories and stories of occult phenomena--each
+one a good, big generous money's worth. Tell your news dealer you want
+No. 49 NEW ROMANCE LIBRARY, "The Wreck of the _Grosvenor_", by W. Clark
+Russell. If he cannot supply you, send us    in stamps and we will send
+it to you postpaid. When you get it, you can confidently settle yourself
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+
+If the above are ordered from the publishers, 4c must be added to the
+retail price of each copy to cover postage.
+
+
+STREET & SMITH CORPORATION
+79 Seventh Avenue,    New York City
+
+
+
+
+Buffalo Bill Border Stories
+
+
+This line will be devoted exclusively to stories written by Colonel
+Prentiss Ingraham about his lifelong friend Buffalo Bill. These two men
+were inseparable companions, and Colonel Ingraham is therefore well
+qualified to write stories of the adventures of the old-time scout and
+plainsman. These stories are destined to be immensely popular, because
+they are drawn true to life. They bring the open plains right to the
+reader's front door, as it were.
+
+The fact that these stories are historically correct gives them a very
+secure place in American literature. Manifestly, no history was ever
+written that could give space in such detail to the adventures of a
+single man, no matter how important his life's work may have been; it
+really takes a line of so-called fiction to do it, and we can honestly
+say that the stories in this line do justice to the interesting
+character of Buffalo Bill.
+
+BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES are not for boys; they were written
+expressly for adults.
+
+1--Buffalo Bill, the Border King           By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+2--Buffalo Bill's Raid                     By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+3--Buffalo Bill's Bravery                  By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+4--Buffalo Bill's Trump Card               By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+5--Buffalo Bill's Pledge                   By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+6--Buffalo Bill's Vengeance                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+7--Buffalo Bill's Iron Grip                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+8--Buffalo Bill's Capture                  By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+9--Buffalo Bill's Danger Line              By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+10--Buffalo Bill's Comrades                By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+11--Buffalo Bill's Reckoning               By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+12--Buffalo Bill's Warning                 By Col. Prentiss Ingraham
+13--Buffalo Bill at Bay                    By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+14--Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Pards.         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+15--Buffalo Bill's Brand                   By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+16--Buffalo Bill's Honor                   By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+17--Buffalo Bill's Phantom Hunt            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+18--Buffalo Bill's Fight With Fire         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+19--Buffalo Bill's Danite Trail            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+20--Buffalo Bill's Ranch Riders            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+21--Buffalo Bill's Death Trail             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+22--Buffalo Bill's Trackers                By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+23--Buffalo Bill's Mid-air Flight          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+24--Buffalo Bill, Ambassador               By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+25--Buffalo Bill's Air Voyage              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+26--Buffalo Bill's Secret Mission          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+27--Buffalo Bill's Long Trail              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+28--Buffalo Bill Against Odds              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+29--Buffalo Bill's Hot Chase               By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+30--Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ally            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+31--Buffalo Bill's Treasure Trove          By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+32--Buffalo Bill's Hidden Foes             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+33--Buffalo Bill's Crack Shot              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+34--Buffalo Bill's Close Call              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+35--Buffalo Bill's Double Surprise         By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+36--Buffalo Bill's Ambush                  By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+37--Buffalo Bill's Outlaw Hunt             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+38--Buffalo Bill's Border Duel             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+39--Buffalo Bill's Bid for Fame            By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+40--Buffalo Bill's Triumph                 By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+41--Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer             By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+42--Buffalo Bill's Death Call              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+43--Buffalo Bill's Body Guard              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+44--Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt              By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+45--Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen      By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+46--Buffalo Bill's Prairie Scout           By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+47--Buffalo Bill's Traitor Guide           By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+48--Buffalo Bill's Bonanza                 By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+The advertisement for Buffalo Bill's Border Stories has been moved from
+the front of the book to the back.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer, by
+Colonel Prentiss Ingraham
+
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